FC Penarol back in Ballymena Saturday Morning League top flight

One of the best known names in local football will be back among the top flight of the firmus energy Ballymena Saturday Morning League next season.
FC Penarol celebrate their return to Division One of the Ballymena Saturday Morning League after beating Ahoghill Rovers in the Division Two play-off final on Thursday night. INBT 22-174CSFC Penarol celebrate their return to Division One of the Ballymena Saturday Morning League after beating Ahoghill Rovers in the Division Two play-off final on Thursday night. INBT 22-174CS
FC Penarol celebrate their return to Division One of the Ballymena Saturday Morning League after beating Ahoghill Rovers in the Division Two play-off final on Thursday night. INBT 22-174CS

FC Penarol, one of the longest-established clubs in the league, clinched a return to the first division by beating Ahoghill Rovers 3-0 in the Division Two play-off final on Thursday night.

Goals from Johnny Carson, Neil weir and Kenny Wright ensured that player/manager David Paul’s first season in charge ended in success

Penarol, who celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2014 will be another good addition to the first division of the BSML, which grows stronger with every passing season.

FC Penarol captain Simon Beverland receives the Leighinmohr House Hotel Cup from Ballymena Saturday Morning League chairman Davy King after clinching promotion back to the top flight by beating Ahoghill Rovers in the Division Two play-off final. INBT 22-173CSFC Penarol captain Simon Beverland receives the Leighinmohr House Hotel Cup from Ballymena Saturday Morning League chairman Davy King after clinching promotion back to the top flight by beating Ahoghill Rovers in the Division Two play-off final. INBT 22-173CS
FC Penarol captain Simon Beverland receives the Leighinmohr House Hotel Cup from Ballymena Saturday Morning League chairman Davy King after clinching promotion back to the top flight by beating Ahoghill Rovers in the Division Two play-off final. INBT 22-173CS

Spare a thought, though, for Ahoghill Rovers who came up just short on a number of fronts after an excellent campaign.

Derek Livingstone’s side gruelling schedule - both their semi-final in this competition last Saturday and their Rainey Cup semi-final defeat on Tuesday night went to extra-time and penalties - eventually caught up with them as Penarol ran out worthy winners on the night.

The stage is now set for the showpiece knockout event in the league season tomorrow as Harryville Homers attempt to claim a fifth trophy of the season.

The Irish Junior Cup and County Antrim Junior Shield winners take on Carnlough Swifts in the final at Connor (11am kick-off).

FC Penarol captain Simon Beverland receives the Leighinmohr House Hotel Cup from Ballymena Saturday Morning League chairman Davy King after clinching promotion back to the top flight by beating Ahoghill Rovers in the Division Two play-off final. INBT 22-173CSFC Penarol captain Simon Beverland receives the Leighinmohr House Hotel Cup from Ballymena Saturday Morning League chairman Davy King after clinching promotion back to the top flight by beating Ahoghill Rovers in the Division Two play-off final. INBT 22-173CS
FC Penarol captain Simon Beverland receives the Leighinmohr House Hotel Cup from Ballymena Saturday Morning League chairman Davy King after clinching promotion back to the top flight by beating Ahoghill Rovers in the Division Two play-off final. INBT 22-173CS

Robert Duddy’s side will start as red-hot favourites against their second division opponents but they won’t under-estimate the Seasiders, who have already won the Division Two title.

After tomorrow’s game, the final match of the BSML season sees Atletico Antrim take on Southside Rangers in the final of the third division Montgomery Cup at Michelin on Tuesday night, May 31 (7pm).

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