Lisburn Shield glory for United under-16s

BALLYMENA United under-16s beat Crusaders 3-2 in an entertaining game 3-2 at Ballymacoss on Saturday to become Lisburn League Shield winners - but not before one or two scares along the way.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Apr 2010, 10:11 BST
Updated 5th Apr 2010, 12:14 BST

The "wee sky blues" made a nervy start to the game as Crusaders put the United defence under early pressure and forced goalkeeper Chris Bradley into a sharp save low down.

Midway through the half a swift Ballymena counter attack saw quick interplay between Conor McKenna and Aaron McGreggor leave the former through one on one and he pulled the ball across goal for McKenna to slot home.

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With the momentum on their side Ballymena came forward at pace and a great overlapping run from Corey Price saw him upended for what seemed like a definite penalty but the referee signalled a free kick.

From a resulting corner the lead was doubled , a great diagonal run from Conor McKenna across goal to nod home a pinpoint delivery from Jay Hamilton.

Ballymena continued their slick tempo into the second period and had another strong penalty shout waved away early on in the half. On the ball Ballymena were playing a really fast paced style of football , moving the ball wide and causing Crusaders problems with their 4-3-3 style of play.

To their credit Crusaders battled throughout and pulled one back after a stunning free kick from 20yards.

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From the restart Ballymena won a free kick just inside the Crues half and another great floated ball from Hamilton saw McGreggor rise highest to loop the ball over the goalkeeper and in.

With time running out Crusaders broke down the side of Ballymena and squared across goal for the centre forward to slide the ball home and set up a nervy last six minutes for the "Wee Sky Blues".

Two minutes into injury time Crusaders won a corner and sent the Goalkeeper and everyone up but after an initial scramble the ball ended up in the arms of Chris Bradley as the referee blew for full time and signal a deserved and hard fought victory for Ballymena.

UNDER-10

Rosario 1, United 6: The Wee Sky Blues returned to winning ways in the League after last weeks cup defeat with this comprehensive victory.

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After some early pressure Sean Elliott broke clear to hammer the ball home after five minutes. United kept up the pressure and Lee O'Brien, enjoying his new midfield role, got in on the act finishing well.

Rosario then won a penalty which Mark Wilkinson was unlucky not to push away.

Some changes for United after half time seemed to make the difference. Goal poacher Jack Millar came on and soon nipped in to add two more along with another cool finish from O'Brien.

A cheeky lob from Leon Carley completed the scoreline.

Related topics:Ballymena