Moon grab crucial home victory

A minutes silence was observed in memory of Sydney Purvis prior to kick off at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena. Ballymoney were first on the score sheet with only seven minutes on the clock. Gillen scrambled home from a tight angle to hand Ballymoney the lead.

Killymoon should really have equalised only moments later when Montgomery broke the offside trap and rounded the keeper. He squared the ball to Kelly who saw his shot his smothered.

Montgomery again found himself in behind the away defence and this time keeper Getty pulled of a stunning save to keep the away side in the lead.

Montgomery was at the centre of everything and he saw yet another effort saved by Getty as Ballymoney remained in the lead. Finally the home side grabbed that elusive equaliser when McMullan latched onto a loose ball in the box and fired home.

Two minutes later, Killymoon found themselves ahead. Crooks raced through and slotted past Getty to leave Killymoon ahead at the break.

It was a bitterly cold day at the Sports Arena with the Sperrin Mountains covered in snow in the background. The half time cup of tea was more than welcome during the interval for players, officials and supporters.

Ballymoney upped the tempo from the restart and scored with only two minutes gone in the second half. Wilkinson scrambled home from inside the area. This seemed to spur on the Antrim outfit as they pushed forward in search of a third. However, Killymoon defended resolutely and were dangerous on the counter.

McGaw saw a free kick go narrowly over and Young fired over after good work from Ferry and Kelly.

A heavy snow shower in the second half added a festive touch to the final match before the Christmas break and despite the deteriorating conditions, Killymoon grabbed the lead.

Montgomer chased a long ball and slotted home before colliding with Getty who was stretchered off. Following the stoppage, Ballymoney were forced to reshuffle their pack with a defender taking on the gloves. Killymoon dominated the final stages as Ferguson and Stewart both had chances to grab a fourth goal.

However, it could so nearly have been a draw as Ballymoney hit the post from a corner and had claims for a penalty turned down by whistler Alastair Burns. Final score. Killymoon Rangers 3 Ballymoney United 2.

Killymoon: M Brown, J Ferry, J Scott, C Kilpatrick, S McElhatton, D McMullan, G Crooks, G McGaw, C Martin, K Kelly, W Montgomery Subs, C Stewart, J Young, W Ferguson, D Shannon.

Killymoon Rangers FC, deeply regret the death of club member Sydney Purvis and express our deepest sympathy to his wife jean, sons David and Stephen, their families and the wider family circle.

The next match will be the local derby against Coagh United on New Years Eve. Kick off at Hagan Park is 2pm.

Killymoon Rangers have a home draw in the 5th round of the JJb Irish Cup. They will face Premiership side Carrick Rangers at the Sports Arena on Saturday 14th January.

The Reserves ended their year on a high notes as they defeated Ballynure OB 2nds by 5-3 at Beechway. Paul Redford grabbed a hattrick and Trevor Brownlee and Mick Hagan scored a goal each.

Killymoon Rangers would like to congratulate Johnny Young and Hannah Loughrin on their engagement and also to Sports Arena staff, Paula and Sheila on the recent birth of their daughters.

Finally, Killymoon Rangers Football Club would like to wish our sponsors, supporters and everyone else connected with the club a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.