Strollers are top of the tree at Christmas

Jason Connolly’s side thrashed Brantwood Reserves 5-0 in their top-of-the-table clash at the Showgrounds 3G.

Bolstered by a number of senior players following the postponement of Wakehurst’s Intermediate Cup tie, the Ballymena men proved too strong for their north Belfast opponents.

Lee McClelland opened the scoring from the penalty spot before an Andy Millar bullet header from Lee McCaughern’s corner doubled the advantage.

John Alexander made it 3-0, smashing in to the roof of the net with his left foot, club cpatian George Young curled an expertly taken free kick in to the bottom corner to make it four and Strollers’ top scorer Peter Adams completed the rout, finishing well from an unselfish Paul Gilchrist lay off.

Goalkeeper Marc Maybin was also in terrific form, making four great saves from one on ones and shots inside the penalty area to keep a clean sheet.

The result leaves Jason Connolly’s side four points clear at the top of the table going in to the winter break.

Elsewhere across the league’s divisions, the inclement weather was the winner on Saturday with only four other games surviving the Rain and Snow.

In the games played Newington YC II beat Ards Rangers II six nil in the 4th Round of the County Antrim Junior Shield. In the Canada Trophy 2nd Round Sport and Leisure Swifts Res overcame Mallusk Athletic four one. Both these games were played on the 3g pitches at the Valley Leisure Centre Newtownabbey. The only game played on a grass pitch was at foundry Lane Ballyclare where 3rd Ballyclare Old Boys beat Carnlough swifts three nil.

In the re-arranged 4th Round Irish Cup Newtowne travelled to Institute on Wednesday and certainly did themselves and the League proud before losing in a penalty kick shoot out after extra time.

JUNIOR DIVISION TWO

Result: Moyola Park Olympic 0, Ballynure Old Boys ‘B’ 10.

JUNIOR DIVISION THREE

3rd Ballyclare Old Boys 4, Carnlough Swifts 0: The Old Boys strengthened their position at the top of the league table with this win tough Carnlough had their chances to score a couple of goals in the game.

Marc Campbell scored to put the Old Boys in front on the 10th minute then a second goal scored by Stuart McConnell on the 31st minute saw the Old Boys two goals clear at half-time. Andrew Gilmour made it three nil on the 55th minute then on the 70th minute Marc Campbell scored his second goal in the game to complete the scoring.

CANADA TROPHY

Round two result: Mallusk Athletic 1, Sport & Leisure Swifts Reserves 4.