Impressive performance by Ballymena Ladies Firsts

A poor performance by the host’s afforded Ballynahinch the opportunity to notch up a commanding lead in the first half of four goals to nil.

The visitor’s first goal came from a penalty corner, which Ballymena failed to clear, and the other three were the result of poor marking and a lack of discipline.

What could be construed a Ballymena’s worst performance of the season, in the first half, was contrasted in the second half by a blistering performance from the home side.

Ballymena seized control of the match and clawed it back to 4-3 with 10 minutes remaining. Mark Allison accounted for two of the Ballymena goals, the first from a short corner played in by Chris Hogg and neatly tucked away by Allison and the third came from a speculative strike into the D by Hogg which luckily nicked a Ballynahinch stick in the way through the turmoil for an own goal (4-3).

Ballymena’s hopes of salvaging a point were dashed a short time later though when Ballynahinch put the tie beyond their reach with a late goal (5-3). Defeat or not though Ballymena did manage to salvage some pride, in the second half, with their efforts and can draw some consolation from this at least.

Eddie Hampton, Chris Hogg (c), Andrew Crooks, Andrew Bell, Andrew Shields, Andrew McKelvey, Victor Orr, Clive Fulton, Tim Lowry, Tory Alexander, Mark Allison.

Seconds

Ballymena Men’s 2nds extended their winning run to four games at the Showgrounds on Saturday against North Down 5th XI and firmly state their case as League contenders ahead of the Christmas break.

As time progressed it was Ballymena who edged ahead midway through the half, after good work by Lorimer in the circle to afford Phil Moody the shot and goal 1-0. A short passage of play and Down managed to level the score from short corner which neither Archer nor McDowell, despite their best efforts, could keep out. This time it was Lorimer who was on hand to strike at goal. His initial effort which was almost certainly goal bound was stopped on the line, although sheer momentum carried the ball over the line, off the defenders stick 2-1.

Squad:J. Birrell(GK) D. McDowell, D. Bradley, E. Archer, A. Hanna(C) , D. Wenban, M. Monteith, P. Moody, W. Barr, A. Lorimer, B. Wenban, S. Healy, B. Martin, M. O’Neill.

Ladies Firsts

Banbridge started off on the front foot against Banbridge 1st XI with quick passing and some solid movement which left Ballymena slightly shell shocked from the ferocity of the attack. Gillespie played the ball into the circle for a first time strike by Kirsten young 1-0. Following this first goal Ballymena never looked back and a short time later were awarded their first penalty corner.

The ball was slipped left from Morrison to Gillespie whose inch perfect pass afforded Reynolds the opportunity to slot the ball home for a checky little deflection 2-0. Never far from the action was Becky Reynolds who once again astounded the visitor’s defence with her trademark ability to score from yet another cheeky deflection into the Banbridge net 3-0.

Susanne Morrison, Vicky Hogg and Zoe Dickson were a formidable force in the centre of the pitch distributing the ball efficiently and repeatedly jostling Banbridge off the ball, affording the home side the advantage.

Gillespie, Reynolds and Logan were no slouches either and were poised to pounce on any opportunity which presented itself if Banbridge dropped their guard at all.

Becky Reynolds was on fire and there was only ever going to be one outcome from a poorly defended Banbridge goal as far as she was concerned another deflection, hat trick for her and Ballymena’s fourth goal 4-0.

Final honours went to Aimee Logan with the host’s fifth goal in what can only be described as a do or die lunge and flick 5-0. Banbridge did manage a late consolation goal following a controversial decision where the referee awarded them a penalty flick 5-1. Ballymena totally dominated the remaining few minutes of this tie and played like a team on the ascendency. Certainly with the Senior cup final just around the corner one gets the feeling that this team is very much in contention!

Squad: Emma Leslie, Susanne Morrison, Grace McBurney, Catherine McCracken, Vicky Hogg, Zoe Dickson, Jessica Duncan, Sarah Goodrich, Anne Hempsey, Clare Gillespie (captain), Becky Reynolds, Kirsten young, Aimee Logan, Lauren Kennedy, Coach Mary glass.