Ardglass claim win over Ballynagross

Ardglass claim win over Ballynagross

14 February 2024

ARDGLASS managed to hold off the challenge of Ballynagross in an entertaining Premier Division clash on Saturday.

Arriving at The Meadow, it was a game of opportunities for both teams as Ardglass looked to maintain their unbeaten record in the league this year while Ballynagross was hoping to turn the tide. 

The first half had all the entertainment with all five goals coming in the opening 45 minutes of the game. 

Ardglass showed their ambition with their first goal inside 60 seconds, as Michael Clarke’s dangerous delivery into the box was failed to be dealt with by ‘Gross goalkeeper Daniel Hagen, allowing a kind rebound to be slammed into the net by Caolain O’Shea. 

Ardglass doubled their lead just two minutes later, with Owen Curran’s cross being met by the head of Jordan Finnegan. 

It seemed as though it was destined to be Ardglass’ day, although Ballynagross quickly pulled a goal back when Joseph Burns’ short pass found team-mate Liam Graham, who looped his effort over Ardglass custodian James Crangle. 

Into the 14th minute and Ardglass restored the two-goal difference, as Michael Magee overturned the ball and passed to Clarke, who beat the offside trap and finished well. 

Bizarrely, it only took three minutes after that for Ballynagross to get their second goal as the fast paced action continued. 

Connor Marron’s free-kick into the Ardglass box wasn’t dealt with and Shéa McComiskey applied the finish to keep Ballynagross hot on their counterparts’ heels.

As both teams settled into the game, Ardglass had a real chance to extend their lead when Crangle’s free-kick found Finnegan, but his effort went just wide. 

Ballynagross also had a chance through Burns, who missed the ball by inches after an inviting cross from Graham.

The last opportunity in the first half fell to Ardglass, but Jamie McDarby’s cross agonisingly missed the head of team-mate Magee.

The second half had plenty of chances, but no more goals were to come, with both sides making swift substitutions upon the restart. 

Ballynagross’ Andrew Carling replaced Connor Campbell, while Karl O’Neill, John Beattie and Shea Dorrian took the place of Aidan Watson, Michael Clarke and Jordan Finnegan for Ardglass.

Ballynagross continued to make a go of it, with Graham seeing his effort go over the bar on the hour mark. 

Marron later saw his header, from a Gordon Rourke throw-in, well saved by Ardglass ‘keeper Crangle. 

The contest fizzled out with the last notable action coming from a Magee free-kick, which was watched all the way by custodian Hagen. 

Ardglass sowed the game up early in the first half and defended accordingly in the second to hold on for the win. 

Ballynagross will be disappointed not to come away with at least a point, but hopefully for them, regular goalkeeper Cathail Arnold will be back in the line-up soon.

Ardglass: J Crangle, M Crangle, O Curran, C Mahon, J Deegan, C O’Shea, J Finnegan, M Magee, M Clarke, J McDarby, A Watson.

Subs: J Beattie, K O’Neill, S Dorrian.

Ballynagross: D Hagen, J Zych, R Tumelty, G Rourke, C Campbell, C Marron, J Shields, S McComiskey, J Burns, L Graham, D McComiskey. 

Subs: A Carling, E Dignam.