Ballynahinch getting closer

Ballynahinch getting closer

7 November 2012

BALLYNAHINCH are still searching for a win in Senior One.

The locals played really well against old foes South Antrim last weekend and were unfortunate not to leave Lisburn with at least a point to show for their efforts over 70 minutes.

As has so often been the case this season, Ballynahinch did not play badly, but another defensive mistake handed an early initiative to South Antrim which allowed them to open the scoring.

The visitors created a host of chances and the home team had their ‘keeper to thank for ensuring they collected maximum points.

South Antrim are gunning for promotion and while they are among the early pacesetters at the top, there is a long way to go and they won’t be looking forward to a trip to St. Colman’s High School later in the season to lock horns again with Ballynahinch.

South Antrim started swiftly with two Ricky O’Neill short corner efforts crashing against the crossbar and post respectively as the home side looked for an early goal. At the other end, the home ‘keeper produced a miraculous stick save to deny David Ross who looked set to score after some great build-up play involving Adam McKee and Ross himself.

Grant Hayes needlessly conceded possession with four minutes of the half remaining which allowed the home side to take the lead, but within minutes of the restart Ballynahinch were back on level terms.

Mark Graham sprinted down the right hand side, carried the ball across the bye-line and picked out the unmarked Stuart Hunter who scored.

But back came the hosts to make it 2-1 from a well-worked short corner, but Ballynahinch had no intention of throwing in the towel and with 15 minutes to go it was all square.

Hunter turned goal provider with a scintillating run which saw him evade a number of defenders before crossing for Graham to make it 2-2. Game very much on.

With 10 minutes to go, South Antrim thought they had “scored” to make it 3-1 from a short corner, but the “goal” was rightfully disallowed as the first shot wasn’t below the backboard. At the other end, the visitors were handed a glorious opportunity to take the lead for the first time in the game when they were awarded a penalty stroke for a deliberate back stick challenge.

Mark Graham was going to do the honours from the spot, but coach Stephen Hayes pointed to Andy McIlwaine to take the penalty. And while the big man’s effort appeared to be going in, the South Antrim ‘keeper produced another top save to keep his side in the game.

With eight minutes to go, South Antrim went 3-2 ahead with a short corner drag flick courtesy of O’Neill and then Ballynahinch had a chance to make it 3-3. Graham picked out the unmarked Hunter in the home penalty area, but the ‘keeper produced another fantastic save to deny him.

In the closing minutes, South Antrim rubbed salt in the Ballynahinch wound when they made it 4-2 to leave the visitors bitterly disappointed.

This Saturday the locals face Armagh at home and a win is now crucially important.

South Antrim 4

Ballynahinch 2

SENIOR 1