Magical Matthew downs CIYMS in close encounter

Magical Matthew downs CIYMS in close encounter

15 December 2021

BALLYNAHINCH men recently recorded a good away win in the Ulster Intermediate League against a tough CIYMS side.

The first quarter began with a CI pass back which invited the ‘Hinch pressure immediately. The game was end-to-end with both teams putting the pressure on.

Leslie Harrison and Andrew Mulhollan passed the ball around the back nicely, keeping possession for Ballynahinch before playing it out to the left back Ashley Brown for a first time pass up the wing. 

Hugo Melville and Craig Harkness had some lovely one-twos up the right side, beating the CI defence before passing the ball to Jason Campbell, only to be intercepted.

CI mounted a number attacks, but were thwarted by a super defence that included in-form goalkeeper Aaron Donnell.

CI continued to put the pressure on in the second quarter and were able to break into the ‘Hinch circle to win a short corner, although they were unable to convert this chance.

‘Hinch were able to play up the pitch from Andrew Mulholland to Adam Dodds, who slipped the ball to Jason Campbell breaking in to the CI circle, but the shot was wide of the goal.

Josh Higginson was able to intercept a CI ball in midfield and crossed the ball to Matthew Martin, who won a short corner. Martin’s drag flick was ably saved by the CI ‘keeper.

Adam Dodds and Lewis Higginson kept CI from attacking down the right side courtesy of some great tackling in the third quarter.

CI were eventually able to gain entry into the ‘Hinch circle, but again the shot went wide. The game continued end-to-end with the highlight being the link-up play from Ballynahinch’s Michael Carney to Ross Connelly, before Connelly played a smart pass to Jason Campbell in the circle, who won a short corner. 

Matthew Martin squeezed his drag flick past the CI ‘keeper to finally open the scoring. The quarter finished with both teams playing the ball around the back and keeping possession.

The final quarter continued like the previous.

When CI had possession they were quick on the attack, moving the ball quickly between players and making progress up the pitch.

However, ‘Hinch kept them them at bay and managed to finish strongly, making it in to the opposition circle, although there were no further goals from open play or short corners.