BALLYNAHINCH finished off an incredible season on Saturday when creating more club history by securing their fourth and final trophy — a remarkable achievement by everyone involved.
‘Hinch started off on the front foot, pressuring CIYMS back towards their goal and it didn’t take long for them to break the deadlock.
After some patient build-up play from Steven Crean and Rea Coffey, Stuart Hunter’s direct run helped him skip past three defenders and slot home under the ‘keeper’s legs 1-0.
The ‘Hinch kept pinning CI back and they got a second goal through Jason Campbell after linking up with fellow forwards Andrew McIlwaine and Scott Leetch.
Midway through the first half Ballynahinch took their foot of the gas and CI started to create chances of their own, only for some fine saves from Aaron Donnell to keep them out.
CI eventually broke Ballynahinch down and got a goal back to make it 2-1 at half-time.
With CI back in the game and looking like they were going to get an equaliser, Ballynahinch knew they had to lift themselves and up their game.
‘Hinch kept the ball better in the second half and drove at CI at every opportunity.
Leetch, who was looking dangerous all day, scored the important third goal after Matthew Martin and William Edgar’s hard work created the chance for him to make it 3-1.
With Ballynahinch’s tails up, club stalwart Andrew McIlwaine made it 4-1 after a great solo goal and neat finish.
Big thank you to everyone that supported the men throughout the year, very much appreciated by all the players.
Next season sees the men playing in Ulster’s Premier League, something that’s never been done before by any Ballynahinch team, so credit to all the players and coaches thats put in their hard work throughout the last eight months.
Ballynahinch: Aaron Donnell, Rea Coffey, Andrew Mulholland (c), Leslie Harrison, Matthew Martin, Stuart Hunter, Steven Crean, Scott Leetch, Jason Campbell, Andrew McIlwaine, Luke Curry, Michael Carney, Joshua Higginson, David Marshall.
Man of the match: Stuart Hunter.