An Under 11  squad headed to Ulida today and returned victorious. After a parade of teams led by a piper and meeting Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill it was down to action. In the Group games the team drew with SOPYC and Aquinas before beating the hosts by three goals to nil with Owen Madine scoring two and Michael Beatty grabbing the other. In the semi-final against St.Mary’s they got a great start when Jonny Shannon scored after one minute. A goal by Owen Madine secured their final spot. In the final they played near rivals Saintfield United in a cagey match which ended scoreless. The game went to penalties with Jonny Shannon scoring first, Saintfield equalised, Dylan Blaney put Ballynahinch ahead and then Harry Kinnear made a great save. Matthew Jess stepped up and scored to secure the trophy for Ballynahinch.  A super performance by the whole squad. Ballynahinch’s player of the tournament was Daniel McKibbin.

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  Under 8s in First Tournament

The Under 8s took part in their first tournament on Saturday when they attended the Rosario Tournament. This was a great experience for the young squad who included a number of players playing up a year. In the Group stages they played Aquinas, Rosario, Abbey Villa and eventual winners Celtic Boys and gave a good account of themselves. Next week they travel to Annalong to take part in their tournament and the experience they gained today will benefit them. Ballynahinch’s player of the tournament was Stella Keers.

The Under 14 team were at Billy Neill when they played a strong physical Ards Rangers side. In the opening minutes Ballynahinch took the game to Ards Rangers which seemed to surprise them with Dylan Fitzpatrick winning the mid field battle and Ross Murray finding joy on the left wing with some probing runs at the Ards defence. A super ball by Corey Fitzpatrick over the Ards defence found Drew Gaskin who’s shot went narrowily wide. Ards came into the game attacking down the right and it took some super defending by Alex Burtney to keep them at bay. However with fifteen minutes gone Ards went ahead when their centre forward got space at the edge of the box and rifled a shot into the top corner. Ballynahinch were still well in the game with Mark Murray battling on the right but on twenty minutes they went two behind when Ards broke and scored. Within five minutes Ballynahinch pulled a goal back when the hard working Craig Tate scored his first goal for the club when he intercepted a back pass to calmly slot the ball beyond the Ards keeper. A well deserved goal. Ballynahinch were hoping to start the second half at the same tempo but within five minutes were hit when Ards scored. Heads did not drop and Mark Murray scored when he hit a shot into the far corner. Only Mark knows if it was a cross!! It was game on and as Ballynahinch chased the equaliser they were hit by two quick goals by Ards. At this stage all of the substitutes were introduced to have some playing time . Ballynahinch had a few half chances with Craig Tate and Drew Gaskin going close with shots but there were no more goals in the game. Whilst defeated this was another good performance by the squad who in recent weeks have come into a bit of form. It’s a pity the season is ending now because the team have got their belief back and have played some good football over the last number of matches. Ballynahinch’s player of the match was Craig Tate.

This Saturday  Under 8 and Under 11 teams head to Rosario to take part in their annual tournament.

Our Presentation Night is on 30 May at the Millbrook Lodge Hotel. A buffet will be served and the cost is £ 7 per person. If you intend to go please contact Roz Steenson 07971141247 or rosalindsteenson@yahoo.co.uk. We had over 250 last year so it is essential you contact Roz. To attend you must lodge your interest with Roz.

An impressive performance by the Under 14 team saw them narrowily miss sharing the points with high flying Carryduff at the Henry Jones playing fields. Ballynahinch started slowly giving Carryduff room to move the ball but that changed after ten minutes when they started to believe in themselves. Dylan Fitzpatrick was starting in midfield and had an impressive game as he worked up and down between the two penalty boxes whilst Alex Burtney put in another impressive performance at left back. Ballynahinch were winning the battles with Corey Fitzpatrick sticking to the dangerous Carryduff centre forward allowing him no time on the ball. Carryduff threatened but Sam Ross in goals was up for the game and made a couple of fine saves. Carryduff knew they were in a game and could not cope with the pace of Ross Murray on the left who on twenty minutes cut inside and hit a shot which struck the Carryduff post. Luck was not with Ballynahinch when Carryduff broke and a ball to the back post was tapped over the line. Ballynahinch tried to hit back with Mark Murray going close with a shot which just went wide. In the second half Ballynahinch pressed Carryduff and for the majority of the half contained them in their half. Craig Tate worked tirelessly up front chasing every ball and not letting the Carryduff defenders settle whilst Ben Bowman put in a good shift. Ballynahinch saw a shot graze the crossbar with the keeper beaten and were unlucky not to equalise when Corey Fitzpatrick smacked a shot against the crossbar.  With five minutes to go Oliver McKibbin beat the full back and put in a cross to the back post which hit a divot just as Dylan Fitzpatrick was about to pull the trigger. Whilst beaten this was a great performance from the entire squad who are not getting any luck!!! Ballynahinch’s player of the match was Alex Burtney.

The Under 11 team played Newhill in the Magee Cup and got of to the worst start when a free kick was given away after five minutes and the resultant kick blasted into the net. Ballynahinch were not in the game in the early stages and went two behind when a ball was not headed clear and the Newhill forward pounced to hook the ball into the net. They almost pulled a goal back after fifteen minutes when Michael Beatty beat a defender and thumped his shot which smashed of the crossbar. Ballynahinch had a couple of chances with Edan Reid just failing to connect with a James Maxwell cross and a super run by Hannah Moore and cross  saw Paul Casement almost on the end of it. Newhill then broke twice and increased their lead. Just on half time Michael Beatty pulled a goal back when he rounded a Newhill defender and placed his shot beyond the keeper. Ballynahinch enjoyed a good spell at the start of the second half with James Maxwell delivering some excellent corners one which fell to Hannah Moore but she could not convert it. Newhill continued to attack on the breakaway and it took some good defending by Cameron Graham, Daniel Douglas and Daniel McKibbin to keep them at bay. Naseem Ouldhamlet was working hard in midfield putting in some crunching tackles. As Ballynahinch attacked they lost the ball and Newhill once again broke and scored. Ballynahinch were then awarded a penalty when Hannah Moore was fouled but unfortunately the kick was saved. They got a second penalty with five minutes to go when a Luke Curry shot hit the post and a Newhill defender handled it. This time James Maxwell scored with a super penalty into the bottom corner. With time running out Newhill broke and had a shot which Ryan Rooney superbly cleared over his own bar. On another day the chances created surely would be put away. Overall a good performance by the team. Ballynahinch’s player of the match was James Maxwell.

Last Saturday players,coaches and parents took part in the Ballynahinch Lions Fun Run in aid of funds for the club. The committee would like to thank those who turned up and sprinted,ran,jogged or like the older coaches walked the course!!

This Saturday a party of 70, made up of  Under 11 and Under 12 squads (boys and girls) ,coaches and parents  head to Newtownstewart in Scotland for the Galloway Thistle Soccer Festival. This is our third year at the Festival and we look forward to an enjoyable day with our friends at Galloway Thistle.

The Under 12 team were slow out of the blocks in their League Cup game against Immaculata and went behind in the first minute. Immaculata did not let Ballynahinch settle and continued to test them with long balls for their fast forwards to chase. The Ballynahinch defence could not cope and were all over the place and on ten minutes they found themselves two behind. A change saw Harry Bell drop to sweeper in an attempt to give the defence a bit of stability and for the next twenty minutes Ballynahinch settled. A free kick by Curtis Ross was headed off the line with the Immaculata keeper beaten and a good tackle by an Immaculata defender took the ball of Conor Graham’s toe as he was about to shoot beyond the keeper. The strong runs of the Immaculta forwards brought a third goal on the stroke of half time. The second half saw Cara Murray and Richard McNeill introduced and Ballynahinch began to play with a bit of passion. Luke Martin dropped into midfield and worked hard winning some super challenges. Immaculata still tried to play the long ball to their centre forward but Harry Bell matched him stride for stride. Midway through the half Immaculata scored a fourth but two minutes later a superb run by Yasin Ouldhamlet saw him outpace the Immaculata right back before he placed the ball beyond the advancing keeper and Richard McNeill followed up to score. Within minutes Ballynahinch could have scored again when Aine Smyth hit a super free kick which the keeper could not hold but no Ballynahinch forward could get on the end of it. With time running out Immaculata broke to score their fifth goal. A disappointing first half performance with the only plus point being an improved effort in the second half. Ballynahinch’s player of the match was Harry Bell.

Thanks to Alan Davis of Alan Davis Brickwork who kindly sponsored an away kit for the club.

On behalf of the Committee,managers and players of the Club we would like to extend our sympathy to Gerry Kinnear, and his family,  on the recent death of his brother.

A goal in the last minute denied the Under 11 team a point in their Magee Cup game against Doyle at Hydebank. In the early part of the game the teams were evenly matched although Ballynahinch had the better chances. Owen Madine had a good chance to score when he rounded the Doyle keeper but unfortunately put his shot wide of the post. Minutes later a shot from Jack Murray also went wide.Midway through the half Ballynahinch took the lead when Dylan Blaney launched a high ball into the Doyle penalty area which the keeper could not keep out of the net. Doyle pushed for the equaliser but found Harry Kinnear in goals in fine form. Doyle drew level on the stroke of half time when their forward was tripped in the penalty area and they scored the resultant penalty. Ballynahinch started the second half with a few positional changes pushing Naseem Ouldhamlet up front in an attempt to test the Doyle keeper. Doyle had reorganised their defence and were limiting Ballynahinch to a few half chances. On the break Doyle were dangerous but found Daniel McKibbin hard to pass as he made super tackles. With fifteen minutes gone Ballynahinch took the lead when Naseem Ouldhamlet was brought down in the box. James Maxwell stepped up to score the penalty. However their joy was short lived as Doyle went straight up the field from the kick off and their centre forward hit a great shot into the top corner. It was nip and tuck and with ten minutes remaining Hannah Moore had a great chance to score but just delayed getting her shot away. Ballynahinch almost paid the penalty but an outstanding save by Harry Kinnear when he pushed a shot over the bar kept his team in the game. With the game looking as it was heading for a draw Doyle won a free kick with two minutes to go. Up stepped their winger who buried his shot into the top corner giving keeper Harry Kinnear no chance and giving his team the three points. There was little between the two teams and with better finishing Ballynahinch could have taken the points. Ballynahinch’s player of the match was Daniel McKibbin.

The Under 14 team took on Ballyclare at Mallusk and put in a better performance than when the teams last met. The game started slowly with both teams taking time to settle. Ballyclare stepped up and started to try and create a few chances but Dylan Fitzpatrick and Jack Davis at the heart of the defence were coping with the danger. At the other end Alex Burtney went close with a shot but on fifteen minutes Ballyclare took the lead when Sam Ross made a fine save but the ball broke to the incoming forward who placed the ball into the net. Ballynahinch picked up their game with Ross Lockhart and Bradley Blaine working hard in mid field putting in some good tackles. Ballyclare continued to push forward and they scored their second just before half time when they were awarded a corner which clearly should have been a goal kick. The corner was poorly defended and was headed home by a Ballyclare forward. The second half started with Ballynahinch making a few changes bringing on Ben Onuoha and Drew Gaskin which gave the team a better shape. Ross Murray was now having some joy on the left hand side with his pacy runs and put in a couple of good crosses. Ballynahinch were hit when a dubious penalty was converted. However they continued to work and Craig Tate was unlucky not to score when put in by Ross Murray. Joshua Higginson and Ryan casement were introduced and both did well.Two minutes later Alex Burtney saw a shot just go wide of the post. Ballynahinch pulled a goal back when Drew Gaskin volleyed a shot from the edge of the box and they went on to enoy a ten minute period of dominance but with time running out Ballyclare broke and scored a fourth goal.  Ballynahinch’s player of the match was Corey Fitzpatrick.

Last Thursday the Under 14 girls team played Lisburn Ladies Under 14 at a wet and windy Millbridge and put in a super performance to win by one goal to nil. The goal was scored by talented midfielder Aine Smyth. A full report is on the club website.

Thanks to William and Jennifer Bell from W + J Bell Construction Ltd.who kindly sponsored a new kit for the Under 13 team for next season.

On a cold wet night at the Millbridge the Under 14 girls played Lisburn in a friendly game and put in a super display winning by one goal to nil. Both teams are to be congratulated for putting on a great game in the atrocious conditions. Ballynahinch started well with Aine Smyth and Stacey Bryce making their presence felt in the middle of the park and finding Alice Crosby and Danielle Connolly with some good passes. Lisburn were attacking down the left but found Cara Murray and Danielle Connolly giving nothing away and on the odd occasion they got through Sarah Crompton tidied up at the back aided by Laura Maxwell who settled well into her new role at centre half. Ballynahinch played some quick passing football to their forwards Emily Adams and Emma Maxwell and on fifteen minutes Emily Adams burst through but a great tackle by the Lisburn central defender blocked her goal bound shot. Two minutes later Alice Crosby found Stacey Bryce with an excellent pass and she fired a shot just wide. A super curling shot by Aine Smyth just failed to find the top corner. It was not all one way as Lisburn pressed and Lauren Perry in goals was called into action as she pushed a shot round the post. Ciara Irvine at left back was in the thick of the action and give an accomplished display not allowing the Lisburn right winger into the game.With the half time whistle about to be blown Aine Smyth weaved her way through the Lisburn defence and placed a shot into the bottom corner to give Ballynahinch the lead. The second half  saw Ballynahinch press Lisburn with Hannah Moore, who was making her debut, testing the Lisburn defence with some pacy runs and crosses. The Lisburn keeper was having a busy time as she saved shots from the lively Emily Adams and Emma Maxwell. Connie Burtney was introduced on the right side of mid-field for her debut and settled in quickly playing some neat passes to her forwards and putting in some hard challenges. Aine Smyth was causing problems with her penetrating runs and midway through the half burst through and curled a shot round the advancing Lisburn keeper which hit the post. Lisburn tried to break but found the back four of Ballynahinch, Cara Murray, Lauren Maxwell,Ciara Irvine and  Sarah Crompton standing firm and giving nothing away. There was no further scoring thanks to the Lisburn keeper who had an excellent game. There was no player of the match as managers Alan Perry and Jim Majury felt the entire squad deserved the award. A super display by all the girls with special mention to Hannah Moore and Connie Burtney who had made their debuts stepping up from the Under 11 and Under 13 squads. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Abigail Reid who injured her knee at training. Hopefully Abigail will be back in a couple of weeks.

The Under 11 team were also in cup action when they played near rivals Saintfield United in the Magee Cup. Ballynahinch started brightly and  should have taken the lead after two minutes when Jack Murray broke through but his shot went wide. They continued to attack Saintfield and won a number of corners which James Maxwell delivered but nobody could get on the end of. Mid way through the half Hannah Moore was unlucky not to score when she lobbed the keeper only to see the ball cleared off the line. Saintfield were struggling to get into the game but went ahead when their strong mid fielder ran through the Ballynahinch defence and placed his shot beyond Harry Kinnear in goals. Just before half time Ballynahinch were awared a penalty when a Saintfield defender handled the ball. Unfortunately Naseem Ouldhamlet put his shot wide of the post. The second half started with Ballynahinch  playing some good football and creating chances but not putting any of them away. Five minutes in Saintfield went two up when their mid fielder once again ran through and scored. A glorious chance to pull a goal back fell to Owen Madine but he somehow put his shot over the bar. The missed chances cost Ballynahinch when Saintfield scored a third . Ballynahinch never gave up and continued to try and play their passing game with Dylan Blaney controlling the mid field aided by Michael Beattie. As the game entered the final minutes a free kick saw Saintfield go four up but Ballynahinch pulled back a consolation goal when Hannah Moore got on the end of a James Maxwell cross. A good performance by the team dominating large parts of the game with a number of chances created. Saintfield did not create as many chances as Ballynahinch but they showed Ballynahinch how to put them away. Something Ballynahinch need to do. Ballynahinch’s player of the match was Dylan Blaney.

The Under 14 team picked up the points when John Paul 11 could not field a team.

This Thursday the Under 14 girls play Lisburn Ladies Under 14 at the Millbridge with a 6.45pm kick off. Girls should meet at 6pm.

The Under 12 team picked up the three points on Saturday when they comfortably beat Newhill at Ashfield with Curtis Ross grabbing a super hat-trick. Ballynahinch dominated the game from start to finish playing some super passing football. They looked impressive when they quickly switched the ball wide and attacked the full backs. In the early stages Aine Smyth linked up well with Eoin Teggart who delivered some teasing crosses into the Newhill penalty area. With five minutes gone a chance fell to Luke Martin but his shot was saved and two minutes later Jonny Shannon saw his effort also saved. Whilst Ballynahinch pressed they had to wait until mid-way through the half to make the breakthrough when Curtis Ross beat two Newhill defenders in the box before placing his shot into the net. On the right Daniel Hewitt and Conor Graham were supporting each other as they ran at the Newhill defence. A stunning shot from Curtis Ross from twenty yards rattled the Newhill crossbar and just before half time Ballynahinch increased their lead when Luke Martin stabbed the ball home from close range. The second half saw Aaron Peden come on to make his debut with Harry Bell dropping to centre half. Newhill caught Ballynahinch cold as they broke and their left winger hit a shot which Lauren Perry could do nothing about. Within minutes Ballynahinch scored when Jonny Shannon hit a shot low into the corner. This settled the team and with Sarah Crompton controlling her defence Newhill did not trouble Lauren Perry for the remainder of the game. Some quick passing saw Aaron Peden find Curtis Ross who’s shot was parried but Luke Martin reacted quickest to score his second. Jonny Shannon grabbed his second when he blasted the ball into the roof of the net and minutes later Curtis Ross did the same when he scored his second. Newhill were struggling with the pace of Aine Smyth and Eoin Teggart on the left as they continued to run at them and Curtis Ross completed his hat trick with a shot from an acute angle which nestled in the far corner. Was it a cross or ambitious shot–only Curtis knows the answer!!!! Ballynahinch finished the scoring when Yasin Ouldhamlet smashed his shot into the net and matched it with a back flip and somersault!! A good all round performance by the squad. Ballynahinch’s player of the match was Curtis Ross.

At the Millbridge the Under 14 team entertained Bangor Stonebridge and started off well matching their opponents all over the pitch. Both teams found it hard to create any clear cut chances with Ballynahinch’s Ross Lockhart and Alex Burtney working hard in mid-field. Bangor started to put pressure on Ballynahinch but defenders Ben Bowman, Corey Fitzpatrick, Jack Davis and Dylan Fitzpatrick were standing firm putting in some strong challenges. Mid-way through the first half Bangor went ahead when somehow a scuffed shot deceived keeper Sam Ross. This upset Ballynahinch’s rhythm and Bangor went two ahead when Sam Ross parried a great shot from their forward and was unlucky to see the rebound tucked home. Alex Burtney then got on the end of a Ross Murray cross but his shot went narrowily wide. An unfortunate own goal just before half time extended Bangor’s lead. The second half saw a few changes with Mark Murray moving into mid-field and this gave Ballynahinch a new impetus as he drove forward. Within minutes he crossed to the edge of the box where incoming Alex Burtney met his cross and fired the ball into the bottom corner. Ballynahinch were having a good spell and another cross from Mark Murray just eluded Ross Murray. Craig Tate came on and his pace was causing problems for the Bangor defenders. Ballynahinch suffered a blow when Ross Lockhart went off injured but Ben Onuoha dropped back and had a terrific second half. Bangor were restricted to the odd chance but showed Ballynahinch you have to take your chances when they scored their fourth. Ballynahinch pulled a goal back when Dylan Fitzpatrick put a super ball over the Bangor defence which Criag Tate chased. As he turned the defender in the box he was brought down and the resultant penalty was smashed home by Dylan Fitzpatrick to complete the scoring. Ballynahinch’s player of the game was Alex Burtney.

This Friday is the final week of the Girls First Kicks Academy aimed at girls between the ages of 6 and 11 at Ballynahinch Community Centre from 7pm to 8pm. The Academy has been well attended with an average of 15 girls attending each week. It is hoped to have another Academy later in the year.