Football: Ballymoney United U11 claim cup final spot

After securing the league in their last visit to Ballysally the U11’s now faced Institute in the semi final of the plate.

Institute have steadily improved all season and were going to be no pushover.

Ballymoney took a while to settle into the game but when they did they looked like the only team likely to score and created chance after chance with their slick passing.

Adam McComb was on fire terrorizing Institute with his pace and power on the right but it was Institute who against the run of play struck first with a well taken goal after their first attempt at goal.

This sucker-punch didn’t phase Ballymoney who went close on several occasions through Adam McComb, Cameron Milliken, Joshua Morrison and Joel Christie.Some good work on the left by the pacey Morrison won Ballymoney a freekick which Christie converted to leave Ballymoney deservedly level at half time.

The second half was more of the same with Ballymoney having the bulk of the possession, when Institute did break forward Ballymoney’s resilient defence held firm with a special mention for Padraig Kelly who came in at left back and put in a fantastic performance timing his tackles to perfection.

Ballymoney took the lead after McComb found Milliken on the edge of the box who expertly lobed the keeper with perfect precision.

Christie made it three when he latched onto Thomas McNabb’s long kick and knocked it past Institutes keeper with ease.

Ballymoney conceded a second in the last minute after momentarily switching off but by now the game was won and U11s proceed to the final.

BALLYMONEY U12 0 PEACOCKS U12 5

The whistle blew and both teams were off to a flying start but with Bertie’s first attempt being a long range effort which found the top of the net. However, that didn’t dishearten the Ballymoney boys! 

Goalkeeper Matthew was pulling off some fantastic saves, but Bertie’s had another shot from a distance which went over his head. Corey and Callum were working well together and were very close to knocking a few well deserved goals in. 

Again Bertie’s pulled another goal out of the bag but Bertie’s keeper was on top form!

Ballymoney’s defence of Cormac, Jack and Ben worked tirelessly at the back in an effort to stem the flow of Berties attack but in the end it was Berties day and a well deserved win for them!

Unfortunately Stuart was sent to casualty half way through the first half with suspected ligament damage-wishing him a speedy recovery.