Good wins for Ballymoney United Youth Academy sides

Ballymoney continued their recent good form with a win over a strong Roe Valley side.

Ballymoney edged the possession early on and deservedly took the lead when Kyle Sloan fired his shot in from long range.

It was tough going for both teams and in difficult conditions it was Roe Valley who scored next to draw level.

Ballymoney were back in front almost immediately when straight form the centre Casey played in Keys who coolly side footed the ball passed the keeper to make it 2-1 at halftime.

After the break chances were few as both teams battled for control but it was Roe Valley who scored first to equalised for a second time. At 2-2 the game could have when either way but Oran Donnelly in the Ballymoney goal was in fine form and pulled off some fantastic saves to keep the Toon in the game. This proved decisive and with five minutes to go Blair fed Keys from the right wing who showed good feet to round the keeper for his second and the winner. The boys defended well and saw out the rest of the game for another hard fought victory.

* BUYA U10’s v Limavady

Won 3-2 ( McCollum 2, Dallas. )

Ballymoney started the game well and within 5 mins won a corner. Good work from Downes and Kelly resulted in a goal from McCollum.Shortly after the restart it was 2 nil, McCollum making it his second of the game. Ballymoney took their foot off the gas and Limavady got back into the game. Poor closing down from Ballymoney boys resulted in Limavady’s opener. This gave them the lift they needed and not long after scored their second of the game, the score now two each.

Ballymoney made two changes at half time with Dallas and Stinson coming on for Downe’s and McCollum. Ballymoney got their third of the game when Dallas picked up the ball and unleashed an unstoppable shot which gave the keeper no chance. Limavady pressed hard for the rest of the game looking for another goal but great defending from Kirk, Maybin and McMullan in goal pulling off save after save kept the score at 3-2. Great football played by both teams. Captain Ronan McCollum.

* BUYA Colts U11’s v Maiden City. Lost 3-0.

* BUYA U11’s v Ballymena

Won 4-1 ( McComb, Morrison, Milliken, O.G )

The U11’s were playing Ballymena this week and needed a victory to stay on top of the league. The start of the game was pretty even with neither team managing to gain the upper hand in the opening minutes, a goal at this stage would settle either team and it was the Ballymoney lads who struck first when Adam McComb pounced on a rebound from the keeper after a well delivered freekick from Jacob McKeeman- Craig.

The goal was the catalyst ‘Money needed and the whole team was playing with confidence now.

Cameron Milliken playing up front for Joel Christie, who was suffering a bout of sickness, made it 2 after winning the ball from the right back, turned and finished expertly into the roof of the net.

It was all Ballymoney now and they looked like scoring with every attack. Milliken also had a hand in ‘Money’s third when he jinxed his way down the right flank and found Joshua Morrison in the box who hammered the ball home.

It was all too easy at the moment and the fourth was an unfortunate own goal after Craig drilled a low ball into the danger area forcing an error from the young defender. Five minutes before half time Money conceded a corner and failing in their defensive duties left an unmarked opponent free to shoot and score.