Tough week for United Academy sides

Ballymoney were made to pay for their missed chances when some sloppy defending saw Limavady open the scoring. The Limavady forward proved to be a handful for the Ballymoney defence and he put his side 2-0 ahead a short time later.

Heads didn’t go down and the industrious Kelly finally beat the Limavady keeper with a long range left foot effort on sixteen minutes.

Four minutes into the second half Ballymoney were rewarded with their sleak passing led to a cross being turned into his own net by a Limavady defender.

Ballymoney’s midfield took control of the game with Kelly instrumental in everything Ballymoney did, ably supported in the second half by Stinson.

Limavady still looked dangerous on the break, but Ballymoney spent most of the last ten minutes in Limavady’s half but found their keeper up to anything that was thrown at him.

Kirk McLaughlin had the ball in the net only to be thwarted by the final whistle. The boys can take a lot of credit from this performance. Final score 2-2.

Man of Match: Tony Kelly

UNDER 10s

The U10s second league game saw them take on derby rivals Bertie Peacock Youths.

Ballymoney went into the tie as underdogs and from the kick off they found themselves on the backfoot having to clear the ball of the line in the first ten seconds of the game.

The boys quickly found their composure and set about their defensive duties trying to subdue the almost constant attacking threat of Peacocks. With some unusually slack passing at the back Ballymoney gifted Peacocks their first goal early in the first half. This seemed to affect the boys and with confidence low Peacocks scored a further three goals before half time.

At half time the coaching staff tried to instill some belief and focus in the team wanting the lads to play to their potential.

The boys worked hard and tried to notch up their first goal of the game with Joel Christie forcing the Peacocks keeper to make a good save low to his right. They had a number of chances but could find their way through Berties resilient defence. Ballymoney conceeded af further two goals in the second half. This was a difficult fixture for a team who are still bedding in new players, but you have to feel with the talent in this side a victory is not far away.

Final score 7-0

Man of Match: Thomas McNabb

UNDER 11s

The under 11s also met Limavady and the Ballymoney men were brought back to reality with a lesson on how to play football.

Following their fine win last week, the U11s faced a tough test and a defensive lesson.

They fell behind to a defensive error in not clearing their lines quickly enough, the second goal was a carbon copy.

Ballymoney did create a few chances, but when they did get into goal scoring positions they were usually fouled, but that doesn’t alter the fact that Limavady wanted this more than Ballymoney.

Had it not been for the heroics of James Drain in defence and Colm Darragh battling throughout the game in many positions things could have been a lot worse.

They trailed 2-0 at half time, but after a stern talking to at the break, the boys came out with a different attitude and battled hard.

Conal probably should have done better when he closed down the keeper’s clearance, but he scuffed his shot.

Mathew Knight battled hard, but every time he collected the ball, he was fouled and the resulting free kicks were ineffective.

Jamie McCooke pulled a goal back. This was the turning point in the game as Ballymoney pushed forward in search of the all-important equaliser.

Some great play took place and Ballymoney were rewarded with a penalty. The penalty was well saved. Ballymoney will learn they have to toughen up.

Final Score 2 - 1

Man of Match: James Drain outstanding defensive display.

OTHER NEWS

The Youth Development Centre training times: Tuesdays 6.00pm to 7.30pm 2004’s at OLOL Grass; Wednesdays 6.30 to 7.30pm 2005’s and younger/ girls under 10 at OLOL Grass; Thursdays 6.30 to 7.30pm 2003’s at OLOL Grass

This is the last week that training will be on during the week at Our Lady of Lourdes High School.

The Academy will move to the JDLC from Monday 1st October. Saturday sessions will still be at OLOL 9.30 to 10.30am

All new players will be very welcome.