Ballymena United Youth Academy round-up

United’s youngest side travelled to Dundonald on Saturday and after a great team performance came away with a victory.They played some lovely football at times and the goals were spread throughout the team with Josh Courtney, Matthew Lorimer, Ben Wylie, Tres Hume, Scott Marcus and Sam Frew all finding the net.

UNDER-11

Ridgeway Rovers 5, United 2: United, missing a number of players due to different reasons, had to make the midweek journey across rush-hour Belfast, arriving just before kick off.

They did take an early lead, Lee O’Brien finishing well but soon conceded three quick goals due to uncharacteristic simple mistakes.

Ronan Laverty fired in a great free kick but in near dark conditions the Skies conceded two more goals as they visibly tired. MOM - Anthony Smyth.

Glentoran 4, United 2: The 11s suffered their second defeat in four days against old foes Glentoran on Saturday.

After starting brightly Lee O’Brien fired then into an early lead before the same player increased the lead with a wonder strike on the volley from 25 yards out.

United were unable to cope with the Glens’ set pieces and it was soon 2-2 after some defensive lapses. United were second to every ball now and it was no surprise when the Glens added another two late on. MOM - Lee O’Brien.

UNDER-12

United 2, Shankill Juniors 2: United’s u12s put on another marvellous midweek performance to grind out a point.

A hardworking display with only 11 players travelling showed what a fine team spirit this squad has.

An early goal from Shankill left it 1-0 at half time but United started the second half much stronger with Calvin Purse getting an equaliser.

A strong left foot shot from Purse put the Skies ahead before Shankill equalised late on. MOM - Calvin Purse.

Lisburn Distillery 1, United 4: United scored in the first minute as Paddy Quigg fired in and Matthew Logan soon got in on the act with a great fee kick on 10 minutes.

Distillery came out for the second half fired up and soon got a goal back but Peter Rankin finished well to restore the two goal cushion. A strong display was completed with a Paddy Quigg special from 25 yards towards the end. MOM - Ben Stirling.

UNDER-13

United 2, Dromara 3: United, without four players, started strongly and took the lead through a terrific free kick from Benji Agnew, only to concede a freak own goal after 15 minutes.

Benji Agnew struck another wonder goal 10 minutes after the break but Ballymena couldn't hold out and Dromara equalised once again.

The hammer blow came in injury time when Dromara scored to take all three points. MOM - Benji Agnew.