Ballymoney United Youth Academy round-up

BUYA U9’s 4 Portrush 0

The wee Toon controlled this game with their brand of entertaining attacking football but found a hard working Portrush team extremely difficult to break down.

Despite their approach play they lacked the cutting edge in front of goal in the first half and a mixture of poor finishing, good goalkeeping and last ditch defending kept the game scoreless until the 18th minute when a lovely through ball by Kelly found Stinson whose cross was turned in by Patton.

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The game was put to bed as a contest in five second half minutes when firstly McCollum poached when Stinson set up Patton. The third came when McLaughlin turned in a Stinson corner, the final goal of the game came on 10mins, this one is down to the dubious goals panel with Patton claiming final touch to McCollums strike.

Unlike last week the ref couldn’t confirm the scorer. This was the last game for before the winter break and leaves the boys in a good position in the league. The coaches would like to thank all the boys for their hard work and commitment and the parents who came to cheer them on.

Man of Match: Tony Kelly

BUYA U10’s (Athletic) 3 Limavady 3

Ballymoney started the game strong and were rewarded with an early goal with Joshua Morrison finishing off a good move 1-0.

Limavady came straight back into the game but some great defending from Padraig Kelly and Conall McGothigan kept the Toon in front with Cathal Darragh always available up front with some great hold-up play but on 15 minutes Limavady got their goal 1-1.

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Ballymoney were under a lot of pressure now but the whole team worked hard and were rewarded after a quick break resulted in a corner which Finn McLaughlin scored direct from 2-1 H.T.

The 2nd half was only started when Matthew McNeill went on a run and put in a great cross and Morrison was there to tuck it away 3-1. Limavady came back strong and got straight back in the game with a well taken goal 3-2.

Mark Faulkner, Matthew McNeill and Declan Convery were now on and as always the boys worked there socks off for the team trying to win all three points. Jude Bolton pulled off fine saves but with only 2 minutes remaining Limavady got their equalizer 3-3. Well done to all the boys who played their part over the past number of weeks at Ballysally playing some great passing football and scoring some great goals.

BUYA U10’s 3 Coleraine Academy 8

This week the U10’s faced a tough challenge against Coleraine Academy. The Toon started the brightest of the two teams with Adam McComb and Joel Christie combining well culminating in Christie’s effort squeezing between the Coleraine keepers legs to give Money an early lead. The lads continued to press forward keeping Coleraine penned in their own half.

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At this stage there was only one team in the game then against the run of play Coleraine broke out of their own half and levelled the score with a super strike from distance. The lad’s did not let this setback deter them as they continued to outplay a good Coleraine side.

Money were working well as a team, the defense were pressing high and midfield were linking well with attack in an attempt to regain the lead. Cameron Milliken in midfield played a well placed pass into the path of Joel Christie who drove a low accurate shot into the Coleraine goal for Money’s second. The Toon were now well on top and looked like being capable of taking the three points, until once again after another episode of what is now becoming a common term between the Ballymoney coaching staff of  “powder puff tackling” from Ballymoney Coleraine equalized with another shot from distance.

After this second comeback goal Ballymoney completely lost their way and went from being the team in control to being the team chasing the ball. Somehow Money ended up conceding another four goals before halftime.

 Having come from behind before the boy’s felt they could still get a result. Joel Christie led the way working tirelessly all over the pitch and offering the team encouragement. While Adam McComb on the right pressed forward at every opportunity probing a resolute Coleraine defense. The industrious Arron Dallat once again gave his all working between midfield and defense.

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Coleraine were first to strike in the second half as they were to every loose ball with too many Ballymoney players happy to stand and watch. Money scored a third after McComb and Christie once again worked well together to set up Matthew McNeil who took his goal well finding the net through a crowed penalty box. Coleraine scored another goal late on to finish the game 8-3 . This result is all the more disappointing considering the way Money started the game with not to many positives except for the blossoming partnership of McComb and Christie.

Man of Match: Joel Christie, Adam McComb.

Ballymoney U14’s 3 Magherafelt 3

Ballymoney had another miserable day after going in front, then yet again having to push for a late equaliser at home. The absence of two key players due to sickness resulted in a reshuffle to the side before kick-off.

Ryan McCloy continued his good form scoring after ten minutes and could have had a second only for a save by the keeper. However, Magherafelt replied immediately when Coulter scored from close range. Before half time they would have 3 as Ballymoney were all over the place in midfields and defence. Coulter got in again at back post after sneaking in behind Moore and Dixon cut inside Hanna for number 3 as several team mates stood and watched.

The now regular comeback began with the visitors defending several early corners and Daeglan Smith had gone close on two occasions before Harry Kirkpatrick stooped low and head home from six yards after O’Neill’s cross. Tails up the “Toon” pressed on and McCloy was again on hand to score an equaliser as Magherafelt looked desperate. Ballymoney pressed on for the winner and ending up with nothing as a quick counter attack saw Coulter round the home keeper with not a defender in sight. Man of the Match - Ryan McCloy

Ballymoney U15’s 2 Tri-star U15’s 2

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When league leaders landed in town few would have given much hope but the U15’s are on a bit of a run at present and totally dominated the first half with Adam Alexander volleying home from 30yards with the help of the post and Paul Lyttle caught the keeper off his line from a similar distance for 2-0. Several half chances came and went as Ballymoney midfield of Gillan, Boreland and Dillon dominated as half time approached.

Tri Star upped their game in the second half and became more competitive but the outstanding McCauley at sweeper and keeper Coyles looked well in control. Time was running out when a high ball deceived the defence and Roughan poked the ball home for 2-1. Tri Star pressed on and created one more chance as Sterner slipped the ball past Coyles for a fortunate 2-2. Conner Gillan curled in a free kick in the dying moments that the keeper turner away with Elder ready to pounce. Man of the Match - McCauley.

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