Ballymoney’s battle for survival still continues

The opening minutes was a tense affair with both teams taking time to settle in this crucial relegation battle though it was Banbridge who took the lead against the run of play on 9 minutes through Hayes scoring a close range header from an Evans cross.

Ballymoney dominated the game at this stage but couldn’t break down the visitors defence. Good effort by Stewart on 40 minutes was well saved by Croft in the Banbridge goal.

Despite having had ninety per cent of the first half play the home team went in at half time one nil down.

Half Time Ballymoney United 0 - Banbridge Town 1

Banbridge started the second half in lively manner forcing a great save from Moore from Gourley.

Worse was to come for the home team when a speculative clearance from Orr in the home defence was fumbled by Moore to make it two nil on 52 minutes. Ballymoney went back on the attack and pulled a goal back from the centre through Bradley.

Ballymoney were rewarded for their efforts on 76 minutes when Stewart broke through and tucked his shot past Cruft in the visitors goal. Ballymoney continued to dominate the closing stages, and took the lead when Stewart found the back of the net following a series of corners in the 88th minute.

It was not to be Ballymoney’s day when Banbridge equalised with the last touch of the game.

Ballymoney United 3 - Banbridge Town 3

Team: Ballymoney: Moore, Brown, O’ Hare, Jordan Craig, Hugh Og Boyle, Dempsey, McVicker,

Mc Clelland, Stewart, Gillan, Guyler. Subs: Bradley, McAuley, McKenna, Con Og Boyle.

Ballymoney Manager Peter Cairns and his assistant Robert McCaw will have been disappointed not to have taken all three points from this game. With every game that passes, the clock continues to run out for the Ballymoney men as they attempt to remain in Championship Two.

On Saturday, 11th April, they play Coagh who currently sit six points ahead with a game in hand and losing this game is not an option if there is to be half a chance of survival. Kick-off is 3pm.