BUYA Athletic U-10s lift league title

BUYA U10s Athletic v Carniny

Ballymoney started of the day knowing that one win out of their two fixtures of the day would win the league.

The Toon were working hard right from the refs whistle but for all their hard work they went one behind from Carniny’s first effort at goal 1-0. Ballymoney came back at Carniny but for all their good football they couldn’t get a goal with Joshua Morrison and Daniel Beckett both going close H/T 1-0.

The 2nd half was underway and again the Toon were playing the better football with Finn McLaughlin putting in a great performance on the right wing and Jude Bolton in the centre of midfield holding his position to break up any of Carniny’s attacks.

Time was running out for the Toon with most of the team forward but as all this season Padraig Kelly and Conall McGothigan handled all that pressure with the hard working McLaughlin trying to get back to support.

The last 3 minutes of the game was a joy to watch with the Toon throwing every man forward trying to bring the game level. Even the outstanding Ruairi O’Boyle was up for the last corner but the boys just couldn’t get the ball in the net. F/T 1-0. The boys were all excellent in this game great work rate from every player.

MOM Finn McLaughlin.

Ballymoney Athletic v Carniny Amateurs

The 2nd match of the day was against another Carniny team but this was the last chance for the boys to win their league and what a game it was. Ballymoney were up for this match and went close in the first few minutes with Beckett and Morrison both going close, the Toon were passing the ball well with Kelly and McLaughlin setting up attack after attack.

Morrison got onto a pass from Beckett and there was only going to be one outcome a super finish 1-0. Ballymoney were now passing the ball about as they have done all season.

Kelly, Morrison and Beckett all went close only to see the crossbar and post stop them putting the game out of Carniny’s reach. Bolton and McGothigan were getting forward at every chance as the Toon were so on top of Carniny but their keeper was in excellent form keeping the game at 1-0 at H/T.

In the 2nd half Carniny made a few changes and they were starting to get more of the ball but again the Toon dug deep and took control of the game again but they just couldn’t get the 2nd goal to kill off the game with McGothigan going close.

The match was into the last 10 minutes and the Ballymoney players were starting to get weary Carniny broke on the counter attack and it was really their first chance, brought the game level 1-1.

The boys to their credit didn’t want to give up without a fight and with 5 minutes to go McLaughlin’s pass found Kelly who moved the ball to Beckett and as he done all of this season Morrison received the pass and tucked the ball into net 2-1.

The last 2 minutes were all about O’Boyle in nets his saves kept Carniny from levelling the game 2-1 F/T. What a great effort from all the boys who helped the team win both leagues they have been in. A big thanks to all the parents for their support over the season. Well done boys you all have been brilliant all season!

Man of Match: Joshua Morrison.

BUYA U9s v Coleraine Academy

Last Wednesday evening the 9s played Coleraine Academy knowing that a win would guarantee them at least a share of the title.

Unfortunately it was not to be as Coleraine put in one of their best performances of the season and this mixed with a lacklustre performance by the boys possibly fuelled by nerves led to defeat by the odd goal in five.

It was quite a tight first half and although not at their fluent best Ballymoney still brought the best out of the Coleraine ‘keeper either side of Coleraine’s opening goal on 10 mins.

McCollum equalised dead on half time. Ballymoney couldn’t capitalise on this in the second half and Coleraine grew in confidence and took the lead again with the first of 3 goals midway through the second half, McCollum’s second sandwiching two Coleraine strikes.

Ballymoney couldn’t come back again and they were left depending on Coleraine beating Oak on Saturday but with this game ending in a draw the boys had to settle for an excellent runners up spot.

The disappointment of missing out on the league will hopefully be shortlived as the boys now turn their attention to next month’s cup final.

Man of Match: Tony Kelly.

BUYA U9’s Athletic v Ballycastle

Athletic finished the season with a fine performance against a taller, more physical, Ballycastle team and can count themselves unlucky not 2 come out with all 3 points.

Ballymoney started strongly with Orr and Larkin pulling the strings and should have taken the lead but their shooting let them down. Reid in the Ballymoney goal pulled off two fine saves before he was beaten twice in quick succession before half time.

Larkin pulled one back with a fine solo effort and with the dependable Maybin strong at the back Ballymoney pushed for the equaliser and were rewarded when Robinson scored.

Ballymoney gave the ball away almost immediately and Ballycastle restored their advantage. Ballymoney then stepped it up again and missed a couple of really good chances before they were finally rewarded with a penalty which Larkin calmly converted after a Ballycastle defender handled a ferocious Robinson free kick.

This has been a good exercise for the Under 9 Athletic team and with a summer together under their belt they will be ready for a full season next year. The coaches would like to thank kids and parents alike for what has been an enjoyable couple of months.

Man of Match: Larkin

BUYA U10’s v Ballymena Utd

The U10’s last match in Ballysally was against Ballymena Utd in the semi final of the plate competition. This was expected to be a tough game against premier league opposition.

Ballymoney started the game with real purpose showing their intent from the whistle. The welcome return of Cameron Milliken in centre midfield gave the an extra bit of class with his general link up play and awareness proving crucial in setting up Joel Christie for Money’s opening goal.

‘Money were keeping possession well and it wasn’t long before they doubled their lead with Christie showing real maturity with a cultured finish flicking the ball into the bottom corner after some excellent work by Aaron Dallat. Jacob McKeeman Craig claimed Money’s third getting on the end of a corner with a well timed run and header at the far post.

Ballymoney began the 2nd half as they finished the 1st with some of the football being played absolutely outstanding moving the ball from defence to attack with fast one touch passing that was just a pleasure to watch.

Ballymoney’s 4th came when Adam McComb played a raking 30 yard pass watched all the way by Christie who hit it full on the volley lifting it over the advancing keeper into the roof of the net for one of the goals of the season. Thomas McNabb in goal had a quite day but was able to keep his concentration when called upon despite having relatively little to do mainly down to Money’s attacking football and the solid defensive display of Scott Gardiner, Matthew McNeil and Jacob Mckeeman Craig.

Ballymoney were now in unstoppable form and looked capable of scoring with every attack. Christie scored his fourth before Milliken completed the scoring with a terrific individual effort. This was a tremendous display of free flowing football by a talented team who on this form should be confident going into the final to be held in Coleraine showgrounds on the 11th of May.

Men of Match: Cameron Milliken, Joel Christie.

BUYA Colts v Portrush

The Colts last game at Ballysally was against Portrush. With a change in personal the Colts adopted a slightly different formation playing four in the middle.

This suited the boys well as they started the stronger of the two teams with Timmy Cassells and Lewis Heggarty winning the midfield battle. The Colts manufactured two or three chances before Declan Convery got on the score-sheet with a cool finish.

Joshua Stockman was having a fantastic game on the right terrorising Portush time after time before he doubled Money’s lead. Against the run of play Portrush managed to get one back after being first to react to a loose ball taking the score to 2-1 at half-time.

The Colts started the 2nd half as the 1st with Convery and Stockman providing the main attacking threat while the back two of Mark Faulkner and Ben Mckissick stood firm at the protecting goalkeeper Charlie Carson who pulled of two super saves to keep Ballymoney in front.

Ballymoney added two more through Convery and Stockman to seal a deserved win before Portrush netted a second. This was a terrific team performance and a great end to the season for the Colts who have steadily improved throughout. The coaches would like to thank all the boys for all their hard work and good attitude in all their match.

 Man of Match: Joshua Stockman.

BUYA U13’s v Ballycastle

A great end to the season for the under 13’s on Saturday as they secured runners up spot in the league with a win over Ballycastle.

After winning and then losing to Coleraine in the space of a few days last week Ballymoney needed to win this game to get second place and set about the task in an organised and efficient way.

Frontmen Luis and Drew both scored in the opening 5 minutes and Further goals from Scott Douglas and a second from Luis left us 4 nil up at half time. 
It was all change for the second half with Aidan Gillen taking over in nets,

Adam playing out and the rest getting to play in positions they weren’t used to. To their credit everyone applied themselves really well to their new positions and we were able to hold the 4 nil score line to the end.

A deserved result and a very well earned league position thanks to every one of the players and their families for their efforts throughout the year.

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