Easy win moves Reds' Reserves back into title contention

With several players called up to the senior squad, manager Michael McWilliams recruited from the Under 18 XI, but had no difficulty in overcoming weak opposition.Throughout the ninety minutes it was mainly one-way traffic, with the Reds firmly in command, and Gerard Bond celebrated the occasion by rattling in a first half hat-trick that practically sealed the points.

After the interval Comrades continued to dominate, and further strikes by Ricky McAuley, Ryan McAuley and Jay Boyd merely confirmed Ballyclare's superiority.

Having been idle for three weeks allowed main rivals Ballymoney United Reserves to leap-frog into the top spot for the first time this season. The odds now favour the north Antrim lads who have a one point advantage, but with a vital game in hand.The teams still have to meet, but even if Michael McWilliams' lads win this one they would still need someone else to do them a favour, if a league championship title is to come to Dixon Park for the second season in succession.

Commenting, Michael said: “We were Division 2 champions last season, so it would be nice to collect back-to-back titles, but that is not the club's top priority. We are challenged to produce players for the senior side, and already this season Stuart McCullough has established himself as Comrades' top centre half.

“Matt Boyd, Neil McGrath and Marty McAvoy are now striving to make the breakthrough, so the Ballymena Junior League is proving to be a useful place for the lads to improve their skills.

“Nevertheless we will be going all out to overhaul Ballymoney during our final three league fixtures.”

Ballyclare Comrades Reserves, sponsored by Solicitors Reid Black & Co: Paddy Flood; Sam McWilliams, Brian Wilson, Glenn Pearce, Terry Kirkpatrick; Chris Boy, Ryan McAuley, Matt Boyd (C), Ricky McAuley; Gerard Bond, Jay Boyd. Sub: Daniel Lunney.

The Reserves’ next fixture is against Chimney Corner Reserves.