FOOTBALL: Spectacular McNeill strike seals derby win

A SPECTACULAR strike from Kilbride Swifts midfielder Michael McNeill capped a solid 3-0 win over local rivals FC Ballynure in the Ballymena and Provincial Intermediate League on Wednesday night.

Craig McMahon's side forged ahead at Taylor's Avenue through William Young on eight minutes before a second-half Brian Miskimmon header gave them a 2-0 cushion. McNeill then struck his second in as many games when he unleashed a superb arrow-like shot which nestled in the top corner of the net.

Meanwhile, Alan Hunter's Ballynure Old Boys had a night to forget as they lost 7-1 to a rampant Brantwood side at Mossley.

In the opening round of league games last Saturday Jeff Relph was given a baptism of fire in his first competitive game in charge of FC Ballynure as his side were hit for six away to Desertmartin.

Andrew Kelso proved to be a thorn in the side for Relph's men bagging four goals in a memorable debut. Two goals from Robin Patton completed the rout with new signing Nicky Agnew netting a consolation goal in the second half.

This weekend FCB entertain Jamesy Kirk's Nortel in the Paddy Power Steel and Sons Cup.

Kilbride got their campaign off to a flyer and, despite missing manager Craig McMahon from the sidelines through illness, came away with a precious three points in a 3-2 win over Dunloy at McCamphill Park.

Gordon Baird, signed from Barn United in the close season, fired his new team into the lead on the half hour before an own goal doubled the Swifts' advantage. Dunloy rallied and levelled through Benny McGarry and Kevin McAlonan respectively. But Kilbride's McNeill was to have the final say grabbing the winner with free kick just three minutes left.

Kilbride face a trip to Amateur League side Groomsport on Saturday in the Paddy Power Steel and Sons Cup while Ballynure OB take on Portglenone in the league.

FIXTURES Saturday August 14

INTERMEDIATE DIVISION: Ballynure Old Boys v Portglenone, Cookstown Olympic v Dunloy, Rasharkin United v Desertmartin. Kick off 2pm

STEEL & SONS CUP ROUND ONE: Carrick Rangers v Brantwood, Raceview v Lower Maze, Ballywalter Rec v Ballycastle United, FC Ballynure v Nortel, Groomsport FC v Kilbride Swifts. Kick off 2.30pm

JUNIOR DIVISION ONE: Finvoy v Magherafelt Sky Blues Res, Chimney Corner Res v Ballyclare Com Res, Ballymoney Utd Res v Killymoon Rangers Res

JUNIOR DIVISION TWO: Carnlough Swifts v FC Ballynure Reserves, Desertmartin Swifts v Cookstown Ath Colts

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