Action begins this Saturday for United Academy sides

Ballymena looked resilient and the new players fitted perfectly into a good team performance, with coaches still trying to decide on the best player positions

As the final whistle blew the boys deserved the applause as they came off the pitch having defeated a very good and well organised Bloomfield side.

Elsewhere at the weekend the u15s travelled to Cookstown and put in a pleasing display giving testament to the regular sessions the squad have had with the new coaching team.

A 5-0 victory was made more enjoyable by good individual performances throughout. Special mention must go to striker Andrew Smith, the Kells hotshot bagging four goals on the night and debutant Josh Mark on a confident display in goals.

The two under 13 sides had good run outs also,both sides recording victories over Magherafelt for the National League side and an always dangerous 2003 Bertie Peacock side, for the Academy Lisburn league side.Again there was another four goal salvo,this time from Bobby Rainey who has shone in pre season.

The real action starts this weekend in the National league, with the u14s and u13s in action on the Saturday, while the under 12s look forward to their debut on the Sunday, away to Crusaders.