Another good week for Ballymoney Academy sides

The Under 9s walked away with a well deserved 4-1 victory in what was a competitive affair.

Ballymoney dominated possession in the first half with Joseph Byrne having his best game of the season alongside Jonathan Kirk at the back.

Ballymoney struggled to play their usual attractive brand of football and had to battle hard, Kirk McLaughlin opened the scoring on four minutes after fine work by Andy Stinson.

Despite their possession, Coleraine made Ballymoney work hard to create any chances, it took to the 16th minute for Ballymoney to double their lead. McLaughlin was again on target after the keeper failed to deal with a Leon Patton effort.

Coleraine pulled a goal back early in second half, but McLaughlin was on hand again to complete his hat trick and settle his teams nerves.

It still remained a competitive encounter which Ballymoney worked hard to see out. Kelly ended the game as a contest on 17 minutes with a fine effort. The “wee Toon” showed commitment and resolved in a game that really tested them.

Man of Match: Joseph Byrne

U10s Athletic 4-0 Ballycastle

This was a keenly contested game between Ballymoney Athletic and Ballycastle.

Matthew McNeill and Matthew Drain had to work hard to keep the game at 0-0 while Jude Bolton was solid in nets.

Just before half-time Ballymoney got a corner which Finn McLaughlin drove in hard and low, Max Lowry was on hand to hit home to give Ballymoney a 1-0 lead at half time.

The second half was a different story. Ballymoney got straight into their passing game as they have been doing for weeks now. Joshua Morrison went on a run and finished off in style to put them 2-0 in front.

Ballycastle were now chasing shadows and were giving away a lot of free kicks. It was from one of these free kicks that Ballymoney got their third goal. McLaughlin was the man on target.

Mark Faulkner and Declan Convery were introduced to the panel, and the pair got straight into the action. Another good run from Morrison saw Ballymoney going 4-0 in front. Kelly was unlucky not to make it 5-0 a fine save from the Ballycastle keeper denied Kelly.

A hard working performance from the team this week.

Man of Match: Matthew McNeill

BUYA U10’s 3-1 Dungiven.

The Under 10s took on Dungiven this week and were prepared for a tough match.

The first quarter of the match had been edged by Ballymoney, but it was Dungiven who opened the scoring with their first real opportunity of the game.

Not having been behind in recent weeks this was a test of the boys character and they did not disappoint. It wasn’t long before Ballymoney drew level after some fine work on the left by Joel Christie, the ball found Jacob Craig in the centre who dispatched a venomous strike past the Dungiven keeper to leave the score 1-1.

Now playing with new found confidence the Under 10s grabbed their second two minutes later when Cameron Milliken went on a mazy run through the middle of the park laying off Joel Christie who made his run into the penalty box and finished from close range. Leaving Ballymoney with a 2-1 lead at half time.

The 2nd half was more of the same with Ballymoney having to stand up to a series of physical tussles with little help from the officials.

Arron Dallat was having his best game this season working tirelessly up and down the left flank shaping some fantastic chances.

Thomas McNabb in goal put in another tremendous shift and with the aid of Scott Gardiner and Jacob Craig in defence they made sure Ballymoney stayed in front.

Debutante Conal McGothigan who came onto the right for the injured Adam McCombe looked impressive and his fresh legs gave Dungiven more problems.

After some good work by Jacob Craig, Joel Christie found himself with the ball at his feet in a crowed penalty area and showed good composure to round two players and drill the ball past the keeper to seal the win for

Man of Match: Arron Dallat

U12s 2-4 Oak Athletic

The Under 12s faced a tough match against top of the table side Oak on Saturday.

Ballymoney started brightly and moved the ball around well, but Oak were able to get settled into the game and Ballymoney found themselves 4-0 down at half time.

In the second half Ballmoney started brightly and a goal from Reece Heggarty spurred the home side on.

Ballymoney kept the pressure on Oak but the away team proved too strong. Heggarty grabbed a second. Oak have been unbeaten in 42 games and Ballymoney can take heart from the way they played in the second half.

Man of Match: Ethan McAfee