Ballymena United United Academy weekly round-up

New signing Stephen McColgan also hit a double in a seven goal romp for the Braid boys.

The under 14s lost out in the National League to Portadown as did the 15s to Trojans.

In the Lisburn League again there were encouraging results once more and the 2004 babes put on another good display at the Friday tea-time league with some equally impressive football.

COLERAINE LEAGUE

Results: BUYA U-10 1, Portrush 3; Ballymena Town U-10 0, Limavady Youth 7.

LISBURN LEAGUE

BUYA U11 0, Lisburn Youth 3: Ballymena started slowly and Lisburn Youth took the lead early in the game with two goals in quick succession.

United battled hard but couldn’t stop a third goal going in before half time.

The Braid boys came out from the second half restart a far stronger team. They battled hard and creating chances of their own just unable to finish.

A great performance by the defensive line and keeper William Crockard kept an top Lisburn side from scoring more goals.

BUYA U12 6, Lurgan Town 0: A super start with all the boys fast out if the blocks and hungry to get back to winning form.

Their fast pace was rewarded early when Kyle Apsley cut back finding Logan Campbell free on the edge of the box who cleanly stuck the ball going the keeper no chance.

On form Rhys Hemphill got a fantastic consecutive hat-trick, Cameron Moag sealed off the first half to make it 6-0.

The second half Lurgan seemed more hungry for goals, but the Sky Blues weathered the storm with some fantastic defending from Jack Heron and Scott Marcus.

BUYA U13 1, Loughgall 4: On what was the coldest morning of the year so far Ballymena never really warmed to the challenge of the opposition.

Outstanding on the day was debutant goalkeeper Callum Crawford who pulled off some excellent saves.

Ryan McLaughlin worked tirerlessly in the middle of the park all day but could not gain the support of his fellow team mates.

Best on the day was Captain Andrew Kyle who, although picking up an early injury, was strong throughout at the back.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Glendowan 1, BUYA U-13 7: United travelled to Twinbrook on Friday evening to compete in the first ever game on the new 3g facility at Brookfield.

The large crowd in attendance were treated to some brilliant football from the Sky Blues who found it tough early on.

They soon settled and Lee O’Brien rifled home from the ege of the box as Eamon McLaughlin and Callum Ross had excelled in the first half.

McLaughlin made it two after a great mrun from Anthony Smith and O’Brien was set up nicely for three nil.

New signing Stephen McColgan entered the fray and the Limavady boy hammered home an amazing effort from fully 30 yards.

O’Brien finished well for his hat trick before Harry Robinson cut inside to fire home and then the goal of the game scored by McColgan after a flowing move the length of the field.

Bailey Young was outstanding on the night and created much for United.

Portadown 4, BUYA U-14 2: United fell to old foes Portadown in this encounter again showing the quality of opposition in this National League.

A poor opening saw the Sky Blues go two down inside five minutes.

They fought back well however with ace marksman Sam Armstrong yet again on target.

The Ports scored two goals in the second half however a United paid the penalty for their slow start.

BUYA U-15 0, Trojans 4: Ballymena got off to the worst possible start when they conceded in the first minute.

The early setback spurred the Sky Blues and Matthew Armstrong forced the Trojans keeper into a fine save soon after.

The central midfielder pairing of Jack Preston and Chris Guiller worked tirelessly and created another good chance for Stefan Flynn.

At the back Matthew Walker marshalled the defence well and a superb save from Captain Shane Gibson ensured the scoreline remained 0-1 at half time.

It was more of the same in the second half with a much improved performance giving the Sky Blues confidence.

Shane Gibson hurt his wrist half way through the half and was replaced by midfielder Peter McKane who pulled off two excellent point blank saves.

The table toppers quality and Ballymena’s desire to push forward looking for goals led to three late goals being conceded and Trojans ran out 4-0 winners.

Despite the final score Ballymena matched Trojans well and the boys will take a lot of confidence from their performance.