Kirkpatrick’s efforts fail to stop Crusaders

BALLYMONEY travelled to Belfast to play the league leaders on Saturday but with two players feeling unwell at kick-off, a quick team reshuffle was required and the hosts took advantage scoring within 30 seconds of the game.

Worse was to follow as Fellows scored his second and Beattie rattled in a penalty to make it 3-0 with only 10 mins gone as things looked bad for the visitors.

Ballymoney eventually had some joy once they settled and matched their opponents until half time playing some nice football without really testing the keeper too much as Timmy Hanna and the tireless Kirkpatrick played well in midfield.

The second half was more even with McClay a constant threat to the home defence and Smith and McCann battling hard to create opportunities but the damage had been done early on, and as the visitors tried hard the Crues rattled in 2 more late in the game with Fellows shot deflecting off Kelly into the corner for his 3rd and Thompson poking the ball home after a scramble for a 5-0 scoreline.

Ballymoney Man of the Match: Harry Kirkpatrick

Next Game: Home to Portadown.