New year cheer for United Academy sides

The under 11s played out an entertaining friendly with Carniny Youth while the 12’s recorded another good win on the Lisburn League.

The 13’s continued where they left off in 2013 protecting their unbeaten record with

another impressive victory.

The 14’s overcame top Lisburn League side Annagh to progress to the last 16 of the NIBFA while the 15’s suffered a narrow defeat at the seaside,against Bangor.

United 16’s completed an encouraging weekend with a Showgrounds victory over Sion Swifts

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Ballymena Town 1, Carniny Amateurs 0: Both clubs have arranged friendlies to give those children not involved every week as much football as possible.

Caolan Kearney rifled in a great goal after some neat passing interplay with Josh Kirkpatrick to please the watching coaches and parents.

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BUYA 11, Willowback 1: An excellent confidence building performance for United after the disappointment of a New Year’s Day shield final defeat to Lisburn a Youth.

The goals were spread well throughout the side.

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BUYA 4, Glendowan 0: The young Sky Blues thought it was going to be another of ‘those’ days when they were denied by the crossbar, post, line clearance and last ditch defending.

Rhys Hemphill at last broke the deadlock after a good cross from the left from Logan Campbell.

Two minutes later Sean McKay followed up on another crossbar strike from Aodh︠an Gillen and thumped home from close range.

Four minutes into the second half, Ballymena were awarded a penalty for a hand ball inside the box. Thomas McKitterick stepped up and coolly slotted home.

The final goal came on 44 minutes when Rhys Hemphill helped himself to another goal, some excellent one touch football left the Glendowan defence flat footed, giving Rhys the opportunity to lash home.MOM - Jack Heron Scott Marcus.

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BUYA 2, Annagh 0: After a disappointing early run of results United’s recent form has given cause for optimism.

Eamon McLaughlin was the two goal hero with impressive displays also from his County squad teammate Josh Dunne in goals and Jack O’Mahony cleaning up any danger at the back.

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Bangor 3, BUYA 1: Bangor did enough to edge home against a United side playing their first game for a number of weeks. The United goal came from McCabe, while Stockman and Walshe both went close with good efforts but the Seasiders sealed it with a late third.

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Ballymena United 1, Sion Swifts 0: The decisive goal came in the first half when Nico Dunlop drove into space and hit an unstoppable shot from 25 yards.

In the second half, Shane Gibson produced a good save from a long range free-kick but neither team could find the net.