Robinson inspires Ballyclare Comrades Reserves

Two up at half time against Sport & Leisure Swifts II, Ronnie Burns’ lads added three more without reply in the second half to run out 5-0 winners at Antrim Forum.

“The 5-0 scoreline was slightly flattering for Swifts are a good side, but we turned in one of our best performances of the season,” summed up assistant-manager, Andrew Higginson.

“We had brilliant performances all over the pitch, but the Man of the Match award went to right-sided midfielder Kyle Robinson, with his second goal typical of his never-say-die attitude.”

Both keepers had to be alert during the opening quarter as two well matched teams battled for supremacy, before Jamie McMillan opened the scoring on the half hour when he rifled the ball into the top corner.

Bobby Crowe then crossed for Kyle Robinson to double the lead with a firm header.

Despite being two down, the Swifts were still well in the game but they fell further behind in the 55th minute when Scott Cummings poked the ball home after Craig Todd’s header had been cleared off the line.

Robinson doubled his tally when he chased down a seemingly lost cause, before Ross Clarke completed the whitewash with a super volley from the edge of the box.

Mallusk Athletic’s 2-2 draw with Woodlands means the Reserves stretched their lead at the top of the table to 12 points, but Newington, with eight games in hand, are still regarded as the dark horses.

Comrades Reserves: McKnight; Gault, Davidson (C), Richardson; Robinson, Crowe, Clarke, Cummings; McMillan, McFaul. Subs: Hill, A McCauley, Gilmour.