SML round-up: All Saints Old Boys’ first title triumph ends Carniny era of dominance

Robert Young’s side had won the title for each of the past five seasons and with less than a minute of Saturday’s titanic battle with All Saints remaining, they looked to be in contention for a sxth, with the game deadlocked at 1-1 – a result which would have left Carniny needing a win in their final game to pip Saints to the title.

Instead, a goal from former Ballymena United and Ballymoney United striker Gavin Burnside brought Carniny’s reign to an end and produced scenes of delirium for the men from the top of the town.

Throughout the last five years, Carniny’s main threat has come from Harryville Homers but Saints have been regular top four finishers and this year they were bolstered by picking up a number of players following the demise of Broadway Celtic.

While Carniny’s league campaign was disrupted by extended runs in the Junior Cup and Junior Shield, All Saints quietly went about their business, notching win after win and amssing a big target for Carniny to chase down.

Young’s men had hauled that margin in but when it came to the crunch game, it was Saints who delivered the knockout blow after a campaign that went the distance.

For full reports, pictures and fixture news as the Saturday Morning League reaches its climax, don’t miss this week’s Ballymena Times - on sale now.