United Academy sides draw comfort

Ballymena United under 13s, who remain unbeaten this season.

The 14s were unlucky away to Glenavon just unable to find the killer goal. Unfortunately centre half stalwart Jack McMurray also suffered a broken arm in the game and all at the academy wish him a speedy recovery.

After a top of the table clash the 13s unbeaten season continues with a point against Oxford in Broughshane while the 15s drew with an under 16 Antrim Rovers side.

The under 11s turned on the style meanwhile at the 3G defeating North End in a friendly ,with a number of new faces on display.

UNDER-11

BUYA 4, Northend 0: United welcomed Sean McAllister,Bradley McCartney and Ross McCausland all 2003 boys but who star a year up for the United 2002 all Ireland winning side.

Back playing at their own age group, all three impressed with an excellent goal also for Seanie Macintosh.

The final United goal came from a brilliantly placed header by top scorer Bobby Rainey.

UNDER-13

BUYA 1, Oxford 1: Ballymena created some good opportunities but just could not finish, the breakthrough finally came on 27 minutes when Danny Lowe released Sean McKay who chipped the keeper, a lovely finish from a player who had ran non stop.

However in the Ballymena were dealt a bitter blow when the referee blew for a hotly disputed handball. MOM: Scott Sempey and Sean McKay.

UNDER-14

Glenavon 0, BUYA 0: Keeping up their good recent form the under 14’s are now unbeaten in five with another clean sheet.

They looked like the home side for long periods in this game,playing some neat football on the excellent 4g surface at Lurgan High school.

The back four were well marshalled by Jack McMurray who unfortunately had to leave the fray early on due to a nasty elbow injury.

He was soon followed by the unfortunate Adam Neilly with knee problems and incredibly Andrew Kyle was also to retire soon after with a head injury.

McLaughlin went close with a great free kick and Harry Robinson had a chance at the death but the Braid boys had to settle for the point.

UNDER-15

Result: BUYA 4, Antrim Rovers U-16 4.

UNDER-16

Ballymena United 2, Glendowan 1: Ballymena entertained Glendowan at the showgrounds in the league and ran out 2-1 winners thanks to a last minute goal.

Ballymena took the lead when a Robbie Perkins free-kick came back off the cross bar and Matthew Armstrong reacted the quickest to poke home.

At the start of the second half Shane Gibson made an excellent save in a one v one to keep his side ahead and Benji Agnew forced the Glendown keeper into a good save after good worked from Daniel Black.

Daniel Black headed a Benji Agnew cross over the bar just before Glendowan equalised.

Both sides created half chances before Camryn Millar reacted quickest to the rebound from a Nico Dunlop shot and coolly slotted past the defender on the line.