United under-13s celebrate league title success

A superb performance from this talented group who made their debut at National league level this season after performing so well in the Lisburn Youth league.

The boys had to enter in the B section in their first campaign but swept all before them,proving they are a match for many sides in the A league,with some confident cup performances.

Interestingly this is the third consecutive year that a Ballymena United side has won the under 13 B league,following on after the 2000’s and 2001’s.

Elsewhere there was a disappointing defeat for the u14s in the semi finals of the NIBFA cup against Cliftonville. Scoreless at half time the boys succumbed to the red pressure in the second period.

UNDER-11

Portrush U-12 2, BUYA 4: Ballymena Under 11’s faced a stiff test playing against an older age group but also a vastly improved Portrush side. They had to come from behind twice in the first half before goals from Timmy McClure and a Mark Lowry wonder strike had them level at them break.

Timmy McClure dominated midfield in the second period and the impressive Calum Douglas changed the game. BUYA went ahead from an OG and Douglas then crossed for Adam Millar to power a fantastic header to complete the win.

UNDER-13

BUYA 2, Maiden City 0: An impressive Maiden City have caused United problems earlier this season but on Saturday, Lewis Mearns, again sent the Skies on their way.

Under 12 player Kyle Neill made an impressive debut from the bench and capped off a memorable day with a great goal.

UNDER-14

BUYA 0, Cliftonville 3: Although they did not progress this again was a really gutsy showing and the boys gave Cliftonville a real game. In the first half the boys pressed well and were putting in the challenges all over the park.

The second half unfortunately could not be repeated but again Ballymena showed they could compete with the best, although they were limited in their goal attempts they kept battling to the end and Cliftonville only scored their third on the blow of the full time whistle.

UNDER-15

Loughgall 1, BUYA 4: Some good play down the left sent the ball across the goalmouth, quickly returned by Danny Louw, Jack Millar was on hand to head home from six yards but Loughgall deservedly equalised soon after. Back came United, Andrew Smyth also heading home from after some great interplay from Louw and Millar down the right. Stephen McColgan soon got in on the act with yet another headed effort.

In the second period there was time for Slane to score a quality goal,going outside his man before rifling home.