United under-14s make progress in League Cup

Ballymena United Youth Academy 14’s returned to action at the weekend with a good away win at Glendowan iin the National League cup.
A Ballymena United under-13 player runs at the Carniny Youth defence. INBT 03-951HA Ballymena United under-13 player runs at the Carniny Youth defence. INBT 03-951H
A Ballymena United under-13 player runs at the Carniny Youth defence. INBT 03-951H

The boys are being coached on a regular basis by top Irish league striker Gary Twigg and with his guidance, they will be looking for a good cup run.

The 13’s lost out in a hard fought derby at Wakehurst where Carniny coped better with the terrible weather conditions on the day.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The under 12’s were in Portadown and continued their development with their best performance of the season, in a disciplined display against one of the province’s top sides.

The under 15’s faced a top side themselves, at Clandeboye Park against a crack Ridegeway outfit, the two sides put on a good footballing display, the Sky blues losing out narrowly to the Belfast side by a single goal.

UNDER-12

In their Development League game at Portadown, United tried a new formation and the players followed instructions as well as playing some great football at times.

Holding midfielders Jordan McMullan and Blake Douglas were outstanding in the first period protecting their back four where Thomas Lowry and Conor Louw looked comfortable and made some important timed challenges. In goals Lewis Clewer pulled off a number of outstanding saves, a first half double save the pick of his efforts.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Adam Steel looked dangerous in a new forward role and the coaching staff were pleased at further steps in the right direction for this ever improving group.

UNDER-13

BUYA 2, Carniny Youth 5: Derby day blues for United in horrendous weather at Wakehurst where a physically stronger Carniny side pushed on at every opportunity for the win.

United missed Sean McAllister in their midfield but the Reds, with the wind to their backs in the second period, deserved to progress in the cup.

UNDER-14

Glendowan 0, BUYA 1: A good display from the Ballymena boys after a long month’s break.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They looked refreshed and took the game to Glendowan, progressing to the next round of the League cup

UNDER-15

Rigdeway Rovers 1, BUYA 0: A real test for the Sky Blues against the one of the top teams in the country at Bangor.

United never looked out of place and played some good football at times as did their opponents. This game was another example of how far this group have developed.