United under-17s come out on right side of ‘derby’ win

The under 16’s lost out to St Oliver Plunkett in another tight game that could have gone either way, the 15’s also were involved in a thrilling encounter which featured two super strikes from Sean McKay in a draw against Derry City colts.

The United junior sides faced tough assignments, the under 13’s lost out to an unbeaten Linfield side while there was yet another cruel twist for the under 14’s, losing out to Carnmoney in the last attack of the game, the second time in three weeks this has happened to the boys. The under 11’s and under 12’s both recorded excellent victories in Lisburn to progress in the cup.

Officials from the Academy took a table at Dwayne Nelsons testimonial dinner on Saturday night and thoroughly enjoyed the occasion, Dwayne has been coaching the junior goalkeepers at the club recently.

LISBURN LEAGUE SHIELD

BUYA U-12 8, North End 1: Ben Dallas put the boys ahead and Joshua Balmer doubled the lead. Further goals from Balmer, Dallas and McClure put them 5-0 up at the break. Mark Lowry scored a great goal but then Lewis Tennant finished a five man move for the goal of the game. Dallas went on to complete another hattrick after the visitors had scored a well taken penalty.

SUBWAY NATIONAL YOUTH LEAGUE

BUYA U-13 0, Linfield 4: This game was finely poised at 0-0 with 20 minutes to go but unfortunately some very late set piece goals for the Blues put an unfair slant on the scoreline.

United defensively were superb in the first half, with a back four of Adam Steel, Jordan McMullan, Connor Louw and Blake Douglas only outshone by a superb goalkeeping display from Joshua Kirkpatrick.

Carnmoney U-14 2, BUYA 1: Carnmoney took the lead following a defensive mistake.

This jolted United into life and Max Davidson released Ross McCausland he finished into the top corner with a good left foot strike but with the last kick of the ball, Carnmoney finished from close range to take the points.

BUYA U-15 2, Derry Colts 2: United were two down in this fixture played at Magherafelt on Friday evening but fought back brilliantly for the point. Sean McKay got both United goals, his second a memorable effort.

Ballymena United U-16 2, St Oliver Plunkett 3: Ballymena were two goals down before they settled and their good football was rewarded as Stephen McColgan found the net.

During what was to be a strong second half performance from the sky blues , Plunketts sneaked a third but Ballymena never gave up. Josh Galloway fired in a superb free kick that found the returning McKeown who slipped a ball across the face of goal for McMurray to finish well.

On the night Ballymena showed the strength and courage to compete with the strong Belfast side and despite a few unfortunate decisions, never gave up.

Ballymena United U-17 2, Carniny Youth 1: In a tight first half Ballymena had the better of the chances through Michael McCabe and Rhys Smith.

In the second half Ballymena took the lead when a clever header from Sam Armstrong put Rhys O’Mullan through and he was brave to beat the Carniny keeper to the ball and Michael McCabe headed home.

Ballymena where dangerous from corners and extended their lead with an excellent goal from Thomas Campbell, exchanging passes on edge of box and finishing at back post brilliantly.

Carniny pulled a goal back and searched for an equaliser but Ballymena held out to claim victory.