United youngsters among ‘elite’ in IFA set-up

A number of the boys have proved again the talent that lies within the group with no less than THREE players being named in the IFA’s elite squad recently.

Moving away from the previous county set ups, this compact squad comprising only the very best players in the province will now train together weekly under the watchful eye of new Elite development coach Jim Magilton.

For Josh Dunne, Jack O’Mahony and Eamon McLaughlin to make this squad is a testament to their talent and and proud day for the United Youth Academy.

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BUYA 3, Cliftonville 1: It was cup day for the 2003 group and United put on a strong display to progress at the Antrim Forum in the excellent 9 a side format.

The Braid boys had all the pressure in the opening half with opportunities for Bradley McCartney, Ross McCausland and Robbie Gilchrist but the Reds keeper was inspired, with a number of great saves.

Cliftonville were dangerous themselves but Lewis Clewer in goals and centre back Matthew Byrne,son of ex Glenavon and United stalwart Paul, were excellent for United.

Robbie Gilchrist lobbed the Reds keeper for a tidy opener before Cliftonville came back at United with some good pressure leading to an equaliser.

Some strong play by Clough boy Jordan McMullan ended with a great shot which was deflected by the Reds defence for United’s second before driving midfielder Sean McAllister got his deserved goal rifling home from 15 yards.

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BUYA 1, Maiden City 1: The first half was virtually ‘shooting-in’ for Ballymena with shots from Sean McKay, Rhys Hemphill, Cameron Moag, and Logan Campbell all efforts were denied by the keeper who was in very good form.

The Sky Blues continued to press the game and were playing some good football but the conditions were difficult for both sides as the ball skipped away on the slick surface.

The goal came on 29 minutes when after a series of missed attempts and good saves, Thomas McKitterick drilled the ball home after a good corner was whipped in at pace, although the keeper initially saved Thomas reacted quickest and Ballymena took a deserved lead.

Substitutions were made with debutant Kieran O’Boyle putting in a great performance for his first start. Eoin Robinson was also on and immediately added a different dimension to the squad.

Then on 55 minutes Maiden City scored with a looping shot that the keeper could do nothing about. A bitter pill for such dominance but such is football. MOM Eoin Robinson

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Ballymoney 2, Ballymena United 2: Ballymena travelled to Ballnamore to play Ballymoney in the league and came away with a 2-2 draw in a hard fought match.

Ballymena took the lead through an angled shot from Sam Cummings from just inside the box but against the run of play Ballymoney equalised and the home side then took the lead despite Ballymena’s protests for offside.

Ballymena did get the equaliser that their efforts deserved with a shot from outside the box by Luke Calderwood.

Neither team could add to the score line to leave the final score 2-2.