Last minute heartache for sprightly Ballymoney

BALLYMONEY United boss Joe McCall admitted it was a case of two points dropped on Saturday as his young side conceded a last gasp goal against Bangor.

McCall told Times Sport: "We deserved to win the game, we were the better team on the day.

"Just a moment of inexperience right at the end cost us but hopefully it will be a learning curve.

"I am disappointed with the result but really impressed with the performance.

"The first goal was horrendous with the officials getting two decisions wrong in my opinion.

"But from then on we really came into it.

"We scored two good goals and were in control but were punished for that moment of inexperience."

Ballymoney got off to the worst of starts when the referee's decision for a goal kick was overruled by the linesman who had flagged for a corner, the subsequent corner kick was fumbled by Martin in the home goal and scrambled over the line by Stirling.

The match settled into a good footballing game with both teams playing an attractive passing game.

The home team pressed for the equaliser and came close on 15 minutes when Gage headed just over from a McLaughlin cross.

Ballymoney continued to dominate the first half but were nearly caught out on a rare break when Hamill broke clear of the home defence but his shot was well saved by Martin.

Ballymoney got of to a slow start in the second half and were once again caught this time Hamill had a better effort saved by Martin.

Ballymoney settled and took control of the game and came close from a long range effort from Gage.

The home team were finally rewarded for their hard work when a great piece of inter passing in midfield between McLaughlin and Paul Keane, the latter putting McLaughlin through to drive low and hard past McKibben in the visitors' goal on the hour.

Ballymoney piled on the pressure and dominated this part of the game and were again rewarded for their endeavours when a brilliant ball down the right found Reid who outran Highland and chipped a perfect cross onto head of Mark Gillan to give the home team a well deserved lead on 75 minutes.

Ballymoney held on as Bangor pressed for an equaliser but with time almost up got caught in possession in a crucial area letting Melly in to cross low across the home goal for a tap in by Skates.

McCall added: "We had a young side against a team full of senior, established players so to come out the better team on the day enthused me."

McCall also paid tribute to his long-serving assistant Sammy McVicker who stepped down last week.

"Everyone at the club is sad to see him go following his sterling work here.

"He is a great football coach but he needed a break from the game and it is a big loss to Ballymoney United."

Related topics: