United cane students

Ballymoney United 5 v 0

Queens University

BALLYMONEY United settled quickly into their pattern and were in the lead after five minutes when Winaston in the visitors’ goal fumbled a front post corner from Trevor McLernon into the net.

Ballymoney dominated and were rewarded soon afterwards when a trade mark long throw from Hill was headed goalward by Denver Gage and helped in the goal by McCloskey for his first Ballymoney goal.

The home team were spreading play all over the pitch feeding Mark Gillan who worked tirelessly trying to break down a very resolute Queens’s defence.

However it was Gerald Gillan who provided a great chance when he hit a pinpoint crossfield pass to McQuitty who chested, controlled and volleyed from 18 yards just over.

The game died for a spell before half time the only highlight being a Denver Gage shot just wide with Winaston well beaten.

Half time: Ballymoney United 2 v 0 Queens University

The visitors came out in the second half intent on stopping the possession football of the home team and brought a lot of unnecessary niggle into the game with a lot of late tackles and petty fouls.

Unfortunately Richie got sent off on the hour for retaliation right in front of the referee when he was clobbered by Magee.

Ballymoney down to 10 men went on the back foot for a period in what had turned out to be a scrappy affair.

Queens had a great chance to get back on terms when Briggs got in behind the home defence rounded the advancing Martin and decided to shoot across goal and wide when he had the open goal at his mercy, taxi for Briggs.

Ballymoney were living dangerously but managed to settle things down and regain control of the game.

The game to life with 10 minutes to go when Winaston under no pressure decided to juggle with a back pass eventually losing control and half hit a poor clearance directly to McCloskey who controlled and chipped the retreating keeper for his second goal and Ballymoney’s third.

This seemed to inspire McCloskey when a few minutes later he went on a run down the left cut inside Prenter and was unceremoniously chopped down for a penalty which McLaughlin pinned in the keeper’s bottom left to make it 4 - 0.

Ballymoney saw out the last few minutes camped in the visitors half and were rewarded with a fifth goal when Hill rose above the Queen’s defence to head home a McLernon corner.

Final Score Ballymoney United 5 v 0 Queens University

Ballymoney United: Martin. Richie. Wilkinson. Denver Gage. Hill. McQuitty. Mark Gillan. Gerard Gillan. McCloskey. McLernon. McLaughlin.

Subs: O’Kane. Maybin. McKenna.

Ballymoney United are at home this Saturday v Wakehurst in the 4th Round of the WKD Intermediate Cup at the Riada Stadium 1.30pm kick off.

Manager Joe McCall said: “Apart from the sending off I was very pleased.

“The boys were very tired after the Institute gamesbut they did well.

“I think 5-0 flattered us slightly to be honest.

“We were in control for most of the game but maybe 5-0 is harsh on them.”

McCall admits he is relishing going up against his former club Wakehurst where he played and managed for over a decade.

“They will come down and give us a game,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to it and it should be a good match.”

Manchester United Supporters Club Ballymoney Branch are holding a Night at the Races in Ballymoney United Social Club on Friday night the 30th January. First race 8.30pm.

Action pics from Ballymoney Unitred v Queen’s University at www.ballymoneytoday.co.uk