United leave WKD Cup opponents in their Wake

WKD Intermediate Cup 4th Round

Ballymoney United 2 v 1 Wakehurst

BALLYMONEY United progressed to the quarter finals of the WKD Intermediate Cup at the expense of Wakehurst at the Riada Stadium on Saturday.

Ballymoney started in lively fashion and caused the visitors a lot of problems with their quick possession football. A combination of McLaughlin Nicholl and McQuitty found Gerard Gillan in a great position to bring a good save out of Wilson.

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The home team continued to bombard the Wakehurst defence and a pinpoint cross from McLaughlin on 10 minutes was met on the volley by Nicholl to bring another great save from Wilson. Ballymoney kept up their sustained pressure and were rewarded on the half hour when a great move down the left saw Nicholl cross to the back post for McCloskey to head with power past Wilson for Ballymoney’s opener.

Ballymoney were well in control at this stage and again Wilson came to Wakehursts rescue with a brilliant save from Nicholl.

As half time approached and Ballymoney still in control a poor defensive pass went straight to Mellon who homed in on goal and decided to shoot wide instead of a square pass which would surely have provided a Wakehurst equaliser.

Half time Ballymoney United 1 Wakehurst 0

Wakehurst came out with all guns blazing in the second half and as Ballymoney struggled to regain their dominance, former United player Burnside got round the back of the home defence to square back to McIlroy who made no mistake shooting past Martin in the home goal for the equaliser.

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It was all Wakehurst now as Ballymoney tried to find their first half form.

Ballymoney had a positive shout for a penalty turned down by referee Dunlop when Maybin was unceremoniously hauled down inside the box by Gibson.

As the home team upped the tempo the game became a scrappy affair with a lot of poor passing and giving away possession.

However on the hour a Hill long throw was headed down by Denver Gage to McLernon who drove the ball past Wilson to give the home team the lead. This seemed to settle Ballymoney and they got back into their stride pushing Wakehurst back on the offensive.

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With time running out a through ball from Crawford found Burnside with the Ballymoney defence looking for offside Burnside let fly with a great drive well saved Martin, the young keeper had to make another two great saves as the home defence struggled to clear the danger. Eventually the lines were cleared to McKenna who slotted an inch perfect pass into the path of McLaughlin who homed in on goal and shot across the goal wide of Wilson and unfortunately wide of the goal.

Final Score Ballymoney United 2 Wakehurst 1

Ballymoney United: Martin. McQuitty. Wilkinson. Denver Gage. Hill. Gerard Gillan. McLaughlin. Maybin. McCloskey. McLernon. Nicholl. Subs: OgBoyle. McKenna. Mark Gillan.

Ballymoney United play the Northern Ireland Junior International team on Tuesday 2 February at the Riada Stadium 7.45pm kick off.

Ballymoney United then play Limavady United in the Championship Saturday 6 February 3.00 pm. Kick off.

This week’s Lotto numbers were 3 – 6 – 9. Jackpot now at 850