United record fantastic victory

The result went someway to avenging United’s 5-0 defeat at the hands of DC during the side’s controversial Intermediate Cup game several weeks ago.

Despite falling behind early on Ballymoney continued to battle on against the much-fancied visitors and were rewarded for a fine display with all three points.

“It was an excellent performance,” McCall told Times Sport.

“Since the hammering at DC a few weeks ago the boys have responded really well and taken seven points from nine.

“A win on Saturday was a big ask for us and I believe on the day we deserved it.”

The visitors almost took the lead 15 minutes into the game when McAlister shot first time from a bad clearance by Ryan Martin in the Ballymoney goal.

Fortunately his shot went the wrong side of the post.

The young keeper then produced a fantastic save when he dived full length to push an O’Neill shot over the bar.

McVeigh then put over a great cross but O’Neill and Cregan got in each other’s way and the ball went wide.

Just before the break Donegal Celtic got the goal they deserved. Chris Wilkinson tried to bring the ball out from the back but was caught by O’Neill who took the ball round the advancing keeper before slotting into the empty net.

Half-time 0-1

Ballymoney started the second half well. Gage and Gillan just failing to get on the end of a McLernon free-kick was a sign of things to come.

The Toon then hit the crossbar through Gage who rose unchallenged to head towards goal.

Ballymoney had a scare at the other end when McVeigh found himself in acres of space but somehow the veteran striker put his header wide.

Ballymoney drew level with 20 minutes remaining, Gage picked out Nicholl with a superb cross field ball and the striker fired home a superb shot from the edge of the box.

The winner came with five minutes of normal time remaining.

Gerard Gillan was brought down inside the box and McLaughlin stepped up and made no mistake from the shot.

Full-time 2-1.

McCall commended the efforts of all his players, singling out young goalie Ryan Martin for special praise.

“His attitude in training is excellent and he’s a great shot stopper,” he said.

“I’m very pleased with him.

“Everybody was excellent but as the players said themselves it was for nothing if we can’t get a good result at Ballyclare.

“We want to get as many points on the board as we can and it is another big game.”

*Ballymoney United Youth Academy Under 13 Crossword Competition Winners:

From a very large return, the draw of correct entries was as follows.

25. 1st Prize: Jane Jones, Nuneaton, Works, England.

15. 2nd Prize: Martin Doyle, The Diamond Bar, Ballymoney.

10. 3rd Prize: Marie McMullan, 2 Bellure Heights, Corky, Ballymena.

The organisers of the crossword would like to thank everyone who purchased crossword sheets and took part in the fundraiser for the local kids going to the Easter Tournament in Holland.

The organisers would also like to thank Gerry McAleese who compiled the crossword.