Cup journey ends after entertaining semi-final

Ballinamallard Utd 0 Glentoran 2

BALLINAMALLARD United U14s faced an excellent Glentoran side under the lights, at Dungannon Youth Sport, in the NIBFA Cup last Friday evening.

Tough conditions

In wet and windy conditions it was the young Mallards that settled from the start, creating a number of early opportunities.

Nathan Coyle delivered a number of dangerous set-pieces. An excellent Shay Gallagher effort flashed past the post.

However, it was to be Glentoran who took the lead. A deflected corner looping into the net.

This setback did not unduly unsettle the early Ballinamallard rhythm who had a Kimi Thomson free-kick from the edge of the penalty area saved by the Glentoran keeper.

Second goal

Glentoran grew in confidence and a superb end-to-end flowing move resulted in a shot from distance.

Lukas Gau saved down low however Murray was on hand to finish from close range.

The midfield trio of Luca Hall, Kimi Thompson and Captain Nicky Milligan redoubled efforts and fashioned a number of chances for Ben Cathcart and Kacper Ferens but the goals did not come.

Man of the Match, Cathair Maguire was tireless on the right hand side, getting forward at every opportunity and creating headaches for the Glentoran backline.

Into the second half the young Ballinamallard side continued to press with Hall and Ferens going close.

Rowan Whitford and Daniel Hoy gave fresh energy from the bench. Sean Donnelly and Edward Murphy excelled in defence.

Despite tremendous efforts to get on the scoresheet the game finished 2-0.

A number of last minute injuries and illness tested the strength in squad depth of the young Ballinamallard squad

However, the team showed great resilience and attitude, giving everything despite the setbacks.