YOUTH CUP FIRST ROUND

BALLYCLARE HIGH 7 V 2 SHIMNA INTEGRATED COLL.

The Ballyclare boys seemed to have this wrapped up in the first 20 minutes, when they raced into a four goal lead. The visitors from Newcastle started brightly and exerted some pressure on the home goal, but were unable to get any shots on target. In one of Ballyclare’s first attacks McClurg broke down the right side of the box and his cross was met by strike partner Robert Smith, although the keeper got his hand to he was unable to prevent it rolling into the net. Smith doubled his tally within 2 minutes when a Gardiner cross came off his knee at the back post. The Shimna defence was now in complete disarray and left their keeper exposed as Smith completed his hat-trick and Couser strolled through to give Ballyclare their fourth.
As often happens, the Ballyclare boys relaxed and allowed Shimna back into the game, firstly poor marking in the centre of defence, and then an unfortunate own goal, when McAllister completely missed a back pass from Dodds. Thankfully they recovered before half-time, when a wonderful strike by Grant Gardiner from 30yds flew into the top corner giving the keeper no chance.
The second half was a much quieter affair, with the Ballyclare defence on top throughout. Johnny McClurg scored twice and should have scored more, with the Shimna defence regularly caught square. There were good performances in all areas of the team, but Gary Dodds was outstanding throughout the game.
The boys are now looking forward to another home game in the second round against a team from the ‘Maiden City’.

Team : C McAllister, J Curran, S McAllister, G Dodds, S Gibson, P Robinson, G Couser, G Gardiner, N Whitten, J McClurg, R Smith. Subs: A Erskine, D McArthur, R Clarke