Ballymoney knock the stars out of Oxford!

The early stages of the at the Showgrounds were pretty event, it took until the 15th minute for the first action and it was Coyle in the Ballymoney goal who was called upon, after Cusack unleased a shot at the target.

Oxford had the better of the play in the early stages, playing some good football, but it was Ballymoney who created a good chance on 27 minutes when Lyons and Stewart combined to feed Mark Gillan whose through ball was not anticipated and the chance went begging.

Lyons again broke down the right on the half hour, he rounded Murphy in the visitor’s goal to square the ball into the danger area but unfortunately he had no support.

Ballymoney eventually took the lead on 39 minutes when McLaughlin attacked the Oxford right flank and crossed to Gerald Gillan. He was tackled by three, but as the ball bobbled upwards Gillan patiently waited for the ball to descend and then volleyed into the roof of the visitor’s goal past a hapless Murphy.

Ballymoney had a good period of pressure and again came close with half time approaching, when McLaughlin broke down the left.

He found Stewart who shot wide of Murphy and unfortunately for the striker just wide of the goal.

Ballymoney started the second half in a very positive manner. From a trademark McLaughlin corner, Gerald Gillan fired a shot into a crowded penalty area which eventually found the net to put the home side 2-0 in front.

Ballymoney continued to control the game, and a great defensive clearance by Craig found Mark Gillan who skipped round Todd and squared back to Gerald Gillan who blasted over on 62 minutess. Ballymoney dominated this period of the game and added a third goal in the 90th minute when Coyles broke down the right from the full back position and crossed to the back post for McLaughlin to volley into the roof of the net.

Ballymoney entertain Trojans this Saturday at the Showground’s 2pm kick off.

*Don’t forget it’s the Marquee weekend this weeked.

There’s a free Family Fun Day this Friday 27th May 4pm – 8pm, Saturday 28th May White Collar Boxing 7 pm, Sunday 29th May Dine and Dance with Ritchie Remo and Crawford Bell from 6pm.