Portstewart come out on top in North Coast league encounter

Everything was pretty even in the first 10 minutes with both teams having opportunities.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Nov 2014, 16:31 BST
NO MOORE. Ballymoney Utd keeper, Brian Moore stops this shot from entering the net during his side's 2-1 home defeat to Portstewart on Saturday.INBM48-14 042SC.NO MOORE. Ballymoney Utd keeper, Brian Moore stops this shot from entering the net during his side's 2-1 home defeat to Portstewart on Saturday.INBM48-14 042SC.
NO MOORE. Ballymoney Utd keeper, Brian Moore stops this shot from entering the net during his side's 2-1 home defeat to Portstewart on Saturday.INBM48-14 042SC.

However, it was Portstewart who broke the deadlock when a poor clearance from the Ballymoney defence fell straight to Donnell who rifled his shot first time off the post giving Moore in the home goal no chance.

Portstewart came close again on 16 minutes when a corner to the front post was dummied giving Stewart a close range effort which was well saved by Moore in the home goal.

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The game then developed into a pattern of attack and counter attack with neither team having an obvious advantage although playing some good possession football. A free kick by McAfee for the home team on 43 minutes was well saved by Madison.

CROSSED LEGS. Action from Ballymoney Utd v Portstewart on Saturday at the Riada Stadium. The seasiders won by the odd goal in three.INBM48-14 043SC.CROSSED LEGS. Action from Ballymoney Utd v Portstewart on Saturday at the Riada Stadium. The seasiders won by the odd goal in three.INBM48-14 043SC.
CROSSED LEGS. Action from Ballymoney Utd v Portstewart on Saturday at the Riada Stadium. The seasiders won by the odd goal in three.INBM48-14 043SC.

Ballymoney got off to the perfect start in the second half when a sustained attack down the left saw the ball delivered into the visitors box for McClelland to blast past Madison on 48 minutes to equalise.

Both teams continued to play good football with Portstewart maybe just having the edge. A great save by Moore in the home goal on 66 minutes after a Peden free kick kept the home team in the game.

Ballymoney conceded a free kick on 78 minutes for an alleged hand ball outside the box; the free was consequently curved into the top corner by Peden to put the visitors back in front.

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With time running out Ballymoney continued to attack but couldn’t find that elusive goal. The game was abandoned and an ambulance called on 90 minutes when Bradley fell heavily on his head after a challenge

Ballymoney United: Moore, Brown, Dempsey, McClelland, Dooey, Hanna, Dickson, McAfee, Craig, McLernon, Boyle. Subs: Wallace, King, Connor, Gault.

Anyone with information on John Charles playing football in the Cricket Park Ballymoney would be very much appreciated as we have the famous photo of him tying his lace, autographed and with a certificate of authenticity.

Ballymoney United lottery numbers: 2 11 14 no winners £150 next week.

Table Quiz in Ballymoney United Social Club on Friday 28th November at 8 o Clock Proceeds in aid of Autism N.I.

On Saturday 29th November Ballymoney United travel to Newington YC 3 o’c lock kick off.