Elder suffers broken arm as Ballybogey lose in shield

Ballybogey were knocked out of the County Antrim Shield on Saturday, going down 3-2 to Abbey view.

‘Bogey - who travelled with no less than seven regular players missing due to illness, holidays, work, and family commitments - still gave a good account of themselves and manager Billy Hickinson can’t understand how the lads on the pitch lost this game.

It was a great game of football, a typical cup game, but when ‘Bogey lost Johnny Nicholl to a hamstring injury and then Tommy Elder to a broken arm in four places, it gave Abbeyview a distinct advantage.

Ballybogey’s goalscorers were Johnny Nicholl and Robert Beckett, and with the game looking like extra time Abbeyview scored the winner with the last kick of the game.

Hickinson praised the lads on the pitch for their commitment in a great game, but with the loss of Nicholl and Elder two very influential players for Ballybogey this was the final nail in the coffin.

This was a weekend Ballybogey will want to forget and get on with the rest of the season.

Ballybogey wish Abbeyview all the best in the next round.

It is back to local football this week when Ballybogey tackle Portrush Reserves in the Shield.

Hilly will hope to have a few more players available as the club are trying to get a couple more in to strengthen the squad. All at the club would like to wish Tommy Elder well for a speedy recovery after his terrible injury.