SML: Ballykeel clinch return to top flight after play-off success

Some 22 points had separated the sides in the league table but in the Leighinmohr House Hotel sponsored Allen Cup final, it was a close run affair with Ballykeel keeper having to pull off a second half save from a penalty kick to stop Thistle equalising.

Both teams defences were on top in the first half with Derek Reid and Jason McFadden cutting out any danger from Ballykeel while at the other end Barry McDowell and Steven Mark made sure Afetr a scoreless stalemate in the first half, Chris Djordani hit the bar as Ballykeel came closest to scoring.

The opening goal came with 18 minutes gone and it fell to Jordan Kenny who took advantage of a slip up in the Thistle defence to hammer the ball home.

Thistle had a great chance to level the match 12 minutes from time when they were awarded a penalty kick for a foul on Richard Reid. Denver Campbell took the spot kick but Ballykeel keeper Steven Watson saved the penalty with a good save to his left.

This seemed to knock the heart out of Thistle and five minutes later Chris Djordani made it two nil to Ballykeel and the Cup and promotion to Division One for Ballykeel was achieved after a year’s absence.

After the final whistle David King Chairman of the BSML handed over the Allaqn Cup on behalf of sponsors Leighinmohr House Hotel to Ballykeel Captain Daniel Boyd and this started the celebrations for Ballykeel.

Ballykeel: Steven Watson, John Boyd, Barry McDowell, Steven Mark, Mark Turton, Jason Martin, Daniel Boyd, Stevie McKay, Barry Bonnes, Chris Djordani, Jordan Kenny. Subs: Dean Graham, Peter Moore, Corey Godfrey and Kyle Balmer.

Cloughmills Thistle: Richard Aitcheson, Barry Mott, Denver Campbell, Derek Reid, Jason McFadden, Evan Forsythe, Christopher Blaney, Gregory Patton, Richard Reid, Christopher McDonald, Aidrian McDonald. Subs: Paul Worthinton, Christopher Henderson, Ricky Kerr, Trevor Greer and Malcolm McDonald.

Referee: Sandy McCluskey. Assistant Referees: Gary Crawford and Finlay Sloan.

RAINEY CUP SEMI-FINAL

All Saints OB 1, Harryville Homers 2: Two goals inside five minutes in the second half saw Holders Homers come from behind to see off Saints and move one step closer to completing a domestic treble.

Saints got off to the perfect start when they took the lead on three minutes.

Michael McCarry won the ball in his own defence and played the ball to Alan Telford who got turned and slip in Aaron Wilkinson who beat the offside trap before coolly rolling the ball under Ryan Martin the Homers goal.

The second half opened more evenly with Saints having a glorious chance to make it 2-0 on 55 minutes when Aaron Wilkinson slipped in Liam Cassley but Ryan Martin did well to save his first time shot.

Three minutes later Homers drew level when a mix up in the Saints defence presented Jason Magill with an open net and he made no mistake to draw his side level.

Five minutes later Homers had turned the game around totally when they took the lead. Alan Rainey picked the ball up on the right and came inside before curling his shot into the bottom corner of the net from 20 yards out.

Saints pushed hard to get an equaliser and with minutes to go Liam Cassley found himself unmarked from a Ryan Brady free kick but he headed over and with it went Saints chances of getting back into the game.

The Rainey Cup Final is due to be played on Thursday night with a 7pm KO at Michelin and was between the two big Harryville Rivals Carniny Rangers and Holders Harryville Homers.

Unfortunately Carniny Rangers have informed the BSML that they will not be taking their place in the Final which means it is extremely likely that the Final on Thursday will not take place.

The BSML Council was due to meet last night (Monday) to decide what action is appropriate.

ARKMEDIA DIVISION ONE

Carniny Rangers 1, All Saints OB 3: Saints kept up their recent run of form with this hard fought victory over Carniny which keeps them in with a chance of finishing runners up.

The game was only five minutes old when Saints were awarded a penalty after Gavin Burnside was fouled in the box and a penalty awarded. Burnside stepped up and sent Alex McCosh the wrong way to give his side the lead.

Saints doubled their lead midway through the half when Paul Gilchrist pounced on a loose ball to slip in Aaron Wilkinson who dummied the Carniny defender before smashing the ball into the bottom corner. Carniny reduced the deficit 10 minutes before the break when Chris Dowie beat the offside trap and unselfishly squared the ball to Rico Wylie to fire into the open net.

Saints started the second half well and again were unlucky not to make it 3-1 when a superb volley from Gavin Burnside from 30 yards out hit the post and went wide.

Philip Lynn also smashed an effort against the Carniny bar before Saints did regain their two goal lead with 20 minutes to go. Ryan Brady played a clever free kick to Alan Telford in the inside left channel and he crossed for Ciaran Lemon to poke the ball home from close range to score his first goal since his return to Saints.

OTHER RESULTS

ArkMedia Division One: Clough Rangers 0, Harryville Homers 1.

FIXTURES

Tuesday, May 28 - ArkMedia Division One: All Saints OB v Harryville Homers (Showgrounds 4).

Thursday, May 30 – Rainey Cup final (7pm): Carniny Rangers v Harryville Homers (Michelin).