IMPROVED PERFORMANCE SEES 17s TAKE THE WIN IN PREMIER CUP

Carniny got off to good start against a undefeated and well organised Ballyclare side. Patchett, McAllister and McGaughey were causing problems for the away defence with the latter going close twice with headers. Cooke and Murray where working hard in centre midfield which was freeing up Jordan Campbell to make runs forward and from one of his surging runs he unleashed an unstoppable drive into the top corner of Ballyclare net to put Carniny 1 up. Ballyclare responded and came more into the game and Ervine, Ouestlati, Kelly and Brady in the home defence had to be switched on to deal with a number of attacks , Carniny started to get on top again with Campbell unlucky not to have scored his second on couple of occasions, just when it looked like Carniny would see first half out , Ballyclare got their first Corner of match and managed to bundle in the equaliser when Carniny failed to clear .

The second half started with game turning into a midfield battle with McKee on for the injured McAllister testing the away defence with his pace and direct running , as half wore on Carniny freshened things up as some tiredness started to creep in Woodin, Fleming and Kirk came on and Carniny started to get on top again and after winning a free kick out next corner flag , Patchett sent over a great cross and Matthew Kirk arrived at back post to score with a great header from narrow angle to regain lead for Carniny. Shortly after this Woodin found himself in on goal to make game safe for Carniny but Ballyclare’s keeper came out smartly to make a great save. Ben Fry in Carniny’s goals had a fairly quiet night but had to be at his best late on with couple of smart saves as Ballyclare pressed for a point .