MATCH REPORT

After a disappointing match the previous week Carniny were up for his one against their local rivals.
It took them less than a minute to take the lead with a shot from close range from Mattias Beatty. Ballymena equalised with a penalty 10 minutes later. James Andrews who had a fine game restored Carniny’s lead with a strong run and finish before a second penalty was awarded to Ballymena who duly scored to equalise and leave it all square at half time. The Carniny defence of Odhran Doherty, Daniel McGivern and Kaan Avci didn’t give Ballymena much time on the ball but a long range effort caught Will Neill whose handling was excellent throughout, by surprise to give Ballymena the lead. Eli Redmond battled hard for Carniny but injury meant a change in midfield with James Andrews moving to the centre. This allowed Jayden Allen to play on the right hand side and a couple of his through balls to the hard working Rhys Dunlop almost created the equaliser for Carniny. Charlie Kelly, Zac McNeill and Jamie Stevenson worked incredibly hard high up the pitch to continuously prevent any meaningful Ballymena attacks. The deserved equaliser came from James Andrews bursting through the centre of defence to make the score 3-3. With a draw looking the more likely outcome, a James Andrew carbon copy goal put Carniny in the lead once more. As Ballymena pressed for the equaliser Carniny had chances to extend their lead through Rhys Dunlop and Mattias Beatty but they couldn’t add to the goals scored but held on to claim a hard earned win.

Team; Will Neill, Jamie Stevenson,Zac McNeill, Odhran Doherty, Kaan Avci, Daniel McGivern, Eli Redmond, Jayden Allen, Charlie Kelly, James Andrews, Mattias Beatty, Rhys Dunlop