SBYFL Division One
Saintfield Utd U-17s 4 Ballymena United U-17s 1
AFTER last weekend’s cup postponement, Saintfield U-17s faced Ballymena U-17s in their seventh league fixture of the season.
Ballymena took control early on, creating several strong chances, the most significant arising from a quick corner that caught Saintfield off-guard.
A Ballymena player, unmarked in the six-yard box, directed the ball into the corner of the net, putting them ahead 1-0.
Ballymena appeared to have secured possession at the back, with their goalkeeper attempting to play out. However, Saintfield’s high press from Noah, Jamie, and Harry effectively disrupted their options.
Ross seized the opportunity, closing down the angle on the keeper. Reading the pass perfectly, Ross intercepted it, took it round the keeper, and calmly slotted the ball into the corner, past a retreating Ballymena defender, and levelling the score at 1-1.
A severe collision between the Ballymena keeper and Noah H unfortunately brought Noah’s game to an early end. He was replaced by Jonah, who was making a comeback from injury.
Saintfield found success with incisive through balls from Harry, Jamie, Calum, and Adam, but the Ballymena keeper did well to come off his line and smother any threats.
Ballymena, on the other hand, found space in pockets of the field, nearly regaining the lead. Camden, however, had other plans, blocking a shot from a Ballymena attacker with his trailing leg.
Rian contributed significantly by turning defence into attack, not only handling the danger but also carrying the ball 20 to 30 yards against the Ballymena midfield and defence, creating space for his teammates.
Finding space proved crucial as both teams benefitted from exploiting it.
Saintfield turned the first half around and took the lead when a seemingly innocuous pass down the right reached Jonah.
Despite the tight angle, Jonah struck a shot toward the near post, catching the Ballymena keeper by surprise, who could only parry the ball into the net.
Saintfield entered halftime jubilant with a 2-1 lead.
In the full report read how the team managed to control the second half.
