Ballymena United v Crusaders

BALLYMENA UNITED: ROAD TO THE 2023 FINAL

Words Nigel Tilson

Ballymena United saw off NIFL Premiership side Carrick Rangers, NIFL Championship sides Newington and Ballyclare Comrades plus recently crowned NIFL Premiership champions Larne on the way to today’s showpiece game.

First up, in round five, was a trip to Taylor’s Avenue where they needed penalties to edge past Carrick Rangers. Their next outing was a tad more comfortable as they defeated Newington at the Ballymena Showgrounds by four goals to nil. Another tricky tie followed in the quarter-finals when they made the short journey to Ballyclare. They needed extra time to see off the Comrades as they ran out 3-1 winners. Then came a game in the last four which very few thought they could win, however they overcame high flying neighbours Larne with a dogged display, deservedly progressing on a 2-0 scoreline.

Ballymena struggled in the first half. With the wind at their backs, the home side piled forward. Kyle Cherry missed a sitter for Carrick and O’Neill produced great saves to keep out a couple of efforts from Ben Tilney. Ballymena’s Joshua Kelly glanced a header into Ross Glendinning’s arms before O’Neill produced another fine stop to keep Alex Gawne’s shot out. Carrick had a couple of chances after the interval through Tilney and Gawne before they opened the scoring on 69 minutes via a close range finish from Lloyd Anderson. Ten minutes later Ballymena drew level. Kelly’s long throw-in was met by Conor Keeley and his hooked volley from seven yards hit the back of the net. In extra time Ballymena substitute Ryan Waide curled a shot inches past the post and Daniel Kelly hit the crossbar for the hosts. And so it was on to penalties. Mikey Place, Ross Redman and Paul McElroy all scored their spot kicks in the shootout, while Carrick’s Mark Surgenor skied his penalty, ex-Sky Blue Jim Ervin struck the bar and O’Neill saved Reece A double from striker Ryan Waide helped the Braidmen ease past Championship side Newington YC to book their place in the last eight. Steven McCullough rattled the bar with a well struck free-kick for Ballymena before Douglas Wilson thwarted an effort from Newington’s Gary Warwick. David McDaid wasted a good opportunity for David Jeffrey’s side before Wilson broke the deadlock with a powerful header. Ross Redman provided the assist. Three minutes later, in the 42nd minute, Redman got on the scoresheet. Waide was hauled down by Paul Donnelly inside the penalty area and Redman stepped up to stroke home the resulting spot kick. Glendinning’s effort. SIXTH ROUND Ballymena United 4 Newington YC 1

FIFTH ROUND Carrick Rangers 1 Ballymena United 1 (0-3 pens)

Goalkeeper Sean O'Neill was the hero as Ballymena edged out Carrick on penalties to advance to the sixth round. The sides were level at 1-1 at Taylor's Avenue after extra time, so a penalty shootout was required. O’Neill pulled off a series of fine saves during the match at the Loughshore Leisure Arena – plus another in the shootout.

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