Irish Cup Final 2022

BALLYMENA UNITED: ROAD TO THE 2022 FINAL

On the way to today’s big game Ballymena United saw off NIFL Premier Intermediate side Portstewart, NIFL Championship teams Loughgall and Newry City plus Larne from the NIFL Premiership.

ROUND TWO On a saturated pitch Ballymena put three past Portstewart at the Showgrounds to reach the quarter-finals. Portstewart showed early promise, however Ballymena took the lead on 17 minutes. Paul McElroy produced a skilful run down the left and delivered a powerful cross into the six-yard box. Ryan Waide, steaming towards goal, managed to get his right foot to it and guided the ball into the net. Ballymena bossed possession for most of the first half, although very few opportunities were created. Three minutes into the second half a long ball from Conor Keeley found its target and roles were reversed as Waide’s looping header across goal was nodded in by McElroy. The second goal strengthened the Sky Blues’ grip on the game. Nine minutes later Place crouched down to meet a cross from Redman and steer the ball across goal into the bottom corner. In worsening weather the game was all but over after 55 minutes. The visitors had a few attempts, while Ballymena battled to find a fourth, however the tie ended 3-0.

First up they welcomed Loughgall to the Showgrounds and, after a scrappy win, progressed to the second round. At home again in round two they took their chances and put three past Portstewart in a match that was hampered by rain and wind, Larne proved to be tough opponents in the quarter-finals at the Showgrounds in Ballymena. They gained a two-goal advantage in the first 15 minutes but Ballymena hit back. It was 3-2 to Larne at half-time, however a brilliant free-kick fromMikey Place in the second half took the game to extra time. Ballymena progressed to the semi finals after a dramatic penalty shootout. David Jeffrey’s charges sneaked past Newry in the last four at Mourneview Park. They won the game with a brilliant free-kick and defensive masterclass after going down to 10 men in the second half. ROUND ONE Christopher Rodgers and AndrewMcGrory were on target as Ballymena navigated a tricky tie against Loughgall. After failing to convert a couple of chances in the opening 26 minutes, Ross Redman’s corner landed perfectly for Rodgers to tap the ball in with his right foot. The rest of the half was a cagey affair with the only threat being Loughgall’s first shot on target, which hardly troubled goalkeeper Sam Johnston. Another Redman corner, this time cleared by the Villagers, rolled to McGrory on the edge of the penalty area and he slammed the ball into the back of the net. Loughgall’s goalkeeper was left motionless and Ballymena were 2-0 up in the 54th minute. The Sky Blues appeared to have scored a third but instead a free-kick was awarded to Loughgall. The visitors then produced some decent attacking play, and had a couple of penalty appeals dismissed, but Ballymena overcame the determined Championship side to progress to the next round.

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