Ballymac dump holders Trojans out of 'Burkey Cup'
The next game in the competition sees Phoenix Athletic take on Northcoast United on Saturday
Trojans 1 ... Ballymac Celtic 1 (Ballymac win 5-4 on pens)
Holders Trojans exited the 'Burkey Cup' at the first hurdle following a tight encounter against a Ballymac side who had strengthened for this competition.
The first half was a tentative affair with neither side creating too many clear-cut opportunities. However, midway through the half, Ballymac took the lead. Good work by Thomas McBride created an opening for Kyle Friel, who stepped inside the challenge of Trojans Shea Fraser and planted the ball beyond the reach of keeper, Taylor Clarke.
The second half saw Trojans dominate possession. Davey O'Brien and Cathal Connolly were dictating the play and creating chances. Gearoid McDermott brought the best out of Marty Gallagher in the Ballymac goal. As Trojans continued to press, Cathal Connolly should have done better when well placed at the far post following good work by O'Brien. Ballymac, were dangerous on the break and almost doubled their advantage when Kyle Friel saw his goal bound effort turned away by Taylor Clarke.
With fifteen minutes remaining, Ballymac were reduced to 10 men when Brian Rainey saw red for a late challenge on Jake Morrow. Trojans continued to push forward, and with ten minutes remaining, they drew level from the penalty spot. Gearoid McDermott broke free on the edge of the box, but his shot was superbly blocked by Gallagher.
However, the ball broke to TJ Begley, who was fouled by Seamus Sharkey as he was about to shoot. Jake Morrow duly dispatched the spot kick to bring the sides level. The remaining ten minutes saw Trojans press for a winner, but Ballymac held on to take the game to penalties. Ballymac scored all five of theirs before the unfortunate Shea Fazer of Trojans fired his over the bar to decide the contest in Ballymac's favour.
The next game in the competition is on Saturday, when Phoenix Athletic take on Northcoast United. Phoenix are well established in the junior football ranks of the city and will boast a good combination of youth and experience.
Northcoast are a bit of an unknown quantity, but with their players being drawn from the Coleraine, Portstewart, Portrush area, it's expected they will have a strong squad to pick from. The game has a 2.00pm ko at Oakland Park.