Borbury suffer tough second home defeat against Ballymoney

Borbury FC 1

Ballymoney United Reserves 2                  

Borbury’s second game of the opening phase of the Championship saw the Boys take on a well-drilled Ballymoney United side at Maghera.  The setting was perfect for what proved to be a tough competitive game in which the Borbury side will have learned a lot despite the narrow loss in a game where they should have taken a 2-0 lead going into the half-time interim.

It was the Ballymoney team featuring many Youth Development players who initially settled into the game the quicker, comfortably and concisely moving the ball to edge the possession stats in the first twenty minutes.  An injury blow to Borbury forward Ronan Lynn saw the early introduction of the returning Finn Diamond on 23 minutes and a reshuffle for the home side.  Diamond’s entrance was both a welcome sight and indeed a historic moment for Borbury, marking the first time the Club fielded three brothers in a competitive game with younger brothers Ben and Joe Diamond having started the game.  

It was no coincidence then that home side started to gain a foothold on the game and started creating chances.   On 32 minutes, a brilliant bit of individual skill from Ben Diamond found the run of Euan McBride who clinically rounded Ballymoney’s Thomas McNabb in Goalkeeper and after a couple of body swerves as additional defenders got back saw McBride slot the ball home for 1-0 to the Boys.  From that moment on it was Borbury playing with their tails up and creating chances with Ballymoney happy to concede resultant corners. 

On 38 minutes, with McBride now terrorising the backline he brilliantly found Logan Farrelly with a pinpoint pass that saw Farrelly one on one with McNabb with either corner of the goal open.  Just when it looked like that second goal was coming, McNabb stayed upright and superbly blocked the shot as the striker tried placing it through the Keeper’s legs much to the dismay of the Borbury faithful and the normally clinical Farrelly.  Somewhat fortuitously, the scoreline stayed 1-0 at the half.

Much to the Manager’s frustration, Borbury started the second half contrary to what was needed in terms of good decision making and controlling the game.  From the kick-off, Borbury punted long and were immediately on the back foot as the subsequent long ball from the Ballymoney centre back teasingly eluded his Borbury counterpart to put Ballymoney’s Conor Waddell through on goal who made no mistake in punishing Borbury by putting the ball through Goalkeeper Jack Conway’s legs for 1-1.

Having created their own problems with some uncharacteristic errors, Borbury had a difficult twenty minutes with the visitors showing more composure and patience in their build up.  Borbury in contrast, tried to force it from the backline with long balls and struggled to get McBride on the ball.  With the heat rising, Borbury introduced Joe Heron for midfielder Aaron Murray to try regain some passing poise and impetus.   With Heron providing some fresh ideas and energy, the game entered a phase where both teams were controlled in possession albeit in their own half, without creating any meaningful opportunities. 

Just as Borbury began to bare their teeth with a determined Farrelly running the wing and attacking with menace, a turnover in midfield saw created an opening for Ballymoney to exploit and veteran Gareth McLaughlin duly obliged by slotting home into the bottom corner for 2-1 with 77 minutes played.

Faced with adversity, Borbury introduced Victor Mura and continued to press for an equaliser resulting in the Ballymoney side being pushed back and a flurry of yellow cards in the last ten minutes.  With time ebbing away, the home side pushed on and won a corner in the dying ambers of the game.  Up stepped set-piece specialist Joe Heron who put in a ball that created fear and uncertainty in the Ballymoney ranks as they struggled to clear, a clearance that once again fell to Heron’s feet.  With a deft movement of his left foot, Heron put in a cultured ball that found his brother Jack Heron free but alas the older Heron’s header went agonising over and the game ended with a tough defeat for the home side. 

Borbury wish Ballymoney United Reserves all the best for the rest of the season.  Next up for Borbury is FonaCab Craig Stanfield Junior Cup action as they welcome Tandragee Rovers Reserves to Meadowbank on Saturday 7th September.

Thanks to the Borbury supporters who turned out to cheer on the Boys and to sponsors Promould Limited and LJs Tavern.  A special thanks again goes to match day ball sponsorship from JME Joinery – specialist joinery covering all NI.