U18s WIN 'BATTLE OF BALLYMENA ' IN SOUTH BELFAST LEAGUE CUP FINAL

Carniny U18 travelled to Bangor to play local rivals Northend United in their South Belfast League Cup final in what had been billed as ‘The battle of Ballymena’.

Northend were firm favourites having finished second in the league but Carniny 18s had been on a good cup run.

It was a hot day for both teams and Northend definitely started the stronger creating several decent chances but Carniny were resolute in defence. They knew that if they could keep the attacks at bay that chances would eventually come their way. Ht 0-0

The Carniny boys created a few decent opportunities but failed to score but it was the same for their opponents who created some golden chances. Eventually Northend opened the scoring on the hour with a looping shot that crept under the bar. But after battling so hard for a clean sheet Carniny were stirred into action and created (and missed) a couple of golden opportunities.
As they piled on the pressure for an equaliser they equalised 4 mins later when a loose ball wasn’t cleared and fell to Matthew in the box, which was swept home to make it 1-1. The final few minutes saw the match end in a draw and the dreaded penalties

Penalties are a horrible way to lose a final but fortunately for Carniny they won the penalty shoot out 5-3.

Carniny would like to wish a speedy recovery to the Northend United Youth Football Club Ballymena player who sustained a nasty injury after colliding with the pitch fencing.

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