Saturday 4
October 2.30pm Kick off at Lakeview Park
Loughgall
5 v Ballymoney United 0
At a wet and windy Lakeview Park Ballymoney got of to a good start when a Nicholl free kick tested Robinson in the home goal.
Both teams played attractive football and Loughgall came close on 10 minutes when a speculative long ball found Burrows who committed Smyth in the visitor’s goal but shot just wide.
A great pass by Nicholl found Surgenor who closed in on goal only to be robbed by Hyndes in the home defence.
Both teams continued to play good end to end football and again Burrows got clear of the Ballymoney defence and unleashed a great shot bringing a superb save from Smyth.
Loughgall had the better of the play at this stage and a lively Burrows was causing Ballymoney all sorts of problems and shot just over on 35 minutes with Smyth well beaten.
The visitors maintained their discipline and created a chance for Surgenor who uncharacteristically shot wide.
Just before half time Hawthorne let fly with a great shot but Smyth once again came to the visitors rescue with a great save. With Loughgall well in control during this period it was Adair’s turn to test Smyth and again the big keeper was up to it bringing off another good save.
With half time looming the home team mounted another attack this time Burrows rounded Smyth but could only look in dismay as Gordon chested of the line amid shouts for a penalty.
This action brought the first half to an end 0 – 0. Loughgall got of to a perfect start catching The Ballymoney defence cold with a front post header by Smith from a free kick on 46 minutes.
From that moment Ballymoney lost their shape and were caught again on 50 minutes when a long clearance from Robinson in the home goal found Smith unmarked to control and give Smyth in the Ballymoney goal no chance with a low drive into the corner.
The visitors renowned for their defensive record were in disarray and but for crucial saves from Smyth in a 10 minute period the visitors would have gone further behind.
However on the 70th minute Burrows who had been a thorn in the side of Ballymoney for most of game took advantage of a defensive error to shoot past Smyth only to see his shot hit the post and rebound into the path of the advancing Baron to notch Loughgalls third goal.
Ballymoney by this stage were praying for the final whistle but the home team were having none of it Hawthorne crossed after a great run for Baron to head his second and the home teams fourth.
Burrows got in one on one with Smyth on 80 minutes but couldn’t score great save Smyth.
Smyth was the busiest player on the pitch as Loughgall mounted attack after attack but the visitors held on bravely but conceded a fifth goal when Hawthorne crossed from the right after another great run and found Burrows who scored with a well deserved header.
But for a great save from Smyth and a goal line clearance from Tully Ballymoney could have went further behind in the last minute, the visitors were glad to hear the final whistle on what would have to be described as a bad day at the office.
2
YELLOW CARDS 
RED CARDS 
GOALS
SCORED
