Saturday 22
August 3.00pm Kick off at Wilgar Park
Sirocco Works 2 v Ballymoney
United 5
Ballymoney got of to a flyer in this game when straight from the kick off Nicholl found McLaughlin who cut inside two defenders to whip the ball into the corner of the net giving Massey no chance on 39 seconds. Undeterred by this setback Sirocco created a good chance when Henderson shot from the edge of the box but Smyth in the visitor’s goal brought of a great save.
From the kick out McLaughlin controlled and put in Ried with a superb pass on 15 mins, the big striker made no mistake blasting past Massey for the visitors second.
Sirocco piled on the pressure and were rewarded on 20 mins when slack marking in the Ballymoney defence allowed Denver to shoot from 18 yards and a slight deflection took the ball past the diving Smyth to pull one back for the home team.
The game was played at a furious pace with both teams creating chances but it was United who scored when Young went on a mazy run beating 3 defenders with clever footwork and unleashing a ferocious drive from 18 yards to leave Massey no chance.
With half time approaching McLaughlin put in Ried who shot goalward to bring a great save from Massey.
On the counterattack Murray found himself on the edge of the Ballymoney penalty area on the by-line when he was hit by a clumsy Denver Gage tackle resulting in a penalty for the home team.
Watson stepped up and hit the spot kick into the roof of the net giving Smyth no chance.
The second half started with both teams content to clear their lines resulting in very little football being played for the first 15minutes of the half.
Ballymoney eventually settled into their familiar pattern and took control and were nearly rewarded with a goal when a Hill long throw caught out the home defence and was headed narrowly wide by Nicholl on the hour.
Ballymoney went on to cruise control, took control of the game and started creating more chances and on 70 mins Gillen fought for control of the ball and laid a great ball back to Nicholl who blasted over the bar.
A great pass by McQuitty on 72 mins found Young who went on another one of his runs into the penalty box and curled a superb shot into the back corner of Massey’s net.
At this stage of the game it was all Ballymoney attacks and after rounding the keeper Nicholl hesitated before shooting goalwards only to see his effort cleared of the line by Traynor.
After being hauled down by Traynor, Nicholl hit a great free kick but it was well saved by Massey the busiest player on the pitch at this stage.
On 80 mins Hill burst through the home defence and cracked a brilliant shot goalwards and again Massey pulled of a great save. Ballymoney were now attacking in waves and Nicholl could only watch as he broke clear down the left to send in a low cross but no one could get on the end of it.
On the next attack again it was Nicholl causing the home defence all sorts of problems and despite close attention from McGlade managed to evade the defender and cross low for McKenna to blast over from close range.
Sirocco were pinned back in their own half for this period and on 85 mins McQuitty broke down the right and crossed to Gillen who controlled and laid back to Young on his hat trick to shoot but his effort was well saved by Massey.
With time running out McKenna broke clear of the Sirocco defence and unselfishly squared to Nicholl who was given the easiest of tap ins for Ballymoneys 5th goal.
Match photos online
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YELLOW CARDS 
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