McClelland fires Ballyclare Comrades into fourth round
Thursday, 12 January 2012
Scott Irvine and Ricky Moore link up vs Dundela SE0205
Dundela 1, Ballyclare Comrades 2: BALLCLARE Comrades started 2012 as they had ended 2011, on winning form, with a hard fought victory over Dundela at Wilgar Park in the third round of the Intermediate Cup.
Manager Eddie Hill had been busy since the transfer window opened and five players had been brought in, all having previously been at the club before. One of the signings, veteran midfielder Stuart Galbraith, went straight into the side, replacing Lee Rushe in midfield. Paddy Flood, returning from a loan spell at Holywood, came into nets for Ross Glendinning, who had himself returned to parent club Linfield at the start of the year. Striker Ricky Higgins was absent with an injury picked up in training, so Stephen McDowell started. Three of the manager's other new signings; Aaron Montgomery, Simon McGowan and Ricky Moore took up places on bench.
Memories were fresh of the thrilling 5-4 win for Comrades in a league match at Wilgar Park early in December, and the fans, although not treated to as many goals in this match, still has an entertaining afternoon.
Comrades, playing down the sloping pitch, but against the wind, in the first half started brightly. In the sixth minute Mark McClelland sprinted on to a through ball and got in front of a couple of defenders before shooting over the bar from 16 yards.
Two minutes later a great chance fell the way of the visitors, when a corner played in from the right by Scott Irvine fell to Stephen McDowell almost on the goal-line, having eluded the home keeper. However, the ball dropped rather quickly to the striker and he couldn't adjust his feet to turn it over the line.
On 10 minutes Dundela threatened for the first time when a long throw was flicked on to Irwin, six yards out, who instinctively stuck out a foot and diverted the ball towards goal, only to be thwarted by a fine reaction save from Paddy Flood.
The first goal of the game came Comrades' way in the 15th minute and it was a beauty. Scott Irvine threw a ball across the box from the right and it went to the far post area, where it was met by a super first-time volley from Andrew Simms, 14 yards from goal, which flew into the net eluding the keeper's dive.
The home side were stung by this set-back and drove forward looking for a quick equaliser. On 20 minutes they came close when a ball was slid through to Irwin and his shot from 10 yards was well saved by Paddy Flood.
In the 24th minute the Comrades keeper was relieved to see a tremendous dipping 35 yard volley from Faulkner drop just over the bar. Then, three minutes later, a deep cross from the left was met by a header from Wright on the edge of the 6-yard box, which had to be palmed wide by Paddy Flood.
Dundela were doing most of the attacking at this stage, but on 28 minutes Comrades broke forward, with Keith Armstrong surging up the left before finding Mark McClelland in the box. However the big striker's shot from a difficult angle nine yards out flashed across the goal and wide.
The home side continued to press and were getting rather too many crosses into the Comrades box for comfort.
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