History making derby lights up Dixon park
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
The First Ballyclare North End team to play at Dixon park against Comrades Reserves SE4107
Ballyclare Comrades Reserves 3. Ballyclare North End 1.
LOYALITES were divided at Dixon Park as as Ballyclare Comrades Reserves welcomed Ballyclare North End to Dixon Park for the very first time.
Prior to kick off, many people involved, playing and watching, had an inner battle deciding which team to support.
It wasn't long after the referee whistle had signaled the start of this history making occasion, that it became apparent, Ballyclare was the real winner, with countless footballing skills on show, in what was an enjoyable spectacle.
Comrades were taking no chances, in what could potentially be an upset, naming no less than 7 players to have represented their 1st team in their line-up. The experience from this showed as early as the 5th minute as they quickly broke from a wasted North End free kick and scored a spectacular volley from the edge of the box.
Despite this set back, the Enders continued to battle hard and at every opportunity they played nice intricate football, much to the satisfaction of the 100 or so spectators in attendance. Unfortunately, luck in front of goal has been in short supply this season and this was further compounded when Andy Moore was felled in the box and had his resultant spot kick well saved by the Comrades keeper.
Despite the score line going in at half time in favour of Comrades, North End were surely the happier of the sides and the first 20 minutes of the 2nd half would be defining. And so it proved to be.
Kenny Reith rose to nod home a well weighted David Cross corner to make the scores 1-1 and a fairer reflexion of the game. This was Reiths first goal for the Enders and no less than their performance deserved.
However, the Reserves were in an unforgiving mood and in the final 15 minutes they snatched a 2 goal advantage that belied how close of a contest this really was, but in football, all that counts are results and it will surely be a fired up North End side when these 2 sides meet again.
Commenting afterwards, Ballyclare North End manager Alan McCullough said: 'This was a magnificent occasion for the wee club, but my heart goes out to the players that didn't get the opportunity to show their skills at Dixon Park."
North End Team: N.Woods, R.Lawrie(S.Crymble), K.Reith(Capt.), B.Kehoe, D.Cross, A.Moore, J.Reilly(G.Baird), C.Montgomery, R.Thompson(G.Millar), B.Nelson, N.Tweed: Subs not used: A.Gilmore, W.Black
During the match, Ballyclare North End raised £95 for MacMillan Cancer Support.
