A game of two halves as men's Seconds fall short

There were lots of new faces in the line up including, Ken Murphy, Matthew O’Neill and Mark Lightbody, who are newcomers to the senior side, along with Andrew Crooks who is returning from long term injury.

Despite having so many new players, Ballymena settled in quickly to the game and began to penetrate the home side’s circle after only 5 minutes, whilst easily keeping the Instonians attacks at bay at the other end.

Jack Gibson and Ken Murphy were enjoying the freedom to run at the Instonians backs, providing Lightbody and Phil Moody with good chances. A few short corners went close mid way through the half, but things really opened up when rolling sub Matthew Corbett came on.

VALIANT DEFENDING

His best effort was deflected onto the Instonians crossbar from close range with Instonians managing to somehow clear the ball in the ensuing scramble.

Instonians too had their own chances from short corners, but valiant defending from Crooks, Hanna, Montgomery and William Barr kept the attackers out. Barr unfortunately later had to leave the field due to an injury when the ball struck his knee from a shot.

It was a fantastic first half performance by Ballymena, which was tainted only by the lack of luck to convert the many chances.