Ballymoney United are sitting top of the pile despite defeat at Trojans

There was very little between the two teams in the opening minutes of play.

Trojans played the better football in the early stages, and could have taken the lead after ten minutes.

Their breakthrough came in the 17th minute when McCready’s corner found McCarron, whose scuffed shot squirmed under Coyle and into the back of the net for the opener.

Ballymoney settled after this, and put together a few good counter attacks.

They were rewarded in the 23rd minute when a corner from McLaughlin was met first time by Gerald Gillan to blast past McCrudden in the home goal for the equaliser.

Ballymoney’s McElhinney came close on the half hour when he unleashed a fierce shot across the face of the visitor’s goal. McClelland found Gerald Gillan on 32 minutess and created a chance for Gillan running shoulder to shoulder with Burke and holding off the challenges from the defender to blast past McCrudden in the home goal to give Ballymoney the lead.

Ballymoney again came close as half time approached when Stewart squared past McCrudden but out of reach of the advancing Mark Gillan.

The second half saw the visitors determined to keep their lead.

Ballymoney got off to a flyer attacking straight from the kick off. Lyons found himself straight in front of goal in the six yard box, but scuffed his shot.

Both teams played open attacking football producing stalemate at this stage.

Trojans came close from Burke on the hour, bringing a brilliant save out of Coyle.

Ballymoney went 3-1 ahead on 70 minutes when a great ball from Dempsey found Stewart.

He used his strength and determination to hold off the challenge of Smith

and squeeze the ball under the approaching McCrudden to put Ballymoney further ahead.

Trojans came straight back from this setback and caught Ballymoney napping, letting in McElhinney to cross past Coyle for the incoming McCready to slide into the

empty net.

A McCready free kick in a dangerous position was fumbled by Coyle and headed home by McLaughlin in the 75th minute to put Trojans on level terms in a 3 minute nightmare for the visitors.

Ballymoney regained composure and created a good chance when a great break by Allen found Mark Gillan whose shot went wide.

Trojans came close again on 83 minutes and only a great save from Coyle at the feet of McElhinney prevented the chance.

McElhinney was causing all sorts of problems in the closing minutes and managed to scramble the ball between the post and goalkeeper Coyle and in of the back post for what was to prove the winner and a sucker punch for the Ballymoney men.

This Saturday, the Toon men will welcome Strabane United to the Showgrounds, the game has a 2pm kick off.