With a raucous win
over the lads of Coleraine on Boxing Day, the visiting Sky Blues of Ballymena
United took another giant step in their quest of netting a European spot, with
just 5 points behind, third place Cliftonville FC.
Going to a sold out
and difficult Showgrounds at Coleraine County.
With both squads keeping
a close pursuit of the last spot, the league has for the Europa League tourney,
as both Braidmen and Bansiders keeping a close pursuit of that last coveted spot
and within their range.
Still the match had all the
elements of an all-around final and the Coleraine Bunch using their home to
their advantage, these thought that they would score a tumultuous win in front
of their faithful as well add the necessary points to keep in the chase.
In the case of David
Jeffrey initial eleven, prepared in all the aspects and not missing any aspect
of a tough and rigorous series of preparations before their Boxing Day match as
a visitor squad, the Sky Blues came prepared and poised for everything.
The spectacle began
in the tenth minute by the visiting Braidmen, when defender Tony Kane cross hit
a bullseye to an opportune and determined Cathair Friel, who with a diving play
and a beautiful header to push the ball and leaving the whole of Showgrounds in
shock.
With a lone goal
lead, the visitors wanted toad more to the count and in the 43rd
minute, once again the Sky Blues defender Tony Kane made himself present with
the second goal of the match before intermission.
Sentencing the match
and despite the locals pressure and arrivals at Russ Glendinning box, this chap
sis the ultimate of saves that if the ball would made it in, the match would ended
in a different manner and a bit contested.
Stopping the momentum
the local Bansiders started and the score would start a comeback for the locals
and make the match more two sided.
At the end, the whole
afternoon was to be for the Ballymena United chaps who put on a display of fine
and technical football after a series of grand plays practiced on Christmas Eve
rigorous training set for several of the Sky Blues players.
Something in the eyes
of their Boss David Jeffrey that really paid off after seeing his side put on a
contest and took a valuable win, playing as a visitor.
For now the Sky Blues
seat pretty in the overall table in fourth place with 39 points and within
striking distance of the Reds, who they
lost to the league leading Crusaders on Boxing Day.
This wins sets the
tone for the Braidmen to start their push toward the league top and with time
until this tourney ends on March, these have the opportunity of netting the last
spot for European competitions representing the NIPL.
To close the year the
Braidmen are heading to Bangor and play at Clandeboye Park against the Ards FC Boys
on the 31st in another crucial match for the Sky Blues.
With a win and a loss
combined by the Reds, Ballymena United will be within third place by just three
points.
Very well looking
forward to play the best of Europe in the next elimination rounds to reach the always-coveted
knockout round, but for now the Sky Blues must hope and pray for the miracle as
well continue with their winning ways.
Post Contents and Property of Fern
Mc Costigan © Copyright All Rights Reserved
Photos Credit and Property of Ballymmena United FC 2016
Photos Credit and Property of Lorcan
Doherty Press Eye and Picture Magic Studios UK 2016
Photos Credit and Property of © 2016
North Ireland Football League
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