Orangefield v Ballynahinch Utd - League

Gibson Park

Orangefield entertain an in form Ballynahinch team who are 3rd in table with Orangefield sitting a point behind in 4th. The home team make one change from last week Tony Craig in for Glenn Quinn who has been unwell. Orangefield start the game attacking downhill  in a 4-4-2 formation, Chris Harvey attacks the by line and crosses a good ball in For Dempster to go close with a good header on 10mins. The game is evenly matched as both teams battle in midfield to gain control, Richie attacks down the left gets a good ball in the clearance falls to Craig outside the area who shoots just wide from range. Quick thinking by captain Andy D'Arcy catches out the visitors defence with a quick free kick into the path of William Richie but B'hinch keeper pulls of a good save from close range on 15mins. The visitors are well in the game as they build an attack but a solid display from the home back four and good competitve tackles in midfield keeps the game level. The game is flowing end to end both teams battling for every ball and is a great game to watch, but good play from two well orgainised defences keep goal scoring opportunities to a minimum. It wasn't untill the 40th min that the home side managed to break through, with a great 40 yrd cross field ball from left back David Wilson in to the path of Reynolds who's cross from the byline comes back of the crossbar where Orangefield's Dempster in the right place again to head in his 8th goal of the season 1-0.

Half-time: 1-0

Orangefield start the second half knowing the importance of getting all three points to-day and get straight into it with a good effort on goal from Richie on 50mins. Young Kyle Cunningham replaces tiring Chris Harvey on 55mins who was still suffering from a midweek virus, and is straight into the action with a great run down the left, he delivers a good ball in for Reynolds to go close with a good effort on goal. B'hinch keeper continues to kick long to their front two as he'd done all of the 1st half, this time though the ball is only half cleared to the United striker who shoots from the edge of the area into the bottom corner to level the game 1-1 on 60mins. B'hinch gain some momentum and put pressure on Orangefield back four but great perfomances all round from Sam & Ryan McNaul Andy D'Arcy & David Wilson keep the visitors out. Orangefield miss a good chance from a corner when D'Arcy misses a clear header. Ballynahinch go route 1 again the ball falls to their striker just on the edge of the area and shoots but Sam McNaul lunges himself infront to make a great goal saving block on 70mins. The game is full of energy and tackles are fierce as both teams think they can win the game. A B'hinch attack is stopped deep in O'fields  half by a crunching tackle from Ryan McNaul the ball breaks to Craig who spots the run of O'Neill with a great pass. O'Neill nips in front the defender and is through 1 on 1 30yrds out, he manages to keep his cool and slots the ball under the advancing keeper for a great finish 2-1 on 75mins. Its a hard fought last 15 as B'hinch go close to equalise but a good save from Darlinton keeps the home side in front. Orangefield win a free kick when Nathan O'Neill is brought down on the edge or the area, The United centre half was lucky to escape with a booking. O'Neill steps up and strikes just over with a good effort. Orangefield again go close with two good chances to kill the game in the last 10, Cunningham from close range and Dempster on his favoured left foot shoots just wide. Orangefield see out the game to win a great 3 points against very strong and well orgainised Ballynahinch side.

Full-time: 2-1

A great team performance soild in defence Hardworking in midfield and great forward play, moves Orangefield into 3rd place in 1B. Nathan O'Neill's winning goal  narrowly wins this weeks MOM from the grit and determination of young Ryan McNaul.

Team:  Darlinton, McNaul R, D'Arcy(capt), McNaul S, Wilson, Reynolds, Craig, O'Neill, Richie

           Harvey, Dempster  Subs Cunningham, Dornan, Mc'Connell