We welcome Ards to Dixon Park this evening for our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.
Match Info
When: Tuesday 14th February – Kick-Off 7:45pm
Where: Dixon Park
What: Lough 41 Championship
Entry: Pay at the gate – £8 (Adult) / £5 (OAP & U16) / £3 (U12 in the company of an adult)
Match Sponsor: Ernest Hall Menswear
Ball Sponsor: B Craig & Co. Homeware & Hardware
The Opponents
Ards fell to a 1-0 defeat to HW Welders at Clandeboye Park on Saturday. The only goal of the game arrived four minutes into the second half when both Matthew Ferguson and keeper Alex Moore rose to meet the deflection of a Michael McLellan with the ball just creeping over the line despite Greg Hall’s attempted goalline clearance.
The Comrades
The Comrades’ poor run of league results continued with 2-0 defeat to Ballinamallard at Ferney Park on Saturday. On 61 minutes, the hosts took the lead when a ball played into the box from the right found substitute McIlwaine unmarked 6 yards out to fire into the net. Comrades made a number of substitutions to try to turn things around, but to no avail as Mallards looked comfortable with their lead. On 76 minutes they added to it when a cross played into the box was met by a powerful McIlwaine header which gave the ‘keeper no chance.
Last Time Out
The last time these two sides met in November, Adam Salley struck twice as ten-man Ards earned a point from the visit of Ballyclare Comrades to Clandeboye Park. He slid the ball home on 13 minutes to open the scoring for Matthew Tipton’s side, but Caomhan McGuinness levelled for the visitors just before the half-hour mark with an effort in off the underside of the bar. Ards were reduced to ten men soon after when TJ Murray received his second caution of the game, but they recovered to regain the lead just before the break through a Greg Hall header. Ballyclare levelled for a second time on the hour when Gary Donnelly scored direct from a corner. However, Ards moved in front once more a few minutes later when Salley converted from the spot for his second of the game … but the scoring wasn’t finished then as Donnelly also bagged his brace with a 25-yard effort beyond Alex Moore.
We travel to Ferney Park this afternoon to take on Ballinamallard United in our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.
Match Info
When: Saturday 11th February – Kick-Off 3:00pm
Where: Ferney Park
What: Lough 41 Championship
Entry: Pay at the gate
The Opponents
Ballinamallard United picked up the North-West Senior Cup during the week. The Mallards celebrated a 4-1 win against a young Coleraine side at The Showgrounds as a hat-trick from Patrick Ferry eased Harry McConkey’s side to victory. The Championship side would find themselves 3-0 up at the break as Ferry latched onto a cross from Nick Palmer’s cross, before the striker seized upon poor defending to double his tally just after the half-hour mark. Caolan McAleer was also on the scoresheet for the visitors as he let fly from distance and the tie was put beyond doubt as Ferry headed home from McAleer’s corner kick in the second-half. There would be some late joy for the Bannsiders as Eamon Fyfe netted a late consolation for the hosts with a cracking strike from distance. The success marks a second triumph for the Mallards in the competition and the perfect tonic after losing last year’s decider to Dergview.
The Comrades
A single goal was enough to see Comrades advance to the last eight of Irish Cup with a win over Institute at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium last week. The hosts started the stronger of the teams and piled on early pressure. Inside three minutes they came close when McFeely skipped past a challenge and shot just wide of the target from the edge of the area. Gradually Comrades began to get a foothold in the game. On 13 minutes Alan McMurtry got forward to run onto a ball laid into his path by Calvin McCurry, but his first-time shot from 20 yards effort rose over the bar. Stephen Small’s side looked a different proposition in the second half and were giving the hosts plenty to worry about. The deadlock was broken on 58 minutes when Cillin Gilmour whipped the ball in with pace from a free kick taken just outside the left edge of the box, and it was met by a perfectly flicked header by Cónal McGrandles which flew past the ‘keeper and into the roof of the net. The visitors saw the remainder of the game out to seal a win deserved on their second half performance.
Last Time Out
The last time these two sides met in November, ten-man Ballinamallard United battled back to earn a draw from Ballyclare Comrades’ visit to Ferney Park. The visitors moved in front after eight minutes when, following a good team move also involving Calvin McCurry and Liam Hassin, Gary Donnelly curled an effort from 20 yards into the net past keeper Michael Lynch. The Mallards went a man down a few minutes from the end of the first half when Shane McGinty was sent-off following an altercation with Donnelly. But Harry McConkey’s side recovered to level just before the hour after John Edgar got on the end of a good cross to beat Declan Breen with a bullet header.
We travel to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium tomorrow afternoon to take on Institute in the next round of the Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whiskey Irish Cup.
Match Info
When: Saturday 4th February – Kick-Off 3:00pm
Where: Dixon Park
What: Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whiskey Irish Cup
Entry: Pay at the gate
The Opponents
Institute and Ards battled to a share of the spoils at the Brandywell last week. Both goals came midway through the first half, with ‘Stute moving in front on 34 minutes when Calvin McCallion – following his recent switch from Dergview – made the most of a mistake by keeper Alex Moore to open the scoring. However, it proved to be a short lived lead after, barely three minutes later, Patrick Cafolla levelled for Ards with a well placed header.
The Comrades
Loughgall hit two late goals to come from behind to defeat Ballyclare Comrades at Lakeview Park and return to the top of the Championship during the week. The Villagers had the ball in the net after just three minutes but Benjamin Magee’s finish was ruled out offside. The deadlock was broken just before the half-hour mark, however, when Ballyclare’s Gary Donnelly converted from the spot after Callum Ferris had been brought down inside the area. Ballyclare were reduced to ten men on 60 minutes after Ferris was shown a straight red card for violent conduct. It took Loughgall until the 86th minute to make their numerical advantage count through Nathaniel Ferris’ equaliser following a period of pressure. Then, deep into stoppage time, Pablo Andrade tucked home the winner after a scramble in front of goal.
Last Time Out
The last time these two sides met in November, Conall Curran knocked home the only goal of the game as Ballyclare Comrades defeated Institute at Dixon Park. The former Larne man struck on 81 minutes from close range after connecting with a low ball delivered by Kyle Beggs.
Ballyclare Comrades has recently celebrated 100 years as part of the Ballyclare Community and Dixon Park, in the centre of town, has been our home since 1936. The club purchased the grounds in 1967. The last major development at Dixon Park was in 2009/10 when the club undertook a project to take the facilities up to Premiership standard. It is a totally enclosed facility with a 2.8m perimeter wall, 8 camera CCTV system, full outdoor PA system, controlled entrances, grass pitch and is licensed by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council to accommodate 2398 people.
The club commissioned a business plan in 2014 for the provision of an artificial pitch, upgraded floodlighting, new business and community facilities, and a 200 seat grandstand. Planning was approved for the first phase of this development but the anticipated funding mechanism never materialized, due to the collapse of the Executive in 2016. Planning approval was renewed in 2019. The anticipated funding mechanism has since re-emerged but has been a ‘political football’ and has, as yet, not become available for applications. The club have continued to pursue other funding avenues for the original plan but have so far been unsuccessful. Last year the club secured a loan to upgrade the floodlights to a modern LED system.
In the last decade we’ve transformed from a traditional mens’ football team into a community based club, presently with 100+ boys between the ages of 11 and 18, 240+ girls between the ages of 5 and 18, 38+ men over 20 and 25+ women over 18, along with 50+ coaches and support staff. Plans are already in place to bring on board 80+ more boys between the ages of 5 and 10 later this year. The grass pitch is reserved for competitive Championship and Cup football for the senior team in the period mid-July till end of May, and the club have to rent training facilities for the senior team elsewhere. It also means all these young players have to find alternative facilities for training and competition, all over Northern Ireland, every week, The grass pitch is rejuvenated during the other 11/12 weeks, making it unavailable for summer tournaments, fun coaching sessions, community events, etc. The need for an artificial pitch at Dixon Park, with it’s close proximity to schools, parking and public transport, is overwhelming.
Such a facility will have insatiable demand at certain times from Comrades and other football entities within the community, whilst there’ll be other times when demand may be lighter and the facility can accommodate use by other groups. To be truly effective, it is also desirable to replace the existing clubhouse with a new larger, two storey facility which encompasses modern player, referee, business and community infrastructure. Such a facility would provide additional changing rooms, referee rooms, players room, upstairs viewing area, and adaptable rooms for community activities, fitness area, etc. This would enable the club to broaden their community engagement to include sports science, fitness, coaching, psychology, physiotherapy, food nutrition, mental health awareness, disability access, etc., transforming Dixon Park into a community based ‘sports and wellbeing hub’ to service the needs of our growing club, the town centre and the whole community. The two facilities, artificial pitch and clubhouse can be used simultaneously for different activities. Such a facility could be an ideal springboard for the regeneration of Ballyclare Town Centre. We are pleased that Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council will help us build a business plan to present to potential funders.
You may be familiar with the Peace Programmes that have been running for 25 years and have funded many projects across our Borough over the years. It is expected that the next round of European funding, known as PEACEPLUS, will be the last. This €1.1bn programme is designed to support peace and prosperity and leave a lasting and tangible legacy across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. Early indications have been that the Antrim and Newtownabbey area will receive in the region of €5.1m to deliver a Local Community Action Plan across the following three investment areas: Local Community Regeneration & Transformation, Thriving & Peaceful Communities and Celebrating Cultures & Diversity
To ensure the Local Community Action Plan delivers projects and initiatives which address the issues and needs of local communities across Antrim and Newtownabbey, we need your input and ideas in this development stage of the plan. Therefore, Council invites you to come along to any of the PEACEPLUS Engagement Sessions being held across the Borough and get involved in the design of the Antrim and Newtownabbey Local Community Plan, so that it will make a positive contribution to peace and reconciliation for generations to come.Share your views at these local DEA sessions or email [email protected]
Airport DEA Crumlin Utd FC, Crumlin Wed 25 Jan 2pm & 6pm
Antrim DEA Old Courthouse, Antrim Thu 2 Feb 2pm & 6pm
Ballyclare DEA Town Hall, Ballyclare Wed 8 Feb 2pm & 6pm
Dunsilly DEA Toome House, Toomebridge Wed 15 Feb 2pm & 6pm
Glengormley DEA Lilian Bland Pavilion Thu 23 Feb 2pm & 6pm
Macedon DEA Valley Leisure Centre Wed 1 Mar 2pm & 6pm
Threemilewater DEA Mossley Mill Wed 8 Mar 2pm & 6pm
We welcome Knockbreda to Dixon Park tomorrow afternoon for our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.
Match Info
When: Saturday 28th January – Kick-Off 3:00pm
Where: Dixon Park
What: Lough 41 Championship
Entry: Pay at the gate – £8 (Adult) / £5 (OAP & U16) / £3 (U12 in the company of an adult)
Match Sponsor: C A Jamison Builders
Ball Sponsor: Ross’s Joint Butchers
The Opponents
Bottom of the table Knockbreda held league leaders, Annagh United to a scoreless draw last week. Annagh could have claimed all three points when awarded a spot-kick early in the second half but recent arrival Gerard Storey could only send the penalty wide of the left post. The result moves ‘Breda on to 17 points in the Lough 41 Championship, 4 points behind Dergview in 11th.
The Comrades
Championship leaders Annagh United fought back from two goals down to earn a point away to Ballyclare Comrades. Scoreless at the break, Cillin Gilmour fired Ballyclare in front moments after the interval when the officials ruled his effort had crept over the line despite an attempted clearance. Then, five minutes after that, he doubled the home lead with a free-kick from distance which dipped just under the bar. That was how it stayed until seven minutes from time when Craig Taylor tucked the ball inside the far post on the counter attack. And Annagh secured a point in the sixth minute of added time when Niall McGinley found the net in a dramatic finale to the game.
Last Time Out
The last time these two sides met in December Knockbreda and Ballyclare Comrades battled to an equal share of the goals at Breda Park. Scoreless at the break, ‘Breda moved in front just three minutes into the second half with Anto Burns’ finish into the roof of the net from a Max Greer low ball across the box. But the visitors levelled just after the hour to secure a point when Darius Roohi found Calvin McCurry six yards out to beat Jonah Nicholl.
We welcome Annagh United to Dixon Park this evening for our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.
Match Info
When: Tuesday 24th January – Kick-Off 7:45pm
Where: Dixon Park
What: Lough 41 Championship
Entry: Pay at the gate – £8 (Adult) / £5 (OAP & U16) / £3 (U12 in the company of an adult)
Match Sponsor: Abbey Real Estate
Ball Sponsor: Mortgage Shop Ballyclare
The Opponents
Annagh United moved back to the top of the Lough 41 Championship on Saturday despite being held to a scoreless draw at home to bottom of the table Knockbreda. Ciaran McGurgan’s side capitalised on morning leaders Loughgall losing to Dundela to leapfrog them into pole position. They could have claimed all three points when awarded a spot-kick early in the second half but recent arrival Gerard Storey could only send the penalty wide of the left post.
The Comrades
The Comrades had a weekend to forget with a 5-1 away defeat to Harland & Wolff Welders. The Welders opened the scoring on 7 minutes with a free kick 20 yards out as McLellan’s shot went underneath the wall and into the net past the unsighted ‘keeper. On 42 minutes the Comrades consolidated their position with a second goal. Comrades’ defence was completely exposed when McLellan got free to deliver a ball in from the right to where Ferguson was unmarked at the back post to head in a simple finish. The Comrades came out much more on the front foot in the second half and two minutes into the half they pulled a goal back when Calvin McCurry played a dangerous ball into the 6-yards box which the ‘keeper blocked, but the ball rebounded off a defender and into the net for an own goal. On 59 minutes the wind was completely taken from the visitors’ sails as the hosts re-established a two-goal advantage. Comrades were asleep at a free- kick as Welders took it short and then played the ball across to where Ferguson slid in unchallenged at the far post to score from close range. On 70 minutes the hosts grabbed a fourth. The ball was given away cheaply by Comrades inside their own half and then quickly played up to McLellan, who quickly fired in a good finish from just inside the box. Comrades’ misery was completed two minutes into added time when they conceded a fifth goal with McClay striking a fine effort from outside the box.
Last Time Out
The last time these two sides met in October, both teams had to settle for a point at the BMG Arena. Paul Finnegan edged Ciaran McGurgan’s side in front on 18 minutes from Adam Glenny’s delivery. It was a lead they held until the closing moments when Darius Roohi headed home an equaliser from a Cathal Farren free-kick.
We travel to Blanchflower Stadium tomorrow afternoon to take on HW Welders in our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.
Match Info
When: Saturday 21st January – Kick-Off 3:00pm
Where: Blanchflower Stadium
What: Lough 41 Championship
Entry: Pay at the gate
The Opponents
Last week, the Welders were defeated 3-1 away to Warrenpoint Town. Ryan Swan opened the scoring for ‘Point on 19 minutes after he pounced on the loose ball after Welders keeper Michael Argyrides had kept out an initial effort. The Welders levelled just four minutes later, however, when Michael McLellan got his head to a cross from the left to nod past Conor Mitchell. Swan doubled Warrenpoint’s lead eight minutes into the second half after getting the final touch when the ball came back off an upright from Steven Ball’s effort. Then, a couple of minutes after that, Adam Carroll added a third following some good play to wrap the scoring up.
The Comrades
The Comrades had a weekend to forget with a 4-0 home defeat to Dergview. After hitting the bar in the first minute Tommy Canning’s side moved in front on ten minutes when Graham Crown made their early pressure count with a header past Declan Breen. Mikhail Kennedy added a second midway through the first half with a nice finish before, just short of the half-hour mark, Crown doubled his tally for the afternoon. Jamie Brown then completed the scoring on 62 minutes to ensure Dergview’s second successive league victory.
Last Time Out
The last time these two sides met in November, neither Ballyclare Comrades nor HW Welders could find the net at Dixon Park but it wasn’t for the want of trying. The home side were denied midway through the first half when a free-kick was cleared off the line while, not long before the break, the Welders’ Craig Harris hit an effort against the crossbar. After the break Matthew Ferguson had the ball in the net for the visitors but this was ruled out by the officials.
We welcome Annagh United to Dixon Park this evening for our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.
Match Info
When: Tuesday 17th January – Kick-Off 7:45pm
Where: Dixon Park
What: Lough 41 Championship
Entry: Pay at the gate – £8 (Adult) / £5 (OAP & U16) / £3 (U12 in the company of an adult)
Match Sponsor: Abbey Real Estate
Ball Sponsor: Mortgage Shop Ballyclare
The Opponents
Annagh United moved level on points at the top of the table with victory over Newington at Solitude on Saturday. Odhran Smyth opened the scoring for the visitors after just two minutes after combining well with Ruairi McDonald. That was how it stayed until just before the hour mark when McDonald got on the scoresheet himself with a composed finish into the top corner. Michael Morgan pulled one back for the Swans with seven minutes remaining but Annagh held on to secure the win.
The Comrades
The Comrades had a weekend to forget with a 4-0 home defeat to Dergview. After hitting the bar in the first minute Tommy Canning’s side moved in front on ten minutes when Graham Crown made their early pressure count with a header past Declan Breen. Mikhail Kennedy added a second midway through the first half with a nice finish before, just short of the half-hour mark, Crown doubled his tally for the afternoon. Jamie Brown then completed the scoring on 62 minutes to ensure Dergview’s second successive league victory.
Last Time Out
The last time these two sides met in October, both teams had to settle for a point at the BMG Arena. Paul Finnegan edged Ciaran McGurgan’s side in front on 18 minutes from Adam Glenny’s delivery. It was a lead they held until the closing moments when Darius Roohi headed home an equaliser from a Cathal Farren free-kick.
We welcome Dergview to Dixon Park tomorrow afternoon for our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.
Match Info
When: Saturday 14th January – Kick-Off 3:00pm
Where: Dixon Park
What: Lough 41 Championship
Entry: Pay at the gate – £8 (Adult) / £5 (OAP & U16) / £3 (U12 in the company of an adult)
Match Sponsor: Agnew Mitchell & Cairns Accountants
Ball Sponsor: Riverside Autowash
The Opponents
Last week, Dergview exited the Irish Cup at the hands of reigning champions Crusaders. Dean Ebbe scored his first goal for Crusaders when he headed home Jordan Forsythe’s cross from the right-hand side to give the defending champions the lead in the fourth minute. The second came when Philip Lowry’s strike was originally denied by Alan Buchanan, but Ebbe knocked in the rebound on the 49th minute. Just two minutes later the striker got his hat-trick when a looping header made it 3-0. The home side got their fourth when Jordan Owens bundled Ross Clarke’s corner over the line, after busy keeper Buchanan misjudged the cross. Clever build-up play between Lowry and Declan Caddell resulted in the fifth goal with Lowry’s resulting strike from outside the box finding the back of the net. Caddell was in action again when his pass from the wing found Jonathan McMurray, who cut inside the box before firing home to complete the rout.
The Comrades
Despite playing most of the match with ten men, Comrades advanced to the next round of the Irish Cup with a narrow but deserved win over Dollingstown. The Comrades took the lead in the 15th minute. A Gary Donnelly cross led to the goal, with his ball played in from the right being tucked away by a cushioned finish across the ‘keeper by Cathal Farren from 6 yards out. It was a lead the hosts held for the remainder of the game despite being reduced to ten men on the 36th minute after Owen McConville was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card.
Last Time Out
The last time these two sides met in November, Dergview made it two wins in a row with victory over Ballyclare Comrades at Dixon Park. Conall McGrandles might have given the home side the advantage at half-time only to clip the crossbar on 38 minutes. Ballyclare had the ball in the net early in the second half but Calvin McCurry’s finish was ruled out offside. And they hit the woodwork again on 72 minutes when McCurry cut in from the right only to send his effort against the far post. But what proved to be the winner came on 78 minutes through Bobby Deane who headed a corner at the far post beyond Declan Breen.
We welcome Dollingstown to Dixon Park tomorrow afternoon for the first round of this season’s Samuel Gelston’s Irish Cup.
Match Info
When: Saturday 7th January – Kick-Off 3:00pm
Where: Dixon Park
What: Samuel Gelston’s Irish Cup
Entry: Pay at the gate – £10 (Adult) / £5 (Concession)
Match Sponsor: Brackenwood Property & Estate Management
Ball Sponsor: Red Mills Dog Food
The Opponents
Last week, two early goals saw Dollingstown defeat Portstewart at Planter’s Park. Cameron Purdy opened the scoring as early as the seventh minute before Daniel Gordon doubled up after a quarter-of-an-hour. The win sees the Dollybirds move into fourth spot in the Lough 41 Premier Intermediate table with games in hand over the sides above them.
The Comrades
Owen McConville bagged the late winner as Ballyclare Comrades defeated Warrenpoint Town at Milltown. Scoreless at the break, the home side came closest to breaking the deadlock early on when Ryan Swan turned an effort against an upright. ‘Point hit the post for a second time early in the second half, this time through Fra McCaffrey before a Steven Ball set piece suffered a similar fate after the hour. However, it was the visitors that left with all three points when McConville was on hand to head home a Gary Donnelly corner with just three minutes to go.
