Author: Scott

We welcome HW Welders to Dixon Park tomorrow evening for our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.

Match Info

When: Tuesday 8^th November – 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: Antrim & Newtownabbey Sports Forum

Ball Sponsor: Antrim & Newtownabbey Sports Forum

The Opponents

At the weekend, HW Welders lost out by the odd goal in five away to Warrenpoint Town. Adam Wixted opened the scoring with a great finish after six minutes, and doubled the home advantage right at the end of the first half following a good team move. Ryan Swan made it 3-0 not long after the break with a tap in. However Matthew Ferguson pulled one back for the Welders against the run of play just short of the hour, before reducing the deficit further a short time after that with a back post header. But Barry Gray’s side held on to ultimately secure all three points.

The Comrades

The Comrades faced defeat at home to Dergview on Saturday. 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.

Last Time Out

The two sides met just last weekend when Ballyclare Comrades swept to a comprehensive five-goal victory over HW Welders at the Blanchflower Stadium. Darius Roohi opened the scoring for the visitors after 12 minutes when he followed up from Ian Fletcher’s free-kick against an upright. Calvin McCurry made it 2-0 on 26 minues after being played through Roohi before, ten minutes into the second half, Harry Wylie added a third with a deflected half volley into the top corner. Roohi doubled his tally just five minutes after that after receiving the ball from Gary Donnelly with Cathal Farren completing the scoring with a left-foot finish with around a quarter-of-an-hour remaining.

We welcome Dergview to Dixon Park this afternoon for our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.

Match Info

When: Saturday 5th November – 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: Gordon Estates

Ball Sponsor: GPS Hillhead Road

The Opponents

Last week, Dergview recorded their first win of the campaign with a narrow victory over Annagh United at Darragh Park. Mikhail Kennedy bagged what proved to be the only goal of the game just before the hour with a successfully converted spot-kick awarded following a foul on Jamie Browne.

The Comrades

Last week, Ballyclare Comrades swept to a comprehensive five-goal victory over HW Welders at the Blanchflower Stadium. Darius Roohi opened the scoring for the visitors after 12 minutes when he followed up from Ian Fletcher’s free-kick against an upright. Calvin McCurry made it 2-0 on 26 minues after being played through Roohi before, ten minutes into the second half, Harry Wylie added a third with a deflected half volley into the top corner. Roohi doubled his tally just five minutes after that after receiving the ball from Gary Donnelly with Cathal Farren completing the scoring with a left-foot finish with around a quarter-of-an-hour remaining.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met in August, the Comrades swept to victory over Dergview at Darragh Park thanks to three second half goals. Scoreless at the break, the home side were reduced to ten men on the stroke of half-time when Bobby Deane was dismissed for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. The visitors made their numerical advantage count just after the hour when Ian Fletcher opened the scoring before, on 77 minutes, Liam Hassin made it 2-0 on the counterattack.Calvin McCurry then completed the scoring in stoppage time.

We travel to the Blanchflower Stadium tomorrow evening to take on Harland & Wolff Welders in our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.

Match Info

When: Friday 28^th October – Kick-Off 7:45pm

Where: Blanchflower Stadium

What: Lough 41 Championship

Entry: Pay at the gate

The Opponents

HW Welders picked up their first win under new boss Paul Kee with a three goal victory over Knockbreda last week. Jonny Frazer fired the Welders in front on 36 minutes after connecting with a header from the left at the back post. Charlie Dornan made it 2-0 on 69 minutes after his header from a corner crept over the line before, a few minutes after that, Matthew Ferguson got on the end of a through ball to smash home the third for the Welders.

The Comrades

A storming second half saw The Comrades come from 2 goals down to beat Dundela 5-2 at Dixon Park last week. Niall Currie’s side raced into a two-goal lead when a Tony Kane free-kick came off home defender Caomhan McGuinness early on followed by a Benny Igiehon nodded finish before half-an-hour was up. Home skipper Ian Fletcher reduced the deficit just before the break with a well taken free-kick, and this inspired Ballyclare to go on to claim the points through Darius Roohi, Cathal Farren and Calvin McCurry in the second half. Roohi equalised following a goal mouth scramble, with Farren edging Ballyclare in front with a lovely finish after an hour. McCurry then added a fourth on 77 minutes with a dink over Neil Shields before Roohi doubled his tally deep into stoppage time.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met in February 2022 at the Blanchflower Stadium, the Welders came away the victors. Ballyclare started brightly and created a number of half chances during the opening exchanges through Kyle Beggs and Caiolan Brennan. However, somewhat against the run of play, the deadlock was broken on 28 minutes when Gary Lavery fired the Welders in front with an effort from distance which went low and hard under keeper Richard Purcell into the bottom corner. Then, on the hour, Jonny Frazer made it 2-0 with a sweeping right foot finish from just inside the area after Scott McMillan had crossed from the right. The Comrades pulled a goal back ten minutes after that. Brennan sent a corner over from the left which Jason Johnston connected with to head home at the back post.

We welcome Dundela to Dixon Park tomorrow afternoon for our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.

Match Info

When: Saturday 22^nd October – 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: Montgomery Transport Group

Ball Sponsor: Country Diner Catering

The Opponents

Last week, Dundela closed the gap on second place with a narrow defeat of Knockbreda at Wilgar Park. Niall Currie’s side moved in front midway through the first half when, from a Tony Kane corner, Michael Kerr rose highest to head past Jonah Mitchell into the corner of the net. ‘Breda levelled early in the second half through Tamer Atrach who finished off a good team move from six yards. But the Duns regained the lead – and ultimately the points – a couple of minutes later after Eamon Fyfe cut in from the right to beat Nicholl from an acute angle.

The Comrades

The Comrades came away with a point from the BMG Arena last week as they drew 1-1 with Annagh United. 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. The result keeps the Comrades in 7^th position in the Lough 41 Championship.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met, just last month, the Comrades suffered the disappointment of a penalty shoot-out defeat to Dundela to exit the County Antrim Shield away at Wilgar Park. The home side started the strongest and took a deserved lead on 10 minutes when Igiehon received the ball in the box after an incisive thrust up the right and turned neatly to fire low into the far corner of the net. Dundela looked very capable of increasing their lead and they would have only for great goalkeeping from Declan Breen. The Comrades levelled the scores in the 68th minute when Joe Tully played a ball which eluded the home defence and set substitute Conall Curran free in the box and he coolly knocked the ball over the ‘keeper from 6 yards. Both sides pushed for a winner, however, it was the Comrades who may have come closest on the 89th minute when Darius Roohi played a great ball in from the left edge of the box which was met by a diving Joe Tully header from 9 yards that came out off the underside of the bar. Then, from the rebound, ‘keeper Cairns produced a great save to turn Conall Curran’s effort onto the bar. At the final whistle, the match moved straight to penalties to decide the winner. The hosts went first, and Magee scored, with Darius Roohi then levelling with Comrades’ opening penalty. However, it was Comrades who were the first to blink when Cairns saved Joe Tully’s effort which was Comrades second. All the next penalties were converted with Gary Donnelly and Conall Currran successful for Comrades until Dundela had the chance to wrap up victory with their fifth penalty. Goalkeeper Cairns stepped up to take it but was foiled by a save from Declan Breen. However, Cairns was to be the Dundela hero after all as he saved the next penalty taken by Elliot McKim to send his team through.

We travel to the BMG Arena this afternoon to take on Annagh United in our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.

Match Info

When: Saturday 15^th October – Kick-Off 3:00pm

Where: BMG Arena

What: Lough 41 Championship

Entry: Pay at the gate

The Opponents

Annagh have had a strong start to the Lough 41 Championship season and currently sit in second place, 3 points behind league leaders Loughgall. Their most recent outing saw them bow out of the Euro Electrix Mid Ulster Cup with a 5-1 defeat to Danske Bank Premiership side, Dungannon Swifts.

The Comrades

Last week, the Comrades fell victim to league leaders Loughgall who remained three points clear and unbeaten following a four-goal victory at Dixon Park. Scoreless at the break, Championship player of the month Nedas Maciulaitis edged the Villagers in front on the hour after he was quickest to react to the loose ball from a Nathaniel Ferris effort. He then made it 2-0 nine minutes later after connecting with an Ally Teggart pass … and Teggart himself got on the scoresheet after that with a deflected finish from just outside the box. Benji Magee completed the scoring with a couple of minutes remaining just after Ryan Masterson had smashed an effort against the crossbar.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met was in January 2022. Lee Upton scored both goals as Annagh United came from behind to defeat The Comrades at Dixon Park. Annagh came close to breaking the deadlock inside the opening ten minutes in an otherwise scrappy start when Craig Taylor clipped the crossbar from a free-kick. However, it fell to the Comrades to find a way through when, on 27 minutes, Tom Mathieson turned the ball home with his left foot after Matthew Herron had cut the ball across from the right. The visitors levelled just before the hour with Upton’s first of the game when he rose highest on the edge of the six yard box to nod home a high free-kick into the area. Then, a quarter-of-an-hour after that, he bagged what proved to be the winner with another close range header.

We welcome Loughgall to Dixon Park tomorrow afternoon for our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.

Match Info

When: Saturday 8^th October – 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: Terry Coulter Cars

Ball Sponsor: Gracehill After School Club

The Opponents

Loughgall are flying high at the top of the Lough 41 Championship and they defeated Danske Bank Premiership outfit, Glenavon, during the week in the Bet McLean League Cup. Following a goalless first half, Pablo Andrade put Loughgall ahead two minutes into the second half before Mark Patton got a second late on. Glenavon did pull one back through Jack Malone but this proved only to be a consolation goal.

The Comrades

Comrades exited the League Cup after losing to the odd goal in three to Danske Bank Premiership opponents Newry City. The visitors dominated the first half and their constant pressure brought the goal they deserved on 40 minutes when Gary Donnelly lost the ball deep in the Comrades half and it was played to Hughes who finished with ease from 5 yards. The second half saw Comrades compete better than they had in the first 45 minutes and Newry no longer had things quite their own way. However. there was not much threat on the visitors’ goal until the 70th minute when an equaliser was scored. Harry Adair did well to win the ball on the halfway line and then played it down the left wing, allowing Kyle Beggs to run onto it. Beggs then took on and beat a defender to get into the box before shooting from 8 yards and with the help of a deflection his effort eluded the ‘keeper and found the net. Comrades were now right back in the game and for while it looked as if they could produce a shock result. However, on 85 minutes Newry regained the lead, scoring what was to be the winning goal. Healy was given space to shoot from the edge of the box, his powerful shot forcing Richard Purcell to parry the ball out away from the goal. Unluckily for the hosts, the ball fell to a Newry man who played it across the front of the goal where Carville was there to turn it into the net from close range.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met was in March 2022 when the Comrades conceded a late sucker punch as Conor Kerr struck deep into stoppage time to secure a point for Loughgall from Ballyclare Comrades’ visit to Lakeview Park. The visitors moved in front after half-an-hour under Liam Hassin. But their victory hopes were dashed in the 95th minute when Kerr popped up to equalise for the Villagers.

We welcome Newry City to Dixon Park tomorrow evening for a Last 16 clash in the Bet McLean League Cup.

Match Info

When: Tuesday 4^th October – Kick-Off 7:45pm

Where: Dixon Park

What: Bet McLean League Cup

Entry: Pay at the gate – £8 (Adult) / £5 (Concession)

Reminder to season ticket holders that season tickets are not valid for cup fixtures.

Match Sponsor: GM Exterior Cleaning Services

Ball Sponsor: David Strain

The Opponents

Newry currently occupy 9^th spot in the Danske Bank Premiership with 2 wins in their opening 8 games. Their last outing was against Cliftonville at the weekend where Rory Hale bagged a first half hat-trick as Cliftonville moved to the top of the table with victory at Solitude. Hale opened the scoring after ten minutes when he curled the ball into the net in off an upright after the visiting defence failed to clear a corner. Ryan Curran made it 2-0 on 16 minutes from the rebound following a Ronan Hale effort which keeper Steven Maguire did well to save. The Hale brothers then combined six minutes after that for Cliftonville’s third with Rory finishing the move off with a well taken close range finish. Then, in stoppage time, Rory laid claim to the match ball with a simple tap in after more good work from Ronan down the left. Newry might have grabbed a consolation midway through the second half only for James Teelan to strike the post while Noel Healy couldn’t keep his follow up on target.

The Comrades

The Comrades and Warrenpoint Town shared the spoils at Dixon Park at the weekend. The home side moved in front with just over a quarter-of-an-hour on the clock. Calvin McCurry broke clear of the visiting defence but was brought down by Daniel Byrne just outside the box and, from the resultant free-kick, Joe Tully fired into the far top corner. Luke Walsh might have levelled soon after only to hit the back post with a header from a corner. However Walsh did equalise for ‘Point eight minutes from time on the rebound after Byrne had nodded a Kealan Dillon free-kick against an upright. ‘Point thought they had snatched the win deep into stoppage time but Joshua Wilson’s finish was ruled out offside.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met, back in March 2022, Newry City took a step closer to the Lough 41 Championship title with a comprehensive defeat of the Comrades at Dixon Park. Darren Mullen’s side went four points clear at the top of the table, however, they had to come from behind to get the better of Ballyclare after Tom Mathieson had opened the scoring on 40 minutes after being played through by Michael Smith. Newry levelled eight minutes after the break, however, when James Teelan gave Jack Ferguson no chance with a decent finish before, three minutes after that, Darren King got on the end of a Daniel Hughes cross to edge the visitors into the lead. They extended their advantage on 69 minutes through half-time substitute Declan Carville’s looping header at the back post, with the same player adding a fourth soon after with a strike through a crowded area into the corner of the net. Then, with three minutes remaining, Hughes completed the scoring with an effort into the far corner.

We welcome Warrenpoint Town to Dixon Park tomorrow afternoon for our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.

Match Info

When: Saturday 1^st October – 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: Metal Technology

Ball Sponsor: Richard Greer Cars

The Opponents

Ray O’Sullivan knocked home the winner last week as Warrenpoint Town defeated Annagh United at Milltown to make it four wins in a row. ‘Point might have moved in front inside the opening ten minutes when Kealan Dillon struck an upright while, later in the first half, the visitors were also denied by the woodwork. However, what proved to be the only goal of the game arrived just before the hour after O’Sullivan saw his effort deflected past keeper Eoin Hughes. The win sees ‘Point move into third place in the Lough 41 Championship table.

The Comrades

Last week, A goal at either end of the game handed Institute the points from Ballyclare Comrades’ visit to the Brandywell. Shaun Leppard opened the scoring for ‘Stute as early as the ninth minute, with the home side thinking they had doubled their advantage soon after when Cathair Friel found the net only for it to be ruled out offside. Friel came close again early in the second half only to hit the post from a header before, five minutes from time, he did get on the scoresheet with a slotted finish below visiting keeper Declan Breen. The result sees the Comrades fall to 6^th place in the Lough 41 Championship.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met was back in April 2021 where Ryan Swan struck 15 minutes from time at Milltown to edge Warrenpoint past the Comrades and into the Irish Cup last 16. Francis McCaffrey had put Barry Gray’s men in front just before the interval only for Paul Harbinson’s hard-working side to draw level through Ciaran Dobbin early in the second period. Swan blasted home what proved to be the winner on 75 minutes after Gallagher had headed a McCaffrey cross off the post.

We travel to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium tomorrow evening to take on Institute in our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.

Match Info

When: Friday 23^rd September – Kick-Off 7:45pm

Where: Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium

What: Lough 41 Championship

Entry: Pay at the gate

The Opponents

Institute picked up a first win of the campaign with a three-goal victory away to Dergview last week. Scoreless at the break, substitute Jamie Dunne opened the scoring just a couple of minutes into the second half with a touch into the bottom left corner. Dunne then doubled his tally on 71 minutes after rounding off a flowing team move before Cormac Burke knocked home Institute’s third from the spot with eight minutes remaining.

The Comrades

The Comrades had a weekend to forget last week with a 5-2 defeat away to Newington. Darren Stuart opened the scoring for the Swans with two goals midway through the first half. He headed into the top corner on 21 minutes to break the deadlock before doubling up soon after with a confident finish from inside the box. Ballyclare pulled one back before the break, however, when Calvin McCurry headed home from Conall McGrandles’ corner. The Swans restored their two goal cushion early in the second half through Robert McVarnock who got on the end of a long ball to direct a header past Richard Purcell. Then, four minutes before the hour, Gary Warwick made the most of some indecision in the visiting defence to make it 4-1 … and he added a fifth later in the half after pouncing on a loose ball. Darius Roohi grabbed a late consolation for the Comrades with a finish from the edge of the box.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met Brendan McLaughlin bagged the stoppage time winner as Institute defeated Ballyclare Comrades at the Brandywell. ‘Stute had gone in front after just 12 minutes when Mark McFadden smashed the ball home following a scramble in the box from a corner. The visitors might have levelled midway through the first half but Ian Fletcher was unable to beat keeper John Connolly from the spot. However, Ballyclare did find their equaliser four minutes after the interval courtesy of Andrew Mooney’s composed finish after he had pounced on an underhit back pass. And that was how it stayed until three minutes into stoppage time when McLaughlin popped up with a back post header to secure a crucial three points for ‘Stute.

We travel to Solitude tomorrow afternoon to take on Newington in our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.

Match Info

When: Saturday 17^th September – Kick-Off 3:00pm

Where: Solitude

What: Lough 41 Championship

Entry: Pay at the gate – £8 (Adult) £5 (Concession)

The Opponents

Newington’s opening five league games have them sitting midtable in the Lough 41 Championship with one win, two draws and two defeats. Their last outing was away to Warrenpoint during the week in the Bet McLean League Cup where they fell at the first hurdle due to a Luke Walsh first half header for ‘point.

The Comrades

The Comrades came from two goals down to advance past Ballinamallard to the next round of the Bet McLean League Cup on Tuesday night after a thrilling encounter at Dixon Park. The visitors grabbed the lead in the opening 30 minutes when a counter-attacked ended with Declan Breen having to make a good save from a McAleer effort from inside the box, but Reece Byrne was first to the loose ball, slotting home from 6 yards. With Comrades reeling from going behind, Mallards doubled their lead in the 33^rd minute when they beat the offside trap and Edgar ran free to finish confidently past Breen. The hosts pulled a goal back on 37 minutes when a Mallards player blocked a Liam Hassin effort with an outstretched arm inside the box and a penalty was awarded which Darius Roohi confidently dispatched. The hosts had a great chance to level the scores on 71 minutes when they were awarded another penalty after a great move down the left ended with a ball into the box being blocked by another outstretched Mallards arm. Recently introduced substitute Cathal Farren stepped up to take the penalty but his effort placed just inside the post was kept out by a superb save from Ray. Incredibly, five minutes later, Comrades were awarded their third penalty of the night when Calvin McCurry was chopped down in the box. This time Gary Donnelly took the responsibility to shoot from the spot and he made no mistake to equalise for his team. The game moved to extra-time and on 101 minutes the guile of Gary Donnelly unlocked the visitors’ defence to find Conall Curran who finished confidently from 15 yards to put Comrades ahead for the first time in the game. In the dying moments of the game the visitors were caught out pressing forward when ‘keeper Ray was robbed of the ball just inside the Mallards half by Liam Hassin who ran forward to slot home into the empty net and seal victory for Comrades.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met in a competitive fixture was almost exactly 4 years ago in the County Antrim Shield at Dixon Park. The scores were tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes, but it was the Comrades who would progress to the next round with 2 goals in the second half securing the victory.