Category: Pre-Match Guide

We travel to Wilgar Park this evening to take on Dundela in our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.

Match Info

When: Tuesday 11^th April – Kick-Off 7:45pm

Where: Wilgar Park

What: Lough 41 Championship

Entry: Pay at the gate

The Opponents

Dundela and Warrenpoint Town battled to a share of the spoils at Milltown on Saturday. The Duns moved in front after a quarter-of-an-hour. David McMaster did well down the right flank before finding Jonah Mitchell to took the ball past a defender before beating Conor Mitchell from 20 yards. Macauley Cairns kept the visitors in front on 36 minutes when he produced a fantastic save to thwart Adam Carroll’s close range header. However, ‘Point did find a way through early in the second half when Luke Wade Slater saw his effort from a corner find the net in off defender Jaimie McGovern.

The Comrades

Ballyclare Comrades stretched their unbeaten Championship run to eight games with victory over Annagh United at Dixon Park. Darius Roohi opened the scoring after just five minutes when he picked up the loose ball some 25 yards from goal and fired low into the corner. Ballyclare did have the ball in the net again on 36 minutes but this was ruled out by the officials, but Annagh levelled ten minutes after the break through Stephen Murray sent a curling left foot effort into the top corner. However, the home side secured the points nine minutes from time when 16-year-old Michael Leetch fired into the corner of the net.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met in February, Ballyclare Comrades clocked up a third successive league victory with a one-goal defeat of Dundela at Dixon Park. Scoreless at the break, the only goal of the game arrived nine minutes into the second half when Gary Donnelly’s free-kick from the left was headed past Sam Johnston by Conall McGrandles.

We welcome Annagh United to Dixon Park tomorrow afternoon for our first post-split Lough 41 Championship fixture.

Match Info

When: Saturday 8^th April – 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: McConnell’s Bar Doagh

Ball Sponsor: S&J Irvine Funeral Directors

The Opponents

Annagh United enter the post-split period occupying 3^rd position in the Lough 41 Championship. Their poor form in recent weeks continued with defeat to Ballinamallard United in their last game pre-split. A goal in each half helped the Mallards defeat Annagh at the BMG Arena. Mark Stafford opened the scoring with just less than a quarter-of-an-hour on the clock following a bright start to the game that also saw Annagh come close on a couple of occasions. That was how it stayed until seven minutes from the end when Patrick Ferry found the net.

The Comrades

Following Ballinamallard United’s dramatic defeat away to Knockbreda last weekend, the Comrades enter the post-split period occupying 6^th position in the Lough 41 Championship. Newington and Ballyclare Comrades battled to an equal share of the points and goals at Solitude for their last game pre-split. The Swans moved in front after 13 minutes with a confident finish after collecting a pass into the box. Darius Roohi levelled for Ballyclare three minutes from the break with a header from Cillin Gilmour’s cross before, right at the end of the half, Conall McGrandles nodded the visitors in front at the near post after Paul Donnelly had sent over a corner. But it ended honours even when, on 73 minutes, Eamonn Hughes converted from the spot for Newington.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met in March, the Comrades defeated Annagh 3-1 at the BMG Arena. Scoreless at the break, Ian Fletcher opened the scoring around the hour mark with a high ball into the box that keeper Ronan Burns dropped into the net. Callum Ferris doubled up soon after with a close range header before Joe Tully steered a volley into the net with just over five minutes remaining. Peter Duffin did pull one back for Annagh after that but it proved to be scant consolation as Ciaran McGurgan’s side fell to a third defeat on the bounce.

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

Match Info

When: Saturday 25^th March – Kick-Off 3:00pm

Where: Solitude

What: Lough 41 Championship

Entry: Pay at the gate

The Opponents

Newington drew 2-2 with Ballinamallard United at Ferney Park last week. The visitors raced into the lead after just three minutes when Darren Stuart found the net before doubling their advantage after the half-hour mark when Michael Morgan made the most of some poor defending. Patrick Ferry pulled one back for the Mallards in first half stoppage time, with Richard Clarke then levelling early in the second half from the spot.

The Comrades

Harry Adair bagged the late winner as Ballyclare Comrades defeated Warrenpoint Town at Dixon Park last week. The 21-year-old popped up in stoppage time with a left foot finish in off the far post after connecting with a Darius Roohi ball. Roohi had opened the scoring on 11 minutes with a back heel finish after Gary Donnelly had squared the ball into his path. ‘Point levelled ten minutes before the break when the unchallenged Ryan Swan headed past keeper Declan Breen. Callum Ferris restored home advantage early in the second half after Liam Hassin’s initial shot came back off the crossbar, but Kealan Dillon hit Warrenpoint’s second soon after from 25 yards. The stoppage time winner sees the Comrades go into the last game pre-split in 5^th spot, 2 points ahead of Ards in 7^th.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides back in December Ballyclare Comrades and Newington shared the spoils from an evenly matched middle of the table clash at Dixon Park. Although scoreless at the break, the visitors did twice come close during the opening 45 minutes when Darren Stuart broke through to fire straight at Declan Breen and then again after half-an-hour only to be denied by a goalline clearance. The sides traded chances in the second half but it took Darius Roohi to break the deadlock with 14 minutes remaining when nodded home a Gary Donnelly free-kick from four yards. However Newington grabbed a point deep into stoppage time when Jack Reilly fired home a great shot from outside the box.

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

Match Info

When: Saturday 18^th February – 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: Philip Robinson Plastering

Ball Sponsor: After Schools Club

The Opponents

Warrenpoint Town moved clear in second spot, five points off the top, following a 2-1 victory over Institute at Milltown last week. Steven Ball fired Barry Gray’s charges in front on 37 minutes with a drilled effort following a good team move. It was a lead they held until three minutes into added time when Adam Carroll seemingly made sure of the win with a brilliant strike but ‘Stute hit back almost immediately through a Sean McCarron free-kick to set up a nervous finish.

The Comrades

The Comrades come home with all 3 points last Saturday following a trip to the BMG Arena where they defeated Annagh United 3-1. Scoreless at the break, Ian Fletcher opened the scoring around the hour mark with a high ball into the box that keeper Ronan Burns dropped into the net. Callum Ferris doubled up soon after with a close range header before Joe Tully steered a volley into the net with just over five minutes remaining. Peter Duffin did pull one back for Annagh after that but it proved to be scant consolation as Ciaran McGurgan’s side fell to a third defeat on the bounce.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides back in January, 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.

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

Match Info

When: Saturday 11^th March – Kick-Off 3:00pm

Where: BMG Area

What: Lough 41 Championship

Entry: Pay at the gate

The Opponents

Annagh United lost out to Ards at Clandeboye Park last week following a two-goal defeat. Matthew Tipton’s side moved in front on 35 minutes through Adam Salley’s header past keeper Ronan Burns. Then, with just over a quarter-of-an-hour remaining, Ethan Taggart made sure of the points with a super finish.

The Comrades

Bobby Higgins grabbed a late equaliser for Ballyclare Comrades as they earned a point from Loughgall’s visit to Dixon Park on Tuesday night. The Comrades moved in front after 11 minutes when Darius Roohi tapped home the rebound after Callum Ferris’ initial effort was knocked out by keeper Berraat Turker. Loughgall levelled just after the half-hour mark through Ben Murdock’s drive through a crowded box before taking the lead early in the second half when Aaron Duke found the net. But, four minutes into stoppage time, Ballyclare hit back when Higgins directed a header beyond the visiting keeper.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met in January 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.

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

Match Info

When: Tuesday 7^th March – 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: Metal Technology

Ball Sponsor: SM Plumbing & Heating

The Opponents

Loughgall stretched their lead at the top of the Championship with a narrow defeat of Newington at Lakeview Park last week. Although scoreless at the break the Villagers came close through Caolan Loughran and Tiernan Kelly. Kelly then went one better with the only goal of the game eight minutes into the second half after sending a 25-yard drive past keeper Nathan Kerr. Further efforts followed from Jamie Rea and Aaron Duke as the game progressed but, in the end, that one goal proved to be enough.

The Comrades

The Comrades narrowly lost out to Ballymena United at the weekend after 2 goals in extra time saw the Ballyclare men bow out of the Irish Cup at the Quarter Finals stage. Caomhan McGuinness shot the Championship side into a first-half lead with a shot that almost ripped out the netting and, a shock looked on the cards until United skipper Josh Kelly levelled just after the hour. Minutes before the 90 were up, McGuinness brought down Steven McCullough in the box and United were awarded a penalty. Davy McDaid took on the responsibility, but goalkeeper Declan Breen produced a marvellous save to send the game into extra-time. Only minutes into extra-time McDaid buckled under a challenge from substitute Ian Fletcher and substitute Andy McGrory – the club’s recognised penalty taker – made no mistake this time. But it was left to McDaid to seal the deal with a spectacular solo effort, spinning away on a 40-yard dash, before beating Breen with a low shot.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met in January, Loughgall hit two late goals to come from behind to defeat Ballyclare Comrades at Lakeview Park. 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.

We welcome Ballymena United to Dixon Park tomorrow afternoon for our Irish Cup Quarter Final fixture.

Match Info

When: Saturday 4^th March – Kick-Off 3:00pm

Where: Dixon Park

What: Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whiskey Irish Cup Quarter Final

Entry: Pay at the gate – £12 (Adult) / £8 (Concession)

Match Sponsor: Simpson Developments

Ball Sponsor: Ballyclare CIP Insurance Brokers

The Opponents

Ballymena United currently occupy 7^th position in the Danske Bank Premiership. The Sky Blues and Crusaders battled to a scoreless draw in an entertaining encounter at The Showgrounds last week. The sides traded chances in the opening quarter-of-an-hour with Philip Lowry nodding a cross just wide early on while, for United, David McDaid sent a couple of efforts at keeper Jonny Tuffey. Lowry did have the ball in the net around the half-hour mark only to see it ruled out by the officials. Billy Joe Burns then turned a curling shot just the wrong side of the post with Heatley then testing Jordan Williamson with a low shot. After the break both Heatley and Lowry threatened the home goal again before, midway through the second half, a Josh Kelly misplaced back header was pounced upon by Heatley only for Williamson to get enough of a touch to divert the ball wide. Williamson was then called into action again to deal with a 20-yard Lowry thunderbolt – before Tuffey was then forced to do the same to deny McDaid. Heatley might have snatched all three points for the Crues right at the end only for his low angled shot to be cleared off the line by Kym Nelson.

The Comrades

The Comrades clocked up a third successive league victory with a one-goal defeat of Dundela at Dixon Park last week. Scoreless at the break, the only goal of the game arrived nine minutes into the second half when Gary Donnelly’s free-kick from the left was headed past Sam Johnston by Conall McGrandles. The result keeps the Comrades in 6^th position, 2 points ahead of Ards in 7^th in the Lough 41 Championship.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met was in a pre-season friendly in July 2022 where the Sky Blues left Dixon Park with a 2-1 victory. This will be the first competitive fixture the two sides have faced each other in since 2018 where Ballyclare were defeated 3-0 away at The Showgrounds in The County Antrim Shield.

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

Match Info

When: Saturday 25^th February – 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: Kenny Homes

The Opponents

Dundela returned to winning ways with victory over Ballinamallard United at Ferney Park last week. The Duns moved in front just after the half-hour mark when Peter McKiernan knocked home the rebound after the ball hand been initially saved by Jack Le-Moignan. United came close to levelling early in the second half when Nick Palmer and then Darragh Byrne saw efforts saved by Sam Johnston before, on 56 minutes, David McMaster extended Dundela’s lead somewhat against the run of play. Palmer did pull one back for the Mallards midway through the second half but, with four minutes to go, McKiernan made sure for the visitors with his second of the afternoon.

The Comrades

Ballyclare Comrades hit Institute for six at Dixon Park to boost their claims for a top six post split finish last week. Calvin McCurry opened the scoring after eight minutes with a left-foot volley into the top right corner. The home side doubled their advantage on 28 minutes courtesy of a Darius Roohi spot-kick before, five minutes after that, Callum Ferris tucked the ball away from inside the box. Gary Donnelly extended Ballyclare’s lead on 66 minutes with a dinked finish over keeper Dylan Doherty at the end of a solo run. ‘Stute hit back with a couple of goals in three minutes to drag themselves back into the game. Ronan McAleer pulled one back with a fantastic half volley on 69 minutes before Oisin Devlin found the net from a free header. However, Howard Beverland added Ballyclare’s fifth with a quarter-of-an-hour remaining with Liam Hassin completing the scoring in stoppage time with a header from Caomhan McGuinness’ cross.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides in October, a second half collapse saw Dundela go down 5-2 away to Ballyclare Comrades. 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.

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

Match Info

When: Saturday 18^th February – 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: Beechview Developments

Ball Sponsor: Terry Coulter Cars

The Opponents

Institute fell to defeat against Newington at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Tuesday night. Patrick Downey opened the scoring after just seven minutes with a fierce strike from inside the box. Then, on 39 minutes, Tiarnan McNicholl doubled Newington’s lead to complete the scoring and ultimately secure the win.

The Comrades

The Comrades grabbed a late winner to defeat Ards in an entertaining encounter at Dixon Park on Tuesday night. Darius Roohi fired the Comrades in front on 27 minutes with a curling effort from 16 yards after his initial effort had been blocked. Ards levelled a minute into the second half through Patrick Cafolla after the ball had been played in from the left but Roohi restored Ballyclare’s lead just before the hour from close range for his second of the evening. The visitors hit back again on 69 minutes through Ross Arthurs’ header at the near post but, right at the end, Gary Donnelly bagged the winner with a great finish into the far corner from the left side of the box.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met was just two weeks ago when 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. 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.

We welcome Ards to Dixon Park this evening for our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.

Match Info

When: Tuesday 14^th 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.