Category: Pre-Match Guide

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.

We welcome Ballinamallard United to Dixon Park tomorrow evening for the first round of the Bet McLean League Cup.

Match Info

When: Tuesday 13^th September – Kick-Off 7:45pm

Where: Dixon Park

What: Bet McLean League Cup – Round 1

Entry: Pay at the gate – £8 (Adult) / £5 (OAP & U16) / £3 (U12 in the company of an adult). A reminder to all season ticket holders that season tickets are not valid for cup competitions.

Match & Ball Sponsor: Ballyclare Comrades FC Supporters Club

The Opponents

The Mallards are yet to record a victory in the Lough 41 Championship after their opening 5 fixtures this season. Their last outing was a 2-1 home defeat to Dundela at Ferney Park. The visitors moved in front after 11 minutes through Eamon Fyfe who connected with a Tony Kane corner to head past keeper Michael Lynch. Ballinamallard levelled, however, around the half-hour mark through Caolan McAleer. And that was how it stayed until midway through the second half when supersub Rhys Annett followed up with the winner after Kane’s initial effort had been pushed away.

The Comrades

The Comrades suffered the disappointment of a penalty shoot-out defeat to Dundela last week 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.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met, the Comrades and Mallards fought out a scoreless draw in the season opener at Dixon Park. Ballinamallard squandered an early chance to seize the advantage when, after a quarter-of-an-hour, BJ Banda struck the crossbar with a penalty after he had been brought down by Conall McGrandles. For Ballyclare Joe Tully perhaps came closest just before the break only to be denied by a goalline Mark Stafford clearance. Stafford saved the Mallards again later in the game with another header off the line to thwart Cathal Farren while Banda had a late chance only to send the ball wide from a good position.

We travel to Wilgar Park tomorrow evening to take on Dundela in the first round of the ToalsBet Co Antrim Shield.

Match Info

When: Tuesday 6^th September – Kick-Off 7:45pm

Where: Wilgar Park

What: ToalsBet Co Antrim Shield – Round 1

Entry: Pay at the gate

The Opponents

Dundela won on the road on Saturday with a 2-1 defeat of Ballinamallard United at Ferney Park. The visitors moved in front after 11 minutes through Eamon Fyfe who connected with a Tony Kane corner to head past keeper Michael Lynch. Ballinamallard levelled, however, around the half-hour mark through Caolan McAleer. And that was how it stayed until midway through the second half when supersub Rhys Annett followed up with the winner after Kane’s initial effort had been pushed away.

The Comrades

The Comrades edged past Knockbreda by the odd goal in five at Dixon Park on Saturday. The home side moved in front after nine minutes when Darius Roohi converted from the spot after Calvin McCurry had been brought down. And that was how it stayed before a couple of quick goals put Knockbreda in the driving seat. First, on the hour, Ross McCaughan headed home from a corner before, nine minutes later, Karl Hamill connected with a cross from the right to find the net at the back post. But Ballyclare levelled soon after courtesy of Cathal Farren’s far post header … with Joe Tully then grabbing what proved to be the winner on 82 minutes with a 25-yard drive.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met, just two weeks ago, the Comrades defeated Dundela at Wilgar Park thanks to a goal in each half. Calvin McCurry opened the scoring for the visitors after 20 minutes when Duns keeper Neil Shields failed to clear the ball. That was how it stayed until nine minutes into the second half after Darius Roohi doubled Ballyclare’s advantage despite a good start from the home side.

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

Match Info

When: Saturday 3^rd September – 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: Jenkins Butchers, Main Street Ballyclare & Station Road Doagh

The Opponents

A late Anthony Burns goal proved to be the difference between Knockbreda and Newington at ‘Breda Park last week. The 27-year-old struck right at the end of normal time to secure the points for the home side a few moments after the visitors had been reduced to ten men following Fra Brennan’s dismissal for a second bookable offence. Knockbreda currently occupy 5^th position in the Lough 41 Championship table, just 1 point behind the Comrades.

The Comrades

The Comrades fell to their first defeat of the season last week as Ards claimed all three points with a 2-1 victory at Clandeboye Park. Matthew Tipton’s side needed just over sixty seconds to move in front when Ross Hunter pounced on a mistake at the back to open the scoring. It was a lead they held until eight minutes into the second half after Calvin McCurry latched onto a Kyle Beggs pass to lob keeper Alex Moore. However, Eamon Scannell bagged what proved to be the winner with six minutes remaining with a header following a counter attack down the right. The result keeps The Comrades on 7 points from the opening 4 games, sitting 4^th in the Lough 41 Championship table.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met in April 2022, they shared six goals in an entertaining encounter at Dixon Park. The Comrades moved in front after a quarter-of-an-hour when Adam McCart beat Daniel Oates with a bullet header but just a couple of minutes after that Ciaran Heggarty was on hand to level for ‘Breda. Ballyclare scored twice early in the second half to move firmly into the lead. Jason Johnston nodded home a Ryan Arthur free-kick before Liam Hassin tapped home a third after Kyle Beggs had sent the ball to the back post. ‘Breda reduced the deficit on 72 minutes through Karl Hamill on the counter attack before Lee McGreevy bagged the equaliser in stoppage time.

We travel to Clandeboye Park tomorrow evening to take on Ards in our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.

Match Info

When: Friday 26^th August – Kick-Off 7:45pm

Where: Clandeboye Park

What: Lough 41 Championship

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

The Opponents

There was late drama at the BMG Arena on Tuesday night where Ards were beaten 2-1 by Annagh United. Scoreless at the break, Ross Arthurs opened the scoring for Ards a couple of minutes into the second half when he rose to meet a Daniel Reynolds cross. The home side levelled with just over an hour on the clock when Stephen Murray lifted the ball over Ards keeper Alex Moore. Then, deep into stoppage time, Conor Mullen met Craig Taylor’s cross to head home the winner at the far post. The result puts Ards in 8^th position in the Lough 41 Championship table after 3 games with 1 win and 2 defeats.

The Comrades

A goal in each half helped The Comrades defeat Dundela at Wilgar Park on Tuesday night. Calvin McCurry opened the scoring for the visitors after 20 minutes when Duns keeper Neil Shields failed to clear the ball. That was how it stayed until nine minutes into the second half after Darius Roohi doubled Ballyclare’s advantage despite a good start from the home side. The Comrades, still yet to concede a goal in the 22/23 Lough 41 Championship campaign, currently sit in 3^rd position on the table.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met, Benny Igiehon grabbed the only goal of the game as Ards defeated Ballyclare Comrades in a Friday night in April fixture at Dixon Park. The visitors might have moved in front midway through the first half when Daniel Reynolds did well to send a cross over from the right but Ryan Arthur was on hand to turn the ball over as Igiehon looked poised to pounce. Ross Arthurs then found himself through on goal a short time later but Comrades keeper Richard Purcell did well to deal with the danger. But the deadlock was broken on 37 minutes when Arthurs knocked the ball on into the area with an overhead kick for Igiehon to touch past Purcell under pressure from Adam McCart. Igiehon might have added a second after the break but he couldn’t bring the ball under control in front of goal after Eamon Scannell had crossed from Christopher Crane’s punt forward. Ards were denied a second later in the game when Purcell was called into action to make a double save to keep out substitute Jay Boyd and then Scannell while Ballyclare applied some pressure in the closing stages but couldn’t do enough to force an equaliser.