Ballyclare Comrades were narrowly beaten 2–1 by Rosario YC in a closely contested match at Ulidia Playing Fields, with the home side securing all three points despite the Comrades battling right to the final whistle.

The opening half was an evenly matched affair, with both sides competing well and neither able to establish a clear advantage. Ballyclare had started the match on top with Ryan McMenemy’s shot hitting the post, but found themselves defending the box as Rosario grew into the game just before halftime.

Rosario eventually broke the deadlock 10 minutes after the break through George Keane, but Comrades continued to stay in the contest and created opportunities of their own.

Not long after conceding, Ballyclare thought they had found an equaliser through Ryan McMenemy, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. It was a decision that looked particularly tight from the Comrades’ perspective and left plenty of debate around the ground.

The second half remained competitive, with both teams working hard to gain control. Comrades Manager Nathan McConnell turned to the bench, throwing on David Taylor, Barry McKervey and Nathan Best in the hunt to get back in the game.

The Comrades refused to let the game go, however, and continued to push forward. There were a number of stoppages and decisions throughout the afternoon, with the referee having a somewhat challenging game.

Their perseverance was rewarded in the 63rd minute when Nathan Best’s cross from the right was heading into the net by Lewis Mearns to draw the Comrades back level.

Both sides continued to push for a winner, with Ryan McMenemy seeing a few shots creep agonisingly wide.

The decisive moment came in the 5th minute of added time: the Comrades midfield was caught on the ball and Rosario’s Jack Watson was able to steal in before the onrushing Lewis Deane to poke home a late winner and send the home fans into raptures.