Case of job done for Sky Blues
MUTED CELEBRATIONS: Allan Jenkins after his goal
MISSION accomplished for Ballymena United in terms of reaching the quarter-finals of the JJB Sports Irish Cup – but that’s about it in terms of positives.
The Sky Blues made heavy weather of getting past their excellent Amateur League opponents, with an injury time goal giving the scoreline a suggestion of comfort for the senior side which simply wasn’t there.
A major shock looked to be on the cards as Derriaghy went in 1-0 up at half-time after Aaron Stewart deflected Andrew Rosbotham’s cross into his own net in stoppage time to complete a superb first half display from the visitors, before some harsh words brought about a recovery in the second period.
“We talked about it on Tuesday night and Thursday night about the attitude having to be right in these games right from the start. If you go out at 3 o’clock and the attitude is wrong, you can’t change it at twenty past three,” said United boss Glenn Ferguson
“Fortunately getting the boys in at half time and giving them a...bit of information for want of a better word, they responded and did up their game.
“It took a bit of time to make the breakthrough but once we did, I was fairly confident we could go on to win the game.
“The key thing was, if we played badly, to get our name in the hat and that is what we did.
“In the cup, if you get the luck, you could find yourself involved on cup final day,” added Ferguson.
Ballymena’s fightback began on the hour mark when Derriaghy keeper John Rosbotham misjudged the flight of Curtis Woods’ deep cross from the right and Ally Teggart was on hand to nod home at the back post.
United were in front eight minutes later when centre-back Davy Munster rose unchallenged to head home a Rory Carson corner.
Still Derriaghy weren’t finished and United had to survive a kitchen sink-style onslaught from the Amateur League side in the closing minutes before Ballymena captain Allan Jenkins broke clear in stoppage time to steer home the third and set up a quarter-final trip to Newry City.
Derriaghy boss Michael Lamont admitted he was very proud of his players’ efforts both on the day and throughout the cup run.
“I told the players at half-time to keep believing. We did believe we had a chance if we played the way we can play and if we caught Ballymena unawares and I thought we were good value for our lead at half-time.
“To be fair to Ballymena, they kept pushing and pushing although I thought 3-1 flattered them.
“This has been a great run, the lads have all enjoyed themselves and I think we’ve showed we can compete against higher opposition.”
Ballymena United: Nelson, Woods, Munster, Stewart, Black, Baker (Teggart 46), Jenkins, Surgenor (Carson 8), Downey (Lowry 75), McCutcheon, Costello.
Subs not used: Davidson, Rodgers.
Derriaghy CC: J Rosbotham, Burke, Larmour, (Strong 64), Patterson, McKinstry, McNaul, Elliott (Arnott 76), Stewart, Baker, Scott (Orr 76), A Rosbotham.
Subs not used: McCullough, Saulters.
Referee: Ross Dunlop (Carrickfergus).
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 11 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
