'Class to watch': Barry Johnston praise for 'clean and crisp' Ballymena United star
Ballymena United assistant manager Barry Johnston hailed “class to watch” Finley Thorndike after marking his first competitive Sky Blues start with a goal in Tuesday’s 6-0 Senior Shield win over Ballymacash Rangers.
Former Glentoran playmaker Thorndike joined Ballymena from Crusaders last month in a deal which resulted in Donal Rocks moving in the other direction.
The 24-year-old scored four goals in 30 league games for the Crues last term and will be hoping to better those numbers at The Showgrounds.
Thorndike provided the assist for Michael Leetch’s opener on Tuesday – his first since joining from Ballyclare Comrades – before doubling his side’s advantage and also played a key role in Matthew Clarke’s strike.
James Hood and Chris McKee also found the net as Oran Kearney’s side secured progression past third tier Ballymacash and Johnston was thrilled with Thorndike’s impact.
"He’s class to watch,” Johnston told the club’s media channel. “Everything he does is so clean and crisp.
"I’m delighted for Michael, I thought Caoimhin (McDonnell) was brilliant, Sean Murray who needed minutes in his legs was outstanding as well.
"Clarkey getting a goal from a rampaging run up the left when you’ve just asked him to sit in and be compact – it’s good to see the players are listening!
“It was a good night’s work and everybody came out unscathed, we couldn’t ask for any more.”
Ballymena conducted some transfer deadline day business by signing former Glentoran defender Kodi Lyons-Foster on loan from Coleraine.
Lyons-Foster, who was named in NIFWA’s Team of the Season for his performances throughout the 2024/25 campaign at The Oval, became the Sky Blues’ 13th summer arrival while 20 players departed on permanent deals.
The ex-Tottenham Hotspur youngster established a reputation as one of the Irish League’s top defenders at the Glens but found his opportunities limited this season with Coleraine signing Aidan Wilson and Rob Slevin.
"Everybody knows throughout the league how good of a defender he is,” added Johnston. “His reputation stands up for itself.
"It’s a big signing for us, another class player coming in to complement a strong group of players.
"The players will be delighted and we can’t wait to get working with him. It’s another step forward for the club.”