First half nightmare for Ballynahinch at home

First half nightmare for Ballynahinch at home

2 March 2022

BALLYNAHINCH lost out to Portrush on home soil in their latest Ulster Intermediate League encounter at the weekend.

‘Hinch began strongly and on the attack from the first whistle as Alex Millar was quickly able to play the ball out from the back and up to Matthew Martin. 

The Ballynahinch player played the ball up to Kyle Patterson on the left wing, who was able to slot the ball in off the back post to put his side on the scoresheet. 

Portrush were quickly on the counter attack down the right-hand side only to be stopped by Ashley Brown and ‘keeper Aaron Donnell. 

Portrush were determined to level the game and were able to slip the ball from the baseline through a crowded circle before putting the ball in at the back post. 

Leslie Harrison played the ball out to Scott Leetch on the right, who was able to pass up to Craig Harkness and over to Michael Carney and Jason Campbell up front. 

They were able to create chance after chance, but were denied by the Portrush ‘keeper and their defence.

‘Hinch came out in the second quarter looking to add to the scoreline. Adam Dodds and Scott Leetch on the right and side were able to play the ball forward putting the pressure on Portrush. They were able to play the ball to Matthew Martin in midfield, who bounced the ball to Alex Millar. 

Alex was able to throw an aerial ball up to Josh Higginson, who went on the attack down the left side and started to create chances for ‘Hinch in the second quarter. 

Portrush were quick on the counter attack every time and were able to convert their chances in the ‘Hinch circle taking their score to 2–1.  

Soon after, Portrush were able to win and convert their short corner opportunity. The ‘Hinch back four played back and forth with midfielders Matthew Martin and Jason Campbell creating space for the ball to be played forward to Ross Connolly and Lewis Higginson, who were unable to break down a strong Portrush defence. Portrush were able to add a fourth goal to their total just before half-time.

Unfortunately it didn’t take long for Portrush to find the back of the net for their fifth of the day after the restart. This came courtesy of a quick attack down the left-hand side before a perfectly placed shot across goal. 

This didn’t stop ‘Hinch fighting for every ball and looking to keep possession. ‘Hinch were able to win several short corners but were unable to convert their chances, due to a strong Portrush defence. 

When Portrush were able to break in to the ‘Hinch circle they won short corners. However, they were unable to convert these corners after trying several different routines.

In the final quarter, Ballynahinch team-mates Alex Millar, Ashley Brown and Leslie Harrison continued to push the ball up towards the midfield and forwards but they were unable to break the Portrush defence or the ball travelling too quickly for players to stop before ending up over the baseline.  

Matty Martin and Adam Dodds had a great tag team run up the pitch with Matty having a shot on goal. Unfortunately it was stopped by the Portrush defence.  

The ‘Hinch men continued to press and win the ball with every try right up until the final whistle.