Handy Andy's right on target

Handy Andy's right on target

30 November 2011

BALLYNAHINCH are proving to be simply unstoppable.

Mark Graham’s men are unbeaten in all competitions this season and the high-flyers picked up another three points with a superb home win against Portrush.

The locals were once again in irresistible form with striker Andy McIlwaine scoring a hat-trick to dispose of the team Ballynahinch recently defeated to book their place in the Senior Two Cup final.

Last Saturday, Portrush proved a tough nut to crack and were kept in the game early on in particular thanks to a great display from their ‘keeper who frustrated McIlwaine and a host of other players.

Home ‘keeper Mark Brown had only save to make in the first half from a short corner and didn’t touch the ball in the second period as the action unfolded ahead of him,.

McIlwaine’s opener came in what was a tight game just 10 minutes before the interval when he scored a real cracker, picking his spot in a crowded penalty area.

Ballynahinch played well in the opening period but players tended to rush their shots, rather than delaying just a fraction before picking their spot, while the home defence of Grant Hayes, Ashley Brown, Alex Millar and Leslie Harrison dealt comfortably with anything that came their way.

That man Hayes was heavily involved in Ballynahinch’s second goal of the afternoon.

His powerful shot was saved by the Portrush ‘keeper and there was McIlwaine on hand to collect the rebound to fire the ball home.

McIlwaine, who is determined to finish as the club’s top scorer this season, completed his hat-trick to take his goals tally to the season to 15 and it’s not yet December.

The big man will also be licking his lips at the prospect of facing Foyle away this Saturday before back-to-back games against derby rivals Saintfield to complete the first half of the Senior 2 league programme.

On current form, McIlwaine is one of the hottest strikers in the league and his goals tally could be 20 before the end of the year.

Ballynahinch 3

Portrush 0

SENIOR 2