Our U17's had their first taste of senior level soccer on Saturday when they welcomed Killarmey Athletic B.

The lads settled into the game well and were bossing the early stages but conceded a needless penalty on 12 mins. Eoin O'Mahony made up for his error by brilliantly saving the initial shot, but poor follow-up defending meant the ball fell to the feet of an Athletic player who made sure from close range. Ballyhar quickly resumed their dominance with chances coming down the right from great work by Eoghan O'Sullivan. Lee Cirillo was very unlucky to see 1 attempt go just outside the post following a great cross by O'Sullivan. But the deserved equaliser arrived just before the half-hour mark, when a cross by O'Sullivan decieved everyone and nestled in the back of the net. 1-1
After the break, Ballyhar looked to increase the pressure on the visitors, and Davin Quilter did well to force the ball home to make it 2-1 on 55 mins. Athletic responded with efforts down the left flank, which were excellently dealt with all game by the outstanding Conor Regan. A few half chances followed at both ends, but the drama was saved for the final 10 mins. First, captain Ross Lally scored a sweet free kick to make it 3-1 before Athletic struck the woodwork twice and found the net to make it a nervy finish. But in the end, the lads held on for a 3-2 win.
Best for Ballyhar were Tom Costelloe, Eoghan O'Sullivan, Ross Lally, and MOTM Conor Regan.