Our U13 development  team had their second league outing of the season away to MEK in Fossa. The squad gave 110% as they fought hard for their 3 points. Ballyhar started brightly and took the lead in the fifth minute when a short free kick by Reuben Griffin was rolled to Jack Duggan who fired the ball into the roof of the net.

Ballyhar continued to push for a second with the attack being led by Rian Comerford and Charlie Curran and assisted by the all-action midfield of Brendan Flynn, Jack Duggan, Reuben Griffin and Elliot Lyne. On the tenth minute a short kick out was picked up well by Rian who controlled first time and placed his shot into the keeper’s right-hand corner. 0-2 Ballyhar 10 minutes in.

MEK started to find their passing rhythm and the back 4 of Aaron Looney, Eoin Cremin, Ciarán Ferris and Brian McMahon remained solid until a corner on the 20th minute from MEK went straight in. 1-2 Ballyhar 20 minutes in.
Ballyhar introduced Ewan Myers and Bryan Evans. After a fantastic stretch to intercept an MEK attacking-pass Ewan sustained a slight injury and had to depart after only 5 minutes playing time.

Ballyhar increased their lead on the 25th minute when a corner from Brian McMahon fell to the feet of Reuben who finished well to the bottom left corner of the net.  1-3 Ballyhar 25 minutes in.

MEK reacted immediately with an attack from kick-off where a long ball fell at the edge of the Ballyhar box and was met by an MEK player who hit an unstoppable shot into the Ballyhar net. 2-3 Ballyhar 27 minutes in.

Ballyhar felt the pressure for the 3 minutes remaining to half time and would have succumbed if not for 2 outstanding saves by keeper Adam Quirke.  2-3 Ballyhar HT.

MEK mounted wave after wave of attack early in the second half but were unable to penetrate Ballyhar, who defended well from the front.

With 10 minutes remaining Bryan Evans, who showed excellent control and speed throughout, was on the end of an exceptional  team move. Reuben Griffin picked the ball up in midfield, passed it to Aaron Looney who played a quick one-two with Eoin Cremin. Aaron floated the ball down the right over the MEK defence where Bryan Evans controlled well and was unlucky to hit the woodwork.

Both teams tired in the final minutes but Ballyhar finished with the win 2-3 FT.

Man of the match goes to Rueben Griffin who was everywhere on the pitch for Ballyhar.

Thanks to MEK for a great game and best of luck for the remainder of the year.