Carrick Rangers U18s 1 Ballinamallard United U18s 1

(Ballinamallard won 5-4 on pens)

Ballinamallard secured their place in the semi final of the Harry Cavan Irish Youth Cup following a penalty shoot out victory over Carrick Rangers at a windy Taylor’s Avenue on Saturday.

The Mallards played against the wind in the first half and with only six minutes on the clock they found themselves behind when a corner from the right was not dealt with, allowing Carrick to score at the front post.

But, the Ducks were back on level terms six minutes later as a clearance from Ballinamallard goalkeeper Nathan Hunter went through to the Carrick keeper who hesitated under pressure from Dylan Boyle.

This caused the keeper to miskick which left Danny Barker the task of slotting into an empty net for 1-1.

Lifted by this, the Mallards went on to threaten again as a good run on the right by Barker saw him square the ball to Dylan Boyle in the middle. Boyle then squeezed a pass to Kealan Fitzpatrick but his shot was straight at the home goalkeeper.

The Mallards continued to probe and on 35 minutes, a free kick on the 18-yard box from Alex Magee caused the Carrick keeper to parry, and Dylan Boyle followed up with the Carrick keeper making a further save to clear the danger.

Carrick continued to push themselves, however, with the Ballinamallard back line of Shane Speak, Aaron Smyton, Jamie Steele and Brownlee resolute in defence.

In the second half Alex Brownlee won the ball in his own half, made a great run before playing Danny Barker in, resulting in a save at front post.

The Mallards midfield of Josh Killilea, Magee and Josh Gallagher were matching the Carrick midfield, which was turning into a very contested game. There was very little between the teams with the Mallards just edging the better chances.

On 64 minutes, Ballinamallard had a strong call for a penalty when Fitzpatrick was pulled to the ground with the referee waving away the appeals.

Legs where getting tired with Adam Armstrong, Lewis Loughlin and Cameron Crook all introduced.

The game went into extra time and Fitzpatrick, having made a run into the box, hit the left-hand post with the keeper routed to the spot.

The game became more open, and in the second period of extra time, Liam Corry was introduced into midfield when Ballinamallard had another strong penalty call when the Carrick keeper came through the back of Smyton, the referee again waving away all appeals

The game ended in a draw, going to a penalty shootout resulting in Ballinamallard winning the game 5-4 in sudden death.

The penalty scorers were Crooks, Smyton, Armstrong, Boyle and Corry while Mallards goalkeeper Hunter pulled off two brilliant saves.

The young Mallards are back in the draw for the semi finals with Cliftonville, Dungannon or Maiden City next to play.

 

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