3rd Ballyclare OB 1

MOYOLA Park Olympic dominated this Ballymena Junior League fixture against their Ballyclare opponents from start to finish.

Indeed, had the home team taken their chances created, they would have at least doubled the winning scoreline of 4-1.

In the opening minutes, Gareth Mott had a strong shot well saved by the visitors keeper at the expense of a corner kick.

And, it came as no surprise 8 minutes in when Moyola took the lead. Here, a long clearance by goalkeeper McEldowney saw the ball fall to Mark Waddell and he burst through to fire to the net for 1-0.

However, this lead proved shortlived as two minutes later, a speculative shot by Ballyclare saw the ball strike the arm of David Waddell and the referee duly awarded a penalty . From the resulting spotkick, the visitors drew level at 1-1.

On a bumpy pitch at Castledawson, good play proved very hard while in defence, Robbie Niblock and David Semple were well in control of any attacks that Ballyclare mustered.

Soon, the home team were back in full flow and following a great move by Mott and Craig, the ball fell to Paul Fulton and the midfielder fired over the line for an excellent goal and a 2-1 lead.

It was all Moyola at this stage and both Craig and Darren Mawhinney had efforts on goal before a strike by Waddell resulted in handball inside the area and the award of a home penalty in the 43rd minute.

Here, Mott placed his spotkick wide of the post and moments later, had another effort clear the crossbar. The half ended with Olympic on top, but still only leading by the odd goal in three.

In the 48th minute, a clever run through by Mott saw him elude the visitors defence, beat the keeper and easily score for 3-1. In reply, McEldowney in home goals had to be quick off his line to deny Ballyclare.

Despite this, for most of the half the host team piled on the pressure looking for more goals.

A great cross by Kenny Kerr saw Mawhinney head narrowly over while Craig brought a fine save from the away keeper. With Neill and Waddell forcing from the back, Moyola continued to creat chances.

On the hour mark, a strong header by Mawhinney struck the crossbar and from the rebound, the same player then headed against a post when a goal looked assured.

Both fullbacks, Semple and Niblock also joined in attacks and had shots on goal, while the unfortunate Mawhinney had a further effort cleared to safety in the 78th minute.

With just two minutes left, another strong run by Mott resulted in him being upended inside the area and the referee, Kenny Biggar, awarded the third penalty of the match.