Good results for local clubs in cup and League action

fonaCAB Craig Stanfield Irish Junior Cup 3rd Round

West End Hibs 2 FC Antrim 4

FC made the trip to Dungannon to face Mid Ulster League side West End Hibs and the journey was a fruitful one as the Antrim men turned in a brilliant performance to move into the last 32 in a six goal thriller.

Despite a few missing through injury and other commitments, FC took the game to Hibs and got their reward on 29 minutes when Philip Skillen got his first goal for the club rising highest to head home an Jack Moore corner kick. FC were to double their lead just before the break when Skillen flicked on a long throw to Reece Sloan and he looped a header back across goal to send the BSML side in comfortable at the break.

Three minutes into the second half Michael Tolan made it 3-0 from the penalty spot after he was fouled as FC looked to run out easy winners, but the home side had other ideas as one minute later Kyle Thompson put them back into the game beating Anthony Watson with a brilliant free kick curling round the wall giving the keeper no chance.

The game was now end to end with the home side looking to cut the deficit to one, but FC showed some good game management to keep the home side at bay and 20 minutes from time they opened up a three goal lead again.

Another long throw into the box wasn’t dealt with a Seanchan Duffin headed on for Aidan Scullion who set the ball for Reece Sloan to poke home his second goal of the game. Again the Hibs side did not give up with Kyle Thomspon sliding home his second goal of the game five minutes later to set up a tense finish. FC kept the Dungannon side at bay though in the closing stages as they seen the game out to move into the last 32.

Kinecx Energy BSML Division Two

FC Moylena 4 Ballykeel 3

Luka Bates hit a superb late winner as FC Moylena clinched a thrilling 4-3 victory over Ballykeel at the Forum on Saturday.

It's a second straight big Division Two win for Moylena after overcoming derby rivals Abbeyview 3-1 seven days earlier and it saw Jack Walshe and Dara Matthews registering their first goals for the club.

The Antrim hosts were not at their best but showed fighting spirit by coming back from 3-2 down to take all three points.

Ballykeel struck first on 23 minutes, with the ball falling for Taylor Adger to slam into the back of the net from close range.

Moylena struggled from open play but they moved in front thanks to two goals from corners.

Jorden McHugh levelled from a yard out after 35 minutes and it was soon followed by striker Walshe rifling home after a goalmouth scramble.

Ballykeel pressed for a leveller at the start of the second half and it arrived when Barry McDowell slotted in at the nearpost from a corner.

Moylena keeper Jamie Magowan kept it at 2-2 with a brilliant penalty save after 63 minutes.

However, Ballykeel were not to denied a third goal and they took the lead 12 minutes later when Adam Black headed home from a free-kick.

Moylena didn't let their heads drop and found the equaliser in the 82nd minutes as Jamie Jackson found Matthews at the backpost and the substitute smashed the ball past keeper Stephen Watson.

The momentum was now with Moylena and the winner came in style three minutes later - midfielder Bates cut inside before arrowing a 25-yard screamer into the top corner.

Moylena saw out the remainder of the game, a task made easier when Ballykeel's Gary Greene was red-carded after an off-the-ball incident.

Kinecx Energy BSML Division Three

Waveney Swifts 0 Toome FC 3

League leaders Toome FC continued their impressive form with a convincing 3-0 victory away to Waveney Swifts at Waveney Playing Fields in Round 14 of the BSML.

The Magpies wasted little time making their mark on the game. Michael Clarke delivered a dangerous front-post corner which found Paddy Feeney, whose clever, flicked header found the net at the near post to give Toome an early advantage.

Feeney was at it again shortly afterwards. Pearse McAuley Snr produced an inch-perfect long ball over the Waveney defence, allowing Feeney to showcase his excellent first touch before composing himself, rounding the goalkeeper and slotting home with his left foot. With just 27 minutes played, Toome had established a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Toome continued to apply pressure for the remainder of the first half, creating further opportunities, while Waveney battled hard to prevent the deficit from increasing.

The second half saw the league leaders continue to dictate proceedings, with Cassidy, McAuley Snr and Feeney all going close to adding to the scoreline.

The third goal eventually arrived when Clarke broke down the right flank before delivering an audacious ball towards the back post. Captain Conor McLarnon was perfectly positioned to meet it, guiding a looping header across goal and into the top corner to put Toome firmly in control at 3-0.

Substitutes Tomas McCann, Jack McAllister and Pearse McAuley Jnr were introduced and quickly found their rhythm, linking up superbly to create further opportunities. However, Waveney remained resilient and prevented any further damage.

The final whistle confirmed a deserved 3-0 victory for Toome FC, another important result as they continue their push at the top of the league.

There was also plenty of credit due to the Toome backline, who once again delivered a solid defensive performance to secure their fourth consecutive clean sheet – a testament to the organisation and determination throughout the team.