McMurray shoots Ballymena into Co Antrim Shield semis

By Aaron O’Neill

Ballymena United entertained Glentoran at The Showgrounds during Tuesday night’s quarter-final clash in the Toals County Antrim Shield.

David Jeffrey welcomed back the services of the influential Jonathan McMurray – the striker making his first domestic appearance of the season after a long battle with a groin injury.

Glentoran started the brighter of the two sides with Robbie McDaid and Daniel Kelly both threatening in the opening 5 minutes.

Ballymena defender Caolan Loughran was stretchered off after 15 minutes after he sustained a nasty looking injury - the centre-half clashed with Glentoran forward Curtis Allen and seemed to have fallen awkwardly meaning he could play no further part in the match.

David Jeffrey’s side gained their composure midway through the first-half and took the lead on 25 minutes. Some neat play from Thompson and Ervin teed up McMurray who made no mistake in finding the top corner with a well struck volley.

United were the side in the ascendancy and could have doubled their lead just before the half-hour mark as McMurray and McKinney threatened for David Jeffrey’s men.

McMurray had a further chance just before half-time when he reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area but he failed to capitalise as he spurned the chance to extend the lead.

Ballymena held the advantage going into the half-time break and could have been further in front at the break.

United carried their impressive form into the second-half. Cathair Friel got on the end of a Conor McCloskey throw-in but his header came crashing off the post and was hooked away from the danger area.

Ballymena should have extended their lead on 50 minutes. Jonathan Addis slipped inside the penalty area with Friel capitalising on the unfortunate mistake. He laid the ball into the path of McMurray but his timid effort was saved.

Glentoran searched for their equaliser and could have grabbed it through Curtis Allen but his left-footed snapshot was easily dealt with by Glendinning.

Gary Haveron’s side could have been awarded a penalty during the second-half after Glendinning looked to have taken out substitute Tiarnan McNicholl inside the area. Referee Raymond Crangle waved away the appeal – much to the dismay of the Glentoran bench.

The Glentoran pressure continued as they searched for a way back into the game. Defender Calum Birney went close for the visitors but his rasping right-footed effort flew over with ten minutes to go.

Moments later Birney threatened again from a corner. Dylan Davidson’s corner was flicked on at the front post, Birney climbing highest but the big defender’s headed effort drifted wide.

Ballymena immediately turned defence into attack as Shevlin broke clear down the left. The young forward released McCloskey but he blazed over the crossbar.

David Jeffrey’s side held on for victory in the closing minutes, to book their place in the semi-final of the Toals County Antrim Shield.

BALLYMENA UNITED: Glendinning, Flynn, Thompson, Friel, McCloskey (’90, Faulkner) Ervin, McCullough, Millar, Loughran (‘14, Friars) McKinney, McMurray (‘70, Shevlin)

UNUSED SUBS: Kane, McCaffrey

GLENTORAN FC: Morris, Kane, Birney, Addis, Kelly, Allen, McMullan (‘58, Davidson) Kerr (‘64, McCawl) Knowles (‘58, McNicholl) Nelson, McDaid

UNUSED SUBS: Foley, Smith

Referee: Raymond Crangle

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