U16 NIFL Academy League Report

Ballinamallard United 2-0 Crusaders

Ballinamallard United U16s clinched a well-earned 2-0 victory over Crusaders on Saturday, marking their fourth consecutive clean sheet in recent weeks.

Dominating much of the play, the Mallards showcased disciplined defending, creative build-up, and persistence in attack.

The early stages saw Ballinamallard create multiple chances, though the scoreline remained level thanks to Crusaders’ goalkeeper Sawyer, who made several smart saves. A flowing passing sequence, beginning in Ballinamallard’s defense with Daniel Gawley, found Jamie Stewart on the wing.

Rhys Murphy provided strong support, delivering a cross to John Ritchie, whose shot forced a diving save from Sawyer.

Later, Rafa McCoy and Cillian Toner’s link-up play resulted in a dangerous ball across the goal, narrowly missing Jay Largo-Elis at the far post.

Gawley thought he had broken the deadlock with a close-range finish, only for his goal to be disallowed for offside.

As the first-half progressed, Oscar Timlin and Ritchie made their presence felt, while Stewart and Toner posed continual threats from wide positions.

Crusaders nearly pulled ahead with an overhead kick five minutes before halftime, but the effort went just wide, keeping it 0-0 at the break.

After halftime, substitutes Oliver Robertson and Jack Fulton made an immediate impact, with Murphy and Eoghan McArdle creating opportunities to release Fulton down the wing, though the final ball narrowly missed connecting with Robertson and Toner.

Crusaders’ Adam Magee made a smart near-post save to keep the score level, and Ballinamallard continued to press with multiple corner opportunities for Joshua Humes and Fulton.

With five minutes remaining, Kelan Boyle broke the deadlock, meeting a bouncing ball in the box with a superb volley into the top corner.

Crusaders fought to equalize, hitting the crossbar with a late cross, but Timlin cleared, finding Ritchie who powered forward, releasing Largo-Elis for a breakaway finish to seal the 2-0 victory.

Both teams delivered an impressive display of football, and Ballinamallard now look ahead to face league leaders Cliftonville, who remain unbeaten this season.