Just as they did in last years event Ballyvea defeated Castlewellan Town in the Charity Shield. It was 3-1 at the final whistle but I doubt that the Town will lose any sleep over the reverse, only 4 of the squad from last years Harry Clarke Cup Final were on show for Castlewellan but they can take heart with the performance of the young lads that came in. Ballyvea too were not at full strength but were only missing about 3 players. It was a good game considering and a credit to those involved. Ballyvea took an 18th minute lead via the penalty spot after a clear foul in the area but straight from the kick off the Town equalised through Stevie Trainor. Paddy Keown, making a welcome return for the greens almost shot them ahead but his effort was well saved and Thomas Beckett (pictured) almost scored after a mazy dribble before being ‘taken out’ by a Ballyvea defender who was lucky to stay on the field, the referee however didn’t even award a free kick which was quite bizarre. Against the run of play however Ballyvea took the lead just before half time and indeed almost went further ahead right on the whistle after the Town’s defence got into an awful mix up.
Ballyvea came well into the picture in the second period and went further ahead in the 48th minute. Young Beckett was having a stormer and got through a mountain of work as did Donagh Steele and some of the Town’s football was of the highest order. Ballyvea found it difficult to play through Castlewellan and decided that the high ball would pay better dividends. This brought them more success in terms of field position but Stratton and Lawless at the back were not for buckling under the pressure. Midway through the half Castlewellan brought on three subs from last years under 17s side McKibbin, McCartan and Rice who all acquitted themselves well. Ballyvea should have really killed the game but Mickey Watson made two outstanding saves to deny them.
All in all it was an enjoyable opening to the new season played in a good spirit and overall Ballyvea were deserving winners, the World Cup Final it wasn’t but you wouldn’t have known by the celebrations of some of Ballyvea’s supporters at the end! From Castlewellan’s point of view it was an excellent workout with some of the younger lads stating their case for first team inclusion. Tommy Beckett was outstanding and Matthew Stratton, Donagh Steele excelled. Young Jed McCartan and Oisin Mckibbin showed up well and with a little more confidence which will be gained from experience they have a successful future ahead of them.
