Blues make winning start

Ballinhassig AFC 2 Youghal United 1

(JJ Hurley)

Ballinhassig got their Munster Senior League 2nd Division campaign off to a winning start on Saturday, grinding out a 2-1 home victory over Youghal United.

Debutants Cormac Kelly and Nathan Crowley impressed in the opening half as the Blues controlled possession.

They made the breakthrough shortly before the interval, when Crowley’s cross from the left found Aaron Milligan, who finished clinically to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Last season’s top scorer Rob O’Leary was withdrawn at half-time, with teenager Aaron Murphy introduced. Despite Youghal’s growing pressure, Ballinhassig doubled their advantage when Crowley stepped up from fullback to curl a superb free kick over the wall and into the net.

The visitors responded strongly and pulled a goal back from a set piece, setting up a tense finish. Murphy had a chance to seal the win after breaking in behind, but the Youghal keeper denied him in a one-on-one.

Ballinhassig had to withstand late pressure, but held firm to secure three points. Head coach Jason McCarthy praised the first-half display while acknowledging the need for improvement after the break.

Ballinhassig, stand in Skipper Peter Milligan seen in action recently (Picture Ballinhassig AFC)