(Lisburn) Distillery 0
Ballymena United 4
League (IFA Premiership)

Match Report

BALLYMENA United romped home to an impressive 4-0 victory on the road today, the goals coming courtesy of Jamie Davidson, David Cushley and a brace from substitute James McCabe.

It was the home side who started the brightest, marksman Gary Liggett going close with a couple of efforts early on. Despite this Distillery pressure, it was United who took the lead. On 28 minutes, young striker Jamie Davidson received the ball in the box, beat his man, and lashed the ball home past the outstretched Billy Brennan.

Distillery then resumed their early pressure, with Jordan Hughes shooting just wide after an impressive, skilful run down the left hand side. United were rocking, and were glad to hear the half time whistle with the one goal scoreline still intact.

Whilst it could be said United were fortunate to win the fist half, no such accusations could be levelled against the side in the second, as The Sky Blues stepped up a gear to the delight of the travelling support.

Alan Teggart should have doubled the advantage on 48 minutes, but shot over after a great through ball by Mark Surgenor. Not that it mattered, as ten minutes later a great solo effort from David Cushley resulted in a thumping strike to give United a two goal cushion.

The third was straight from the training ground. A short free kick from Tony Kane found Gavin Taggart,who floated in a sublime cross right onto substitute James McCabe's head to effectively end the game as a contest.

Six minutes later, McCabe had his second and United's fourth after drilling the ball home from inside the box. The former Cliftonville Olympic man could have had a hat trick, only for an excellent stop from Brennan when the net seemed destined to bulge.

Alan Davidson too had a couple of efforts denied as the game neared its conclusion, United finishing the match strongly as they went in search of an even more emphatic scoreline.

Match report written by Jordan Miller