07s delight at the Barcelona Cup
Day 1 at the Barcelona Cup could not have gone better for the young Mallards!!
Ballinamallard United 1 v 0 Semente Futura Yoorin (Brazil)
In their opening match Ballinamallard faced Brazilian opposition and got off to a perfect start with an early goal from Sean Corry allowing the Mallards to settle. Despite having other first half chances and the larger share of possession the lead was not extended. In the second half Ballinamallard came under pressure but held out superbly to claim an opening win.
Ballinamallard United 3 v 0 Syngenta Colts (Scotland)
In match two Ballinamallard played Syngenta Colts from Scotland and had an early effort by Sean Corry ruled out for offside. The Mallards did go ahead shortly after however with Corry again on target and in an even first half it remained 1-0 at the break. In the second half the Mallards stepped it up a gear and goal number two came as Nicholas Armstrong played a great assist to put Sean Corry in on goal and he duly claimed his and the Mallard’s second. Corry was again on target to claim his hat trick as the Mallards recorded a 3-0 victory and in the end a comfortable win.
Ballinamallard United 4 v 2 Tips White (Finland)
In match three the Mallards met Tips White from Finland and it was again Sean Corry with a great individual goal which gave them the lead just 20 seconds in! Ballinamallard however came under pressure in this game and found themselves 2-1 down at the break. A slow start to the second half didn’t help the Mallard cause but an excellent Calum Hunter strike drew them level and gave them the basis to go on to win the game. Sean Corry again played an important part winning a penalty after he was upended in the box and when he converted the Mallards went ahead. In the closing stages Corry claimed a remarkable two hat tricks in one day as he broke away to convert his third in a 4-2 win for the Mallards.
Ballinamallard United 4 v 3 Tarleton Corinthians FC (England)
In their final match of the day the Mallards played Tarleton Corinthians FC from England and started brightly with Dylan Donnelly scoring his first of the tournament. Tarleton however hit back twice to take a 2-1 lead into the break. Ballinamallard were back on level terms early in the second half with Sean Corry again the talisman. Dylan Donnelly netted his second of the day and yet another Corry goal made it 4-2. Tarleton did pull another back but the Mallards held on to top their group in a remarkable day’s football to reach the semi final of the Barcelona Cup.
A super team effort with everyone playing their part and the boys now go into their semi final at 10:45 am in the morning. The opposition is not yet known but we wish these wee men all the best as they bid to reach the final!