A YOUNG Ballymena United Reserves showed no shame in losing to a very strong Linfield Swifts side at Windsor Park today.

The Reserves went into this game with memories of last year's thirteen goal demolition at Windsor Park still in their thoughts, but the young lads had been told they had to compete for everything if they were to stand a chance.

After just three minutes William Murphy in the Linfield defence played a through to Billy Joe Burns who did well to hit a first time shot giving the keeper no chance.

After the quick goal United were fearful that a repeat of last year's score was on the cards but to the Sky Blues’ credit they raised their game and took the game to the Belfast Blues and the United winger John McKee was unlucky to see his first time lob sail just over the bar.

It was that player, McKee on the 31st minute again who rounded the Linfield keeper only to see his shot cleared off the line by Murphy. Neil Lowry the Ballymena United striker was also hard done by when he skipped past Kris Lindsay only to see his shot cannon off the crossbar.

Stephen Quigley in his first start for the reserves was giving Murphy a torrid time in the air until he had to come off injured on the 39th minute. The half ended 1-0 to Linfield Swifts and the young Ballymena side genuinely believed they could get something out of the game.

The Sky Blues started the second half the way they ended the first on the attack and again Neil Lowry hit the crossbar on the 51st minute and David Chesney, another debutant, was unlucky with the rebound as the blues keeper somehow got down to push it past the post.

Linfield Swifts got their second goal on the 67th minute when a goal mouth melée saw Gary Browne's strike coming off an away defender and into the net sending Kerr the wrong way.

Linfield got two quick goals on the 81st and 89th minutes from Burns and Marcus Kane. But tremendous credit must go to these young lads who are all 17/18 years of age barring two players. Special mention must go to all the teams work rate but especially Corey Price, John Mckee, Eoin Gillan and Neil Lowry.

Ballymena United Reserves: Aaron Kerr, David Reid, Chris Rodgers, Daniel Agnew, Corey Price, John McKee, Eoin Gillan, David Chesney (sub Jamie Fleming 72), Caolan Gillan, Neil Lowry, Stephen Quigley (sub Michael O'Mullan 40).

Click Here for current IFA Reserve League table

Click Here for current Ballymena United Reserves fixtures and results