BALLYMENA United Reserves bowed out of the Intermediate Cup at the first hurdle to Carrickfergus based side Killroot Rec.

Ballymena went into this match with an almost identical team that played in Thursday night's Thirds game barring senior goalkeeper Dwayne Nelson.

It wasn't long until this young team got on the score sheet after good work from Gillan in midfield to set up Jamie Davidson who skipped past two defender to hit a powerful shot under the Kilroot goalkeeper giving him no chance.

was a real cup tie with action going from end to end and Kilroot got the break through with a ball whipped into the box which decieved defenders and keeper ending up in the net on the 27th minute.

Kilroot attacked again with a superb effort on the 32nd minute giving the keeper no chance.

Credit must go this young team who are starting to show a never say die attitude and they got the equaliser on the 43rd minute after a good cross from Micheal O'Mullan was powerfully headed into the net by Colin Moore giving the keeper no chance with his second goal in as many games.

Chris Bradley from the Thirds got his Reserve team debut coming on at half time replacing Nelson in goal and he showed what he could do with his superb handling from corners and set pieces.

It was that kid Bradley again who pulled of a superb save after the Kilroot midfielder hit a rocket of a shot on the 67th minute.

Colin Moore was unlucky on the 71st minute after a good cross into the box from Corey Price was headed into the keepers arms.

With the match looking like it was heading to extra time up popped the Kilroot striker on the 82nd minute to steal the winner, and credit must go to these young player who were up against a much bigger and physical side than themselves but kept battling the whole way.

Ballymena United Reserves: Dwayne Nelson (sub Chris Bradley 46), Corey Price, Michael O'Mullan, David Reid, Daniel Agnew, Patrick Deboys, Eoin Gillan, Gavin Kernohan (sub Neil Lowry 59), Jamie Davidson, Jordan Waring (sub John McKee 65), Colin Moore. Subs (not used): Jamie Fleming, Caolan Gillan.

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