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Kelbie goal keeps United in Cup

Thursday, 28 January 2010

Kelbie.

Ballymena United 1
Ards 0
A goal in the first period of extra time by striker Kevin Kelbie booked United a sixth round home tie with Ballinamallard United on February 13!
Ballymena made hard work of seeing off Championship side Ards.
They played a total of 191 minutes football before finally getting the breakthrough.
The Sky Blues had a couple of brilliant opportunities to add to their tally - first Kelbie having his shot kicked off the line, and then Nathan McConnell watching 'keeper Andy McDonald pull off a superb save from point blank range.
Ards did not disgrace themselves; they left the County Antrim venue with their heads held high last Tuesday night.
There must have been major relief for United manager Roy Walker, who admitted after he scoreless draw last weekend that they were most fortunate to be having a replay with Tommy Kincaid's men!
Walker brought Chris Ramsey and Aidan Watson into the starting side for the replay.
United went close to opening the scoring in the 24th minute, Gary Haveron's close range downward header from a Philip Carson cross bouncing over the bar.
A neatly executed through ball by Carson set up Kelbie a minute later but the striker delayed his plan and was forced wide by James Wilson.
Twice just before the interval Ards almost nipped in front. First Paul Dickson's shot flashed just wide and then an effort by Aaron McKee was headed over the United bar by defender Michael Smith.
Early in the second half Ramsey powered a header from an excellent delivery by Carson crashing off the crossbar.
United shuffled the pack, bringing on Anderson and McConnell for Haveron and Carson. David Cushley came on 10 minutes from the end of normal time, replacing Aidan Watson.
But the game remained goalless - until the 101st minute when McConnell played a one-two with Kelbie before the latter blasted a right foot shot past 'keeper Andy McDonald.

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