Teenage full-back Lee setting Showgrounds alight
Thursday, 23 October 2008
Classy young Lee Colligan: starting to make a name for himself with Ballymena United.
Ballymena United's teenage star Lee Colligan is setting the Showgrounds alight, writes Shaun O'Neill.
Boss Roy Walker slotted the Carrick lad in at left-back - and has never looked back.
Speaking to the Press after Saturday's deserved 1-1 draw with Glentoran at the Showgrounds Walker quipped - "I think I will put a £1 million transfer fee on the lad."
But he was being deadly serious when he spoke to Guardian Sport about just how good 19-year-old Colligan really is.
“Lee was my first signing for United," recalled Walker. "When I took over at Ballymena and was checking through what players I may be keen to re-sign the name Lee Collingan was top of the list."
Walker spoke highly of Collingan's "ability and temperament."
“I will put the £1 million fee on him to give the cross-channel teams the opportunity of a real bargain," he quipped.
Against Linfield and Glentoran, the top two teams around, Collingan gave five-star showings.
The teenager made his first team outing this season against Coleraine at Ballycastle Road.
He came on as substitute but lasted only a few minutes after sustaining a nasty accidental kick on the face which required a few stitches.
But the young defender was back on duty the following week against League champions Linfield - and really looked the part.
“He is very competitive, jumps well, tackles well," summed up Walker. "He is a real find."
Meanwhile, Walker and co. prepare this week for the trip to Ballyskeagh to play Lisburn Distillery (3pm).
The Whites rattled Linfield at Windsor Park at the weekend, winning 2-0.
They will be in confident mood - but so will Ballymena, which makes for an entertaining clash.
Aidan Watson returns after a one game suspension, at right back.
Thomas Burke, a 19-year-old signed from Derry City, made his senior debut for United against Glentoran at the weekend.
But he is not available for the match with Distillery, being involved in a family wedding.
Watson will take over the full-back berth.
United strikers Neil Teggart and Kevin Kelbie, who are both wanting to finish top marksman at Ballymena this term, will be hoping for goals at Ballyskeagh.
Teggart is top gun so far with six, while Kelbie's three goals in the past two matches have brought his tally to four.
“I will be expecting both to be well into double figures at the end of the season," pointed out manager Walker.
Meanwhile, Gary Haveron has been giving 110% commitment in recent games.
Alongside Albert Watson they form a formidable partnership.
Haveron is worthy of special mention; his input has been incredible; he certainly plays for his shirt.
“Overall the side has a much better attitude. We have started believing in ourselves. But we must give performances like the ones against Coleraine, Linfield and Glentoran every week," Walker told Guardian Sport.
Seven Towers United Supporters Club transport to Ballyskeagh on Saturday leaves Henry Street car-park at 1.45pm.
Towers selected 'keeper Sean O'Neill as their Player of the Month for September.
The award was sponsored by Harryville Homers
On Friday night Paramount United Supporters Club hold their monthly quiz at Ballymena Bowling Club (8.30pm).
Ballymena United Sports and Social Club offer free food and entertainment this Saturday night!
Music is by Billy McFarland.
“It is birthday night for the Sports and Social Club. Just tell the doorman you read about it in Guardian Sport - and you will get free entry," said an organising spokesman.
There will be lots of prizes given out on the night.
Winner of the golf tournament, organised by United official Brian Thompson, was Darren Logan.
On Monday, November 10, United play Newry City in a live Premier League Sky game at the Showgrounds (7.45pm).
Admission is £3 for adults and senior citizens with under-16s getting in free.
The Co-Operative Insurance Cup - Round 3 (2nd leg) Glentoran -v- Ballymena United game will be played at the Oval on Tuesday, November 4 (7.45pm).
