FOOTBALL: We were chinned and got what we deserved, says Ballynure boss Burns

Last weekend the Limavady lads clinched the Ballymena Premier League title when a 3-1 win ended Gary Burns’ back-to-back title aspirations.

On Friday evening it was off to Allen Park for the final of the McReynolds Cup, that Newtowne won on a 4-1 scoreline.

“It was a lack lustre display,” fumed Burns. “We were absolutely chinned; we didn’t put up a decent challenge and we got what we deserved.

“We looked jaded, and were definitely off colour and hardly managed a shot on goal all evening. We have greatly missed our captain, Michael Duff, who has been sidelined this past month with ankle ligament trouble.

“He has been an inspiration for us in midfield this past nine or 10 years after coming from Grange Rangers, and we really missed his driving force in the engine room.

“However, fair play to Newtowne – they have beaten us in all four clashes this season - twice in the league and in two cups,” he said.

Newtowne were two up after 20 minutes, while Nure’s best effort was a Ricky Higgins drive that rattled the crossbar.

Sub Andy Forsythe saw red in the second half and in the final quarter the 10 men conceded two further goals.

This Friday Ballynure will be back at Allen Park hoping to end their season on a high, by seeing off Dunloy in the final of the O’Gorman Cup.