MATCH REPORT FROM BALLYGOWAN WEBSITE DAFL Div2B - Sat 08 Nov 08 Ballygowan II 2-2 Brentwood II Ballygowan and Brentwood played out a 2-2 draw in windy conditions at Hydebank playing fields on Saturday. Jamie Moffett and Ray Johnston got the Ballygowan goals however the draw was the fair result as both sides battled bravely against the elements. Ballygowan put last weeks defeat at the hands of Comber YM behind them and took the game Brentwood from kick-off. Brentwood were late arriving and were caught cold as Ballygowan went on the attack immediately and were rewarded with the opening goal after just 25 seconds. Top goalscorer Jamie Moffett was the man on target as he sped through on goal and calmly slid the ball past the Brentwood keeper. What followed was bizarre as Brentwood argued the ball had gone through the side netting and a brief hold-up followed before the game could restart. The lead was short-lived however as Brentwood hit back just minutes later. A corner was cleared by the Ballygowan defence but volleyed back straight past keeper Fintan Carey from fully 30 yards. Both teams were pressing to gain the advantage but neither could find a way through. Ballygowan had claims for a penalty turned down when Davy Moore was felled however they could have taken the lead minutes later when Moore broke through but was denied by the Brentwood keeper. Brentwood had the lion's share of possession but it was Ballygowan who created the better chances and should have taken the lead when Moore played Moffett in on goal but a fine save kept the scores level. Brentwood played a lot of high balls into the Ballygowan penalty area but the defence of Stephen McCullough, Jonathan Beggs and Robin Agnew had to be on their toes to deal with the danger. Once again Ballygowan came up against a team with a long-throw specialist. This brought back memories of the 3rd Bangor game where Ballygowan struggled to cope with the same tactic however on Saturday the defence done well. Fintan Carey showed on several occasions in the first half that he is one of the best keepers at this level producing some solid handling of shots and crosses in very windy conditions. Robbie Magowan probably should have given Ballygowan the lead but his long range header just cleared the bar. Half-time Ballygowan 1 Brentwood 1 The end-to-end football of the first half was repeated in the second with Brentwood continuing their plan of getting the ball to their forwards quickly. Ballygowan were finding some joy down the flanks with Paris McDonagh and Ray Johnston seeing plenty of the ball but chances were at a premium.Brentwood were first on the attack but Carey showed alertness as he was quick off his line to narrow the angle as the forward blazed wide. Moffet's pace was a constant threat to the Brentwood backline and he was denied as he was put through one-on-one but the Brentwood keeper came out on top again. With 20 minutes of the half gone Ballgowan regained their lead with a fantastic piece of counter attacking football. Carey ended a Brentwood attack and immediate released Ross Hunter who carried the ball before playing it wide to McDonagh who in turn found Moore on the edge of the 18 yard box. He showed great awareness to slip the ball to the advancing Johnson who slid the ball home to finish off a great team move. Brentwood responded by throwing men forward at every opportunity pushing captain Stevie Letman and his midfield partner Hunter back. Manager Simon Cherry made his first change bringing on Phil Smyth to replace Robbie Magowan and add strength to midfield. Ballygowan were under pressure with every free-kick and throw-in being launched into the penalty area but the defence held strong and when breached Carey was on hand to snuff out any chances. Carey had to be at his best with 15 minutes to go as he produced a fantastic finger-tip save to push a seemingly goal-bound shot over the bar. Ballygowan introduced Billy Bell and Stuart Johnston to try and regain a strong grip on the game. Bell had an immediate impact as he proved a handful for the Brentwood defence. Brentwood's pressure paid dividends with 12 minutes to go when a long free-kick was just touched by a forward past Carey from 10 yards. Neither side was prepared to settle for a point and had chances as time ebbed away. Ballygowan had another good penalty shout when Hunter was shoved in the back at a corner but again it wasn't given. Credit to both sides for playing out an entertaining game in difficult conditions Scorers: Jamie Moffett, Ray Johnston Squad: Fintan Carey, Stephen McCullough, Jonathan Beggs, Robin Agnew, Paris McDonagh, Ray Johnston, Stevie Letman, Ross Hunter, Robbie Magowan, Jamie Moffett Subs used: Phil Smyth, Billy Bell, Stuart Johnston