07/09/2026
NIFL
Boylesports Championship
Queens University 6 Strabane Athletic 0
Strabane Athletic’s first visit to East Belfast’s Blanchflower Stadium is not one they will remember fondly as they were comprehensively beaten by Queens University, Belfast.
Football is over analysed these days with possession statistics, heat maps, expected goals etc but this match proved that all that matters is putting the ball in the net!
Strabane had at least as much possession as their opponents over the 90 minutes. They competed and passed the ball well for periods during the game but were ultimately outdone by a lack of clear cut chances and clinical finishing at the other end.
The chief architect of Athletic’s downfall was Queens’ young centre forward Ambrose Ajala who tormented the Strabane defence and had a hand in most of his team’s goals.
Strabane were behind after 3 minutes when from a corner, an unmarked Michael Williams headed the ball goalwards and Dan Mairs converted from close range.
Athletic were positive in their response and nice work from Sean McCallion and Sam McClintock ended with Conal Crawford firing just over the bar. Moments later Cormac Burke fashioned an inviting low cross which wasn’t accepted. Luke Currys cross was then cleared to Callum Doherty but his shot from the edge of the area was comfortably gathered.
Approaching the half hour the local team suffered a cruel blow when possession was lost in midfield and the ball found its way to Stewart Nixon who doubled the Students’ lead.
Three minutes later Ayala broke from
midfield and crossed from the byline for Ronan Young to convert for Queens third.
Athletic continued to battle hard and Cormac Burke’s long range effort was held by the home keeper but the task became monumental five minutes before the break when Ayala broke from the left and delivered an excellent low drive to the opposite side of the net.
Credit to the Strabane team who came out for the second half and pressed hard but all for no reward. Callum Doherty’s shot was easily held before Aaron O’Hagan was just off target with a close range header. The hard working Sean McCallion went very close with a low shot and then had a fine run which ended with an effort well over the bar.
But just as they had done in the first half Queens defended with discipline and the breaks duly arrived. It was “man of the match” Ambrose Ayala who once again did the damage. After 75 minutes the young centre forward made a determined run to the byline and squared back for Ronan Young to score his second and his team’s fifth. On 82 minutes Ayala topped of his and the Belfast teams performance by seizing on defensive indecision and rounding Athletic keeper David Stewart for the sixth goal.
Strabane Athletic offers sincere thanks to Ryan Sweeney of Sweeney’s Ballycolman & Lisnafin for sponsorship of the weekend’s game.
With 26 games to go Strabane Athletic have plenty of time to address the current situation. The coming weeks however will present big challenges for Tommy Canning and his squad. They return to action with a “home” game against Newry City at Limavady Showgrounds. Kick off on Friday night is 7.45pm.
STRABANE ATHLETIC: David Stewart; Oisin Porter; Liam McMenamin (Capt.) Aaron O’Hagan; Luke Curry; Callum Doherty; Conal Crawford; Cormac Burke; Declan Sharkey; Sam McClintock; Sean McCallion. SUBS: Oran White(GK); Blaine Burns; Simon McGlynn; John Deeney; Bobby Seeeney; Garth Falconer.
Paddy McGarrigle
PRO Strabane Athletic FC

