Banbridge v Annadale Match Preview
This Saturday Bann faces their biggest challenge to date as Annadale arrive at Havelock Park for the Group A Kirk Cup decider. A win over Dale this weekend will guarantee them top spot in group A with 4 wins from 4 and will mean they play the second placed Group B team in the semi finals at Havelock Park on Sunday 2nd October, currently occupied by Lisnagarvey.
Although far from their best, Saturday’s performance was another step towards improvement as they build towards a very competitive October period. Dermy Reay remains Banns only injury doubt for Head Coach Mark Tumilty and with talented schoolboys Peter Brown & Ben Cosgrove pushing for inclusion, competition for squad place remains highly competitive. The pleasing thought for Tumilty, is the squad has continued last seasons form with goal scorers coming from all over the pitch, given the dynamic way the young team is trying to play. Eight different goal scorers have hit the backboards this term with new boys Scott Caruth and Ross Beattie amongst those.
Annadale arrive at Havelock unbeaten in the group with fine 5:0 and 3:1 wins over North Down and NICS respectively and assuming the Carryduff men dispatch of Kilkeel on Wednesday evening it promises to be thrilling early season encounter . Dale Coach Andy Smyth has been quietly busy rejuvenating a squad over the last few seasons whilst remaining highly competitive. The Edgar brothers, Andy Williamson Paul Richie are just some of the great young talent that he has sprinkled in with some fine experience players such as former Irish International David Smyth and Gareth Kidd but as always if Bann hope to be successful it will be their ability to deal with their livewire and Irish International Peter Caruth. Caruth adds the spark to an attack that is full of pace and will be the first major test for the Bann’s backline this season.
Last season Bann produced one of their best performances as they swept aside Dale 4:0 at Havelock in November, However the Kirk cup Semi final was an extremely close affair with Bann edging it on flicks, while Dale finally gained revenge in late March, whilst also putting a major dent in the locals Ulster Premier league aspirations last season with a 1:0 victory at Lough Moss.
Saturday 24th September
Banbridge v Annadale, Havelock Park 2:30pm
Get along and support the boys
Admission £4