2nds and 4ths maintain good form in Junior Leagues
Banbridge 2nds 1-1 Annadale 2nds
Banbridge against Annadale hit off shortly after two o’clock at a cold but sunny Havelock. The game started fast with Annadale in control and thus creating some good chances and only to be denied by some great saves from Appleton and some poor finishing on their part but Banbridge fought back with some great work in the centre of mid field from Mc Cague and Mc Cracken and stabilised the game and after some messy midfields battles ban opened the scoring a great pass from Mac anulty that allowed woods turn and beat his man who then slipped the ball to Mc Cague who coolly slipped the ball past the keeper. The game was still a scrappy midfield affair although Annadale had the share of possession and chances which eventually paid off because a few minutes from the half time whistle Annadale equalised.
The second half was more of the same Bann doing very well not to concede some great saves and decision making form Appleton kept them it. Towards the end of the match the game became much more open with both teams pushing for the winner, both Bennington and Sturgeon and ban full backs making great runs down their respective wings but neither side could make it count and the game ended 1-1 which leaves ban unbeaten in five games.
Banbridge 4ths 3-1 Annadale 4ths
This Friday night saw Banbridge 4XI turn out against Annadale 4XI at Havelock Park. Having suffered four defeats on the trot the Bann siders welcomed experience back into the side, coupled with energetic younger players Bann were hopeful of putting a win on the board. From the opening whistle Bann pushed forward and settled the quicker of the two teams. Talismanic Captain Matthew Clarke put a fine volleyed effort just wide having got into a fantastic position at the back post. Bann dominated the opening quarter and built up a number of great passing phases stemmed from centre back Richard McMullan, so it was no great surprise when Bann won the opening penalty corner and McMullan slotted home expertly from the top of the circle. Bann carried on defending well and passing the ball around the park, it was this fantastic passing the saw John McCague prove his worth as 4XI player of the month when some sharp skill saw him unleash a reverse effort worthy of Bann legend Eugene Magee into the top corner. Bann finished the half well with another good chance from Michael Young and were deserved half time leaders.
The second half seen no complacency from the home side, Bann continued to battle hard and Mark McCoy put the home team 3-0 up after being found with a great long range precision pass from Aidan Laverty. Chances were now coming two or three at a time and were being squandered so when Annadale pulled one goal back, Bann seem to become slightly nervy at the thought on holding on for the win. In the end though that is exactly what they done, recording their first points of the new season and playing some superb hockey that will surely see them safe in Junior League 3 if they can keep it up. After the game Captain Matthew Clarke had this to say, “This was 3 points very well won, I’m delighted with the result and proud of the guys for stepping up and fighting the get the result. It was great to have our squad back to near full strength and we want to carry this good form to a hard fixture away to Armagh next week. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank ‘AB&C Insurance’ for the continuing support into the new season’