Banbridge travelled to lough moss for the top of the table clash buoyed with the knowledge that a win would put them in a commanding position in the league.  Annadale have also been on fine form this season and the game was well set for a tough encounter.  Banbridge were streghten with the return of Dickson from illness and Ryan O’Neill started his first game in goal for the seconds.

 

Before Banbridge could settle into the game they found themselves a goal down after some excellent attacking play down the right hand side of the pitch the ball fell to the Annadale captain who fired the ball past O’Neill into the bottom hand corner.  The goal sparked Banbridge into life and after some good attacking play they won their first short corner.  Caruth who had scored three corners the week earlier stepped up to dispatch the ball into the bottom left hand corner to level the scores.  Caruth and Woods were working well together up front and when Banbridge intercepted the ball in midfield a quick break by the two forwards tore apart the Annadale defence and young Woods after receiving the ball from Caruth swept the ball past the Annadale keeper.  Banbridge were now in control of the fixture and when Woods was upended in the circle a penalty scroke was awarded.  Anderson stepped up to fire the ball into the side netting to extend the lead.  (Half time score Annadale II’s 1 – Banbridge II’s 3)

 

Into the second Banbridge continued to exert pressure on the Annadale defence with excellent support from midfield.  Good play down the right hand side from Bennington and McCracken found Caruth in the circle and the tall striker made no mistake to the increase the lead further.  Annadale tried to play their way back into the game, but failed to trouble O’Neill with some resolute defence from Banbridge.  The final Banbridge goal was the best of the lot.  After the ball was transferred round the back it was worked into midfield and after some intricate passing eliminating the Annadale midfield and defence the ball was passed to onrushing Jess who confidently slotted the ball past the Annadale keeper.  Banbridge managed to play out the rest of the fixture and are now well position in the league with the quest to lift the junior league title. 

 

Bann Man of the Match: Peter Bennington

 

The two teams will again square up against each other in the next round of the Irish junior cup on Saturday 24th February with Annadale seeking revenge.  The seconds will look to continue their fine form when they take on Lisnagarvey thirds at home next Saturday.