Banbridge entertained Mossley last Saturday in their latest  One1918 Premier League fixture. Having had to battle hard for three points in the corresponding away fixture the locals expected an equally difficult encounter.

From the start it was Bann who took the play to the visitors and forced them to defend deep in their half. With Dane Ward and Scott Caruth working hard to close down the defence it came as no real surprise when Bann took the lead.

Great control and awareness from Caruth on the right of the circle allowed him to draw the keeper and slip the ball to Ward who first timed his shot off the backboards.

Bann continued to pass the ball with more and more assurance, with February player of the month, Philip Brown having an excellent game in the centre of the park especially in attack. Midway through the half the locals extended their lead when after being awarded a penalty corner Caruth powered home a powerful drag flick to finish off a slick corner routine.

Mossley only managed to attack spoadically and any threat was capably dealt with by the home defence. Bann created several more half chances during the remainder of the half but where unable to add to their lead.

Half Time.Banbridge 2 Mossley 1

Mossley started the second period with more intent and forced the play with some slick passing. Bann slowly regained the upper hand and should have increaded their lead when several crosses from the right evaded the home forwarsd in front of goal.

Aaron Appleton in the home goal was called into action on several occasions in the second half and dealt capable with several shots from the edge of the circle. Mossley where give a lifeline fifteen minutes form the end of the game when following the award of a soft penalty corner James Lorimer scored with a direct flick.

Despite this setback Bann continued to press and several times were kept at bay by a combination of desperate defending and some poor finishing.With time running out the visitors tried to force an equaliser their play did not deserve and when they were awarded a penalty corner with two minutes left the home support held its breath. Once again Appleton was equal to the task with a stunning save low to his right. Bann immediately cleared their lines to hold out for another valuable three points.

Full Time Banbridge 2 Mossley 1

Team: A.Appleton, D.Carlisle, M.Bell, S.Forbes, S.Forbes, R. Beattie, P.Brown, P,Brown, C. Dowds, B.Cosgrove, D.Ward, S.Caruth, R.McCandless.

Bann have two league matches in the next seven days. They travel to Lough Moss on Wednesday night to play Annadale and return to Havelock on Saturday to entertain Civil Service.