Another win for impressive Bann

Saturday 7th June

Banbridge HC          2                      SK Slavia Praha (Czech Republic)          0

Banbridge played their second game of the day on a scorching hot afternoon. The game started at a ferocious tempo with neither side taking control of the game. Stephen Dowds had a great chance early on but failed to hit the target after eliminating three Praha defenders. Bann began to take control of the game, bossing possession of the ball. Simon Magowan did well to win a short corner half way through the first half but Dowds was denied by a great save. The deadlock was nearly broken by Slavia Praha against the run of play but Gareth Lennox pulled off a great save to keep the scores level. Ross Beattie picked up a dubious yellow card after appearing to win the ball with a great tackle, but Bann continued to press forward and dominate possession of the ball with ten men. The game continued at a lightening tempo with Banbridge shading possession of the ball. With five minutes to go in the half, Owen Magee did well to win a corner and this time Dowds ripped a drag flick past the keeper high into the net.

The second half started in the same pattern as the first with Banbridge controlling the game. Owen Magee nearly scored a worldy after beating four players before drawing a fantastic save from the Praha keeper.

The game began to lose its rhythm as Slavia picked up 2 yellows while Bruce McCandless also picked up a yellow card. Despite being down to ten men, Bann still controlled possession of the ball and created some good chances through Kyle Marshall.

Dowds was causing all sorts of problems for the Slavia back four. Bann doubled their lead with 10 minutes to go through Dowds, who was excellent all day, his high flick left the keeper with no chance.

The win means that Bann take on Croatian side HKHC Mladost in their final group game, knowing that a draw will be enough to go into a crossover game on Monday.