A point will do for Bann in Kirk Cup test

Bann will expect a sterner test from their visitors in this Group B decider with the prize being a place in the Kirk Cup semi-final.

North Down, under the guidance of former Ulster head coach Brian Davis, had a very successful return to the top flight last season comfortably establishing themselves in mid-table and making their home ground at comber a very difficult place for opponents to visit.

The comber men lost the services of prolific scorer Andy Forest, he transferred to Bann’s arch rivals Lisnagarvey over the summer, but with set piece specialist Scott Caruth still in their roster, they possess a corner routine that will trouble the very best defences.

results

Last season results between the two sides doesn’t make good reading for the visitors with Bann winning on all five occasions, the latest being an 8-1 victory at Havelock in the Premier League at the end of last season.

Bann Head Coach Mark Tumilty is still without long term victims Simon Magowan and Chris Boyce but some positive news is that teenager Josh Moffett is only weeks away from a return after a nasty hand injury.

'Tum' welcomed back Colin Dowds last weekend but with Ciaran Kelly and several other players catching the eye for the second string competition for places has never been so tough.

The locals know a draw will suffice on Saturday afternoon because of their vastly superior goal difference but the Havelock faithful will expect a performance, as anticipation builds for the upcoming Ulster Premier League and Irish Hockey League campaigns.