Academy get the better of Methody

The squad was a development team and featured younger players such as Ryan Simms, Harry Lockhart and Scott Dale.

Banbridge started brightly with great runs forward from the midfield from Norris, McKnight and Bennington causing the Methody defence problems.

It wasn’t long before Banbridge took the lead through a great sweep from Peter McKnight.

Banbridge continued to play short, sharp passing and two more goals were added before half time by David Gallagher and Mark Barlow.

Banbridge started the second half as they ended the first with Mark Barlow and David Gallagher both scoring their second goals of the game.

Banbridge however, then went quiet for a five minute period after Sam Green picked up an injury. During these five minutes Banbridge conceded three soft goals and five minutes later Methody added their fourth.

With four minutes to go, Banbridge scored the best goal of the game, with fantastic link up play between McConnell and Gallagher leading to a great finish from Ben McConnell.

Overall, it was a good performance from a young Banbridge Academy team who had never played together as a unit.

Juniors

It was going to be a tough test for the u13 squad as they faced Methody. The lads were looking to bounce back from a defeat to Instonians.

The team looking energetic and hungry to get a result.

About five minutes in Banbridge won a short corner, which was converted by Luke McConnell.

Lewis Groves and Christopher Curry were working their socks off. Alex Jordan always looked a threat going forward, with some great passes and dribbling.

Shortly into the second half, Matthew Anderson made a great tackle and passed a superb ball to Mark Cowan, who was causing problems to Methody defence. Mark slapped the ball in and Christopher Curry was first to react and tucked it home to make it 2-0 Academy.

Banbridge were still working hard throughout the second half and started to show their physical side.

Unfortunately Methody got a goal back which there was nothing Ross Stewart could do about.

Banbridge kept Methody out thanks to Matthew Anderson who had a superb game, as did all of the squad of worked tirelessly from the start.

The U12 boys continued their impressive start with the A team winning 7-0 & 6-0 against MCB while the B team grabbed a 3-0 win and lost out against MCB A team 2-1.