All square as Bann ladies can’t get crucial goal

Bann were missing a number of key players for various reasons, so had a much changed team from previous games.

With so many changes to the team, Bann took some time to settle and Portadown took advantage of this and put pressure on the Bann defence from early on.

The back four of Jessica Hasson, Rachel Groves, Clare Waring and Aileen Lawson were solid in defence, kept the ball out of the circle and prevented any real attempts at goal.

In the middle of the pitch Becky Huey, Poppy Robinson and Charlotte Campbell worked hard to feed the ball through to the forward line but Bann struggled to break through the strong and experienced Portadown defence.

Towards the end of the first half Portadown looked tired and Bann had more opportunities with Anna Waugh, Amy Gray and Tara Ward all having some chances in the circle but Bann could not capitalise on this pressure and the score remained 0-0 at half time.

Bann started the second half strong and Rebecca Dale and Eli Robinson both made their 2nd XI debuts and showed they are more than capable of playing at this level with some good work in their respective positions.

Anna Waugh had a couple of good runs down the left wing and Tara Ward was moving well up front but Bann struggled to really test the Portadown ‘keeper. However, the tables turned again and Portadown stepped up their efforts to put a lot of pressure on the Bann defence.

Louise Beckett in goals made a couple of fantastic saves to keep Bann in the game and both Rebecca Dale and Clare Waring made some excellent clearances off the goal line.

The Bann defence fought hard to block the constant Portadown attack and the game finished 0-0.

Thanks to Punam McGookin and Sheree Totton for umpiring.