Another strong performance

GARVEY Fourths produced another strong performance at Banbridge to retain their position at the top of Junior Two.

A fast start and some heavy early pressure kept Banbridge on the back foot for most of the opening 15 minutes.

Towards the end of this spell, Aaron Martin slipped a neat pass through to Mark Murray who stepped into the circle and shot towards goal from which Stephen Doherty deflected high into the net from close range.

Garvey deserved their 1-0 lead and continued to ramp up the pressure on the Banbridge goal. This pressure was rewarded when Aaron Martin finished from close range after a scramble in the Banbridge circle following an Andy Nye short corner effort.

Half time came with Garvey comfortably in control and looking to increase their advantage in the second period.

The match was much more evenly balanced after half time with Banbridge helped by the steadying influence of the impressive Scott McCandless.

Both sides squandered several opportunities to score and it was not a great surprise when Banbridge pulled one back from a good stop and turn in the circle.

The last 10 minutes were very open with both sides having good chances to change the match outcome but none were taken with both goalkeepers playing their part.

The Garvey defence played well as a unit with Jamie Mulholland and Mark McNellis standing out when the pressure was on by making some fine defensive tackles.

Garvey were the happier side to hear the final whistle and this victory maintains the Fourths excellent start to their league campaign.

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