Battling display by U12s earns them vital victory

Portadown 1

BANBRIDGE Town U12’s needed to win this match to keep their title hopes alive and they did so with a battling team performance that saw them come from behind.

There was little between the sides in the first-half. Banbridge took time to settle as they struggled to close down their opponents. This gifted Portadown possession and they were a constant threat especially down the right flank.

The hardworking Banbridge defence was eventually breached just before half-time. A fluffed clearance led to a loose ball being driven to the net from six yards.

Town regrouped after the interval and showed much more endeavour going forward. They gained a lifeline back into the match with a well constructed goal. D’aire McCluskey played in Andrew Wilson whose cross into the danger zone was scrambled home by talisman striker Aaron Thompson.

The winning goal arrived soon after. Scott Armstrong broke down the left and threaded a measured pass into the centre for Aaron to deftly guide the ball home past the onrushing keeper.

Banbridge survived a few late scares, mostly from free-kicks, as Portadown pressed in vain for the equaliser.

TEAM: Calum Adamson, Scott Armstrong, Neil Cherry, Daniel Devlin, Ross Fitzpatrick, Brian Johnston, D’aire McCluskey, Stephen McKey, Peter Maxwell, Ryan Stevenson, Aaron Thompson, Kyle Thompson, Andrew Wilson, Stuart Wilson.