Controversial one point loss for Bann

Clann na Banna 1-10

Loughinisland 0-14

CLANN na Banna hosted league favourites Loughinisland in what was the first ever senior meeting between the teams.

The locals were unfortunate to finish on the wrong end of a one point scoreline in controversial circumstances.

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The early exchanges were even and Banbridge had shot two wides before Loughinisland opened the scoring from a free. Ruairi Gillen equalised for Bann but further points from Doran and O’Reilly restored the visitors’ lead.

Banbridge were winning their fair share of midfield balls through Murphy and Lunny despite the presence of Dan Gordon and Bann’s short passing game with Magee, Donaghy and Fairbairn prominent soon reaped dividends.

Loughinisland’s keeper did well to save from Gillen and when Rory Hill pounced on the rebound he was fouled in the square. Gillen scored the penalty to edge Bann in front but Loughinisland were quickly on level terms when Ben O’Reilly pointed from play.

Some errant passing in the Bann defence allowed the visitors in for two more points but Bann responded with pointed frees from Gillen and Donaghy to leave the sides level at half time.

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The second half was nip and tuck with the lead changing hands five times. Loughinisland again opened the scoring but Murphy equalised with a long range point.

Gillen added two more from frees and with Bann contesting every ball it seemed that they might push on for the win.

A combination of Gordon’s high fielding in the middle and a couple of unforced errors by Bann players allowed Loughinisland to draw level. Paddy Bradley pointed a free to restore Bann’s lead and Gillen added another but these were soon cancelled out by by Stranney and O’Reilly.

Indeed Loughinisland could have taken a more decisive lead but for two brilliant saves by McAllister.

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The final 10 minutes were end to end with Gillen and Gordon exchanging points before the match became controversial. An excellent point by Liam McCrum was allowed and then disallowed by the referee much to the dismay of Banbridge and their supporters and matters were made worse at the other end when a Loughinisland shot was signalled wide by the umpire only to be awarded a point by the referee.

Paddy McCambridge equalised for Bann with a fine point from play and it looked as if the game might end in a draw but Gareth Doran stole it for the visitors with a point in the dying seconds.

Banbridge tried hard to get back on terms but there was insufficient time on the clock..

Team: M McAllister, A Nelson, M Loughlin, A Downey; M Fairbairn, M Magee, B Donaghy; J Murphy, C Lunny; M Smyth, L McCrum, P McCambridge; R Gillen, R Hil,l P Bradley. Subs: G McGrath, G Quinn, K McCourt, J Burns, C Quinn, B Nelson, D Lennon, D Brooker.

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