A real thriller

Saturday’s game at the Rec saw clear chances at a premium, but the locals will have left feeling an opportunity for three points had gone begging.

They had the better of things territorially but struggled to make their advantage count in the final third, where too often the wrong choice was made in promising positions.

Banbridge had the edge for most of the first half, but the keeper saved from Jack Fullerton while Niall Massey had a shot charged down.

Ridgeway became more of a threat towards the end of the half, but in truth the blank scoreline at half-time was a fair reflection of the contest.

After the break there was still little to choose between the teams and as the game progressed into its closing stages the win was there for the taking.

Things opened up in the final quarter of an hour as Banbridge pressed for a winner, Jack McCartan being denied by the keeper following a cross from the right by Nathan Weir.

Then the locals had a strong penalty shout turned away when it appeared Joel Copes had been impeded as he tried to get on the end of a free-kick lofted into the danger area.

Ridgeway remained a threat on the break, with one effort narrowly off target, and the Banbridge defence, which was well marshalled by Daire McCluskey, had to be on their toes.

In fact a couple of minutes from time Ridgeway almost stole the points when they countered quickly down the right, but Stuart Wilson saved well to ensure that the locals got some reward from the game.

Team: Stuart Wilson, Nathan Thompson, Daire McCluskey, Jack Canning, Daniel Devlin, Ross Fitzpatrick, Niall Massey, Joel Copes, Jack Fullerton, Kyle Thompson, Luke Diamond, Chris Burns, Jack McCartan, Nathan Weir, Peter Maxwell.