Cameron inspires Rathfriland to derby victory

They had been ousted from the Cup by their near neighbours on penalties last month and on Saturday went down 4-2.

Rathfriland came flying out of the traps and won their battles all over the pitch to secure the victory.

Banbridge’s passing and tackling wasn’t up to scratch and the home side took a deserved lead when Cameron Beacom-Hurle scored twice after two long balls beat Town’s offside trap for the Rathfriland striker to score easily past Aaron Devlin.

Adam Bronte scored his side’s third at the start of the second half to leave town a mountain to climb.

Banbridge, to their credit, regrouped and began to play a lot better.

They got their rewards when Ben Johnston was on hand to tap in after Shea Winters played Jamie Feeney in and as the keeper and defender came out to close him down, the ball fell kindly for Johnston.

Town then got a second when a Cameron Sands effort hit the post and the rebound deflected off a defender into the path of Michael Kelly who scored from close range.

Town almost got a third but Eoin Scullion’s effort was saved and as Bann searched for an equaliser, they left gaps at the back, allowing Beacom-Hurle to complete his hat-trick.