Coagh fizz four past AFC as boss Beattie is left scratching his head

Banbridge Town AFC’s good run came to an end on Saturday as they crashed to a 4-1 defeat at home to Coagh United Reserves.
Limerick FC return to pre-season training next weekLimerick FC return to pre-season training next week
Limerick FC return to pre-season training next week

With the fixture being moved to Cheney Park due to the weather, Town AFC came into this game brimming with confidence and the defeat left boss Chris Beattie scratching his head.

“In a very frustrating game it is hard to put my finger on what went wrong,” he said. “Was it complacency or just a bad day at the office?”

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A very quick start from Coagh put AFC under pressure from the start. Afc never seemed to get out of second gear and uncharacteristicly struggled with their passing.

It might have been easier to take if Coagh dominated the game with good play but Town AFC caused all their own problems.

Town went in at half time 1-0 down and within five minutes of the restart, it was game over.

AFC had conceded two very poor goals, both coming from individual errors by the time 50 minutes was on the clock.

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The only real positive to take from the game was the three substitutes that were made very quickly into the second period. Reserve team regular Christopher Burns came on at 55 minutes and had an immediate impact on the game. The tempo of Town AFC’s play came back to their usual standard and they scored a well worked goal with an assist from Burns to Stephen McCavitt, who provided a good finish.

Reserve team debuts were handed to midfielder Sean Kelly and striker Mathew Stevenson. All three subs did well and with Sean and Matty now eligible to play for the Reserves, it gives the management team a few decisions to make as well as promoting competition for places.

Town AFC continued to create chance after chance but poor finishing again cost them and Coagh delivered a sucker punch. With AFC pressing forward to get back into the game, Coagh sealed the win with their fourth goal.

AFC’s MOTM was Christopher Burns.

On Saturday, Town AFC will be looking to get back to winning ways immediately in a derby with Banbridge Rangers. Kick-off at Cheney Park is a 2pm.

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TOWN AFC: Phil Goan. Michael Mallon. Brian Johnston. Dylan Martin. Mark Toner. Jordan Hayes. Stuart Jordan. Gareth Orr. Aaron Heaney. Stephen Mc Cavitt. Ryan Williamson.

Subs: Chris Burns. Sean Kelly. Matty Stevenson.

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