First friendly defeat for locals at Drumaness

They had taken a deserved lead midway through the first half with a brilliantly taken long range effort from in form Adam Pedlow which flew into the top corner.

The Amateur Premier League outfit displayed a very physical aspect to their game throughout the match and took the lead in the second half with a couple of half chances.

However they were reduced to 10 men when their full back was sent off after striking Town forward Conor Downey.

This was the sort of game which will bring this young Town side on and despite the absence of Steven O’Neill and Danny Johnson they had good performances from Martin Buchanan, who was playing in an unaccustomed midfield role; the ever reliable Mattie McCartan and James Wilson.

Next Tuesday (July 30) Blackers Mill visit Cheney Park to play Town (kick-off 7.30 p.m.) while the last pre-season friendly sees Limavady based side Newtowne visit Crystal Park for a 3pm kick-off on Saturday 3rd August.

It will be remembered that Town visited Newtowne in an Intermediate Cup tie last season and were treated very well by everyone at the Ballymena League side.

Newtowne will undoubtately receive a similar welcome at Banbridge on Saturday.

- Meanwhile the draw for the first round of the Northern Ireland Football League Cup draw was made last week.

The Town have been handed a home draw against Queen’s Universtiy on Tuesday August 13 with the game getting underway at 6:45pm.