Substitutes spark Town success says boss

Banbridge Town boss Ryan Watson has hailed the effect of his substitutes in Saturday’s Intermediate Cup victory over Portaferry Rovers.
Town skipper Ryan Moffatt delivered a captains display when he came off the bench at Crystal Park. INBL1543-275PBTown skipper Ryan Moffatt delivered a captains display when he came off the bench at Crystal Park. INBL1543-275PB
Town skipper Ryan Moffatt delivered a captains display when he came off the bench at Crystal Park. INBL1543-275PB

Town fell 1-0 behind but the three players who came off the bench sparked a thrilling fight-back to leave Town 4-1 winners.

“All three of the subs made a big impact,” he said.

“Conor Downey came on after an hour and made a big impact.

“He gave us more pace up front and made us more of a threat. He scored a cracking goal too.

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“Ryan Moffatt produced a real captain’s display when he came on to score the equaliser and set up another goal.

“Ryan Gourley added extra pace up front.”

While the scoreline suggested a comfortable victory, it looked like it would be far from it for most of the game, much to Watson’s frustration.

“It wasn’t routine at all,” he said.

“I took the opportunity to shake things up and give games to a few players who have been working hard and have been champing at the bit to play.

“I had one eye on the Dollingstown match as well so I took the opportunity to use my squad.

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“In the first half, we were very poor but Portaferry Rovers worked hard. They didn’t really threaten us but I was concerned at how comfortable they were at the back.

“We weren’t at our normal level.

“At the start of the second half, we did up our game but it took until we were 1-0 down for us to spark into life.

“I made a few changes and they gave us more impetus. They upped our tempo to the levels we should have been playing at. Once we got the first goal, I knew we would be ok and we went on to win comfortably.

“The players produced some very good football and scored a few good goals.

“The bottom line is we’re through and now we have two cup competitions to look forward to after Christmas.”

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