tuda set to stayafter town win

Last term’s Player of the Season made a return to the fold for last weekend’s 2-0 victory over Queen’s University and he is set to remain at the club, at least for next week’s home game against Bangor.

Murphy returned to the fold to cover for the unavailability of both Stephen Cairnduff and Andrew Cullen but will be at training this week and could take to the pitch again on Saturday (kick-off 2pm).

Town’s victory, thanks to Stephen Acheson and Andrew Wilson’s first goals for the club, shot the locals up to fourth in the Premier Intermediate League table, just three points off second placed Newry City.

The goalkeeper was Town’s only change from the previous week’s win over Moyola Park.

Town dominated most of the first period and although the movement of Clydesdale and Downey caused problems to the visitors defence and Moffatt and King probed hard in midfield, Town could just not find an end product. Towards the end of the half, Downey attempted a spectacular bicycle kick but the effort went wide and the half ended goal-less.

Queen’s had more possession after the re-start and began to threaten down their left with Hughes and Briers being prominent. At the other end, twice, excellent work by King offered half chances.

Just when Queens may have started to harbour thoughts about holding out for a draw or even snatching a victory, Banbridge took the lead. On the 70th minute, they forced a corner on the right and Acheson timed his run to perfection to head home his first goal for the club from Moffatt’s kick.

Queen’s made a second substitution in an effort to find more venom going forward but Town’s superb midfield defensive duo of Anderson and McCartan gave nothing away as Town pressed for a second goal.

Queen’s were awarded a free-kick in a dangerous area just outside Town’s box but although the effort was well struck, Murphy saved with consummate ease.

McKavitt replaced Downey in the 73rd minute and, in the 80th minute, the young striker thought he had opened his account only to be ruled offside. Clydesdale was replaced by Andrew Wilson shortly after and the switch paid immediate dividends.

Town broke up a Queen’s attack and McKavitt scorched past his defender and cut inside. Although his shot was saved, the rebound fell to Andrew Wilson who was engulfed by joyous team-mates after despatching his shot into the net for his first Town goal.

In time added on, King replaced himself with McCreanor and Town saw out the remaining minutes for an excellent three points.

Banbridge Town would like to thank Terminator Breaker Company for their generous match sponsorship and to Banbridge Town FC Supporters Club for their sponsorship of the match ball.

TOWN: Murphy; J.Wilson; Acheson; Green; Black; Anderson; McCartan; King (McCreanor 90+1); Moffett; Clydesdale (A.Wilson 83); Downey (McKavitt 73)

Unused Subs: Devlin; Thompson