Two up, too early for Rangers as Town come back to secure a derby draw

The game began with no quarter asked or given and Banbridge Town produced the best early opening when Duffin’s right wing cross found Taylor unmarked at the back post but he could not manage to steer the ball into the net with his left foot.

Rangers took the lead on 20 minutes after a cross from the left wing found its way over McNally’s head and dropped in at the back post.

Five minutes later, the Juniors found themselves two down as a corner-kick went right across the goal and was forced home from close range.

After strong words at half time, the Juniors dominated the second half and managed to grab a lifeline when Houston headed home superbly from a McCandless free kick after 50 minutes – and it was game on.

With the Juniors dominating possession and Morgan, Downey, Devlin and Houston in control at the back, it was only a matter of time before they found the equaliser.

New signing Palmer went close for Town before McCandless was upended in the box with a late tackle and McKibbon dispatched the resulting penalty with ease.

With ten minutes remaining on the clock the Town pushed for the winner. Duffin fired a shot just over the bar and McKibbon had the last good opportunity, firing just wide when well placed on the edge of the box.

After a poor first half, the Juniors were pleased with their level of performance in the second half and with a little slice of luck, they may have snatched a winner in the closing stages.

TOWN U17A: Eamon McNally, Paul Morgan, Ryan Devlin, David Houston, Jamie McCandless, Gavin Fearon, Odhran McKibbon, Cormac Downey, Ciaran Duffin, Ethan McDonald, Evan Taylor, Chris Palmer.