U12s can hold still their head high

In the early exchanges Jake Corbett saw plenty of ball and he was at the heart of the first move that led to a chance that fell to Ben Johnston, but the striker’s shot was pushed round the post by the keeper for a corner.

Town held the visitors at bay with Ross Shields and David McGill both covering well at the back and on 26 minutes the Juniors almost took the lead after a good passing move when Shea Winters found Louis McBurney who in turn laid the ball off to Jake Corbett but his shot fizzed narrowly wide.

Town were putting on good pressure but were hit with a sucker punch as Distillery broke through and went 1-0 up.

The locals almost equalised straight after when Dozie Ajeh had an effort saved by the keeper.

Town’s two centre backs Cameron Sands and Jack Arlow worked their socks off to keep Town within touching distance of the the visitors.

Distillery went on the attack in the first quarter of the second half and Town again had Sands and Arlow to thank for some great defensive work but the visitors eventually doubled their lead 15 minutes into the half.

Town’s keeper Michael MacGrath pulled off two fantastic saves, the first down to his right and the second at the feet of the oncoming striker to keep Banbridge in the game.

Credit to the Juniors as they upped the tempo and went searching for a goal and almost got their reward when a defender hacked down Dozie Ajeh as he bore down on goal, but the ref only yellow carded the defender and Jake Corbett’s resulting free kick was saved by the keeper.

Michael McGrath again produced a fine stop as Jamie Feeney and Shea Winters began to see more of the ball pinning the visitors defence back and this pressure produced the best move off the game as Jake Corbett and Louis McBurney exchanged slick passes but Louis was unable to apply the finish that the moved deserved.

Town introduced Jordan Wilkinson and Jordan Kelsey into the game and both players battled well for the cause showing some fine touches.

The game finished 2-0 to Distillery but the locals can hold their heads high as they again played well, and week by week they are gaining more experience and proving they can compete in this league.

Man of the match went to Michael McGrath for another fine display between the sticks.