U13s finally get one over bogey side

Banbridge Rangers U13s 2-1 Cookstown Under 13s

BANBRIDGE Rangers Under 13s travelled to Kernan Playing Fields on Thursday evening to take on a very strong Cookstown side who have proven to be the bogey team over the last three seasons with Rangers failing to record a victory.

That was until Thursday night when the in form Matthew Holloway scored a late winner to give Banbridge Rangers all three points in a deserved 2-1 win over their Co Tyrone counterparts.

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After an even opening to the game Banbridge Rangers were soaking up a bit of pressure and were able to hit Cookstown on the counter attack with Holloway racing away with ball but was brought down on the right hand side of the pitch. Jamie Adair floated the resultant free kick into the box which was only headed out to the edge of the box where Rangers midfielder Joel Reid was waiting to unleash a left foot volley into the bottom corner of the net to give his side the lead.

Banbridge Rangers took their lead into the half time interval thanks to some very good keeping from Craig Robinson.

In the second half Cookstown started to influence the game more with attacks putting the Rangers back four under pressure who did well to restrict Cookstown to long range shots which were gathered well by Robinson.

With 15 minutes to go Cookstown got their equaliser with a well taken finish and looked more likely to score next having gained the momentum.

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The Banbridge Rangers players held their line well and managed to get a breather in the dying minutes with a free kick on the halfway line. Joel Reid’s quick thinking released winger Jonny Bryson down the right hand side who squared for Matthew Holloway to tap in and give Banbridge Rangers an excellent victory in their last game of the season.

Man of the match was keeper Craig Robinson who dealt confidently with all of the shots and crosses that came his way in the game. Hopefully this result and the cup final will give this group of players more confidence heading into next season at U14 level in Mid Ulster.