U14s in Cruescontrol

Crusaders U14s 2

AFTER a full two month lay-off due to the severe weather conditions Banbridge began this match well against a well organised Crusaders side.

Robert Colfer tested the Crusaders keeper after eight minutes and then Kalam Farrell saved from a Crusaders free kick.

It was Crusaders that drew first blood after 20 minutes with a hard low shot. Banbridge fought back and a good run by Stephen McCavitt resulted in a corner which David Gray swung in beautifully for McCavitt to head home.

In the second half again it was fairly even with Gareth Orr going close and forcing the keeper to save. Then, after 15 minutes, Crusaders scored a goal out of nothing when their attacker latched on to a cross and lobbed over Kalam Farrell’s head.

Again Banbridge fought hard to come back and another great corner from David Gray was fumbled by the keeper under pressure from Josh Buchanan’s challenge and the ball crept over the line.

Banbridge nearly went into the lead a few minutes later when a lovely ball in from Gareth Orr was headed well by Stephen McCavit but the keeper saved.

With less than 10 minutes to go Gareth Orr hit a direct free kick which was cleared back to him and he hit a tremendous shot into the roof of the net.

Crusaders finished strongly but Banbridge held firm with Dylan Martin and Andrew Bennington working well together in the centre of defence to win an excellent three points.

TEAM: Kalam Farrell, Niall McCreanor, Dylan Martin, Andrew Bennington, David Gray, Andrew Martin, Josh Buchanan, Gareth Orr, Stephen McCavitt, Robert Colfer, Declan Loy, Mark McDonald, Phillip O’Keefe