Gr-eight performance boosts Bann title hopes

North Down 0

BANBRIDGE continued their Ulster Premier League programme as they entertained North Down at Havelock last Tuesday night.

Bann’s victory over Cookstown last Saturday catapulted the locals into strong title contenders and they knew three points were vital against a side that have competed very well in their first season in the top flight.

Coach Mark Tumilty was dealt a major blow on Tuesday afternoon as in-form Irish U18 international Stephen Dowds limped out of the Burney Cup final with a hamstring injury. With Chris Boyce still out injured, this meant Colin McKnight was called into the squad at late notice.

Bann started the game at a very high tempo, forcing North Down to defend deep. Bruce McCandless once again was the tormentor in chief, constantly causing problems for his opponent and visiting back four and it was he who opened the scoring after five minutes with a beautiful reverse stick strike from the edge of the circle which flew high into the top corner of the net.

Bann continued to press and moments later Ross McCandless converted his first short corner.

Credit to North Down as they regrouped and they forced Lennox into a smart smother, however Bann quickly countered with Bruce McCandless. He produced a great piece of play to evade his marker and cross for Niall Kelly to ghost in at the near post to deflect home number three.

The North Down keeper then made a couple of excellent saves from Dane Ward and Coiln Dowds but the pressure finally told as Ross McCandless completed his hat trick before half time.

Bann started the second period very quickly and had added number six and seven within five minutes. Firstly Colin Dowds collected another cross, rounded Coates and finished for a well deserved goal and then Dane Ward got in on the act with a fine volleyed finish.

Ross McCandless then thundered in number eight with still 20 minutes to go and at this stage it was looking very bleak for the visitors. To North Down’s credit they stuck to the task well and didn’t let there heads drop and defended well for the remainder of the game restricted Bann clear chances.

Indeed the visitors did look dangerous on the counter and on one occasion the North Down forward lost his composure when well placed. The last action came when North Down won a short corner on the final whistle, the first attempt looked to have been legally defended by Bann but the umpire awarded another effort and Scott Caruth made no mistake denying Bann another shut out.

With news from Coolnafranky that Cookstown had beaten Lisnagarvey 1-0 and Annadale’s surprising 1-1 draw at home to Bangor it was a vital three points gained and a much needed boost to the goal difference.

The first team would like to congratulate Mark Cordner, Stephen Dawson, Simon Jess and the Academy First XI on their wonderful Ulster Schools Cup double and wish them the best of luck for the upcoming John Waring Schools Championship in Dublin.