Home defeat for the ladies fourths

Bann started strongly, immediately putting pressure on the visitors and were unfortunate not to take an early lead after a couple of chances set up by Andrea Harrower and Claire Anderson but Angela Cowan narrowly missed the target.

It was Instonians that opened the scoring after a breakaway attack, leaving keeper Andie Martin with no chance.

The team, with a perfect combination of youth and experience, was linking well with some excellent play by midfielders Lynda McKinley, Joanna Berry and Becky Huey in support of the forward line.

Bann kept fighting and were unlucky not to be on level terms at half time.

Instonians started the second half as the stronger team but the defence of Cathrine Reid, Rebecca Dale, Hannah Thompson and Hannah Jordan dealt very capably with any threats.

Bann finally managed to equalise from a penalty corner routine – Lynda McKinley getting the final touch to make it 1-1.

Bann’s joy was short lived when Instonians made a quick break on the attack and to take the lead again after only a few minutes. Toward the end of the game, Jo-Anne Lyttle was unlucky to see her penalty corner strike just skim the wrong side of the post and this was to be Bann’s last chance; the game finished 2-1 in favour of the visitors.

Thanks to Jessica Hassan and Peter Bingham for umpiring and to Coach Bill Malcolmson.