Ladies are held to a stalemate

Banbridge began tentatively putting pressure on the Raphoe defence with Alex Gordon finding some lovely passes down the left wing, but Raphoe Ladies were solid in defence.

In the 14th minute Orla Magee advanced into the Raphoe circle resulting in a short corner for the home side. Unfortunately the in-form Raphoe keeper denied Anna Moore’s strike on goal.

Banbridge maintained their pressure with good passing from the back three, Amanda Morton, Ashlea Bell and Sarah McCracken. Raphoe found it hard to get out of their own defence and some excellent interplay from Alex Gordon and Naomi Robb resulted in some excellent attempts on goal from Rachael Cairns and Amy Atkinson.

The first half ended goalless with Banbridge having the lion’s share of attacking pressure.

The second half started with Raphoe exerting more pressure, but again through great defending and goalkeeping from Alannah Little, Raphoe were thwarted in their attempts on goal.

A penalty corner was awarded to Raphoe but again through great defending by Amanda Morton saw the game remain goalless.

Banbridge continued to attack with some great passing from Diane McMillen, Megan Mc Kenna and Cathy Rees, and Banbridge were unfortunate not to score from several chances on goal, the best from Debbie Whitten.

A great performance yet again from Banbridge, but extremely unlucky to not come away as winners.

The Banbridge Ladies would like to thank coach Simon Jess and umpires Sheree Totten and Aaron Appleton.