Luckless Bann Fours held to a draw by Mossley

The Banbridge team consisted of Luke Roulston in nets; Sean Doran, Nigel Allister, Sam Green and David Morrison in defence; Roger Martin, Dylan Cowan and Joe McKnight in midfield; Ben McConnell, Niall Burns and Craig Campbell in attack. The substitutes included Matthew Clarke, Joel Reid, Jordan Oliver, Nigel Jackson and Matthew Young.

The match began with both sides testing one another’s defence early on. Banbridge worked the ball quickly out of defence, into midfield and showed some strong play down both of the flanks.

Unfortunately, Mossley were awarded a short corner as a result of a Bann foot. The short corner was hit to the right of the keeper and was going wide before a narrow deflection from one of the defenders knocked the ball back on target and inside the post giving Roger Martin no chance on the line.

Mossley’s lead didn’t last too long as Banbridge scored an excellent goal through some quick passing and movement. Joel Reid was on hand in the box to ruthlessly knock the ball past the keeper.

Banbridge began the second half in the same way that they ended the first. The team squeezed the Mossley defence deeper and deeper, but it was on the counter attack that they reaped their just reward.

Ben McConnell tore down the right flank and into the D. He ghosted past two defenders as if they weren’t there and shot low and hard at goal. Matthew Clarke was on hand to ensure the ball hit the net.

The team continued to play well, but unconsciously settled for a 2-1 lead. This resulted in Mossley having more of the ball and increasing the number of chances.

With five minutes to go, Mossley were awarded a questionable short corner. The ball was brought into the D and was hit to the right corner were the ball hit Roger Martin’s feet on the line.

The umpire awarded a flick which was hit low under the keeper, 2-2. Banbridge threw everything at Mossley to beat them, but the match finished with a hard earned draw.

The team continue to remain upbeat and were lifted even more by the return of Joe McKnight. A mix of youth and experience is extremely beneficial with the team at the wrong end of the league, with five games to go.