Penalty stroke success sees Ladies Fourths reach final

Banbridge Ladies Fourths played Saintfield Ladies Thirds in the Minor Plate Semi-Final on Saturday at the Academy.
Banbridge Ladies Fourths are through to the Minor Plate final.Banbridge Ladies Fourths are through to the Minor Plate final.
Banbridge Ladies Fourths are through to the Minor Plate final.

Bann had previously drawn with Saintfield in a league game, so were out to go one better.

Banbridge started the stronger team but it was Saintfield who took the lead in the first half with a well taken penalty corner.

The second half Bann battled on and it was Andrea Harrower who soon equalised with a well taken goal.

At the other end of the pitch, Saintfield were kept out for the Bann circle with some strong defending and Players of the Match Joanna Berry and Catherine Reid keeping the Saintfield forwards at bay.

Bann continued to fight for the winner with the home side working hard all over the pitch and were soon to be rewarded with another goal from Andrea Harrower.

Bann looked like extending their lead further with some good chances in the circle.

Against the run of play, it was Saintfield who got the next goal, when a break through the Bann defence just before the final whistle saw them awarded a penalty corner, which was well taken leaving the Bann keeper Andi Martin with no chance, to take the game to extra time.

Both teams battled hard in extra time but the winning goal was not forthcoming taking the match to penalty strokes.

Andi Martin in the Bann goals made three outstanding saves with Hanna Thompson, Andrea Harrower and Captain Lynda McKinley all scoring, resulting in Bann winning the game and qualifying for the Minor Plate Final, which will be played on Saturday April 18.

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