Six-y display as Bann win local derby

As with their previous match, Bann started the game well and won their first short corner within the first number of minutes, with Matthew Bell’s drag flick saved by the Newry keeper.

And it was Newry who were first to add to the score-line, taking the lead after a right wing cross was deflected in at the back post.

This goal seemed to push the local side on and they were soon on level terms, as intricate passing hockey in the midfield between Owen Magee and Hugh McShane provided Neil Gilmore with the opportunity to dispatch a reverse stick shot into the roof of the net.

From here, Banbridge dominated possession and had a number of attacks into the Newry circle. It wasn’t long before Bann took the lead, when Peter Brown stole the ball from a Newry player in the middle of the pitch. He drove forward before squaring it to the oncoming Fraser Mills, who confidently swept the ball into the goal.

Banbridge went into the half-time break with a two goal cushion, as a short corner variation was deflected in by the in-form Dane Ward.

The Newry stopper had to be alert after the break to save well from Bell’s drag flick and deny Dane Ward on a number of occasions.

Ward, however, wasn’t to be disappointed as he soon scored his second goal and Banbridge’s fourth following great approach work. As the match drew to a close, Banbridge scored two more. Firstly Matthew Bell from a short corner fired into the bottom corner and secondly, Scott Forbes’ quick hands saw him beat several defenders to fire across goal, allowing for Gilmore to tap in.