Superb performance earns under 11s their first trophy

Banbridge Town U11s 2

Ridgeway Rovers 0

BANBRIDGE Town Juniors U11s (Lisburn League) secured their first piece of silverware with a superb 2-0 win against Ridgeway Rovers on Saturday.

A second half brace was enough to win the game after a very tentative and nervous start but the Juniors resilience shone through in the end to make up for last year’s cup final defeat.

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The Juniors arrived at a packed Ballymacross full of confidence after last week’s emphatic win over Portadown but started the game slowly, allowing Ridgeway to take control of the midfield and as the game progressed it was evident that Ridgeway were the dominant force as their slick passing and movement caused nervousness in the Juniors players.

However for all their effort Ridgeway could not find a way through with Cromie saving well on several occasions from long range. It was all Ridgeway but again the resilient defence of the Juniors saved the day and with the help of the midfield and forwards tracking back Ridgeway lost a bit of composure and the Juniors sensed that they were back in the game.

A searching ball by McCandless found Downey out wide and his surging run and cross was gathered by the Ridgeway keeper. A Hamilton free kick was fumbled but Duffin was adjudged offside when ready to pounce.

A quick throw by Morgan found Fearon who lost his marker and his inviting cross just evaded Angus at the near post.

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As half time approached the Juniors were unlucky not to take the lead when McCandless rattled the bar from a free kick. A dead ball situation seemed to be the only way that the Juniors would score but as the referee blew for half time it was the Juniors who were the relieved team but they were still in the game and only just!

What a transformation the second half would be as Ridgeway lost their way and a rejuvenated Juniors side took the game by the scruff of the neck. It was now Ridgeway who looked nervous with McKinstry and Hamilton seeing more of the ball.

Another run by Downey caused panic in the Ridgeway defence but his cross was turned away for a corner. The Juniors were now on top but it would take a special goal to break the deadlock and so it was, with a goal of immense quality.

The industrious Duffin won the ball in midfield before passing to McKinstry. The dynamic midfielder whipped past two defenders before finding Angus in the box. The striker held off a defender before laying the ball back to McKinstry who curled a wonderful strike into the top corner.

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The travelling Juniors support exploded in rapturous applause and the sense of relief was there for all to see. It was the breakthrough that the Juniors craved and they pressed forward for a second which surely would have killed the game. A slip in defence almost let Ridgeway in but a poor cross went harmlessly wide.

The Juniors were now exuberating confidence and they deservedly went two up thanks to a well rehearsed corner kick. Man of the match Hamilton played a short corner to McCandless who returned the ball for the midfielder to fire in an unstoppable shot past the Ridgeway keeper from the edge of the box.

Again the large Juniors support erupted in cheers and from then on there was only one winner as Ridgeway heads went down and the football they played in the first half faltered with the players completely devoid of ideas.

The remainder of the game was dictated by the Juniors and only a poor decision prevented Lennon from adding a third as he was adjudged offside. As Ridgeway tried to claw their way back a very strong tackle by Devlin halted the advance but there was one last scare for the Juniors deep into injury time but Cromie produced an outstanding save turning the ball away.

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Dillon, Morgan and McAtamney consolidated the defence late on and Barr produced several strong runs to ease the pressure. The final whistle sounded and the joy witnessed on the players faces was there for all to see.

A superb second half performance and win for the Juniors against whom many consider to be the best team in the league but as said on numerous occasions before this victory was down to a team who collectively work for each other and have a never say die attitude of the highest order, never giving up when their backs are against the wall!

The players, manager and coaches would like to thank the parents, family and friends who made up the large Juniors support today and we can all look forward to the next few weeks when the Juniors attempt to put the icing on the cake by winning the league title. Well done lads.

Men of the Match: J Cromie, P Morgan, N Dillon, J McCandless, J McAtamney, C Downey, G Fearon, S Hamilton, D McKinstry, R Angus, C Duffin, D Barr, J Lennon, R Devlin.