Thirds beat South Antrim at sodden Havelock Park

With Bennington carrying an injury the experienced Neil Madely filled the void in defence.

Banbridge started strongly dominating possession but failing to create any clear chances.

From a free hit Malcolmson found Matthews in the circle who neatly deflected the ball past the South Antrim keeper to give Bann the lead. Kennedy looked lively when introduced and flashed a reverse stick shot past the post.

Bann should have doubled their lead when Matthews picked up a rebound off a short corner but his shot was well saved. South Antrim had their own opportunity from a short corner but the direct strike went wide.

Matson had to leave proceedings early in the second half after receiving a bad injury with Sneddon stepping in at right back.

Banbridge won a couple of short corners but were unable to convert with Malcolmson just missing a deflection at the back post.

South Antrim also won a couple of short corners with Scott making an important block to clear the danger.

Banbridge finally doubled their lead with ten minutes to go when Madely found Malcolmson free in the South Antrim twenty five. Malcolmson rounded his marker and slotted the ball low past the South Antrim keeper. Matthews should have increased Bann’s lead but was forced quite wide on his reverse and shot wide. Banbridge managed to keep South Antrim at bay to take the three points.

The thirds travel to Lisburn next Saturday to take on South Antrim thirds.