U15s unlucky not to get something from game

The first half began with both teams looking nervous, resulting in only a few clear chances, although Shankill looked the more physical team the locals lads played the neater football but had to settle for a scoreless first half.

In the early exchanges of the second half it was again the Juniors who started brightest and Kyle Thompson in particular was worrying the opponents with his pace and tireless running but still the locals couldn’t break the deadlock.

Midway through the second half, Shankill, who by now had resorted to the long ball tactic opened the scoring after a hoofed ball into the box was allowed to bounce and the Shankill striker had the simple task of sidefooting home from five yards.

Even after this setback the Banbridge boys to their credit never panicked and continued to play passing football and probably should have equalised, but on the day it was not to be as Shankill ran out 1-0 winners.

Although defeated, the boys should not be too disheartened because on the day they played very well with no reward, and will play a lot worse this season and win.

Best for the locals was Kyle Thompson.