Bann hit top spot!
Banbridge moved to the summit of the ulster premier league as they maintained their 100% start with a comprehensive 5:1 win over Kilkeel at Havelock. After a two month layoff, Bann returned to action without the services of playmaker Bruce McCandless, who was away on international duty.
Bann started brightly gaining control of possession and inside 5 minutes had created two glorious chances to open the scoring; firstly Drew Carlisle failed to trap a cross when free in front of goal and seconds later Dane Ward deflected wide when it looked easier to score. Bann were nearly punished as livewire William Annett created a run and cross, which just evaded the desperate lunge of a kilkeel forward at the back post.
The ever impressive Phillip Brown was again creating problems and it was his cross that led to the first goal as Stevie Dowds scrambled the ball over the goal line. Bann were starting their find their feet once again and some flowing passing moves were creating holes in the kilkeel rear guard. Scott McCandless flashed a reverse stick effort goal bound after some great work from Stevie Dowds but shortly after Josh Moffet made no mistake from 5 yards out to double the lead. Bann had kilkeel on the ropes and soon made it 3:0, when Ross McCandless dispatched a trademark drag flick from his third penalty corner. Another flowing move saw the kilkeel defence spilt open and a Scott McCandless cross was finished well by Schoolboy Owen Magee at the back post.
Half time: Banbridge: 4 Kilkeel: 0
After the competent first half display Bann started sloppily in the second period and Gareth Lennox having to make a couple of saves from early visitors pressure. Bann restored composure and it wasn’t before top scorer Dane Ward added to his collection with a beautiful receive and swivel to find the bottom corner after a brilliant run by Phillip Brown. Bann continued to pressure the kilkeel goal with several short corners but some fine defending and poor decision making in front of goal kept the score at five.
Kilkeel still remained a constant threat on the break and with 20 minutes left William Annett got a lovely goal with a fine run and shot past Lennox. Bann finished the game on top working possession around the pitch, eager to gain the tempo and pace, that they had achieve before the winter blast.
Final Score: Banbridge 5 – 1 Kilkeel
Bann team: Lennox, Brown, Sc Forbes, R McCandless, St Forbes, McShane, Carlisle, C Dowds, Reay, Ward, S Dowds. Subs Magee, Moffet, S McCandless.
Other Scores
Bangor 1 – 1 Annadale
Cookstown 3-3 Lisnagarvey
Instonians 3-1 North Down
Mossley 2-2 Civil Service
Next Weekend Bann travel to Carryduff to face Annadale in the Premier League.