Bann’s second half blitz too much for Town
A sensational four goal second half display from Banbridge ensured they won the Kirk Cup for the 20th time. After disappointing performance in last year’s final, the locals entered the Final at Stormont as favourites after a comprehensive league double over Cookstown earlier in the season. However Coach Mark Tumilty again had injury problems with Simon Magowan having to withdraw joining Stephen Forbes and Stevie Dowds on the sidelines. Bann started the game very lethargically handing the initiative to Cookstown and the visitors took control of the first twenty minutes forcing Bann to defend for large periods. Bann Keeper Gareth Lennox denied the Tyrone men from early efforts from Gareth Cuddy and Stuart Smyth but they deservedly took the lead after 26minutes when Mark Crooks slapped home from close range.
Bann took some control of possession but never really looked like penetrating a solid Cookstown defence.
Halt Time Banbridge: 0 Cookstown: 1
Whatever was said by Mark Tumity and Erroll Lutton at the interval transformed the game instantly, as Bann burst into action as 30 seconds in Ross McCandless dispatched a slick corner off the upright after sublime skill by half time sub Peter Brown. 1:1 Game on!
Bann continued to crank up the tempo and put pressure on their opponents all over the pitch. Bann were now starting to work openings and Pete Brown nearly put Bann ahead as his shot just edged past the far post. Bann supporters didn’t have to wait long though, as a mazy run by Scott McCandless from inside his own half led to Dane Ward collecting and finishing superbly past Hughes. 2:1 Bann
The locals continued to make all the running with Cookstown relying heavily on swift counter attacks. But on 55 minutes Bann were pegged back as Greg Allen deflected superbly into the top corner. 2:2 Dane Ward was returning from injury after a couple months out and was a constant menace for the Cookstown rear guard and it was he who was upended to win the decisive penalty corner on 58 minutes. Ross McCandless’s effort was saved but the rebound fell to Colin Dowds who calmly slotted home from an acute angle. 3:2 Bann
Bann were determined to not let their opponents back in and continued to dominate possession and on 63 minutes deservedly got the cushion goal when Dane Ward superbly turned and lifted it over an advancing Hughes. 4:2 Bann
Bann were now flooding forward with both Owen Magee and Hugh McShane having efforts on the Cookstown goal. The game was marred slightly as Cookstown midfielder Thomas Hutchinson seen yellow and then red after verbal’s with umpire McCully. The pacey Greg Allen almost pulled a goal back as his effort just drifted past the post but it was Bann’s day as the young squad still ravished with injury picked up their first trophy of the season.
Full Time: Banbridge 4-2 Cookstown
Bann Team: Lennox, S Forbes, R McCandless, P Brown, S McCandless, C Dowds, D Carlisle, H McShane, J Moffet, B McCandless, D Reay. Subs Pe Brown, M Bell, O Magee, D Ward.