TOWN SIZZLE AGAINST COOKSTOWN
Banbridge Town 4 Cookstown Olympic 1
BANBRIDGE Town made it through to the next round of the Bob Radcliffe Cup after this comprehensive victory at Crystal Park.
Town were struck with a blow before the game as goalkeeper Stevie Havern made himself unavailable, opting to play gaelic instead.
It did, however, present an opportunity for Under 18s goalkeeper James Clarke to make a name for himself in the starting line up.
Seamus Kane also dropped out of the squad. Paul Alexander, who has been playing all over the park this season, came into centre half with Mark Quinn.
Franco Trainor made his first start of the season with John Hooks relegated to the bench with a hamstring problem.
But it was the partnership of Damian McParland and Aaron Baker which was to have the greatest impact on the game.
Indeed it was McParland who almost gave the Town the lead in the first minute. Simon O'Hare, on the left, crossed to McParland and his shot, although it had beaten Gary Stewart, went wide.
Cookstown, who last week had beaten Rasharkin 8-0 away from home, started to rally and created a number of chances which put the debutant goalkeeper under pressure.
Banbridge took the lead after only 15 minutes when Aaron Baker headed home, rising above the Olympic defence to get on the end of Timmy Grant's cross.
And the lead was almost doubled when John Boyle curled a shot towards Stewart who was forced into a save. On 21 minutes McParland could have made it 2-0 with his curling effort, but again Stewart was at full flight to save.
The second goal finally came on 36 minutes when a cross from O'Hare was knocked past Stewart by the unfortunate Cookstown right back Declan Campbell.
At the break Town looked comfortable and as if there were more goals to come - that was certainly to be the case.
But it was Cookstown who looked the most likely to score in the early stages. The best of their chances, however, ended up in the side netting.
Ten minutes after the interval right back Ally Evans saw his 25 yard screamer go wide as once again the shot beat Stewart.
And the Cookstown 'keeper was called into action once again when Shane McGeown brought a save out of Stewart.
But what was to come was nothing short of spectacular.
As the Town brought the ball out of the defence on 58 minutes McParland took up possession on the right hand side.
Cutting infield, he unleashed a shot from 30 yards which flew into the top corner. The goal is sure to be one of the contenders for goal of the season.
And he was to get a second on 67 minutes when he finished after a melee in the Olympic's box.
They were to pull a goal back when Hughes finished well in the 80th minute, but that was to be their only reply.
Town had one final chance, coming from Trainor, but that produced a great save from Stewart.
Supporters Man of the Match - Ally Evans.
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Weather for Banbridge
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
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