Banbridge get the points at Loughlinisland

Bann continued to dominate at midfield where Mattie Smyth was winning most of the high ball and they were soon level when Gary Quinn put Liam Devlin through for the equaliser.

Loughinisland pointed again before an excellent through ball from Quinn found Rory Hill who rounded the keeper for the only goal of the game.

Bann were unable to build on the lead and Loughinisland scored three points in quick succession to go one ahead. Brian Donaghy equalised from a line ball on the right and Conor Lenaghan restored bann’s lead from a free after Paul McAleenan was fouled going forward.

The home team levelled the scores for a fourth time but Banbridge took a two point lead before half time with points from Lenaghan and Hill.

Bann started the second half as they finished the first and Smyth pointed a free to increase the lead. Smyth Kennedy and Devlin were winning a lot of ball around the middle and the tireless running of JP Gartland and Micky Fairbairn was creating a lot of opportunities for scores.

Adam Doyle and Conor Lenaghan both pointed from play and although young Mason pegged one back for Loughinisland, Bann pressed on with scores from Donaghy and Quinn to open a six point lead.

When the expected Loughinisland fightback came Bann’s defence was equal to the task with Feeney Rooney and Lunny making vital interceptions and McAllister managed to deflect a dangerous shot round the post.

Loughinisland were confined to three points as Banbridge got back on top and points from Lenaghan and Quinn restored the margin to five.

Loughinisland were restricted to one further point from a free and Donaghy completed the scoring for Bann when he converted a free after Lenaghan was brought down heading for goal.

Team: M McAllister, L Rooney, M Feeney, S Bradley; JP Gartland, M Fairbairn, P McAleenan; M Smyth, M Kennedy; A Doyle, L Devlin, C Lenaghan; G Quinn, R Hill, B Donaghy. Subs: C Lunny, R Gillen, K Magee, S Montgomery, P Gillen, M McEvoy, P Bradley, S McGarry, M Loughlin.