Banbridge Thirds edge out Bangor Seconds in a seven goal thriller

Banbridge were having a lot of success down the left and after great play between Scott and Knox the ball was worked to Dean who crossed to the unmarked Armstrong to knock the ball in from close range.

Shortly after scoring Banbridge were reduced to ten men when Hurst was sent off which caused Banbridge to come under some pressure from Bangor and defended a few short corners. Even after returning to a full team they couldn’t find the same fluidity that they had produced in the early stages of the match.

The team got off to a perfect start in the second half when Dean was free in the circle and found Armstrong who made no mistake from close range. Banbridge continued to press forward and after winning a short corner Anderson flicked low to the keeper’s right.

Bangor got a life-line when they managed to score a goal after some poor defending. Banbridge reacted well and after a long pass, Dean was one on one against the Bangor keeper and lifted the ball over the advancing keeper.

Banbridge won another short corner but after the ball was cleared Bangor went up the other end to reduce Banbridge’s lead making excellent use of the ball.

With only minutes left Bangor managed to score again to set up a nerve-wracking finale. Banbridge managed to see out those last few minutes and take the full three points.

Bangor can still go onto win the league but the win gives Banbridge a fighting chance. Banbridge go onto play their first round game in the McClements Cup on Saturday hoping to go one step further this season.