Bann girls must ‘play their socks off’ to beat their title rivals

The girls face their biggest weekend of the season as they host their main title rivals Raphoe on Saturday (pass-back 1pm), before taking on the same opponents in the Ladies Senior One League Cup at Mossley on Sunday (pass-back 3.15pm).

Bann are five points clear at the top of the Senior One table but second placed Raphoe have a game in hand.

Vice-Captain Alex Jenkinson knows just how important a weekend it is.

“We drew 1-1 with them earlier in the season and we knows it’s going to be another close game,” she said.

“They’re the only other team in our league who have yet to lose a game this season.

“They are a very strong side and we will need to pretty much play our socks off!”

Bann had no game on Saturday but the week before, they kept up their title charge with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Grosvenor.

The game started brightly with both Banbridge and Grosvenor having a number of chances on the opposition goal. Midway through the first half, the midfield and forward line combined well resulting in a through ball from Amy Atkinson to Cathy Rees who finished from close range.

The first half was coming to a close with Bann continuing to put pressure on the Grosvenor defence.

Midway through the second half, Bann broke down the left with Gina Woods and Samantha Bann combining well.

Amy Atkinson found herself free at the edge of the circle and played a smart ball to Elayne Brown who calmly slotted the ball home for 2-0.

With the game ticking to a close, D’arcy Campbell found herself free on the half way line and with an inch perfect pass she found Alex Jenkinson free at the edge of the circle to calmly thread the ball to Rees at the back post, for the third and final goal of the game.

All in all, it was an excellent team performance from the girls and the all important three points.