Bann see off Premier League strugglers

Bann were looking to extend their lead at the top of the table with their nearest competitors not in action and go into the winter break on top.

Banbridge were at full strength for the game at Havelock, with Bruce McCandless returning to the squad after a month out with the Irish mens team.

From the outset Banbridge controlled possession using the ball well against a very deep Mossley press. Stephen Dowds saw his first corner whistle past the post, while other chances went wayward for the Lurgan Road men. With his second corner however, he placed a bullet of a flick low to the keepers left to put Bann 1-0 up.

It was soon 2-0, with a well executed short corner routine that saw Dane Ward deflect the ball in from the back post. Mossley didn’t look like threatening Lennox’s goal throughout who had little to do during the game.

Stephen Forbes and Drew Carlisle controlled the game well from the back as Banbridge continued to control the game. Bann began their slick passing and after a great interchange between Bruce and Dane, the latter picked out Scott Caruth who tapped in at the back post. Bann went into half-time 3-0 up and firmly in control.

Bann were out of the blocks quickly in the second half and after winning a corner, Stevie Dowds secured his second of the game with a high flick which the Mossley keeper failed to deal with.

Banbridge’s midfield were well in control with some great play from Colin Dowds, Peter Brown and Hugh. Stevie completed another hat-trick, after a great move from Bann, in one beautiful passing hockey between Dane and Bruce, Stevie picked the ball up after a neat layoff and converted a reverse stick shot low into the bottom corner.

Bann kept pressing for more and with Mossley sitting ever deeper and having little control of the ball it was soon 6-0. Another corner variation saw Peter Brown deflect the ball past the Mossley keeper for his first goal of the campaign.

Joshua Moffett made it seven from a rebound after a great turn and shot from Scott Caruth. Mossley began to lose their discipline after being under pressure for the majority of the game and a few cards were shown to their team. Banbridge then completed the scoring after Scott Caruth secured his second of the game, knocking in the rebound from a shot from the top of the circle.

Banbridge continued their unbeaten start in the league and are now in a strong position going into the new year.