Buchanan save earns Town well-deserved point

Limavady United 0

AN understrength Banbridge Town side gave a battling display against title contenders Limavady at Crystal Park on Saturday.

Town went into the game, missing five regulars including captain Ricky Copeland, who was on holiday. Ex-Armagh City centre back Mark Stewart deputised in his role at the heart of the Town defence.

Former Linfield and Glenavon goalkeeper Robert Robinson was forced into a save for Limavady 10 minutes in when he pushed Dale Malone's free kick over the crossbar.

Soon after Lee Patrick went close for the visitors after sneaking in behind the home defence but directed his header wide of the target.

Gareth Buchanan was the second half hero for the Town when he saved a 65th minute penalty from McConaghie.

Limavady will be disappointed with the result but defending is part and parcel of football and to this end Town shared the points.

The Championship takes a backseat this weekend as the first round of the Bob Radcliffe Cup gets underway.

Town host Mid Ulster Intermediate B side Oxford United on Saturday and should be expecting to make an easy passage into round two of the competition.

Oxford have lost all four of their opening games in the league and sit rock bottom of their table.

The game was due to be played at Knockramer Park but was switched due to Lurgan Celtic playing Lurgan Town there on the same day.

The draw for round one of the competition is as follows:

Bourneview YM v. Lisanally Rangers; Dungannon Swifts Reserves v. Coagh United; Killymoon Rangers v. Armagh City; Loughgall v. Annagh United; Lurgan Celtic v. Lurgan Town; Markethill Swifts v. Tandragee Rovers; Oxford United v. Banbridge Town; Rathfriland v. Banbridge Rangers.