Disappointing performance but Bann reach Kirk semis

North Down 1

BANBRIDGE booked their place in this season’s Kirk Cup semi final with a 2-1 victory in their final group game over North Down at Havelock.

Bann ,only needing a draw to progress, produced a very poor performance that lacked concentration and was littered throughout with individual mistakes.

Dane Ward passed a late fitness test meaning Hugh McShane was the only casualty from last week with a hamstring injury. The young Academy midfielder was replaced by another schoolboy, Ciaran Kelly, in the squad.

Bann started the game with plenty of possession but lacked urgency in their passing and movement, thus the first 10 minutes passed off without too much incident. They continued to control possession and they won their first short corner in the 13th minute, which was ruthlessly dispatched by Ross McCandless for his fifth goal of the season.

Bann continued with a low tempo approach and this encouraged North Down forward and Lennox had to be on his toes on a couple of occasions as missed aerial ball and misplaced Bann passes caused panic in the Bann rearguard.

Lennox made a smart save from the visitor’s first short Corner effort from livewire Scott Caruth.

Bann finished the first period poorly seeking long balls rather than the short passing which has been very evident in the pre-season campaign.

Head Coach Mark Tumilty had stern words for his team at the break and it seemed to spark Bann into some life after the interval as generally they controlled the second period. However clear cut chances were a premium as the organised North Down defence and veteran goalkeeper Andrew Coates were in good form.

The decisive second goal came midway through the half when Stephen Dowds collected the ball mid circle and flicked home. Bann continued to press and should have added a third but Coates saved from point blank range from Owen Magee, Scott Forbes and Drew Carlisle.

North Down to their credit kept plugging away and earned a short corner with seconds left and Scott Caruth dually dispatched a flick high to Lennox’s left corner, leaving the final score 2-1.

Speaking afterwards Tumilty spoke of his disappointment at the level of performance and work rate, leaving the result and Kirk cup qualification the only positive to take from his side’s afternoons efforts.

Bann progress from Group B and join other section winners, Cookstown, Lisnagarvey and Annadale in the Super Sunday Kirk Cup semi finals. These will be held at Havelock Park on Sunday November 28 with the final on the traditional Boxing Day fixture.