Dungannon are too strong for Rangers U12s in final

The game kicked off at 10am sharp and BRFC soon took control in the early stages. Bailey Russell and Kris Thompson stamped their authority in midfield and wide men Chris Oakes and Josh Crawford were soon causing the opposition defence problems.

One such attack led to the opening goal, following a Josh Crawford shot high in to the net giving the keeper no chance. Dungannon rallied and applied pressure, getting the equaliser following good wide play, a super cross and a well placed header.

They then missed a dubiously awarded penalty but took the lead with a near post effort which Rangers failed initially to clear.

Banbridge pushed forward looking for the equaliser before halftime and following chances for Luke Brown and Josh Lyttle, man of the match Josh Crawford duly obliged with another long range effort which flew into the far corner.

Some astute defending by Josh Martin and Charlie Hillis ensured the teams went in level at half time.

Banbridge Rangers found themselves behind again straight from of the restart with sloppy play in midfield and a well struck effort made it 3-2 to Dungannon, who continued to press and soon doubled their lead with another thunderbolt of a effort.

The game was put beyond doubt with the fifth Dungannon goal by their star player Mark Monaghan and only then did Rangers start to play flowing football again. Aaron Butler and Josh Crawford combined well up the left and Luke Brown was unlucky to see his effort slide wide.

Then Harry Patterson and Ben Hillis linked beautifully to win a free kick, which was delivered superbly by Kris Thompson and Josh Lyttle flicked his header off the near post.

Jack Douglas and Luke Elliott made useful contributions as second half subs but Dungannon were just too strong on the day.

Thanks to the Mid-Ulster Youth League for the presentation of medals to both teams and to both captains for the sporting words during the presentation. Also best thanks to Dan Strain of Eagle Overseas for his sponsorship of the match ball to Banbridge Rangers U12s.