Early goals ruin run in Irish Senior Cup

Annadale 2

BANN’S Irish Senior Cup hopes came to an end on Saturday afternoon.

The locals were denied by a heroic performance by Dale goalkeeper Johnny Moore as he put in an accomplished display, showing that he is one of Ireland’s top goalies at the moment.

Moore denied Bann from six of their nine penalty corners, twice from open play and also, crucially, from a 55th minute penalty stroke from Ross McCandless.

Amazingly it took Dale just nine seconds to take the lead - an Irish Cup record. Hotshot Ian Hamilton scored the opening goal as Banbridge stood static at the very start of the game.

And their lead was doubled on three minutes as Fraser Mills found the back of the net, sending the locals well on their way to finals weekend.

Dermy Reay pulled one back for Bann but by that stage it was too little too late. With Lisnagarvey and Kilkeel both losing their quarter finals it means that Annadale are the sole Ulster representatives in the last four of the competition.

They still have an opportunity to dominate on an All Ireland level as they take on South Dublin side Corinthians on Saturday in the Irish Hockey League.

Corinthians scored an impressive 2-1 win over Pembroke Wanderers at the weekend and so will be no push over when the two sides meet.

In the IHL so far they have recorded an away win to Cork Harlequins and a draw at Monkstown, while Banbridge have won one and lost one so victory for the locals is essential to keep them in the hunt for a place in the latter stages of the competition.

- There will be a Supporters Bus to Bann's crucial IHL Group B match against Corinthians, departing at 9am from Havelock and returning at approximately 9pm.

The cost of bus is 10 and seats are vey limited. Places will be secured upon payment to Nigel Dowds, Paddy Grimes or Coiln Dowds. It promises to be a very exciting game.