Final day win is a Brucey bonus for Bann as Havelock Park play-offs beckon

Bruced McCandless netted twice as Banbridge ended their first EY Hockey League campaign with a 3-2 win over Glenanne.
Bruce McCandless showed his class at Havelock last weekend. INBL1615-26EBBruce McCandless showed his class at Havelock last weekend. INBL1615-26EB
Bruce McCandless showed his class at Havelock last weekend. INBL1615-26EB

Stevie Dowds was also on target to ensure Bann enter the play-off weekend on form.

Bann started quickly and McCandless scored in the first minute with a fine run along the touch line and reverse finish.

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Owen Magee also went close as Bann dominated the opening exchanges.

However, Glenanne soon bit back. A short corner was defended before O’Malley scored with an audacious shot over his own head, and that of goalkeeper Lennox, on the bounce.

In the second quarter, Glenanne threatened again and Gareth Lennox pulled off a great double save to keep the scores level. Bann also failed to take advantage of some short corners.

In the third, McCandless scored his second to restore Bann’s lead.

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Soon after, Jake Rowe won possession in midfield and broke forward to feed Eugene Magee who entered into the circle and when about to unleash a reverse shot, was fouled. Stephen Dowds scored the flick sending the keeper the wrong way.

David Keogh made it 3-2 with a penalty of his own but threatened to equalise but Lennox saved two penalty corners and McCandless saved another on the line.

Bann will now play Monkstown on the 30th April in the IHL Finals at Havelock Park with the final a day later.

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