Firsts battle back to clinch a draw

Bann were at full strength with the injured Claire Ussher the only absentee from their squad and knew a win or draw was vital to improve their league position.

The locals set off in determined fashion but found a well-organised Dungannon defence difficult to break down.

The visitors weathered Bann's early pressure and began to test the home defence but were unable to find a way through thanks to some classy defending by Diane Madeley, Debbie Whitten, Jill Mehaffey and Ashlea Bell.

Play swung from end to end with Bann having the lions share of opportunities only to be thwarted by an on-form Dungannon keeper.

Bann had opportunities to take the lead during the first half both from free play and from short corners where Amy Atkinson fired just inches wide of the Dungannon goal.

Emma McIntyre Barnes had to be alert to deny Dungannon on the break and cleared a number of attempts on the Bann goal; however with five minutes on the first-half clock Bann conceded a goal.

Coach Simon Jess’s half-time team talk spurred the girls into action for the start of the second half only to see Dungannon claim their second after five minutes.

Bann, however, were not giving up and as the second half progressed they could sense a goal was on the cards; great work from the midfield of Heather Marriott, Sara McCracken, Sara Gamble and Naomi Robb allowed the forward line of Jane Cousins, Amy Atkinson, Stephanie Moffet and Diane McMillan to create numerous chances and place increasing pressure on the Dungannon defence.

Their well-deserved first goal finally came from a run from the Bann 25 by Diane Madeley who laid off a great ball into the Dungannon circle that was slotted home by Sara Gamble.

With less than two minutes left on the clock the Bann girls immediately went back on the attack looking for the equaliser.

Jane Cousins was unlucky not to score when, with the keeper stranded, she saw her shot rebound off the post.

It was captain Sara Gamble who found the back of the net to give Bann a well deserved point. A great competitive performance from the girls through the second half to come back from a 2-0 deficit to finish the game at 2-2.

This Saturday sees the girls in cup action at home to Ards Seconds.