Ally hits the ground running for Town

Banbridge Town v Glebe North, Balbriggan: Ally Wilson © Edward Byrne Photography INBL

That made it three goals in two games for the new signing, who also bagged Town’s only goal of the game at the Newry Showgrounds last Tuesday evening.

That was a penalty, as was his first against Glebe, who finished fourth in the Leinster Senior League last season.

Town boss Ryan Watson is understandably pleased with how his new striker is settling into life in a Town shirt.

“Ally Wilson stood out on Saturday,” he said.

“He scored both the goals again. The second was a great individual finish on the half-volley.

“He had a couple of other opportunities as well that he created out of nothing. He chipped the keeper from about 25-30 yards with one effort that went close and in the first half he hit a shot from inside our own half. That had the goalkeeper scrambling.

“He was showing glimpses of his quality. He’ll just have to work on his fitness now but he’s got three goals in two games so it’s a good start.

“As pre-season develops and he gets more fitness, hopefully he will continue in that form. He has fitted in very nicely so far.”

Town’s victory on Saturday must have come as a relief to Watson, who had watched his side downed 5-1 by a rampant Newry City just five days earlier.

“What can I say? I could make a lot of excuses but there’s no point,” he told the ‘LEADER.’

“It was a good exercise for us. The results in pre-season don’t equal an awful lot.

“Fair play to Newry. They were the better team on the night and deserved the win. At least it got us going as the first game and we’ll just keep moving forward, match to match now.

“Saturday’s game was more about what we can do and was more of a Banbridge Town performance.

“We played very well against Glebe. It was a good test because they were a very good side. They were fit and sharp and played some very nice football.

“It was a great work-out for us, just what you want in pre-season.

“The players that started and played most of the game really got their fitness levels worked on.

“We could see where they really are at this stage. It was nice to get that work-out and it was great to score a few goals.”