Angus puts in a prime display as Town U17s lose out

The Town came flying at Downshire in the early exchanges with Ryan Angus and Rhys Jones working the ball well through the midfield.

They were creating chances for Jordan Walker and Sam McCallister, who were looking lively at the head of the Town attack.

With only three minutes gone, Angus won a free-kick just inside the Downshire half and that was to provide the opener.

Ryan Sloan floated in an inviting ball which the keeper clawed at and the ball fell for McCallister who was on hand to bundle the ball over the line and give the Town boys an early lead.

Downshire struggled to muster a response, and Ryan Angus was marauding in midfield and causing problems with his work rate and use of the ball.

Jonny Rodgers and Liam Farrell provided the width as they got in behind the Downshire back four and were asking all the questions.

McCallister was unlucky not to double his side’s lead when he was released down the right before his thundering shot rattled the woodwork.

With Banbridge playing all the football, they were unlucky not to be further in front. Defensive pairing Ryan Sloan and Ryan Jones had their opponents in their back pocket, while they carried the ball out from the back.

On the cusp of half-time, Downshire were awarded a penalty for what was deemed to be a high foot. The last action of the first half was the penalty conversion to level the tie with what was the hosts’ first shot of the match.

The second half began with Downshire searching hard to find a goal to go in front, however the Town back line held strong. Ryan Angus and Rhys Jones worked tirelessly trying to put their team back in front again, and with the introduction of Jake Dennison and Adam Dickson was proving just the ticket as they pushed Downshire right back into their own half.

Banbridge saw a lot of chances go begging as the ball was fired low across the box with players queuing up to apply the finish only for Downshire to clear their lines.

A rare attack from Downshire set their striker through on goal to apply the finish and put his side ahead with only their second shot of the game.

Banbridge rallied and upped the pace of the game as they searched to draw the scores level again, Rhys Jones going closest with a good header which the keeper had to produce a save of the highest quality to keep out.

McCallister grafted hard for his chance and found a way through right at the final whistle, only to drag his shot wide under pressure.

A bad day at the office for the Banbridge boys who played all the football but were unable to get the win they deserved.

This week’s Town Man of the Match was Ryan Angus for a tireless and quality performance as he gave everything to try and earn his side victory.