Banbridge Rangers end the season in style

On what was a horrible wet night, Richard McMinn’s side kept up their impressive form and finished as the only team in Intermediate A to win their last five games. Special mention also to the superb ‘Gers fans who made their way to Armagh to support the team.

Both teams cancelled each other out in the first half when the rain was torrential to say the least and the sides went in 0-0 at half time. Conditions improved and the rain had stopped by the start of the second half. Lisanally Rangers took the lead against the run of play in 65 minutes but Banbridge Rangers didn’t panic and soon were level. On 77 minutes Coly Cousins burst from the half way line, went round the full back and got to the goal line. A hard low cross was whipped in and with three of the blue shirts at the back post, one of the Lisanally Rangers defenders tried to clear the ball but only managed to steer it past the keeper into his own net.

Four minutes later Jason Gourley made it 2-1 from eight yards with a shot high into the net giving the keeper no chance. Lisanally continued to press and stand in keeper Steven McMinn, (deputising for Davy Crawford, who was waiting on his baby son, Danny making an appearance – Congratulations to Davy and Emma) made a fantastic save with his legs to keep Banbridge in front. Shortly after, Andy Mallen made the score 3-1 and the points safe, with an accurate finish in off the post from 15 yards, following excellent build up play by Dean Gordon.

The result sees the ‘Gers finish 8th in Intermediate A, giving the management team of Richard McMinn, Geordie McCallister and Jason Hillis plenty to work with in the close season before it all kicks off again in August.