Boss far from happy as Town AFC slump to lacklustre defeat

Banbridge Town AFC went down 2-0 to high-flying Criagavon AFC on Saturday to leave boss Christian Beattie far from happy with his side’s display.
5 March 2014; A general view of a football. UEFA Under 21 Championship Qualifier, Republic of Ireland v Montenegro, Tallaght Stadium, Tallaght, Co. Dublin. Picture credit: Piaras O Midheach / SPORTSFILE5 March 2014; A general view of a football. UEFA Under 21 Championship Qualifier, Republic of Ireland v Montenegro, Tallaght Stadium, Tallaght, Co. Dublin. Picture credit: Piaras O Midheach / SPORTSFILE
5 March 2014; A general view of a football. UEFA Under 21 Championship Qualifier, Republic of Ireland v Montenegro, Tallaght Stadium, Tallaght, Co. Dublin. Picture credit: Piaras O Midheach / SPORTSFILE

“Results haven’t gone our way and that has been down to one or two key moments in a game were decision making went against us,” said Christian Beattie. “But Blacky and myself have always been upbeat because the performances have been good and the young team showed signs of improvement and played good football. On Saturday, though, there was little to be happy about.

“One positive was the return of young winger David Grey who sustained an ankle injury several weeks ago. He looked bright and got a much needed 90 minutes under his belt.

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“Another was a first start for Eoin Monaghan who was asked to play out of position up front and did not disappoint. His workrate for the team was excellent and he deserved his start.”

After Town’s preparations didn’t go to plan, their first half display was clearly affected as the players looked slow and lethargic and found it very difficult to adapt to the poor pitch.

A penalty was awarded to Craigavon after just nine minutes and the well-struck shot beat Stephen Croft.

Still, Town weren’t shaken into action but they saw the half out at 1-0.

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Craigavon created another few chances and another stroke of luck came their way with a 35 yard wonder goal when the ball was not cleared with any conviction and the Craigavon midfielder caught it beautifully, firing into the top corner. Town made a couple of substitutions and rallied together to give Craigavon a few heart stopping moments but it was just not Town’s day.

Next week Town travel to Coagh and I hope to see a big reaction in training this week and a massive improvement on the pitch.

TOWN AFC: Croft, Johnston, Martin, Downey, Toner, Burns, Jordan, Grey, Heaney, Monaghan, McCavitt.

Subs. Houston, Orr, Loy.

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