Jones' defensive masterclass leads Town to victory

Banbridge Town B Under-17s came out on top against Lisburn Rangers at Havelock Park last Saturday morning.

It was a convincing performance from the hosts, enough to seal a 3-1 success.

The visitors started the match at a ferocious pace but they were met by a stout response of the Town boys who stood strong.

The locals found themselves in front after only two minutes when Sam McCallister chased down a ball into the corner, putting the defender under pressure and winning possession well before crossing to the back post for the arriving captain Jake Laffin to volley his side ahead.

Lisburn responded well, asking plenty of questions of the Town defence. However, a solid pairing of Jordan Walker and Ryan Jones meant their best efforts came from range.

Keeper Conor Ward was tested well but a stopper of his quality was never going to be beaten easily.

With 10 minutes on the clock, Lisburn won the ball and broke with intent, Town worked hard to get back however found themselves short handed allowing the visitors to level the scores.

Banbridge learned from their error and reorganised, Ryan Angus and Rhys Jones finding their stride in the middle of the park to produce a relentless work rate and pile pressure on every touch Lisburn had.

Town had plenty of joy down the wings with Jake Laffin and Jake Dennison giving the visiting full backs plenty to do.

On the half hour mark, Laffin won a free-kick in dangerous territory, and as Jordan Walker floated in the resulting kick, he found substitute Liam Farrell who was on hand to restore his side’s lead with a tidy finish.

In the second half, Lisburn were met with a strong start from the local boys. Sam McCallister and Sam Moore worked endlessly forcing errors from the Lisburn defence as wingers Farrell and Dennison were getting in behind finding space.

Lisburn were working tirelessly to equalise again but were finding no joy, coming closest with a ranged effort which forced Ward into a world class save to keep his side infront.

Banbridge scored a third after a corner which Lisburn cleared, only for a defender to delay too long and allowed McCallister to catch him in possession and finish calmly.

With 15 minutes to play, Lisburn were reduced to 10 men when their midfielder earned himself a second yellow.

Lisburn had run out of steam by this point and Banbridge comfortably saw out the game to secure an important three points.

This week’s man of the match was center back Ryan Jones for a flawless and measured display at the heart of the Town back line.

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