Town Ladies' cup campaign Killed but locals push more senior side all the way

Banbridge Town Ladies' footballing open night held along with the IFA and Sport NI at Cheney Park on Tuesday 17th May. Along with the girls who took part in the training are coaches Aaron Nelson (Sport NI), Gail Macklin (IFA), Adrianna McMullan (BTLFC) and Kym McKergan (BTLFC). Girls' football will continue every Tuesday night from 6-7 at Cheney Park.

Although there was a two division difference between these teams, it did not show on the pitch.

Right from the kick off, Banbridge sought to get on the front foot but could not take the chances they created.

This bright start from the Town Ladies was soon put to a halt as there was a delay in the game after the referee forced the keeper to remove jewellery and all momentum was lost.

Then two minutes after the restart, Killen hit with a quick counter and scored a sucker punch of a goal.

This shook BTLFC, who lost their footing in the match for the next 10 minutes or so but the front four of Hagen, Smith, Lennon and Spence kept on challenging the opposition defence and creating chances.

This fighting spirit was reflected through the team and any chances created from the away team were soon thwarted with no real danger coming from them. This left the game 1-0 at half time.

The second half was a much more open affair and from the first minute to the last, it provided great football from both teams and end-to-end play.

Chances came for BTLFC through Lennon and Spence mainly but the composure was just not there in front of goal.

BTLFC were very unfortunate to go out of the IFA Challenge Cup in such a manner after playing excellently on the night.

Focus will return to the league this week with a home fixture to Newtown Forest but if they play to half the standard as they did against Killen, the Town Ladies should get something from the match.

TOWN: Danielle Byrne, Hannah Hopkins, Carrie Moffatt, Adrianna McMullan (C), Becky Thompson, Hayley Annett, Kym McKergan, Chelsea Smith, Michelle Spence, Katie Lennon, Tiffany Hagen.

Subs: Jess McKay, Jena Redpath, Zoe Mitchell.