Town over the Moon to reach the last 16

TOWN qualified for the last 16 of the Intermediate Cup after a fighting display in which their win was more comfortable than the score suggests.

Despite missing Cup-tied Ryan Moffatt and captain Mattie McCartan (unavailable) from their league draw with Warrenpoint Town they had too much for their Championship 2 opponents.

Recently returned Barry Tumilty proved a colossus in Town’s engine room, ably supported by the link play of Chris Kingsberry and strong finishing of Conor Downey.

New signing Daniel Johnston had a good debut in the centre of the defence and left back Simon Robb was impressive until injury forced him off with ten minutes remaining.

Town stunned the home team, taking the lead in the first minute. Barry Tumilty’s shot was blocked and Chris McGrath fired home the loose ball.

Killymoon then had chances to equalize; a Stephen Purvis header went just wide and Warren Smith was unable to convert William Montgomery’s cross.

Banbridge made it 2-0 on 10 minutes, Stephen McArdle headed in a right wing cross.

Stephen Purvis and Ali Young both headed over for Killymoon and Ali Young had a shot deflected for a corner.

The Crystal Park men had two shots saved before scoring their third goal, Chris Kingsbury crossed and Conor Downey scored at the back post on 30 minutes. On 40 minutes Gari Crooks from Killymoon was sent off for foul language.

Killymoon pulled a goal back on 50 minutes, Johnny Young’s corner went in off Ali Young.

Two minutes later Banbridge killed the game with their fourth goal. From a short corner Conor Downey scored from the edge of the box.

Killymoon had a corner cleared at one end and Conor Downey’s header came back off the post at the other.

On 67 minutes Daryl Shannon was fouled in the box and Stephen McElhatton scored from the spot. Banbridge finished the match the stronger of the two teams.

Man-of-the match was undoubtedly Barry Tumilty who has had an amazing comeback in Town’s colours.

TEAM: Kieran Maguire, Stuart Thompson, Daniel Johnston, Steven Greene, Simon Robb, Steven Jones, Barry Tumilty, Chris Kingsberry, Chris McGrath, Stevie McArdle, Conor Downey. Subs: Steven Ferris, James Wilson, Ian McDowell 

This Saturday it is back to that all important league action with Steel and Sons Cup winners Bangor visitors to Crystal Park. Kick-off is at 3pm.

Town have been dealt an early blow in relation to the visit of Bangor with the news that Chris Kingsberry and Steven Jones will both miss the game due to a one match suspension just issued by the IFA.

Related topics: