Workmanlike performance sees Town progress

Certainly in the last few weeks there has been a noted gelling together in this Banbridge team and a confidence that comes as a result of consistency and good results.

Town began on the offensive in what was a tough physical contest with a lot of bookings from the Referee. Livewire striker Timmy Grant (just back from International Duty in San Marino) wasnt showing any signs of tiredness and tormented Queen’s centre half McManus throughout!

However it was his International Partner Chris McGrath who opened the scoring for a dominant Town after 14 minutes.

It came from a move masterminded by the back in form Chris kingsberry who combined with Grant before finding McGrath with an exquisite pass behind the Queen’s defence and the latter crashed his effort into the corner of the net past the diving Duff.

Banbridge continued to frustrate the homesters, giving them little time on the ball and it was no surprise that they should take a 2 - 0 lead in the 28th mi nute through goal machine Timmy Grant.

A Town corner was punched clear by Queen’s ‘keeper Duff but the ever alert Grant picked up the clearance and brilliantly lobbed the ‘keeper from 18 yards leaving the home side staring defeat even at this early stage of the game.

Willie Herron was having his best game since his signing and Stuart Thompson was outstanding on the right side of the park.

Queen’s did have a lot of possession in the second half but didnt trouble Town ‘keeper Nathan Morley-Hillen (returning to the side after being ineligible for the Coca-Cola Intermediate Cup). This was due in no small way to an excellent defence - indeed the clean sheet will please Brian Adair as he prepares his side for the forthcoming Cup semi-final against Institute.

After 65 minutes Stuart Thompson went close when he fired over the bar from an acute angle but five minutes later the issue was finally settled when sub. Adam Pedlow made it 3-0.

Chris Kingsberry found the marauding Thompson with a quality ball and the latter’s pin point cross was steered home from six yards by Pedlow (who had replaced a tiring Grant.

TEAM: Nathan Morley-Hillen, Stuart Thompson, Paul Walsh, Neil Alderdice, Stephen Greene, Barry Tumilty, Mattie McCartan, Willie Herron, Timmy Grant, Chris Kingsberry, Chris McGrath. Subs: Adam Pedlow (for Grant 70 mins.), Neil King (for Greene 75 mins.), Conor Downey (for McCartan 81 mins.), Glen Waddell, Stephen O’Neill.