Fourths clinch title on thelast day

Banbridge Fourths 3

LAST Saturday saw Bann Fourths travel to the Glade to take on Mossley Thirds in their final Corporate Coaching Junior League 2 game.

Bann knew a point would be good enough to secure at worst second spot in a league they just avoided relegation in last season. A win would see them await the result of Kilkeel's last game were a win for the Mourne side would see them crowned worthy champions. A win for Mossley would see them leap frog the locals into second place.

Bann were in the fortunate position of being able to select a strong side for the first time in weeks but in the main it was the same nucleus of players that have worked hard all season that lined out for Robin Madeley's side.

The locals were looking to complete a league double over the Co Antrim side having been successful in an early season league encounter at Havelock Park. However Bann had been pushed hard in that game and expected a similar challenge at a sunny Glade.

The importance of the game seemed to get to Bann at the start as they were slow to settle and this allowed Mossley to open the scoring after only two minutes when they took after advantage of some slack defending to beat Appleton with a neat finish from mid circle.

This sparked Bann into action and prompted by their midfield of Smyrl, Brown and Knox they started to put some pressure on the Mossley rearguard.

Dale Pollock was unlucky to see a snapshot whistle just wide of the post after 10 minutes but he was not to be denied five minutes later when he picked up an astute pass from Peter Brown, raced into the circle, and beat the keeper with a strong shot.

Bann then enjoyed the majority of possession for the remainder of the half but they struggled to find the telling pass on the lively pitch.

Half time saw both sides take on board their fluids to counter the summer like weather and were very aware that the game was very much there for the winning.

The questions were being asked of Bann and they rose to the challenge after only 10 minutes of the half when that man Pollock again picked up a ball on the left hand side, spun inside his marker, and nutmegged the keeper with a trademark drive.

Bann expected a reaction from the home side but surprisingly it never really materialised. Appleton had to be sharp to save a deflected right wing cross and the Bann defence stood firm to scramble away a short corner but that was really all the home side could muster.

Bann sealed their win in the final minute when Brodie Forbes swept home a Robin Madeley cross following an incisive counter attack.

Best for Bann were Dale Pollock and David Beck.

The team would like to thank Robin Madeley for his expert leadership and organisation throughout the season, everyone who umpired for them, and their merry band of supporters who followed their ups and downs over the past eight months.