Fourths face a difficult task against a strong Bangor

Andrew Adair was in goals and the fourths were able to avail of the services of Sam Green and Scott Watson at the back alongside Roger Martin and Colin Walker.

Up front Chris Campbell and Rory Kelly started with Joe McKnight and Dave Smyth in midfield. Josh Peacock, Nathan Liggett, Mark Clydesdale, David Gallagher and Michael Scott rotated the other positions as the game progressed.

A Herculean task faced Bann as Bangor fielded an experienced team of ex first players who were strong and confident on the ball. From the outset they passed the ball well around the midfield and forwards and it wasn’t long before goalkeeper Adair was called upon to make important stops. After 11 minutes the home side went ahead when a hit out was intercepted on the 25 and a misdirected shot was deflected in at the far post.

Bann, however, tried to consolidate possession. After a ball from Martin, Clydesdale fed Joe McKnight whose strong shot from the edge of the circle found the corner of the net.

Bangor finished the half stronger and went into the break 2-1 up.

After half-time, a team shuffle by Banbridge resulted in a number of basic errors occurring in the midfield and defence and Bangor exploited these to score two quick goals.

This unsettled the visitors play and the strong experienced home team dominated the second half scoring 5 more goals. Captain Dave Smyth had a goal disallowed.

Only good play from Roger Martin, Sam Green and a number of point blank saves from Adair stopped a complete rout.

Team captain Dave Smyth said farewell to the team as he leaves to take up employment in Milton Keynes.

Special thanks are due to him for the sterling efforts of last year in leading the team to promotion and to ensuring players were organised and fixtures fulfilled throughout the season.