Jayne gives Bann Threes a swift start but NICS peg them back for a draw

Having previously beaten NICS 3rds 1-0 in a tightly contested home fixture earlier in the season, the Banbridge ladies knew that this was not going to be an easy match.

Within the first couple of minutes, Banbridge made a break down the left, where Amy Carson used an impressive reverse shot to inject the ball into the circle for Jayne Walker to finish off, putting Banbridge into an early lead.

The defence of Kate Cunningham, Rachael Groves, Jayne Scott and Katie Carson made sure that, despite several chances, NICS were not able to have any decent shots on goal.Louise Beckett made some great saves to prevent any shots that did break through the defence.

In midfield, Poppy Robinson, Naomi Waugh and Amy Carson worked hard to maintain possession and feed the ball to the front line of Jayne Walker, Punam McGookin and Emma Leeper

After a short break, the second half got under way and NICS seemed to get into their stride, creating good passages of play and putting pressure on the Bann defence. Around the middle of the second half, NICS managed to work around the defence and draw level.

Later in the half, Bann won a short corner which Rachel Groves pushed out to Punam McGookin, who skilfully slipped the ball to Emma Leeper on her right. Despite a great shot by Emma, Banbridge were denied a second goal.

On Saturday, they take on Ards Fourths in the plate.