Ladies have first pre-season game

BANBRIDGE Town Ladies FC traveled to have their first full pre-season friendly last Wednesday Evening against Crumlin United.

The return of the brighter evenings marks the start of the ladies’ season and following on from some success in the recent Easter Tournament the local ladies were really up for it.

The trip proved to be a robust run out for both teams in what was a very enjoyable and competitive encounter. Indeed several players were pulling on the red and black shirt for the first time.

There was evidence early on that nerves were on edge but after 10 minutes both teams settled into the game after some of the senior players like Lauren Redpath in midfield and Emma McMullan in defence led by example.

However, a throw in which was taken too quickly on 20 minutes left the Town’s defence out of shape and after stealing the ball a sharp pass allowed Crumlin’s center forward to shoot.

Goalkeeper Danielle Byrne, making her debut got down well but despite getting a hand to the ball only saw the ball cross the line at her far post. Town heads did not fall but rather they found themselves getting some good possession which was combined with accurate passing to allow Roya Loughlin to break the offside trap and was really unlucky when her shot was pushed around the post by the opposing keeper.

With the turnaround after half time the Town now had both the wind on their backs and in their sails. Cassie Halliday, another debutante, was now linking well from the midfield and bringing the forwards into the game. Neither team though were making really clear cut opportunities as both defences dug deep to protect their nets.

With 10 minutes remaining it was Halliday who, after beating two on the left wing, continued into the box to get her shot way. It was agonising, that after eluding the Crumlin keeper’s effort to get to the ball that it shaved the on the wrong side.

Team: Byrne, McMullan, Taylor, Lennon, Spense, Annett, L Redpath, A Redpath, Halliday, Micthell, Johnson, Henry, Loughlin, McCrea and Smith