Old guard impress as youngsters make debuts

Bann established control of the game from the outset but Kilkeel defence managed to fend off the early Bann attacks.

A good attack by McKee and Woods led to the first short corner and Anderson made no mistake with a trademark drag flick. Bann grew in confidence and Doyle doubled the lead when he found himself free in the right hand side of the circle and riffled a shot past the Kilkeel keeper.

Doyle was on hand again to add the final touch to a move involving McAnulty and Woods and increase Bann’s lead.

Kilkeel were looking dangerous on the counter attack and Burns and Watt were on hand to stifle the attacks.

As the game moved towards the end of the half Sturgeon picked up a bouncing ball to volley it into the Kilkeel net and allow Bann to go into the break four goals ahead.

With Bann in total control of the game they took their foot off the pedal and allowed Kilkeel back into the game although Kilkeel were unable to convert any of their chances. Bann eventually worked their way back into the game and from another short corner Anderson found a sliding Doyle who deflected the ball into the Kilkeel goal.

Kilkeel did manage to pull a goal back when a Kilkeel player was first to react to rebound and pushed the ball past Mooney.

Bann still found time for another goal when Woods waltzed past several players to fire the ball past the Kilkeel keeper. Bann continued to press forward but were unable to increase their lead and now look forward to a tough away fixture next week to Lisnagarvey.

The men’s Third XI opened their Junior League Two campaign with a tough away trip to Bangor Thirds, coming away with a 3-3 draw, goals coming from Scott McCandless, an own goal and William Malcolmson.

Additionally the Fourth XI began their league opener with a fine 2-0 win over Mossley Thirds at Havelock Park, marking a fine opening round of fixtures for the club’s junior league sides.