Rees earns point for Bann with late equaliser

Banbridge Ladies 1s claimed a 2-2 draw with Omagh, who are sitting in a similar place in the league, on Saturday.

The first half was an even affair. The Banbridge attack of Rachel Cairns, Amy Atkinson, Anna Jess and Cathy Rees did create some early chances in the D but they were unlucky not to convert.

At the other end, Bann’s strong defence of Amanda Mortan, Sarah McCracken, Ashlea Bell and Alex Gordon dealt easily with any challenges from Omagh.

A breakdown of communication at the start of the second half led to a free ball that Omagh picked up in Banbridge’s half. Omagh drove into the D and won a short corner, from which they hit a strong shot into the corner of the net - an impossible effort for keeper Sarah McCabe to reach.

Bann then started to play their own style of play with good linking passes from the midfield of Gail McConnell, Orla Magee, Debbie Smith and Megan McKenna. A loose ball in Omagh’s half was picked up by Megan McKenna who drove into the D to slot past the Omagh keeper.

The game now became even more competitive, with several green cards being awarded. Omagh were then given a controversial free in the Banbridge half, and smashed the ball into the D, when they converted the chance.

Bann weren’t finished there though and a great pass from centre midfielder Orla Magee tallowed Cathy Rees to weave around the Omagh defenders and score a brilliant goal to level the game.

The girls are away to Ballyclare next week looking to reel in their opponents, who are four points ahead of Bann.