Ryan on target but Bann Thirds are hit for six at Annadale in Junior Two

The Thirds were also without several of their schoolboys and Annadale started brightly, testing the Bann defence with the centre back pairing of Anderson and Martin repelling several early attacks.

Anderson in the Bann goal was called into action and pulled off a couple of strong saves. Bann whilst soaking up the pressure were playing on the counter attack and Dean was unlucky on a couple of occasions not to get reward for his strong running.

As the game entered the latter stages of the first half, Annadale won a couple of short corners and it was from the breakdown at the second short corner that a penalty stroke was awarded. Morrison made a heroic save with an extended foot to prevent the ball crossing the Bann goal -ine giving the umpire no option but to award a penalty stroke.

Anderson was sent the wrong way and Annadale took the lead. Annadale soon increased their lead when poor marking allowed an Annadale defender to deflect the ball past Anderson in the Bann goal.

Bann came out fighting in the second half and got back into the game early on when Dean played the ball across the circle to Jordon to reduce the lead from close range.

Annadale soon regained their two goal lead when they overwhelmed the Bann defence and scored from midway in the Bann circle. Bann tired towards the end of the match with Annadale showing clinical finishing to score a further three goals.

Bann were unlucky not to get a consolation towards the end of the match with Graham and Young linking up well.

The Thirds will want to bounce back strongly in their next league match although have a postponement on Saturday due to the Irish School Championships.