Seconds can’t find winner as Newry grab a late equaliser

Bann Seconds had beaten Newry previously in the junior league one cup, however knew they’d be in for a tough game.

The game started at a frantic pace with both sides making an impact in the opposing circle.

Banbridge were solid in defence and ensured good deliveries into the midfield, whose passing distribution throughout the game via Ross Beattie was exceptional.

Both teams battled hard to take their chances but it was Banbridge who succeeded first with a well taken goal by Sam Farson.

Banbridge didn’t rest on their laurels, Mark Campbell added the second goal with a great run and clinical finish.

Banbridge settled into a patient period of hockey and despite very physical Newry challenges managed to keep a clean sheet until half time, with James Anderson, Andrew Bennington, Dylan Cowan and Nathan Ligget with solid tackles and distribution.

Many good saves were also made by keeper Peter Bingham to keep Banbridge in the lead.

The second half began with Newry scoring the first goal to make it a close 2-1 score line.

Banbridge pressed back with Mark Campbell making a great solo run to score Banbridge’s third goal to make it 3-1.

Newry scored next to make it 3-2 from a controversial short corner which ended up being flicked into the corner of the net.

Many chances were created by both teams coming into the last 10 minutes of the game, but nobody could capitalise.

With Newry pressing forward the ball was struck into the Banbridge circle with the ball hitting a Newry stick and slipping past Bingham into the bottom corner to make it 3-3.

This left Banbridge with just minutes to find a winner but despite tremendous pressure on the Newry goal they could not find the back of the net.

The final whistle saw the game finish at 3-3. The Seconds now have a week off having secured a bye in the first round of the Irish Junior cup.