Seconds remain in hunt for title with impressive display

Instonians Seconds 1

Banbridge Seconds entertained bottom of the league Instonians Seconds knowing a win would keep them in the hunt for the title.

Banbridge were without Simon McGowan and Dave Armstrong but welcomed in Robbie Scott, James Brown and James Anderson who have been impressive for the Thirds.

Bann started strongly and took the game to Instonians with Reay linking up well with Campbell and Malcolmson.

After a few initial chances were missed, Bann won their first short corner and McCandless stepped up to rifle the ball into the bottom corner to give Bann the lead.

Reay was unplayable during periods of the first half and added Bann’s second and third with the third a great strike on the bounce from just inside the circle.

Instonians attempted to get back into the match with some quick counter attacks and Bingham had to react quickly to prevent them pulling a goal back.

Young James Brown made a big impact when he was introduced towards the end of the first half after he finished off a flowing move to flick the ball high into the Instonians net.

Instonians won a couple of short corners towards the end of the first half but failed to convert.

James Anderson should have made it five when Scott squared the ball, however, the bounce of the ball alluded him and a free hit was awarded after the ball hit him on the shin guard.

The second half failed to live up to the standard of the first with Bann guilty of missing several great chances.

Campbell and Malcomson failed to make the most of some excellent build up play and extend Bann’s lead.

Instonians continued to press forward to look for a goal, however, Hurst and Burns were marshalling the back four well and managed to snub out the majority of the attacks.

After failing to convert a couple of short corners Bann eventually made a short corner count when McCandless flicked high past the Bann keeper.

Instonians did manage to get a consolation goal when the ball was worked in well to the Bann circle and the Instonian forward made no mistake from close range.

Banbridge now face Cookstown at home on Saturday at 1pm at Havelock.