Seconds through in the Junior Cup

Bann had already played and beaten this side when they met in the league earlier this season and knew what to expect from this young side.

Banbridge dominated the game from the start and always looked the better side immediately putting pressure on the Armagh defence.

Some good hockey was played all over the pitch with Bann passing the ball well and creating opportunities up front. Any counter attack was competently dealt with, by the back four of Diane Madeley, Kate Cunningham, Robyn Turkington and Jo-Anne Lyttle leaving ‘keeper Roya Loughlin with little to do. Rosie Waddell, Megan Whan and Aileen Lawson all put some lovely crosses into the circle which Sandra Heasley and Ashleigh Mitchell were unlucky not to convert.

Player of the match Rosie Waddell was also unlucky not to find the net when a great shot was brilliantly saved by the Armagh ‘keeper when she just deflected it wide with her stick.

In the second half Armagh played some better hockey but Banbridge still maintained the majority of play. Bann kept the pressure on the Armagh defence with Cathy Rees making some lovely moves in left midfield to feed the ball through to the forward line. Jane Cousins almost put Bann ahead when her shot just skimmed the post to go wide. Bann eventually got the goal they deserve when Rosie Waddell made a strong run through the Armagh defence and put the ball into the circle and found Amy Gray on the back post who made no mistake in putting it into the back of the net.

Despite some Armagh pressure towards the end of the game, Banbridge defended well and prevented any equaliser.

Thanks to Julie Craig for umpiring the game. Banbridge Seconds resume league fixtures this week when they meet North Down 3rd XI.