Thompson's chip ensures streak continues

Banbridge Rangers Reserves 3

BANBRIDGE Rangers Reserves extended their winning run to 14 games in a row last Wednesday night with a tricky tie away to Donacloney.

The sunshine brought the crowds out for the midweek match but the recent spell of good weather had dried out the pitch making it difficult to read the bounce of the ball.

Banbridge Rangers were hoping to keep the pressure on Tullygally at the top of Reserve Division Three as they are now within four points of the leaders.

The first two chances of the match fell to the away side when Rangers top scorer John Thompson was put through free twice against the Donacloney keeper being well closed down on both occasions and gaining only corners for his efforts.

Donacloney battled right throughout the half making it as difficult for their opponents as possible to get any openings.

Banbridge Rangers took control with a succession of corners and went in front on 35 minutes when Richie Adamson powered a header into the top corner leaving the home keeper no chance.

The first half ended 1-0 with Banbridge Rangers still needing another goal to make the game safe and Donacloney hoping for a breakaway goal.

Ten minutes into the second period Banbridge Rangers extended their lead when a Davy Sterritt cross was met by the run of Neil Wilson who scored a diving header for his ninth goal of the season.

Donacloney still were confident of gaining something from the game and continued to press the Banbridge side at every occasion.

With the score at 2-0 the home side needed to score next and when they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area they did exactly that. The big centre half stepped forward and curled his shot round the wall past a static Mark McCune in the Banbridge goal.

This could have set up a nervy last 20 minutes for Banbridge Rangers but within five minutes they had regained their advantage when John Thompson broke free and chipped the diving keeper.

This was just reward for Thompson who had numerous efforts stopped by the inform Donacloney keeper all evening and as ever his work rate across the front line was relentless.

Banbridge Rangers were able to bring on fresh faces for the remainder of the match with Colly Cousins and Ryan Gibbons both having efforts on goal but the home side failed to threaten late on.

This was a potential slip up on the cards for Rangers Reserves and did well to come away with three points on a tough pitch against a battling Donacloney side.