Town move closer to safety

Banbridge Town 2

GOALS from Timmy Grant and Neil King edged Banbridge Town closer to safety on Saturday afternoon.

Their win in Fermanagh has left them sitting a precious nine points away from the drop zone after Coagh United and Ballyclare Comrades held each other to a 1-1 draw.

Glebe Rangers could only secure a point at home to Carrick Rangers while Bangor lost their derby game at home to Ards.

At Fisher Park a dull first half was eclipsed by an exciting second period – especially if you were one of the travelling support.

For that was when all the action came to give Town’s survival hopes a real boost. First defender Neil King headed home a corner to give the Town the lead, a set play which the Mallards disputed was actually their ball to begin with.

The points were then sealed when a dangerous cross from Neil Clydesdale proved to be too dangerous for United’s Chris Cully after he handled the ball inside the box.

Town stalwart Timmy Grant stepped up and thumped the ball into the roof of the net to secure all three points for the locals.

Next weekend’s Umbro Quadrangular Tournament game at Cheney Park plus the involvement of players on both sides means that the Town’s game against Loughgall on Saturday has been postponed; something which will cause a further headache to the wannabe champions.

Eyes will no doubt turn to the other fixtures in the division next week as Colin Malone’s side look over their shoulder at what is going on below them. There is a massive game between Coagh and Glebe which could be a telling match in the race to avoid the drop for one, while Ballyclare travel to promotion hopefuls Donegal Celtic.

Town’s next game is another big one next Tuesday night at Crystal Park at 7pm when they face Ballyclare.