U11s put half a dozen past Shankill

THE U11s got off to a flying start in this match against an under strength Shankill team - going 2-0 up after just three minutes.

Striker David Faulkner got Town off the mark first when he finished smartly after being set up by Josh Woods and then Josh himself got onto the score sheet after being supplied by Jake Corbett.  

As Shankill tried to get back into the game, goalkeeper Michael McGrath had to race from his area and clear the ball to foil two separate attacks.  

As the game settled down Max Wilson began to dominate midfield with his passing ability and Louis McBurney made several crucial tackles to keep the score at 2-0.  

On 20 minutes trickery from winger Shea Winters led to an opening for striker David Faulkner but the Shankill keeper got down to make a smart save. 

It was only a matter of time before the Juniors increased their lead and this duly came when good work from the impressive Josh Woods found Jake Corbett who converted his chance with ease to make it 3-0.  

Again a few minutes later the dangerous Josh Woods caused problems down the right hand side of the pitch, the ball being played through to the overlapping James Orr who crossed but the keeper came out and claimed the loose ball before the Banbridge forwards could get there.  

Just before halftime the Banbridge dominance led to a fourth goal with a good finish from close range by Jamie Feeney

Town made another quick start to the second half with Jake Corbett setting up Ben Johnston for a chance and Max Wilson continued to pick up loose balls and pass intelligently. 

Banbridge forced a corner and Shea Winters ran to make himself available for a short pass and after a good interchange between Shea and James Orr the Shankill team managed to regain possession but it was encouraging again for Banbridge.  

A late challenge on Max Wilson led to him having to be substituted and gained a yellow card for the Shankill defender as they struggled to contain the Banbridge team.  

On 50 minutes a throw in on the right fell to Shea Winters who set up David Faulkner but again the keeper was up to the challenge and saved the shot. 

Shankill got a consolation goal after 52 minutes - bizarrely scored by Banbridge’s Louis McBurney. He was playing for Shankill in the second half as they only had 10 men and scored against his team with a spectacular high shot over Michael McGrath and beyond his reach.  

Banbridge responded immediately with the best move of the game. Slick passing between Ben Johnston, Shea Winters and David Faulkner found Josh Woods in space on the right to slot home his second of the game for 5-1.  

The game finished with a deserved goal for James Orr who was supplied by Jake Corbett.

Team – M. McGrath, L. McBurney, J. Orr, C. Sands , R. Shields, J. Woods, M. Wilson, J. Corbett, S. Winters, D. Faulkner, J. Feeney, D. Magill, B. Johnston