U15s are sunk by Shankill

There was little to choose between two evenly matched teams who for a large part cancelled each other out.

The woodwork came to the rescue of both teams in the opening exchanges with a Shankill free-kick striking the bar on 11 minutes.

Within a minute Town’s right back Nathan Thompson set off on a mazy run into the opposing penalty area and he was only denied a great individual goal when his powerful shot rebounded off the crossbar.

Kyle Thompson was posing a threat for Banbridge up front and he tested the keeper after linking well with Luke Diamond.

Local keeper Stuart Wilson was then called into action to ensure the first half ended scoreless.

After the break Banbridge gradually seized the initiative and Jack Fullerton, who was causing Shankill problems with his direct running, earned a free-kick in a dangerous position. However, it came to nothing when Daire McCluskey’s strike was blocked.

The locals continued to look threatening but were to pay a heavy price for not making their territorial advantage count when Shankill broke away down the right wing to take the lead ten minutes from time.

The goal gave Shankill an understandable lift and five minutes later they doubled their advantage with a lobbed finish over Stuart Wilson.

It was a disappointing end to the game for the locals who until that late double had looked the more likely winners.

Team: Stuart Wilson, Nathan Thompson, Daire McCluskey, Jack Canning, Daniel Devlin, Nathan Weir, Joel Copes, Niall Massey, Chris Burns, Kyle Thompson, Luke Diamond, Jack Fullerton, Peter Maxwell, Stephen McKay.