U16s blown over by Windmill Stars

Banbridge Rangers U16s 1

BANBRIDGE Rangers U16s played this seasons Division One League champions Windmill Stars at Derralackagh playing fields in Newry on Saturday past.

The Banbridge Rangers side knew that Windmill had a 100 percent record heading into the game but a win was very much on the cards after losing narrowly several weeks earlier.

Rangers’ penultimate league game of the season started with both sides seeing plenty of the ball but not being able to force any clear cut chances.

It was 15 minutes before the opening goal of the game arrived with Windmill Stars quick counter attack catching the Banbridge backline off guard allowing the home striker to finish confidently past Mark Winters in the Rangers nets.

It took a few minutes to regroup but the away side gradually started to see more of the ball in midfield with Mark Baird ably assisting Willie Davison and Mark Ball in the centre of the park.

Rangers’ attacking three of McCullough, Copes and McCracken all put a shift in interchanging to give Windmill defence something to think about. Some great work but Copes allowed Jordan McCracken who evaded two challenges before rifling into the far top corner from the edge of the 18 yard box.

McCracken has been a revelation in the last few games and his goal was well deserved and may now challenge his own goal against Glenavon for goal of the season.

The Banbridge boys were brimming with confidence but within minutes of the restart Windmill scored with a sublime through ball allowing a free shot on goal with Winter unable to do anything about the finish.

Rangers finished the half strong with efforts from distance by Copes and Ball but went into the interval 2-1 down but still well within their grasp.

The second half started as the first had with Banbridge Rangers having most of the possession and territory but Windmills quick passing and counter attacks handed them another opportunity which was finished well to give the home side a two goal advantage.

Both sides made several changes midway through the half with Windmill content to soak up the pressure applied by the Banbridge Rangers front line. The Banbridge side should have got a way back into the game when Copes took advantage of the Windmill 'keeper spilling the ball taking it past the keeper who took out copes at waist height.

Banbridge Rangers continued to press with Kyle Sergeant and Ben McElderry posing threats from corners and clearing up all at the back.

Rangers found more of the ball down the left hand side late on but a late flurry brought forward few clear chances with McCracken, Black and Copes all firing wide from distance.

This was another good performance from Banbridge Rangers who will hope to end their league campaign on a high note with a home game against Craigavon City.

Man of the match goes to Jordan McCracken who again was rewarded with a fine goal to show for his effort and desire.