U16s miss out on semi final place

Annagh Utd U16s 2

Banbridge Rangers U16s 1

BANBRIDGE Rangers U16s took on Annagh Utd U16s in the Quarter Final of the Mid Ulster Shield on Saturday past at the Annagh's pitch in Portadown.

Both matches in the league had been close affairs with a draw early in the season and Banbridge Rangers winning 1-0 at the start of March at Scarva Park in the corresponding fixture.

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The game started brightly with both sides trying to make their mark on the game but the majority of the play down the left touchline.

Banbridge Rangers had most of the possession in the first half but were closed down at every opportunity by the Annagh midfield and failed to carve out any clear chances. Kyle Sergeant and Ben McElderry were in control at the back in front of keeper Mark Winters and limited the Annagh forwards to next to no shots on the away goal.

As the half drew to a close it was clear this would continue to be a tight match with Banbridge Rangers knowing that they would have to lift their game significantly.

The second half began in earnest for the Banbridge boys who closed down their opponents and started taking control in the centre of the park through Willie Davison and Mark Ball.

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Only four minutes into the half Ryan Burns broke the offside trap to latch onto a through ball and a perfect first touch took him into the area unopposed. Burnsy then showed great composure putting the ball comfortably past the Annagh goalkeeper for his fifth goal of the season.

Banbridge Rangers kept the tempo high with McCullough and Burns playing on the last man looking for another goal to settle the tie. The turning point of the game came shortly after when captain Kyle Sergeant was taken off with an injury to the back after a late challenge in the box.

Annagh seemed to have more possession around the Rangers box and scored a fortuitous goal when a looping header from the edge of the 18 somehow managed to find its way into the top corner.

Annagh now had the momentum behind them and continued to attack the shell shocked Banbridge defence for the next few minutes.

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Another setback occurred when Ben McElderry controlled the ball just inside the area and the onrushing attackers challenge saw him go to ground when McElderry went to clear. The referee pointed to the spot with Winter being beaten for the second time.

Banbridge Rangers responded, bringing on the pacey and skillful Nathan Copes and Thomas McCallister in search of an equaliser.

Annagh were content to soak up the pressure around the box for the remaining ten minutes of the match with the rub of the green falling the way of the home keeper on several occasions.

In injury time Banbridge Rangers had a succession of corners with everyone including both keepers challenging for the ball but somehow Annagh Utd held on for the win.

Annagh Utd now face Armagh City next Saturday in the shield Semi Final and Banbridge Rangers have a week off before their last league game against Craigavon City scheduled for the following week.

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