Banbridge just too good in Kirk Cup group game

North Down entertained Banbridge, the best team in Ireland in recent times, in their first group game of this years Kirk cup and lost 7-0, a scoreline which did not properly reflect the commitment and determination shown by the home side.

Banbridge were quickest out of the blocks and after 4 minutes Jordan Linter was caught in possession at the top of the circle and the forward blasted the ball past Darren Rodgers. Shortly afterwards Rodgers was called on to clear his lines as North Down were struggling to match the pace of their opponents and then Connor Tweedie was caught in possession but the danger was cleared. Bann got their second when the home defence stopped waiting for an umpire’s whistle which never came and the forward had a simple tap in.

North Down upped their game in the second quarter sticking to their game plan and restricting the visitors. Bann had the first chance but Rhys Barrett cleared his lines and then Bann won two corners but these came to nothing. Andy Boyd found Gareth McKeown with a great pass but the striker’s effort was well saved by the keeper. McKeown then made a strong run on the left and his cross was scrambled off the line by a defender with the keeper beaten. At half time Banbridge led 2-0.

The second half began with North Down on the attack and Tweedie saw his shot flash wide. North Down won two corners but these were well defended. Bann were pushing forward and quick ball out of defence gave the hosts good possession but the keeper made some fine saves to keep the eager home forwards out. A quick break brought Rodgers into action to clear his lines and he then made an excellent block as Bann attacked down the right. Ross Blair was stick tackled and from the resulting corner the whites thought they should have been awarded a penalty stroke as McKeown was taken out by the Bann keeper. However another corner was awarded which was cleared.

The final quarter was totally dominated by Bann. On 53 minutes they scored their third which drained the effort from the home side and Bann proceeded to score four more goals in the next 7 minutes putting a distorted reflection on the scoreline

North Down can take a lot of positives from the game and not be disappointed with the final outcome. For 50 minutes they created chances and restricted Bann to few goalmouth opportunities.

Burch Autos Man of the Match was Phil Wilson.