Banbridge 4s 2-3 Newry Olympic 2s

The Olympic Seconds produced an excellent display to get the better of rivals Banbridge at Havelock Park on Saturday 4th February. Despite going behind in the opening quarter, they dominated after that, scoring in each of the remaining three quarters of the tie to emerge deserving winners.

A sluggish start to the match saw the hosts grab the first goal of the game towards the end of the first quarter, with the Banbridge centre-froward reacting quickest to a loose ball in the circle to smash it home.

However, Newry gradually began to assert their authority on proceedings and levelled just before half-time when Alex Irwin converted from close range to make it 1-1 at the break.

After that, it was all Newry and they took the lead for the first time in the match midway through the third quarter with a superbly-worked move, finished off by David Andrews. Josh Porter’s aerial ball across the pitch from the right hand-side found left-back Jonny Gregg in space. He slipped it to Andrews, who rifled the ball past the Bann keeper from just inside the area.

The result was all but wrapped up early in the final quarter following a slick short corner routine. Scott Blakely, Andrews and Porter were all involved, with the latter applying the finishing touch from eight yards out. That made it a deserved 3-1 scoreline for the visitors.

While Banbridge did pull one back from the penalty spot in the closing moments, Newry saw out the remaining time to pick up a win their display deserved.

This Saturday, the Seconds are on the road again, playing Mossley away from home.

Newry Olympic 2s:

Richie Henning, Eddie Graham, David Lawson, Jonny Gregg, Gareth McCullough, Josh Porter, David Andrews, Scott Blakely, Simon McCafferty (Captain), Corey Large, Alex Irwin, Alan McMinn, Jordan Whiteside, Joel Maxwell