Debutant Declan caps off a much needed win for four-midable Town

Prior to kick-off in Saturday’s league visit to Crystal Park by Tobermore Utd one minute’s silence was observed in respect of the late Uel Wilson.
Banbridge bounced back from their defeat to Moyola with a routine win over Tobermore. Edward Byrne Photography INBL1440-249EBBanbridge bounced back from their defeat to Moyola with a routine win over Tobermore. Edward Byrne Photography INBL1440-249EB
Banbridge bounced back from their defeat to Moyola with a routine win over Tobermore. Edward Byrne Photography INBL1440-249EB

Uel was a former Committee Member of both Banbridge Town and Banbridge Town Supporters Club and of course father of Town player Ally.

For this encounter, Banbridge welcomed back Captain Stephen Greene and Michael Ferguson but Duncan Stoddard, who had done well after coming on against Moyola Park, failed a late fitness test.

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In the end, it was a comfortable victory, capped off by a late goal from debutant Declan Loy.

Conor Downey should have done better after 11 minutes when he shot straight at Tobermore keeper Maguire after being put through by an exquisite pass from Nathan Baird.

He made amends when Mark Teggart and Neil Watson combined to send him clear on a one to one and this time the Town goal ace made no mistake.

The goal was a great confidence builder for the homesters and on 20 minutes a Neil Watson header was cleared off the line.

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With 29 minutes on the clock, Town doubled the lead when a teasing right wing cross from the busy Ryan Gourley was met by Steve Jones and he made no mistake from close range.

It was good to see Jones on the score-line as he covers every inch of the park and deserved his finish.

The visitors were not going to throw in the towel easily and Banbridge keeper James McConville , who had a great game throughout, made a terrific save with his outstretched foot to deprive McLarnon after 42 minutes. Seconds later, he saved point blank after a scramble in the home goal.

On the hour, Banbridge were awarded a penalty when Tobermore keeper Maguire fouled Neil Watson as they challenged for the ball.

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Surprisingly, it was Stephen Greene who stepped up to take the spot kick and when his effort was pushed out by the keeper it was the ever alert Gourley who blasted in the rebound.

After 68 minutes, Downey struck the post from a free kick way out on the left, similar to where he scored an excellent goal against Moyola Park the previous week.

Tobermore were given a lifeline after 76 minutes when a penalty was awarded against Mattie McCartan for alleged shirt pulling and Magee made no mistake from the spot to make it 3-1.

Town sealed the issue with a well worked goal in the 85th minute. Conor Downey powered down the right and his pin point cross was met on the volley by 16 year-old substitute and debutant Declan Loy to give Maguire no chance and secure full points for Banbridge on a 4-1 scoreline.

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A result that will please Manager Ryan Watson but what will delight him more is the unearthing of another young talent in Loy to supplement his pool which already includes Michael Ferguson, David Gray and Gareth Orr.

TOWN: McConville, Orr, Baird, Greene, Wilson, Jones, Teggart, McCartan, Watson, Gourley, Downey.

Subs: Ferguson (Gourley 80), Loy (Watson 71), Hayes.

TOBERMORE UTD: Maguire, Kearns, Magee, Donaldson, Neill, Forrest, Kelly, Glasgow, McLarnon, Stewart, Winton.

Subs: Harkness, Whiteside, Elliott.

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