Tremendous Thompson fires Ladies to first win

Banbridge Ladies have bagged their first win of the season. INBL1517-214EB

The match started well for the locals as striking pair Jena Redpath and Tiffany Hagen carved out a chance each for themselves in the first couple of minutes but just could not find the back of the net.

Banbridge wouldn’t have to wait long until they got their breakthrough though.

It came after some good work again from the forward duo led to the ball breaking kindly for Lauren Thompson, who coolly rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home into an empty net to give the hosts the lead.

Action from the girls' first game of the season against Linfield. INBL1517-216EB

BTLFC would not be happy with just the one goal and a quick counter attack led to the second. With good work in midfield from Hayley Annett, Katie Lennon and Michelle Spence moving the ball up the pitch, it was again Lauren Thompson who found herself one on one with the goalkeeper, who she chipped it over to make it 2-0.

At this point, Killyleagh started to force their way into it and some good defensive and goalkeeping work from Danielle Byrne, Zoe Mitchell, Adrianna McMullan, Becky Ervine and Becky Thompson ensured the score stayed at 2-0.

Still Banbridge continued to attack and got a free kick about 25 yards from goal. Katie Lennon stepped and she calmly slotted the ball into the top right hand corner just above the keeper’s reach, making it 3-0 at half-time.

After a great first half, Banbridge started much the same in the second but could not find another breakthrough.

This, paired with a great long range free kick from Killyleagh to make it 3-1, meant that this very young side were put under some pressure for the last 25 minutes.

That wasn’t to matter as they all fought until the last kick to ensure they got the win and the first three points of the season, which they thoroughly deserved.

TOWN LADIES: D. Byrne, Z. Mitchell, A. McMullan, B. Ervine, B. Thompson, K. Lennon, M. Spence (C), H. Annett, L. Thompson, T. Hagen, J. Redpath. Subs: J. McKay, J. Meehan, R. Kelly.

BTLFC Player of the Match: Lauren Thompson. Although this performance was tremendous from each member of the team, a special mention has to go to Lauren who scored two fantastic goals to help the side to victory.