Unforseen loss

Despite missing several key men and down to 11 players the locals started the game on the front foot with the midfield four of Angus, McAtameney, McKibbon and Fearon all in splendid form - Banbridge dominated the first half creating a series of chances.

On a number of occasions they came close especially McAtameney who hit the bar with a thunderous shot and was then dispossessed when he looked certain to score.

The deadlock was broken through Angus when he produced a piece of majestic individual skill to beat his opponent and and fired home with an exquisite finish.

Buoyed by this goal the locals continued playing with style and a second goal arrived after McAtameney’s clever pass was latched onto by Fearon who gave the keeper no chance to maintain his impressive scoring form.

Despite Banbridge’s dominance, Sunnyside were dangerous on the break, and on a couple of occasions they breached the sound central partnership of Moore and McParland only for keeper Campbell to make two fantastic saves.

Banbridge lacked the same energy and commitment at the beginning of the second half but were still well in the game until a couple of controversial refereeing decisions 15 minutes into the half changed the course of the game.

To the amazement of both sets of players a parried shot by Campbell was deemed by the ref to have crossed the line when it seemed obvious it was cleared and indeed both sets of players carried on with the game.

A couple of minutes later Banbridge were further angered by another decision when the ref awarded a soft free kick on the edge of their area which was blasted into the top corner of the net for the equaliser.

At this stage Sunnyside took complete control and a disappointing lack of resilience from the locals saw them concede four goals to crash to what was a completely unforeseen defeat.