The U14 girls played Antrim Grammar School in their semi-final of the plate at Friends School Lisburn on 23rd of February.
They started off slow, conceding a very early goal and struggled to find form throughout the first half. Alex Gardiner having a few great runs down the left wing to no avail. Banbridge began to steady the ship towards the end of the first half, finally getting in to the game, beginning to out-pass their opponents and began to focus more. They finished the first half 1-0 down. It was obvious that a half time talk from Mrs Derby had the desired affect as Banbridge came out determined, winning more frees and short corners and began to play the game smarter than their opponents. Hannah Buchanan was strong in defence, clearing the ball along side Maisy Corry, dealing and stopping the fast wingers from Antrim.
Thankfully with 3 minutes to go Banbridge were awarded a short corner, which they scored with a shot from Lynsey Orr and a beautiful deflection from Hannah Buchanan at the far left post. This forced the game into extra time. With pressure now mounting on Antrim from determined Banbridge play.
No goals in the first half of extra time, but Banbridge had most of the ball, keeping possession better than the Antrim side. Early in the second half of extra time Antrim got a hit-out, due to the pressure of Banbridge’s tight press they panicked and hit the ball straight to Lynsey Orr’s stick, she slipped it to Molly Mathers in the “D” where her shot was saved by the keeper, Alex Gardiner got the rebound and put it into the corner of the net.
With minutes remaining, Banbridge were looking to seal their win, still fighting hard. As a result of winning yet another short corner Katie McDonald drilled the ball to the back post where Hannah Buchanan touched it into the back of the net.
Final score Banbridge 3-1 Antrim, the girls now proceed to the final against either Bloomfield or Victoria. Date tbc.
Katie McDonald
