Johnston and Winters strike to send Town U15s through

The locals almost got off to the perfect start after only two minutes when a Ben Johnson cross found the head of James Orr but the striker was unable to guide his effort into the gaping net.

Banbridge went on wave after wave of attacks with William Doogan, Keelan Quigley, and Charles Cully all having decent efforts but were unable to find a way past the visiting keeper, who was proving to be a capable stopper.

Town upped the tempo in the second half and really drove at the Lurgan defence as Shea Winters got on the ball more and began to dictate proceedings with the help of midfield partners Cameron Sands and Keelan Quigley.

The home team got the breakthrough they richly deserved 10 minutes after the break. Ben Johnston picked the ball up on the right flank and turned inside his man to hit a cross-cum-shot that drifted in over the stranded keeper.

More chances became available for Town as Lurgan pushed forward for an equaliser. Enda Haddow was introduced into the action and put in a superb shift up top.

Midway through the second period and after sustained pressure, Town did get their second when Cameron Sands put Michael Kelly through, only to be clattered by the onrushing keeper. Winters stepped up and dispatched his penalty with ease sending the ‘keeper the wrong way.

Town really should have added more goals with efforts of note from Cashel Haughey, who hit a pile driver that just missed by inches, and then from Tom Mehaffey, Eoin Scullion, Cameron Sands and Keelan Quigley, who forced the keeper into another fine stop.

Town eased out the game and move forward in the competition with a confidence that will hopefully see them progress to the latter stages.