ARMAGH CITY – 3 BANBRIDGE TOWN – 0

Report by Taylor Kearney

Banbridge Town travelled to Holm Park hoping to pick up all three points on Saturday; however it wasn’t to be as they were defeated in what was Armagh’s first win of the season. Town were missing in-form striker Timmy Grant and Damian Mc Parland was also absent. Saturday marked the debut of three Brazilians and one Spaniard who signed for the home side recently.

Bann started brightly and were nearly ahead within 5 minutes. Whitla’s header towards goal was ruled offside. 2 minutes later and Mc Gerrigan nearly scored against his old club; his shot was straight at the ‘keeper.

Armagh’s first real chance came on the 11th minute, when Dos Santos’ free kick flew just over. Dale Malone had a glorious chance to give the Town the lead, but when he found himself with an easy tap-in at the back post, he hesitated and the ball struck off his knee for a goal kick.

Banbridge should have taken the lead on 18 minutes through Teggart. He was unmarked in the box but headed wide. Eight minutes later, Town were unlucky not to take the lead when Malone’s dipping free kick was inches over.

City took the lead on the half hour mark, completely against the run of play. Viera made the most of a Brady tackle and from the free kick centre-back Oliviera Filho headed past Wilton, who displayed a much improved performance, standing in the Town goal.

Banbridge appeared to have found an equaliser 5 minutes into the second half. Town captain Ricky Copeland rose highest and headed the ball onto the post, past the goal line but the linesman ruled that the ball did not enter the net.

Armagh nearly went two nil up on 78 minutes following an extremely rare mistake by Copeland. He missed a clearance which allowed Viera in on goal; however Wilton was quickly off his line to extinguish any threat to the Town goal.

With 10 minutes of the game remaining City doubled their lead through Viera. He headed past a helpless Wilton following a mistake from King. With minutes remaining, Armagh midfielder Liam Cullen saw red following 2 yellow cards. Deep into injury time, City found a third thanks to Viera. His shot deflected off a Town defender and looped over Wilton.

A disappointing performance from Banbridge, who need to start winning games if they want to avoid being sucked into a relegation battle. Things don’t get easier as they face high-flyers and promotion hunting Limavady United on Saturday at Crystal Park at 3:00pm. Town caused an upset the last time these two teams met recording a 2-0 victory at The Showgrounds.

Man of the Match: David Wilton – a much improved performance from the ‘keeper.

Banbridge - Wilton, Hall, Brady, Copeland, King, Mc Cartan, Malone, Teggart, Clydesdale, Whitla, Mc Gerrigan. Subs: Mc Birney, Robb, Donnelly, Matier.

Armagh - Mc Frederick, Walker, Alexander, Oliviera Filho, Stewart, Cullen, Trainor, Dos Santos, Viera, Pique, Mc Neill. Subs: Mc Glone, Sanche Lopez, Mc Stravick, Cusack, Mc Clarnon.