Conor double downs Foundry in Intermediate Cup

Banbridge Town are back to winning ways ahead of the Boxing Day derby against Dollingstown. See this week's LEADER for a full preview of that big match. INBL1449-236PB

Amateur Premier side Albert Foundry, unbeaten in their league, travelled confidently to Crystal Park to meet the challenge of an inconsistent Banbridge Town on Saturday but were sent packing after a 2-1 home win.

Town had been anxious to extend their Cup season into 2015 and got the job done despite going behind, a Conor Downey double ensuring the win.

The home side were once again depleted by injury and unavailability with Mark Teggart, Dee McParland, Nathan Baird, Adam Dennison and Steve Jones all missing.

For the first quarter, Town played like a side without conviction and were second fiddle to a strong Foundry team who could have gone ahead in their first attack when a tantalising cross from Doyle was headed over by Mitchell who was unmarked in front of goal.

The visitors were awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position soon after but wasted the chance with an effort that floated aimlessly over. Their early pressure was rewarded on nine minutes with a goal from centre back Burns who poked the ball home in a crowded goalmouth after Town keeper James McConville failed to punch clear following a left wing cross.

However, the keeper redeemed himself with a great stop from Doyle after 15 minutes. Three minutes later, he came to Banbridge’s rescue with a smart double save from Bloomer after initially pushing the centre forward’s shot onto the bar.

Town were now warming to the task and Conor Downey fired a 20 yard drive straight at ex-Town custodian Sprite Cairnduff in the visitors’ goal after a good pass from Ryan Gourley.

Town were now exerting the pressure with Mattie McCartan, Ally Wilson and Gourley dominating the midfield with penetrating runs. Downey headed over from a Gourley right wing cross on 33 minutes and David Gray on the other wing shot across goal after 41 minutes.

One minute later a bullet-like header from Ally Wilson deserved a goal but scraped the paintwork as it went the wrong side of the post.

The equaliser Banbridge deserved came one minute from the break when Conor Downey bent a 22-yard free-kick on the edge of the box well out of Cairnduff’s reach and into the corner of the net.

It was a great recovery from Town after a horror opening quarter and after 47 minutes McCartan fired agonisingly over following another blistering run from the busy Gourley.