Glebe Rangers hit Banbridge for six

GLEBE Rangers got off to a dream start in the first minute as Ian Parkhill seized on David McVicker’s clever lob to coolly despatch past Stephen Croft and put the homesters one up.

In the eleventh minute Parkhill was denied a second when he was brought down as he was bearing down on goal. Stuart Thompson was cautioned when many felt the punishment should have been more severe.

However two minutes later Glebe increased their lead when Morrison’s cross was flicked on by McVicker and Tommy Elder made no mistake with a sweetly struck volley.

Elder was proving a real handful and a lovely piece of skill on the halfway line left two Banbridge defenders stranded, however his ensuing cross failed to find the finish it deserved.

Glebe were in complete control at this stage and it was no surprise when the third goal arrived. Peter Kennoway’s superb knock back found the impressive McVicker and when his effort was stopped by Croft, Adam McCart scrambled the ball over the line.

Glebe continued to pile on the pressure with efforts from Parkhill and Elder being stopped by Croft, before Kane was forced into his first save of the day getting down well to stop a shot from McCartan.

Boosted by this effort the visitors began to impose themselves for the first time and Kingsberry pulled one back in the 39th minute with a fine finish just inside the post.

Despite the visitors being on top at this stage, Parkhill had a great opportunity to restore his side’s three goal advantage but he was denied by Croft. Just on half-time Banbridge suffered a major blow when substitute Glenn Waddell received his marching orders after he hauled back the livewire Elder.

The second half started badly for the ten men when James McLaughlin shot through a crowded goal-mouth for his side’s fourth of the game.

However, rather than fold the visitors rallied, and Kane saved well from Grant with Dobbin on hand to clear Kingsberry’s follow-up effort off the line. Chris Mawhinney replaced McLaughlin but it was Banbridge who reduced the arrears when Grant swooped to drive past Kane.

With their spirits lifted Banbridge went all out in an attempt to salvage something from the game. Grant was at the heart of most of their attacks but even he was unable to pierce the home defence.

As the visitors tired Glebe reasserted their earlier dominance and on 77 minutes Elder slotted home to ensure the three points for his team.

Steven Campbell then replaced Parkhill and his first touch sent Elder away but Croft was alert and cleared the danger.

In a final hurrah by Banbridge Kane produced a fine save to deny substitute Neil King but this was to be the last chance created by the visitors as man of the match Tommy Elder completed his hat-trick in the most extraordinary circumstances.

After Elder’s shot had been handled, Brian Kane was invited to change roles from goal-stopper to goal-scorer. However his shot was saved by opposite number Croft. As Kane attempted to reach the rebound he was impeded by Croft. Ref Dessie Loughrey immediately pointed to the spot again and up stepped Elder who made no mistake with the final goal of the afternoon.

The drama was not quite over as deep into injury-time Stuart Thompson became the second Banbridge player to be sent off after a foul on the elusive Elder.

Glebe Rangers: Kane, (Jackie) Morrison, Dobbin, Sheppard, Rice, McCart, McVicker, Kennoway, McLaughlin, Elder, Parkhill. Subs: Campbell (Parkhill), Mawhinney (McLaughlin), Nicholl (McVicker), (Warren) Morrison, White

Banbridge Town: Croft, Thompson, Walsh, Alderdice, Greene, Tumilty, McArdle, McGrath, Grant, Kingsberry, McCartan. Subs: Herron, King, Pedlow, Downey, Waddell (Walsh).