Banbridge have made significant assaults on various competitions during the season so far. The 1sts made their first ever Senior Cup Final in December and are within 6 league points of promotion from the three remaining AIL matches. The U17 successfully defended their Ulster League title and will be looking to mount a serious challenge to defend the CE Bowman Cup as well. And following a number of big scalps the 2nds were within a few minutes of the Town’s Cup Semi Finals only to be denied by Enniskillen.
But one side has been quietly going about its business, recording great wins against strong opponents, and are now one win away from a cup final.
Stephen Jackson’s Fourths have recorded wins against Grosvenor 2nds and Ballymoneys 3rds in the first and second rounds of the tournament and this Saturday will face Dungannon 4th in the Forster Cup Semi-final
There can be no doubt that the draws have been kind with Banbridge enjoying a home tie in each round, but the Fourths have pulled off two great performances to make it this far.
A mix of youthful exhuberance and the experience of more seasoned campaigners in Kris Eadie, Stuart Forsythe and Anthony Molloy amongst others has proven the right blend so far; but Dungannon 4ths will prove stiff competition in Saturday’s semi.
The Tyrone side sit one section below Banbridge 4ths in the Junior League, but have enjoyed a very successful campaign having suffered only a single defeat all season. Bann 4ths league form is more mixed, but that will count for little over 80 minutes on Saturday, when Jacko will hope to lead his side to another cup win.
In a busy Saturday at Rifle Park, the Fourths would welcome your support.
