Poppy snatches point with late equaliser

She netted a last gasp equaliser to pick up a point at the Antrim Forum.

There was a lively start on a dry, cold winter’s day, with both sides needing to pick up points.

Early on in the game both Naomi Haugh and Rebecca Dale made crucial tackles to deny the opposition a way through.

But despite excellent marking from Emma and Becky the home side slipped through a tight defence to score on 15 minutes to make it 1-0.

Banbridge replied with instant pressure through Jess controlling the game from center midfield.

A shot from Jessica Faulkner was kicked out to the right by the keeper and Poppy Robinson ran on to collect, control and fired her shot home with accuracy and pace. Game on, one a piece.

It was 1-1 at half time.

The home side came out for the second half ready to win and applied pressure straight away.

Reverse hit shots flew towards capable and calm keeper Louise Beckett.

The Bann defence ducked to avoid injury, whilst one wild shot rebounded off the bar.

Soon the home side broke the deadlock to make it 2-1.

The Banbridge girls showed determination and won five shorts corners, unfortunately none were converted.

Punam McGookin was on near post and narrowly missed twice.

With seconds left on the clock, a magical move ended with Poppy netting her second.

From deep in the Banbridge half the ball was passed to make the Randalstown midfield and defence obsolete.

Poppy Robinson received the ball on the edge of the circle, with Punam McGookin and Ashleigh Mitchell either side, the keeper had to commit. It was a cool finish, making it 2-2 with 20 seconds to go.

Thanks to the Randalstown umpire and to Jo-Anne Lyttle who endured the cold stand to umpire.