BANBRIDGE ARE HIT FOR SIX IN SHIELD.. Celtic and Henderson prove too strong for Town

LOUIS HENDERSON helped himself to a hat-trick when Lurgan Celtic Youth beat Banbridge Town Juniors 6-0 in Section 2 of the divisional shield.

But it was Nathan Gowdy who opened the scoring in the first ten minutes when he worked his way into the box, seeing off a few challenges, before finding the back of the net.

Good passing in midfield eventually allowed Henderson to pick up the through ball but he was pulled down by keeper Lee Smyth. Henderson took the spot-kick himself, only to have it saved by the keeper before the Celtic striker followed up to score at the second attempt.

Henderson’s second goal was more straightforward. He brought down a high pass into the box and made no mistake with a well-hit finish. Gowdy was pushed inside the area and he stepped up this time to make no mistake with the spot-kick and make it 4-0 at half-time.

Banbridge came out for the second half and played with more purpose, though they could not pierce a solid Lurgan defence.

Henderson, though, sealed the Celtic win after collecting a through ball before shooting past the keeper for his hat-trick.

The scoring was completed in the closing 15 minutes with a fine individual goal. Roan Mcalinden raced away from left midfield before lifting the ball over the keeper into the net.

Celtic manager Michael Henderson was pleased with the performance and had a special word for Conor Magill, who kept their defence tight during a good spell for Banbridge in the second half.

”We are chasing three strong teams at the top,’’ Henderson added, “but we just have to keep on playing good football and hope for the best.’’

Banbridge boss Wylie Dickson said it just did not happen for them on the day and Lurgan were the better team.

He added: “We did give it a go early in the second half but got no reward. I wish Lurgan all the best for the remainder of the season.”