A 10-man Benburb team were the ultimate winners in a feisty encounter with Wishaw Juniors. A 4-2 win to the Bens means their league campaign continues in earnest, by securing a further 3 valuable points.

It was the Bens who created the first real chance when on the 7th minute, a ball that sailed over Wishaw’s defenders, found the feet of Billy Ferguson, only for the striker to blast it over the crossbar. Three minutes later, Bens’ top goal-scorer, Tony O’Neill, when faced with only the goalkeeper to beat, missed the opportunity to score with a lob that failed to find the net. With Wishaw straining to find their rhythm, Benburb were enjoying the majority of possession and creating numerous chances.

On the 18th minute, yet a further golden opportunity to break the deadlock fell to Bens' No 11, whose attempt on goal was brilliantly saved by the Wishaw keeper. But Bens’ disappointment turned to delight just moments later, when captain, Bobby McMillan, whipped in a fine corner that met the head of goal-machine O’Neil, who couldn’t fail to miss. 1-0 to the Bens.

This seemed to galvanise the Wishaw side, who started spraying passes around with ease. Under pressure from a Wishaw forward, Ben’s McMillan made an untimely tackle, forcing the referee to issue a straight red card. Down to 10 men, the Bens midfield appeared in disarray, which Wishaw cleverly exploited. On the 34th minute, a free-kick just outside the penalty box was awarded to Wishaw. Bens’ wall was easily breached, forcing keeper Ghattas to dive low for a great save. But it was Wishaw’s striker, Fraser, who was the first to react with a rebound making it 1-1.

The remainder of the first half saw several chances for both sides, but no further goals. Although, the best chance fell to Wishaw’s Brannigan, who was denied a goal in stoppage time when his excellent strike found the side netting.

Half-Time: Benburb 1 Wishaw Juniors 1

It was Wishaw who emerged the livelier for the second half, and within a few minutes of the start, a sweeping move culminated in a second goal for Brannigan, making it 1-2.

Despite Wishaw going ahead, the Bens started to push forward and taking control of the midfield. Another corner, and another goal on the 55th minute from Bens’ prolific striker, O’Neill, whose equalizer eased the pressure for the home team. 

Wishaw’s woes continued, when on the 61st minute, a dangerous cross into the 18 yard box resulted in an own-goal from defender, Robertson, making it 3-2 for Benburb.

On the 70th minute, the referee awarded a penalty to the Bens when O’Neill was fouled inside the box. Yet, he missed the opportunity to grab his hat-trick, when his effort was easily saved by the Wishaw goalkeeper. Wishaw’s response was to produce a fast break, reminiscent of their form in the first half, forcing Bens’ keeper, Ghattas to tip their effort over the bar. Not to be undone, an equally fast break for the Bens resulted in a precision cross from Gibson that produced an excellent header from in-form striker Billy Ferguson, making the final scoreline 4-2.

It was an exhausted Bens' team that looked relieved when the referee blew for the final whistle. They can feel proud that when it mattered, they rose to the occasion. Going down to 10 men is never easy, but the clever introduction in the second-half of substitute, Mark Davis, helped the Bens strive for their 3 points. Tougher games they will undoubtedly encounter, but on this performance, Benburb clearly have the guile and determination to put up a strong fight against any opposition.

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