It was always going to happen. I didn’t expect it this early. Something came up. an unavoidable diary clash that meant no trip to Coagh.
Round 2 - Coagh United v Bourneview Mill
So far in the journey, it has been my biggest regret.
In many ways, despite what happens after this point, it will always be said that the task is incomplete. Who knows? Maybe that means we go again next season??
Regardless, Coagh United progressed with a 5-0 triumph over Bourneview and on we go to the third round.
Round 3 - Banbridge Town vs. Coagh United
Round 3 presented an all Premier Intermediate League (PIL) tie as Coagh travelled to Banbridge to face Banbridge Town.
It’s been a long time since I’ve visited Banbridge, and while my sat nav was determined to take me down the tiniest of lanes to stop right outside Crystal Park, home of the Town, I rejected its advice. Instead, a nearby empty parking bay provided my welcome, and I parked up, grabbed a coffee from a local spot close by and made my way down the tiny lane on foot.
While my choice of Dundela headwear caused some initial confusion, chatting about my project at the turnstile soon brought yet another warm welcome and an invite into the bar.
I’d hoped to join the travelling faithful from Coagh, but there’s something about this adventure that makes home fans and officials curious about your arrival. At least in these early phases.
Perhaps these teams are only visited by their loyal supporters, and groundhopping at this level isn’t done. Maybe they wonder what makes someone drive an hour for a third-round cup tie with no skin in the game. Whatever the reason, I settled in with the Town faithful and got some tips on which players were ones to watch (on both sides) and chatted about the PIL and how things work in Northern Irleand’s third tier with a bounty of cups making league form a non-entity really until later in the season. At the time of play, Banbridge were towards the bottom of the PIL, with Coagh sitting more mid-table. I was told not to let that fool me as there had only been a handful of games played and that I was in for a good, even game.
After some early exchanges, Banbridge began to push their visitors back, and with some real quality finishing, and as I had been told league form was irrelevant and Banbridge Town found themselves heading into the fourth round hat with a 3-0 win.
Round 4 - Knockbreda v Banbridge Town
Familiar turf for the fourth round as Banbridge travelled to Knockbreda. A familiar ground that I’d been to many times when Knockbreda were a Championship side. Even with all those visits, I had forgotten one thing - just how cold it could be in the Castlereagh hills!!
Multiple cups of tea acting as hand warmers, I took my place among a strong set of travelling Banbridge faithful to watch the game. Unfortunately for all those who travelled, their team simply never got going; they struggled to put passes together, and Knockbreda gladly took full advantage.
Having been so impressed with the Town’s clinical play in the previous round, it was quite shocking to see such a difference this time out. Especially considering that the draw had been made and they knew the potential reward.
The game ended Knockbreda 3 - Banbridge Town 0
In Round 5, Premier League opposition would await. Was this where I would see my first upset?