Three weeks ago, Banbridge sixths lost their unbeaten record at Malone Park when Down thirds defeated them in the quarter-finals of the Strabane Cup.

Last Friday night at Havelock Park, Banbridge exacted sweet revenge as it continued its surge towards the Junior 7 championship.

The locals, who fielded a team mixed with youth and experience, were very much up against it on the synthetic surface which the home side revelled on, playing some nice controlled hockey.

The visitors trailed 2-0 at the interval, but almost got themselves back in the game at the start of the second half when Cecil Telford went close, but his effort was saved by the 'keeper.

Banbridge then went 3-0 ahead before Telford managed to pull one back and with Down pushing forward in  search of goals, they were caught on the break as the home side scored a fourth.

David Gibson played well at the heart of Down's defence, while emerging stars Richard Tarbottom and Clifford Lennon also gave a food account of themselves.

This weekend, Down entertain Mossley fifths at home in the semi-final of the Strabane Cup, a trophy they last won in the late 1990s.

With home advantage against a side more used to the synthetic surface, Down will be hoping to progress and make it to the final just months after being readmitted to the league after a three-year absence.

With the experienced Gibson pulling the strings for the locals and a crop of emerging talent around him, Down will be aiming to secure their place in the final.

This Saturday's game must be played to a finish, so that could mean both extra time and penalty strokes.