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BANGOR EDGE 7 GOAL THRILLER
Bangor
bounced back from the disappointment of their collapse at Cookstown last
Saturday to overcome Instonians in a seven goal thriller at Ballykillare.
On a bright and warm mid-October afternoon a sizeable crowd were able to
enjoy some adventurous hockey, especially in the second half where most of
the action occurred.
Bangor welcomed back vice-captain Adam Reading though Simon Hunter was
unavailable being in, of all places, Estonia. Instonians started much the
quicker and made frequent progress up the right mainly through Clarke
Kennedy and Neil Cooke. It came as little surprise when they scored
following a penalty corner and even less of a surprise that it was
Stormont refugee Chris Barnes who supplied the finish.
However, Bangor seemed to get themselves into more competitive vein and a
move featuring Michael Harte and Mark Daniel should have acquired an
equaliser. Instead a penalty corner, and since Daniel found the net there
was no damage done. Perhaps Bangor should then have gone in front but
they squandered their opportunities, and Instonians finished the half as
they had begun with the upper hand.
Turning to play into an awkward hazy sun the home side knew that they
would be put under pressure. An early injury to Chris Campbell did not
bode well, but he was soon back in the fray. Chris Kirk for the Old Boys
should then have restored their lead, but soon after he had snicked wide,
it was Bangor who took the advantage.
Nick Blease won the ball at half-way and fed Harte; his well-timed pass
sent Daniel off and running. The diminutive striker then checked, and
spotted Dowie Holley advancing just right of centre, and he picked up the
pin point ball, strode into the circle and crashed his shot to the far
corner of the goals.
Bangor's habit of falling back after scoring could have cost them as they
were soon defending a penalty corner, but skipper John Tormey saved well.
Another fluent passing move saw Bangor sweep from defence to the
Instonians circle where Blease won a corner; though Daniel's flick was
saved Blease himself pounced on the loose ball and the home team were now
two up.
Instonians then found their second wind and in the space of a few minutes
the persistence of Kennedy and the presence of mind of Kirk had them back
on level terms with two almost carbon copy goals.
Mindful of last week's demise, the Bangor fans were now, at best, anxious.
Yet throughout the second half their team had shown their ability to open
up the visitors' rearguard, and they continued to create opportunities.
Another thrust by Daniel led to a further penalty corner; though this was
saved at the expense of a long corner Julian Lewis, who had disputed the
first award, decided to have another go at umpire Johnston and earned a 10
minute rest for his pains.
Instonians were to pay dearly for this indiscretion for not long after a
flowing Bangor passing move terminated with Gareth Morton, ball on the
reverse side in the middle of the circle, producing a dinky little flick
to make it 4-3.
As Bangor swarmed forward sweeper Gareth Kidd almost added another and
then Holley's inch perfect pass to Jamie McAuley led to a first time
effort seeming to be deflected wide by Daniel.
Restored to full numbers Instonians sought an equaliser; they won a corner
but Tormey and his rearguard held firm. Soon Bangor were celebrating a
fine victory which, coming soon after the Kirk Cup triumph over
Lisnagarvey ought to do much for their confidence.
It also represents another useful scalp for fledgling coach Johnny Todd.
Instonians may reflect on the need for more cool heads and composure this
requirement being highlighted when Cooke managed to get himself red-carded
after the match for some ill-advised remarks.
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