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BANGOR went into last Saturdays' local derby with
North Down as heavy favourites but obviously paid too much attention to
the form book and their complacency cost them, losing 1-0 to the Comber
side.
North Down had previously lost every league game this season and were
understandably delighted to hang on to their early lead throughout the
game.
For the second successive week Bangor had considerable pressure but could
not take any of their chances. The penalty corners looked toothless and
North Down's goalkeeper was rarely tested from open play.
After Bangor dominated territory in the opening exchanges North Down
snatched a shock lead with a quick counter-attack down the right wing.
When the cross came over it was not cleared and Andrew Forrest had time to
pick his spot past John Tormey.
Bangor then dominated the remaining hour of the game with North Down happy
to try and hold onto their surprise lead. Midway through the first half
Paul Johnston was sin-binned for North Down when he illegally stopped
Chris Campbell as he surged into the home side's circle.
This was Bangor's chance but their man advantage was short-lived when the
sinned against became the sinner. Campbell, clearly still riled by the
foul on him, aimed a kick at a North Down player and had to spend the
remainder of the half in the sin-bin. It was his fifth yellow card this
season.
Bangor did improve slightly in the second period but their penalty corners
still proved fruitless and with North Down happy to camp out at the top of
their circle, they could find no way through. Coach Johnny Todd must be
worried about the lack of invention from a side that pride themselves on
playing attacking hockey.
In the closing stages with Bangor camped in the North Down half the Comber
side even broke out and would have doubled their lead but for the good
work of Tormey.
Bangor have a free week this Saturday and must now focus their attentions
fully on the reverse fixture with North Down at Ballykillare. This time
there can be no points dropped if Bangor are to ensure they are not pulled
into the relegation dogfight with North Down and Civil Service. |