Bangor 2nds 1 v 0 Annadale 2nds

MUCH NEEDED HOME WIN FOR BANGOR

The seconds kickstarted their 2005/06 Junior One campaign with a slender 1-0 victory against a strong Annadale second string at Ballykillare last Saturday afternoon.

Having lost in the Junior Cup the previous week against the same opponents, the home side were fully aware of the capability of their more illustrious visitors and indeed in the first 20 minutes or so of this contest it was the visitors who dominated.  Thompson was instrumental in this opening period with some fine saves, whilst on one occasion the post came to the home sides rescue.  At the other end, Stranaghan and McNaught were unlucky when their point blank efforts were thwarted by the Annadale goalie.  The first period though ended goalless, Annadale probably having the best of the action.

The second half was a different story.  The confidence of the Bangor side increased as the game wore on, and indeed they created numerous chances within the first 20 minutes.  Mulholland seemed to be at the heart of many of these attacking forays, whilst Irwin was beginning to impose himself in the middle of the park with some timely interceptions.  Coughlin saw his effort glance off a post with the home sides best chance.  The goal came 12 minutes from time when the industrious Scales found his skipper Stranaghan free on the left hand side.  His advancement towards the Annadale 25 saw him slip a pass to Mulholland on the edge of the circle.  From there Mulholland controlled and as he entered the visitors circle, unleashed a fierce dipping shot which found the backboards.  For the remainder of the contest Annadale pushed but the home side held firm.  Browne, on his brief weekend visit home from university, revelled in his sweeper role, was assured and cleared the danger from many loose balls.  Gowdy and Toogood were solid in their full back roles, whilst McCausland managed to keep Kenny Morris quiet for much of the afternoon which is no easy task.

A much improved performance which epitomised the concept of teamworking for the seconds.  A reminder to all the players that they can match any side in this highest echelon of junior hockey in Ulster.

Many thanks to Chris McConkey for umpiring, and as usual to Alex Ward for his managerial duties.  The vote for player of the match went to Phil McCausland.

Team:  Thompson, Browne, Gowdy, McCausland P., Toogood, Coughlin, Irwin, Scales, Mulholland, McNaught, Stranaghan, Cox