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SECONDS CRASH OUT OF CUP
The
seconds crashed out of this season's Irish Junior Cup competition at the
first hurdle when they lost 1-0 to one of the favourites, Annadale at
Ballykillare last Saturday.
The first half of the contest was quite even, both sides having
opportunities to break the deadlock. The home side were unlucky not to
score from a short corner that was switched to Mulholland, whilst Macafee
also saw his shot from the edge of the circle narrowly miss the target.
The seconds best chance of the half fell to Scales following good build up
play on the left side of the pitch, but his effort did not unduly trouble
the Annadale goalie.
The match took on a different complexion in the second period as the
visitors took control. Introducing their former internationals, Martin and
Morris, their play became more purposeful and it was not long before they
broke the deadlock when Kenny Morris followed up a penalty corner effort
by despatching the rebound with aplomb.
The home side continued to struggle to keep possession, resulting in more
Annadale attacking forays. Some poor finishing coupled with the alertness
of Thompson in the Bangor goal kept the home side in with a chance.
Opportunities though were few and far between, Titmus and Andy McCausland
did have half chances whilst Mulholland fired over when clear through. In
the end the visitors were comfortable in their victory, albeit by just one
goal.
Parts of the seconds' performance, like at Lisnagarvey the previous week,
were good. Certainly the workrate and desire was there, and this will be
needed even more in the forthcoming fixtures. A season when working for
each other as a team is going to be a prerequisite to gaining any success.
Captain Gareth Stranaghan, having tasted life at the other end of the
spectrum last season at this level, has a completely different focus this
campaign to instil confidence in his side.
Player of the match for the seconds on Saturday was Andrew Walker.
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