Annadale 3rds 1 v 3 Bangor 2nds

Bangor 2ndX1 made the trip to Carryduff on Monday night to play Annadale 3rds in their final league fixture of the season. Bangor knew a win would almost certainly guarantee second place in Junior One. 

The home side started the brighter, finding their midfield far too easily, but failing to create any clear-cut chances.  Bangor, on the other hand, spent plenty of time in the Annadale circle but were unable to fashion a clean strike at goal.  Stranaghan was unlucky with a switched short corner that appeared to hit a defender on the line but the reward was another short corner.  But a flick was awarded when MacAfee’s shot came of the keeper and Clarke fired the ball goalwards, only for it to strike a defenders foot on the line.  Up stepped Gowdy, but appeared unsure of where to place his flick and only succeeded in firing low directly at the Annadale keeper who saved with ease.  At the other end Annadale had some short corners of their own but failed to trouble Thompson in the Bangor goal and the half ended goalless.

During the interval captain Stranaghan, in his final game as 2ndx1 captain, challenged his team to show more urgency and keep better possession of the ball.  It must have worked because not long into the second half a move down the Bangor left saw Clarke break free.  He approached the keeper and coolly slotted the ball into the far corner to give his side the lead. 

Bangor’s second goal began with Gowdy collecting the ball and firing a quick pass to Clarke who expertly laid the ball off to Toogood on the left of the circle.  His pass across goal found MacAfee who forced the ball home, off the keeper , to double his side’s advantage.  However Annadale responded well.  They forced Thompson into some point blank saves and McAusland was on hand to charge down a shot from the top of the circle. But Bangor could not clear their lines and a broken down short corner resulted in the home side scoring a scrappy goal to bring them back into the game.

However their optimism was short lived as a great move down the Bangor right, involving Lyall and McMillen, finished with Cox scoring the third into an empty net.  The remaining few minutes passed without incident and Bangor had the victory they probably deserved.

This game ended an extremely successful season for Bangor 2ndX1.  Runners up in Junior One being the highest position any Bangor 2ndX1 has finished in this highly competitive league. Also, the McClements Cup victory earlier this month, a great achievement for all those involved, providing the Club with some much needed silverware. 

Throughout the season all the players, and a great team spirit, more than played their part in the success that was achieved. However, captain Gareth Stranaghan deserves a special mention for all his efforts over the last two seasons. I know all the players are very grateful for all the time Gareth has invested in preparing for matches and ensuring the team was best placed to produce a victory on a Saturday afternoon