Bangor 2nds 5 v 2 Annadale 3rds

Bangor Mens Hockey Club seconds ended the month of March with a fine 5-2 victory at home to Annadale thirds last Saturday afternoon at Bangor Sportsplex, rounding off a magic month for Gareth Stranaghan’s charges following on from the victorious performances against Annadale seconds and Instonians seconds in the league, and Lisnagarvey seconds in the semi final of the McClements Cup.

Last Saturday’s encounter was one in which the seconds were favourites, the visitors rooted at the bottom of Corporate Coaching Junior League One and looking certain for relegation.  It was the 28^th minute before the home side got the breakthrough, when substitute Clarke deflected home.  Up to this point the seconds had been unable to achieve any fluency to their play, due to a combination of some poor passing in the final third as well as constant harrying from the Annadale side.  The seconds were able to double their lead before the half when following a penalty corner effort from Gowdy, Kirk pounced on the rebound to give his side a 2-0 interval lead.

The home side upped the tempo in the second half, and were three up within minutes when Clarke scored his second after being teed up by Lyall.  Annadale pulled one back from a penalty corner rebound, but within minutes Scales had restored the three goal advantage from close in, Lyall again the provider.  Macafee made it five when he scored from mid circle, just reward after having previous efforts saved by the young Annadale custodian McRoberts.  The visitors completed the scoring 7 minutes from time to make the final score 5-2.

So another two points gained as the seconds strive for a high finishing league position as they move into a busy April.  Four league games remaining, all away from home, and the McClements Cup Final to look forward to.  The toughest assignment this coming Saturday away to champions elect, Banbridge seconds, will be the ultimate test in the run up to the McClements final against Raphoe on 8^th April at Stormont.

Many thanks to Timmy Campbell and Alex Ward for umpiring duties last Saturday, whilst the player of the match vote went to Bill Clarke.

Team:  Thompson, Gowdy, McCausland P., Cooper, Gowdy, Toogood, Scales, Irwin, Kirk, Lyall, McNaught, Macafee, Clarke, Cox.