Banbridge 3rds 1 v 2 Bangor 2nds

Bangor Mens Hockey Club seconds travelled to Havelock Park, Banbridge last Wednesday evening for their penultimate fixture in Corporate Coaching Junior League One.  Banbridge third string were the opponents, and a 2-1 victory in the end for the seconds was a deserved victory and a result that means a second place finish is in their own hands.

With the McClements Cup victory last Saturday still fresh in the minds of the squad, Gareth Stranaghan switched the focus in the changing room beforehand when he asked his side to produce a performance and push for that runners up position in the league, rather than just let the final 2 league fixtures happen.  Not for the first time this season, the seconds rallied round and from the outset took the game to the home side.  They got the perfect start when Macafee picked up the ball in his own half and his marauding run culminated in a sublime finish to put his side one up, and there was barely two minutes on the clock.  Indeed much of the first half saw the Bangor side in the ascendancy as Banbridge were struggling to cope with the sharpness and off the ball running throughout the seconds ranks.  The second goal eventually came midway through the first half when sheer doggedness from McNaught and Macafee won the ball back from a Banbridge hit out and when Clarke picked the ball up mid circle he unselfishly slipped it to Stranaghan who had the simplest of tasks into an empty net.

As predicted, the home side came out stronger in the second period and they duly pulled one back when a reverse stick effort was not dealt with by the Bangor defence.  Other Banbridge forays were comfortably thwarted with Cooper and McCausland at the heart of the Bangor rearguard.  At the other end further chances were created by the seconds, Clarke going close on a few occasions and Gowdy firing wide with a short corner effort.  The last 10 minutes saw Banbridge push for an equaliser, but the seconds held firm to secure a 2-1 victory. 

So the runners up position will be clinched if the seconds can beat Annadale thirds at Lough Moss in their last league fixture.  This will be another tough contest, but a win is certainly within reach for this group of players.

Many to Andrew Gowdy and Jonny McNaught who kindly agreed at the last minute to umpire a half each, showing the great team spirit that is evident within this squad of players.  Also well done to Stewart Kirk who won the player of the match vote after a faultless display in midfield.

Team:  Thompson, Cooper, McMillen, Gowdy, McCausland, Toogood, Scales, Kirk, Irwin, Macafee, Clarke, Lyall, McNaught, Stranaghan