Bangor 2nds 5 v 3 Lisnagarvey 2nds

GREAT WIN FOR BANGOR

The seconds produced one of their best performances on the last day of 2005 when they defeated Lisnagarvey by five goals to three at Ballykillaire.
The contest was played at a high tempo throughout, both teams playing some flowing hockey at times. The visitors opened the scoring ten minutes in when one of their talented youngsters slotted past a hapless Thompson following a mazy left wing run.
The home side, despite falling behind, were creating opportunities and Stranaghan had the best chance of all when Irwin picked out his run at the top of the Lisnagarvey circle. The end shot did not unduly trouble the goalie though.
Bangor were soon level when Stranaghan did score - this time following a short corner move. The intensity of the game was plain for all to see with both sides strong in the tackle. Umpires did give warnings, but before the half time whistle it was 10-a-side when Clarke was dismissed for the home side whilst Lisnagarvey also had a man sin-binned.
An absorbing second half ensued as both sides went in search of two points. It looked a lost cause for the Bangor side when the visitors raced into a 3-1 lead, some sloppy defending not helping the seconds' cause.
Hope was renewed when Browne cut the deficit straight away, his second goal in as many games. Soon after, following further penetration in the Lisnagarvey goalmouth, a penalty corner was awarded. McNaught despatched with a dipping shot to bring his side level at 3-3.
Still the home side were in the ascendancy; Kirk was unlucky with a couple of efforts, whilst Todd, who was on in place of the injured Irwin, was instrumental in the middle of the park.
From another move, Macafee attacked down the left side and picked out Stranaghan mid-circle. The skipper swivelled and placed the ball in the corner of the net to give his side the lead for the first time in the match. The icing on the cake came five minutes from time when Stranaghan claimed his hattrick and again, it was a Macafee rampaging run that caused the problems in the visitor's defence.
All in all, a high quality performance from the seconds and a deserved victory. Many thanks to Chris Harte and Glenn Stranex for umpiring. Man of the match was Gareth Stranaghan.