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The seconds entertained Lisnagarvey's second string at a blustery
Ballykillare last Saturday afternoon in a scrappy McClements Cup semi
final. A deserved 1-0 victory by the home side means a place in this
season's decider against Raphoe next month.
It was the visitors that had the
better of the opening exchanges, a Lavery drag flick effort at a penalty
corner the best of their opportunities. As the half wore on the Bangor
side did begin to keep the ball better and create some decent chances. McNaught
forced Brazil into a point blank save, whilst the visiting custodian was
on hand again to thwart a Gowdy dragflick effort.
The home side broke the deadlock in
the 33rd minute when Macafee pounced on some hesitancy in the Lisnagarvey
defence by cutting out a pass between two defenders on the edge of the
circle. He controlled and fired a tremendous strike to finally beat Brazil
at his left post.
The second half did not see much
improvement in the overall quality of the hockey, the contest never
reaching the dizzy heights of the epic league contest between these two
sides on the last day of 2005 at the same venue. The seconds generally
remained in the ascendancy in this second period, but just could not find
that all important second goal.
Substitute Walker came closest to
scoring when following good build up play a pass from Macafee was
deflected onto the post. The visitors did create some chances, mainly from
penalty corners, and indeed Thompson in the home goal made a great save
just five minutes from time to keep his side ahead.
A workmanlike performance more than
a fluent one from the seconds, and now the team can look forward to
playing in the final to round off what has been another creditable season.
The results of this final, and not
forgetting the six remaining league games, will determine whether or not a
more complimentary adjective can be used when summing up the campaign.
The player of the match vote was
shared between Allen Irwin and Stewart Kirk, whilst both teams were
indebted to Chris Harte and Timmy Campbell for kindly agreeing to umpire.
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