Instonians 2nds 1 v 3 Bangor 2nds

HARD FOUGHT VICTORY FOR SECONDS

The seconds returned from Upper Malone, Belfast last Saturday evening with both points following a polished performance against Instonians seconds, the 3-1 final scoreline a fair reflection of this Junior One contest.

Gareth Stranaghan had warned his troops beforehand not to underestimate the opposition who are in the midst of a poor league run, and his words were heeded as it was the Bangor side who looked more purposeful in the opening exchanges.  With a few positional changes from the seconds skipper, the team looked comfortable whilst at the same time penetrative.  There were some flowing passing movements along both flanks as Bangor pressed, but the breakthrough did not come until the 21^st minute.  McNaught picked the ball up in the right wing position and it was his cross that found McIlhagga lurking at the far post.  His finish was assured and showed real composure from one making his full debut at this level.  The pressure continued, Macafee going close following one of his trademark foraging runs, whilst Stranaghan felt aggrieved when his goalbound effort following an Irwin short corner strike was stopped by an Instonians foot, the reward being another corner when a penalty flick ought surely have been the likely call.

With just a 1 goal advantage at the interval, the Bangor side knew the contest was far from over.  The home side began the second period better equipped, and intent on pressing the Bangor defence.  McCausland and Toogood were dogged, time and again thwarting the Instonians forwards, whilst McMillen who seems to be improving with every game at this level, was again quick to read any danger.  Gowdy was revelling in his new defensive role, until 15 minutes from time that is when he needlessly gave the ball away and the end result was an equaliser which gave Thompson little chance in the Bangor goal.  But if the affable banker had let down his team mates for his part in the Instonians equaliser, boy how he redeemed himself.  Within just 3 minutes McNaught won a short corner following good work by Cox on the right.  From this corner Gowdy flicked high past the stranded home goalie to restore the 1 goal advantage, a tremendous strike and just reward for all the practice in the last couple of months.  The points were made safe in the 62^nd minute when the Bangor side added a third.  This was another quality move and finish, this time Macafee smashed a 25 yard pass towards Stranaghan who had found space high in the opposition half.  The skipper controlled and slid a pass into the path of McNaught who unleashed a ferocious strike into the bottom corner.

So a 3-1 win which was deserved by the seconds, every player playing his part.  An organised, controlled performance which can hopefully be repeated in the weeks that are ahead.  The player of the match vote was won by Allen Irwin, who was instrumental throughout in keeping a structured pattern to the teams play.

Many thanks to the team manager Alex Ward, who gladly umpired when called upon at the last minute.

Team:  Thompson, McMillen, Cox, McIlhagga, Stranaghan, McNaught, Irwin, Gowdy, Toogood, Scales, McCausland, Macafee.