Bangor 2nds 3 v 0 Instonians 2nds

The seconds entertained their peers from Instonians at Bangor Sportsplex last Saturday afternoon, and the 3-0 victory owed much to the team spirit and honest endeavour which is currently in abundance within the seconds ranks.  There was not much difference in terms of ability between the two sides, and indeed the visitors were strengthened with the inclusion of regular first teamers Chris Barnes and Chris Kirk, but it was the home side that took their chances and in the end claimed both points in this league encounter quite comfortably.

The visitors were in the ascendancy from the off as the seconds backline was pegged back.  A post saved the home side during this period, whilst a couple of short corners were blocked by the defence.  As the half wore on the Bangor side began to probe with more menace.  Midway through the half they took the lead when following good work by Walker and Lyall on the right, the ball was switched to McNaught mid circle.  He controlled and finished past a hapless Seay in the Instonians goal.  The seconds went on to create more opportunities, with Brennan and Toogood regularly making inroads from half back positions, and providing the backbone to many attacks.  Stranaghan did have a good chance to make it two when Brennan picked him out, but Seay saved well.

The second period began much like the first, with Instonians pressing forward.  Their best opportunities came from set pieces, but time and time again McCausland charged down the threat from Barnes.  Gowdy and Toogood also played pivotal roles in clearing any danger from these Instonians forays, whilst the workrate of Walker, Irwin and Scales in midfield was evident throughout.  The seconds then grabbed a second when Lyall, who was a constant threat on the right, got in behind the Instonians defence and saw his effort rebound off the post, fortunately into the path of Stranaghan, who duly helped the ball over the line.  The home side then enjoyed their best period of the contest with some excellent passing and movement.  The third goal was the reward, and it was a short corner variation which resulted in Gowdy adding his name to the scorers list.

A true team performance where every player played his part, but the player of the match vote was a unanimous one for Phil McCausland who arguably put in his finest performance in a Bangor shirt on Saturday.  Special thanks yet again to Chris Harte for umpiring duties, and to Glenn Stranaghan, Ryan Garland and David Shields who were willing substitutes for the team in case of injury.

Team:  Thompson, Gowdy, Brennan L., McCausland P., Toogood, Walker, Irwin, Scales, Lyall, McNaught, Stranaghan.