Mossley 2nds 1 v 4 Bangor 2nds

        SEASONAL CHEER FOR SECONDS

The seconds made the trip to The Glade, Mossley last Saturday afternoon for what was a scrappy affair against their counterparts from the Newtownabbey club.  Nevertheless another 2 points were gained, thanks to a 4-1 victory which was probably a little harsh on the home side, but the seconds were clinical in some of their finishing and in the end were deserved victors.

The opening exchanges saw the home side dominant, without really testing Thompson in the visitors goal.  The Bangor side did struggle with the bouncy surface at first, but as the contest progressed so did the improvement in their play.  The deadlock was broken 10 minutes from the half when Browne, having replaced McCausland just minutes earlier, fired a reverse stick effort from the edge of the circle past a bemused home goalie.  A tremendous opportunist strike.  It was soon 2-0, when following a range of simple passes going forward, Clarke rounded the goalie and slid into an empty net.

Despite being two goals to the good, the half time words were stern ones from Stranaghan following an overall disjointed first half display.  A much better performance ensued in the second period as the seconds comfortably dealt with the predicted Mossley onslaught.  It was 2-1 early in the half when from a dubious short corner award, the home side reduced the deficit, but by now the seconds were beginning to continually pressurise the Mossley defence.  Clarke notched his second after McNaught robbed a home defender on his 25, fed Clarke and the diminutive striker, despite being forced wide by the goalie, hit high into the empty net.  The team was functioning more as a unit, the midfield trio of Irwin, Kirk and Scales tireless throughout, and more opportunities were created.  Mulholland should have played in McNaught but decided to shoot wide instead, although he soon made amends when after a save from Stranaghan the rebound was finished with aplomb on the reverse by the industrious doctor.

The Bangor side probably had easier chances to score than the 4 goals they did, but credit must go to the goalscorers who all made their goals look easier than they actually were.  A second half performance that showed more endeavour and graft, the reward being the final scoreline and a very contented visitors changing room afterwards.

Now its on to the challenge that table toppers Lisnagarvey 2s will bring when they arrive at Bangor Sportsplex on New Years Eve.  A fixture in which the players will all need to be at the top of their games for the entire match if any reward is to be gained.

Player of the match for the seconds was James Browne.

Team:  Thompson, McMillan, Gowdy, Irwin, McCausland P., Browne, Toogood, Scales, Mulholland, Kirk, Stranaghan, Clarke, McNaught.