Bangor 2nds 2 v 0 Mossley 2nds

FIRST POINTS FOR SECONDS

There were a number of firsts for the seconds last Saturday, a first clean sheet, first goal, first win and most importantly the first points of the new season.  Following two lacklustre displays, the seconds started in a determined mood, nearly scoring within the first two minutes following a short corner switch to McNaught.  The visitors demonstrated their willingness to attack with their first shot going narrowly over the bar.

After 10 minutes a flowing move from the home side involving McNaught and Robin Coughlin resulted in McAuley’s rising shot being turned round the post by the Mossley keeper.  Minutes later Bangor’s second short corner of the game was switched back to captain Stranaghan who found the net with this well rehearsed move.  The relief of having scored the teams first goal of the season was visible and they further went on to control the first half with a series of short corners.  Another switch to veteran McNaught saw a low shot crashing into the backboard, 2-0 to the home side.  Mossley briefly rallied at the end of the half, forcing two short corners with their final shot well saved by keeper Thompson.

The visitors started the second half determined to claw their way back into the game and their first short corner entered the net only to be disallowed when the shot was deemed to be too high.  Niggling umpiring decisions stopped the flow of the game in what was a scrappy second period.  One of Bangors best moves of the half saw an  unmarked Walker free mid circle, but his weak shot was saved by the keeper when scoring looked the easier option.  Solid play from Irwin and Phil McCausland at the back allowed the midfield trio of McAuley, Walker and Scales to impose themselves in the contest, and they linked well with the forwards as numerous attacking opportunities were created.  Scales was denied with a well struck shot, Stranaghan set up McNaught for another chance and Gowdy went close from a short corner.  Both teams tired during the closing period, but the points were deservedly the home sides.  Jamie McAuley won the man of the match vote, and many thanks to Brian McKee for umpiring and Roy Mairs for his coaching assistance.  This Saturday the seconds make the difficult journey to Lisnagarvey 2^nd XI.

Team:  Thompson, McCausland P., Irwin, Toogood, Gowdy, Coughlin R., McCausland A., McAuley, Scales, Stranaghan, McNaught, Dunn, Walker.