Bangor 2nds 3 v 1 Raphoe 2nds

SECONDS TOO STRONG FOR DONEGAL MEN

Bangor Mens Hockey Club second team took centre stage at a blustery Ballykillare last Saturday afternoon, with the 1^st XI having no premier league fixture due to the interpro series in Cork. 

The seconds welcomed Raphoe seconds hoping to continue their recent good run in Corporate Coaching Junior League One.  However before the action, both teams held a minute silence in memory of Gareth Callender who played alongside many of the seconds players in recent times.  Cali was tireless, combative and competitive in the way he played hockey and it was with these sentiments that the players took to the pitch last Saturday.

Play was disjointed for the first 15 minutes or so of the contest, the visitors probably having the best of the action.  The deadlock was broken by the home side in the 21^st minute when following good work by first McIlhagga and then Stranaghan, Macafee scored from close in.  As the half wore on the home side were beginning to control possession better, Irwin instrumental in many of these probings, and penetrate the visitors defence.  5 minutes from the half it was 2-0, the McNaught-Stranaghan combination that has served the seconds so well the last 5 seasons or so, creating a goal from nothing.  Quick thinking from both players saw McNaught hit a quick free from the right side of the pitch, and his strike partner pulling away from his defensive marker to the top of the Raphoe circle.  Stranaghan controlled the pinpoint pass, and fired a dipping strike past the hapless Raphoe goalie.  As the skipper wheeled away in delight, the bewilderment on the faces of his team mates said it all – that was one for the scrap book which will be talked about for a few weeks to come.

The second half saw the predicted onslaught from the visitors but the Bangor side held firm.  Thompson was assured in his positioning and kicking, whilst Gowdy and Toogood were constantly thwarting the forays from the Raphoe side.  Going forward the seconds were playing some direct and passing hockey, and indeed numerous chances were created.  Clarke was revelling in his role on the right, constantly supported by the overlapping McMillen and Scales, and it was from this route that the home side had most joy.  McIlhagga was unlucky to be denied by the goalie, as was the rampaging Macafee, whilst Clarke ought to have done better when clean through.  The third goal eventually came 10 minutes from time, and it was Clarke who got it having been teed up by Macafee.  Raphoe did pull one back 4 minutes from the end when they were quickest to react from an initial shot that struck Thompson’s post.

All in all, a workmanlike victory from the seconds on an afternoon when every player dug deep to grind out a result.  The 3-1 victory the team gained in the end was the perfect result on a day when they were inspired by their former team mate and friend, Cali, who we will never forget.

Man of the match for the seconds was Ricky McMillen.  Many thanks to Timmy Campbell and Patrick McMillan for umpiring.

Team:  Thompson, Gowdy, Irwin, McNaught, Toogood, Macafee, Stranaghan, McCausland P., McNaught, Scales, McIlhagga, Clarke.