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Bangor fourths
played Annadale on Saturday and were beaten 1-0 in a closely fought
contest.
A disappointing result given that they probably had the better chances and
missed a stroke near the end that would have at least rescued a point.
The game began at a fast pace which suited Bangor as they had a number of
the schoolboys playing who had travelled back from Banbridge where they
had played earlier in the morning. Play swung from end to end with both
teams looking to assert their authority in midfield.
Bangor keeper Russell, making his debut for the fourths, was the first
keeper tested when he made a smart save at the top of the circle. Bangor
then ran the length of the pitch and Harper tested the Annadale keeper
with a snap shot that resulted in a long corner.
Play was still confined to midfield and Scott, another debutant, was
competing well and breaking up the Annadale efforts to break quickly on
the counter attack. Bangor began to establish some control and from their
first and only corner Stranaghan's effort was cleared off the line.
Both teams continued to search for the crucial break through but the
goalkeepers were playing extremely well and just before half-time Bangor
had a great chance to score when good link up play between Campbell and
Harper resulted in a chance for the latter but another excellent save kept
the scoreline goalless at half-time.
The second half began with Annadale pressing hard but the Bangor defence
coped with everything competently. From a quick break Russell was again
called to thwart the danger at the top of the circle. Bangor then began to
exert pressure of their own with the introduction of McIlhagga.
Play then swung to the Bangor end and Russell again made a fine save to
thwart the Annaale attackers. However, 15 minutes from time the deadlock
was broken when an Annadale attacker fired high into the net passed the
gallant Russell.
Undeterred Bangor pressed forward in search of the equaliser and were
unlucky when a good attack between Murray, Campbell, McIlhagga and Harper
was again denied by the Annadale keeper. Annadale then had the chance to
wrap the game up but an outstanding flying save from Russell kept Bangor
in the game.
Both teams continued to attack and Bangor eventually got the opportunity
to equalise when Harper's effort was stopped illegally on the line.
McAllister stepped forward to take the penalty stroke but his effort high
to the goalkeeper's left was well saved.
A closely fought match and whilst disappointing to lose Bangor travel to
Kilkeel to play their rivals potentially for the league title next
Saturday. The team should not require any motivation for this fixture
especially after they lost 6-1 in the cup.
Finally a big thank you to all the debutants who played their first game
on Saturday for the fourths and did themselves and the club proud. Man of
the match was Mark Russell and thanks to Timmy Campbell for umpiring.
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