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On
Saturday Bangor fourths welcomed a strong Instonians side to Ballykillaire
in a top of the table clash with Bangor captain David Shields laying out
the importance of the match in the context of the season to his team and
to their credit everyone responded magnificently. After a hard fought
encounter Bangor ran out 5-1 winners.
After a slow start the first chance of the match was created when Cook and
Brennan combined to release Campbell on the right but he was unable to get
past the final defender. Play at this time was confined chiefly to the
middle of the pitch with both sides looking to create an opening for their
attackers.
At this point Bangor were attacking down both flanks and the pace of the
Bangor forwards was beginning to pay dividends. A good move on the left,
started by Harper, was played through midfield and again Watterson was
released one-on-one with the goalkeeper but again failed to find the
target.
The second half started with Bangor again urged to continue to play to the
game plan and move the ball at pace. Within five minutes of the restart
Bangor took the lead with a sweeping move from defence to attack. Brennan
found Harper on the left who was again having a terrific game and after
beating his man played a 30 yard pass to Watterson who swept the ball
first time past the goalkeeper to give Bangor the lead.
Within three minutes the same player had doubled both his and Bangor's
tally when he put home a rebound after great work by Parker, Brennan and
Cox on the right. Bangor were now rampant with chances being created as
Instonians could not match the pace and passion of the Bangor players.
Watterson completed his hat-trick when another sweeping move from defence
through the midfield resulted in the ball arriving on the right side of
the circle where the ball was then swept to the opposite side of the goal
where Watterson applied the finishing touch. Play was now concentrated in
the Instonians half and it was no surprise when Watterson added his and
Bangor’s fourth.
Instonians had no answer to the Bangor play and their keeper made three
point blank saves from both Harper and Stranaghan to keep the score line
4-0.
To their credit Instonians kept trying to play their trademark hockey and
Stewart in the Bangor goal was thwarting all their attempts to score with
a couple of good saves at penalty corners. Finally, they did score was a
corner was flicked past Stewart although he managed to get his hand to the
ball but could not prevent it from entering the net.
Undeterred Bangor immediately attacked again down the left and a good
cross from Brennan resulted in Kelly firing to complete the scoring.
An absolutely great win and the manner and style of play bodes well for
the future. In terms of the league this now consolidates the team's
position at the top but it is imperative that they continue to focus on
each game and not become complacent. Great credit must also be paid to the
Instonians team who played their full part in an excellent game played in
a great spirit.
Man of the Match goes to Glenn Watterson for his four goal tally. However,
there were excellent performances in all areas of the pitch and this
resulted in the best team performance of the season to date. Next week the
team travel to play South Antrim and another similar performance will be
required. Thanks to Andrew Gowdy for umpiring.
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