Kilkeel 3rds 3 v 1 Bangor 4ths

Bangor 4ths travelled to Kilkeel 3rds last Saturday to contest the Junior 4 league title. The two sides sit proudly at the top of the table and the Bangor side were certainly relishing the opportunity to avenge their earlier cup defeat to Kilkeel. After a closely fought game, tarnished by some inept umpiring, Kilkeel emerged victorious by 3-1.

The game started with Kilkeel attacking the Bangor circle but all attempts to breach the Bangor defence were repelled by good sound defensive work especially McEvoy in goal who made a great reflex save in the initial phase of play. Both sides were competing strongly in midfield in an effort to gain a foothold in the game. Play swung from end to end although at this point Bangor were not creating enough problems for the Kilkeel defence due in part to their poor passing in the final third of the pitch. Kilkeel took the lead when Stevenson was caught in possession on the ball and his attempted pass was intercepted by the Kilkeel centre forward who passed for his colleague to slot home. Undeterred Bangor attempted to restore parity before half time but were continually frustrated by a combination of their disjointed play and the match being continually stopped by the umpires whistle. Just before half time Bangor won their only short corner of the entire game but the attempted shot was blocked by the Kilkeel defender.

At half time Bangor captain Shields demanded more effort from his side in an attempt to increase the pace of the game. To their credit Bangor responded magnificently and for the first 15 minutes of the second half Bangor put Kilkeel under tremendous pressure with the midfield trio of Parker, Scott and Murray moving the ball quickly to their attackers. Unfortunately Murray had to go off injured and was replaced by Cook. He made an immediate impact when he broke down the left wing and found Harper who coolly slotted the ball into the Kilkeel goal to restore parity. Bangor were now clearly in the ascendancy and were the more likely team to win. The game changed when Shields’s attempted pass was intercepted and despite a valiant effort McEvoy was left stranded in the Bangor goal. Bangor though continued to force the pace and the game took an unsavoury turn when Harper dispossessed Russell and after evading another tackle play was brought back for no reason. This incensed the Bangor players and after Shields tried to calm his side he was harshly yellowed carded for questioning the decision. Despite playing with ten men Bangor never dropped their heads and fought gallantly. The scoring was complete when Kilkeel broke away and rounded McEvoy to make the score 3-1.

A disappointing result when you consider that these two teams have worked extremely hard all year in an effort to gain promotion. However, Bangor must now concentrate on winning both of their two remaining games to put pressure on Kilkeel. Make no mistake the title is still there to be won and the possibility of a play off remains a distinct possibility.

Finally, thank you to all the players who showed remarkable restraint on Saturday and to young David Stewart for travelling and umpiring with aplomb.

MOM Ricky Parker.