Bangor 4ths 3 v 2 Kilkeel 3rds

Fourths Victorious Again.

Another two points. A further three goals. Four wins in succession. Yet there was no sense of inevitability about this at all. For the first time this season D.Shields charges met a team of equal ability and at least a similar level of intent. The opening exchanges at BallyKillaire were somewhat cagey. Wheras in previous weeks Bangor  had imposed their perspective on events, here Kilkeel Thirds had their their own opinion. Marshalled ably in midfield by veteran Russell, the visitors refused to allow Bangor space. Opportunities for free running were restricted and as a consequence the home sides play was characterised by over hasty passing and forays into too many cul-de-sacs.

Tweed was proving equal to the task of measuring up to his taller counterpart Russell but was unable to prompt moves as smoothly as in the opening fixtures. It was not that Kilkeel were imposing a tactical straightjacket , rather that were usually first to the tackle and first to capitalise on free space. Twice early on Smyth was required to clear smartly. Yet , it was Bangor who  opened the scoring. From deep on the right, the ball passed between Tweed, Cooke and Watterson before falling at the stick of Mairs. In one movement, Mairs , defying the logic of age equating to impaired reaction, swivelled and shot with accuracy and speed. It did not appear to be a difficult shot to deal with, yet no doubt the early release deceived the keeper, for his positioning was not quite right and he allowed the ball to squeeze under his pad.

Kilkeel, not too enamoured at this turn of event, responded with gusto. Their midfield prompting was creating openings and with 10 minutes of the half remaining they achieved deserved parity. A move on the left culminated in a shot which Smyth did well to parry, but he could not do little about the follow up.

At half time, captain Shields was a tad more demonstrative than in the opening matches. Quite correctly, he highlighted an unsettling sense of lethargy but even though chastened by his words, Bangor did not respond immediately. Indeed, it was the visitors who gained the advantage. A penalty stroke was awarded for the ball being illegally stopped on the line. Last week , Smyth had made a splendid save from a stroke in Raphoe , but here the technique was clinical and the ball then nestled in the goal. 2-1 to Kilkeel.

A bout of tactical ping-pong then ensued. Neither side was able to generate any moves of distinction but at least Bangor were holding the ball up with more conviction  . The introduction of Todd proved important as his ability to retain possession created space for others. Dornan, never profligate, was linking well with Mairs and Bangor did win three short corners in quick succession. Stranaghan is always on target in such circumstances and although the keeper parried on each occasion Bangor were awarded a penalty stroke. Tweed converted with aplomb . Bangor were by now earning more possession and the reintroduction of R.Parker and G.Wilson btought immediate. First, Wilson linked neatly with Mairs and Todd to carve an opening but the final ball was lacking. Then, from a move on the right Parker popped up to deflect home.

Kilkeel , still convinced there was something to be gained, responded with increased vigour.  Smyth was called upon on at least three occasions whilst Brennan , Mckee and Shields refused to concede . A 3-2 victory then, somewhat fortunate some might say but merited for obduracy if nothing else.

Man of the Match –Robbie Smyth

Many thanks to C.Harte, A.Titmus and A.Gowdy for umpiring