North Down 3rds 2 v 6 Bangor 4ths

GREAT START FOR 4THS

The 4thXIs first competitive match of the season resulted in a resounding 6-2 victory over local rivals North Down 3rds. It was especially encouraging to report that the pre match discussion regarding the retention of the ball was adhered to resulting in long periods of the game being controlled by the Bangor team.

The match started at a fast pace due to the extremely young North Down side and for the first 10 minutes Bangor struggled to exert any control over the game. However, the first real scoring opportunity fell to Watterson but he was unable to connect and the chance was missed. However after some controlled play from the Bangor midfield, a further chance fell to Watterson, who calmly tucked the ball into the corner past the advancing ‘keeper.

Instead of consolidating the lead Bangor disappointingly immediately conceded within 30 seconds and parity was restored. However, to the team’s credit they picked up the pace of play and a trademark Stranaghan short corner strike restored the lead and just before the break Watterson added his second and Bangor’s third.

The team started the second half again on the attack and Mairs who was playing well received an injury and had to be substituted. This appeared to spur Bangor on and they scored their fourth goal through Ferguson after good work from the Bangor midfield. At this point Bangor were playing extremely well and the passing and movement was excellent and North Down were becoming frustrated and it was no surprise when the fifth goal was scored by Watterson to complete his hat trick after good work from Wilson who as always was quick and elusive in attack.

North Down managed to score a short corner to reduce the deficit but Bangor completed the scoring with the best goal of the game when a move started in defence by Stranaghan and Brennan was played through midfield and was clinically finished by Ferguson.

Overall an excellent start to the season and the passing and ball retention was the key to the success. No man of the match was selected due to the overall team performance and another performance of this quality next week will be required against Portrush.