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Bangor fifths had an eventful
journey to Ballymoney to play Portrush in a fixture that the league
leaders lost last season, but not this time when they returned with a 4-2
win.
After having some decent early possession and testing Gordon the Goalie
the fifths found themselves 2-0 down, the first goal coming from a quick
short corner, and the second a goalmouth scramble after some good work
from Portrush playmaker Ricky McKinnon.
The feeling of deja-vu didn't have long to sink in as on the half hour
Harper scored his twentieth goal for the fifths this season, hammering
into the bottom right of the goal after being set up by Murray. Soon after
Gerry Hamill had an equaliser disallowed after a neat finish.
Bangor had much more pressure before half time, but unable to make use of
the short corners they were winning, McKinnon breaking down the routine
with determined running out.
The fifths were 2-1 down at half time but there was a feeling that they
could actually grab a result on the bumpy gravel as the side stepped out
for the second half, ready to pick up where they had left off.
After the midfield battle of McKinnon v Scott was cooled by the umpire,
Hamill had his second goal of the match disallowed, the whistle going just
before he nutmegged the keeper with another good finish.
Then the defence were tested, McEvoy making several crucial saves,
Kirkpatrick and Stevenson making well-timed tackles also. Whilst McCready
and Neill-McCready were good outlets to the Bangor midfield.
From a short corner the ball was neatly switched to Harper who dribbled
across the keepers stick side and on the reverse flicked in the equaliser,
game on.
Portrush looked nervy after that and rightly so, Harper grabbing his
hat-trick with a reverse sweep after good work from Douglas and Scott in
the Midfield.
Bangor were creating chances and Togneri and Reid were unlucky not to get
on the score sheet after a few decent goal scoring opportunities.
As the home side saw the two points slip away Harper compounded Ports
misery grabbing his forth deflecting in a Hamill effort.
A fantastic win that means the fifths train keeps on rollin'. Man of the
match was a close call between Allan and Paul. |