Kilkeel 2 v 3 Bangor
Bangor have secured their place in the semi-finals of the Anderson Cup following a determined 3-2 way to Kilkeel last weekend.
The Mourne men are always extremely tough opponents at home and Saturday's game proved no exception with Bangor having to come from behind to book their place in the February 25 Super Sunday at Havelock Pak, Banbridge.
On one of the coldest days of the year both sides made a predictably slow start and chances were at a premium in the opening exchanges.
Bangor forced an early corner that came to nothing but then from their first such award Kilkeel took the lead. From a variation William Annett was allowed far too much time in front of goalkeeper John Tormey and he flicked the ball up before half-volleying it into the goal.
This stirred Bangor into action and after a strong Chris Campbell run they won a penalty corner. Despite the corner routine going a little off-plan the ball squirted out at the back post for Dowie Holley and he gratefully tucked away the chance to level the scores.
There was very little action in the remainder of the first period but following half-time the game, if not the weather really heated up. A rousing team talk from coach Stephen Jackson ensured Bangor were fully aware of what was needed to seal a semi-final place and they played more like the team who had beaten Kilkeel 6-2 earlier in the season.
Just 12 minutes into the second half Bangor took the lead for the first time in the game when, again after Campbell won the award, Adam Reading stepped up and converted a text book penalty corner.
However, it didn't take Kilkeel long to strike back and after they were allowed to escape from defence too easily three passes took them the length of the field and Annett grabbed his second with a full-length diving reverse stick shot.
With the game capable of going either way Reading once again took responsibility and buried his side's next penalty corner into the bottom left leaving the Kilkeel goalkeeper with no chance.
In the closing 15 minutes Bangor's superior fitness and technical ability began to shine through and they could have scored several more but for some shoddy finishing. the chief culprit was Simon Hunter, who could have had a hattrick if he had brought his shooting boots. His first effort clipped the outside of the post with the goalkeeper stranded and the next two attempts got progressively wider of the target.
Ryan Whiteside, after good work from Holley, also nearly stretched Bangor's lead but was stopped by a goal-line clearance.
Instead Bangor had to make do with a 3-2 win, which was possibly more comfortable than the scoreline suggested in the later stages, and the certainty of a semi final place.
This week they face Instonians at home, who might just be their opponents on Super Sunday next month.