Bangor 2^nd XI completed a league double over Annadale 2^nd XI on Saturday at a Ballykiliare Sports Centre.  The 3-2 win last Saturday followed their 4-3 victory at Loch Moss at the beginning of the season. 

The beginning of the first half saw controlled flowing hockey from the visitors with the home side struggling to find their form with many passes going astray or to opposition sticks. 

It took 20 minutes into the match before the Bangor side regained their composure and began to apply meaningful pressure to the Annadale defence. 

However, it was Annadale who broke the dead lock with a counter attack.  A long ball out off defence saw the Dale forward finish well. 

As with recent weeks Bangor have found themselves adopting a reactive approach rather than proactive.  The Bangor defence of Macalister, McCausland, Irwin & Gowdy worked tirelessly throughout the first half with a few too many last ditch tackles having to be made. 

As the half drew to a conclusion Bangor squandered two excellent scoring opportunities, failing to test the ‘keeper on both occasions. 

Half Time 0-1. 

After the skipper’s encouraging words during the interval Bangor equalised almost immediately after the restart.  Excellent stick skills from James Browne in the Annadale circle resulted in a penalty corner.  Andrew Gowdy stepped up and converted the set play - flicking the ball with pace into the goal past the helpless Dale ‘keeper. 

With renewed confidence Bangor pressed forward in search of their second goal.  The midfield trio of Trimble, Fleming and Macafee were linking well with the front three of McNaught, Browne and Whiteside – who were constantly stretching the visitors back line and forcing errors from defenders. 

A period of sustained pressure on the Annadale backline resulted in another penalty corner being awarded to Bangor.  The Dale ‘keeper could only parry Gowdy’s flick and Whiteside joyfully slotted home from one yard out. 

Another counter attack from Annadale together with neat interplay from their forwards resulted in Bangor conceding a penalty corner.  Gareth McKeown restored parity after his shot on goal was aided by horrible bobble over the undulating surface leaving the Bangor defence powerless. 

As the second half drew to a conclusion, Johnny McNaught grabbed Bangor’s winner after a James Browne cross found him unmarked in the ‘Dale circle.  McNaught powered the ball through the ‘keeper to give Bangor their well deserved victory. 

Man of the Match – Jervis Fleming 

Many Thanks to Bill Gowdy and Andrew Walker for umpiring.