Down 2 v 3 Bangor

In a match where Bangor were expected to win and Down had nothing to lose, the pressure was on.  This pressure told as Bangor look ragged at the back for much of the first half with little communication and marking.  

Bangor did take the lead after ten minutes through a sublime piece of skill by Dave McCune deflecting a cross from the right past the stranded ‘keeper.  Bangor struggled to play their normal flowing hockey and failed to capitalise on scoring opportunities. 

After the introduction of Jonny Boyd, who has joined the Club this season, Bangor began to find their form going forward, especially down the right hand side where Whiteside proved more than a handful for his opposite number.   Ten minutes before half time Whiteside got his just rewards, slipping the ball past the ‘keeper after a good individual run. 

The half ended 2-0 and stern words from Captain Irwin certainly livened up the mood in the Bangor camp.  

Bangor dominated the first 10 minutes of the second half but could not beat the Down ‘keeper.  A lapse in concentration saw Bangor concede a short corner with the direct shot finding it’s way into the Bangor net. 

Bangor were lacking that magical spark that they needed to kill the game off but still had the better of the play and were creating chances. 

A spirited Down soon grabbed their second goal.  The goal scored from a narrow angle after scrappy play in Bangor’s circle. 

As the game headed towards extra-time, Whiteside secured the win with his second of the match.  A well-struck shot into the bottom corner of the goal to ensure the final score 3-2. 

A poor performance from the 2^nd XI, although they are through to the next round of Irish Junior Cup were they will take on Instonian’s 2^nd XI at Ballykilliare on 25^th November.