Newry 2 v 2 Bangor

Bangor began the game in a somewhat subdued fashion with the Newry dominating possession from the off. The majority of the first period saw Bangor on the back foot, with the state of the pitch playing havoc with some of the Bangor team’s basics. It was no surprise when mid way through the half Newry scored. In previous weeks this would have been enough to rile the Bangor team into a reaction, but on this occasion, there was none.  

As the half progressed, things went from bad to worse for the visitors as Newry continued to press and Bangor found it difficult to impose any pattern on the game. The first half drew to a close with Newry cementing their lead with a well-taken goal on the break. A long ball from defence saw Bangor caught out with their marking and the Newry forward had a simple chance to take them 2 in front at the break. 

After some lively debate and a number of personnel and positional changes during the half time break, Bangor finally roused themselves to compete with their hosts. The second half saw Bangor impose themselves on the game, to the extent that Newry barely threatened. The much-improved display saw Bangor cut the deficit through a Ryan Whiteside goal, after some good work down the left flank.  

The momentum was now with the visitors, and their resurgence was confirmed as McNaught drew the sides level with another assured finish, after more good work from McAllister. Bangor continued to press for what would have been an unexpected, and in some ways undeserved, victory, but the time was not on their side. The final whistle blew with Bangor relieved to leave with a hard fought point.  

The level of the performance, both individually and collectively, will need to vastly improve if Bangor are to defeat Instonians in the two up and coming fixtures, in the league and Junior Cup.  

Many thanks to Ryan Agnew for staying to umpire.