Raphoe 3 v 2 Bangor

Bangor took the lead after ten minutes after skilful stick work from Dave McClune allowed Gareth Stranghan to push the ball past the stranded home ‘keeper.  Bangor’s Luke Brennan was finding plenty of space on the right wing and was the orchestrated many of Bangor’s attacks.  As the half drew to a close the Raphoe forwards wasted a couple of good scoring opportunities on the counterattack.   
 

Half Time 0-1. 
 

After words of encouragement from skipper, Allen Irwin, Bangor knew the second half would be all too different story and that their discipline would be tested to the maximum. Only five minutes into the second half and Raphoe were awarded a penalty corner after an innocuous challenge near the corner flag.  Despite Bangor’s protests the corner was awarded and gleefully converted after a wicked deflection beat Thompson in the Bangor goal. 
 

This prompted Bangor into attack and it took an individual run from Ryan Whiteside to put Bangor back into the lead.  Whiteside’s jinking run finished when he flicked the ball over the advancing ‘keeper into the vacant Raphoe goal.  Another dubious penalty corner was awarded to Raphoe after the ball hit a Bangor body on the 25 yard line.  Again Raphoe converted after a set play variation. 
 

As Bangor frustrations began to grow with the umpiring decisions, they were reduced to 10 men to the surprise of both teams.  With an extra man advantage Raphoe scored a break way goal late on to snatch the victory.   Bangor can feel aggrieved with some of the decision making however, they have the chance to make amends when they face Newry at Ballykiliare this Saturday afternoon. 

Man of the Match – Luke Brennan.