Initially, Bangor seemed to have maintained the same buoyant momentum of previous weeks. They passed accurately and with reasonable speed. However, whereas early goals in the aforementioned matches confirmed early territorial advantage, here there was no such succour to be had. True, chances were created. Stranaghan struck two short corners with his usual vigour and Wilson shot across goal from a pass from Campbell.  

The visiting keeper was athletic in his defence of the line but Bangors main problem was their lack of cutting edge. Whilst their play was efficient, and at times pleasing on the eye between the too 25s, there was a lack of genuine incisiveness in the final third. This was not just due to lack of bite in front of goal nor the physical histrionics of the visiting keeper. There was also the issue of distribution. Where there was an errant pass, Annadale were quick to capitalise. In sharp, sweeping passing moves they were admirably quick in putting the Bangor rearguard on the back foot. Twice before the opening goal, there were occasions when forwards outnumbered defenders. McEvoy in goal was called upon to kick clear and on toe noteworthy occasions, did very well to deflect clear. 

However, the goal did come and from a predictable source. Bangor conceded possession in the last third. Annadale broke with alarming alacrity and that was that . 1-0 at the break. The half time exhortations of Messrs Shields and Mairs were measured and instructive, although not imbued, understandably, with as much festive cheer as they might have been. The visitors ,they reasoned, were relatively content to sit and wait for the Bangor attack before countering courtesy of the all too frequent errant pass. Eliminate the casual error and parity was possible, if not more. 

So, in bullish mood , Bangor started the second period with renewed gusto. Tweed, Halliday and Irvine were much tighter in possession and Bangor held the territorial advantage. But against more proficient teams, clear cut chances come at a premium.

One did arrive. Halliday collected on the 25 and burst purposefully into the circle. He fired to the back post where Campbell had taken up the optimum position. Alas, the ball came off his stick and into the side netting. Stranaghan had two further short corner efforts but the Dale keeper was not to be beaten, one save low to his right deserving of particular note. 

And then with but five minutes remaining the visitors scored the second decisive goal, again, from a breakaway. 2-0 at the close then. Not so happy a hockey Xmas for the 4s after all. 

Man of the Match – M.Neil-McCreedy

Many thanks to Noel Wishart, Michael Coughlin and Andrew McIlhagga for umpiring.