Bangor 4 v 2 Annadale

As of last Saturday, the fourths have started a minor trend but they must still beware. Three consecutive wins is no mean achievement at all given the fluctuating fortunes they have endured thus far this season. But two of those three wins have been in the cup and avoiding relegation is still a challenging task.

However, this was the third round of the cup competition and after a splendid win at Raphoe a fortnight ago, another stern task awaited at Ballykillaire last Saturday against Annadale and they were up to it running out 4-2 winners after being two goals adrift.

Having lost twice in the league to Annadale already, Bangor were anticipating another challenging contest. This focused the home side and in the early stages Bangor were the quicker to settle.

McCausland and Tweed provided impetus from midfield, often using the right as an outlet. Wilson, all buzz and bother as usual, was in immediate action, crossing to McIlhagga who shot narrowly wide. Then McIlhagga, having linked well with McDowell on the left, returned the compliment to Wilson, who had his effort from close range deflected wide by the goalkeeper.

Two Bangor penalty corners earned no reward either, and then, in true perverse sporting fashion, Annadale promptly progressed to the other end, earned a short corner and duly took the lead from their first meaningful shot. Five minutes later it was 2-0 to the visitors, ineffectual marking allowing one too many forward too much time from mid-circle.

At this stage, the visitors were very much in the ascendancy, only the sharp reactions of Russell in goals preventing Bangor from falling further behind.

Colourful verbiage accompanied the Bangor charges to their seats at half-time and suitably chastened by the admonitions of Mairs and Shields, Bangor fairly ripped into the fray at the beginning of the second half. Throughout  their play lacked the fluidity of previous weeks, but there was a will to win which saw the deficit reduced after 10 minutes.

Following a short corner shot from Stranaghan, McCausland was on hand to scoop home. Not long later, Harper, direct and dangerous as always, very adroitly swept home a well placed cross from Irvine.

Annadale did respond but they did not unduly trouble the Bangor goal whilst Douglas, McCready and Patterson were consistently anticipating passes to break down moves.

With 10 minutes remaining Bangor took the lead,  McCausland again nudging home from close range and to round of a quite stirring comeback. Tweed then deflected home a fourth goal from close range to confirm progress to the quarter final stages of the competition.

Man of the match was Graeme Patterson and many thanks to Chris Harte and Johnny McNaught for umpiring.