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At Ballykillaire on
Friday last, Bangor fourths participated in a veritable humdinger of a
match in which momemtum swang often and violently, and in which the
defining characteristic was luck.
The visitors Banbridge fourths enjoyed theirs in extremis whilst hosts
Bangor would rather have cursed theirs as they finished on the wrong side
of a 4-2 result.
Early on, the pattern of play did not indicate such an endgame. Banbridge
were the more efficient in passing and movement, their ping pong passing
causing the home defence not inconsiderable difficulties. Russell in the
Bangor goal was called upon twice to deflect short corners before the
visitors took the lead with a well constructed goal.
Yet, as the half progressed, Bangor began to exert their own influence.
The industry of the midfield trio of Cooke, Scott and Irwin paid
dividends, their constant harrying forcing their opponents into errors.
The left provided the most fruitful channel at this stage, Irwin linking
well with Campbell and Wilson to create space and half chances.
Indeed, the match had developed into an intriguing affair, made all the
more interesting by rapier like strikes from the home side. Two in two
minutes, no less. First, Patterson linked with Scott, them Cooke, before
crossing from the by-line. Campbell, collecting with his back to goal
seemed to have no direct shot but, in one movement, swivelled and shot low
into the corner of the goal from the reverse side.
And then, with practically their next foray, Bangor made it 2-0. A burst
from Scott earned a free on the 25. Ferguson's drive into the circle was
greeted by the outstretched stick of Scott and the ball fairly whizzed
into the right hand to corner.
Banbridge were to draw level at the most opportune of times. As the
umpire drew his whistle to his lips, a neat move on the right released a
Bann forward at the head of the circle. His shot was strong and true, 2-2
And so it continued. The play was end to end, with Banbridge the more
fluent but Bangor displaying an obduracy in defence which at times also
prompted meaningful attacks.
Douglas, Kirkpatrick and Ferguson were now displaying a strong degree of
defensive unity. Russell was being called into action but he kicked well
and managed to divert danger from a clutch of short corners. And then,
some more ill fortune. A Bann break on the left, an attacker shepherded to
apparent safety close to the by-line at the point where by-line meets
circle.
Next, a speculative shot ? Or perhaps a cross ? Whatever the intention the
ball skidded along the line, avoided the outstretched leg of Russell and
nestled at the base of the post, just over the line.
Five minutes later it was 4-2, a short corner move finally earning reward.
Piqued at this turn of events, Bangor responded with renewed gusto. But
for all their endeavour, a combination of solid defence and poor finishing
, ensured that could not reduce the deficit. A fine game, a promising
Bangor performance and, ultimately, a fair result.
Man of the match was Dale Kirkpatrick and many thanks to Timmy Campbell
for umpiring.
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