Banbridge 5 v 2 Bangor

Week on week, the fourths have not quite managed to deliver, despite some hard-working performances, but still they manfully take to the field with optimism for each match.

Banbridge head the Junior Four League table and had emerged victorious from the previous encounter at Ballykillaire earlier in the season. That was a ding-dong affair, characterised by fluent play, providing six goals and a just about deserved victory for the visitors.

Here, on a resplendent green surface, the home side were three to the good within 15 minutes. Their initial work was efficient rather then overwhelming but, just as in previous weeks, it was the generosity of Bangor which saw them suffer.

Twice, midfield surges were not covered and, as a consequence, forwards outnumbered defenders and McEvoy left exposed.

The third goal came courtesy of a short corner switch and, at this stage, on a pitch with more unpredictable bounce than sand filled astros, Bangor were in somewhat of a bind. As the half progressed they were able to consolidate somewhat, but did not manage to overtly threaten the opposing goal.

Three down at the break then and pride to play for, above all else. Wilson set the tone, harrying defenders to the point of distraction immediately from the restart and from the resultant short corner, Stranaghan drove ever so narrowly wide.

Five minutes later, Bangor had a lifeline. Irvine, busy throughout, linked with Tweed. A well disguised pass found Parker and a neat slip saw Campbell collect wide in the circle. His initial effort was parried and, as he collected again, the angle seemed many degrees too acute to produce anything, however, with considerable aplomb, he flicked across the keeper and the ball nestled in the far corner.

Two more short corners brought no reward but there was a more cohesive look to the visitors play. The right was proving a useful outlet, Patterson linking well with Irvine on a number of occasions. As Bangor pushed, however, they left themselves exposed on one too many occasion. Banbridge, breaking with considerable alacrity after Tognieri had shot from mid circle, restored the three goal advantage.

Five minutes late it was reduced again, Wilson swivelling astutely on a loose ball, before side-stepping a defender to shoot home. There then ensued a ten minute spell during which Banbridge appeared somewhat unnerved by the Bangor riposte, however, there was to be dramatic denouement. Just after Stranaghan flashed another short corner wide, Banbridge broke again to settle the issue.

Man of the Match – Nial McEvoy and many thanks to Peter Dornan and Philip Campbell for umpiring.