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NICS 6 v 2 Bangor |
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Sport if nothing else is unpredictable,
thankfully. Three weeks ago the Fourths were floundering at the foot of
Junior League 3, seemingly unable to extricate themselves from a
metaphorical bed of treacle. Then, two wins in succession created some
semblance of momentum and nudged them closer to the teams above . Indeed,
not even a defeat at an efficient Annadale last week could douse their
renewed enthauiasm for the fray. And so to Stormont last Friday evening. A distinctly inclement Stormont at that. Ever accelerating gusts of wind were accompanied by frequent squalls of rain and, at one stage, a sheet of hail. NICS 4s have lain bottom of the league since October. However, it became immediately apparent that this was a different side in attitude to that which lost at Bangor. Their speed of movement and accuracy of pass belied their lowly position. True, the visitors were slow to respond. Bangor could not retain possession, their passing was all too often awry and the ball rarely passed the NICS 25 with any purpose. No surprise then that after 15 minutes, the home side enjoyed a two goal advantage. The first goal was a splendid strike. Breaking on the right, two quick passes found the centre forward advancing on the 25. McCready did well to shepherd him left and apparently away from the most dangerous area. But then, with a flick of the wrist , a reverse strike saw the ball fairly zip into the top right hand corner. Five minutes later, it was 2-0, a short corner switch eluding all and leaving McEvoy stranded. Indeed it might have been more. It should have been three but for the most alert of parries by McEvoy to his right. There then ensued a quite enthralling end to the half. Bangor, as if suddenly the recipients of a sprinkle of Xmas dust, found a groove. One sweeping move, emanating from Patterson at right half and involving Tweed, Halliday and Campbell, culminated in a Campbell cross being adroitly swept home by Wilson. Wilson indeed seemed to be in the throes of some inner turmoil, induced perhaps by the audacity of the home side in playing such purposeful hockey . His constant movement saw him follow up on a Coughlin shot to react first to the keepers initial save. 2-2 at half time. Bangor however were under no illusions as to the nature of the second half task ahead. Success was dependent on tight marking, speed of reaction and most importantly, quick dispatch of ball. The opening ten minutes were relatively even, Bangor following instructions reasonably well and seemingly oblivious to the wind which blew against them. Then , a counterattack from NICS. 3-2. Five minutes later it was 4-2. Coughlin, in clearing from a short, was somewhat harshly adjudged to have deliberately conceded another short. From the resultant corner NICS extended their lead. Bangor retaliated as best they could. Clear chances were at a premium. Campbell was unlucky with snap shot and McDowell surged through to force a good save from the home keeper. But as Bangor pressed so the opportunity for the counter was ever evident. In the last ten minutes, NICS capitalised on the space to add a further two goals, leaving the final score at 6-2. Man of the match ; M.Coughlin |