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Seven games into
the season a 2-1 defeat against Portadown leaves the fourths aspirations
at a distinctly lower level than they might have been after gaining
promotion last year.
With only two points from a possible 14, survival now represents success.
There were substantial personnel changes, only two of the previous weeks
line up travelling to Portadown. Yet this did not seem to unduly affect
their play in the early exchanges. The home side were the more fluent ,
their passing short and precise and their movement quick. Yet Bangor kept
a reasonable shape in defence and when the opportunity arose they moved
forward with reasonable intent.
As the half progressed it was Portadown who exerted the more overt
pressure, creating a number of shooting opportunities. Russell in the
Bangor goal was in quite splendid form, however, displaying considerable
reaction speed in dealing with accurate shots. Dornan, appearing, somewhat
unusually it must be said, at right back, was obdurate in defence of his
line. Indeed, his overall performance was characterised by two goal line
clearances, one in either half.
Bangor did contribute meaningfully to proceedings. They had a speedy
outlet in Murray, who was oft prompted by Cook on the right. Twice Wilson
created space for an incisive pass. From the first Murray shot narrowly
over. The second move culminated in a goal. Scott, industrious throughout,
made good progress along the left line. Cutting inside, he slipped inside
to Wilson. Wilson then snapped forward to the right of the circle before
threading an astute reverse pass into the path of Murray. The keeper
parried Murray's initial shot but the ball fell kindly and he prodded
home.
A key determinant of success in the second half would be the ability of
Bangor to withstand the inevitable home riposte in the opening exchanges.
As Portadown pressed so Bangor did consolidate, their defensive shape much
more noticeable than before. Stevenson, Reid and Garland were faced with a
constant flow of home attack yet dealt relatively comfortably with all
comers.
Just as the concerted home pressure began to abate, Bangor conceded. A
cross from the right found a too easy path to the back post and the
Portadown forward had a simple conversion, making it 1-1.
It was the home side who had the momentum now, and they continued to push
and with ten minutes remaining they earned their reward. Russell did very
well to block one shot but the follow up resulted in the ball hitting a
Bangor foot. Penalty stroke. This was duly converted and although Dornan
had a short corner effort taken off the post in the dying seconds, the
points drifted away with the late autumn light.
Man of the match was Mark Russell and a word too for debutant Watson, who
battled gamely throughout.
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