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Bangor 2 v 1 Raphoe |
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Well, well, well ! Sporting logic, perverse as
it is, would always have led to such a conclusion, but it is still
something of a delicious irony that the Fours reach a Cup final a mere 48
hours after hearing of their relegation to Junior League 4. It has been a
season of immense frustration. The hockey played has been deserving of
more, but an inability to prevent soft goals has cost D.Shields’ charges
dear as they now return to Junior League 4 after one season on higher
ground. The cup run merely serves to accentuate the sense of frustration, for the progress made has been at the expense of teams more favourably placed league wise. The semi final last Saturday, played at Ballykillaire, was against Raphoe 4thXl who play in Junior League 4. Perceived advantage in such situations is always an illusory companion, and indeed the 4thXl were a markedly different side from that which normally takes the field. As the BGS touring party to Bath included no less than 8 of the players who represent the fours, the enforced changes introduced yet another variable to proceedings. Truth be told, the match was somewhat of a dry affair. Bangor enjoyed considerable territorial advantage, created numerous chances but never really seemed to convert the possession into belief. Theirs was a crisp opening however, the Raphoe rearguard finding the pacey front trio of Harper, Ferguson and Wilson a handful. Short corners were earned, but Stranaghans shooting was not as decisive as usual and the keeper parried well. Harper came closest with a near post deflection whilst S.Parker and Wilson combined only for Parker to scoop narrowly wide. A goal did eventually come, Parker converting a half volley with aplomb following a cross from the left. At half time and in the early stages of the second period Bangor continued to press. R.Parker continued to orchestrate well in midfield, collecting frequently and almost invariably finding a Bangor player. Cooke and Harper used the inside channels well, their industry not always being matched by their visiting counterparts. Raphoe were by no means idle throughout all this. Admittedly, they tended to bypass midfield but there was sufficient intent amongst their forwards to keep Bangor alert. In both halves, Keeper Russell did well to anticipate threats, coming quickly off his line to steer the ball clear. Bangor ought to have added to their tally on a number of occasions. Parker was unfortunate with at least three efforts whilst Wilson lifted the ball wide after neat passing with Parker. And then, the suckerpunch. Profligacy does not pay and with 15 minutes left, Raphoe drew level, a speculative pass avoiding all to leave Russell deceived by the subtlest of touches from a lone forward. The Bangor riposte was immediate thankfully, Harper latching onto a pass into the circle to steer wide of the keeper. 2-1 at the finish then and a final to look forward to. The opponents will be Cookstown 4thXl who defeated Kilkeel 3rXl in the other semifinal – the match will be played at 4pm on Saturday 14th April at Stormont. Man of the Match – M.Coughlin Many thanks to Noel Wishart for umpiring not just on this occasion but throughout the season. |