Bangor 3 v 1 Anndale
The “Mighty Fives” entertained Annadale 5ths on Saturday, in the hope of avenging their 6-1 defeat to ‘Dale earlier in the season.  It was a cagey start with the away side having a lot more possession and constantly putting pressure on the Bangor defence. With a back four of Mitchell, Kirkpatrick, Neill-McCready and Garland Bangor held off the onslaught.  Then the home side went on the counter attack and Ferguson played a neat 1 – 2 with Espey before forcing the ‘keeper to make a save off his chest.  The ball went over the ‘keeper and hit the post, but Ferguson followed it the whole way and smashed it in to make it 1-0.  This had a really negative effect on Annadale, and for the next 10 minutes they were poor.  Bangor tried to capitalise on this, and the midfield of Scott, Cook and Murray were outstanding.  Although Bangor were in the ascendancy, they could not manage another goal and it was 1-0 at half time.

      The second half was a fantastic encounter with plenty of end to end hockey being played.  Kirkpatrick tested the away keeper with a couple of hard hits from short corners but he was equal to them.  ‘Dale pushed forward, desperate for an equaliser and Bangor ‘keeper Russell made a decent save to deny them.  Then they won a short corner that was flicked into the right corner to level the match.  Bangor immediately tried to regain the lead and won a free on the edge of the circle.  It was taken quickly by Cook, but the umpire ordered a re-take.  Cook then pushed the ball to Hamill who swept the ball into the net to make it 2-1.  The home side were then reduced to 10 men when Murray was yellow carded for a strong tackle which the visiting umpire saw as a foul.  Annadale pushed for an equaliser and during a short corner Garland had to go off injured and was replaced by Reid.  At right back Reid was tricky and ‘Dale struggled to cope with him.  With 10 minutes left Bangor were under pressure but held on.  They even extended their lead when Scott cleared the ball from his own circle and found Ferguson, who beat the last defender before putting the ball over the diving ‘keeper and into the net to finish the game.

      3-1 the final score and a great result for the Fifths.  This means going into the new-year they have 20 points and are in a great position in the league.  Man of the Match was Paul Scott who was inspirational.  Thanks to Andrew McIlhagga for umpiring.