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After a hard fought win against Harlequins, Bangor 4s hosted 2nd from
bottom PSNI at Ballykillaire hoping for another 2 points to push within
touching distance of 3rd place in the league.
Bangor started the game with high hopes of victory, but as with the
previous game against Harlequins Bangor struggled early on. Bangors
defence of Douglas, Patterson, Kirkpatrick and Cook were kept under
pressure by the PSNI forward line and Thompson was called on to make a
number of good saves. PSNI deservedly broke the deadlock midway through
the first half, capitalising on Bangor’s inability to hold on to the ball
and some poor marking.
Bangor rarely threatened in the first half, a combination of inaccurate
and poorly timed passing summed up the first half
The half time break gave the team an opportunity for Irvine and coach
Shields to reorganise and lift the team. Cook moved into midfield with
Coughlin and Mottashaw coming on at the back. Bangor started the second
half with a lot more determination, the midfield of Irvine, Scott, Snodden
and Cook began to get into the game and find the forwards Parker and
Eccles in better positions.
Bangor gained a number of short corners in the second half Mottashaw just
missing the right hand post with a trademark drag flick and Snooden making
the keeper make a good save. Bangor were back on level terms mid way
through he second half Patterson dispossessed the PSNI right winger and
found Mottashaw on the right wing in plenty of space, a fine pass found
Scott in the circle and he made no mistake with the finish.
Bangor continued to push for the winner and as a result PSNI were able to
play some good counter-attacking hockey. Despite Bangor’s best efforts the
final ball continued to let the side down.
Final score was 1-1. This was probably Bangor’s worst performance of the
season and much improvement will be needed in the next game against
Portadown away. Man of the Match was Graeme Patterson
Many thanks to Andrew McIlhagga for umpiring. |