Bangor Mens Hockey Club thirds entertained Annadale thirds at Bangor Sportsplex last Saturday afternoon in a Corporate Coaching Junior League Two clash.  It proved to be an entertaining contest, but the visitors were just too strong in the end, running out victors thanks to a 3-1 scoreline. 
 

The thirds were a little lacklustre at the beginning, and young goalkeeper Ryan Cherry was called upon to make some good saves in this opening period as Annadale dominated.  However as the match progressed the home side did begin to impose themselves, and indeed their goalkeeper was equally as alert as he saved well from efforts by Gareth Stranaghan and Andy McCausland following some flowing quick passing attacks.  Unfortunately it was just before the half time whistle when the deadlock was broken, and it was Annadale who took the lead when one of their forwards swept home from mid circle. 
 

The second period ebbed and flowed from end to end, and both sides played their part.  There was only 10 minutes left when Annadale grabbed a second, and ironically it came from a Bangor attack as possession was given away.  At that stage the points looked safe for the visitors, but within a minute the thirds had pulled one back when a rampaging run from Michael Coughlin was rewarded when he slipped to Andrew McIlhagga who applied a clinical finish.  The home side then thought they had an equaliser when Coughlin swivelled mid circle, and his goalbound effort was thwarted a yard from the line by an Annadale defender’s stick.  It was the visitors that had the final say when the experienced Kenny Morris scored one of his trademark strikes a minute from time. 
 

All in all it was a better performance from the thirds despite the defeat.  Hopefully this level can be maintained and the team can gain some vital league points in the next couple of games before the Christmas break.  Many thanks to Timmy Campbell for umpiring duties.