The brief morning rain had passed through and a venue well known for its Ballymacormick-like winds was benign and decidedly sunny.  Kilkeel took first use of the sun and had slightly the better of the opening exchanges.  It required one smart save from John Tormey and a timely last gasp tackle from Simon Scales to deny the visitors a couple of chances.  Bangor were making good use of the “autopass” rule but if their minds were quite sharp the disjointed nature of the pre-season showed in a lack of physical sharpness.  That said the only Short Corner of the entire first half came to the “home” team when Dave Edwards’ ball control forced an error; alas the push out “imploded” and the opportunity had passed by.

 

After the break play gradually began to open; Kilkeel have some very speedy players and it required the Bangor rearguard of Reading, McLean, Gowdy, Scales and Trimble to be alert to snuff out some of their attacks.  Once again Tormey came to the rescue when space did open up for a moment in the circle.  Having been reduced to 10 men for a short period, but survived without significant alarm, Bangor entered the last quarter with renewed confidence.  By now Harte and Lappin’s  distribution was opening holes in the defence while the runs of Campbell and Morton, in particular, were  threatening to create shooting chances.

 

Two more short corners were forced (Kilkeel did not gain one at all) and though the first was botched Reading’s effort from the second was deflected just wide.  With 10 minutes to go Bangor broke the deadlock; several players combined in a tight area to work the ball into the circle on the right  but the incisive move came from Chris Campbell and he completed the job by rifling the ball to the net.  As Kilkeel pushed forward for an equaliser to keep their section hopes alive Bangor’s counter-attacks became all the more dangerous.  After a series of attacks and a couple of fine blocks by their keeper Gareth Morton closed the deal by replicating Campbell’s earlier effort and the win was secured.

 

Now it’s off to Shaw’s Bridge to face Instonians; it must be emphasised that this is an AWAY match and the Old Boys will be bursting for a win.  Having drawn with Kilkeel they know no other result will do; however Bangor will also be aware that there is much work to be done of fitness this week if they are to sign up for yet another of those “super Sunday” dates.

 

SQUAD; Tormey; Gowdy, Trimble, Scales, McLean, Reading (Capt.), Campbell, Harte, Lappin; Mottashaw, Edwards, Morton, McClune, McDowell.

 

 

Written by Chris Harte