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Bangor entertained the league champions Annadale on
Saturday past at a
sun soaked Ballykillaire. After a great start to the league campaign
away to Mossley last weekend, Bangor expected a much tougher test
against the Belfast outfit, who had easily won the same fixture last
season.
Annadale enjoyed most of the possession through Smyth and Quigley in
the early stages of the game but created very little up front as
Bangor soaked up any pressure in their own half.
Morton and McClune had the first task of running the 'Shuttles' across
the pitch closing down the channels that the familiar Gareth Kidd,
back in Bangor in a 'Dale shirt, was looking to thread the ball
through to his forwards. McCafferty and McAfee also worked tirelessly
in these positions.
Bangor did create a couple of their own chances, one a break away from
an Annadale penalty corner but Morton could not capitalise on a chance
in the circle.
It looked as if the first half was destined to end scoreless until 5
minutes before the break. The Bangor defence had broke play down when
the faultless Harte got surrounded by 4 Annadale players losing
possession. The ball was squared to the dale forward who gave no
chance to Tormey in the Bangor Goal.
Half time 0-1
The second half started much the same as the first with Annadale
having most of the possession but creating few chances. The ever
commanding Reading, at the heart of the Bangor defence, along with
Bruce and Scales either side, kept the rotating 'Dale forwards at bay
with one exception. Ten minutes in and with the Bangor defence not
concentrating, a nothing cross was deflected in by the prolific
Hamilton for Annadale's second of the game.
This goal seemed to kickstart the Seasiders into action. Harte and
Dowie combined well in midfield with Campbell and McAuley, under
intense pressure from the league champions. As tackles flew in, a
yellow card sin bin brought the visitors down to ten men, although it
was after this period that Bangor really got themselves back into this
game. Harte found himself in space just over the halfway line and
used his skill and pace to break through the Dale midfield. He
bounced a pass to McClune on the edge of the circle who then found
Morton in space at the bye line. Morton then used the time and space
to find the sliding Harte who finished from close range. 1-2. It was
to be a nervy finish for the Carryduff side.
As the home side increased the pressure, midfield man Lappin, who had
already created chances for the Bangor forwards, was found unmarked
and with space in the circle. Unfortunately he saw his effort saved
by Moore in goal to deny Bangor their first point at home in the
league. The game ended 2-1 to Annadale.
Despite the defeat, it was a very encouraging performance from the
Bangor team and Coach McMinn will take plenty of positives from the
game. Bangor should have proved to a lot of people that they can
compete with the best sides in this league. Garvey at home next week
should be an equally enthralling game!
Many thanks to the home support - see you next Saturday!
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