Bangor battled back from a goal down in atrocious conditions to snatch a draw against fellow Premier League strugglers Mossley at the weekend.

With many games called off because of the severe wet weather it was a tribute to the facilities at the Glade and the players that this match went the distance. Both teams were fully tested by the wind and rain but they actually managed to provide a reasonably entertaining 1-1 draw for the very few people who braved the conditions to watch.

The point earned puts further distance between Bangor and the bottom side Raphoe and they are now just a point below Mossley. It was always going to be a big game for coach Harry McNeill, returning to his former club and he looked satisfied with a share of the spoils come full time.

Bangor started much the brighter and dominated the early exchanges with the returning Chris Campbell leading the charge. And they should have taken the lead with just five minutes on the clock when a swift sequence of passes left Gareth Morton with a simple chance but he slipped just as he was about to put the play the ball into the net.

It was to be quite some time before Bangor created another chance and as the half wore on Mossley improved. So much so that after winning a few penalty corners they took the lead. The conditions made pushing the ball out all but impossible and understandably their routine broke down but as the ball was played back into the circle it was allowed to travel all the way to the back post and Andrew Coulter had a simple tap-in to give Mossley the lead.

Credit to Bangor, they took their medicine and came out intent on getting back into the game in the second period. Time and again they pressed forward, particularly on the right flank, and the pressure began to tell on the home defence. A handful of penalty corners went unconverted but as their confidence grew it looked more and more like they could find a way back into the game.

And it was no surprise that when they did it involved Campbell and his midfield colleague Michael Harte. They stole the ball in the Mossley half and again a few quick passes saw them cut through Mossley and set up Michael Manogue at the back post for the all important equaliser. There was perhaps a lesson in this - when Bangor transfer the ball quickly in the opponents 25 yard area they are a match for anyone in the Premier League. More of it and they will find climbing the league table a lot easier.

Mossley rallied in the closing stages and did come close to taking the lead again a couple of time. As they have many times over the years, Bangor had veteran goalkeeper John Tormey to thank for making several sharp saves and guaranteeing that a hard afternoon's work was rewarded by a point.

Still, a point is not going to turn a season and Bangor must build upon it by grabbing all three against North Down this weekend. The Comber side have also had an up and down campaign so far and the winner on Saturday will pull away from bottom club Raphoe.

 

 

Written by Simon Hunter