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Bangor 2nd's hosted Banbridge 3's, just a week after
knocking Bann's 4th XI side out of the McClements Cup.
Bangor started strongly, hitting the ground running with some good spells
early on. Neither team could find the killer touch in the opening phases,
but the match came alive at the 20 minute mark. Campbell, coming off the
bench, picked up a well-placed pass from Trimble, and found the bottom
right hand corner with a low drag, giving Bangor the advantage. The lead
was short-lived, as Bann equalised just 5 minutes later following a quick
counter attack.
Bangor responded swiftly, attacking with renewed vigour, until some
good work by Brennan and Stranaghan released McDowell at the top of the
circle, who made no mistake with a low finish. 2-1. Bangor continued to
find joy down the right hand side, and another flowing move culminated in
a reverse strike from Boyd, which was sheepishly deflected into the open
goal by McDowell for his brace, and a 3-1 lead for Bangor.
After half time, Bangor started where they had left off, as good work
by Gowdy released Stranaghan, running the length of the half before
astutely finding the bottom corner, despite the onrushing keeper. The game
then settled, as Bangor sensed victory, perhaps a little prematurely,
forcing some strong defending from Irwin and McCausland, who prevented
Bann from finding any way back into the game. Bangor missed several
chances to extend their lead, but Banbridge failed to find another way
past Thompson in goal, and the game finished 4-1 to Bangor.
Craig McDowell took the man of the match award for his 2 goal performance,
narrowly edging out McClelland for the second week running.
Thanks to Timmy Campbell and David Shields for umpiring. |