Junior League 1 : Bangor 0 v 1 Cork C of I

SECONDS CRASH OUT OF IRISH JUNIOR CUP

Bangor seconds were sent tumbling out of this season’s Irish Junior Cup last Saturday afternoon at Bangor Sportsplex when they went down by a solitary goal to a youthful and talented Cork Church of Ireland second string. 
 

This was an absorbing contest throughout, but the home side were left kicking themselves as they were unable to make a breakthrough having created the best of the opportunities.  Indeed, the Bangor side began with real purpose, and buoyed by the inclusion of returning students Kirk and Cooper, dominated the opening exchanges.  The first chance fell to Stranaghan from the opening penalty corner award, but he was unable to convert.  Soon after, Boyd went on a rampaging run from midfield and when he was fouled inside the Cork circle, umpire Templeton was signalling for the penalty stroke award, only to change his mind in allowing an advantage as Boyd continued.  The decision certainly went against the home side.  The match was evenly balanced thereafter, and indeed the visitors were moving the ball around with consummate ease.  From one of their attacks before the end of the first half, they forced a short corner when the ball ricocheted off McClelland’s foot.  This proved to be the decisive moment, as after Irvine had saved well from a dragflick, the rebound fell to a Cork forward who slotted home.  The goal stood despite some protests from the Bangor defence that there was a prior infringement.  Before the half Bangor had another chance when Macafee was put through at the top of the circle, but his effort went wide of the target. 
 

The pattern of the game did not change that much in the second half, with the defence on both sides remaining in the ascendancy.  The seconds did win the penalty corner count 3-0 in this half, and if truth be told, failure to score from their 4 short corners in the match, at this level, is probably what ultimately cost the team.  However, they did create other good chances, notably when from one such free flowing move which culminated in skipper Clarke crossing from the right to an onrushing Campbell.  Unfortunately the youngster’s effort despairingly went over the crossbar.  From the left side Gowdy picked out Stranaghan and when he went through on goal, the Cork goalkeeper was alert and made a good save.  The last chance on the whistle saw an Irwin free hit just deflect agonisingly past the Cork goal. 
 

The Munster side, it must be said, did have as much possession in the match and did cause the seconds numerous problems with their high workrate and skilful stickwork.  In fact very rarely did they concede possession, and there is no doubt this young side does have the potential to go all the way in this blue riband competition.  The seconds were able to match them in many areas, but unfortunately on the day were second best.  Player of the match was Johnny Boyd, who was industrious throughout.