Junior League 1 : Bangor 0 v 0 Lisnagarvey

Bangor Mens Hockey Club second eleven welcomed Lisnagarvey seconds to Ballykillare on an unbelievably hot Saturday afternoon last week.  Having gained just a solitary point from their 3 league outings thus far in Junior One, the seconds set out in determined mood to try to kickstart their season. 
 

Irwin was welcomed back into the fold after his first eleven experience, and indeed he skippered the side in the absence of the holidaying Clarke.  As it was, with Irwin and McCausland returning to marshal the Bangor defence, there was more solidity with the backline.  Gowdy and Kerrigan filled the half back slots, and throughout the contest the back four were resolute and time and again thwarted the visitors attacks.  The seconds enjoyed the best of the first half action, the closest they came to scoring was when Kerrigan was denied at a penalty corner by a diving save from Neil Brazil, who again was his usual excellent self.  There was plenty of simple, passing movements created within the Bangor side despite the hot weather, with Ormsby and McDowell industrious in their inside midfield roles.  Brennan also came off the bench midway through the half to aid the midfield in the hot weather, and he made his biggest contribution of the season so far. 
 

The second period continued in much the same vein.  The home side enjoyed more of the possession, but Lisnagarvey were by no means dormant.  All that was missing was a quality finish from somebody to break the deadlock, and unfortunately for the home side it did not materialise.  Chances fell to Stranaghan and the youngsters Campbell and McDowell, but the clinical finish required to beat Brazil in the Lisnagarvey goal was lacking.  Irwin thought he had scored from a penalty corner as he smashed a shot towards goal, but again the goalie was there.  As the minutes ebbed away, the home side continued to press.  Trimble broke free and tried to find McIlhagga, who was purposeful throughout, at the far post, but the cross was too long and from their final penalty corner, Stranaghan was denied as his attempt was read by the experience of Pim.  Lisnagarvey had one final chance to claim the points at the end when they were awarded a penalty corner, but the push out was slow and the chance was gone. 
 

All in all, a much improved performance from the seconds thanks to a little more industry and desire that was apparent throughout the side.  It will be these qualities that the team will need to show more of in the league games that lie ahead this month, particularly in the visits to table toppers Instonians and the free scoring Cookstown second strings. 
 

Player of the match for the seconds was Phil McCausland who never put a foot wrong throughout. 
 

Many thanks to Timmy Campbell, David Shields and Marty Colvin for umpiring in what was a sporting contest throughout