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Bangor seconds welcomed Lisnagarvey thirds to a rain lashed Ballykillaire
last Saturday afternoon, eager to put their dismal performance at
Banbridge the previous week behind them. Indeed, stand in skipper Irwin
did not mince his words in the pep talk beforehand, and the result was a
much deserved 3-0 victory in this Corporate Coaching Junior League One
clash.
The weather conditions meant the quality of hockey on display was not for
the purist, but it was an eager Bangor side that took to the pitch. The
contest was only six minutes old when the home side took the lead
following a short corner award after sterling work from the youngster
Campbell. From the corner Kerrigan’s initial effort was well parried, but
the rebound fell to Irwin and he found Stranaghan lurking in isolation
just yards from goal. Irwin’s pinpoint pass was promptly despatched by the
experienced forward. With an early lead secured, Bangor expected to push
on, but the expected dominance did not materialise. The Lisburn side were
slowly clawing their way into the match, which was becoming increasingly
scrappy, and Irvine was called upon on occasions to clear the defensive
lines. The home side did make some foraging attacks, with both Campbell
going close and Stranaghan just failing to connect with a cross which was
deflected after a good run from Brennan. All too often however, passes
were going astray and as a result there was little fluency to these home
attacks.
Irwin changed the formation a little for the second half, moving himself
back into his more accustomed role at the back, and the result was a much
improved 35 minute period. It was only 5 minutes in when Gowdy, who had a
faultless second period, won a penalty corner following a rampaging run
from left back. Again Irwin picked out Stranaghan at this corner, and the
lead was doubled. Throughout this second half the seconds enjoyed the
majority of possession, and were constantly testing the Lisnagarvey
defence. Their goalkeeper made point blank saves from both Stranaghan and
Gowdy, whilst the midfield trio of McClelland, Trimble and Ormsby were at
the heart of many of the Bangor attacks. The third goal came as a result
of some clinical pass and move hockey. Ormsby, industrious throughout,
picked the ball up in midfield, and following an exchange of passes with
Trimble, Campbell was released in a high right side position. Campbell
gave an inch perfect pass to an onrushing Stranaghan and he in turn
despatched past the hapless Lisnagarvey custodian to claim his hat-trick
and make the points safe for the home side.
All in all, a much improved second half performance for the seconds, which
can hopefully be taken forward into their more testing fixtures in
December. Gareth Stranaghan won the man of the match vote, and many thanks
to Timmy Campbell and David Shields for umpiring. |