Junior League One : Newry 3 v 6 Bangor

HARD EARNED POINTS FOR SECONDS

Bangor Mens Hockey Club seconds travelled to Newry last Saturday afternoon to take on the host club’s second string, and following an entertaining game came away with the 3 points thanks to a well earned 6-3 victory. 
 

The Bangor side were slow in starting, and sweeper Michael Coughlin had to make some low last ditch tackles in the opening 20 minutes to keep the Newry forwards at bay.  Once they had weathered the storm the seconds began to find their feet, and indeed their best period of the game was in the 15 minutes before half time.  With Allen Irwin, Dave Edwards and Jeremy Macafee controlling proceedings in midfield, many clearcut chances were being created.  Dave Edwards crashed a thunderbolt against the Newry custodian, then Jonny McNaught shot just wide, but the visitors did eventually take the lead when Gareth Stranaghan finished off a well rehearsed move.  In fact just minutes later, the lead was doubled when a similar type attacking foray resulted in Gareth Stranaghan again touching in at the far post.  When Jonny McNaught crashed a third goal in from the top of the circle the seconds were coasting towards the victory.  However the Newry side grabbed a lifeline before the half time whistle when they pounced on hesitancy in the Bangor defence giving Robin Thompson in the Bangor goal no chance.  Half time Newry 1-3 Bangor. 
 

Again the seconds were found wanting in the opening minutes of the second period, and within just 7 minutes of play the home side were level at 3-3 after scoring at a penalty corner and then adding an equaliser when the ball broke free on the right side of the circle and the Newry winger scored high into the net.  With the game now evenly poised, it was difficult to tell which way it was going to swing.  Both sides were attacking with purpose, but thankfully it was the experience in the Bangor side that shone through.  First Jonny McNaught picked out Andrew McIlhagga lurking at the far post.  He suitably controlled and slotted home to make it 4-3, and then just minutes later it was 5 when a trademark marauding run from Jeremy Macafee culminated in a rasping strike that slammed off the backboards and the points were eventually won.  The icing on the cake came a minute from time when another Jonny McNaught cross, this time from the right, was met by a stretching Gareth Stranaghan who managed to get some of his stick on the ball to deflect it past the wrong footed Newry goalie.  A fortuitous strike it must be said to clinch his hat trick, and with it the player of the match vote from his team mates. 
 

All in all it was an important result and performance for the seconds as they showed all their fighting spirit to come back from losing a 3 goal lead.  Hopefully the team can build on this in the weeks ahead.

Many thanks to David Shields for umpiring.

written by Gareth Stranaghan