|
On the first Saturday of the new season,
Bangor 2’s fielded a team with a blend of youth and experience.
With new captain Bill Clarke at the helm Bangor started brightly,
determined to push Annadale back. Early pressure saw Bangor awarded two
short corners. Strikes by Irwin were saved by the Annadale keeper with
chances on the rebound being spurned. Annadale were a threat on the
counter attack, but seemed to be struggling to put their game together and
mount any serious pressure. However, on one such foray up the pitch, an
intercepted pass afforded the visitors the opportunity they were seeking.
The chance was dispatched with ease. 1-0 to Annadale against the run of
play.
Bangor gathered themselves and drove through Macafee, Scales and Trimble,
supplying the ever willing runners of Clarke, McIlhagga and Tweed at the
sharp end. Their reward nearly came with a 3rd corner struck swiftly by
Macafee but too high to count. Ten minutes before half time, Trimble found
space and played the ball to Richard Kerrigan who in turn found Clarke
with a precision pass up the line. The skipper headed down the line on the
right out-pacing two defenders, pulling the ball back to Macafee who fired
home. 1-1. Seconds short of half time, Annadale broke forward again, this
time only hitting the post when a goal seemed almost inevitable.
Following a well earned breather at half time, the game recommenced.
Annadale looked stronger following the departure of Scales in midfield but
Bangor persevered. Macafee surged forward, slipping a pass to Coughlin who
after evading two Annadale defenders, drove into the circle finding Savage
with a sharp pass. As young Savage struck, a superb lunge from the
Annadale right back diverted the ball just wide of the target.
This spurned Annadale into action forcing a fantastic save from Thompson
high to his right. Further pressure from Annadale forced another double
save from the Bangor Keeper, but the defence failed to clear the danger
and Annadale capitalised. 2-1 ‘dale.
Still, Bangor showed great spirit as Irwin and McCausland fought for the
ball in defence, forming a platform for a continued attack. Stubbings
showed true grit in midfield making tackle after tackle. In the dying
seconds Bangor broke and manufactured a 2 on 1 resulting in a short
corner. The routine misfired and Annadale played out the game 2-1 winners.
Disappointment for Bangor in defeat, but encouraging signs of
determination and ability in a young second eleven. |