|
The seconds resumed their league programme following the
Easter break with an away fixture against Lisnagarvey seconds last
Saturday afternoon. In a contest that could have gone either way, the 1-1
result was probably a fair one in the end.
The opening half was a scrappy one, with few opportunities created by
either side. The home side won the penalty corner count 3-1, but both
defences remained on top. The seconds rearguard of Irwin, Kerrigan,
McCausland and Gowdy protected Thompson in goal well, time and again
thwarting the Lisnagarvey attacks. At the other end Macafee flashed an
effort wide, one of the few shots on goal in the first half.
The second half was much better as both teams actively looked for ways to
break the deadlock, and as a result the match become more open and indeed
a better spectacle. The home side were probably having the better of
things for the opening period of this second half, winning numerous short
corners, and 15 minutes in they were duly rewarded. A Bangor attack was
broken down, and the home side broke at pace, and a shot from the top left
of the circle was fired past a hapless Thompson. This goal was merely the
prompting the seconds needed to up the tempo of their play, and for the
remainder of the half it was Bangor who created the better of the
opportunities. From one such attack, the seconds were awarded a penalty
corner just 8 minutes from time and from the set piece Stranaghan was on
hand to score the equaliser with aplomb. It was the least the visitors had
deserved as just prior, they had 3 good chances when Gowdy, Edwards and
Clarke all delivered pinpoint passes that should have really been finished
by a Bangor stick. Just after the goal, the seconds continued to dictate,
Kerrigan picked out Stranaghan and his lay off to Macafee almost put the
rampaging midfielder through. Then Clarke combined with Stranaghan and a
neat interchange of passes saw the latter’s effort look goalbound until
the home goalie somehow got a foot to it to deflect wide. The last chance
fell right at the death as the heavens opened, but skipper Clarke was
unlucky in just missing the target following another free flowing move.
Despite these gilt edged chances for the seconds in the last 15 minutes,
Lisnagarvey were by no means dormant as they too created opportunities of
their own. The defence stood firm though, McCausland continually putting
his body on the line whilst Gowdy’s decision making at left back was
excellent.
A much improved seconds performance following the recent results at
Annadale and Kilkeel, which hopefully gives the team something to build on
for the next few weeks. A word of thanks to Simon McCafferty for turning
up at late notice as substitute to help the team. Player of the match was
Phil McCausland. |