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SECONDS SNATCH LATE EQUALISER IN DONEGAL
Bangor seconds travelled to Raphoe last Saturday after the
disappointment of a narrow defeat to Annadale seconds the previous
week. Some forced changes gave a youthful look to the team that
travelled and hopes were high for a good result.
The seconds struggled early on to cope with the constant formation
changes from Raphoe and were carved open at the back on a few
occasions, particularly on the break. Some good sharp passing at
times created chances that Bangor should have made count. It was a
breakaway by Raphoe that allowed them to take the early lead. This
should have spurred the visitors on, but they continued to lose their
shape and again Raphoe broke through the middle. This time, a dubious
flick was awarded when Irvine was judged to have taken the man before
the ball. The home side took the opportunity and moved into a solid
2-0 lead.
Seconds before half time however the seconds broke forward with Clarke
dribbling into the circle and winning a short corner. The corner was
dispatched powerfully by Macafee, albeit with a slight deflection,
giving renewed hope to the Bangor side at the end of the half.
The seconds gathered themselves at half time and started the second
half the sharper of the two teams. Some good attacking from Ormsby
and Kerrigan, breaking down the right caused trouble for Raphoe.
However, the passing in the final third lacked conviction and Bangor
were beginning to rue some missed chances from Clarke and McIlhagga.
Raphoe, dangerous on the break throughout, again broke forward from a
misplaced pass in the Bangor attack and made no mistake with the
finish. 3-1 Raphoe. The visitors continued to create chances with
Macafee bursting forward and causing problems for Raphoe at the back
while Scales and Trimble fought hard with a resilient midfield and
attacking line keen to attack on the counter.
Bangor won a number of short corners in the last 20 minutes and
continued to press for the goal that would put them back in the game.
Ormsby broke forward down the right and crossed the ball the Clarke
who was bundled over in the circle. The short corner routine was
again put into practice. Macafee's dipping drive proved too good for
Raphoe and gave Bangor hope of getting something from the game.
With less than a minute to go, Bangor won another short corner when
Macafee's driving run into the circle was brought to a halt unfairly.
Bangor threw everyone forward, chasing the equaliser. However, the
day belonged to Jeremy Macafee who duly slotted home with another
great strike from the top of the circle earning him the honour of man
of the match.
This was an encouraging performance from a young seconds side who
showed plenty of grit and determination when other teams may have
given up. Another run of tough games is to follow and the same will
be required throughout the season if the seconds are to make their
mark on Junior One. |