Bangor Mens Hockey Club thirds lost by 3 goals to 2 for the second week in succession last Saturday afternoon when they succumbed to Cookstown fourths at home just 7 days after being on the wrong side of the same scoreline away on the shale at Down seconds. 
 

That the thirds lost this game they only have themselves to blame, for if truth be told, the weakened Cookstown line up should have been out of sight by half time.  However a combination of some poor finishing and an inspired performance from the young Cookstown custodian meant the wave of Bangor attacks and possession, particularly in the first half, went unrewarded.  The visitors also scored 3 soft goals as the home defence were slow to react and deal with the visitors forays into the Bangor circle. 
 

The thirds were in front just 10 minutes in when Gareth Stranaghan and Keith Mulholland exchanged passes with the latter’s effort on goal deflecting off a Cookstown stick over the head of the despairing goalie.  The Cookstown side levelled soon afterwards, but the home side were dominant in terms of possession.  From one flowing move Dale Finlay was unlucky when his effort flashed past the right post, but they soon regained the lead when Phillip Skelly was on hand to crash home from mid circle.  A spirited Cookstown side came back again to equalise before the break, when really the home defence should have cleared. 
 

The second half was a little scrappier, but there were many opportunities for the thirds to score.  All too often the final ball went astray, or the ball was not controlled.  When the forwards did test the goalie he was equal to the task, as the Bangor side could just find no way through.  In defence there was a slight nervousness and uneasiness, and it was no surprise when from a penalty corner Cookstown went in front. 
 

The visitors held this lead until the final whistle to claim all three points, which was a major disappointment for the home side.  Performances will need to improve across the pitch in the coming weeks for the thirds not to get embroiled into a relegation dogfight. 
 

Many thanks to Graeme Laird and Timmy Campbell for umpiring duties.

 

 

Written by Gareth Stranaghan