Junior League 3  : Bangor 1 v 3 Lisnagarvey

FOURTHS STUMBLE AT FIRST CUP HURDLE

After an excellent, but extremely hard-fought, win in the League at Lisnagarvey only one month prior, Bangor 4ths knew that this Cup fixture would be far from easy. With defeat fresh in their memory, Lisnagarvey travelled with a very strong team to face Bangor at Ballykillaire on an unusually mild and dry Saturday afternoon.

From the very beginning of the match it was obvious that both sides would give no less than 100% in pursuit of victory and a second round tie against Bangor 5th XI.  Initially both sides were passing the ball well but it was Bangor who were proving the more incisive as Todd, Walker, Cook and Scott probed from midfield.  However it was Lisnagarvey who got the breakthrough midway through the first half.  A defensive mix up result in what was a relatively tame shot on goal, being deflected over a diving Thompson.   It was an unlucky blow for Bangor who had more than matched their opponents in the opening exchanges. 

The fourths have become a much more resilient team over the past number of weeks and they pushed for an equaliser straight from the restart.  After a few minutes of sustained pressure, determined work from Irvine and Eccles up front for Bangor, forced a short corner for the home side.  After the usual conference top-circle, Mottashaw despatched a trademark drag flick low and hard into the 'Garvey goal, bring the home side back on equal terms.  As the half progressed, both teams continued to press looking for goals, ensuring that the game was entertaining for the small band of spectators.

If anything, Bangor had slightly the better of it for the remainder of the half.  Eccles, Irvine and then Snodden, Coughlin and McCausland all contributed to increase the pressure on the Garvey defence. In the move of the match Scott, Walker and the ever-influential Todd passed neatly through the centre only for Scott to push narrowly wide of goal. Defensively, Bangor coped very well with any threats with a solid-looking back five of Stranaghan, Kirkpatrick, Patterson, Mottishaw and Thompson in goal. Bangor continued to force the play forcing another short corner but failed to gain any fruits for their labours as the whistle sounded for half-time.

The second half proves a more fragmented affair from a Bangor perspective.  'Garvey seemed to come out from the half time break rejuvenated, and with a couple of tactical substitutions to shore up their midfield, immediately began to press the Bangor goal. Bangor struggled to gain any sort of momentum as 'Garvey closed the space in midfield, breaking the play high up the pitch.  'Garvey did regain their lead 10 minutes into the second half, but again the goal was slightly disappointing from Bangor's point of view. 

Going behind did seem to encourage Bangor back into the match again. The midfield and forwards dug deep to scrap for every 50/50 ball and create opportunities for Bangor to get back into the game.  The 'Garvey keeper saved well from a number of goal mouth melees, and pulled off a great save to deny a Stranaghan short corner strike that seemed destined for the backboard.

 Despite this Bangor pressure, 'Garvey always remained an attacking  force in the game. The Bangor defence were never allowed time on the ball to contribute to their side's attacking endeavours and had to work extremely hard just to move the ball out of their own half.  The 'Garvey pressure told, as Bangor fell further behind as the visitors scored a third from a deflected short corner strike. 

In the final ten minutes Bangor continued to press but, in all honesty, no breakthroughs looked likely, as the experienced Garvey side remained resolute to the end.   In truth, it was an off-key performance from Bangor, but one not to be too downhearted about.  The squad will regroup and come out firing for next week's important league game against Harlequins 3s.

Final score Bangor 1- Lisnagarvey 3. Many thanks to Timmy Campbell for umpiring.

It must also be mentioned that Bangor were without their inspirational captain David Shields due to the tragic loss of his father during the week. On behalf of Bangor Hockey Club may we express our deepest sympathy to the Shields family and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time.