Last Saturday, Bangor fourths faced Antrim 3’s at Ballykillaire for their penultimate game of the season. Having lost to them previously in the season, Bangor were expecting a tough, physical game and this is exactly what they got. 
 

In the opening exchanges, Antrim had the upper hand, with Bangor struggling to hold on to the ball. After about 10minutes, Bangor managed to get their passing going, and they started to look the more dangerous side. After an inspired run to the by-line from Reid, he passed to Scott who narrowly put the ball wide. Almost immediately after this, the two players combined again and Tate tapped in the rebound at the back post. The midfield of Scott, McManus, Irvine and Cooke began to control the ball and where able to create chances for the forwards, Savage, Eccles and Tate. After more good work by the Bangor midfield, Eccles was able to turn in the circle and shoot into the bottom corner for Bangor’s second goal of the afternoon. 
 

After pressure from the Antrim forwards and many fouls breaking up the play in the middle of the field, Bangor held on to the 2-0 lead until half time. 
 

Antrim came out the better side in the second half with a lot of pressure, and Bangor failed to maintain possession of the ball. Eventually pressure told and Antrim claimed a goal back. Bangor failed to read the warning signs and conceded cheap short corners, which allowed Antrim to eventually punish the Bangor team again and equalise.  
 

Bangor eventually responded and began to create chances of their own. However, they where hit on the break, and with the defence left with a 3 on 2, and Crawford was unlucky to concede. 3-2 Antrim. After substitutions, with McCausland being brought on to shore up the midfield and Mottashaw in defence, Coughlin, Patterson and Kirkpatrick regained control of the Antrim forwards. With a number of decisive interceptions and strong tackles, Bangor rebuilt form the back and were able to win a free on the edge of the circle. This was taken and Savage deflected it in at the back post, much to the grievances of the Antrim defence. The match again was all square, and with tempers flaring, both teams fought to maintain possession. The match became scrappy, broken up with bickering between players but the final whistle came and the match ended 3-3. 
 

Man of the Match went to Kirkpatrick in the defence, for a number of decisive interceptions and tackles, and a rare foray into the opposition’s circle.

Many thanks to Andrew McIlhagga for umpiring.