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HARSH DEFEAT FOR FOURTHS
Bangor travelled to Downpatrick to play their second league game of
the season. The team started extremely well with everyone fully
committed to the task. On the gravel surface the team adapted quickly
to the conditions which were excellent for hockey and played some very
fluent hockey in the first 25 minutes. Indeed only for the width of
the post they would have taken the lead when a good move involving
Cook, Irvine, Scott and Hamill resulted in Cook striking the upright
after a pin-point cross from Hamill on the right. Bangor continued to
press forward and the defence of Patterson, Martin Agnew and Dunne
kept the Down forwards at bay comfortably to such an extent that Andy
Patterson in goal on his debut was a virtual spectator. When he was
called upon to make a save he showed great bravery to dive at the feet
of the onrushing forward and palm the attempted shot away for a
corner. As is the case when you are in the ascendancy if you don't
take your chances the opposition take theirs. From their first short
corner Down scored despite, what seemed, a blatant stick tackle on
Graham Patterson who tried to clear the danger. Just before half time
a breakaway from Down lead to their second goal.
Bangor started the second half fully committed to restoring the
deficit and again good play in midfield from Irvine, Scott, Cook and
Parker lead to a number of short corners being won but on the gravel
surface no clear shots on goal were forthcoming. However, undeterred
Bangor continued to press the Down defence and the unselfish running
of Espey caused the Down defenders some uncomfortable moments. Down's
frustration was evident when their centre forward was sin binned for
striking the Bangor goalie while he lay on the ground, although the
correct decision should have been an automatic red card. This only
spurred Bangor on and three minutes later they scored when another
excellent move involving Hamill, Cook, Irvine and Parker resulted in
Scott hammering the ball home from the top of the circle to make the
score 2-1. Despite their unfailing attempts Bangor could not find the
equaliser.
In summary whilst another defeat the team played extremely well and
this bodes well for the season ahead. The team has a good balance of
youth and experience. It would be difficult to point to any individual
as the whole team performed well but special mention must be made of
Andy Patterson, in goal, who on his debut was immense, Graham
Patterson in defence and Paul Scott in midfield who thoroughly
deserved his goal.
Well done guys we can look forward to the season with confidence. |