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After a disappointing draw against the PSNI, Bangor 4s travelled to 3rd
placed Portadown hoping to secure much needed points to push up the league
table.
After a number of late cry offs, Bangor arrived in Portadown with only 10
players. As a result, captain Davy Shields had to make his first
appearance
since September.
Against a strong Portadown side Bangor started well with some good early
possession. The early stages of the game were finely balanced until 10
minutes had elapsed, when Portadown opened the scoring with a powerful
shot
from a short corner.
Bangor responded well to this setback and the midfield of Cook, Todd,
Patterson and Irvine started to get into the game. This possession finally
paid off when a short corner was won and duly dispatched with a trademark
drag flick from Mottashaw. Bangor then deservedly took the lead with a
neat
move down the right, Mottashaw beat the right back and cut the ball back
from the by-line to Cook who beat the keeper at the second attempt.
However, Portadown responded with serious intent and began to play quality
hockey. The defence of Mottashaw, Shields, Kirkpatrick and Agnew were now
under immense pressure and Portadown took advantage, rattling in 4 goals
before the break to leave the score 5-2 at half time.
Bangor started the second half with Patterson moving to sweeper, Shields
moving upfront to play alongside Mount and Tate dropping into midfield.
Bangor managed to keep the ball better in the second half, however the
Portadown defence was well organised and gave Bangor forwards little space
or time on the ball.
The half remained goalless until 10 minutes from time when Portadown made
it
6-2. Agnew was penalised for stopping a goal bound effort illegally with
his
foot. Portadown made no mistake with the resultant penalty stroke.
Final score was 6-2. Man of the Match was Graeme Patterson |