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It's snow joke going to Raphoe!
Bangor 4's intrepid band of explorers courageously ( or some would say
foolishly) set off into the icelands and snow drifts on Saturday morning
to face the long haul to Donegal to play Raphoe.
Bangor 4's travelled with only 11 players due to a number of late
cry-off's. Jervis Fleming, enjoying a break from his studies, stepped into
the breach to complete the team to face Raphoe.
After the usual waiting around for the changing rooms to be opened, Bangor
began to thaw out and took to the pitch with determination that they were
not going to be beaten.
The match began in torrential rain, with strong crosswinds keeping
everyone on their toes. The initial sparings were fairly even. The
defensive unit of Mottashaw, Kirkpatrick, Patterson and Cook dealt
comfortably with the Raphoe front line and on the odd occassion when
Raphoe got a scoring chance, Craig in goal made some fine saves. The
midfield four of Reid, Todd, Scott and Fleming worked trielessly in the
poor conditions to aid the defence and to prompt the Bangor attacking
play.
Despite the away side enjoying some good spells of possession, very few
scoring opportunities presented themselves for the away side and the score
remained 0-0 at half time.
The home teams support continued to increase over half time and Raphoe
began the second half with the bit between their teeth. However, Bangor
were not going to be swept aside. As the Raphoe pressure continued to
mount, Kirkpatrick, Cook and the impressive Patterson made a number of
vital interceptions and last ditch tackles to keep the home team at bay.
Indeed, with Raphoe only playing with two attackers, either Cook,
Patterson or Mottashaw were able to push forward to assist the Bangor
midfield to mount a number of counter attacks. Despite some good hockey
and a lot of graft from Irvine and Eccles up front, Bangor's attacking
play lacked a cutting edge and only a couple of chances were created.
As the match progressed Patterson produced a series a excellent reverse
stick tackles to keep Bangor in the game...much to the annoyance of his
relatives on the home side!!!
Towards the end of the game, Bangor had one clear effort on goal when
Fleming received the ball at the top of the circle from a short corner.
Unfortunately his well-hit shot flashed just wide.
The match finished as a scoreless draw. Bangor were pleased with the
result given the long journey, the conditions and more importantly the
strength of the home side who are currently pushing for promotion.
Man of the Match was Graeme Patterson. Thanks go to all those who
travelled. |