Carolyn Scott sweeps in the opener at Ballykillare on Sunday

Bangor draw with lively Crumlin United
Bangor Ladies 2, Crumln United 2

Spirited second half earns Seasiders draw

With the late, unexpected last minute withdrawal of Glenavon Ladies last Sunday (29th) Bangor Ladies, the ladies section of Bangor Football Club, drew with Crumlin United in the second of their five match pre-season warm up to the NIWFA Championship, which begin April 21st.

Conditions were far from ideal – a strong, biting wind sweeping across the Ballykilllare pitch, further parching a surface, which was surprisingly hard for the time of year as the game got underway at 2.45m.
The Seasiders opened brightly, in contrast to their previous outing against Donegal Celtic recently, in which the side were sluggish and off the pace early on.

Cathy Duncan chases down in midfield against Crumlin

Crumlin are a reasonable enough side, although they had finished below Bangor in the table at the end of last season, they had beaten the North Down side comfortably on the previous occasion the two sides met.
However, there was little to resemble the side which had played on that occasion with the line up of Bridget Finegan, Niomi MCullough, Leanne McGarry, Rachel Bates, Trish Webb; Valerie McKibben, Cathy Duncan, Jenny Boyd, Carolyn Scott; Tina Sharpe, Lynsey Ruddock. Subs (all used) Dee Savage, Julie Haslam, Natasha Lee, Christine Morrison, Carol Cummings, Paula Dougherty.
Manager Andy Craig content to let everyone get a run out and look at how the players respond to the different formations. Also looking to fine tune areas where the balance of the team is not at the level required for the club’s assault on the divisional campaign which begins in a few weeks time. The opening league game is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21st, home at Clandboye Park, against Abbey Villas Ladies.
With the bright start, it was Bangor who dealt Crumlin the first blow, within 8 minutes of the kick off. The goal came from good work from Sharpe and Ruddock, the ball was whipped in low across the penalty box and Scott timed the run perfectly, from the blind side, to sweep the ball home from 10 yards to give the Seasiders the lead.

Lynsey Ruddock in her first game up front

The response by the visitors, to going behind early on was good, although Bangor looked solid at the back – Crumlin were looking dangerous and capable to getting back into the contest.
In their best spell, Crumlin took advantage of a lapse in concentration down the left hand side broke through and snatched the equaliser.
Bangor did raise the tempo, Duncan, in her first game since last Sept., in the middle of the park able to influence the game with some clever, intelligent football – creating a number of chances for the Seasiders to restore the lead.

Scott and McGarry step in during a competitive opening half hour

On the half hour, the first of the changes saw Cummings into midfield and Dougherty into the back four. The changes seemed to create hesitancy in the middle of the park; Crumlin taking advantage in the lapse of concentration, burst through the middle and took the lead just before the break.
Despite striking the woodwork, and playing at times, fast flowing football – it was just not too be for the Seasiders – they went into the break 2-1 down.
While the first half had been evenly contested, Crumlin had just edged it with the lead - the second half was a completely different story, the introduction of Lee and Savage up front, turned up the pressure on the visitors.
Although they were still a threat on the counter attack – Crumlin were getting pinned back. Duncan again an influence and it seemed just a matter of time before the Seasiders got back on terms.
First Savage had an effort, which the keeper was able to take the sting out of, the ball trickling towards the goal; a covering defender was able to turn the ball around the post for a corner.
It was one way traffic for this opener 20 minute spell of the half, teenager Lee then got through on the left hand and getting the ball back on to her right side, blasted over the bar.
With Bangor on the offensive – a series of corners led to an equaliser – Scott sent a good cross, Duncan getting the flick and McGarry on hand, for the second game in a row to nod into the corner.
Going for broke, Sharpe joined Lee and Savage up front as Bangor went with three stikers to beef up the attack. Morrison, another player returning for the Seasiders after a long layoff was also thrown into the fray.
Although Crumlin were never out of the game – Bangor were looking the most likely to get a winner. Morrison on unfamiliar ground on the right side of midfield proved quite a handful, some clever inter passing down that side give Savage the opportunity to give the home team the lead - but the visiting no. 1 was in the right place to comfortably deal with the low drive.
With the pressure mounting, good work from Sharpe out on the left, put Lee through and despite it being on her weaker side, the youngster looped an effort which sailed over the helpless keeper and rattled the top of the bar – Morrison following up, struck the woodwork.

Jenny Boyd sets up another offensive attack from midfield

As the game came to the final couple of minutes Lee had another chance – her own pace and tenacity getting her through but again – a good effort just skimmed the bar.
The game finished 2-2, although Bangor felt they should have won this one - Crumlin did very well and a draw was a fair result and reflected the effort both sides had put into the contest.
From a Bangor point of view, there was a good positive attitude and the first embers of aconfidence right throughout the squad – the starting eleven were on the pace, Webb and young McCullough were stepping in and dealing with the first phase ball, McKibben on the left side of midfield gave as good as she got and Ruddock up top is another option.
Sharpe, Savage and Lee looked a potent threat – each bringing a different style of play – but mixing it up well. In the centre of the park, Cummings, Boyd working with Duncan in front of McGarry and Bates gave the Seasiders a solid look. Most pleasing was Duncan, who has a tendency to get absorbed right in the action. On occasions staying out of the crowd and that allowed us to have the option to switch it –and it worked.

Next up is the toughest test yet for the Seasiders tonight (2nd) at Clandeboye Park where the side will welcome Loughgall Ladies from the Premier League for another friendly.

Trish Webb deals with the Crumlin threat

Last Edited on 2-Apr-2009 9:43 AM