AC
6 posts
Aug 17, 2009
8:55 AM
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Bangor Champions go out to Newtownards rivals
First Bangor Cup Defeat
Seasiders slump in Divisional Cup
Bangor Ladies, the ladies section of Bangor Football Club, suffered their first defeat in the Coca Cola Divisional Cup last Tuesday (10th) evening, going down to neighbouring rivals 1st Bangor at The Drome pitches, on the Portaferry Road, Newtownards.
Just two weeks ago, in their league clash, Bangor Ladies had secured the League Championship with a memorable, hard fought 1-0 triumph, over the young Ards based side. Carolyn Scott with the winner in what proved a good advert for ladies football and a thoroughly entertaining game.
While, it was thought, this game might live up to that encounter, Bangor manager Andy Craig, unable to field anywhere near the side he wanted to, suspected that this 'chink in the armour' might present the Portaferry Road outfit the initiative in this one.
Squad: Julie Haslam; Paula Dougherty, Christina McNamara, Peggy Mathews, Valerie McKibbin; Lauren McAteer, Susan Cull, Jenny Boyd, Sami Bakewell; Natasha Lee, Deirdre Savage. Sub: Lynsey Torville.
Once again the fixture was blessed with perfect conditions, and on paper at least, there was a hint of an epic, between the top two teams in the Cola Cola Division 3 who had be battling out, nick and tuck, for the title all season.
However, it turned out to be the night that the Sammy Mellon sponsored North Down club’s luck would run out. The newly appointed champions although giving all they had, were just unable to sustain their challenge, in the face of adversity and against very formidable opponents.
Missing were regular goalkeeper Bridget Finegan, first team regulars Leanne McGarry, Rachel Bates, Carolyn Scott and Petra Armstrong. More bad news, both Paula Dougherty and Peggy Mathews were carrying injuries which although didn’t deter them from playing, would certainly restrict them.
Dougherty gave 100% despite injury setbacks
As if, these statistics, weren’t to be considered a disadvantage, the team were dealt two further severe blows – the first slowing their momentum while the second undoubtedly knocking them completely out of their stride.
The first setback, was the withdrawal of young Bakewell after just 9 minutes. The teenager being forced to retire, following what was a serious breathing problem – thankfully she made a full recovery. Bangor's sole substitute ‘derby’ debutee Lynsey Torville thrown in, earlier than expected.
Then, after just 17 minutes, with the game scoreless and nicely poised, the Seasiders lost left back McKibbin – withdrawn due to cramp, leaving the Seasiders with just eight fit players on the pitch. Although outnumbered and obviously on the back foot, the team did find the reserve to reshuffle quickly and for 40 minutes gave their rivals a very difficult time and served up a fairly entertaining game.
With the odds certainly in their favour, and the luxury of having an extra player in midfield the lively Newtownards outfit were able to sweep into a 2-0 goal lead. Bangor did respond and rally – midfielder Susan Cull first to react to a fumble in the 18 yard box. The midfielder duly drove the ball home to cut the advantage in half.
Having somehow got themselves back into the contest – Bangor kept up the pace of the game and showed some of the character which as been evident since the end of June – when the club’s injury list grew longer than the team sheet.
At 2-1 at half time, the toiling Seasiders, went out albeit still in the contest; tried as hard as they could to maintain the level of their early performance, although injuries and fatigue would eventually take their toll on the visitors.
As the second half progressed, despite some resistance, the Newtownards team were able to add to the score and comfortably pull away from the 2009 league champions – booking a place in the final in September.
Bangor did manage a fantastic consolation goal from teenager Natasha Lee, who finally broke her duck against the Newtownards side – with an absolute cracker from 20 yards out which gave the keeper no chance.
The club’s top goalscorer, has now recorded a remarkably 29 strikes in what is her first year at Bangor Ladies. The 18-year old is also currently topping the division, while also netted more strikes than any player in the five NIWFA divisions above the Seasiders – capping a awesome season.
However, the contest was over from about15 minutes into the second half, as the talented Ards side, quite rightly showed no mercy and ruthlessly tore into the battling Seasiders’, in a 15 minute spell, seizing the opportunity to progress to the final.
A satisfied Andy Craig “We just couldn’t sustain our level of performance, against a good, talented, young side. Although we gave a good account of ourselves, and our heads didn’t go down - going down to 10 so early was just too much of an ask for us.”
“While it is disappointing to lose a semi final, it was what we deserved – going into such a big game with so many of our players missing. That showed a lack of organisation and should prove a lesson that we must learn from.
McAteer has worked tirelessly with Boyd - and has scored 8 times
“On the other hand – the players who did represent us tonight were excellent – Torville in her first full game for us did her best. Our youngsters Boyd and McAteer have gelled in the midfield, I am happy with their mobility and development this season. Mathews despite her injury was flawless – and Dougherty, clearly not playing as freely as she could, as usual gave us 100%.
“All over the park, we performed and contested this game – despite the problems we faced and the disruption to the side, my players displayed the right attitude.
“Up front, Dee Savage and Natasha Lee have been the catalyst for a truly memorable season at Bangor Ladies Football Club– and I just have to commend them both for the sheer guts and determination to keep going in this one.
Last season's Player of the Year Christina McNamara, shone in this one - against all the odds
“For me tonight Christina McNamara was the player of the game. Forced into a central defensive role, the 08 Player of the Year gave us the leadership and drive too keep going – right to the final whistle. I was forced to make sweeping changes to both the formation and the personnel at the start, during and at the end of the game, the response on the pitch from the players was fluent and shows the diversity of the side.
Finally, I have to congratulate 1st Bangor for their contribution and attitude. I like this young team and the way that they play – well coached and well organised. They have a lot of quality and as soon as they saw their opportunity they grabbed it and quite rightly punished us. Their goals were well taken, the win fully deserved – and I wish them well in the final.
“No doubt the result will hurt us for a day or two, with no doubt some delighted to poor salt in our wounds – that's natural when your the champions. But, on a positive note, I have learned more about this team in this defeat, than in some of our recent wins – on reflection, we left Newtownards bruised, but in my opinion a far better team than the one that arrived earlier that night, and with our pride intact.
Beam me up...............
Last Edited on 17-Aug-2009 9:29 AM
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