League Champions see off Larne Ladies

Bangor Ladies 4, Larne Ladies 1

Seasiders finish season with another win

The Seasiders - sponsored by Sammy Mellon and Sons of Bangor

Bangor Ladies, the ladies section of Bangor Football Club, played their final fixture last Thursday (24th) evening when the Coca Cola Division Three champions welcomed Larne Ladies, from the Championship down to Clandeboye Park to complete was has been a quite remarkable, memorable six-month divisional campaign.

The North Down side kicked off their 2009 season way back in March, against Donegal Celtic Ladies and since then have competed in twenty three fixtures, the highlight of which was a record breaking 40 out of 42 points, the top points scored by any club in the NIWFA this season.

With the team having not played or trained since late August, the Seasiders’ were sent out by a relaxed Andy Craig, manager of the successful league champions, to just enjoy the game, and the occasion of playing their last competitive fixture of 2009.

Flying high - 16 unbeaten league games in a row.

Unbeaten in the league since August 2008, a stretch of 16 games – this fixture would provide the club of a glimpse of what they might expect when they step up a division following their promotion as league winners in 2009

Larne Ladies competing in the Championship, are certainly a very capable side, and although arguably fielding not their strongest eleven, are still playing their football in three divisions above the Division three winners – so it was a tough game on paper.

On a clear, though pleasant evening under the Clandeboye Road floodlights Craig had the luxury of a full squad at his disposal for the first time since early June, although missing first team regulars Bridget Finegan and Dee Savage – though reasonably happy with the strength and depth of the side.

Squad: Julie Haslam, Paula Dougherty, Leanne McGarry, Rachel Bates, Jackie Price; Christina McNamara, Lauren McAteer, Jenny Boyd, Carolyn Scott; Petra Armstrong, Natasha Lee. Subs (All Used) Valerie McKibbin, Lynsey Ruddock, Trish Webb.

Hitting the target the Seasiders have now scored in twenty consecutive games

Bangor started well, and there was no hint of any rustiness in the home side, although the sharpness of the visitors who are still in training, meant it would be an entertaining encounter.

To be fair in was the Seasiders who were quickest to settle with the midfield pairing of Boyd and McAteer as tenacious as ever, snapping at the heels of the visitors, disrupting the pattern of their game, winning possession and using the ball well.

Bangor remain strong at Clandeboye Park - Lynsey Ruddock

With such a bright start the opening goal came after just 14 minutes, a good break by Scott on the left found Lee and a block tackle saw the ball end up at the edge of the penalty area, where McAteer was on hand to break the deadlock with a good finish.

A confident Bangor just went from strength to strength, Lee and then McNamara had good chances to double their advantage, while at the back Price, Bates, McGarry and Dougherty proved just why the club ended up the season with 7 clean sheets – keeper Julie Haslam 22 minutes in, yet to play any significant part in the game.

Armstrong always a threat - on the score sheet

On 25 with Webb and McKibbin now involved Bangor increased the tempo of the game and were rewarded with what proved to be the goal of the night. A good break from the middle of the park, Boyd back to her best, released the dangerous Natasha Lee, and the league's top goalscorer provided the touch of class with a perfect first time lob over the advancing goalkeeper into the empty net - 2-0.

Bangor were certainly firing on all cylinders, with the work of Webb and McAteer in midfield supplying the pace up front giving the team a cutting edge and the Seasiders increased their lead before the break. Fittingly it was Armstrong, who was a real thorn in the visitor’s side all evening who netted – ten minutes before the break.

The stand-in striker staking a genuine claim for more regular start up top, combined really well with Lee and cAteer involved again, Scott on the left made the break and Armstrong up with the attack finished well at the back post.

The second half was more of the same with the home team seeming to just enjoy the game, Ruddock introduced was able to move the ball about and despite the gulf in divisions, Bangor looked the better of the two sides.

Larne did try to rally and made a couple of decent probes into the Bangor 18 yard box, but McGarry marshalled her side efficiently with Dougherty and Bates covering well – there was just no reward for the increasingly frustrated visitors.

For ten minutes the game went from end to end, as both teams went for it – Bangor held firm, and dangerous on the counter attack, McNamara always a threat on the right.
Then on the hour, Lee burst into action. The teenager nonchalantly added the fourth of the night. Just outside the eighteen-yard box, back to the goal, ball lashed to feet. The teenager turned the centre back with a clever first touch, spun round the back and unleashed an unstoppable drive with her right foot into the corner.

With 25 to go, Bates had to go off after a knock, and the reshuffle might have unbalanced the team for 5 minutes, as Larne had their best spell of the night - both McGarry and Dougherty were forced to make some last ditch defending to keep them at bay.

With 16 minutes left, Bangor in control of the midfield, Larne got one back – a break down the right, the ball lashed across the eighteen yard box was not cleared first time. In the resulting melee of mis-hits the unfortunate Jackie Price couldn't do much as the ball caught under her feet. The left back slicing it into the back of her own net.

Although having conceded for the first time in sixth matches, the Seasiders had probably their best spell of the second half with both Armstrong and Lee striking the woodwork.

A clever through ball from the lively McAteer released Armstrong, whose pace got her clean through only for her fierce low drive to hit the wrong side of the upright. Lee almost immediately chalked up her sixth hat trick of the season, nicking in behind the tiring Larne defence to lift the ball over the oncoming goalkeeper – this time the ball clipped the top of the bar and away to safety.

A good flowing move down the right wing, with Armstrong, Lee and McNamara leaving the left back dazzled as the three combined with some slick passing, leaving Armstrong with the chance – this time the keeper was able to nudge the effort out for a corner.

To be fair Larne didn’t have the luxury of multiple substitutes, but it was the Seasiders who finished the stronger and comfortably saw out the final 15 without any real panic to complete what has been a memorable campaign.

Andy Craig “Once again the team proved just what they are capable of. We are a far more equipped team than when we started the season and there is already a buzz about what we can do when we go up a division next April.

Unstoppable Natasha Lee gets another couple in final game against Larne

“We added experience and quality of premiership level bringing in McGarry and Bates this year, and for me Dougherty is up there on a par with them.

“We also have a crop of young players coming through, Sharpe, Lee, Ruddock, McAteer and Boyd who are all very talented footballers and, as the season went on, grew in status and ability and I hope to keep them focused on what they can achieve with this football club.

“Then I have the backbone of Scott, Armstrong, McNamara, Haslam, McKibbin, Savage, Webb, Price, who have been with the club from the very start, and every year, adapt to become better and more accomplished players.

“I know we should now reflect on what has been a fantastic year at Bangor Ladies Football Club, and while there certainly is a long, long way to go, starting next April in Division Two. But I think that we are ready, and to be honest, can’t wait to get going again."

The Club will now enjoy their Annual Awards Evening, next Friday 2nd October, at Carnalea Golf Club – where the Seasiders' will announce their 2009 Player Of The Year as well as enjoy some of the finest cuisine and pleasant surroundings of the picturesque County Down Golf Club. Players should meet no later than 6.15 pm. Sharp, at the venue.

Leanne McGarry, solid in defence and captained the side

Last Edited on 1-Oct-2009 9:38 AM