Bangor start on the road - Londonderry bound

Seasiders hit the road

Bangor Ladies, the ladies section of Bangor Football Club, return to league action on Thursday, April 22nd when the club travel to Oakgrove College in Londonderry to face Derry City ladies in their opening fixture in Division Two of the NIWFA.

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For the 2009 Division 3 Champions, this is the first of some frightening away fixtures, with the Seasiders also looking at trips to Newtownards, Castledawson, Ballymoney, Dungoyne, Larne and Strabane.



Although not unduly concerned at the standard of the opposition in this a higher league, the main concern is the sheer physical getting to some of the venues in plenty of time for a 7.45 p.m. kick-off.



Although Newtownards, Larne and Dungoyne don’t present that problem – the matches scheduled at Londonderry, Ballymoney, Castledawson and worse of all, Newtownstewart in Strabane leave the Seasiders with not only the difficulty of time, but also the financial strain involved in getting to these venues.



Having experienced one such occasions last season, a visit to Londonderry last June in the Irish League Cup, the squad left Bangor at 5.30 p.m. and didn’t get back until 11.30 that evening, with the trip costing over £200. Adding insult to injury was the Seasiders ending up on the wrong side of the 5-4 score line in what was an entertaining encounter.



While Bangor came up on merit as divisional champions, both 1st Bangor (Newtownards) and Wellington Rec., profited by the collapse of teams in divisions above them, and were elevated out of the third division into the second by default.



Whether these two clubs are delighted at this elevation is not for the Bangor club to determine, but it does present the same problems as the North Down are facing, particularly to the Newtownards side, who start their season away at Strabane.



After the visit to Londonderry, Bangor welcome a fairly easy looking programme, home against Moyola Park Tuesday 27th April, away to Dungoyne, who thankfully play out of the Billy Neill in Comber, then Ballymoney, visitors to Clandeboye Park on May 11th.



After recent results manager Andy Craig will be hoping for improvement: “On paper we have drawn a good start, as regard the travelling, after the big away trip to Londonderry, we face Moyola, Ballymoney and Cappagh Spurs all at home, so that will give us a slight advantage, as travelling sides are usually weakened ones.




“The opener in Londonderry however is still an important fixture and one which we will have to start a lot better than in our recent outings. The club have something to prove, having won the championship putting together an unbeaten 17 straight league game run, so it would be nice to extend that run in this the first opportunity.



“Obviously we have played Derry before and on the night gave them a good game. Despite what we achieved in 2009, I believe that the side really under achieved and didn’t really hit the heights I know we are capably of.



“We have some important players back this year, in midfield I have the reliable Cathy Duncan available again while at the back the addition of Kim Dockery into what I believe in a formidable back four is a huge bonus. Then, I also have young Tina Sharpe who is gingerly returning to some sort of form after some cruel injuries in recent seasons.



“With the league campaign just a month away I am still looking to sign at least two more players to strengthen the depth of the squad. Last year I had 24 registered players, but with injuries, holiday and work commitments, we were unable to field a full compliment on three occasions.”



All senior members are requested to register for the 2010 now, by contacting the club secretary Rachel Bates at 07541 099234. For more information on one of the fastest growing sports in Northern Ireland, how to get involved locally, whether for fitness, fun or competitive football over the summer just Email: info@bangorladiesfc.co.uk

Last Edited on 22-Mar-2010 2:39 PM