Bangor Ladies edge past Knockbreda
Bangor will travel to Rossglass on May 17th

Bangor Ladies, the ladies section at Bangor Football Club, were back in competitive action for the first time since last September, when the 2009 third division league champions edged past Knockbreda Ladies at Clandeboye Park in a Preliminary Round fixture in the Coca Cola Irish Cup on Monday (19th) evening.



With Bates suspended, Webb, Cull, McNamara injured and Sharpe unavailable, the Seasiders lined up with Jenny Boyd, Paula Dougherty, Cathy Duncan (C). Leanne McGarry, Valerie McKibbin; Petra Armstrong, Lauren McAteer, Lynsey Turville, Caroline Scott; Dee Savage and Natasha Lee. Sub Jackie Robins (Not used).


Attacking the abattoir end Bangor opened a bit on the back foot, whether it was the shock of being back in a competitive game after eight months or just nerves thankfully it soon dissolved as the game started to settle down.



Knockbreda playing in two divisions above the Seasiders this time last April looked sharp and on paper would be considered a good bet to go trough to the next round. The home draw proved no advantage, as with two games this week - the decision was taken to rest some players with the league game taking priority on Thursday evening.

Lynsey Turville opened the scoring in the first half

However after the shakey opening ten, Knockbreda playing at their own pace, the home side seemed to find their confidence and the change in tempo was tangible as the momentum switched with Bangor starting to dominate and push the visitors back, and enjoyed a good spell with Armstrong in particular causing a threat down the left side.



McAteer in midfield was also breaking up the visitors early dominance in midfield and with the teenager using the ball well when winning it, she was quick to release it out wide where Bangor have the threat of two very quick wingers.



With Bangor enjoying a good spell, Armstrong using her pace down the right was providing the main threat and the winger used her pace to get behind the left back and get the ball across the eighteen yard box.



The Seasider having won a corner, the ball was cleared to just outside the box where Lee got a touch and set up a half chance for Lindsey Turville who struck a well-driven effort, which just flew into the roof of the net to give the Seasiders the lead. The goal a first ever strike for Turville who has worked hard to get into the starting line up at league champions.

Bangor Captain Cathy Duncan along with McGarry held Knockbreda out

Having taken the lead the Seasiders maintained their concentration and continued to play the better football. Savage almost doubled the lead when bursting through the middle, although under pressure the striker did manage a strike and this forced a good save for the visiting goalkeeper.



Knockbreda did everything they could to stay with the pace of the Seasiders and did get their chances, the best from a penalty awarded after 22 minutes, although they wasted this one with the shot blasted well wide.




This did not upset the home sides high tempo and the team were back to the form that saw them remain unbeaten in 17 consecutive league games. The defensive partnership of Duncan and McGarry, flanked by Dougherty and McKibbin providing the shield in front of Boyd, Bangor were starting to dominate.



The Seasiders clearly into the game did have two brilliant breakaway chances to increase their lead – Lee spinning off the last defender and producing a great effort on her weaker left side which rattled the upright with the keeper stranded, while McAteer forced a good save.

Bangor Ladies announce their new sponsorship with Ivan Mellon (sponsor) Sammy Mellons, Bangor

With the game very much still in the balance the home side felt they were denied a penalty when Lee again got through after a great ball from McAteer and having got round the keeper the striker was cut down by a last ditch tackle, which not only looked a penalty, but left the Bangor forward needing treatment.



With the game approaching the final twenty, Knockbreda still looking for the equaliser, Dougherty cleared from deep and Savage got a great touch for Lee who took one touch to get the ball out from her feet and a second to let fly a screamer which flew into the top corner to double the Seasiders advantage.



This proved a considerable blow for the visitors who seemed stunned and Bangor were quick to capitalise on their complacency with Savage picking them off and adding a third just a few minutes later to complete the scoring.



There were no thoughts of letting up as the Seasiders continued to go at Knockbreda, at high tempo right until the final whistle.



“That was us back to our best, everyone playing as part of the team and concentrating on their responsibilities. Boyd, stepping in at keeper was decisive and although not really troubled was always quick to stifle any threat.



“Our main strength last season was at the back with seven clean sheets in 14, and tonight once again the back four were awesome. Dougherty, McGarry, Duncan and McKibbin never really put a foot wrong and were quicker and more determined than their opposition and that provided us with the confidence.

Teenager Lauren McAteer had another good game in midfield for the Seasiders

“In the middle of the park, McAteer was everywhere, winning the 50/50s and Turville was just where she had to be, although under pressure both produced their best performances of the year so far.



“With both Scott and Armstrong explosive down the flanks this provided the width for the front two to get in behind them. Up front, both strikers were worked extremely hard and both got their rewards with their goals – which were well taken.



“Overall after a slow start the side just rolled their sleeves up and got stuck in – and I think we matched them all over the park – while 3-0 might have flattered us, we did deserve this one – for the collective determination and work effort of the whole team.

Last Edited on 28-Apr-2010 2:08 PM