Seasiders get back on track
Bangor Ladies successful run continues

Bangor Ladies, the ladies section of Bangor Football Club, got back on track in the NIWFA Division Two championship last night (11th) with a comfortable win over visitors Ballymoney Ladies at Bloomfield Road Playing Fields, Bangor.



Displaced from their usual venue Clandeboye Park, due to pitch maintenance, the Seasiders almost let this one slip away, having led for the second week in a row 4-2,in the dying embers of a game, the 2009 league champions were almost embarrassed as Ballymoney were gifted the opportunity of a share of the points late on.



Still haunted by the previous weeks events, in which the North Down side were up by two goals at Dungoyne with ten to go, saw the two points evaporate when hit by a late brace, returning to Bangor with just one of the 3 points they should have taken. In this one however, although ahead by the same margin, thankfully the Seasiders held on, bagging all three points, whilst defending their unbeaten league run of ten in a row.



Bangor Squad: Jenny Boyd, Paula Dougherty, Leanne McGarry, Rachel Bates, Valerie McKibbin, Suzanne Rea , Cathy Duncan (C), Lauren McAteer, Carolyn Scott, Lindsey Turville, Carolyn Scott, Dee Savage, Natasha Lee. Subs: Trish Webb, Susan Cull, Lindsay Turville, Christina McNamara, Jacqueline Robbins.



Although bright sunshine engulfed the local Bloomfield Road Playing Fields, it was, at times, difficult to believe it was actually summertime, a bitter wind blasting in from across Bangor Bay, which made it feel more like October, rather than May.



Facing a blinding sun, the Seasiders opened the contest and from the start showed their ability to pass and keep possession of the football in the opening exchanges, giving the side confidence and putting their opponents on the back foot.



While it was a good start, Bangor were definitely the team in the ascendancy, a sign of things to come, as Savage reunited with strike partner Lee, but not taking the first of a host of chances that would materialise during the evening.



The home team used the flanks, with Scott in particular getting the better of the right back, and Rea linking up with the industrious midfield of Duncan and McAteer to pose a threat from out on the right, in front of a back four, playing together for the first time this season.

Natasha Lee - natural born goal scorer - 40 and counting

On fifteen minutes, Lee put the Seasiders in front, with her eighth goal of the season. The 2009 top goal scorer producing a rocket of a finish, her current form really should see her in the frame for a senior call up soon. The teenager who is really just starting to reach the potential she has shown since arriving at the North Down club at the beginning of last season.



Bangor seemingly in control, were looking the more likely of the two sides to add to the score line, Lee had another effort saved on 20 minutes. A flurry of corners followed but Bangor just couldn’t get the second strike, despite forcing a few more good saves, and keeping their Ballymoney visitors pinned back.



Playing into the sunshine was to affect the Seasiders, a high ball deceiving keeper Boyd who misjudged the flight, but managed to get something on the ball. Still goal bound - Bates covering, bravely put her head on the goal line clearing the danger under a heavy challenge, which left the Bangor defender poleaxed.



Completely knocked out for a few minutes, thankfully the centre half, who received prolonged treatment, was able to carry on, though nursing a very sore head from the challenge.



The disruption favoured Ballymoney, who somehow found a way back with Bates off the pitch, the Seasiders hesitant when really under no pressure, inviting a shot from an opposing striker who gratefully accepted the gift 1-1.



This stirred the visitors who did enjoy a brief spell as Bangor, obviously stunned by the turn round, were at sixes and sevens. More drama, again the luckless Bates again involved. This time the defender took a blow to the face, which left her with a cut lip. Thankfully, she was able to continue, testament to the courage and determination of this centre half. The half closed with the score unchanged, though McAteer had a good effort that shaved the post just before the break.

Lauren McAteer - on the score sheet with her first of the season

After a halftime re-shuffle, a revitalised Bangor returned from the interval, and it was soon to produce dividends. Webb came on for McKibbin, while Rea was replaced by McNamara. Again opening the half well, Bangor seemed to find another gear and were soon back in the driving seat, running the midfield and creating the chances. After 15 minutes, Scott down the left put in a good cross, and young McAteer arriving at the front post powering home a fierce header to put the Seasiders back into the lead.



Almost from the kick off, the best move of the game, started by some decisive work at the back by Webb. Savage and Scott cleverly combining to split the Ballymoney right side. Scott played a slick one-two with Savage, then pulled the ball back across the six yard box, where substitute McNamara timed her run at the back post to perfection and swept the ball home to extend the Seasiders advantage.

Lee could have bgaged a hat-trick as Bangor dominated

Cruising into the last 15, Bangor in complete control, the fact that Ballymoney were still in the game was down to the Seasiders not taking the abundance of chances, which they were creating. Lee also forced the keeper into action on at least three occasions and the young striker could easily have bagged a hat trick.



Bangor did however, extend their lead, Savage put through by the inventive Scott, saw the striker waltz around two tackles and calmly slot past the bewildered Ballymoney keeper to effectively finish the contest at 4-1, or so it seemed.



But as luck would have it, the usually solid defence, who had been dealing comfortably with any threat, seemed to lose concentration. Ballymoney found themselves surprisingly back in the contest, with a shot, which flew over Jenny Boyd in the Bangor net.



Down to just five minutes and the referee decided he would intervene into what had been a great sporting contest, by awarding the visitors a penalty for handball. While this might have been considered a contentious decision, it wasn’t. The ball was struck directly at Bates from two yards, and to be fair, it did strike her arm, but how this was to be interpreted as deliberate, was frankly farcical. Perceived as deliberate though it was, no card was produced, which made the decision even more baffling. Ballymoney accepted the present and duly dispatched the spot kick past young Boyd. 4-3.



However Bangor were able to shut up shop, and in truth had the last chance of the game, Scott who was providing most of the ammunition all evening was slipped through by Savage, and in truth had she played the one two, Savage had a simple tap in, but instead elected to shoot, unfortunately not troubling the visiting keeper.



So, although 4-3 in truth flattered the visitors, Bangor had secured the three points, which was required, and extended their 100% home record to nine in a row.



Manager Andy Craig reacted “I was delighted at the second half, we settled and McAteer and Duncan controlled the middle of the park, and while McGarry and the battered Bates were solid, my full backs were excellent – Dougherty on the right flawless while Webb on the left decisive and effective.



“It was pleasing to have a full squad, for the first time this season, and that gives me the opportunity to change things and it proved a useful tactic, McNamara on for Rea at half time, got on the scoresheet,
“I still believe the team are under-achieving and we need to address this by doing more work on the training ground, ironing out some of the team responsibilities and working on the silly mistakes which have cost us dearly in the opening stages of this season.

The big Bangor v.Ards derby set for Tuesday 25th May

“We are a better side than we have looked in any of the games we have been involved in so far, and with our big ‘derby’ game on the horizon, against our closest geographical rivals 1st Bangor (Newtownards), it would be a good time to stamp some authority on our league potential – with some consistent performances.” .


Bangor ladies will travel to Rossglass in Downpatrick for the 1st round of the Irish F.A.Cup. on Monday 17th hoping to do exactly that.

Last Edited on 14-May-2010 12:30 PM