BANGOR PROGRESS
Bangor Ladies go through to second round

Bangor Ladies, the ladies section of Bangor Football Club, progressed into the second round of the Cola Cola Irish Cup last Monday evening (17th) with a hard fought 3-0 away win over Rossglass Ladies at Dunleath Playing Fields in Downpatrick.


Still in the first four weeks of the season, the Seasiders have now been involved in five competitive matches, with a return of 3 wins, one draw and one defeat, that one came in the opening game against a very good Derry City team, who remain unbeaten in division two.


Having swept aside Knockbreda in the previous round at Clandeboye Park, the Sammy Mellon and Sons sponsored side made the relatively short journey to Downpatrick in the first of this season’s opening rounds of Northern Ireland’s major cup competition, which involves all 55 teams registered with the NIWFA.


Although more a distraction for the North Down team, away from the priority of a respectable finishing position in their division, assistant manager Leanne McGarry took the responsibility for the team in this one; unfortunately the squad was again depleted with injuries and late cry-offs, a problem, which has plagued the 2009 league champions.


In what are now very familiar conditions, bright sprawling sunshine masking a bitter breeze, Bangor kicked off facing the wind, A reasonably sized gathering was on hand, as the other local ladies side Downpatrick Ladies were facing Loughgall Lakers on an immediately adjacent pitch.


With only 11 players available for McGarry’s team, they would obviously be facing a very tough night, with Rossglass at home and with a full quota at their disposal. Bangor though started the game brightly and McNamara opened things for the visitors, scoring after just a few minutes, her second goal of the season, coming in back-to-back games.


Against the wind, the majority of the first half was basic defending without any quality use of the ball, and this allowed Rossglass to maintain an interest in the tie. Bangor failed to settle down and just pass the ball, when some composure might have seen this game over by half time. But it wasn’t, although Bangor held the narrowest of margins Rossglass are a team who keep at their opponents, they have some very useful players who never give up and can pressure and rush defences into mistakes.


Thankfully, at the back anyway, the Seasiders kept most things simple, the back four of Dougherty, McGarry, Bates and McKibbin boosted by the presence of the reliable Finegan behind them were on form, and Bangor went into the break with the 1-0 lead. Although the interval gave the 11 visitors a welcome short break, the pace of the game was taking its toll, as they were a few players already carrying injuries going into the game.

Carolyn Scott with another assist provided the second from a corner

With the second half barely 10 minutes old, Scott who had been a source of three out of Bangor’s four goals last week was again in with an assist, striking a perfect corner, which was met by McGarry who powered it in to steady the nerves again and double the Seasiders advantage.


Rossglass tried hard to respond but Finegan really wasn’t troubled too much, despite the persistent of the home side. Both Boyd and Turville thrown into the midfield constantly broke up the home sides midfield play.


Bangor’s third and probably decisive strike came with 25 minutes to go, Webb involved with Savage profiting from a defensive misunderstanding, and getting the important touch to send it past the wrong footed keeper. With Bangor 3-0 up and cruising into the second round, some strange decisions by the referee was to have an adverse effect on what, up to that point, was a reasonably well mannered contest.


As the cup tie approached the final twenty, Rossglass stirred on by the big support, seemed to rally and just get stuck in to the visitors physically, hopeful of forcing their way back into the match.


With one or two fierce challenges firing in, some referees might have deemed zealous, the stalwart in charge of this one chose to let them go unpunished.


With Bangor maintaining their control, the first of a few arguable decisions, Savage was literally cut in half in the penalty box; the only outcome would surely be a penalty. No, the official simply awarded a goal kick.


A few minutes later Scott was next to suffer from a challenge, again with no action taken, it was clear the referee was drifting out of his depth and arguably losing control of, up to that point, was a hard fought but a fairly contested fixture. The severity of the challenge however saw Scott withdrawn and Bangor down to ten for the remaining 18 minutes.


By this stage the referee had reduced this game to basically a farce, both sides on the receiving end of some inexplicable decisions, baffling directions and this led to a period of clear frustration. Finally, something snapped, both teams getting involved in a pointless melee on the right hand side which resulted by a confrontation which may well have resulted in instant dismissals. Again no cards, but this incident unfortunately disrupted the final moments of the tie.


The remaining seven uncomfortably additional minutes saw McNamara next to receive treatment. While the majority of the challenges were not particularly malicious it could be argued they were free kicks, but the referee chose not to handle them as such.


Although the last 5 minutes did taint the game overall, it was credit to both clubs that on the final whistle the atmosphere was deflated and although, maybe not as enthusiastic as they would normally be, most if not all of the instigators of this troublesome spell thankfully shook hands and left the pitch amicably.


Bangor having sealed their place in the next round, Downpatrick Ladies meanwhile were holding Loughgall to 1-1, and following extra time, enthralled those who remained in the fading light to a thrilling penalty shootout. Downpatrick finally coming through that to go into the hat with Bangor in the next round, which will be played on June 7th.

Christina McNamara took a late hit got the first goal

All said and done, a brave band of Seasiders left with the victory and unfortunately the bruises and will look to continue this latest impressive run of results when they face their closest geographical rival 1st Bangor (Newtownards) next Tuesday night at Bloomfield Road Playing Fields.


The big derby game will kick off at 7.30 p.m. and has an added spice as although Bangor piped this young team in the race to the championship last season, the Newtownards outfit rendered their revenge by putting the Seasiders out of the divisional cup, which they then went on to win in September.

Last Edited on 18-May-2010 1:27 PM