BANGOR CONTINUE IMPRESSIVE START
Bangor Ladies unbeaten in 5 out of 6

Bangor Ladies, the ladies section of Bangor Football Club, clashed with their closest geographical rivals 1st Bangor (Newtownards), last Tuesday (25th) evening at Bloomfield Road Playing Fields and continued their recent good run of form which has seen the Seasiders lose just once in six outings this season.


Although it could be argued that the return of just one point, the game finishing in a 1-1 stalemate, was disappointing, the team should be proud of themselves under the circumstances.


Derby games always introduce a more competitive edge to any contest – and when rivals Bangor and Newtownards meet there is always a tangible intense atmosphere surrounding any fixture.


These two ladies football clubs have recent history too – meeting twice last season in the league – a 1-1 draw at Clandeboye Park in early June, followed up, by what proved, the championship decider at The Drome on the Portaferry Road in late August.

That night, the Seasiders Carolyn Scott confirmed the visitors as league champions netting the only goal of a pulsating game.


A year on, these statistics would favour the Seasiders, although a brief glance at the team sheet would reveal that just five of the starting line up on that memorable day were currently available for Andy Craig’s 2009 league champions.


Squad: Bridget Finegan, Paula Dougherty, Leanne McGarry, Rachel Bates, Kim Dockery, Trish Webb, Lauren McAteer, Cathy Duncan (Capt.) Valerie McKibbin, Natasha Lee. Susan Cull. Subs: Suzanne Rea and Jackie Robbins.


Once again the weather didn’t give any indication as to what time of year it actually was. A strong and noticeably bitter wind swept across the local playing fields, which despite the bright sunshine, kept the temperature uncomfortably low for mid May.


With the Seasiders starting quite sharply, the Newtownards visitors were soon under the cosh. Although missing a few key players, the North Down club was able to create the first of very few chances on the night. McAteer releasing McKibbin on the left flank and the cross was met by the advancing Cull who although not connecting cleanly did force the first save of the evening.

Seasider Lauren McAteer, again patrolled the midfield

As the game settled, with Duncan very strong in midfield, it was the Bangor captain’s through ball, which led to the opening goal. Natasha Lee, who was risked despite only recovering from illness, provided the class, spinning off the centre half and hitting a rasping drive, which flew past young Alex Babb in the Newtownards goal.


Having established the led, Bangor didn’t really build on it, the young Ards team relying on the pace of their own front two, were happy to just lashed the ball up the field as quickly as possible.


This tactic was not to trouble the Seasiders back four, playing together for the first time all season, but proved effective. Gradually the home defenders were forced to drop back deeper and deeper.


What followed was a frustrating spell, which saw the Seasiders’ Newtownards opponent’s edge further and further up the pitch. This handed the visitors the incentive with nine of the Bangor side packed into the final third of the pitch, leaving Lee and Cull isolated up front.


Despite this invitation to come at the home team, the defence of Dougherty, McGarry, Bates and Dockery were strong and restricted the visitors to a few long-range efforts, which rarely troubled Finegan in goals.


What it did do however, was to keep the ball in the Bangor half for long spells and although there were a few, at times, promising counter attacks, the referee was too quick with regard to the number of marginal offsides which stifled Bangor’s efforts to break out.


Half time and with the Seasiders still comfortably in the lead, the decision was made to try and get the back four to push out more to try and get the midfield more into the contest higher up the park and to link up with the front two.



Although the second half saw Bangor take the game to the Ards side, it was not much of a thriller though – neither team producing much in the terms of clear-cut chances.



The equaliser when it did come, was out of the blue, a fairly half hearted effort from Hollie Campbell headed goal bound and keeper Finegan inexplicably misjudged it, in fact, let it drift right by, mistakenly believing it was just wide. It wasn’t 1-1.



Spurred on by the gift, 1st Bangor looked to take advantage of a fairly stunned Bangor outfit, but again the back four were comfortable and any immediate threat was thwarted quickly.



Although the embers of the game didn’t really produce anything of real substance, both teams were still interested in all three points, but, the draw looked the most likely outcome.



Cull who stuck gamely to the task all night did force an unbelievably save with just ten to go. Young Babb diving high to her right to push the ball to safety after a speculative lob.

Val McKibbin on the left wing got forward in the second half

The final action was produced by the industry of the strong front running Lee, who pounced after a good touch in midfield from McAteer let her loose. The 18 year old broke one tackle, draw the goalkeeper and as the two collided the striker’s effort was half parried. Cull who was following up, looped the ball over the isolated No. 1 and agonisingly saw it gently brush the inside of the post before it was lashed to safety from right under the upright.



Although the goal was a gifted one from a rare mistake, it would be harsh to say that the young Newtownards visitors didn’t deserve anything. For some long spells, particularly in the first half they pinned the Seasiders back, and while not really threatening Finegan kept looking to get some foothold in the contest.



So it ended, with the points shared and although these two will no doubt believe they could well have nicked all three points, in truth the result reflected the contest – from start to finish – very tight and nothing to choose between the two teams.



Despite the disappointment of the draw, Bangor manager Craig was upbeat: “I was delighted with most of the first half. Duncan and McAteer stifled any threat with some hard work, while at the back, although too deep at times, we were reasonably comfortable.


“Obviously the manner of the goal was unfortunate but that really was the only way they would get back on terms. With the performance of the back four – it might be argued it was a case of two points lost in this one.


“That was the best defensive unit I have put out this season, and sadly it was the first time I have got them together this season – overall they dealt with everything very comfortably. The fact that the goal came from an unfortunate misjudgment by the usually reliable Finegan was evidence of some very solid defending.


“Naturally we missed the pace of both McNamara and Scott, both out injured, Webb on the right and McKibbin on the left weren’t afraid to have a go at the visiting full backs.


“I’m concerned that once again, the injuries are mounting up this season. Currently Savage, Scott and McNamara are all out. Webb and Bates are just back, while Dougherty is carrying a sore ankle; and today Duncan withdrawn late on the night, is out for eight weeks, I know we will struggle.


“We are constantly looking for additions to the squad and I am hoping to make at least another three signings by the middle of June to carry the team through the next two months.


Our next match is away at Brookvale Park, Larne against Wellington Rec. next Wednesday (2nd), then we have two fixtures in the one week – at home tie against Banbridge in the Irish Cup (7th), then a game against Moyola two days later on the 9th.

Last Edited on 31-May-2010 3:44 PM