SEASIDERS' GO OUT OF DIVISIONAL CUP

Bangor Ladies lost to Newtownards rivals 1st Bangor

Bangor Ladies, the ladies section of Bangor Football Club lost to a solitary second half goal in the semi final of the Divisional Cup last night (Monday 2nd) to their against their closest geographical rivals 1st Bangor (Newtownards) away The Drome on the Portaferry Road, in what was an entertaining game between these two neighbouring clubs.


The form book suggested the Seasiders would certainly struggle in this one, having lost three straight in the league, without registering a single goal since late June.

In contrast, the North Down club’s Newtownards hosts are currently enjoying enjoying a rich vein of results, as a result they have pushed up the table into a very impressive second spot, although not really in contention for the title which looks destined for the maiden city, with runaway leaders Derry City Ladies looking untouchable.


With a place in the final at stake for the victors, the fixture itself got underway on time with the Seasiders looking to at least give a good account of themselves going all out to get the club to what would have been their first ever final.


It wasn’t too be, as the Seasiders slumped and to a narrow and in the circumstances somewhat cruel defeat, the winner arguably somewhat fortuitous, down to a unfortunate goalkeeping error.


Both sides had opened their encounter rather nervously, the early exchanges, suggested that the team were involved in what appeared a sparring match, neither really taking the opportunity to grab the game by the scruff of the neck.


The fixture however was soon to settle into an enthralling open contest and at times thoroughly entertaining game of women’s football. Clear cut chances were at a premium, and in truth come the end of evening, neither keeper had been seriously tested, however it was from an error at the back that the game was to swing dramatically on 70 minutes.


On reflection it would be fair to say that it was a shame the game was settled in the manner that it was, a scruffy goal, needlessly given away, the result doesn’t at all reflect the effort the visitors put into the fixture.


However the record book will show it will be 1st Bangor (Newtownards) who won by the single goal and it will be the ‘Ards representatives who now progress to the Cup Final in September, and everyone at Bangor Ladies Football Club would like to congratulate this talented, young side and wish them continued success in the competition.

Squad: Tina Sharpe; Paula Dougherty, Leanne McGarry, Kim Dockery, Jenny Boyd; Christina McNamara, Lynsey Turville, Lauren McAteer, Trish Webb; Dee Savage, Natasha Lee. Subs: Susan Cull, Valerie McKibben and Suzanne Rea.

For more information on Bangor Ladies Football Club - the Borough's only Premier Ladies football club and details of how to get involved in the "World's Fastest Growing Sport" just contact Andy Craig (Manager) on 077322 77854. All new players are always very welcome.

The fixture itself was proved to be no classic, more a tight, nervy game, particularly the opening ten minutes, as both clubs remained resolute in defence and far from cavalier in attack. However after this tentative start, the game did open up a bit and went on to produce some decent, if not sparkling football.

Jenny Boyd - Player of the Night in the Cup defeat

>Newtownards club 1st Bangor do boast a number of young Northern Ireland internationals in their line up and this was evident in the way they played – spreading it around in midfield and bringing the best out of the Seasiders duo of Turville and McAteer who chased and snapped at their opponents feet.

With the opening 10 minutes out of the way both sides looked to try to produce some fluency in their play, and to be fair a spell of more attacking football followed and this did produce the first of a handful of half chances.

Thankfully for the Bangor visitors, the Newtownards side’s shooting was well off target, as they blasted high and wide – twice putting the ball down the runaway on the adjoining Ards Flying Club.

The Seasiders, although pushed back early in the game, started to settle and play better, despite being a few regulars short, manager Andy Craig was happy with the team as they set about the home side.


Jenny Boyd a player currently producing her best form this season, showed her determination and broke from right back to attack along the left flank, finding herself in the opposing penalty box, forcing the first corner of the night.

A good effort towards the end of the half saw Bangor teenager Lee hit a great free kick which looked destined for the top corner, but sailed inches over the top corner and it remained scoreless at the half way interval.


Bangor did step it up noticeably from the beginning of the second half and within a few minutes looked to be getting an edge on their ‘Ards opponents. Lee had a half effort from a clever pass through the defence. McNamara too, was pushing forward, and was now tormenting the left back and hitting the line regularly, but the pull back just eluded the front two strikers following up.

1st Bangor were looking to counter and did have a few forays into the Bangor half but the game was still being dominated by both defensive units, who were both reasonably comfortable and not letting either of their opposing strikers into the respective final thirds.

Defensively the Seasiders back four contributed with a great collective display, Dockery in at centre half was flawless; both Boyd and Dougherty as full backs were excellent while captain McGarry had probably her best game of the season and never missed a tackle all night.


While there was just a touch more urgency in the tie, it was one of those game that although there was a suggestion of a goal or two in it – there was no way of knowing where it would come from.
When it did arrive, predictably it was right out of the blue.


The decisive moment, which was to separate these two sides, arrived on 70 minutes, and was, sadly for the Seasiders’, a howler. The Bangor no. 1 coming out to scoop up a harmless ball knocked forward, found herself outside the safety of the penalty area.


Having heard the shout for the ball, both centre backs McGarry and Dockery had half turned to look to push up again. Between them, the stranded keeper realising the peril of handling, turned to try and retrieve the ball, which was heading towards the goal.

An alert young Ards forward was quick to join in the scramble and in the race, managed to get enough of a touch to tap the football into an empty goal.

Obviously this was a cruel blow for the Seasiders’ but with still twenty to go, the visitors didn’t buckle and to their credit went all out to try force a way back into the tie.


Jenny Boyd again an inspiration was not afraid to get forward at every opportunity and again charged up the flank on the overlap but Bangor were just lacking any quality on the final ball, to produce the chance of the equaliser.

As Bangor pressed, a goal kick in the final fifteen was met by the 1st Bangor centre half who hoisted it high and straight back in the direction it had just vacated - the Bangor goal. Sharpe caught under it, thankful that the bounce also cleared the crossbar.

Into the final ten, from a corner McGarry was unfortunately caught and fell awkwardly. The Bangor captain looked dazed and although was able to continue, was in some pain.


Bangor kept going right to the end looking to score, while the young Newtownards side relied on the tactic of hopefully finishing the game off on a counter attack. McNamara got through but couldn’t provide the power in the finish; Lee also managed a half chance, again without getting enough on the shot to trouble the home stalwart.

United again for only the fourth time - Bangor's strike partnership

In the 87th minute, the final chance fell after more good work down the left hand side, Dockery, Boyd and Webb all involved, the through ball was measured to perfection.

Bangor striker Savage burst through on the left side of the penalty box, the shot although on target, was along the ground and losing pace making it a relatively easy save for the scrambling Babb to smother in. Final Score: 1st Bangor (Newtownards) 1, Bangor Ladies 0.


Manager Craig: “We would obviously wish to commend 1st Bangor, although it was a difficult night for us, it was a good, hard fought fixture, with both sides providing a good advert for the sport.


“As regards our performance, once again defensively we were in control. Dougherty, McGarry, Dockery and Boyd were able to stifle any threat they posed. Sharpe, despite the error, was solid and comfortable for the entire game.


“It was a tight game, and I needed the team to step up a gear after a very frustrating month, which might have affected our confidence.


“It didn’t, everyone played very well, and that was very positive. That defensive unit were excellent, the midfield industrious in the middle. Cull made a difference when she came on early in the second half, and is a player who when on form has the touch and vision to create things.


Webb was excellent as a replacement for Scott on the flank and has forced her way into the first eleven with a number of consistently good performances.


“Up front it is only the fourth time this season I have been able to pair my first choice strikers and it showed, although rusty in terms of their link up play – on another night, both could well have scored.


“On a positive side it was definitely one of our better displays in terms of performance. Last week we were slow, lethargic and were rightly punished – well turned over by a useful Ballymoney. This evening the team were excellent and arguably with a bit more composure, could well have made the final.

“But that is history, the club will have to look to wind down over the remaining couple of weeks and look to build on a squad over the winter which has been found to lack depth for most of the year.”

These two faced each other just forty-eight hours later – on Wednesday 4th in a league game, with the same conclusion – 1st Bangor (Newtownards) winning by a 1-0 margin.


This one was a game best forgotten for the Seasiders’ as Bangor Ladies looked a side that can’t wait for this season to end.


Although it was a poor game – the Newtownards side scored, again in the second to complete a miserable week for the Co. Down club.

The Seasiders have an opportunity to restore some pride in their final home game of a frustrating 2010 season next Tuesday evening (10th) at Clandeboye Park, when they face Wellington Recreational. All players are asked to meet at the venue.

Last Edited on 20-Aug-2010 2:32 PM