Derby defeat for men against Bangor
North Down entertained Bangor in the premier League last Saturday at Comber Leisure Centre hoping to get back to winning ways. However without four regulars they knew it would require a huge effort if they were to secure a result.
The first quarter was very evenly contested as neither side was able to create any dominance. Bangor were first to make an opportunity but no one was able to get a touch on the cross. Then Andy Boyd made a fine run down the right but Gareth Bailie’s effort was well saved by the Bangor keeper. Just before the first quarter whistle Bangor won a corner for feet but it was well defended.
The second quarter followed a similar pattern with neither keeper being brought into the action. However midway through, North Down won a corner and the Bangor keeper made a fine save to deflect Gareth McKeown’s effort for a long corner. At the other end Darren Rodgers had to be on his toes to clear a dangerous cross and then an overhead pass put the North Down defence under pressure but the cross went wide of goal.
Bangor opened strongly in the third period but Rodgers was in fine form and cleared his line of any danger. A hotly disputed goal then changed the focus of the game. The ball bobbled outside the circle and the Bangor forward smashed the ball into the roof of the net. To everyone’s amazement the umpire awarded a goal. North Down now had to change their strategy and go looking for goals however the defence was caught out and Bangor added a second with a strong shot from the edge of the circle. Bangor were in control and won a corner which was well saved but the rebound was played in and a forward got a simple tap in to make it 3-0 to the visitors. Scott Moore created an opportunity for debutant Scott Irwin but his shot went wide. Ross Blair used all his skills to win a penalty stroke when a defender kept the ball out of the net with his feet but Bailie’s effort from the spot went wide of the goals.
The final quarter was full of action. Firstly McKeown was unlucky when he saw his corner effort deflect off the post to safety and then a strong run from Blair came to nothing as no one was able to get a touch on the loose ball. Bangor won a free and a quick break resulted in their fourth goal. North Down kept fighting and the visitors’ keeper cleared another Irwin effort before Bangor then at the other end shot over when well placed. The home team’s efforts were rewarded with two late goals when firstly Jordan Linter was fouled in the circle and McKeown scored the resulting penalty. Connor Tweedie then made a great run down the right and crossed for Bailie to further reduce the deficit.
This was a disappointing result for North Down but it could have been so different had Bangor not been awarded their first goal which even VAR would have ruled out!
Burch Autos Man of the Match was Ross Blair.
