Bangor win Local Derby

North Down travelled to Bangor on Saturday desperate to get points as they fight for their Premier League status. This was a typical derby game with both sides fighting hard to gain supremacy. Bangor eventually won 2-1 although North Down will feel hard done by as two poor umpiring decisions went against them when in good attacking positions.

North Down dominated the first quarter but were unable to translate their possession into goals. North won an early corner and McKanes effort went narrowly past the post with the keeper well beaten. Boyd made a strong run and crossed for McKane to deflect wide. Good play by Gilmore and Blair resulted in another corner but this was cleared. Quick thinking by Linter led to another corner as Bangor had not retreated 5 yards but the chance was wasted.

In the second quarter Bangor came more into the game but it was north who created the first threat when Gilmore picked up an overhead but his effort was blocked by the keeper. Bangor won a corner but the routine came to nothing. A quick break and poor tackling by the visitors defence gave Bangor another corner and this time they made no mistake and slammed the ball past Rodgers. Rodgers made a save from another corner and the ball was cleared. Tweedie made a strong run from deep and crossed but no one was able to make contact.J ust before halftime McKane got North level. Linter was stick tackled and a corner was awarded. McKane made no mistake getting North deservedly level.

Early in the third quarter Wilson played a great overhead to Templeton but noone was on hand to gather his cross. Corners were exchanged but neither goal was put under pressure. Gilmore played a superb overhead pass to McKane who was clean in on goal. However he was taken out by the Bangor keeper at the edge of the circle and the umpire refused to take any action despite McKane being concussed from the tackle. When play was restarted Bangor broke but no one was able to get on the cross and the danger disappeared.

Bangor had most of the play in the final quarter and took the lead when the North defence failed to clear the ball and a Bangor forward scrambled the ball over the line. In the final minute of the game Blair attacked the circle retaining the ball despite desperate tackles by the Bangor defenders. The final whistle went before he was able to get a shot away. When challenged after the game the umpire said he was playing advantage and did not award a penalty corner- a decision which no one could understand.

Burch Autos man of match Philip Wilson.