MEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE
BANGOR 2
QUEEN’S 1
STORM Bert paid a visit in the early hours of Saturday morning, with Bangor hoping that it might sweep away their lacklustre league form with it.
With four games played and not a single point on the board, the home side was desperately seeking a turnaround in their fortunes against the visiting Queen’s, searching for a victory that could ignite their season.
Both teams started the match with high energy and determination, creating several opportunities in the first quarter. The away side launched an early assault, pressing the Bangor defence with swift passing and sharp attacking play. In response, the home team countered effectively, showcasing their own attacking prowess and keeping the visitors’ goalkeeper on alert.
The turning point came just before the end of the first quarter. A momentary lapse in concentration by the Bangor defence allowed the visiting striker to capitalise. Quick to seize the opportunity, the striker nipped the ball under the diving goalkeeper, handing Queen’s a crucial lead. The home defence were left to rue their momentary mistake, which proved costly in an otherwise evenly contested quarter.
The pace of the game remained high as both teams continued to create numerous chances. Bangor showed resilience and determination, seeking to level the scores, while the visitors maintained their attacking pressure.
The breakthrough for the home team came when, after some excellent interplay, Sam O’Hara found himself along the baseline. He delivered a dangerous cross across the goal, from which a Queen’s defender missed his clearance, allowing the experienced David McClune to finish at the back post. The goal ensured that Bangor went into half-time justifiably level in the game.
Bangor entered the third quarter with a clear determination to maintain their focus and avoid the lapses that have previously cost them in games. Their resolve was evident as they continued to play excellent hockey, pushing forward with intent and defending with discipline.
Both teams had their fair share of opportunities to take the lead. The match saw multiple short corners for both sides, but despite these promising chances, neither team was able to break the deadlock. The Bangor defence held firm, while the visiting goalkeeper made several saves to keep his team in the game
As both teams pushed to secure the win, the match opened up, providing plenty of opportunities for attacking play. Five minutes into the final quarter, Bangor won another short corner. A clever switch to the left found JJ Holley, who had enough space to make his move. Holley struck the ball with precision, finding the near post past the helpless defender on the line to send Bangor ahead.
This goal injected a sense of urgency into the visiting team, who ramped up their efforts to find an equaliser. Despite the increased pressure, Bangor’s defence continued to stand firm. Both teams were reduced to 10 men at times, but the home side’s resilience and determination shone through.
In the end, Bangor managed to hold on to their lead as they secured their first league points of the season.
Bangor will look to add to their league points tally this weekend when Portadown visit the Aurora in what promises to be another closely contested match.
The Esplanade player of the match was shared between Sam O’Hara, JJ Holley, and Adam Duffield for their standout performances.
JUNIOR LEAGUE 2
BANGOR MEN’S 3XI 5
INSTONIANS MEN’S 3XI 1
BIDDING to continue their recent good form in Junior League 2, Bangor Men’s Thirds hosted their Instonians counterparts at the Aurora on Saturday.
The initial exchanges indicated this would be a closely fought encounter with both sides playing fast-paced, high-intensity hockey.
As the first half progressed the home side found their shape and created a number of opportunities. Paddy Brown was unlucky to have his deflected shot well saved but Ross Townsley was on hand to slot home the resultant rebound with a great reverse stick effort. The second half was a tight affair with Instonians equalising through a well-taken penalty corner early on. The game ebbed and flowed for much of the third quarter with Simon Scales eventually putting the home side in front from close range just before the final break.
The final quarter proved to be a different affair. As the visitors pushed to get an equaliser Bangor found spaces in their defence, created numerous chances and won a number of penalty corners. Townsley was on hand again to score off a penalty corner rebound.
Almost immediately after this, Paddy Brown scored a fine individual goal after skilfully navigating through the Instonians defence.
In the final minutes Bangor were awarded further corners with Mark Lappin on hand to finish the scoring. All in all, 5-1 was a pleasing result for a great team performance against a strong visiting side. This week, the Thirds return to Junior League Cup action away to Civil Service seconds.
Quiz night
The club’s first social function of the year is a quiz night on Saturday (November 30) at Bangor Rugby Club at 7pm.
Open to all adults, there are limited tickets available on Spond or by contacting a committee member.
