By Lewis Bennett
BANGOR exited the NIWFA Local Women Sport Super Cup in heartbreaking fashion on Monday night following a penalty shoot-out defeat to St James’ Swifts Ladies.
In a close-fought all-NIWFA Championship encounter at Whiterock Leisure Centre, the Seasiders twice hit back after falling behind to secure a 2-2 draw and force spot kicks.
But St James’ held their nerve to convert all five of their penalties in the shoot-out and advance to the next round, while Emi Wynne was unfortunate to miss among the Bangor ranks as Amanda Morton, Erin Boyle, Toni Stewart and Amber Dempster found the net.
There was frustration in regulation time as well, as Dempster was handed the chance from 12 yards to put Bangor 3-2 in front late in the second half – but she was unable to hit the target.
It was a reprieve that the hosts took full advantage of in a tie that kicked off at 8.15pm and endured late into the night as the west Belfast side kept their cool to reach the next stage.
St James’ started fast and made their mark on the scoresheet in double-quick time; a Siobhan Bell penalty giving them the lead after just 11 minutes.
They had won the last encounter 3-2 between the sides at Clandeboye Park back in May and were buoyed having defeated Ballymena United Women by the same score the previous Wednesday to reach the NIWFA Championship Cup Final.
Bangor, by contrast, were looking to respond in style after being eliminated from the ToalsBet.com Women’s Challenge Cup following a disappointing 4-1 away defeat to Greenisland Women.
And the visitors weren’t giving up without a fight as they levelled five minutes before half-time, with Lydia Clarke bagging her first goal of the season to equalise.
St James’ restored their advantage on 65 minutes through Leah McEvoy, but that lasted just a couple of minutes as Chris Dougan’s side speedily hit back via Janine Jess to make it 2-2.
On 78 minutes, the Seasiders were given a golden opportunity to take the lead for the first time when a penalty was awarded their way, but top goalscorer Dempster wasn’t able to capitalise and the game remained deadlocked.
With the final whistle blown and the scores still level, it was destined for a penalty shoot-out to decide the final outcome, and from there, St James’ held the upper hand to bring Bangor’s interest in the Super Cup to an early end.
