By Chris Dougan
Bangor Academy 3
Nendrum College 0
BANGOR Academy cruised to a victory over Nendrum College as they clinched the North Down U-16 title with a clinical second-half display.
The 3-0 scoreline perhaps belies how well-contested the match was, but Bangor Academy’s clinical edge in the final third ensured the North Down trophy returned to the school for the second consecutive year.
The match began as a cagey and highly competitive affair. From the first whistle, Nendrum showcased a defensive masterclass, operating with a well-organised and industrious backline that stifled Bangor’s creativity.
Forced to play in front of the Nendrum defence, Academy were largely restricted to ambitious efforts from distance, none of which could break the deadlock before the interval.
At the other end of the pitch, their own defensive unit was forced to remain hyper-vigilant. Nendrum proved to be an ever-present threat on the counter-attack, utilising their pace and energy to test the Bangor resolve. However, the Academy back four remained resolute, ensuring the score stayed 0-0 at half-time.
The tactical stalemate was finally broken in the second half, after growing pressure lead to a moment of pure technical quality.
Rowan Hylands stepped up to a free kick in a dangerous position and struck a sublime effort into the top corner to give Bangor the lead.
The momentum shifted instantly, and the Academy soon doubled their advantage when Alex McClatchy found space to fire home a crisp, powerful strike.
Despite trailing by two, Nendrum refused to concede defeat. They came agonisingly close to narrowing the margin with a header that skimmed just over the crossbar.
However, any hopes of a comeback were thwarted by Bangor goalkeeper Robbie Browne, whose calm presence and command of the penalty area provided a backbone of security for the leaders.
While Nendrum’s ‘keeper produced a string of heroic saves to keep his side in the hunt, he could do nothing about Bangor’s third and final goal.
With what was undoubtedly the goal of the match, Corey McBride chased down a clearance, over the right-back’s head, turned his marker and unleashed an unstoppable thunderbolt into the top right-hand corner – it was a strike of such calibre, that it would not have looked out of place in any professional game.
