BANGOR FC Walking Footballers gave a warm welcome to players from Winchester at Clandeboye Park last weekend as they hosted a mini tournament which was full of excitement, skill and drama.
A classy Winchester A side ended up topping the league table with 10 points, ahead of Bangor Seasiders on eight, Bangor Seagulls (five) and Bangor Sea Lions (four), on what was another great day for walking football.
Winchester A claimed overall victory in dramatic fashion after striker Barry Poffley scored a last-gasp equaliser in the final round robin match against the Seasiders, who had led through a Paul Corken strike.
The Seasiders were within a minute of claiming the title before a defensive mix up spelt disaster. Swift-footed Poffley was in dynamic form throughout the tournament, scoring six goals including a hat-trick in a 5-0 win over Winchester B during which midfielder Graham Newland added a further two goals.
The English side were a real joy to watch but had a close call against a determined Seagulls team who looked to have secured a draw after utility player Richard Worledge rifled in a stinging shot from distance, only to see the nemesis of the Bangor teams, Barry, spoil the party with another late strike.
The Sea Lions were under siege from kick-off against Winchester A, with last-ditch defending, a point blank save by goalkeeper Bryan Coults and the woodwork keeping the favourites at bay.
However the pressure eventually told and Winchester’s Ian Dawson found the net with venomous precision. The Sea Lions did taste success in a really polished performance against Winchester B with captain Colin Booth scoring the only goal of the game and then drew 0-0 with the Seagulls in another fine defensive display.
They then looked to be on their way to an unlikely draw with the Seasiders only to gift a goal to Corken.
A resilient Winchester B were really competitive against the much-fancied Seasiders who had to rely on former Cliftonville player John Steele to score the only goal of the game. But Winchester’s second string had no answer to the Seagulls who were now in full flight with playmakers Maurice Mackey and Nigel Barton both scoring a brace while centre-forward Eddie Clarke made it 5-0 with one of his composed finishes. A much-anticipated clash between the Seasiders and Seagulls ended in a 0-0 draw with neither side able to break the deadlock.
At the post tournament function, Winchester coach Heather Kirkland was full of praise for their North Down hosts. “This was our first overseas trip and it has been a very enjoyable experience indeed, played in the right sporting spirit by all the teams” she said.
“The hospitality at Bangor FC has been exceptional” added Heather.
Bangor FC Walking Football would like to thank the Winchester teams and also Sam Sittlington for all his hard work in helping to organise the visit.
