Three matches in eight days took an inevitable toll on Bangor Ladies and brought to an end what had been an impressive run of results - after the defeat of Wellington Rec.
, (21st), the week ended with two back to back defeats at home to the Intermediate B Division’s top two teams - Carrick Rangers and Larne Ladies respectfully.
The two games brought complete contrasting performances - first the Seasiders collapsed in the first game 4-0 against Carrick Rangers (24th) - with some unfortunate unforeseen late withdrawals, the home side started the game with out a full team and were understandably three nil down inside 20 minutes.
Playing with 10 for almost an hour, the full compliment of players finished the game and Bangor could have maybe nicked a consolation goal late on - Carrick added a fourth in a game which was over before it began.
One consolation was some of the resolute performances in defence - Trish Webb starring with a good all round display of tenacious defending - both Alanna Kerr and Paula Dougherty also making importance contributions.
Squad: Alanna Kerr; Paula Dougherty, Trish Kerr, Kim Dockery, Jackie Price; Carolyn Scott, Cathy Duncan, Christina McNamara, Julie Graham, Lisa Mahood and Deirdre Savage.
This game incidentally was rearranged by the NIWFA League Council in order Carrick Rangers could field their strongest team.
Then the visit of Cup Finalists Larne Ladies the following Tuesday evening (29th) saw a complete contrast in terms of the teams overall performance, attitude and approach to the game.
Larne came down to Bangor with a full squad and looked at the match as an ideal warm up game for their Intermediate cup final game against Ards Raiders in a fortnights time - the Seasiders blowing hot and cold all year - Larne manager William Noble brought his full side down for a good game - and that’s exactly what he got.
Bangor's Kim Dockery in midfield
It was a generally the same personnel that faced the one time league leaders - but it was a completely a different atmosphere in the air, as the Seasiders that went out for this, their penultimate league game - playing with grit, character and the resolve which had been the reason for their climb up the league table - unbeaten in six games, only dropping two points out of eighteen.
Bangor Ladies record against Larne has generally been improving, following the recent cup game - Larne won by the odd goal in three - and the team started this game at the right pace - and although rode their luck early on - Larne’s main threat came from a succession of corners, which were well worked, but Bradley in nets made some fine stops and the Seasiders settled in to the game.
The visitors though are a very capable, physical side and the defence in particular had to stand up and be counted, tackles from Price and Kerr stamped some authority on the game, though it wasn’t a dirty game, it was rough at times, however a good entertaining football fixture.
The sides were still level at the interval and it was down to the work ethic of the whole team - who were digging in, looking to frustrate and get at the visitors, relying on the chance of a quick counter attack - Duncan partnering Savage up front.
These two combined to create arguably Bangor’s best chance of the night, with Duncan getting a flick on which fell to striker Savage, early in the second half and once again the club’s top goal scorer at the club failed to put the chance away and Larne escaped what could have been a pivotal moment - still 0-0.
Paula Dougherty and Christina McNamara close down
With 15 minutes of the second half gone, the side still locked in what was turning out to be an enthralling game - the enforced substitution saw Julie Graham introduced and the withdrawal of the influential Duncan from up front.
While this move did not weaken the resolve of the team - it was seemingly the turning point as within a few minutes Larne’s Jill Small had snatched the opening goal.
With the light fading quickly - so did the chance of any revival as Larne added another again visitor Small pulling the strings. The game finished 4-0 - and although this might have given the impression it was an easy win for the Cup finalists - in truth it was a very good match and one which flattered the visitors - and undermined the effort and contribution the Bangor side had put into the game.
Squad: Peggy Bradley; Paula Dougherty, Alanna Kerr, Trish Webb, Jackie Price; Carolyn Scott, Christina McNamara, Kim Dochery, Valerie McKibbon, Cathy Duncan, Deirdre Savage.
Sub Julie Graham.
Jackie Price had her best game of the season on Tuesday
It was certainly an all round improvement in attitude and application - with Jackie Price having one of her best games of the season at the back; along with Alanna Kerr and Trish Webb who both were involved in a tough game.
The Seasider’s now turn their attention on their final competitive fixture of the 2007 season, with a local derby fixture against neighbours Ards Raiders next Wednesday evening.
This game bring’s the curtain down on the 2006 season and although it has been a difficult season for the North Down based ladies club - it’s one where the club has had to fight for every point chalked up on the league table - while the club has yet to field it’s strongest team on paper - although the backbone of the side remains very strong.
All the players who have represented Bangor Ladies have given Manager Andy Craig 100% and have certainly done the club very proud - with five of the side having never played competitively before, several players making debuts, the usual injuries and other commitments.
It has proved sometimes difficult recognising the right players best roles and in many cases sacrificing some individual flair in putting the overall benefit of the team first; it has also been challenging in regards to the administration side and general running of the club, through a transition to Bangor Football Club.
Bangor non starters against League leaders Carrick
Disappointing although it may have been - it has been a season where the club has learned a lot about the conduct and methods of the NIWFA and it’s ruling council - and the professionalism and standards being set by other clubs in the Province.
North Down Ladies will start their new campaign in 2007 much more prepared and under their new identity of Bangor Ladies - the official Ladies section of the Irish League side.
For more information on the only premier ladies club in the Borough of North Down contact Paula Dougherty on 07789 965547 or google the club at www.ndlfc.com
Finally everyone at North Down Ladies would like to congratulate the new Northern Ireland Premier Champions - Glentoran Ladies - who have taken the 2006 Championship in glorious style from former winners Newtownabbey Strikers. The East Belfast side are on course for a remarkable clean sweep of trophies in the NIWFA 2007.
Anyone fancy a game of twister?
Last Edited Guest on 4-Sep-2006 2:33 PM
