The clubs game against current League championship contenders Ards Raiders - coming to neighbouring Bangor looking to avenge a defeat in September last year - the Bangor side rattling in 7 goals to bury the young visitors in their final league game of the 2006 season.
The much awaited fixture was scheduled to take place at Saint Columbanus College, thanks to the work of Cathy Duncan in securing this venue - with the ladies being denied a venue, as both Clandeboye Park and the Valentines being closed down for maintenance work.
However, when the club turned up for the game - they
found the pitch had been vandalised - one of the penalty area's was badly cut up and clearly unplayable. So it was all systems go - to try and organise a digger with a flat-plate and try to clear the debris as quickly as possible.
Christina McNamara on target with the well taken goal last Monday
As this process was being successfully carried out, the referee who had been appointed for the game, surrounded by a small number of the Newtownards visitors came to the decision that an area of one of the six yard boxes was unplayable and refused to officiate the game.
To be absolutely honest - if this pitch is too be ruled as 'unsafe' - and if this criteria was used for every
league game, at every venue up and down the country during the season - then half the scheduled league fixtures would never get underway at all.
The Seasiders made no effort to influence the referee and were very disappointed not to have faced their rivals - and it could be argued that 'if' the visitors had of really wanted the game to take place - it probably would have - but opted out of taking the game on - probably seeking the points through the league council.
Bangor Ladies 2007 - Monday night at Saint Columbanus College
However, it's down to the official and it was 'his' decision not to let the game go ahead. This was made at approx. 7.10 p.m. and with no official referee for what is always a fiery fixture the match was unable to get underway - it now will be subject to a fairly predictable decision from the NIWFA league council.
Hopefully, if this fixture can be rearranged, the 'derby' fixture represents the biggest game in the North Down calendar. Bangor Ladies, unbeaten in their two previous clashes with the Newtownards club, would have went into this one as underdogs, the Ards side currently top the Intermediate B Division - and would have been looking to add the three points to edge towards securing a first trophy for the young Newtownards side.
Mention for Bangor teenager and Seasider Tina Sharpe who underwent surgery on her injured knee on Monday afternoon - Tina was hurt in a freak incident in the Club cup game in Armagh - incidently her full league debut and the players and management at Bangor Football Club look forward to her return and wish her a speedy and very quick and full recovery.
The Seasiders next fixtures are back to back games against Newtownabbey Ladies, first up in the Diamond (Rathcoole) on Monday 11th June, then at home June 19th.
The 'unplayable' pitch - you decide?
Last Edited on 7-Jun-2007 10:36 AM
