AndyC Guest 0 post 18-Jul-2007 8:07 AM

Bangor Ladies last league game in May Seasiders fixtures cause concern Bangor Ladies out of action for 10 weeks Bangor Ladies, the official ladies section of Bangor Football Club, fixture problems continue to cause concern at the Clandeboye Road based side, who now have only played one league game in the last ten weeks. That last game, involving the Bangor side at home against Saint Matthews was way back on May 15th, and since that date, the side have not played their fixtures against Dungoyne (May 22nd) to the NIWFA Cup, Ards Raiders (June 5th), pitch unplayable, Newtownabbey Ladies (A, June 11th, Divisional Cup), Newtownabbey Ladies (H, June 19th, IFA Annual General Meeting), Knockbreda Ladies (July 10th, NIWFA Cup 3rd Round) and most recently Wellington Recreational (July 17th, pitch unplayable). The Seasiders have a scheduled league game at Clandeboye Park against league leaders Newtownabbey Strikers next Tuesday (24th), then are involved in a massive league cup semi match the following week, this despite not being in action for almost two months. The draw for the semi final (Tues. 31st) took place this Thursday and Bangor Ladies drew Newtownabbey Strikers (away), Knockbreda go to Ards Raiders. Manager Andy Craig remains perplexed: "I am confused as to what the league council propose that the club do at this point. Obviously we have raised this issue under the Rules of the Association with the League Secretary and referee co-ordinator, and we feel time is running out as regards fulfilling our fixtures. Not only is the administration side of things difficult with organising the facilities, there is the problem with the players, some who were available earlier in the season, now being unavailable due to holidays, and at this late date, returning to universities on the mainland. Cup competitions cause chaos for Seasiders "Of the games lost, four are as a direct result of the League Council policy of shelving a scheduled league game, when one of the clubs involved, have a cup fixture - the cup game taking precedence. In all these four games - it was Bangor Ladies who were the opponents of a cup tied side and who were asked to accommodate the team who had the cup commitment." When this matter was put to the NIWFA League Secretary Catriona Hamill, she responded by telling the club: "Can I just say that NO other team in Intermediate B seems to have a problem fulfilling fixtures. The league committee are meeting 19th July and your comments will be discussed." Refer League table where they are at least 11 unplayed fixtures, and only one club having fulfilled all they league fixtures: Saint Matthews!!! With the Seasiders' having lost so many fixtures, the team are fed up, frustrated and deflated. The latest game to go under was just Tuesday (17th), Bangor travelling up to Larne to face local side Wellington Rec., the referee inspected the pitch at 7 p.m. and decided it was unplayable - so the side returned to Bangor, having not kicked a ball in the league for nine weeks. This sequence of set backs has knocked any momentum out of the ladies team, who had been enjoying their best ever start to a league campaign this season, and who face the possibility of - being 'ordered' to play two games a week in the remaining four weeks of the season or being fined for not fulfilling their league fixtures. There are just four weeks of competitive football left before the divisional campaign is due to end on August 30th with a derby game against rivals Ards Raiders, in Newtownards, which leaves the local side in a serious dilemma as to how, where and when they are expected to get these outstanding fixtures played. The league council met (Thursday 19th), and Bangor Ladies will be awaiting the decision of the sports governing body the NIWFA and will be meeting shortly to discuss their decision. Training continues this Sunday at the Valentines The club will be back in training this Sunday (22nd) at the Valentines, meet 2.30 and will be back in action (hopefully) this Tuesday (24th) against Newtownabbey Strikers at Clandeboye Park, the game due to get underway at 7.30 p.m. All players and asked to meet 6.30 p.m. at the ground. Bangor gear up for season with win over Donegal Celtic on Tuesday. CUP DRAWS - JULY 19th IFA Womens Cup: Ards Raiders v. Glentoran BU, Larne v. Glenavon/Drumahoe, Ballymena face the Strikers and Cliftonville v. Fermanagh. Divisional Cup Semi Finals: Premier League: Strikers play Glenavon, Ballymena v. Glentoran. National League: Tollymore face Drumahoe while Cliftonville take on Linfield. Intermediate A sees Larne play Armagh and Ards Raiders v. DC. Intermediate B: Strikers v. Bangor Ladies, Ards v. Knockbreda C: Portaferry take on Ballynahinch, Ballyvange v. Rossglare/Drumaness and finally D Division has East End v. Ballymena and Ballymoney take on Moyola. Last Edited on 20-Jul-2007 3:44 AM