3rd January 2009

 

Kircubbin took on Bangor Rangers for the second time in two weeks last Saturday, this time hosting a 4th round tie of the Junior Shield. The score in the first match was a forgettable 5-1 defeat for Kircubbin, so surely things could only get better this time around.

Kircubbin got off to a better start in this game, defending as a unit and keeping the Bangor team under control for long spells. Chances in front of goal for the home team were at a premium in the first 45 minutes as the two big central defenders cleared the ball at every opportunity. But Kircubbin did create a few half chances, but the shots were not enough to trouble the visiting keeper. On the half hour mark, Bangor took the lead when their player went unchallenged into the Kircubbin penalty area and calmly slotted the ball past the advancing Fintan Bell in goals. Much of the half was played in midfield with few chances of note for either team. 0-1 at the break.

Being a cup game there was no point in sitting back and waiting for things to happen. Manager Stephen Clarke urged his team forward in the second half, and this paid dividends. Kircubbin were in the ascendancy now and it looked like a matter of time before they scored an equaliser. Bangor obviously had other ideas, and their keeper and defenders held Kircubbin at bay. With twenty minutes left on the clock the break through eventually came for Kircubbin when Ross McCann flicked a header to the back post allowing Brendan Masterson to tap the ball over the line. Kircubbin then pushed forward in search of a deserved winner, but all to no avail. Extra time loomed.

In the first period of added time, Kircubbin looked sluggish and allowed Bangor back into the game. They took hold of the game and scored another goal, almost identical to the first one, giving them a big advantage with time running out. Adam Arthurs had Kircubbin's best chance to equalise but he delayed his shot too long allowing the Bangor player to make the covering tackle. In the second period of extra time Kircubbin again pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but again the Bangor lads held firm and eventually won the game 1-2 AET.

This week the team travel to Wesley in Lisburn, transport leaves at 12noon.