13th March 2010

 

Kircubbin hosted Bangor YM in a league fixture last Saturday, knowing that a win would put the peninsula lads top of the league, with other teams involved in cup matches at the weekend. Three weeks earlier Bangor had proved to be stubborn opposition when it took an injury time goal from Kircubbin to beat their local rivals. This time around Kircubbin were much more confident as stand in manager Brendan Masterson had virtually a full squad to choose from.

Bangor started the game brightly against the stiff breeze, and took the lead in the opening ten minutes. The Bangor striker was left unmarked inside the box and he duly converted a cross from the left wing to take a well deserved lead. Kircubbin didn't seem to gel together as their play was disjointed and lacked any cohesion. As a result they found it hard to get into the game. The wind was creating problems for both teams, but Bangor coped better into the wind as they were able to pass the ball around. Kircubbin however took advantage of a set piece when Adam Arthurs scored an excellent header from the edge of the box. But Bangor regained their lead before the break, again with slack marking inside the box allowing the Bangor player too much time to control his shot past Fintan Bell in goals. With time running out in the first half, Kircubbin looked to push forward for an equalising goal, and Turlough Bell managed to convert another headed goal to bring the teams level at the break.

It was a disappointing 45 minutes from Kircubbin as everyone knew they could play a lot better. Brendan's half time team talk seemed to do wonders as Kircubbin dominated the second half. Now playing into the wind the players found it easier to control the ball and play some neat passing football on the ground. The home team then took the lead for the first time in the game when Turlough scored his second header of the day direct from a free kick. Minutes later the game looked to be over when Turlough completed his hat trick, tapping in a rebound from the keeper. Bangor were gifted a lifeline in the game when Fintan clumsily fouled inside the box to give Bangor YM a penalty. But he made up for his mistake with a save low to his left, to keep Kircubbin's two goal cushion. Kircubbin held on for a well deserved three points which now see Kircubbin sitting top of the league.

The week the team travel to Lisburn to play Wesley FC. Team to leave at noon.