24th January 2009

 

Kircubbin travelled to local rivals Bangor Rangers last Saturday having lost twice at home to the same team over the Christmas break in league and cup competitions. The team had been depleted with absentees, as five players were unavailable for various reasons. However this could prove to be the incentive the team needed for victory.

Both teams started off very tentatively, although Kircubbin were the happier of the two, especially with a much changed team. Eugene McGrattan was in goal, Sean Masterson, Jamie Fowler, Cahal McGrattan and Paddy OPrey across the back line. Jonnie Clarke and Brendan Masterson anchored the midfield with Adam Arthurs and Fintan Bell playing on the wings. John Caughey and Matthew Torney led the line in attack. Not much happened of note in the first twenty minutes as both teams found their footing in their match, but Bangor took the lead with a lucky goal when Eugene misjudged a long range cross from the left wing allowing the ball to slip between his fingers into the back of the net. Ten minutes later their lead was doubled when a lack of marking from the Kircubbin players allowed Bangor to score from close range. Kircubbin's chances were limited in the first half, and the score didn't change before the break.

Early in the second half Fintan Bell scored his first goal from his new "outfield" position when he powered home a twenty yard shot into the top right hand corner of the Bangor net. But this spurred Bangor back into action and within minutes their two goal cushion was restored when Kircubbin allowed the Bangor man time to run on the ball all the way into the box, and score from twelve yards. Time was now running out for Kircubbin, but with ten minutes to go, Fintan again brought Kircubbin back into the game with a neat goal after rounding the Bangor defence. for the final section of the match Bangor couldn't get out of their own half, as Kircubbin forced forwards in search of an equaliser. With only five minutes to go, Kircubbin made their only substitution, bringing on Stephen Clarke in place of John Caughey. The change brought instant rewards as the sub scored with his first touch of the game following a goal line scramble. Even though Kircubbin were in total control of the game, Bangor held on for a 3-3 draw. But a well deserved point for Kircubbin, and well done to Adam Arthurs who played possibly his best game for the club to date.

This week the team are at home to Santos. Players to meet at 1pm. Remember, a bus will be put on for anyone interested in travelling to the Clarence Cup match against Downpatrick FC on 14th February. Please leave your name with a club member if you are interested.