BANGOR 4 - 2 WAKEHURST

STEEL & SONS CUP
Match Report by Neil Watson, Saturday 9th September 2006

Bangor booked their place in the last sixteen of the Steel and Sons Cup after a hard-fought victory over Wakehurst. 4 second half goals were enough for the Seasiders to come from a goal down to record the victory.

It took the home side only 2 minutes to create the first opening when David Irvine headed just wide from 8 yards after a Bailie throw from the right.

2 minutes later, Wakehurst ‘keeper Mitchell was tested by John Bailie. The Bangor full back powered his way into the opposition penalty area before shooting from 12 yards forcing Mitchell to block the effort.

Wakehurst tested Ryan Brown in the Bangor goals after 11 minutes when midfielder Irwin shot from a narrowing angle.

Ryan Brown again had to react quickly after 23 minutes to keep Wakehurst at bay. An 18-yard shot from R Mellon took a wicked deflection, but Brown moved quickly to smoother the danger.

David Irvine was unfortunate not to see his effort break the deadlock after 37 minutes. Irvine shot towards goal from a Camlin corner, but despite the shot taking a deflection, Mitchell did well to keep the scores level.

Wakehurst managed to score the opening goal 2 minutes before half time. Irwin collected a loose pass in the Bangor midfield before lobbing the ball through to Scott Drummond who calmly lifted the ball over the advancing Brown.

Half-time: 0 – 1

Bangor made two changes during the interval in a bid to get back into the match. Dougherty and Nelson replaced Kerr and McKenna with the home side changing their plan of attack.

Indeed it took Bangor only 4 minutes to restore parity thanks to Andy Morrow. Kenny Camlin whipped in a terrific free-kick 30 yards from goal, allowing Morrow to glance the ball past the helpless Mitchell.

3 minutes later and Bangor grabbed the lead through a stunning Kenny Camlin goal. Camlin collected McDowell’s pass on the right wing before cutting infield and blasting a shot into the top left corner of the net from 25 yards.

Kenny Camlin was again instrumental in creating a chance for Stephen Munn after 61 minutes. Camlin crossed from the left allowing Munn to control and shoot at goal, forcing Mitchell into a fine save.

Both sides could have scored after 67 minutes. Wakehurst substitute Mellon struck a low free kick from 25 yards forcing Brown to save. Brown quickly fired the ball up field for Paul McDowell to lay the ball off to Morrow. Morrow then passed into the path of the supporting Dougherty who saw his left footed shot from 14 yards fly just wide of the post.

Wakehurst found themselves back on level terms after 70 minutes. Kenny Paul evaded a couple of challenges in the Bangor penalty area to shoot from 10 yards. Ryan Brown was able to parry the first effort, but Paul reacted quickest to poke home the rebound.

Bangor bounced back within 3 minutes to retake the lead. Paul Emerson managed to hook Camlin’s corner back into the penalty area where Paul McDowell headed into the path of David Irvine, allowing the Bangor midfielder to hammer home from 10 yards.

With 5 minutes left to play, Bangor were let off the hook when Kenny Paul sliced his effort badly wide with only Brown to beat after a cross from the left.

Bangor sealed the victory on the stroke of full-time through Paul McDowell. Kenny Camlin marked a fine individual performance with an excellent sweeping pass from the right wing to the unmarked McDowell on the edge of the penalty area. McDowell kept his composure to round Mitchell and tap into the open goal.

Full-time: 4 – 2

Bangor: Brown, Bailie, Larmour, Munn, Emerson, Kerr (Dougherty), Camlin, Irvine, Morrow, McDowell, McKenna (Nelson). Sub not used: Rosson
Scorers: Morrow (’48), Camlin (’52), Irvine (’73), McDowell (’90)
Booked: Bailie, McKenna, Irvine, Camlin

Wakehurst: Mitchell, Stephenson 1, Gregg (Murray), Stephenson 2, Burnside, Crawford, R Mellon (Mullholland), Irwin (Mellon), Drummond, Paul, McIlroy.
Scorers: Drummond (’43), Paul (’70)/> Booked: McIlroy