Tobermore United v Bangor

Bangor’s disappointing form continued with the Seasiders crashing out of the Intermediate League Cup after a defeat to Tobermore United. With a substantial injury list, Bangor struggled to cope with Tobermore’s direct play and robust tackling in midfield.

Bangor began the match on top with Morrow forcing a low save from Hassan in the Tobermore goal in the opening 5 minutes. 2 minutes later and Bangor should have been a goal ahead. Lee Feeney and Andy Morrow linked up well with Morrow playing Barry Holland through on goal. Hassan was quick off his line and blocked Holland’s shot from 12 yards.

After weathering the early Bangor storm, Tobermore advanced further up the field taking advantage of some wide open spaces on the Bangor flanks. Hennighan and Cunning both forced Brown 1 into smart saves while some committed McStravick defending denied Leacock from opening the scoring after 20 minutes.

Bangor were left off the hook after 23 minutes when, from a flicked on corner, the unmarked Leacock headed over the bar from 6 yards.

Tobermore got the goal they deserved on the half hour mark. Cunning headed an accurate cross back across goal to allow the unmarked Crockett to head past the exposed Bangor ‘keeper.

6 minutes later, Andy Morrow wasted a good opening to equalise. A fine through ball by Russell allowed Morrow to advance goal-wards, but the Bangor captain’s attempted chip from 20 yards was easily gathered by Hassan.

Half-time: Tobermore United 1 – 0 Bangor

Tobermore gave Bangor reminder of their threat after the break. Hutchinson displayed a neat touch to create a yard of space 20 yards from goal before crashing a thunderous effort off the angle of post and bar.

By this stage of the game, Tobermore were keeping Bangor on the back foot with the holders struggling to force the Tobermore ‘keeper into a save. Brian Russell was unlucky to see a header drift wide of the left upright after 65 minutes but this chance marked the end of any notable Bangor efforts.

After 68 minutes, Tobermore introduced former Omagh Town and Newry City player Austin Friel into the fray in place of Cunning while Douglas replaced Kennedy for Bangor.

The lively Friel put the result beyond doubt after 81 minutes. Friel latched onto a long punt down field from a Bangor corner, before sending a looping volley into the top corner past the despairing Brown 1.

With Tobermore now totally dominating the match, it was no surprise when Austin Friel scored his second and Tobermore’s third in the 89th minute. Johnston sent a pass through to Friel who duly rounded the Bangor ‘keeper before tapping the ball into the empty net, knocking the holders out of the cup.

Full time: Tobermore United 3 – 0 Bangor

Tobermore Utd: Hassan, Johnston, Pattison, McQuillan, Kelly, Leacock (71 Walsh), McGinley (85 McLaughlin), Hennighan, Hutchinson, Crockett, Cunning (68 Friel).

Scorers: Crockett (30), Friel (81), Friel (89)

Bangor: Brown 1, Holland, Kennedy (69 Douglas), McStravick, Massey, McCloskey, Russell, Brown 2, Morrow, Feeney, Officer (83 Bowers). Sub not used: Nicholl

Booked: Holland, Russell.

Referee: Mr Stephen Moran

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