Bangor continued their shaky start to the Intermediate League Cup with a scrappy 1-1 draw with Second Division side Oxford United Stars. The match was a tale of missed chances and packed defences as both teams found many efforts on goal blocked by defenders.

The first real chance of the match fell to the Oxford’s John Kelly after 8 minutes. John Kennedy scuffed a clearance straight to the striker, who from just inside the penalty area pulled his shot wide of the left hand upright when well placed.

Bangor’s first meaningful attack came after the quarter hour mark when Jim McCloskey was clumsily tackled after a mazy run through the Oxford midfield. The free kick from 30 yards was blocked before Barry Holland hit a deflected shot straight at the Oxford’s keeper Walker.

Oxford United Stars then began to assert control on proceedings forcing numerous corners and putting the Bangor defence under pressure. The main Bangor threat was from David Officer on the left wing. After a good run and pass by McCloskey, Officer struck a low drive destined the bottom right hand corner of the goal, only for a defender to clear the ball off the goal line.

Despite looking threatening, Oxford United Stars didn’t really create many clear-cut chances in front of goal. Bangor ‘keeper Ryan Brown 1 made his first real save after 38 minutes when he tipped a glancing header from the number 10 over the bar.

The final chance of the first half fell to Ryan Brown 2 from another scramble in the penalty area. A long throw-in by Jackie Kerr was flicked on at the near post. The ball fell to Brown, whose low shot was blocked by one of the many defenders back to clear the danger.

Half Time: Oxford United Stars 0 – 0 Bangor

After 56 minutes, it was Oxford United Stars who broke the deadlock after a Bangor mistake. Brian Russell lost possession in midfield to an Oxford player who played a high ball towards the penalty area. Massey seemed to let the ball bounce which broke kindly to Graham Brown who delicately lifted the ball over the onrushing keeper’s head and into the net.

This goal brought about tactical changes for Bangor, with John Douglas replacing Ryan Brown 2 in an attacking position. Jim McCloskey then almost levelled the score after a jinking run through the heart of the Oxford United Stars defence. Showing good close control, McCloskey beat a number of defenders before having his shot blocked by the goalkeeper from close range.

Despite this attack, it seemed to be Oxford United Stars who were the more determined to find the next goal. And their hard work could have been rewarded when Ryan Brown 1 saved a well-struck volley from the edge of the area. The lively Oxford United Stars’ strike duo was causing problems for the Bangor defence and it was John Kelly who really should have added to the tally. He raced clear from John Kennedy at the halfway line only to see his final touch let him down as Ryan Brown 1 dived at the striker’s feet to smoother the ball.

Bangor finally equalised on 77 minutes through Barry Holland. Substitute John Douglas played a neat pass through to David Officer on the left wing, who then crossed the ball to pick out Barry Holland at the back post. The on rushing Holland just reached the ball before a defender to steer the ball past the keeper.

Unfortunately Bangor never really gained the momentum to put the Oxford United Stars under much serious pressure. In the final stages of the match, both defences were caught short as both sides pressed forward for the win. The home side could, and possibly should, have won the match with late efforts being saved by Brown, cleared off the line by Officer and blocked by defending bodies.

Bangor: Ryan Brown 1, Barry Holland, Johnny Cleary, Andy Massey, John Kennedy, Ryan Brown 2, Jackie Kerr, Brian Russell, David Officer, Andy Morrow, Jim McCloskey.
Subs: Douglas (for Brown 2 (60’), McStravick (for Cleary 65’) and McKay (unused).

Scorer: Barry Holland

Oxford United Stars: Niall Walker, John Lynch, Gerald Downey, Kevin Doherty, Kevin Reddy, Ciaran Stevenson, Jack Quigley, Sean Doherty, Graham Brown, John Kelly, Shane Martin,
Subs: Michael ???, Daniel Lafferty, Declan McKeever

Scorer: Graham Brown