Ulster Gazette - Sports - Armagh lose out again in league

Sports

Armagh lose out again in league

Thursday, 12 January 2012

Armagh.......2 Bangor........5.

ARMAGH hosted Bangor in their first game of 2012 but lost 5-2 in an entertaining game at Ardmore.
Bangor were relegated from the Premier League last season and took all three points thanks in part to having played in the Linden Cup final less than a week before whereas the home side had not played since December 9.
In addition Armagh were missing five of their squad- Andrew Brown, Colin Knipe and Matthew Russell all through illness - Josh Davidson was out of the country while experienced stalwart Julian Davidson will be out of action indefinitely.
They did however welcome back vice-captain Stewart Kirkland and influential midfielder Johnny Brown from long-term injuries.
Armagh started well but the visitors took the lead very much against the run of play when a defender held the ball too long, was dispossessed and the ball found the backboard despite an initial save by Foster.
Midway through the half Bangor extended their lead from the penalty spot which was awarded when Paul English's foot kept out a short corner.
Armagh continued to battle on and had opportunities, McRoberts had a drag flick tipped round the post by the visiting keeper and another shot went over the bar from Warnock.
Armagh made the score 2-1 when substitute Darren Stewart scored at the second attempt when he lifted the ball over the keeper after his own initial deflection was blocked.
In the second half Armagh reshuffled their side slightly with teenager Michael Anderson playing at left back and captain Davy Warnock swapped with Stuart Bell from midfield to the forward line.
Armagh squandered chances at short corners due to their rustiness. It was captain Warnock who levelled the score, he latched on to a through pass on the right weaved past three defenders and swept the ball low past the keeper on his reverse.
Bangor capitalised on a mix-up between the umpires to go 3-2 up. One umpire gave Armagh a free the other Bangor. The Bangor sweeper smacked the ball down field and it was bundled home again on a rebound after Foster had blocked the ball initially.
With 10 minutes left it was 4-2, a simple back post tap in after Armagh had failed to clear the ball and Bangor scored their fifth from a short corner variation with four minutes remaining to win by a rather flattering margin.
“We battled well and created good opportunities," said Armagh coach Robbie McMinn.
“Everyone played their part today but we also missed our regulars. We must stop the rot and really our match at Cliftonville on Saturday is a must win game.
“They are battling for survival and have no points yet so we do not want to be their first scalp of the season. A win for us will see us safe from relegation."