Rathfriland 3 - 2 1st Bangor

1st Bangor fell to their first defeat of the season against a talented Rathfriland team on Saturday in the Border Cup.

With a seemingly never-ending injury list once again hampering preparations for the match, a make-shift 1st Bangor side struggled to get going in a 1st half dominated by Rathfriland, and it was Rathfriland who deservedly took a 2-0 lead into the half time break with 2 well taken goals.

However, the classic cliche of "its a game of two halves" proved to be true once again as 1st Bangor finally shook off the long bus trip and began to take the match to Rathfriland.  The introduction of Paul Ferguson for the injured Steven Cairnduff and the move of Michael Corkum up front alongside him seemingly changed the game with Rathfriland struggling to cope with the physical presence of the 2.  It was big Corkie who struck first, controlling a good ball in from Isaac Caldwell before swivveling and smashing home to make it 2-1. 

Rathfriland however struck again shortly after with their lively winger surging into the box before squaring to a team mate to slot home from close range.  But 1st Bangor piled on the pressure again with Corkie this time driving down the left side and squaring to Paul Ferguson to fire in his first of the season.

1st Bangor searched for the equaliser with Luke Kelly going close but time was on Rathfriland's side and the full-time whistle went to give Rathfriland the win and entry into the second round of the Border Cup.

Team:
Neil Miller, Tommy Elliot, Dean Gordon, Michael Corkum, Isaac Caldwell, Matty Pritchard, Andrew Croskery (50 mins - Luke Kelly), Ross Morrow, Chris Scott, Darren Beggs (50 mins - Paul Guthrie), Steven Cairnduff (50mins - Paul Ferguson)