Darren downs Bangor Threes as South edge seven goal extravaganza

Forced into six changes to the team, this was in the end a very good performance from the South boys and much credit goes to the players who stepped in to keep the locals’ cup hopes alive.

Despite the many changes to the team, South started in familiar fashion and took an early lead when they counter-attacked following a Bangor penalty corner.

Swift work from Jack Moore sent Mark Conn on a run to set up John Semple on the edge of the circle to finish with a sublime reverse shot.

This seemed to stun the visitors for some time and they found it hard to get hold of the ball. Gradually, however, Bangor got an equaliser with Stranaghan tucking a cross in at the back post.

South restored their lead when Neil Wilson intercepted a Bangor pass and calmly rounded the goalie to reverse the ball into the empty net.

The second half started well for South but they were soon forced into making changes when first Willie Redpath snr and Jack Moore had to leave the pitch due to injury. Against the run of play, Bangor took the lead when Gareth Stranaghan added his second to level the scores again.

Bangor were now very much in the cup tie and within minutes took the lead with a crisp shot from the edge of the circle which gave Ashley in goal no chance.

With only six minutes left, South looked like they were heading out of the cup and losing their 100% home record.

However, the Lisburn team showed real grit and determination to force several short corners and following one of these, Darren Hutchinson maintained possession to score from close range.

There was still time for a winner and Neil Wilson provided it for South in the dying minutes when he found enough space in the circle at a penalty corner to squeeze the ball through the goalie’s pads and snatch the win.