Saturday 9th February 2pm

NAFL 2B

Castlewellan Playing Fields

Castlewellan 4 – 5 BYM

Bangor Young Men made the long trip up to Castlewellan with only one thing in their mind last Saturday…three points.

The game started off scrappy with the YM playing against the wind, as they tried to get their football going but it just wasn’t clicking as they battled hard for 20 minutes. Then a good ball over the Castlewellan defence from Matty Mckee in midfield found the relentless Kurtis Bell who flicked it on to make it 1-0. Then straight after, a good run from Chris Crookes saw him beat two men and cross for Kurty Bell to slot home from close range making it 2-0. The YM playing with their tails up hit Wellan again; this time a free kick into the box from Isaac Caldwell found Rhys Thompson with a first time volley to rifle home. A great finish to make it 3-0. Shortly after tensions got high and a bad tackle from Castlewellan player lead to a bit of a free for all on the pitch, with Castlewellan players getting out of hand and unfortunately it lead to two red cards, one a piece for each side.

Nevertheless the YM began the second half well but the referee judged John Sloan to have handled the ball inside the area. A close call but Wellan made no mistake from the penalty spot. 3-1

Back up the other end in a frantic game, a ball in from Conn found the outstanding Bell who got his hat-trick and seemed to put the YM in control at 4-1. However, two cheap goals straight afterwards gave Wellan a bit of hope pulling it back to 4-3. Matty McKee went close hitting a shot from all of 30 yards only for his shot to bounce off the crossbar and out to safety and then Sam Howell went through one on one with the keeper straight after but a good save from the keep denied him from getting a deserved goal.

The game continued in a somewhat scrappy format until a ball from the midfield to Sam Howell was knocked onto Bell who ran at the Wellan defence and he managed to get to their first and slot home his fourth of the day and seal the result for Bangor. To their credit Wellan pushed to the end but the YM defence and effort was great, especially Stevo Malloy and Issac at the back.

Final score 5-4 to Bangor Young Men, a great three points away from home and helping continue a great run of form. A special mention to the whole team for the fight and effort, but also Kurtis Bell who got only the 4 goals, great day for him.