Bangor FC would like to extend an open invitation to all our supporters, friends, associates, sponsors and business partners to come and join us at the BFC Social Club this Saturday (17th) as we celebrate our admission to the 2008/09 Irish FA Premiership.

Food will be available and the FA Cup Final will be on the big screens.

The fun starts at 2pm - Everyone welcome!

Board of Directors Statement

The Board of Bangor Football Club is very pleased with the decision to invite our Club into the new Invitational League. This decision is the culmination of an extensive programme of work that has taken place in and around the Football Club, both in attaining the Domestic Licence and completing the work required to achieve the number of points needed to make this new League.

The Board would like to thank all our sponsors, partners and supporters for their help in recent seasons and we trust that we can count on their continued support and the support of the local town in what will be a very difficult first year in this Division.

This will inevitably require a great deal of investment to ensure we are strong enough to compete in this Division and we would like to assure our supporters and partners at Bangor Football Club that we will be doing everything we can to ensure we remain in the top flight of Irish League Football for many years to come.

Finally, we would like to thank the Invitational League panel and the Irish Football Association for the fairness in this decision and we look forward to a successful future for our Football Club at Clandeboye Park.

The Bangor FC annual awards presentations were made on Saturday afternoon. The results were as follows:

Andy Morrow (Players' Player of the Year & Top Goalscorer); Ryan Brown(i) Directors' Player of the Year.

Also received a prize for winning Know the Score competition was supporter John Irvine. John predicted six of Bangor's League scores correctly, racking up an impressive tally of 42 points in Bangor's Prediction League.

OTHER NEWS:
Loughgall's 1-0 home win over Ballyclare Comrades on Saturday has confirmed that Bangor will finish the season in third place.

The long awaited announcement of the 12 teams who will be playing in the top flight next season has been delayed.

The make up of the new Invitational League had been scheduled to be announced today (Friday), but with Portadown's Appeal Hearing on their late submission now scheduled for Monday evening, the Irish FA have opted to delay their notification to clubs until Tuesday evening of next week.

Details of the outcome of Bangor's  Invitational League Application and a statement from the club will be posted here on Tuesday evening.

The process of finding Bangor's new manager will begin in earnest when the outcome of the Invitational League application is known.

Bangor will play a Preston North End XI at Clandeboye Park on Thursday 24th July, Kick Off 7:30pm.

Bangor are also hoping to attract some more cross-channel sides to Clandeboye Park in the pre-season. Details will be posted here when available.

FINAL SCORE FROM WILGAR PARK:
Dundela 1-1 Bangor
Bangor Goalscorer: Paul Harbinson

John Bailie took charge of the Bangor side for their trip to Wilgar Park this evening. Paul Harbinson gave Bangor the lead early on the second half with a spectacular 20 yard strike. However, Bangor were denied all three points with vitually the last kick of the game when Dundela snatched their equaliser.

With Ballyclare Comrades yet to finish their season, Bangor's tally of 37 points will see the club finish in either third or fourth place.

Bangor goalkeeper Ryan Brown went under the knife today as surgeons try to repair his broken ankle. Ryan has had a plate and screw inserted in his ankle following his injury which was sustained in the warm up for the Isle of Man Tournament.

Surgeons believe that today's operation was a complete success, and while Ryan may have to spend another day or two in hospital, he is now on the road to a recovery.

"It is with regret we must announce that Paul Millar has tendered his resignation with immediate effect.

As you are aware, Bangor Football Club is working hard towards acceptance for the new Invitational League. The Board of Directors feel that recent playing performances have not mirrored the efforts off the pitch and that the 8 match ban imposed on Paul will restrict his ability to successfully manage the team.

Therefore, we have accepted his resignation and would take this opportunity to thank him and his backroom staff for all their efforts and wish them every future success."

The Board of Directors - Bangor Football Club

FINAL SCORE:
Bangor 1-2 Carrick Rangers
Bangor Goalscorer: D.Fitzgerald

Andy Morrow (Sent Off)

Video Highlights now available on BangorFC.tv

Congratulations to Bangor Groundsman Brian Ritchie who has deservedly been shortlisted for the Carnegie First Division Groundsman of the Year Award.

The winner will be presented with their award at Saturday's JJB Irish Cup Final at Windsor Park.

Good Luck Brian!

View Tobermore United Second Half Video Highlights Here

FINAL SCORE:
Tobermore Utd 1-2 Bangor
Bangor Goalscorers:
R.Brown(ii), A.Morrow

Ryan Brown opened the scoring on 20 minutes when he blasted home from close range after Marty Verner and David Irvine had seen their efforts blocked. However Tobermore levelled the match just before half time.

Bangor had all the chances in the second half, and new keeper Robert Robinson was rarely troubled. Andy Morrow bustled his way through the centre of the Tobermore defence on 73 minutes to score Bangor's winner.

With the end of the season just over a week away, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all our kit sponsors for season 2007/08.

The Club Secretary will be in touch with sponsors when the season finishes to hand over the kits.

SUSPENSION:
Colin Beggs has recieved a two match ban from the Irish FA Disciplinary Committee and will miss Bangor's games against Tobermore United and Carrick Rangers.
 

Bangor have today agreed to sign experienced Newry City goalkeeper Robert Robinson as cover for the injured Ryan Brown for the remainder of the season.

The Board and Management of Bangor FC would like to thank Newry City Manager Gerry Flynn for his help in securing the deal.

In welcoming Robert to Bangor FC, we would also like to congratulate him on the recent  birth of his son.

Statement from the Board of Bangor Football Club:

"We are pleased to announce that we are the only club outside the current Premier League to have attained the UEFA Club Licence for season 08/09. Achieving the licence has been the result of over 4 months hard work in many off field areas and shows this Board's committment to ensuring we are in a position to compete at all levels within the local game. With the news that 14 clubs attained the licence, comes the reality that 2 of these clubs will not be invited into the new Premier League. Our Chairman and Chief Executive met with the Chairman of the Selection Committee on Tuesday night in what was a scheduled session in order to receive feedback on our application.The Board are increasingly optimistic and were pleased to receive positive feedback on many aspects of our application.

The new Premier Invitational League will be ratified by the IFA on the evening of Thursday May 8th with all clubs being notified by telephone on Friday May 9th. We will issue a further statement as soon as we have been notified.

New Stand - it is our understanding that we have been successful in our application for funding to help build a new stand and toilet block in the away end of the ground. We expect written confirmation shortly and intend proceeding as soon as possible after this. We have also engaged with the IFA with a view to applying for grant funding to replace our floodlights and will lodge the application within the next few weeks. If successful we could have new floodlights in place by end of September and if not we will be prioritised with other applicants so as when funding becomes available, we should get grant aid for the project.

Ryan Brown - it was with much sadness that the Directors learned of the tragic accident in warm up causing Ryan to break his akle while representing his country in the Isle of Man Tournament. Ryan is undoubtedly one of the best keepers in Irish League football and we are confident he along with our other long term injuries, Paul McDowell and Mark Magennis will be back in a Bangor shirt in time for the start of next season. We wish Ryan a speedy recovery and hope to secure the services of a current Premier League keeper for the remaining fixtures.

In finishing, The Board would like to thank everyone who has helped us attain the Club Licence and look forward to a positive outcome in our application to join the new Premier Invitational League."

Bangor's injury plagued season has been further complicated with the news that goalkeeper Ryan Brown has sustained a broken ankle.

Ryan was set to represent Northern Ireland at the Isle of Man Quadrangular Junior International Tournament on Tuesday, but sustained his injury in the pre-match warm-up. Ryan is hoping to return home from the Isle of Man today (Thursday) - we wish him a very speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back in Bangor colours next season.

Meanwhile, Bangor are currently seeking permission from the Irish FA to sign a goalkeeper as cover for the rest of the season.

Bangor have today received notification from the Irish FA that they have been awarded a Domestic Licence for season 2008/09.

The Domestic Licence is an essential requirement for all teams playing in the 12 team Invitational League next season.

A full statement from the club will be issued on Friday.

Niall Currie's Loughgall were confirmed as the Carnegie First Division League Champions last night without kicking a ball.

Ballyclare Comrades were the only side who still had a mathematical chance of catching the League leaders, but a 1-1 draw at Coagh United confirmed that the title will be heading to Lakeview Park.

The battle for second place is still on, with Bangor still very much in the mix.

OTHER NEWS:
The Irish FA are expected to announce the list of clubs who have been awarded a 2008-09 Domestic License on Thursday morning.
The Domestic License is a pre-requisite for playing in the top flight next season.

Details on the outcome of Bangor's application will be announced here as soon as the information becomes available.

FINAL SCORE FROM TILLYSBURN:
H&W WELDERS 4-3 BANGOR.
Bangor Goalscorers:
A. Morrow, R.Brown(ii), C.Rezai
 

FINAL SCORE FROM HAGAN PARK:
Coagh United 1-2 Bangor
Bangor Goalscorers:
R.Brown(ii), A.Morrow

MATCH REPORT by Neil Watson
BANGOR GOALS ON VIDEO
MATCH PHOTO GALLERY

REMAINING FIXTURES:
19.04.2008 H&W Welders v Bangor, 2:30pm
29.04.2008 Tobermore U v. Bangor,6:45pm
02.05.2008 Bangor v. Carrick Rangers,7:45pm
06.05.2008  Dundela v. Bangor, 6:45pm

**The Tobermore United fixture has now reverted back to the original date of Tuesday 29th April.
 

FINAL SCORE FROM CRYSTAL PARK:
Banbridge Town 1-6 Bangor
Bangor Goalscorers:
A.Morrow(2), M.Verner(2), C.Gilmore, C.Beggs.

MATCH REPORT by Neil Watson
MATCH VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS NOW AVAILABLE on BangorFC.TV
MATCH PHOTOS NOW AVAILABLE ON BangorFC.tv

FINAL SCORE:

Bangor 1-1 Loughgall
Bangor Goalscorer: Ryan Brown(ii)

MATCH REPORT by Neil Watson
MATCH VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS NOW SHOWING on BangorFC.TV

Bangor's application for a domestic license hit a snag yesterday when the club were informed that the Clandeboye Park pitch must be rotated by an angle of at least 15 degrees in order to comply with the new criteria.

The new licensing requirements state that all pitches must be laid in a true east to west form, and at present the Clandeboye Park pitch is 15 degrees out of line.

A club spokesman said - "We've already moved mountains to complete the domestic license application, so I guess moving the pitch won't pose too much of a problem."

Heavy lifting equipment and earthmovers are set to arrive at the ground tomorrow, with the lower section of the main stand and the upper section of the away terracing making way for the corners of the new pitch.

All work is scheduled to be completed before the next home match against Loughgall on Saturday. That is just four days from today's date - 1st April.

Bangor's match against Dundela at Wilgar Park has been postponed. Referee Brian Turkington called the game off after a lunch time pitch inspection.

There was good news for Bangor today as the club received confirmation from the I.F.A. that everything is in order with the  club's Domestic License application. The club's application for entry into next season's Invitational League has also been accepted.

The results of the Invitational League points assessment are due to be released in May.

DINNER
The club would like to thank everyone who supported last night's Sportsmans Dinner at the Marine Court Hotel, Bangor. The night was a roaring success and a significant amount of money was raised for the club.

DUNDELA
Bangor travel to Wilgar Park on Saturday to take on Dundela. Match Kick off 2:30pm.

Clandeboye BFC Supporters  Club bus departs Clandeboye Park at 1:45pm.

RESULT:
Bangor 2 - 2 Ards
Bangor Goalscorers:
Andy Forsythe, Darren Fitzgerald

MATCH REPORT by Neil Watson
MATCH VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS now showing on BangorFC.TV

Saturday's match against Tobermore United has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

The Seasiders are next in action on Saturday 22nd March when Ards are the 'visitors' to Clandeboye Park for a Carnegie First Division League fixture.

MATCH KICK OFF 3PM

"Following an inspection of Clandeboye Road on Tuesday 4th March 2008, I am delighted to announce that Bangor Football Club has met all criteria necesary to play at any level within the domestic game for season commencing August 2008.

This means that we now meet the necessary infrastructure standards to play in the Invitational League, the Premier Intermediate League, Irish Cup latter rounds, Intermediate Cup and may well be considered to host a junior International at some future date.

Our application for a domestic license will be presented to the Irish Football Association within the next ten days, closely followed by our application to join the new invitational League. Both applications will be made well before the 31st March deadline.

The Irish Football Association and North Down Borough Council commended us on the high level of ground improvements carried out at Clandeboye Park, all of which not only pass the criteria required but aim to improve facilities for everyone using and attending our ground."

Bill Peden (Chief Executive)

FINAL SCORE:
Bangor 0-0 Portstewart

MATCH REPORT by Neil Watson
MATCH VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS now showing on BangorFC.TV

Paul Millar has tonight won the battle with Loughgall to sign Ballymena United striker Darren Fitzgerald.

The 30 year old former Glasgow Rangers and Glentoran frontman agreed terms with Bangor on Monday evening and arrives at Clandeboye Park on loan for the remainder of the season.

Bangor slipped up at Dixon Park this afternoon, losing 1-0 to a well organised Ballyclare side.

Adam Dick's first half free kick was all that separated the sides in a game of few chances.

MATCH PHOTO GALLERY...online HERE

OTHER RESULTS:
Ards 2-0 Loughgall; Carrick Rangers 0-1 Banbridge Town; Coagh United 1-3 Dundela; Lurgan Celtic 4-0 Portstewart; Tobermore United 4-0 H&W Welders

MATCH REPORT by Neil Watson
MATCH VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS NOW SHOWING on BangorFC.TV

Bangor Goalscorer:
Andy Forsythe(23')

MATCH REPORT by Neil Watson
MATCH VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS now showing on BangorFC.TV

Bangor clinched a vital three points in the League this evening with a 1-0 win over Dundela at Clandeboye Park. Marty Verner scored the crucial goal in the 73rd minute.

MATCH REPORT by Neil Watson
MATCH VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS NOW AVAILABLE HERE

FINAL SCORE:
BANGOR 4 -0 LURGAN CELTIC
Bangor Goalscorers:
M.Verner(2), D.Melly, A.Morrow

MATCH REPORT by Neil Watson
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS  NOW SHOWING on BangorFC.tv

Bangor were knocked out of the JJB Irish Cup this afternoon following a 3-0 defeat to Linfield at Windsor Park.

Peter Thompson and Glenn Ferguson (2) were on target for the Blues. Ryan Brown saved a Glenn Ferguson penalty in the second half of a match where Linfield always held the upper hand.

MATCH REPORT by Neil Watson
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS  NOW SHOWING on BangorFC.tv

WKD INTERMEDIATE CUP DRAW
Bangor will play Loughgall at Clandeboye Park in the next round of the WKD Intermediate Cup.
The tie will be played on Saturday 23rd February.
KICK OFF 3PM (Confirmed)

Downshire pushed Bangor right to the wire in today's WKD Intermediate Cup match at Clandeboye Park. With the scores level at 1-1 the end of 90 minutes and extra time, the game went into a penalty shootout.

Bangor won the shootout 4-3, with Ryan Brown saving Downshire's fifth penalty.

MATCH REPORT by Neil Watson
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS  now showing on BangorFC.tv