BANGOR 2- 2 BALLINAMALLARD UTD

Bangor and Ballinamallard began their competitive seasons at Clandeboye Park with an evenly contested draw. The lively Ballinamallard, preparing for a season in the 2nd Division, caused the Bangor rearguard numerous problems with striker Jason Gillespie looking particularly threatening on occasions. Bangor, welcoming back former players Jim McCloskey and Brian Russell, will be looking to build on this result in their defence of the early season trophy.

It was Bangor that started the more threatening with new signing Jim McCloskey, returning to the club after spells with numerous other clubs, causing problems for the Ballinamallard defence on the left hand side of midfield. After only a minute, McCloskey had forced Morrison to make a smart save low to his left at the foot of his near post.

With Ballinamallard struggling to get to grip with the game early on, Bangor applied the pressure to the away defence. However, slack passing often let down the move with players well positioned.

On 21 minutes, Bangor were awarded a free-kick right on the edge of the Ballinamallard penalty area after Ryan Brown 2 had been wrestled to the ground. Barry Holland stepped up, but his shot just curled past the right hand post with Morrison beaten. 3 minutes later, Morrison was in action in the Ballinamallard goal. After good work on the right hand side of midfield, Holland laid the ball off to the on rushing Cheevers who struck the ball from 25 yards bringing a smart save low down from the goalkeeper.

Despite Bangor being the dominant early force, it was Ballinamallard who should have taken the lead. On 27 minutes, full-back Matthew Keenan's corner, from the right, was flicked on at the near post by Gillespie. The ball found Carroll, who, from no more than 2 yards out, headed the ball against the underside of the bar, before the scrambling Ryan Brown 1 smoothed the danger.

With Bangor buzzing around the visiting team's penalty area, Andy Morrow was judged to have been pulled to the ground right on the edge of the penalty area. From the resulting free-kick, Jim McCloskey shot powerfully straight at Morrison who clung onto the ball with several Bangor players hunting for the rebound. 3 minutes later Bangor were awarded an indirect free kick on the bye line just outside the six yard box after an apparent back pass to the goalkeeper. From the tight angle on the left of the goal, the quick thinking Morrow tried to chip the ball to the back post, but the danger was easily cleared.

With Ballinamallard now playing some good passing football, they took the lead on 37 minutes. A long ball up field from Gareth Liggett fell to John Kennedy, under pressure from Gillespie. Kennedy's poor first touch set Gillespie in the clear with only Ryan Brown to beat. The striker coolly placed the ball to the 'keeper's left into the bottom corner.

Spurred on by the goal, Ballinamallard could have extended their lead on a couple of occasions. Centre forward McManus scuffed his shot straight at Ryan Brown 1 when well placed. Later before the goalkeeper had to smoother the ball on the goal line after spilling a long free kick.

Ballinamallard's lead lasted 10 minutes, when, in added time, two of Bangor's 'debut' boys combined to score. Brian Russell, playing in a withdrawn role in midfield, played a delightful through ball to McCloskey on the inside right position. The winger steadied himself before powering a shot past the helpless Morrison at his near post.

Half time:
Bangor 1 - 1 Ballinamallard United.

It was Ballinamallard who started the second half the brighter of the two teams with Duwayne McManus heading over when unmarked from 6 yards out only 2 minutes after the restart. Despite Bangor trying to take control of the match, it was Ballinamallard who again had a good chance to retake the lead. After a lapse in concentration by Johnny Cleary at left back, a poor touch allowed McManus a shot on goal. However, Ryan Brown 1 easily saved the tame shot.

After the hour mark, it was Bangor who finally made the killer pass that led to their second goal. After excellent work by Ryan Brown 2, who never gave up on a lost cause, the ball broke to Johnny Cleary from the resultant throw-in. The fullback placed a pinpoint cross on the head of Brian Russell who nodded the ball back across goal into the top left corner from around the penalty spot.

5 minutes after bringing on John Douglas to replace Jackie Kerr, Ballinamallard were back on level terms. A long free kick from the Ballinamallard half picked out the imposing Bob Carroll who rose above Massey and headed the ball across goal to the unmarked McManus who headed the ball home from all of 5 yards after 67 minutes. This goal spurred on Ballinamallard who won a series of corners, putting the Bangor defence under all sorts of pressure. After a series of goalmouth scrambles, blocked shots and poor clearances, Bangor finally cleared the ball to safety.

With only a few moments left to play, Bangor won a corner after good chasing by Andy Morrow. A dangerous corner from Douglas led to a goalmouth scramble before the ball broke to Ryan Brown 2 on the edge of the area. The forward's curling shot just bent round the far left hand post as the referee called time on the match.

Full Time: Bangor 2 - 2 Ballinamallard United

Bangor:
Ryan Brown 1, Jackie Kerr (Douglas), Johnny Cleary, John Kennedy, Andy Massey, Johnny Cheevers, Barry Holland, Brian Russell, Andy Morrow, Ryan Brown 2, Jim McCloskey.
Subs:
John Douglas, Jim McStravick, Darren McKay.
Scorers:
McCloskey (45mins), Russell (61mins)
Booked: Cheevers

Ballinamallard United:
Trevor Morrison, Richard Leckey, Matthew Keenan, Gareth Liggett, Robert Carroll, Gerald Boyle, Kyle McCleery, Leon Carters, Jason Gillespie (McVitty), Duwayne McManus, Robert McCauley.
Subs:
Matt Chambers, Keith McVitty, Mark Baxter.
Scorers:
Gillespie (37mins), McManus (67mins)

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