Glentoran 4 - 0 Bangor

In a break from the rigors of league football, Glentoran scored 4 second half goals to seal their place in the 2nd round of the County Antrim Shield.

The match began with Bangor threatening the Glentoran goal. Andy Morrow managed to squeeze a pass through to David Officer, but the winger’s shot from the left corner of the penalty area flew just past the base of the right hand post.

Deputising for the injured Ryan Brown 1 in goals was James Thompson. The cover goalkeeper did well on 12 minutes to deny Gavin Melaugh from 10 yards after the midfielder capitalised on a defensive lapse by Johnny Cleary.

It was Bangor again who looked the more threatening after 13 minutes when Brian Russell saw his volley fly just over the crossbar after a long Nicholl throw had only been half cleared.

A minute later, Lee Feeney showed some outrageous skill before his attempted chip from 30 yards sailed just over the bar with Morris struggling to cover his goal.

This close call sparked Glentoran into life, and only for some brave defending, tidy goalkeeping and poor finishing, were Bangor able to keep Glentoran out. Lockhart was the first culprit, dragging his shot from 8 yards wide of the upright when well placed. Michael Halliday was then denied by Thompson as the striker danced past a number of tackles before shooting straight at the Bangor ‘keeper. After 32 minutes, Jim McStravick bravely got in the way of a goal-bound Halliday shot from 7 yards.

After having to reorganise their midfield when the injured John Douglas was replaced by McCloskey, Bangor almost snatched the lead on 41 minutes through Andy Morrow. A long punt upfield caused panic in the Glentoran ranks with Leeman and Glendinning colliding, allowing Morrow to gather the ball 20 yards from goal. The forward’s early shot forced Morris into a smart save low to his right.

Half time: Glentoran 0 – 0 Bangor

Two minutes after the restart, Glentoran got their first goal thanks to a delightful Shaun Holmes free kick. After being awarded a free kick just left of centre, 20 yards from goal, Holmes stepped up and curled his shot into the top left corner.

5 minutes later, Glentoran doubled their lead through a second goal by Shaun Holmes. A deep cross from the right wing by Ward found Holmes unmarked at the back post. The winger headed back across goal and into the net past the wrong footed Thompson.

Glentoran were now dominating play and could have added a further goal after 66 minutes. Gavin Melaugh burst through the Bangor defence but Thompson stood up well to block the midfielder’s shot. The resultant corner saw Thompson dive at the feet of Halliday to smoother the ball 3 yards from goal.

Glentoran did score their third goal through Michael Halliday. Despite Barry Holland lying injured in the Bangor half, Halliday gathered the ball, advanced past the injured Holland and slid the ball past Thompson to the anger of the Bangor team.

With both teams ringing the changes, Glentoran completed their second half rout through Stephen Parkhouse after 77 minutes. The burly centre forward shrugged off the challenge of Holland before lobbing the ball over the on-rushing Thompson. The ball rebounded off the bar but Parkhouse was the quickest to react to tap the ball home.

Bangor: Thompson, Nicholl, Cleary, McStravick, Holland (Massey), Kerr (Brown), Douglas (McCloskey), Russell, Morrow, Feeney, Officer.

Glentoran: Morris, Nixon, Glenndinning, Simpson, Leeman, Holmes, Melaugh (Young), Ward, Parkhouse, Halliday (Morgan), Lockhart.
Sub not used: Berry.

Scorers: Holmes (2), Halliday, Parkhouse

Referee: Brian Turkington.

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