Having managed on Friday evening, two Tuesday nights and Saturday and Sunday afternoons over a 15-day period, Lee Feeney is as well-placed as anyone to comment on what he thinks of football on the seventh day of the week – and after the 3-0 victory over Newry City at Clandeboye Park, the Bangor boss is naturally satisfied with it.
While admitting the quick turnaround between matches over the past fortnight was a tricky assignment, Feeney praised the players for how they have acquitted to the challenge as the Seasiders sit nine points clear at the top of the Playr-Fit Championship table.
Striker Ben Arthurs, left wing-back Stephen McGuinness and midfield general Lewis Harrison grabbed the goals to make it a Sunday special, with 12 points out of 12 in November so far.
“Personally, I don’t mind it. To be honest, I like the way it’s spread over the weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, I think it’s good what the league (NIFL) have done with that.
“I’m not sure what the players think of it because, obviously, they like to enjoy themselves on Saturday nights, they’ve had a busy week at work and young men, human beings, they like having time to relax and they can’t really do that (with a game on Sunday).
“It’s a tough run for them, too; four (league) games in two weeks, it’s put a lot of physical demands on the players that they’ve had to come through.
“So, I feel for them in a way maybe with that, but credit to them – there was no complaining, they came in with a professional attitude, and credit to them for that to get the job done.”
With three clean sheets and just two goals across that five-game span – accounting for the slender 1-0 loss to Cliftonville in the BetMcLean Cup as well – Feeney saluted the Seagulls’ improvement at the back while also recognising a clinical edge evidenced by nine goals in the previous three outings.
Indeed, the 5-4 victory over Newry, then under Barry Gray’s stewardship, in September at the Showgrounds was a source of concern for the Bangor boss, but that madcap affair was not repeated against Darren Mullen’s side this time around.
“We were a bit concerned earlier in the season about some of the goals we were conceding, but there’s been a big improvement recently, we’re keeping clean sheets and you saw that against Newry and in our other games, too.
“We didn’t give much away; it’s a solid foundation having a strong defence and we’ve looked really solid at the back in the last few games.
“In the first game against Newry, we conceded four goals and we weren’t happy with that, it maybe overshadowed the result a bit.
“We had one of the best defensive records in the league last season, that’s an area we pride ourselves in and it was disappointing that we were probably giving away cheap goals earlier on, but we’ve looked much better in that area since then.
“Up at the other end, everyone’s chipping in. That’s Lewis’ sixth goal of the season – he has six goals and five assists, that means he’s been involved in 11 goals; I’ve wanted him to get up the pitch more when he can in previous years, and he has been doing it to great effect.
“We talk about it obviously with Ben and Spike (Matthew Ferguson), we know what we can expect from them, but we talk about other players getting involved too, everybody contributing – Stephen’s come in with his first goal of the season there. We want the full team to chip in as much as they can and we encourage players to get forward.
“At the start of the season, we were creating chances in games but we weren’t being clinical enough with them, but with this run (10 wins in 11 league matches), we have been clinical and we’re winning games because of that.”
Feeney went on to praise midfield maestro Robbie Garrett and goalscorer McGuinness, with the somewhat underrated Cliftonville loanee (21) scooping up the Man of the Match award for his efforts.
“I thought Ribsy was brilliant; he’s a top pro, an absolute pleasure to work with, and he’s thought really highly of the dressing room.
“He’s added a lot to our midfield this season, lots of experience, he’s done it at the highest level and he’s been brilliant since he came in.
“Stephen as well, I’m delighted for him that he scored and got Man of the Match – he’s went a little under the radar, but he’s been really consistent, putting up seven and eights out of 10 every week, and he’s a pleasure to work with too.
“Hopefully that goal gives him a bit of momentum to go and grab a few more, it was a really good finish, but I’m delighted he’s getting the recognition, to be honest.”
And the manager feels colossal performances across the park are driving momentum, with Bangor perched neatly on 37 points ahead of the trip to Paul Kee’s H&W Welders next up.
“This season, we’re getting maybe four or five colossal performances in each of our wins and individuals we can single out who are putting in really big shifts every week.
“Last season, we had a really good team, we were winning games as a team – and it’s the same this season, though I think we’re getting more of those colossal performances now.
“That’s driving this winning run; right now, there are players who are pulling their weight all over the pitch, we’ve got some big wins and we’re matching those with big performances – and long may that continue.”
(Posted: Monday, 18th November 2024)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Bangor marked a historic Sunday outing with three points and a 10th victory in the last 11 Playr-Fit Championship matches, extending the lead at the top of the table to nine points with a professional 3-0 victory over Newry City at Clandeboye Park.
The Seasiders hoped to build on the midweek success by the same scoreline against second-positioned Limavady United and duly did so thanks to Ben Arthurs and Stephen McGuinness strikes within three first-half minutes of each other and a Lewis Harrison finish in second-half stoppage-time. Arthurs broke the deadlock on 15 minutes when, after Marty Bradley’s low cross along the byline was blocked by a Newry defender, the Kircubbin man was quickest to respond and stroked past Conor Mitchell from six yards for his 140th goal in a Bangor shirt and ninth of the season so far.
McGuinness, a far more unlikely goalscorer given he hadn’t found the net in senior football before kick-off here, belied that three minutes later with a sweet outside-of-the-boot finish that Mitchell’s sprawling dive was unable to keep out. The Cliftonville loanee was set up by Tiarnan Mulvenna, who notched up his eighth assist of the season in the process, and set Lee Feeney’s men well on their way.
Although not at top gear, James Taylor was relatively untroubled between the sticks across the remainder of the contest, and Bangor were denied a third on a handful of occasions – Mitchell dived at Arthurs’ feet to deny him a second, while Bradley and top scorer Matthew Ferguson were also denied by the Newry stopper at close quarters.
A third goal did arrive, however, from the boot of Harrison in the first minute of added-time. Substitute Tom Mathieson cleverly laid the ball off and the captain drilled an insurance goal low to Mitchell’s right that wrapped up the three points in front of a 746-strong crowd on the day, with Bangor up to 37 points ahead of the trip to Harland and Wolff Welders next up.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, C.McGuinness, K.Owens, S.McGuinness, T.Mulvenna, R.Garrett(M.Davidson), L.Harrison, B.Arthurs, M.Ferguson(B.Cushnie), M.Bradley(T.Mathieson).
Subs: B.Fry, C.Byers, K.Reid, S.Redford
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 23rd November 2024 - H&W WELDERS v BANGOR, Championship, Blanchflower Park, 3:00pm.
(Posted: Sunday, 17th November 2024)
Bangor FC will host their first competitive Sunday football match at Clandeboye Park versus Newry on 17 November.
Chairman of Bangor FC Graham Bailie said:
“As a traditionalist, I enjoy watching football at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon. However, as the Chairman of Bangor FC, the Board and I are constantly looking at ways to increase attendance at our matches and introducing new fans to our community club.
“With that in mind, we have been holding many of our home matches on Friday nights, with an aim of attracting people to Clandeboye who might play football on a Saturday or watch other local teams.
“As the ban on Sunday football was lifted in recent years, many NIFL Premiership teams have started to play matches on that day and have achieved good attendance figures. So as a club, we have decided to trial a Sunday match this week.”
It has been over 15 years since Glentoran defeated Bangor 1-0 at The Oval in the Irish League’s first ever Sunday fixture.
Graham continued:
“Throughout this season we want to explore which match days and times are best suited to our fanbase and people in the City. We still haven’t held any matches with a kick-off off time of 5.30pm on a Saturday, so that will be another time that we will want to try out.”
He concluded: “The Sunday match will be a historic occasion for the club and we would love to see as many supporters, families and friends come down to Clandeboye at 2.00pm on Sunday and cheer on the Seasiders.”
(Posted: Thursday, 14th November 2024)
Kyle Owens saluted Bangor’s increased rigidity at the heart of defence that coupled clinical edge up top in the Seasiders’ sublime 3-0 success at Limavady United on Tuesday night.
A long, cold and foggy away day was made very rewarding for the players, management and travelling supporters alike thanks to a highly convincing performance from top to bottom at the Rathmore Road Showgrounds.
Robbie Garrett and Matthew Ferguson hit the target either side of half-time and either side of Tiarnan Boorman’s 53rd-minute own goal that Owens had a big hand in forcing, applying pressure on his Roesiders counterpart from Reece Neale’s inviting corner that left Boorman with no choice but to head past stopper Richard Purcell into his own net.
The experienced defender was exceptional alongside Neale and Caomhan McGuinness in the back-three, too, and was quick to praise a rearguard that has let in just two goals across four victories on the spin to move eight points clear at the top of the Playr-Fit Championship standings.
“Yeah, I thought we dug deep; from James (Taylor) right to Spike and Ben (Arthurs), we dug really deep.
“We defended really well, we kept our shape, they had a lot of the ball but they didn’t create much; they had the ball in our half and, thankfully, we kept the ball out of the danger zones.
“We’re building on that, we’re trying to keep more clean sheets, and I think as a unit, we’re defending better as a unit.
“It’s not just the back-three and James, I think it’s the whole team that are defending better now from top to bottom.”
Having not kept a clean sheet in the league in over two months prior to the 1-0 triumph over Ballyclare Comrades on November 1, it’s now two in three Championship games for Bangor with clear-cut chances kept at a premium for opponents in that time.
Up top, with 38 goals in 15 second-tier games to date, the attack has stayed sharp all season long and Boorman’s own goal was another sign of the Yellows’ set-piece threat.
Owens (32), who scored from one in the 3-1 home defeat to Paul Owens’ Lims on August 31, says it is a documented danger area but still feels Bangor can hit the target even more from these types of scenarios going forward.
“I think teams know how much of a threat we are from set-pieces, obviously with the size and power that we have in the team.
“To be honest with you, I’m a bit disappointed that we don’t score more from set-pieces; there was a couple tonight there and maybe last week (when Ferguson headed home a Neale throw-in during Bangor’s 3-1 victory at Dundela), it could’ve been more, but as long as we’re getting the result, it doesn’t really matter how they come about.
“I don’t know if I can claim that one tonight, but if anyone asks, yes, I scored it!
“We’ve players all over the pitch who are creating chances, and I think that’s what you need. The mentality in the team… the quality in the team alone is frightening.
“I’d like to think with the quality that we have, where we are at the moment, we’re in a good position at the top of the table and we’re capable of building on that even more.”
With nine points out of nine and a competitive performance in defeat to Cliftonville in the BetMcLean Cup to account for so far this month, former Crusaders, Ballymena and H&W Welders centre-back Owens has challenged Bangor to end a pivotal November unbeaten in the league and take an even healthier position at the summit.
Newry City are next up in a Sunday special this weekend, with a first-versus-second clash at the Welders following on November 23 before a home encounter with Armagh City rounds off the month seven days later.
“Yep, I couldn’t agree more – I think at this time in the season, you need to get performances in and keep picking up results.
“Especially this month, it’s a big month, I think we play four teams in the top six of the table, and if you’re coming out and the end of this month unbeaten, it would be a really big boost for us.”
(Posted: Thursday, 14th November 2024)
Bangor braved fog, cold temperatures and a 160-mile-round away day in midweek to move eight points clear at the top of the Playr-Fit Championship thanks to a convincing 3-0 victory over third-placed Limavady United at the Rathmore Road Showgrounds on Tuesday night.
After a scrappy start that saw Limavady's Lewis Tosh blaze over from an inviting position and Ben Arthurs power a excellent left-sided Tiarnan Mulvenna corner straight at Richard Purcell, Bangor made no mistake on 19 minutes to open the scoring. After a Reece Neale throw-in was deflected away only as far as Robbie Garrett, the midfielder laced one low and precisely into the bottom left corner for his first goal since arriving in the summer.
From there, Paul Owens' Limavady side threatened a leveller when John Butcher's shot was well-held by James Taylor on 37 minutes while, moments later, Matthew Ferguson collected Arthurs' headed flick-on and drew a fine tip around the post from Lims stopper Purcell as the Seasiders looked to double the advantage.
Lee Feeney's men weren't able to do that before half-time but, eight minutes into the second period, they found a second as Kyle Owens' presence forced an own goal from his Limavady counterpart as Neale swung a corner in from the right, with Purcell unable to do anything as the ball nestled in the top right. It's not the centre-back's goal on this occasion but he was colossal throughout and did superbly to force the issue.
Then on 76 minutes, the matter was all but signed and sealed when the equally impressive Caomhan McGuinness played one over the top, with Ferguson latching onto it and outmuscling Roesiders defender Matthew Walker before cutting inside and powering past Purcell. He turned towards the travelling fans to celebrate having had the time and space to arrow his 14th goal of the season into the net and rubber-stamp the points, keeping the clean sheet to boot on what was a hugely satisfying night at the office.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, K.Owens, C.McGuinness, S.McGuinness, R.Garrett, L.Harrison, T.Mulvenna(T.Mathieson), B.Arthurs(B.Cushnie), M.Ferguson(S.Redford), M.Bradley.
Subs: B.Fry, H.Beverland, M.Davidson
NEXT MATCH:
Sunday, 17th November 2024 - BANGOR v NEWRY CITY, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 2:00pm
(Posted: Tuesday, 12th November 2024)
John Douglas insists Bangor have nothing to fear as a 160-mile-round trip to the Limavady Showgrounds beckons on Tuesday night with three more points up for grabs.
The Seasiders are five points clear at the top of the Playr-Fit Championship, but third-placed Limavady United – who trail second-position Harland and Wolff Welders, also in action at Ballinamallard United on Tuesday, by a point having achieved promotion this term – have designs on cutting the gap at the top having won their last two, including at the Mallards in a comeback 2-1 triumph on Saturday.
With Lee Feeney’s men overcoming Dundela 3-1 at Wilgar Park, with Matthew Ferguson, Tiarnan Mulvenna and Ben Arthurs on the scoresheet, a ninth win in 10 league outings ensures spirits are high ahead of this rescheduled midweek trip to the Rathmore Road.
Douglas says the focus is purely on tasting that winning feeling again, but Paul Owens’ Roesiders – who were clinical on the counter-attack to win the first meeting 3-1 at Clandeboye Park back in August – are not to be taken lightly.
“We’ll get the players in for a recovery session and it’s a quick turnaround from there up the road to Limavady on Tuesday night, which is another really tough game.
“They’re a good side who are also up at the top end of the league, and our full focus in on continuing our momentum and picking up another three points.
“We’ll show Limavady the full respect that they deserve, but we fear nobody and we’re confident in ourselves, and there’s no reason why we can’t go into any game and get a positive result, regardless of the travel on this occasion and the late night.
“We’ve seen over the course of the last week, the squad is pushing themselves and there’s a real healthy competition in there, so we’ll take every game as it comes and, hopefully, we’ll get back down the road with another win.”
(Posted: Monday, 11th November 2024)
Bangor assistant manager John Douglas says the players were challenged before kick-off at Wilgar Park to hit the ground running and was delighted to see that demand reciprocated with a three-goal half-time lead.
Matthew Ferguson, Tiarnan Mulvenna and Ben Arthurs put Dundela to the sword and meant that, despite Ewan Kelly’s second-half reply for the hosts just before the hour, the points had already looked home and hosed by the time the players returned for the start of the second period.
It lifts the Seasiders up to 31 points in the Playr-Fit Championship table, maintaining their five-point lead after Harland and Wolff Welders and Limavady United also picked up maximum spoils on a busy Saturday of second-tier action.
Following a recent run of slow starts in league games against Ballinamallard United – a 4-0 defeat that is the only one of the last 10 Championship outings Bangor failed to win – and the narrow home wins over Annagh United (2-1) and Ballyclare Comrades (1-0), Douglas admits he was thrilled to see Lee Feeney’s charges race straight out of the traps in this one.
“I thought the way we started the game was very good, we were on the front foot from the first kick-off and we kept up the intensity to go in 3-0 up at half-time.
“We made that point to the players before kick-off, actually, that in the last few weeks, we’ve not been starting games quickly.
“The Annagh game is a great example; I thought we were poor in the first half of that game, we were behind at half-time, but we came out in the second half and we lifted our game.
“That shows the players can lift their game if needs be, but we challenged the players before playing Dundela to make a fast start – and all credit to them, they did that.
“Credit to Dundela, we went in at half-time and we expected them to come out and give a response and they made it a really awkward second half for us, but we’ve a resilient group here and I’m pleased we were able to weather the storm and take home the three points.”
Douglas went on to salute the mentality of the Bangor players, revealing that the focus in the dressing room had shifted to Tuesday night’s rescheduled trip to the Limavady Showgrounds no sooner than the referee’s whistle blew at the Hen Run.
It was a proud moment for Mulvenna, who bagged his first competitive goal for the club with a thunderous hit that rattled the bottom left corner, coming either side of Ferguson’s deft header from Reece Neale’s throw and Arthurs’ slick one-on-one finish after Robbie Garrett’s through ball set him off.
“The group of players we have, we know that we’ll get nothing less than 100 per cent effort from them every week, and that’s what you need to pick up results in this league.
“When the full-time whistle blew and the players went into the changing room, even some of the conversations in the changing room, the full focus was on Limavady on Tuesday night.
“That’s the sort of mentalities we have here; it’s straight onto the next one.
“Maybe there used to be a perception that you could go into the game and have an off day and still pick up a result, but that’s certainly not the case now. If you have an off day in this league, you’ll get found out.
“Thankfully, we turned up here, it’s always a tough battle at Wilgar Park and we turned up and showed the right attitude from the start to get three more important points.”
The assistant boss also took time to reflect on Tuesday night, when a Bangor side featuring eight changes took a near-full-strength Cliftonville outfit all the way before Reds substitute Ryan Corrigan won it in the last minute of the BetMcLean Cup last-16 tie. Douglas was keen to stress the heavy rotation was no admission of defeat, insisting that the battling performance before reverting to a yellow and blue line-up fans would more expect to see against Dundela is a positive reflection of the depth and quality at Feeney’s disposal.
“People probably thought looking at the line-up that we played on Tuesday night that we were going to, you know, let the result go – but that was the last thing on our minds.
“We have confidence in every player; we have 22 players in our first-team squad and we believe in every one of them, there are a lot of great characters in our dressing room.
“I think Tuesday night showed that and I think here showed that as well. We have a group of players who are supporting each other, whether they’re on the pitch, whether they’re on the bench, whether they’re in the stands, they’re supporting each other.
“There’s a really healthy competition in the squad – the players are pushing each other and, if they’re not playing, they’re waiting for their opportunity and they want to keep a hold of the shirt when they get the chance.
“We knew after the Cliftonville match that we have a big run of games in the league that are coming up, and that competition is crucial if you want to be challenging at the top end of the league or challenging for titles.
“It’s not individuals that win titles – it’s squads, and we’ve been keen to stress that since we first came into the club that everyone has their part to play.
“I think this week’s been a great reflection of the attitude of the players that we can change the team between two games and still get a high-level performance on both occasions.”
(Posted: Sunday, 10th November 2024)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY
|
JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Bangor made it nine wins in 10 in the Playr-Fit Championship and remain five points clear at the summit having overcame Stephen Gourley’s Dundela 3-1 at Wilgar Park on Saturday.
If watching supporters in east Belfast had a sense of déjà vu at half-time, you couldn’t have blamed them as Bangor went in 3-0 up at the break just as in the first meeting of the sides.
Matthew Ferguson scored the opener on that occasion and did so again at the Hen Run as he powered the Seasiders ahead when he connected to Reece Neale’s dangerous throw on 20 minutes.
Tiarnan Mulvenna was then the hero three minutes out from the interval as he struck his long-awaited first competitive goal for the club before Ben Arthurs added to his goal tally right on the stroke of half-time – his sixth goal against the Duns having failed to score in just one of the six outings he has faced them and, significantly, a strike that puts him just one away from equalling Andy Morrow’s modern-record 140 goals in the yellow and blue shirt.
That’s where the scoring ended for Bangor, but although Ewan Kelly pulled one back for the Duns after James Taylor had initially repelled a free-kick attempt only into his path, there were no further hiccups for Lee Feeney’s charges in the remaining half-hour to take home another three precious points.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, K.Owens, C.McGuinness, S.McGuinness(M.Davidson), L.Harrison(B.Cushnie), R.Garrett, T.Mulvenna, B.Arthurs(T.Mathieson), M.Ferguson(S.Redford), M.Bradley.
Subs: B.Fry, C.Byers, K.Reid
NEXT MATCH:
Tuesday, 12th November 2024 - LIMAVADY UNITED v BANGOR, Championship, Limavady Showgrounds, 8:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 9th November 2024)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney says clashes with Dundela have a derby feel to them as he looks ahead to the Seasiders’ short trip to Wilgar Park in the Playr-Fit Championship on Saturday.
Following a battling performance in defeat to Cliftonville in the BetMcLean Cup on Tuesday night, the focus no sooner turns back to the league with the fourth-placed Duns in waiting.
Stephen Gourley’s men are themselves aiming to return to winning ways, with the Duns letting slip a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at Limavady United last Saturday, and Feeney is expecting a response from the east Belfast side as Bangor target their ninth victory in 10 Championship matches.
With visits to Limavady and H&W Welders to come in an important fortnight for the league-leading Yellows, the Kilkeel supremo just wants his charges to keep picking up points and be ready for any challenge that is thrown their way – starting with this weekend.
“The full focus now turns to Saturday, we’ll have the players in for a recovery session and then training and the full focus is on getting three points against a good side.
“I had people up there watching their game against Limavady last week and they came back and said to me that Dundela didn’t deserve to lose that game.
“It’s always stinging to lose a game or drop points when you’re two goals up, so they’re a bit of a wounded animal and we can expect a reaction on Saturday, they’ll be really up for it.
“It’s a wee bit of a derby, if you like; there’s a lot of history between the clubs over the years, connections between the clubs, and the games have always been competitive, passionate, hard-fought.
“For us, it’s just about ticking the games off… it’s really important that we don’t lose games, pick up all the points we can and just continue to build momentum.”
(Posted: Friday, 8th November 2024)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney played the squad game against Cliftonville in the BetMcLean Cup and saluted the application of his rotated side in Tuesday night’s battling 1-0 defeat.
The Seasiders pushed the Reds to the pin of their collar until the 90th minute when young striker Ryan Corrigan popped up off the bench and slotted low into the bottom left to send Jim Magilton’s side to the quarter-finals where they face fellow second-tier side Armagh City. Feeney made eight changes to the line-up that secured an eighth win in the last nine Playr-Fit Championship matches against Ballyclare Comrades on Friday, with Kyle Owens, Tiarnan Mulvenna and Tom Mathieson the only ones to keep their places, but they certainly didn’t lie down and fought to the end at Clandeboye Park.
The Kilkeel supremo hailed the attitude his players showed and added that he doesn’t want anyone in the Bangor panel, from the start or bench, to get comfortable where they are.
Cliftonville didn’t mess about in their selection, making just three changes in total and two outfield tweaks from their North Belfast Derby success over Crusaders last week. That meant big guns like strikers Joe Gormley and Ryan Curran and top-rated midfielder Rory Hale were in from the start, while Ruaidhri Donnelly, Jonny Addis, 18-year-old match-winner Corrigan and Axel Piesold – who was on Luton Town’s bench nine times in the Premier League last season – were also at Magilton’s disposal from the bench. Feeney felt that showed the respect the former Northern Ireland midfielder and his assistant Gerard Lyttle had for Bangor, adding that home chances either side of half-time for teenager Sonny Redford and substitute Matthew Ferguson could well have swung the game in the Seasiders’ favour too.“We’re keen to use the squad, and it’s about competition for places – these cup games are a good chance for our players to show what they can do and stake a claim to be in the team.
“You need depth in your squad to compete, we brought in players who were maybe working their way back from injuries or needed a bit of game-time with a big run of games coming up so I’m really pleased with the performance.
“I wouldn’t want to be in a position where… say, I’m a midfielder, I know I wouldn’t want to be sitting there knowing I’m guaranteed my place in the team.
“That’s what you want it to be, you want everybody in your team to be competing and when you get your chance to play, you want to make the most of it.
“We knew going into the game we would expect to be sitting behind the ball and defending a lot of the time given who we were playing, a top level of opposition, but I felt the players approached it in a good attitude and put in a shift.”
“I think that showed the respect that Jim Magilton and Gerard Lyttle and Cliftonville had for us, how they approached the game and the team they put out.
“You know, to come to Bangor in the cup in midweek and play a strong team that you would expect to see play in a Premiership game, it showed they took us seriously and it was a really good test for our boys.
“It’s a quality side and one of the top teams in the country, and yes, they dominated in terms of possession, but I felt we also had the two best chances in the game.
“There was the one that fell to Sonny in the first half, the goalkeeper made a good save, and then Spike, his overhead kick in the second half – maybe if they go in, it’s a different game.
“We’ve found that every time we’ve played top-level Premiership opposition in the cups – we usually give a really good account of ourselves; they maybe just have a little bit extra which they can bring in off the bench, and that was probably the case in this game as well.
“So, I’m pleased we had our chances in the game as well and we were able to push them right until the end, but it just wasn’t quite to be.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 6th November 2024)
Bangor exited the BetMcLean Cup in agonising fashion on Tuesday night when, following a valiant effort from a heavily rotated starting XI under the Clandeboye Park floodlights, a 90th-minute winner sent Cliftonville into the quarter-finals after a well-contested affair.
It was an evenly matched start at Clandeboye Park, with young striker Sonny Redford forcing a good save a quarter of an hour in from Reds stopper Lewis Ridd before, on 21 minutes, the veteran striker Joe Gormley – making his 500th Cliftonville appearance – came within inches of giving his side the lead when he rattled one off the post, with Ben Fry making his first senior appearance between the Yellows’ sticks.
With Kyle Owens, Tiarnan Mulvenna and Tom Mathieson the sole survivors in the line-up from Friday night’s 1-0 victory over Ballyclare Comrades, it was a big ask for the rotated Seasiders selection to keep the pace against a near-full-strength Cliftonville outfit, but they did so admirably as both sides traded blows, and Ridd came under extensive pressure for spells as Lee Feeney’s charges went on the offensive.
That was reflected as big guns like Ben Arthurs, Matthew Ferguson, Robbie Garrett and Caomhan McGuinness were introduced from the bench – Ferguson seeing an acrobatic overhead kick denied by Ridd in one particularly eye-catching move, while Arthurs and McGuinness also came close – but it was a replacement of Cliftonville’s own who decided the tie with teenage forward Ryan Corrigan nipping in for a last-minute winner that sends the Irish Cup holders into the last-eight.
BANGOR TEAM:
B.Fry, H.Beverland, K.Owens, K.Reid (J.Hughes), C.Byers, M.Bradley(C.McGuinness), T.Mulvenna, T.Mathieson, B.Cushnie(B.Arthurs), S.Redford(M.Ferguson), M.Davidson(R.Garrett).
Subs: J.Taylor, C.McKee
ALFIE WRIGHT
There was a minute silence before tonight's game for former Bangor goalkeeper Alfie Wright who passed away on Monday.
Alfie was the regular first choice 'keeper for the Seasiders between 1966 and 1969.
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 9th November 2024 - DUNDELA v BANGOR, Championship, Wilgar Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Tuesday, 5th November 2024)
Midfielder Robbie Garrett admitted he was “delighted” with the nature of Bangor’s victory over Ballyclare Comrades to maintain a firm grip on top spot in the Playr-Fit Championship.
The 1-0 scoreline on Friday night reflected a hard-fought and battling affair at Clandeboye Park that was decided by Ben Arthurs’ placed 33rd-minute goal which moves Lee Feeney’s men up to 28 points after 13 matches.
The Seasiders knew they’d have to be sharp given Stephen Small’s Comrades had won three in a row leading into Friday night, a run that included eye-catching triumphs away to H&W Welders and Limavady United, and they kept their focus and solidity at the back to see out a precious three points in a game that’s unlikely to live long in the memory.
That’s no matter to five-times-capped Northern Ireland international Garrett, though, who said afterwards that those kinds of close wins are some of the sweetest for him to savour.
“Absolutely, I didn’t think we were anywhere near our best tonight, but we dug in deep and ground the result out.
“It was more of a battling performance tonight than anything. Ballyclare were coming in off a good bit of form, they’d won their last three games, they’d a couple of tough games away to Limavady and the Welders, so we knew it wasn’t going to be easy.
“I think we made hard work of it at times, but three points is three points. It’s crucial at this point in the season.
“You can’t play your best every game, but when you’re not at your best, it’s important that you do grind results out, especially if you want to challenge at the top end of the league.
“So, it was important that we got the three points and I’m delighted with the win, to be honest.”
At 36, Garrett knows a thing or two about challenging for titles – he’s a five-time Irish League champion at Linfield, after all – and his experience and quality has added a fresh layer to the Bangor line-up this term.
That showed as the Belfast man scooped up the Man of the Match award for another high-class display in the centre of the park, and the former Glenavon, Portadown and Stoke City man added that being part of a panel full of winning mentalities and hard grafters on the seaside is just the kind of environment he relishes being part of.
“I’d like to think I’m experienced now; some of the decisions I made tonight at times, you wouldn’t think so! But I think I bring a wee bit of experience to the team.
“But we’ve winners in the team, we’ve got winners all over the pitch that want to win, that want to put their bodies on the line, so it’s good; it’s good for me to be involved in.
“It was a team performance, and yes, as I say, I don’t think we were at our best today – far from it – but at the same time, I don’t think we gave up many chances. I think we were strong at the back.
“There was a lot of fight; it was a scrappy game but we fought all over the pitch, and when it’s like that and when games aren’t going your way, it’s important you fight all over the pitch, and we did that and we got the three points.”
(Posted: Sunday, 3rd November 2024)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Bangor secured a priceless, hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ballyclare Comrades under the Friday night lights at Clandeboye Park to make it eight wins from nine and provisionally extend their lead at the top of the Playr-Fit Championship to six points.
After an opening period that struggled to really catch fire, Bangor took flight with the opener on 33 minutes. Ben Arthurs controlled the ball astutely under a crowd of Ballyclare defenders before trapping it under his spell to power home beyond Gerard Walker, picking his spot and shrugging off his marker to put the Seasiders in the driving seat on their return to competitive action after two weeks out.
A Michael Morgan shot fizzed the palms of James Taylor but the Yellows largely enjoyed the better of the goalmouth action, with Matthew Ferguson guiding a long-distance attempt just past the post and Arthurs seeing another effort hooked away off the line by Lewis Tennant with Walker seemingly beaten.
The second period was fairly attritional to start as the Comrades fought for a way back into the game, with attackers Marcus Murphy and Brian Healy introduced in an attacking double-sub by visiting boss Stephen Small, with Bangor looking to keep the ball at the top end and fashioning moves – an Arthurs effort that was saved by Walker's feet from six yards after a sublime Lewis Harrison cross as close as the hosts had got.
Bangor replacement Ben Cushnie marginally miscontrolled when trying to race clean through before Sonny Redford's first action was to force a corner with a shot that was turned behind. Healy shot straight at Taylor in Ballyclare's first shot on target of the half on 73 minutes, but despite nerves jangling in the stands, Lee Feeney's men kept their cool on the pitch for a gritty but highly satisfying triumph.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, K.Owens, C.McGuinness, R.Garrett, S.McGuinness, T.Mulvenna(B.Cushnie), L.Harrison, B.Arthurs, M.Ferguson(S.Redford), T.Mathieson.
Subs: E.Ovendale, K.Reid, H.Beverland, M.Davidson, C.Byers
NEXT MATCH:
Tuesday, 5th November 2024 - BANGOR v CLIFTONVILLE, Bet McLean Cup, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Friday, 1st November 2024)
Saturday, November 2 – Bangor Reserves vs Belfast Celtic YM, ToalsBet.Com Junior Shield, Clandeboye Park, 1:30pm
Bangor Reserves face a tough test in the ToalsBet.Com Junior Shield on Saturday afternoon when Belfast Celtic YM are the visitors to Clandeboye Park in the competition’s Third Round.
Flying high in Division 2A of the Amateur League, the west Belfast side are stern opposition for the young Seasiders, who kept up their unbeaten record in the NIFL Championship U21 Development League with a 2-2 draw away to their Newry City counterparts on Monday.
Belfast Celtic are second in Division 2A with an identical league record to their hosts – three wins and two draws in five matches to date – with local side Bangor Swifts leading the way, and they edged out north Antrim club Connor on penalties after a 2-2 stalemate in the last round while Ian Boal’s Yellows overcame Wellington Rec Swifts 2-0 to set up this clash.
The Reserves are keen to progress in knock-out competition as well as make progress in the league this season, with all support appreciated for this weekend’s encounter.
(Posted: Friday, 1st November 2024)
MATCH SPONSOR: GEOFF SPENCE HAIRDRESSING
Lewis Harrison says Bangor can’t afford to approach games with any less than the maximum focus given the topsy-turvy nature of the Playr-Fit Championship.
The Seasiders return to action at Clandeboye Park on Friday night after a two-week break from competitive action and will hope to start November with a bang as in-form Ballyclare Comrades check in.
The east Antrim side are a case in point of what the skipper refers to – since Bangor won 3-2 at Dixon Park in late September in what was the second of a four-match losing run for their hosts, the Comrades enter having hit a purple patch of three straight victories, including away wins over Limavady United and H&W Welders who are at the sharp end of the league.
Most recently, they defeated Newry City 3-1 last weekend to move into fifth-place. So, if Lee Feeney’s men are to retain their grip on top spot which they achieved courtesy of Harrison’s brace in the 2-1 triumph over Annagh United a fortnight ago, they must be at it from the start.
“It’s going to be another tough game, we did well when we were up there to get the three points and we had to work hard for them after chasing the game at half-time.
“They’ve got a bit of form as well, they’ve done well the last few weeks and they’ve got good players who can hurt us.
“It’s such a competitive league, every team can beat each other and everyone’s been taking points off each other this season.
“You know what it’s like, if you turn up and you’re not 100 per cent focused, you get turned over – and we lifted ourselves in the second half to get the three points last time.
“Every team will have good runs and bad runs, we’ve been turning up and playing well but losing to Ballinamallard was a kick up the backside for us, so it’s nice to get a win (against Annagh) under our belts, we’ll go into training and it’s all about focusing on the next game."
Bangor versus Ballyclare clashes have ranked as some of the most entertaining in the league since the start of last season, with 25 goals scored in five meetings between the sides.
With the Seasiders winning four in a row since the 3-2 reverse on the opening day of last campaign, it’s also been a fruitful fixture on the calendar that Feeney’s players will hope stays that way.
Harrison adds that there is no real attention being cast around the squad to the Championship standings, with Friday night being the immediate focus as the league continues to take shape.
“Now’s not really the time to be focusing on the league table, it’s early on and we’re top of the league, which is good, but as I say, everyone’s beating everyone at the moment.
“Maybe we’ll assess ourselves in January when the league’s taken a bit of shape, but for now, it’s just about ticking the games off, we’re only focused on the game in front of us.
“We’re not looking at anything beyond Ballyclare – we want to win again, and we’ll just keep on going from there.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 30th October 2024)
LEE REA JOINS KELVIN OB
We wish Lee Rea well after the forward completed a transfer to Amateur League side Kelvin OB.
The 22 year old joined the Seasiders from Dundela in August, and went on to make five appearances for the club.
FRIDAY FRIENDLY
With no competitive game this weekend, the Seasiders instead head to New Grosvenor tomorrow night for a friendly with Lisburn Distillery.
Match Kick off is 7.30pm.
(Posted: Thursday, 24th October 2024)
A sizzling second half under the sun helped Bangor Reserves account for Harland and Wolff Welders U21 on Saturday morning, and versatile forward Jay Boyd reflected on a satisfying day’s work as the Seasiders maintained their unbeaten start to the Championship U21 Development League.
Those in attendance at Clandeboye Park were promised entertainment and that’s exactly what they got – a nine-goal thriller that ended in a 6-3 triumph for the hosts, who pulled away in the second period after the sides could not be separated at half-time.
Max Davidson and Boyd replied with equalisers after the Welders had nudged ahead on two occasions in the first half – the latter thundering home from a slick cut-back on the half-hour mark after left-back Davidson headed in on 21 minutes – before Bangor hit the front early in the second half courtesy of a Sonny Redford penalty after Tom Mathieson was upended.
That was on 47 minutes, with Redford doubling up to head in a fourth for an extra cushion before Ryan Nixon turned in on the hour from a well-worked free-kick routine initially from the right. A placed finish from Carter Maxwell on 70 minutes meant the Welders had been hit for six before they struck a sublime consolation three minutes from time, and Boyd was pleased with the application of his side.
“We started off quicker than them in the second half, we got the quick goal and we were able to punish them afterwards.
“Getting that first goal in the second half was absolutely vital, it changed the game for us.
“I would actually say they probably had the better of us in the first half, obviously it was 2-2 going in at half-time but I think they were a lot quicker than us, a lot faster than us, sharper to everything, first balls.
“The second half, I think it was just flipped on its head. Getting those early couple of goals and then we stayed on top for the rest of the game.
“It was brilliant football, some lovely flowing pieces of play, and then going three goals up and it’s 5-2, it’s just about seeing the game out.
“Sit in, no mistakes like we did in the first half – their two goals came from mistakes, so I think in the second half, as soon as we went three goals up, the game’s in the bag, so it’s about just making sure of the three points.”
With Bangor also staying firm in defence and keeping the action at the Welders end as much as they could, a well-rounded approach that blended attacking flair with pragmatism saw the three points out and kept up a strong start that’s seen them pick up 10 points out of 12.
Having also beaten Wellington Rec Swifts 2-0 – Boyd also scored in that encounter – to move into the next round of the Junior Shield, it’s been a good run of results of late with the spirits understandably high in the camp that Boyd, who operated both in the frontline and from the right-hand side on Saturday, hopes will long continue.
“We weren’t tested too much defensively in the second half, getting those three early goals, Davy (Downes) just asked us to sit back, obviously I moved up top and then that gave Daniel (Hannan) a chance to drop in and, yeah, see the game out.
“It’s been a good couple of weeks. We’re still unbeaten in the league and we’re through to the next round of the Junior Shield, which is great, and we’ve got a good consistent run of league games coming up.
“We’d players out today, too, so it was about adapting, you know? Coisty (McCoist Davidson) was out for example, and the manager’s (Ian Boal) away on his honeymoon as well! So it was about adapting and I think we did it exceptionally today.”
(Posted: Monday, 21st October 2024)
Lewis Harrison’s unexpected goal glut has been one of the major talking points amongst the Bangor faithful this season, with the captain admitting that he’s even surprised himself with his contributions in the penalty area.
The 25-year-old’s instincts up top rose to the fore again with a second-half double in Friday night’s 2-1 comeback win over Annagh United that brought his goal count to five across all competitions – already a career-high season total in the month of October and surpassing the four he notched up last campaign.
What’s more, after Annagh skipper Paul Finnegan put his side into a half-time lead and Jack Hastings saw a finish that would have doubled their lead disallowed on the referee’s blow, the midfielder spearheaded a return to winning ways as the Seasiders’ performance noticeably improved after the break. After bundling home from Matthew Ferguson’s headed lay-off to equalise on 52 minutes, his spectacular overhead kick six minutes later turned the tide completely, and Harrison – who made sure to praise his comrades in the middle of the park Robbie Garrett and Tiarnan Mulvenna in his post-match assessment – hopes his surprise form in front of goal continues.
“Your guess is as good as mine, I’m shocked myself at the number of goals I’m getting at the moment!
“I think a lot of it’s down to Ribsy; with him being at the base of midfield, that’s taken some of the defensive responsibilities off me and Tiarnan and freed us to get up and support the likes of Spike and Ben (Arthurs) up top.
“To be fair, you have to give credit to Tiarnan, he’s getting up and chipping in with assists this season. I’m glad to be getting into the box as well, and from midfield, we’re able to share the load with the likes of Spike and Ben as it can’t just be your strikers scoring goals – it has to be all over the team.
“I’m happy to do my bit and be scoring goals, and long may that continue and hopefully I can get a few more this season.”
As he approaches five years in the yellow and blue shirt, Harrison – who also has five assists this term – has seen many highs and a few lows, too.
The previous weekend’s 4-0 loss at Ballinamallard United that manager Lee Feeney admitted was probably the worst performance of his Bangor tenure meant a response was expected – and after a slow start against Annagh, that’s just what the players produced.
The Seasiders boss is on the record as having wanted to see the man he gave the captain’s armband to at just 21 years old chip in with goals and set-ups more often for some time, with Belfast maestro Harrison pleased to do his bit to help the main marksmen in the side.
“The second half, I thought we were very good, we got on the front foot and created a lot of chances.
“We had to be better after last weekend – and listen, that wasn’t acceptable, we were miles off it and we’d no excuses, we had to respond.
“The first half (against Annagh), to be fair, we weren’t really at it either, not at the standards that we’ve set ourselves this season.
“Then it sort of kicked in for us at half-time. We just had to lift our game and we were much more like ourselves in the second half, we lifted standards across the board as a collective.
“We came straight out of the blocks at half-time and I was happy to be on the end of two chances and put them in the back of the net.
“I’ve been trying to get into those areas more, I know Feeno’s wanted me to get up the pitch and be more of a threat.
“Spike and Ben are probably raging they didn’t score, they’ll want to get back in among the goals, but as I say, we all need to chip in from all over the pitch game in, game out, so we’re glad we’ve got the three points and we’re back on track.”
It’s now a two-week hiatus for the first-team, with next Saturday’s trip to Limavady United put back to next month due to the Roesiders having three players called up to feature for Northern Ireland in the Regions Cup in Switzerland.
That means Bangor are next in competitive action on Friday, November 1 when Ballyclare Comrades visit Clandeboye Park, with Stephen Small’s charges ironically assuring the Seasiders of top spot in the Playr-Fit Championship with a 2-0 victory at Harland and Wolff Welders on Saturday.
With the Yellows having picked up 25 points from 12 matches – five more than at this stage last season – and with seven wins in the last eight outings, Harrison admits the mini-break isn’t ideal but says it’s better to approach it on the back of a victory and top of the pile.
“The wee break’s not really ideal, we do want to be playing every week, but we’re top of the table and we’re not having to look upwards at anyone, we’re not chasing anyone and that’s a good place to be.
“If we’d had two defeats going into it, it wouldn’t have been a good look – three points is what we set out for, and that’s the most important thing.
“There’s probably a wee bit more confidence around the club and the fans with going and winning there, and we’ll turn our attentions now to try and build on it against Ballyclare in the next game.”
(Posted: Sunday, 20th October 2024)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Bangor returned to winning ways in the Playr-Fit Championship with a comeback 2-1 victory over Annagh United that sends the Seasiders at least provisionally top of the pile again.
After a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Ballinamallard United six days earlier, a response was promised and that’s exactly what the Friday night crowd at Clandeboye Park got as Lewis Harrison brought his goal tally for the season up to five with a second-half brace that turned the tide back in the hosts’ favourafter Paul Finnegan had put Annagh ahead five minutes before the break.
It's also the captain’s highest standalone goalscoring campaign having firstly slotted beyond former Bangor player Jason Craughwell for the leveller seven minutes after the interval and then produced perhaps his best goal in almost five years in yellow and blue with a fantastic overhead kick on the stroke of the hour that turned the tide.
It was a lead Lee Feeney’s men saw out until the finish for a seventh win in eight outings and continued a flawless record at home to Annagh since Bangor’s return to the Championship – three played, three won. With a two-week break until the home meeting with Ballyclare Comrades that gets November up and running, the Seasiders can at least rest easy knowing three points are the note that it starts on.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, K.Owens, C.McGuinness, L.Harrison, T.Mulvenna, R.Garrett, M.Bradley, S.McGuinness, B.Arthurs(S.Redford), M.Ferguson.
Subs: E.Ovendale, H.Beverland, T.Mathieson, M.Davidson, L.Rea, C.Byers
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 1st November - BANGOR v BALLYCLARE COMRADES, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Friday, 18th October 2024)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney has rallied his players to produce a response to last week’s chastening defeat to Ballinamallard United in Friday night’s clash with Annagh United at Clandeboye Park.
The Yellows were beaten 4-0 at Ferney Park last Saturday to cede top spot to H&W Welders in the Playr-Fit Championship, but Feeney’s men can at least provisionally return to the summit if that flat performance in Co Fermanagh can be atoned against the Portadown side.
Ciaran McGurgan’s Annagh, who are fifth in the standings, make their second visit to north Down in six days having drawn 1-1 with Ards last week that extended their overall unbeaten streak to four matches.
They also have the second-tier’s meanest defence having shipped just 11 goals and can themselves lift into third if they repeat their 1-0 home victory over the Seasiders back in August, but Feeney has been busy channelling a reaction from his charges this week and hopes they look more like the team that went on a six-game winning run across all competitions prior to that Mallards drubbing.
“Listen, Annagh are a good side; experienced manager, good players. It’s been a battle any time we’ve played them at this level, and that’ll be no different on Friday night.
“They’ve been in and around the top of the table and they’ve been in promotion play-offs, they’re not going to make life easy for us.
“For us, we have a chance to make amends in front of our own fans, and the players have to be resilient and get the last game out of the system and hopefully return to winning ways.”
(Posted: Thursday, 17th October 2024)
Heavy defeats have felt like watershed moments for Bangor since achieving promotion to the Playr-Fit Championship – and Lee Feeney is confident the latest one at Ballinamallard United on Saturday can prove a silver lining going forward.
The Seasiders supremo admits he “enjoyed” elements of the painful 4-0 drubbing at Ferney Park that abruptly ended a six-game winning streak because it will ram the point home for his side to come back even stronger than before.
He reflected on a reversal by the same scoreline at Institute a week shy of a year ago – that was coincidentally followed by a 3-0 home loss to the Mallards with Mark Stafford on the touchline – which preceded a three-month unbeaten run that shot Bangor into promotion contention, and after the former Linfield centre-back got one over the Yellows once again, Feeney is sure his charges will strength as a collective.
A positive start was dented by Daniel Barker’s eighth-minute opener for the Ducks before Barker’s second prior to half-time and Josh McIlwaine and Darragh Stewart finishes in the second half compounded the misery in Co Fermanagh, but it’s only a third of the way through the pre-split and with the Seagulls level at the summit, it’s no cause for alarm.
“To be fair, I actually thought the first 10 minutes, we started really well and we were on the front foot, but then the first goal went in and it was like a light had been switched off.
“Our standards dropped all over the pitch and it was probably as bad as I’ve seen us play.
“Give credit to Ballinamallard because they did a job on us, they shut us down and they were very good and they fully deserved the win, but we were so, so bad.
“But I’ll be honest – I enjoyed it in a way, I enjoyed the hurt and the pain of it, and when it’s like that, I’d rather we lose 4-0 than 1-0 on the day because I know that’ll hit home and we’ll get a response from the players.
“We spoke with the players in the dressing room afterwards, and we know that standard of performance isn’t acceptable and that it’ll never happen again.
“I remember around this time last year, we lost heavily up at Institute and we were poor on the day and we spoke with the players afterwards that they had to go out and respond, and off the back of that, we went on a long unbeaten run and we became a better team.
“It’s the same situation here, it’s up to us to provide a response and I know we’ll become a better team because of it.”
Indeed, Feeney says he’s itching to get back in the dugout on Friday night when Annagh United are the visitors to Clandeboye Park.
With a free week following the clash with Ciaran McGurgan’s side after the trip to Limavady United was put back due to international call-ups, victory over the Portadown outfit would satisfy the Kilkeel chief, who feels his side will be a “different animal” after this weekend.
“It’s exactly that, it’s a shock to the system after a good run that we had.
“As I said, I enjoyed the hurt, and it’ll get at me and I’ll enjoy it until we play again on Friday night – I can’t wait, I’m really looking forward to it now.
“And I’ll enjoy it because we’ll be a different animal now, we’re wounded at the moment but people know the quality and personalities that we have in that dressing room.
“As a coaching staff, we’re not concerned because it is a one-off, we’d been on a run when it was clicking and we were playing really well, so now we have to move on from it and refocus ourselves for Friday night.
“We have to use a performance like that as fuel going forward, we have to be fired up to put things right and I’m fully confident we will.”
(Posted: Sunday, 13th October 2024)
Bangor’s six-game winning run across all competitions came crashing to an end on Saturday afternoon when the longest away day of the season also saw the Seasiders’ heaviest defeat of the campaign – 4-0 to Ballinamallard United at Ferney Park.
Bangor started slowly and fell behind on eight minutes. After Matthew Ferguson headed a Kielan Reid delivery over the bar it was Daniel Barker who sent Mark Stafford’s men on their way.
The Seasiders looked to mount a quick response, with a Ferguson shot spinning over the crossbar almost immediately from kick-off, but Ballinamallard instead doubled their lead when Barker fired an impressive second on 34 minutes that left the long-travelling visitors with a mountain to climb heading into the break.
Lee Feeney made adjustments at the interval in the hope of an improvement, with Scott McArthur drawing a save from Mallards stopper Joel Little having replaced Kielan Reid, although despite Tom Mathieson and Lee Rea adding further firepower up top, Josh McIlwaine added Ballinamallard’s third on 71 minutes that effectively put it to bed.
Five minutes later, it was four when Darragh Stewart compounded a fairly miserable day at the office, with the Yellows also dropping off the summit and Harland and Wolff Welders reclaiming top spot courtesy of their own handsome win over Newington at Inver Park.
BANGOR TEAM
J.Taylor, H.Beverland, K.Reid(S.McArthur), K.Owens, S.McGuinness, R.Garrett, L.Harrison(L.Rea), T.Mulvenna, B.Arthurs, M.Ferguson, M.Bradley(T.Mathieson).
Subs: E.Ovendale, C.Byers, S.Redford, M.Davidson
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 18th October 2024 - BANGOR v ANNAGH UNITED, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 12th October 2024)
Saturday, October 12 – Wellington Rec Swifts vs Bangor Reserves, ToalsBet.Com Junior Shield, Brookvale Park, 1:30pm
Bangor Reserves are in action in the ToalsBet.Com Junior Shield this Saturday when they face Wellington Rec Swifts at Brookvale Park.
The young Seasiders have received a bye straight through to Round Two of the prestigious junior competition and will be keen to make ground on the outskirts of Larne this weekend.
Ballymena League outfit Wellington Rec’s youth side play in the BPFL Junior Division Three and sit in third-place in the division after four matches, with Bangor – who have seven points from nine in the Championship Development League – hungry to make a winning return having settled for a frustrating 1-1 draw with Armagh City Olympic a fortnight ago. T
his is also the Yellows’ best chance of knock-out silverware with Bangor Young Men having beaten them 2-0 in the Junior Cup five weeks back, and the players will back themselves to shine under the spotlight and advance to Round Three.
(Posted: Friday, 11th October 2024)
The phrase ‘one game at a time’ has become Bangor manager Lee Feeney’s buzzword, and Ben Arthurs is completely on board with it as he looks ahead to this weekend’s four-hour-round trek to Ballinamallard United on Saturday.
The Seasiders are due west in the Playr-Fit Championship and hoping to make it a seventh straight victory in all competitions when they face the Mallards, who are eighth and have their sights on climbing the table almost a third of the way into the season.
The Seasiders made it five successive wins in the second-tier with the 3-1 home triumph over Institute last weekend and head to Ferney Park in high spirits, hoping to build on a formidable recent record at the Co Fermanagh venue following 3-0 and 4-0 successes last campaign – although the Ducks did record a 3-0 win of their own at Clandeboye Park under then-interim boss Mark Stafford, with the former Linfield centre-back now permanently in charge following Tommy Canning’s departure at the end of last term.
Arthurs scored in both Bangor wins last term and reflected on happy memories created on the back of two fine performances, but it’s all eyes on the present and the striker says the Yellows will approach this latest battle with the same strong mentality as in recent weeks.
“Last year was the first time I ever sort of realised that cliché was a thing, taking each game as it comes.
“All you can do is focus on getting three points from the game that’s at the end of the week you’re in. There’s no point worrying about going on a four-game run, this and that.
“Look, Ballinamallard, it’s a far place to go, but we’d some good memories there last year and we’ll just be turning up with the same mentality as we have been the last few weeks.
“Play our game, work hard and outscore the opponent, that’s really it.”
Midfielder Tiarnan Mulvenna, who recorded a fantastic hat-trick of assists in the Stute win, is similarly casting his sights on the three points and chomping at the bit to taste victory again.
“Yes, looking forward to it, always looking forward to the next game and, most importantly, the three points.
“That’s always the target, to try and build on winning one game with winning the next game, and we’ll go out and try and do that again.”
(Posted: Thursday, 10th October 2024)
If Matthew Ferguson and Ben Arthurs executed the blueprint in Bangor’s 3-1 victory over Institute on Saturday, then midfielder Tiarnan Mulvenna was most certainly the architect.
The fan favourite in the middle of the park is a model of consistency and came up with a hat-trick of assists in the final half-hour that helped the Seasiders bag a fifth win in a row in the Playr-Fit Championship.
While the 26-year-old is yet to score competitively since his move to Clandeboye Park from Glenavon in January, set-ups are as good as a goal for Mulvenna by his own admission and he brought his tally up to five this season – and with Arthurs reinstated to the starting line-up for the first time
in three matches, the midfield dynamo teed up his fifth and sixth finishes of the campaign from a left-sided corner on 59 minutes and a defence-opening crossfield supply nine minutes later.
Another ball over the top into the red-hot Ferguson on 78 minutes helped finish Institute off after Jamie Browne had cut the deficit six minutes earlier, and Mulvenna was satisfied in the end to wrap up the three points.
“It’s a good win for the boys, especially Big Ben being back in the starting 11, getting two goals, happy for him.
“Three assists for me on Saturday – whether it’s from set-pieces, open play, wherever it is on the pitch, however the chances come, it’s good for the team.
“In my position, setting up chances is better than scoring for me, but everyone likes scoring once in a while; I’m still waiting for my goal to come!”
Arthurs’ header broke the deadlock after a cagey first hour which Stute mostly spent looking to counter, with the Kircubbin striker rattling the underside of the bar and Mulvenna seeing a low effort turned wide by goalkeeper Fintan Doherty for the corner that led to the opener. The last 30 minutes was where the best of the action lay, but the former Newington man admits Bangor can still up the ante.
“We started the game, we were playing against the wind in the first half as well, so you have to take that into consideration.
“The way we’re set up is to play football, and sometimes when you play too much in the game and it doesn’t fall for you, it sort of knocks your confidence.
“But we got going, we got the win, that’s the most important thing. We made our chances count when we got them and that sort of turned the game.
“But in terms of our performance, you know, from our behalf, that performance isn’t good enough. No matter what the score is, even if we win 5-1, in terms of looking back on Saturday, we know we can still get better.
“But see as long as the three points are on the board, that’s the main thing.”
Those three points, coupled with Limavady United’s 5-0 victory at previous leaders Harland and Wolff Welders, ensure Bangor will go into this weekend’s trip to Ballinamallard United top of the second-tier.
With a 4-0 BetMcLean Cup triumph at home to Warrenpoint Town meaning it is six wins in a row in all competitions, Belfast man Mulvenna feels with the gelling process factoring in the new arrivals further down the line, the Yellows have momentum and a more complete look.
“That’s what we aimed to do at the start of the season, we have been playing good football; obviously with the new players coming in, it takes a bit of time to gel.
“It didn’t take that long (for the players to get together), but there’s obviously maybe going to be a few cracks and you sort them out as they come, and then that really makes us one.”
(Posted: Tuesday, 8th October 2024)
Bangor striker Ben Arthurs was glad his two goals on Saturday helped shrug off any ‘bogey team’ notions about Institute after the 3-1 victory took the Seasiders’ winning run in the Playr-Fit Championship to five matches.
And having been restored to the starting line-up for the first time in three matches, the big frontman took his personal tally to six this term with a well-placed header just before the hour mark and a delicious chipped finish on 68 minutes that put the Seasiders two up.
Strike partner Matthew Ferguson added the third 10 minutes later that sealed the spoils after Jamie Browne rifled in a deficit-cutter for Stute in between, and Arthurs was delighted to set Bangor on the road to glory against the only side they failed to beat in last season’s second-tier having drawn twice and lost twice against Kevin Deery’s outfit.
“I feel like I’ve probably had a slow enough start to the season. I think I was playing well prior to being on the bench in the last couple of weeks and the goals just weren’t really coming.
“But it was great to score two good goals when we really needed them, just to go 1-0 up and then 2-0 up. We struggled against Institute last year so we were fearing they were a wee bit of a bogey team, you know, last year they were the only team we didn’t beat, so that sort of plays in your mind a wee bit, let’s be honest.
“But we know the ability we have in the changing room this year, and it was the same last year, and we’re pretty confident going into every game.” Playing against the wind in a goalless first half where both sides struggled to get into rhythm, that was no worry for Arthurs who always felt an improvement was on the horizon after the interval – and he was proved right.
“There was a strong wind there on Saturday, and it’s one of those ones where we chose to play against it in the first half.
“Not that it fully matters, but it definitely was tougher in the first half.
“Everyone knows playing into the wind is more difficult, so we sort of knew going in at half-time, yes, we maybe weren’t playing as well as we wanted to or leading the game, but we had to win the second half.
“We sort of felt like we might’ve had more chances and really kicked on, and so we did.”
The 26-year-old from Kircubbin may be playing catch-up to the inspired Ferguson in the top goalscorer race – the former H&W Welders man has 12 already in 10 league matches since joining in the summer – but the pair have a great bond on and off the pitch and Arthurs says the Clandeboye faithful can be very pleased by how they have gelled.
“Yeah, he’s been brilliant since he’s come in, he’s 12 goals now and he’s been firing them in.
“We have been playing very well together, we’ve 18 goals between us in 10 games, and I think Bangor fans will be glad to see how well we’ve gelled together.
“That’s five wins in a row in the league, we can contribute to that and just all be happy.”
And with 137 goals in yellow and blue – just four shy of breaking Andy Morrow’s modern club scoring record and into second-place behind Billy Bradford all-time – Arthurs admits that is in his sights and a sixth successive competitive club top scorer accolade since his arrival in 2018 is a target, but he is prioritising simply scoring as much as he can on any given week while also winning games and sharing Ferguson’s delight at his own eye-catching form.
“To be honest, and I’m not even just saying this, but I’m all about the team. Yes, I want to be scoring goals, and since I’ve come in, I have been the top goalscorer the last lot of years so don’t get me wrong, that is something you want to do.
“But at the end of the day, I’m happy to see Spike hitting the back of the net as long as the team’s winning.
“I know goals will come for me – every year they do, it’s just about sticking with it – but we get on very well, texting each other near enough every other day and I’ve nothing but respect for him and I’m glad he’s doing well.
“Maybe other people are like that, but there’s certainly no envy there of Spike banging them in, I’m delighted.
“For me personally, I’m chasing second all-time on the top goalscorer’s list, that’s two more, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t overly matter until it happens, I just want to be scoring as many goals as I can every week and seeing how far we go.”
With Tiarnan Mulvenna sealing a hat-trick of assists against Stute, joining midfield comrade Lewis Harrison on top of the charts with five set-ups each this term, it’s music to Arthurs’ ears and reflective of the amount of opportunities fashioned for players to find the net.
Six wins in a row in all competitions have featured 22 goals – a striker’s dream, says Arthurs.
“I was actually talking to Spike the other day and was saying to him, it’s a striker’s dream at the moment; see the amount of chances we’re getting?
“Some of those early games in the season that we maybe didn’t win, we were getting lots of chances and we maybe didn’t get the rub of the green, but that’s exactly where you want to be as a striker.
“You want as many chances as you can get. Okay, we’ve been missing some, but at the end of the day, as long as the chances are coming, and fair play to the team for that.
“Tiarnan got three assists on Saturday, Stephen (McGuinness) put me in for a good chance, Lewis Harrison’s coming in with assists… all the boys are just digging in, it worked for us on Saturday and it’s great to have that.”
(Posted: Monday, 7th October 2024)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
A clinical final half-hour helped Bangor to a sixth successive victory and a winning start to October in the Playr-Fit Championship, while also putting the Seasiders top of the table after a battling 3-1 victory over Institute at Clandeboye Park.
Bangor finally broke the deadlock on 59 minutes after upping the ante in chance creation. Ben Arthurs hit the underside of the bar on 58 minutes, Tiarnan Mulvenna drew a good save from Fintan Doherty as he drilled low and, from the resulting left-sided corner, the midfielder swung for Arthurs to head home above Brandon Diau.
And the Seasiders doubled the lead 10 minutes later, as Arthurs spotted Doherty off his line and connected with a fabulous crossfield supply by Mulvenna to lob over the Stute stopper and double his tally for the day.
Visiting substitute Jamie Browne sent nerves jangling when a spirited Stute rammed home after James Taylor initially denied Padraig Lynch, cutting the deficit in half. But on 79 minutes, newly crowned September Championship Player of the Month Matthew Ferguson got in behind to slot in the Seasiders' third and restore the two-goal cushion that Lee Feeney's men saw out until the end.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale(K.Reid), K.Owens, C.McGuinness, S.McGuinness, R.Garrett, M.Bradley, L.Harrison, T.Mulvenna(L.Rea), B.Arthurs(S.Redford), M.Ferguson(T.Mathieson).
Subs: E.Ovendale, H.Beverland, M.Davidson
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 12th October 2024 - BALLINAMALLARD UNITED v BANGOR, Ferney Park, Championship, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 5th October 2024)
It’s back to business in the Playr-Fit Championship on Saturday and Bangor assistant coach Michael McClelland is taking nothing for granted when Institute come to town.
The north west outfit pipped the Seasiders to the post by finishing second to book their slot in the promotion play-off and were narrowly denied a Sports Direct Premiership place by Ballymena United’s late fightback at The Showgrounds to lose 2-1 on aggregate.
With a number of talented performers including Championship Player of the Year Shaun Leppard (Cliftonville), ex-Northern Ireland international Daniel Lafferty (Ballymena) and talented teenager Oisin Devlin (Larne) departing in the off-season, Kevin Deery’s side had struggled in a six-game winless run in the league to start this term but are now four games unbeaten across all competitions and have not conceded a goal in any of their last three.
Stute were also Bangor’s bogey team last season – the only side Lee Feeney’s men failed to beat in the league, drawing two and losing two in the four meetings – but McClelland isn’t thinking about the past, taking it one game at a time and keen to see the high standards the players set for themselves maintained.
“We’re operating with a bigger squad this season so there is the strength in depth there, and you can tell there’s a winning mentality in the changing room.
“After every game, we’re sort of dusting it off and moving on to the next one, wanting to improve week by week.
“We’re wanting to get better week by week and we’re always striving for perfection, and that comes from the culture that the players and staff have built.
“Everyone at the club on and off the pitch is trying to pull in the same direction, we want to win games, we want to perform to our best and we’re never satisfied with just the win.
“So, we’ll take that on into Saturday where Institute will be another hard match, and we’re hoping to get maximum points and move on.
“It’s an old cliché, but it’s literally one game at a time, and in the Championship, you need that mentality as it is a hard division.”
(Posted: Friday, 4th October 2024)
Bangor assistant coach Michael McClelland praised a professional performance on Tuesday night to overcome Warrenpoint Town in the BetMcLean Cup and said it showcased how the whole Seasiders squad is playing their part to pick up results.
The 4-0 victory at Clandeboye Park fired the Seasiders into the Second Round Proper of the NI Football League’s showpiece knock-out competition, where a home tie against Irish Cup champions Cliftonville awaits, with Lewis Harrison and Sonny Redford strikes before half-time backed up by Kielan Reid and Michael Halliday finishes after the interval to round it off.
Of that quartet, teenagers Redford and Reid netted their first senior goals, veteran Halliday opened his account for a remarkable 25th Irish League season in a row, while Harrison has struck gold in front of goal as the club captain already has three this campaign to equal his all-time best single-season return.
With six changes to the line-up that started the 3-2 comeback victory at Ballyclare Comrades on Saturday, McClelland feels the squad game is working to a tee on the seaside and that it can keep driving Bangor forward.
With five wins in a row, 19 goals scored in that span and a perfect 12-points-from-12 month of September ticked off, spirits are high and McClelland can sense the determination in the playing panel to continue picking up points and wins. The resilience and spirit shown in successive comeback triumphs over the Comrades and at Armagh City (4-1) the previous week translated into a comfortable avoidance of a banana skin against Premier Intermediate side Warrenpoint – on a night when others from the third-tier including Dollingstown and Queen’s University stunned the odds to taste victory – and the means is there to extend that positive vein.“We were able to rotate and play players who are trying to stake a claim or just back from injury while also resting a few players.
“It was a good, professional performance. With players starting to build up match fitness and consistency and chemistry within the changing room after all the changes we made during the summer, with the new players gelling in with those who were already there, it’s creating the kind of environment we’d like as a coaching staff.
“It was good to get a clean sheet as well, and with players like Lewis Harrison scoring, going through a good vein of form, you know, players are standing up to the mark and are getting goals and we’re not just relying on the likes of Matthew Ferguson to score goals.
“It shows our strength both in the starting side, on the bench and in terms of our general depth and we’ve plenty to realise the squad to its maximum.”
“On Saturday, I’d say we weren’t quite at our best, but it showed our never-say-die attitude and our resilience and we’re continuing to gain experience at this level.
“The squad is coming into play as well; Ben Arthurs has been coming off the bench recently and scoring goals, we’re able to utilise everyone in the squad, that carried over into Tuesday night especially with carrying a few injuries.
“We’ve shown a lot of character within our changing room, within our culture that we have that we’ve built at the club – you saw on Saturday, Ballyclare’s a good side with good players and we managed to turn the game on its head.
“There’s great determination to push the club in the right direction to get to where we want to get to, and Tuesday night continued that – it’s five wins in a row now and we’ll just put our focus on the next game to try and continue that run.”
(Posted: Thursday, 3rd October 2024)
The Seasiders will be at home in round two of the BetMcLean Cup, with Cliftonville visiting Clandeboye Park on either Tuesday 5th or Wednesday 6th November.
(Posted: Wednesday, 2nd October 2024)
Bangor punched their ticket into the Round of 16 in the BetMcLean Cup on Tuesday night with a commanding 4-0 victory over Premier Intermediate side Warrenpoint Town.
A Bangor side that featured six changes from the weekend win at Ballyclare Comrades drew first blood in the contest at Clandeboye Park on 36 minutes when captain Lewis Harrison’s fantastic attacking form this campaign continued with a spectacular bicycle kick from a worked short corner – his third finish this season to add to five assists from midfield.
And only six minutes later, it was two for Lee Feeney’s men when Sonny Redford – starting for the first time – notched up his first senior Bangor goal after Matthew Ferguson laid the 18-year-old off to finish at the back post.
The lead became three as another teenager – centre-back Kielan Reid – bagged his first in senior football just before the hour, bulleting home a header from Tiarnan Mulvenna’s corner that added a further cushion to a professional performance.
And with fellow Academy young guns Ryan Nixon – making his second senior appearance – and debutant midfielder Caden McKee appearing from the bench in the closing stages, the youth really was front and centre but it was the oldest man on the pitch to do the job, 45-year-old Michael Halliday wrapping things up with the fourth after good work from Lee Rea.
BANGOR TEAM:
E.Ovendale, R.Neale, K.Owens, L.Harrison(C.Byers), T.Mulvenna(R.Nixon), M.Ferguson(L.Rea), K.Reid, T.Mathieson, M.Davidson, R.Garrett(C.McKee), S.Redford(M.Halliday).
Subs: B.Fry, B.Arthurs
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 5th October 2024 - BANGOR v INSTITUTE, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Wednesday, 2nd October 2024)
Reece Neale is relishing the chance for Bangor to go on a cup run as attentions switch to the visit of Warrenpoint Town in the BetMcLean Cup tonight.
Premier Intermediate side the ‘Point, who are skippered by former double-winning Seasiders defender John Boyle and managed by his brother Gary, have designs on causing an upset at Clandeboye Park – and Neale is wary of the threat the south Down outfit are set to pose.
Lee Feeney’s Yellows rounded off a perfect September in the Playr-Fit Championship with four wins from four to ensure they sit behind leaders Harland and Wolff Welders on goal difference only.
Warrenpoint are in the same position in the PIL, sat behind leaders Dollingstown with two wins and a draw from their first three league outings, and a side who were in the Premiership as recently as 2022 are not to be taken lightly.
“Yeah, it’s a nice distraction for us to go alongside the league and it’s a chance for us to build a bit of momentum and go on a wee cup run.
“It’s nice to have a run in the cup, we’re in a good moment now in terms of our form and we want to carry that over and perform in the cups as well.
“I suppose we know what the PIL’s like having won it previously, it’s a really competitive league and we know that if we’re not on it, a team like Warrenpoint has the ability to turn us over, so we have to be on top of our game on Tuesday night.”
(Posted: Tuesday, 30th September 2024)
It was a satisfying day at the office for Reece Neale on Saturday – both for ending his 19-month goal drought and helping Bangor come from behind to beat Ballyclare Comrades.
It’s the second week in a row the Seasiders have fought from behind, with the 3-2 victory at Dixon Park – having been 2-1 down at half-time – following up the previous weekend’s 4-1 success at Holm Park over Armagh City when Conor Mullen opened the scoring inside a minute for the hosts.
Vice-captain Neale admitted afterwards his enjoyment of being a part of battling comeback triumphs after a dominant second period saw the defender level on 67 minutes before substitute Ben Arthurs guided home the winner nine minutes later. Matthew Ferguson notched up his 11th of the season early doors but former Ards frontman Darius Roohi’s double – the types of goals Neale would like to see cut out – shot Ballyclare ahead at the interval, however the fighting spirit of Lee Feeney’s side was on show to wrap up the maximum spoils.
“Winning games by three or four goals is all well and good, but it’s actually more satisfying coming and winning games from a goal down, if you know what I mean.
“They were 2-1 up at half-time and probably deservedly so; they’d had the better chances towards the end of the first half, but we came out after half-time and I felt we dominated.
“We had possession, near enough all the chances, I was able to get the equaliser and Ben managed to stick his boot out for the third goal that put us back in front and we saw it out from there, but it was really satisfying coming from behind to win the game.
“We’re a wee bit frustrated about the goals we conceded. If you look back at them, we kind of gifted them those two opportunities from small mistakes which we want to cut out.
“We all look back at the video after the games and analyse our own performances to try and improve and cut those mistakes out – and we will, we’ve probably let in a few too many like that and we will fix that.
“But we all back ourselves to come up with a response and we came out in the second half and delivered one, and we’re happy to come away with the three points.”
26-year-old Neale, in his fourth season at Bangor since joining in 2021, also touched on the freedom in midfield allowing Lewis Harrison to unexpectedly lead the club assist charts.
The skipper’s set-ups for Neale and Arthurs’ strikes bring him up to five for the campaign to add to goals against Ards and Newry City – that’s seven direct goal involvements in 10 games having notched up 12 in the previous two seasons combined.
A shock to many but not to Harrison’s former Linfield Swifts comrade Neale, who reflected on a 3-2 victory over Newington in February 2022 as evidence of how he could chip in and also heaped praise on seasoned veteran Robert Garrett for playing the anchor role to a tee.
“You know what, I always felt Lewis had that in him to get forward and chip in with goals and assists regularly.
“I remember in my first season, we played Lewis in a No.10 role against Newington up at Solitude and he created loads that day that meant we went on to win the game.
“A lot of the play ran through him, he’s obviously played a bit more of a holding role but he has the freedom to get up the pitch now and you’re seeing how effective he is there.
“He played a nice layoff from the corner for me, and then, it’s an absolutely perfect ball for Ben to get his boot to, and thankfully, he was able to turn it in that’s won the game for us.
“Ribsy’s been absolutely brilliant since he came in, you can see his mentality in the changing room and his experience speaks for itself.
“He’s anchoring the midfield and that gives Lewis and Tiarnan (Mulvenna) so much freedom to get up the pitch – Tiarnan’s been excellent as well, as we expect him to be.
“Up top, Spike’s obviously going to be sort of the centre of praise for the goals he’s scored, and rightly so – not just in scoring goals either; his hold-up play as well, bringing others in.
“But from everywhere on the pitch, we always back ourselves to score goals, that’s not a problem for us. Even I scored one; makes it a good day at the office for me for once!”
That rasping hit was Neale’s first goal in 66 games since a volley inside a minute at Armagh in the Premier Intermediate League in February 2023 – and he just knew this one was going in.
“Yeah, it was a good hit. I picked up the ball and put my laces through it, and I knew from the ball left my boot that it was hitting the back of the net.
“I’ve not scored as many goals these days with me being in the back-three most of the time, the players in front of me have been doing that more than me in the last couple of years but it’s good to finally get one for myself.”
(Posted: Monday, 30th September 2024)
(Posted: Sunday, 29th September 2024)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Bangor made it four wins on the spin on Saturday afternoon when the Seasiders came from behind to beat Ballyclare Comrades 3-2 in a high-scoring game at Dixon Park.
Despite the Sydenham By-Pass’s closure adding time to travel journeys for the visiting fans, the Bangor players didn’t delay in seizing the initiative early doors when Matthew Ferguson slammed in his 11th goal of the Playr-Fit Championship campaign after Stephen McGuinness set him up. But the advantage was short-lived when a familiar nemesis in Darius Roohi hit back for the Comrades a quarter of an hour in, slotting home Michael Morgan’s ball across the face of goal to equalise.
The Seasiders continued to threaten, with Reece Neale curling a free-kick just beyond the post and Ferguson grazing the top of the crossbar, but Ballyclare went into the half-time break ahead when Roohi bagged his second of the day with 39 minutes gone after he sent his attempt into the net from the edge of the area.
The scoring wasn’t done, though, and Bangor equalised when Reece Neale brought the curtains on a goal drought of more than a year and a half. The vice-captain previously finished against Armagh City in the Premier Intermediate League in February 2023, and 19 months on, he turned up again to hit a rocket of an equaliser for Lee Feeney’s men with just over 20 minutes remaining at Dixon Park.
And Bangor raced back into the lead with less than a quarter of an hour to go; Ben Arthurs sprung from the bench at half-time and making an impact when he notched up Seasiders goal No.135 – and his seventh in total against Ballyclare, his favourite Championship opponent – converting Lewis Harrison’s supply to turn the tide back the way of the visitors.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, C.Byers, C.McGuinness(H.Beverland), S.McGuinness, R.Garrett, L.Harrison, T.Mulvenna, B.Cushnie(B.Arthurs), M.Bradley(T.Mathieson), M.Ferguson.
Subs: E.Ovendale, K.Reid, S.McArthur, S.Redford.
NEXT MATCH:
Tuesday, 1st October - BANGOR v WARRENPOINT TOWN, Bet McLean Cup, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 28th September 2024)
Saturday, September 28 – Bangor Reserves vs Armagh City Olympic, NIFL Championship U21 Development League, Clandeboye Park, 11am
Bangor Reserves are back in action after a three-week hiatus when they welcome Armagh City Olympic to Clandeboye Park in the NIFL Championship U21 Development League.
The young Seasiders are hoping to double up following the senior side’s 4-1 triumph at Holm Park last Saturday and build on a start that has seen them win two out of two in the league against their Ballyclare Comrades and Ards counterparts.
Having been defeated 2-0 in the fonaCAB Craig Stanfield Junior Cup by Bangor Young Men on September 7, however, the Yellows are looking to return to winning ways and build up towards another league title push having finished in third-place last term.
An encouraging start in the league, with Sonny Redford and Carter Maxwell helping them enjoy North Down Derby success in their previous outing on that front, should mean their confidence and spirits are high ahead of facing the Eagles and the players will look to show that on the pitch.
(Posted: Friday, 27th September 2024)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney believes his ever-gelling side can ride the momentum of recent strong displays in search of three more points against Ballyclare Comrades on Saturday.
While the Seasiders enjoyed a mixed bag of results to kick the Playr-Fit Championship season off, three victories on the spin over the course of a fortnight mean Feeney’s men sit level on points with H&W Welders at the summit having netted an impressive 12 goals in that span.
The Kilkeel boss, who feels that his squad are starting to kick into rhythm as the new arrivals blood in, feels the latest of those was last Saturday’s 4-1 comeback success over Armagh City at Holm Park last weekend is a fresh platform to take into the Comrades clash at Dixon Park.
“We’ve maybe not hit the level of performances as quickly as we’d like, but we’ve also brought in seven or eight new players and you can’t expect it to be perfect right away.
“The players are getting used to each other and we’ve a couple of really good performances under our belt now, so the target for us is to try and take that into the next game and show the same level of mentality to go and get another big result.”
Feeney watched Stephen Small’s Comrades last Friday in their 2-1 defeat to Newry City at The Showgrounds when a late Marcus Murphy finish threatened a late fightback and saw enough to expect a difficult test this weekend.
Matches between Bangor and Ballyclare were box-office last season, with 20 goals scored including four for Ben Arthurs in a 4-2 County Antrim Shield last-16 victory last September and a last-minute Lewis Francis winner in a dramatic 3-2 comeback win in December – but Darius Roohi’s own late match-winner for the Comrades in the first game of last term, also by a 3-2 scoreline, shows it didn’t all go Bangor’s way.
On what is also the men’s team’s first trip to Dixon Park since the installation of a brand-new artificial surface at the Co Antrim venue, Feeney is refusing to take anything for granted.
“I was at their game against Newry last Friday night, they got one back late on and gave it a good rattle, they were fighting right until the end to try and get a point from a game.
“Stephen Small is an experienced coach, he’s got a young squad with a lot of talent and I know him and Chris Ramsey (assistant) will look to make it a hard game for us on Saturday.
“Every game’s a hard game in this league; we’ve approached games the right way and we’ve started to get a run of performances together, we have a bit of momentum and we want to carry that into this weekend to get another three points on the board.”
(Posted: Friday, 27th September 2024)
Luke Neal, Head of Medical Services at Bangor FC, has commended the team at Ultrasound NI for their professionalism, expertise and timely service.
Ultrasound NI is a provider of private diagnostic medical ultrasound, which includes scans for sports injuries.
Luke said:
“Bangor FC forward Ben Cushnie finished a recent game with what we thought was a hamstring tear, meaning he could miss weeks of important matches for the Seasiders.
“In a bid to get Ben back on the pitch as soon as possible, we booked him in for a scan with Ultrasound NI. We were able to get a scan the following day after the match and we were able to see immediately that he didn’t have any major issues.”
Ultrasound NI is based in the North Down area, with over 20 years of expertise.
Luke continued:
“Because of the scan, Ben has continued to play uninterrupted, which has been great for Bangor FC. So much so, he scored the winner versus Newry and netted two goals on Saturday versus Armagh City.”
Luke concluded:
“Ultrasound NI is an accessible and cost effective way to diagnose sports injuries speedily. Most importantly, they have made a tangible difference to the results of Bangor FC and we will continue to use their services when required.”
(Posted: Tuesday, 24th September 2024)
Bangor boss Lee Feeney admitted he was glad his side conceded inside the first minute at Armagh City on Saturday – because it allowed the players to refocus minds and dominate the rest of the Playr-Fit Championship contest.
Conor Mullen’s speedy opener was as good as it got for the Holm Park men as Matthew Ferguson levelled just after the half-hour, Ben Cushnie bagged a brace either side of half-time and substitute Scott McArthur put the cherry on top of a superb 4-1 victory seven minutes from time.
Consequently, and courtesy of defeats for H&W Welders and Limavady United who began the day ahead of the third-placed Seasiders, Feeney’s charges are now level at the second-tier summit alongside the Welders on 16 points having wrapped up a third win on the spin, scoring 12 goals in that span. The Kilkeel supremo toasted his squad’s reaction to that early setback as he reflected on a fine day at the office.
“The boys played really well, and I said to them after, I was actually glad we conceded in the first minute because it gave us the chance to show the mentality of the boys, and we totally dominated afterwards.
“The most pleasing thing for me was that we conceded in the 30 seconds, maybe not even the first 30 seconds, and we never even batted an eyelid.
“We controlled the game, we dominated possession, we created so many chances, and it’s maybe easy to drop off after conceding so early but our players reacted to it superbly.”
On his first start of the season having navigated hamstring trouble in the season’s early knockings, Cushnie’s brace doubled his goal tally for the campaign from two to four and Feeney praised the Hillsborough striker’s qualities as he builds towards full fitness.
Also hailing Championship Player of the Season nominee McArthur for getting off the mark for 2024/25, the Bangor chief is satisfied with the collective attitude of the group as Callum Byers also slotted into defence for his first league start in place of the injured Kyle Owens.
“We’ve been managing Cush in the early part of this season because of his injury, so we’ve been bringing him off the bench and giving him 30 minutes here or 45 minutes there, and I think we have managed him well.
“I think he played 70 minutes on Saturday, so he’s continuing to get up to speed fitness-wise, but he took his two goals really well.
“We want to get him out on the pitch, he’s a really talented player who has a lot to offer us and we’re always encouraging him. He’s better to be on the pitch than off it, and he made a great impact on the game.
“I’m glad Scotty’s off the mark as well, he’s another talented player who took his goal well and there’ll be more to come from him.
“We’re trying to create that competition for places in the squad. Kyle Owens picked up an injury, so Callum Byers came into the team on Saturday and played well, we had Howard Beverland on the bench and Ben Arthurs, Scott McArthur, Tom Mathieson and Max Davidson came on, as did young Sonny Redford who came up from the Under-20s, so it’s great depth.
“Kielan Reid, Jordan Hughes and Michael Halliday weren’t in the squad and we’ve Lee Rea still to come back from injury, so that shows you the quality that we have, but the lads who haven’t been playing as much have been great too because they know their time will come.
“I made two changes to the team from last Friday night against Dundela when we played really well, and who’s to say I won’t make another one or two changes for the next game?
“There’s healthy competition in the squad and everyone has their part to play, and I’m really pleased with the attitude that we have in the group.”
Feeney also shed light on the decision to call 18-year-old Redford – who has three goals in as many games for the Reserves – into action on the back of his fast start to this term.
It was the Belfast youngster’s third senior Seasiders appearance and first in the second-tier, with the manager keen to shine a light on his potential.
“Obviously, with young players coming up, you need to manage them in the right way, and Sonny’s been playing well for the Under-20s and we brought him in for this game.
“He’s a player we’ve been keeping a close eye on for a long time and we were looking for the opportunity to bring him in, and this was a game I felt he could make an impact in.
“It wasn’t out of sympathy or anything like that, however you would put it; it was for genuine football reasons.
“We were well on top when he did come on but, to be honest, even if it was 1-1, I’d probably still have brought Sonny on as we know what he can offer and it would’ve suited the contest.
“He’s up training with the first-team all the time now and he’s a player we think adds to what we already have, so we’ll keep looking at him and I know he can make an impact for us.”
(Posted: Sunday, 22nd September 2024)
Bangor moved level on points at the Playr-Fit Championship summit and extended their winning run to three games after defeating newly promoted Armagh City 4-1, but they had to come from behind to do the trick against last season’s Premier Intermediate League promotion play-off winners. Harking back to the Seasiders’ previous visit to Holm Park when Reece Neale thundered in a volleyed opener less than 15 seconds after kick-off, it was indeed Armagh’s turn to break the sub-minute barrier on this occasion as striker Conor Mullen opened the scoring for Shea Campbell’s men almost straight from the referee’s whistle.
Bangor offered a response, though, with captain Lewis Harrison seeing a shot cleared off the line and Reece Neale firing one wide, and the visitors did equalise on 33 minutes when Matthew Ferguson continued his inspired goalscoring form – remarkably his 10th goal of the season already – after turning in Reece Neale’s supply following an initial short corner routine.
Lee Feeney’s men turned the tide completely four minutes before the interval when Ben Cushnie – making his first start of the season up top – pounced on an error in the Armagh defence and then slotted home past Armagh goalkeeper Conner Byrne to give Bangor the lead at the interval. The forward kept up his momentum six minutes after the interval, too, when he added his second and fourth of the season to give the away side a greater cushion with that important third goal.
There was a first goal of the season for Scott McArthur nine minutes from time, superbly controlling Robbie Garrett’s free-kick before powering home, and a late appearance off the bench for youth team striker Sonny Redford, on the back of a strong start to the season with Bangor Reserves, rounded off a successful day’s work at Holm Park.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, C.Byers, C.McGuinness, S.McGuinness(T.Mathieson), R.Garrett, T.Mulvenna, L.Harrison(B.Arthurs), B.Cushnie(S.McArthur), M.Ferguson(S.Redford), M.Bradley(M.Davidson).
Subs: E.Ovendale, H.Beverland
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 28th September 2024 - BALLYCLARE COMRADES v BANGOR, Championship, Dixon Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 21st September 2024)
Bangor FC Ladies celebrated their end-of-season awards last Saturday night in the Bangor Social Club as individual and team achievements were celebrated following the end of the 2024 campaign.
Gifted winger Emi Wynne collected the Young Player of the Year award in her first season at the club, bagging four goals across 23 appearances and catching the eye of supporters with her work-rate and trickery, while teenage midfielder Francesca Costa’s industrious displays from the centre of the park that were also marked by five goals and a number of assists saw her receive the Manager’s Player of the Year accolade.
Fellow midfielder Erin Hennity took home the Players’ Player of the Year prize at the end of her second season with the Seasiders having made 18 appearances in total, while the versatile Toni Stewart was named Most Improved Player of the Year having netted six goals while playing across both the forward line and in midfield.
Meanwhile, Amber Dempster’s 38-goal haul across all competitions saw her easily wrap up the Top Goalscorer award, with 34 in the league confirming her as the leading markswoman in the NIWFA Championship, too. Having also been nominated for the Player of the Year accolade in the league, there could be further joy for home town hero Dempster at the NIWFA Awards at the Hilton Hotel, Belfast on Saturday, October 5 as she looks to mark her fine individual season in further style.
With the Ladies having finished fourth-place in the Championship, recording an all-time best quarter-final performance in the Irish Cup and reaching the Super Cup semi-finals, it proved to be another season of progress under new boss Chris Dougan with hopes high going into the 2025 campaign of further growth.
(Posted: Thursday, 19th September 2024)
Matthew Ferguson insists Bangor will refuse to rest on the laurels of last week’s impressive 3-1 victory over Dundela when the Seasiders travel to Armagh City on Saturday.
Promoted to the Playr-Fit Championship on the back of defeating Dergview on penalties in last season’s promotion/relegation play-off, Shea Campbell’s Eagles have made a solid start to life back in senior football having banked nine points from their seven games to date. Heavy defeats on the road to Limavady United (3-0) and Harland and Wolff Welders (5-0) in their previous two matches mean they want to get back on track on home turf, though, and Ferguson – who struck two goals in as many minutes early on to help Lee Feeney’s men to victory over the Duns – knows to take nothing for granted.
The Holm Park trip has been a popular away day for Bangor supporters over the years and is usually a guarantee of goals given there have been 15 across the last three meetings, and a fresh three-point haul is at the top of Ferguson’s mind to add to this current run of back-to-back successes.
“Yeah, we’re just looking at one game at a time, and no matter who you play in this league, you’re going to have a tough game.
“It’s up to us to prepare well during the week and put things right going into that Saturday.
“Hopefully, we can put another performance like we did on Friday night and get another three points and we build on that.
“Then once we get that ticked off, then it’s just about moving onto the game, but like I say, we take it one game at a time, and at this moment in time, all we’re looking for is three points.”
(Posted: Thursday, 19th September 2024)
It’s the end of an era as Gareth Beattie departs Clandeboye Park.
The 33 year old has made over 250 appearances for the Seasiders since making his debut in 2011, & with countless medals & individual honours to his name, Beats has been an integral part of the club.
/We thank Gareth for the commitment, hard work and effort that he has dedicated to the Seasiders, and we wish him the very best for whatever comes next.
(Posted: Monday, 16th September 2024)
Stephen McGuinness was glad to wrap up three points above all else following Bangor’s 3-1 win over Dundela under the Clandeboye Park floodlights on Friday night.
The left wing-back on loan from Cliftonville helped the Seasiders secure back-to-back wins and was pleased the hosts were able to build on three goals inside the first 20 minutes to take the maximum spoils on the night.
“Yeah, we knew Friday night was going to be a tough game, but we got the three points so we got the job done.
“We’ve been getting early goals, and we know with the two boys up top, if we give them chances, they’re going to score.
“What we wanted to work on was whenever we do score them early goals, try not to concede, and we went in at half-time 3-0 up, so we done that well.”
This victory over the Duns followed last week’s madcap 5-4 win away to Newry City – a game that left the defences disappointed, with McGuinness insisting a big improvement was needed from the rearguard and across the board.
That duly was the case given Lee Feeney’s men were three goals up at the interval without reply and dominant in the first half, and despite a scrappier second period that saw substitute Aaron Prendergast squirm a shot past James Taylor and in for the visitors on 69 minutes, the 21-year-old paid tribute to the collective defensive application and the composure to see out the remainder without any stress.
“Last week, conceding four goals, it wasn’t good enough from the defenders and the whole team as well, to be fair.
“So, we knew we were going to shut up shop and defend, and I thought we done really well.
“We had a slight mistake for their goal, but other than that, I thought we defended really well.
“We knew that they were going to come out in the second half, first 10 minutes, they were going to come out firing to try and get one back, and I feel like we done really well just to deal with that pressure.
“Then, once they did score, to be fair we didn’t change nothing, we didn’t panic and we just kept doing what we’re doing and we got to the full-time whistle.”
McGuinness is no stranger to the Championship having previously enjoyed previous loan spells with Queen’s University and Annagh United in the second-tier, and he has hit the ground running since his deadline-day arrival from the Reds.
The defender, who has made 19 appearances for the Solitude outfit of which 12 came under Jim Magilton last campaign, says it has been an easy adaptation in north Down and that he has a simple motivation – to get game-time under his belt and win football matches.
Having made his Bangor bow as a half-time substitute in the 3-1 defeat to Limavady United a fortnight ago, he has started on the left side of defence for three games in a row and caught the eye, but he has no intention of resting on his laurels and will keep pushing himself hard.
“Coming in, the lads really welcomed me, and I know Tiarnan (Mulvenna), so it was easy coming in with knowing him, and I got put on in my first game.
“That’s what I wanted to do, just wanted to play games and help the team win matches every week.
“I’ve experience of the league before, and definitely with this league, you never know what you’re going to get.
“All games are tough as well, so you’re never going to get an easy game, so just going into every game, trying to do our best and me as well, trying to be the best I can be.”
(Posted: Monday, 16th September 2024)
Matthew Ferguson is soaring again and scoring again, and two goals in two minutes helped set the Seasiders on their way to victory over Dundela at Clandeboye Park on Friday night.
The marksman is up to nine goals in the Playr-Fit Championship season already, with a brace of finishes on 10 and 12 minutes adding to Ben Arthurs’ 20th-minute strike and making sure the damage was done before a quarter of the game had elapsed.
Aaron Prendergast’s reply off the bench on 69 minutes meant the Duns – who began the day in third, one place above their hosts – left with a consolation in Bangor’s 3-1 success, but the prospect of back-to-back wins never looked in doubt following the previous weekend’s 5-4 goal-crazy victory at Newry City.
The priority for lethal frontman Ferguson is to continue building momentum and use this run and performance as a means to go on.
“We came out of the traps and we built from there.
“From last week, getting the three points away to Newry, crazy game as everybody’s documented, we’re just trying to keep the momentum going and we got another three points there tonight.
“Very good first-half performance, going in 3-0 up at half-time, and we managed the game there on in and, thankfully, we were able to get the win.”
The second half was more of a scrap than the first, with Stephen Gourley’s Dundela finding more of a foothold following a slick opening 45 minutes for Bangor.
The early goals set the tone, with Lee Feeney’s charges managing the game professionally and never looking flustered on their way to three points that provisionally lifted them joint with Ferguson’s former club Harland and Wolff Welders and Limavady United at the second-tier summit on 13 points. The Dundonald man pointed to a settling effect of those three early goals as well as a cool-headed mindset as the game progressed, helping the Seasiders wrap up the three points.
“In a 90-minute match, nobody will ever dominate a game for 90 minutes, so we know when you’re on top and you have the momentum, it’s crucial that you take your chances.
“Thankfully, we started the game really, really well and we got early goals.
“I think once you score the first goal, it settles you a wee bit, brings you into the game.
“And with getting the second and third just after that there, I think it settled the whole game for us and it’s just about managing it from there.
“We were 3-0 up at half-time, and you know yourself, if you’re keeping a clean sheet, you’re winning the match. We just tried to keep a compact unit, not give too many (chances) away.
“Unfortunately, we did concede with about 20 minutes to go, but the guys regrouped again and we seen out the win.
“The damage was done in the first half; we knew what we were going to get from Dundela in the second half, they were going to come out of the traps the way we did in the first half.
“They put it up against us and I’m just glad we were able to see it out and get the win again.”
Goalscorers may take the limelight but there was creativity and energy all over the pitch on Friday night – and not always from players’ expected positions.
Midfielder Marty Bradley was a Man of the Match contender from a surprise right wing-back position, and his devilish low ball was turned home for Ferguson’s second, while in the centre of the park, Lewis Harrison and Tiarnan Mulvenna forged forward and set up goals as Robbie Garrett anchored fantastically behind them.
Caomhan McGuinness slotted into the back three and barely put a foot wrong, while Arthurs – now on 134 goals in a Bangor shirt as he closes in on Andy Morrow’s modern-day record of 140 – and Ferguson teamed up to torment the Duns’ backline.
When it’s all clockwork, no one can complain, and Ferguson (28) believes it will be tough to contain when the squad gels like that.
“Football’s all about a team game and everybody pulling in the one direction.
“If everyone’s pulling in the same direction, then you’ll always have positive results.
“My job is to try and put the ball in the net as much as I can, and I’m on a hat-trick at the minute so long may that continue.
“Great to see Big Ben pitching in with another goal tonight, the boys were solid at the back, didn’t give too much away, and the midfield do their bit, pick up second balls, driving the team forward and pitching in with the assists.
“When it’s like that, we’re well on our way to getting the three points, all being well.”
(Posted: Saturday, 14th September 2024)
Bangor savoured the Friday night lights once again and banked three more precious points with a 3-1 victory over Dundela that moves the Seasiders provisionally joint-top of the Playr-Fit Championship, helped largely by a triple salvo in the early knockings of the game.
An unsurprising deadlock-breaker yet again took the limelight, with Matthew Ferguson bagging his eighth goal of the season 10 minutes in after Tiarnan Mulvenna delicately slipped the ball into his stride before the Dundonald marksman powered past Aaron Hogg low into the net.
The same player just two minutes later bagged another brace – his fourth double of the campaign already – when auxiliary right wing-back Marty Bradley powered a low, driven ball into the danger area and Ferguson slotted low into the bottom right corner past Hogg from six yards.
The 20-minute mark hadn't even passed as the Seasiders added a third. A worked move saw Mulvenna drive in on the left-hand side, and his shot-come-cross was bundled in by Ben Arthurs for his third of the season with the goal gaping and Hogg powerless to prevent it; it was a lead Bangor managed into the interval.
The Seasiders drafted in centre-back Callum Byers and forward Ben Cushnie for Kyle Owens and Arthurs, with Cushnie enjoying the half's first chance when directing a Bradley cross just wide of Hogg's goal on 49 minutes. Both teams struggled to build a rhythm, though, as the game cried out for another flashpoint with Cushnie lively up top – but it instead came the way of the visitors, with substitute Aaron Prendergast netting despite hands on it from James Taylor with 20 minutes left in the encounter.
Lee Feeney's men then professionally saw the remainder out and moved up to 13 points after seven matchdays, with the spirits kept up ahead of next Saturday's trek west to Holm Park to face promoted Armagh City.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, K.Owens(C.Byers), C.McGuinness, S.McGuinness, R.Garrett, L.Harrison(S.McArthur), T.Mulvenna, M.Ferguson, B.Arthurs(B.Cushnie), M.Bradley(T.Mathieson)
Subs: E.Ovendale, K.Reid, M.Davidson
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 21st September 2024 - ARMAGH CITY v BANGOR, Championship, Holm Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Friday, 13th September 2024)
Bangor have been drawn at home to Warrenpoint Town in the 1st round of the Bet McLean Cup.
The tie will be played on Tuesday, 1st October.
(Posted: Thursday, 12th September 2024)
Ben Cushnie has set his sights on going for a run of victories following Bangor’s return to winning ways at Newry City last weekend.
The Seasiders nudged a wild, end-to-end encounter 5-4 at The Showgrounds and are back at Clandeboye Park this Friday night hoping to make it back-to-back wins against Dundela in a clash of third and fourth in the Playr-Fit Championship.
For Stephen Gourley’s Duns, they are back in Bangor for the second time in six days having beaten Ards 1-0 last Saturday to move into the top three on 11 points – one ahead of their hosts here – with veteran frontman Michael McLellan bagging the winner in the first half.
Bangor ended a run of two home defeats in the league to Limavady United (3-1) and in the County Antrim Shield to Carrick Rangers (4-0), and with the Yellows on the road to Armagh City and Ballyclare Comrades in the rest of September’s agenda, Cushnie wants to go for three more points under the lights and then push on as a collective in forthcoming games.
“That was definitely the main thing on Friday night (against Newry), getting the three points.
“We had been on a run of defeats going into the game and you obviously don’t want to be stuck in that for too long, so the three points was the main thing to get us back on track.
“We’re looking ahead now to this Friday night, it’ll be another big game, and then, we’ve got Armagh and Ballyclare after that, so we want to win on Friday night again and hopefully start to go on a run of wins.
“We’ve got a run of games coming up over the next few weeks where we want to get up and running, hopefully put a few performances together and keep on getting to know each other better on the pitch and pick up results.”
(Posted: Thursday, 12th September 2024)
Match-winning super-sub Ben Cushnie praised the collective effort behind Bangor finishing on the right end of a topsy-turvy nine-goal spectacular at the Newry Showgrounds on Friday night.
Cushnie, who scored the Seasiders’ all-important fifth strike to make it 5-4 against Newry City, has appeared off the bench six times as he continues to build match sharpness after hamstring issues during pre-season.
The former Glentoran man, who turned his season-long loan at Clandeboye Park last season into a permanent move in the summer, has two goals this term and allayed fears after a late pull-out from the line-up against Carrick Rangers in the County Antrim Shield in midweek.
The 23-year-old forward hailed the squad depth and healthy competition amid Lee Feeney’s squad and believes it is paying dividends on the pitch.
“Yeah, I’ve still been gradually building up my fitness since pre-season. I missed a lot of pre-season with my hamstring, and I have to take it gradually to build back towards full fitness.
“It was a tough season last year for me with injuries, and I’d a flare-up with my hamstring before the Carrick game – that was why I didn’t play in that one and I’m being careful with it just at the minute.
“I’ve been coming off the bench a lot so far this season and been looking to make an impact, and I’ve scored a couple of goals and obviously there on Friday, so I’m happy with that and I’ll keep trying to chip in as much as I can.
“But we talked about depth; that’s not to say when I’m fully fit again, I’ll be guaranteed my place in the starting line-up.
“I’ll have to earn my place, and there’s healthy competition in the squad and everyone’s pushing each other to be better, and I think you’re seeing the effects of that on the pitch.”
Matthew Ferguson (2), Lewis Harrison and Kyle Owens had already netted with Bangor 4-3 up when Cushnie was introduced, and despite Adam Carroll restoring parity for City with a quarter of an hour to go, the Hillsborough man’s 78th-minute strike settled it and he was glad to see the Seasiders’ clinical edge shine through.
“At the end of the day, you have to score more goals than the opposition to win football matches, and we scored more than they did on Friday night and we got the three points.
“You look back at the game against Limavady, we had chances to go 2-1 up in that game and didn’t take them, and we got punished for it.
“We’ve talked a lot about that, putting our chances away, and we did that on Friday night and we’ve got a great set of attacking options here.
“Spike’s been outrageous since he’s come in, he’s already made a big difference. I’m sure Big Ben (Arthurs) will hit form and catch up to him as well, you’ve Scotty (McArthur) and Tom (Mathieson) who’ve still to hit form and Lee’s (Rea) obviously come in as well. It’s healthy competition and we all believe we have a big part to play as the season goes on.”
Reflecting on the popular Lewis Francis’ 10 goals from centre-back last season, Cushnie also said it is everyone’s responsibility to contribute with goals and assists, with unrelated namesakes Caomhan and Stephen McGuinness and Tiarnan Mulvenna also setting up goals.
Coming back to the topic of depth, the frontman also feels that once the panel truly gels, Bangor will become a difficult beast to tame.
“Everyone’s kind of chipping in from across the pitch, and there was a bit of that last season as well with obviously big Lewis (Francis) who scored a lot of goals.
“It helps when the strikers are scoring, but if everyone on the pitch is getting a few goals and assists during the season, then that can only help us – especially when it’s like Friday night.
“It was a bit mad, it was an end-to-end game and we had to show resilience when we went behind right at the start of the second half as well, we fought back from that quickly.
“We were creating chances all over the pitch and there’s a lot of ways as a team that we can cause opposition defences problems, be it balls into the box or passes through the middle or whatever it may be.
“You don’t win a league with 11 players, it’s not just the 11 players starting. You have to have competition and depth, and I think we are still gelling as a group, we’ve not played as a team with the new players coming in that much, but when it all comes together, I think other teams are going to find us very hard to stop.
“If you think back to pre-season, a lot of it was sort of 45 minutes on, 45 minutes off with two different teams and things like that, but we’re gelling together as a group with every game and we’re getting to know each other.
“Hopefully, that’s our confidence back up and we can go on a run over the next few weeks.”
(Posted: Sunday, 8th September 2024)
Bangor were on the right side of a goalscoring blitz at The Showgrounds on Friday evening. A nine-goal thriller ended 5-4 in favour of Lee Feeney’s men, with Matthew Ferguson (2), Lewis Harrison, Kyle Owens and Ben Cushnie producing the goods to account for Barry Gray’s Newry City.
A high-scoring first half saw Bangor twice lead and be twice pegged back. It took only five minutes for Matthew Ferguson to bag his sixth league goal of the season, but youngster Dualta Honney levelled within three minutes of going behind. The former Dundalk talent restored parity on 36 minutes after Bangor had retaken the lead when McGuinness’ effort was diverted into the back by Lewis Harrison eight minutes earlier.
The madness ensued immediately after the interval. Straight from kick-off, Fra McCaffrey broke forward to give Newry the lead for the first time; straight from the ensuing restart, Ferguson added another to his haul in a Bangor shirt to restore parity and, 10 minutes later, Kyle Owens bagged his second goal in a week to put Bangor 4-3 ahead.
The drama wasn’t over, though, and Newry equalised once again with 19 minutes left on the clock. Substitute Adam Carroll replaced two-goal Honney but his threat was no different; a goal for him that made it all square leading into the remainder of the match and the possibilities still wide open for a further twist. True to form, Ben Cushnie – himself introduced for the two-goal Ferguson – netted 12 minutes from time and Bangor had the lead once again heading into the run-in.
You wouldn’t have dared to write the script of this one, but it was sighs of relief when the final whistle blew and Bangor held out for three points and a return to winning ways.
BANGOR TEAM:
E.Ovendale, R.Neale, H.Beverland, K.Owens, S.McGuinness, C.McGuiness, T.Mulvenna, R.Garrett(M.Bradley), L.Harrison, S.McArthur(B.Arthurs), M.Ferguson(B.Cushnie).
Subs: J.Taylor, C.Byers, M.Davidson, T.Mathieson
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 13th September 2024 - BANGOR v DUNDELA, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Friday, 6th September 2024)
Today, we say farewell to goalkeeper Marc Orbinson who has joined Amateur League side Dundonald.
The 29 year old goalkeeper has made 12 appearaances for the Seasiders since he joined the club in 2022.
We wish Marc well for his time at Dundonald.
(Posted: Friday, 6th September 2024)
Scott McArthur says the team spirits haven’t been dampened despite a tough night at the office for Bangor in the County Antrim Shield on Tuesday night.
Carrick Rangers inflicted a 4-0 reversal on Lee Feeney’s men at a floodlit Clandeboye Park, with most of the damage done in the first half when fleet-footed winger Paul Heatley hit a brace either side of a powerful Kurtis Forsythe finish.
Danny Gibson completed the scoring 12 minutes from time against a Seasiders side that featured seven changes from the defeat to Limavady United at the weekend, including a debut in goal for new arrival from Derry City Evan Ovendale and full debuts for Cliftonville loanee Stephen McGuinness at left wing-back and former Dundela striker Lee Rea up top.
A Playr-Fit Championship Player of the Year nominee having scored 14 goals last campaign, attacking midfielder McArthur is unfazed following a difficult assignment against top-flight opposition and believes issues in the first six matches of this term can be swiftly remedied with the calibre of players at Feeney’s disposal.
“It was a really tough game, but they’re a good side. We made a lot of changes and a different formation.
“I think we worked hard, we were a lot better in the second half compared to the first half.
“I think it’s just silly mistakes and not taking our chances going forward, but hopefully, that’ll change soon.
“There’s a bit of extra motivation for us going forward. I think we’ve got all the ability in the changing room to even be winning games like that tonight.
“We’ve a really good squad; it maybe just hasn’t clicked as fast yet, but it’ll come.”
Mistakes have been a source of frustration, and Bangor have been harshly punished for them at times, but home town favourite McArthur says the squad will click into gear as fresh-faced talent fits into an attack-minded system.
“It’s the downfall of any team I suppose, making mistakes. I think we’ll look back at the game, probably could have prevented most of the goals.
“We’ve got a lot of new players in, especially in the starting line-up, so we all need to gel together and I believe it will come sooner rather than later.”
(Posted: Thursday, 5th September 2024)
Bangor were on the wrong end of a heavy County Antrim Shield loss on Tuesday night as Carrick Rangers delivered a professional and clinical display to run away 4-0 winners at a floodlit Clandeboye Park.
After Kyle Owens registered the first attempt on target of the night for the hosts when he drew a simple claim from Carrick stopper Ross Glendinning on 14 minutes, that was as good as it got for Lee Feeney’s men during the first period as, not 30 seconds later, Paul Heatley raced in behind and slotted powerfully beyond debutant goalkeeper Evan Ovendale to hand Rangers the lead.
From there, Stuart King’s men never relented and kept piling on the heat before they extended their advantage nine minutes before the break. A short free-kick by Mark Surgenor was deployed into the path of right wing-back Kurtis Forsythe, who drilled accurately into the top right corner well beyond Ovendale’s sprawling dive. It was a deserved second for the away side and, on the stroke of half-time, Heatley’s second when he got behind again looked to have made Carrick’s progression absolutely safe.
Bangor fought back in the second half with top scorer Matthew Ferguson introduced from the bench, and Caomhan McGuinness spectacularly laced a venomous shot from range which had the beating of Ross Glendinning but crashed back off the upright 10 minutes following the interval, but Carrick were deserved winners on the night and made sure of the result on 78 minutes when Danny Gibson pounced from close range and sent a free header into the net.
BANGOR TEAM:
E.Ovendale, K.Reid, K.Owens(H.Beverland), C.Byers, R.Neale(L.Harrison), M.Bradley, C.McGuinness(M.Davidson), S.McGuinness(G.Beattie), S.McArthur, L.Rea(M.Ferguson), T.Mathieson.
Subs: B.Fry, R.Garrett
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 6th September - NEWRY CITY v BANGOR, Showgrounds, Championship, 8:00pm
(Posted: Tuesday, 3rd September 2024)
Bangor defender Kyle Owens is relishing the chance to make swift amends from Saturday’s Playr-Fit Championship defeat to Limavady United in the County Antrim Shield this week.
The Seasiders welcome Carrick Rangers to Clandeboye Park on Tuesday night, a match they will enter as underdogs on paper but feel confident of picking up a positive result in.
Stuart King’s Carrick, who are eighth in the Sports Direct Premiership and recorded an all-time high finish of seventh last term to qualify for the end-of-season European play-offs, will pose stern opposition and enter themselves bruised having lost 2-1 to Crusaders at Seaview on Saturday from an initial leading position.
Experienced campaigners like Ross Glendinning, Curtis Allen, Paul Heatley, Mark Surgenor and Luke McCullough figure among their core, and Danny Gibson is one of the top strikers across the Irish League, but Lee Feeney’s Bangor overcame the Amber Army 3-1 at Taylors Avenue in pre-season and Owens has backed the Yellows to focus on putting in a similar performance again.
“I agree, it’s a quick turnaround and it’s a game we should be looking to cause an upset in.
“We beat them in pre-season, obviously this will be a completely different test because it’s in the cup, but, listen, we just need to get our heads focused for Tuesday night.
“We’ll need to get our heads screwed on after today and lift our game, everybody, and we’ll see what happens.”
(Posted: Monday, 2nd September 2024)
Bangor defender Kyle Owens gave an honest reflection on a frustrating day for the Seasiders in the Playr-Fit Championship as clinical Limavady United pounced to take all three points back to the north west on Saturday.
The Roesiders’ 3-1 victory perhaps doesn’t tell the whole story as Bangor hit the woodwork no fewer than four times while the visitors used the counter-attack to perfection and dealt damage in this area – both areas Owens pinpointed as deciding in his post-match reaction.
The centre-back’s first goal since his summer move from Harland and Wolff Welders shortly after the restart restored parity, with Joe McCready having given Limavady the lead against the run of play with their first real opportunity on 26 minutes, but later finishes by Ian Parkhill on the hour and Jake Martin leading into stoppage-time saw Paul Owens’ visitors take the maximum spoils under the sun.
The equaliser came amid a fantastic response after the restart, with Ben Cushnie and Reece Neale both striking the upright and Lims goalkeeper Martin Gallagher repelling much of the other Bangor chances, but Parkhill’s finish on the break from the bustling McCready’s layoff swung the tide back in favour of the 2024 Premier Intermediate League champions with Owens saying they were “worthy winners”.
“I thought we were nowhere near good enough, really, over the park.
“Obviously when they scored (their first goal), we were sort of on top, but we still weren’t taking our chances.
“Overall, maybe if we got a draw, it would’ve been a fair result, but at the end of the day, Limavady were worthy winners and we just have to move on now.
“How we conceded the goals were disappointing, we were hit on the counter and for one of the goals, we were actually running back from our corner, which is even more annoying because we were in their box and had to make a run back to our box and then concede the goal in the way we did.
“It’s very frustrating, but like I say, teams are getting up to play us; I think we’re the team that everybody has their eye on, and rightly so.
“With the squad we have… it’s early days, and we’ll see how we get on over the next couple of weeks, but we should be right up there and, hopefully, we can push up the table.”
The experienced Owens also elaborated on the topic of chance creation with manager Lee Feeney having spoken on the topic in the dressing room.
The 32-year-old, who also has three assists to add to his finish as August comes to a close, says it is a plus point that Bangor are fashioning opportunities but that there is a collective onus within the squad to be more clinical with them.
Such is the Championship’s close nature that the Seasiders have dropped from top spot to sixth in one afternoon – but Owens highlights that the players know how to rise back up.
“Yeah, the gaffer said the same, at least we’re creating them.
“But at the same time, too, it’s like me scoring; it doesn’t feel the same when you’re getting beat 3-1.
“The chances you’re creating, you should at least be taking two or three of them anyway, especially with the quality in the strikeforce we have and we should be taking maybe two, three chances a game.
“It would’ve been different if we weren’t creating them, I understand that, but I think the chances that we’re creating, we should be scoring a lot more goals.”Kyle Owens
(Posted: Sunday, 1st September 2024)
Gary's Match Gallery | Jordan's Match Gallery
Bangor were brought back down to earth with a thud following Tuesday night's North Down Derby delight as Limavady United emerged 3-1 victors from the sides' Playr-Fit Championship encounter at a sun-drenched Clandeboye Park.
Bangor started a game played in beaming summer conditions on the front foot and Matthew Ferguson twice drew good saves from opposition goalkeeper Martin Gallagher, but Limavady took the lead with their first real chance of the encounter after Joe McCready pounced on a loose ball while the Seasiders tried to play out from defence. He slotted past James Taylor to hand the Roesiders the initivative and Bangor struggled to regain rythym leading up to the half.
But a double substitution that saw Ben Cushnie and debutant Stephen McGuinness enter the fray drew a response, and Bangor levelled on 50 minutes. Ben Arthurs contested for a header that was miscued by the Limavady defender behind him, and fell kindly for Kyle Owens to find the bottom corner for his first goal for the club.
Reece Neale rattled a free-kick off the bar shortly after as the Yellows continued to click into gear, but Limavady countered against the run of play and retook the lead on the hour mark with Ian Parkhill on the receiving end; the former Coleraine forward slotting him from 10 yards out in a one-on-one situation. Ben Cushnie struck the post in a show of fine margins before Jake Martin netted a 90th-minute clincher for Paul Owens' side, placing low into the bottom right beyond Taylor's low dive.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, H.Beverland, K.Owens, R.Garrett(T.Mulvenna), C.McGuinness, M.Davidson(S.McGuinness), L.Harrison(B.Cushnie), M.Bradley(S.McArthur), B.Arthurs, M.Ferguson
Subs: E.Ovendale, C.Byers, L.Rea.
(Posted: Saturday, 31st August 2024)
We are pleased to confirm that Ben Walker has signed for the Seasiders permanently from Larne, joining on a 2 year contract.
Ben will now join Warrenpoint Town on loan.
We wish Ben well for his time at Milltown and look forward to him returning to Clandeboye Park.
(Posted: Friday, 30th August 2024)
Bangor striker Ben Arthurs hopes the Seasiders can replicate their performance in Tuesday night’s dominant 4-0 North Down Derby victory over Ards against Limavady United this weekend.
In a battle of the last two Premier Intermediate League champions at Clandeboye Park this Saturday and with just five points splitting the entire Playr-Fit Championship after four games, there’s nothing that can be taken for granted – and Arthurs, who scored twice against the old enemy, wants the Yellows to remain ruthless against Paul Owens’ Roesiders.
Both sides enter this encounter with seven points out of a possible 12, with Bangor top of the table on goal difference and Limavady in fifth having recorded consecutive wins over Dundela (3-2) last Saturday and Institute (2-1) on Tuesday.
The north west outfit have added experience in the form of former Coleraine stars Michael McCrudden – who bagged a hat-trick in that Duns success at Wilgar Park – Graham Crown, Stephen Lowry and Ian Parkhill to their squad during the past few transfer windows, while ex-Dungannon Swifts forward Joe McCready is also a player to watch as well as 2023/24 PIL Player of the Year Alex Pomeroy, who Kircubbin man Arthurs preceded in winning the award.
The 26-year-old marksman admits that adds an element of the unknown but insists Bangor’s levels won’t drop.
“Well, we’re back home on Saturday, we’ve had two good wins in a row at home and we’ll be looking to build on that.
“We probably don’t know too much about Limavady, they’re only up from the league below and they’ve brought a few new players in, but they were always a tough team to play against in the PIL.
“We’ll see what they bring on Saturday and we’ll just hopefully replicate the performance we put in against Ards and try and get the three points again.”
(Posted: Friday, 30th August 2024)
We are also delighted to welcome Stephen McGuinness to the club on a season long loan from Cliftonville.
McGuinness made 15 appearances in the Reds’ defence last season & has previously enjoyed loan spells in the Championship with Annagh United & QUB.
Welcome to Bangor Stephen!
(Posted: Friday, 30th August 2024)
We are delighted to have completed the signing of Evan Ovendale.
The 20 year old goalkeeper joins the Seasiders from Derry City, who the Welshman joined after progressing through the ranks at Newport County.
Welcome to Clandeboye Park, Evan.
(Posted: Friday, 30th August 2024)
As far as bedding-in processes go, it doesn’t get too much better than when you make your debut in a 4-0 victory in a derby – and Lee Rea is buzzing to get going after being introduced to the Bangor faithful on Tuesday night.
The striker played the last 12 minutes of the Seasiders’ 4-0 victory over Ards for his first bit of matchday action since completing his move from Dundela last week and, having recently returned to fitness following an injury absence, is keen to hit the ground running and build up momentum to help the team.
“The lads have been brilliant with me since I came in, and what a game to come into and what a way to win it.
“I was coming on and looking to get a goal, obviously being a striker, but the win will do for the team and we’ve got the three points and we’ll move on.
“It’s been a bit of a slow start for me, I’m only coming back from injury so it’s good to get 10, 15 minutes under my belt and push on from there.”
Rea, who scored twice when the Duns defeated Bangor 2-1 at Clandeboye Park at the start of last season, is pleased to be joining a strong attacking contingent that includes two of Tuesday evening’s goalscorers – Matthew Ferguson and Ben Arthurs, both of whom the 22-year-old rates among the best in the league.
The frontman, who scored 10 Playr-Fit Championship goals last season and also hit five in the division for Knockbreda a few years ago, expects to offer a different dimension to Lee Feeney’s side and put his experience of the second-tier to good effect.
He’s also confident he can both provide healthy competition for his team-mates and be pushed to be better himself – just the mentality that is so coveted by the Bangor boss.
“100 per cent, I’ve played in the Championship and I know what the league’s about, I can’t wait to get a goal under my belt.
“Once Bangor came in for me and Lee got in touch, it was a no-brainer for me. It’s a really good set of options in attack, Spike’s been the best in the league in terms of the goals he’s scored in the past couple of years and Ben’s up there with him too.
“So, I’ll try my best to push the boys and they’ll push me too to be the best that I can be.
“My game’s a wee bit different from the others, and Lee knows that too, so that’s what I’m looking to offer when I’m called upon, I can’t wait to get started.”
Assistant manager John Douglas, meanwhile, admits that Bangor preferred to face Dundela without Rea in the line-up such was the danger factor the forward had about him.
A fleet-footed and fast-thinking operator, Douglas was left well impressed by the one-time Linfield and Glenavon youngster and, when the opportunity arose in the summer to draft him in, wasted no time in convincing Rea to sign on the dotted line.
“We as a coaching staff were speaking after the games against Dundela last year and we were all impressed by him in terms of his pace, his work-rate, his work ethic, how he was impacting games.
“We were going into games against Dundela last year where we were hoping to play a team without Lee Rea in their line-up rather than with him.
“In the last few weeks, he was made available for whatever reason and we were keen to get a deal done to bring him in, and now, it’s over the line and we’re all glad to have him here.
“He offers something we don’t really have in our squad and gives us a different dimension in terms of his pace and how he runs at defences, he’s got a really good skillset – and another thing is he’s young, he’s only 22.
“There’s a lot still to come from him and we see a lot of potential for growth in his game, areas that we can work on and room to improve.
“Lee offers us something different and there are certain set-ups where he gives us a different threat while also helping push the players around him, so he’s a great addition to the squad and we’re looking forward to hopefully getting the best out of him.”
(Posted: Friday, 30th August 2024)
(Posted: Friday, 30th August 2024)
Bangor striker Ben Arthurs is off the mark and ready to mix it amongst the goals on a more consistent basis after his decisive double helped the Seasiders to North Down Derby joy on Tuesday night.
The Kircubbin man hit 25 in all competitions last season and has his first two of 2024/25; the second and fourth finishes either side of half-time in a rampant 4-0 ‘away’ win over Ards.
With new strike partner Matthew Ferguson – who found the net for the fifth time in just his fourth match in yellow and blue in between Arthurs’ brace – starting the season on fire, the 26-year-old was playing catch up but cut the deficit with two alert strikes that bring his total goal haul to 133 in a Bangor shirt.
The two have gelled instantly and ‘Big Ben’ is delighted to see Ferguson off on a flyer, and he laid off a shrewd assist for the former H&W Welders man to score the opener in last Friday’s 4-0 triumph over Newington, but he wants to “join the party” with him and is glad to have now shifted his campaign into gear.
“Finally, it’s been a while! I was going in, it could’ve been four games without a goal; probably through last year as well, I maybe didn’t score in the last one or two as well.
“I think I’ve been playing well but, obviously, you’re judged on goals and it’s nice to join the party with Spike, I’ve been happy seeing him scoring but I wanted to get off the mark myself.
“The pressure was sort of starting to build, just hadn’t hit the net in a while, so it’s a good feeling and it’d be good to kick on.”
On the overall performance, which really got going when captain Lewis Harrison prodded in the opener on 10 minutes from Reece Neale’s corner kick – Arthurs doubled the advantage just two minutes later from the midfielder’s through-ball – the popular frontman who joined the club six years ago felt that fast start helped lay down Bangor’s authority on the contest.
He added that a dominant start-to-finish display like Tuesday night was in the making on the evidence of performances to date in this term’s Playr-Fit Championship and that the clinical edge shown at Clandeboye Park was the key behind making sure the bragging rights remain the Seasiders’ to savour.
“Yeah, we started well, I think we were giving them a lot of problems early.
“Lewis got a good goal from a corner, he was in the right place at the right time, and not long after, he nicked in, got the ball and played a great pass into me (to score).
“I was saying to Spike after the game, you get your first chance in the game and it’s early, and if you score it, it takes the pressure off.
“They haven’t been falling for me for the first three games, but I thought the boys were amazing tonight, to be honest. I thought we were in full control the whole game and it’s a credit to ourselves, really.
“I think that’s sort of been coming from the first three games because I think we’ve been playing well and we’ve been unlucky in the games we didn’t win, and tonight, it just all seemed to click.
“We were clinical tonight, 100 per cent, and as I say, against the Welders and against Annagh where the chances maybe went begging, so it was good to get those three goals in the first half and it takes a lot of the pressure off.
“I thought every man was good, and we all done what Lee wanted us to do and it paid off.
“The performances have been there, and I think in another season, we could’ve been four wins from four, you know. The chances have been there, we’ve played well, we haven’t shipped too many goals and we didn’t really get the rub of the green, but hopefully now, we can kick on.”
(Posted: Thursday, 29th August 2024)
A small number of young people who attended the Ards FC v Bangor FC fixture on Tuesday 27 August were heard singing sectarian songs, using sectarian language and engaging in anti-social behaviour.
The young people were situated in the Bangor FC end of the ground. Bangor FC stewards and directors spoke to the group on a number of occasions about their behaviour and asked them to stop. Some people were ejected from the ground and banned from attending future matches.
Bangor FC apologises to anyone offended by the behaviour of this small group.
We ask those people who want to engage in sectarian and anti-social behaviour to stay away from the club. Bangor FC is a community-based club that has a long and proud history of inclusivity and respect. This includes our supporters, the players and the board of directors.
We have spoken to the IFA and NIFL about support they can provide in respect to this issue and we will also be in contact with the PSNI.
Our position as a club is clear and unequivocal, we condemn all forms of sectarian behaviour. People who attend matches and engage in such behaviour are only letting themselves down and have the potential to tarnish the good name of Bangor FC and its loyal supporters.
(Posted: Wednesday, 28th August 2024)
Gary's Match Gallery | Jordan's Match Gallery
Bangor were in absolute cruise control and produced a dominant North Down Derby victory for the ages, taking down 10-man Ards 4-0 at Clandeboye Park and making it truly an occasion to savour for the supporters and bumper crowd on show in the Playr-Fit Championship.
After Connor Maxwell fizzed one at James Taylor in an early tester the Bangor goalkeeper was alert to stop, the Seasiders seized control and opened the scoring. A corner by Reece Neale was met by captain Lewis Harrison in the six-yard area and the midfielder prodded over the line to break the deadlock, with Ards goalkeeper Marc Matthews getting hands on it but unable to prevent it from going into the net in referee Mark Milligan's eyes.
The advantage was doubled just moments later. A ball in behind found Ben Arthurs in his stride, and the peninsula frontman hit his first of the season and 132nd in yellow and blue to put Bangor in a more comfortable position, slotting past the onrushing Matthews to score, and then on the 24th minute, his strike partner Matthew Ferguson notched up his fifth of the campaign already when he swivelled inside and fired low, hard and in to send the net bulging again.
Bangor picked up where they left off in the second period and, despite a triple substitution by John Bailie after the interval in a bid to revive Ards' fortunes, it was Lee Feeney's hosts who added to the lead. Ben Arthurs notched up his second as Kyle Owens' knock-down was turned in by the Kircubbin marksman from five yards.
On 60 minutes, Ards got found in further arrears when a former Bangor player in substitute Ryan Arthur was shown a straight red card after an incident involving Tiarnan Mulvenna, and there was a debut for Lee Rea 12 minutes from time to cap off a brilliant derby day.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, H.Beverland, K.Owens, M.Davidson, C.McGuinness(T.Mathieson), R.Garrett(B.Cuhnie), L.Harrison(M.Bradley), T.Mulvenna, B.Arthurs(S.McArthur), M.Ferguson(L.Rea).
Subs: M.Orbinson, C.Byers.
NEXT MATCH
Saturday, 31st August 2024 - BANGOR v LIMAVADY UNITED, Playr-Fit Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Tuesday, 27th August 2024)
Bangor FC has announced an extension to their deal with sponsors G&H Film and Television Services.
The club’s association with G&H began in the 2018/19 season.
Bangor FC Chairman Graham Bailie said: “G&H has been instrumental in our success and have helped the club evolve and develop at a rapid pace.
“As a club, we get a huge amount out of our relationship with G&H and we are very proud of their association with the Seasiders. I can’t thank Maurice Brown and his team enough for all their help and we are all excited to know our involvement with G&H is continuing longer-term.”
Graham concluded: “Partnering with major local brands and developing meaningful relationships is a vital part of how we will continue to make progress on and off the field at Bangor FC.”
G&H Director Maurice Brown said: “I’m really pleased to extend our partnership with Bangor FC. They are an ambitious football club and we are privileged to play our part in their growth over the past few seasons.
“We are made to feel that we are in integral part of the continuing success at Bangor and I’m looking forward to getting down to Clandeboye Park as frequently as possible next season. I want to help push the club to greater heights in 2024/25.”
(Posted: Monday, 26th August 2024)
Bangor assistant manager John Douglas says derby matches are results-based affairs and adds the Seasiders will set up to achieve that goal against Ards on Tuesday night.
In the standout fixture of a full Tuesday night feast of Playr-Fit Championship action, a four-figure crowd of contrasting allegiances is expected to pack into Clandeboye Park hopeful of seeing their side pick up the three points on offer.
The Yellows garnered a lot of joy in last campaign’s derby affairs, with 1-0 and 3-1 victories coming either side of a Boxing Day 2-2 draw, but these are one-off encounters when anything can happen and Lee Feeney’s side will be wary of letting their foot slip off the gas. Douglas expects a classic scrap in the latest edition of the North Down Derby, with the players and coaching staff in no doubt as to just how much these sorts of occasions mean.
“With derby matches, it’s always about the result – it’s not so much about the performance, you’re very rarely going to get a clean, fluid performance in a derby or one team going in and blowing away the other, the result comes first.
“They’re standalone games; regardless of what sort of form a team is in, if they’re on a good or bad run leading into the game, the formbook sort of goes out the window a bit.
“There’s never a script, if you know what I mean, they’re one-off encounters and it’s up to the teams on the day to seize the crucial moments.
“The players and supporters don’t need any extra motivation for the game, either. It’ll be a big crowd, both sets of supporters will go into the game wanting a result and it’ll be blood and thunder from the first minute.
“There’s no game the supporters want their team to win more than a derby, we did well in the derbies last year and we know what it means for everyone in the changing room and around the club, so hopefully, we can get a positive result for the Bangor fans again.”
As for the opposition, Ards rebounded from two goals down at the weekend as Eamon Scannell’s added-time equaliser salvaged a 2-2 draw against Ballinamallard United in Co Fermanagh.
That keeps the Red and Blues unbeaten on seven points from nine to add to victories over Limavady United (3-0) and Newington (3-2), with manager John Bailie last week drafting in former Ballyclare Comrades captain Gary Donnelly – who scored mere seconds into his second debut at Ferney Park after coming on as a substitute – and ex-Portadown and Dundela attacking midfielder Ciaran Dobbin, who also made his bow off the bench in that clash out west.
Douglas says he isn’t surprised they have started strong but reiterates he is confident Bangor are ready to build on their first win of the season in despatching Newington 4-0 last Friday.
“Ards have made a number of eye-catching signings in recent days that have strengthened their squad, and it’s no surprise that they’ve made a strong start to the season.
“John’s put a good squad together that will have their eye on promotion this season, and I’m expecting a really tough game on Tuesday night. “From our point of view, we’re taking the positives from Friday night and we’ll work on the things we need to work on because we know in this league, you’ll get punished if you drop your guard.
“So, there’s no doubt we’ll be up for it and I’m sure the players will be as well to go out and keep the bragging rights.”
(Posted: Monday, 26th August 2024)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Bangor assistant boss John Douglas admits the 4-0 scoreline flattered the Seasiders in their Friday night victory over Newington but adds that a sharper edge in front of goal following the previous week’s 1-0 defeat to Annagh United was a satisfying sight.
Douglas went on to say that no one in the squad is getting carried away despite a first win of the Playr-Fit Championship season under the belt, stating that the players spoke afterwards of the continuous desire to drive up standards and take control of games.
Ironically, a missed chance by their opponents from the penalty spot was a flashpoint mere minutes after kick-off as veteran Swans striker Darren Murray slotted wide of James Taylor’s goal, with a Matthew Ferguson brace preceding late Ben Cushnie and Tom Mathieson strikes that sealed the three points at a floodlit Clandeboye Park.
Manager Lee Feeney said last week that good fortune was something Bangor had been in short supply of prior to that missed spot-kick – awarded after Kyle Owens was adjudged to have handled in the area – and his No.2 agreed with that assessment.
“I would agree with that. We’ve not had much luck, but we maybe got a bit with the early penalty miss and we were able to see out the game after that.
“We saw against Annagh last week, if you don’t take your chances, you get punished, and that was an early let-off for us.
“Against Annagh, we created a lot of chances but we weren’t putting them away, and I think Annagh only had one real opportunity in the second half and they were clinical with it and came away with the three points.
“We know in this league, any team can beat any team on their day, and every team has the quality to put chances away when they come regardless of how many chances we create in the game, so it’s important we are clinical.
“What we as coaches are happy about is that we’ve improved every game performance-wise and the players are getting up to speed. I think they still are a bit, but we’re on the right track, and that’s positive to see.”
Douglas hailed predatory frontman Ferguson’s goalscoring instincts – the striker has four in three league matches since his high-profile arrival from Harland and Wolff Welders, and more than 50 in total in the last two years alone – while also reserving praise for 19-year-old defenders Ben Walker and Kielan Reid, who he insists are just as capable as the more seasoned members of the dressing room.
“Spike’s a goalscorer pure and simple, and he got two in the end but I believe he could’ve got about five – in the box, his movement in and around the box is first class.
“He’s a great personality to work with, a very strong-minded individual who’s always pushing himself to be better, and he’s up to four goals for the season, so he’s started very strong. “He’s pushing the players around him as well, and that’s something else we wanted to see from him; he’s got exactly the sort of attitude and mentality we’d looked to add to the side.
“We’ve got a mix of youth and experience in the squad and we were actually speaking after the game, I think some of the younger players are maybe a little bit in awe of the older ones.
“The likes of Ben Walker and Kielan (Reid), who was in for his competitive debut, those sorts of players, we’re almost saying to them that they are as good as the older ones and they’re all on the same page, and that’ll come with the experience of playing as a group and getting positive results on the board.”
Shedding light on how the players reflected on the result, Douglas insists that despite an emphatic appearance to the final score, that was deceiving with no one satisfied and all fully focused on further growth.
He used the word “relentless” when describing what the side wants to be when they are firing on all cylinders, taking total control of matches and converting opportunities into bundles of goals.
“The players were coming into the changing room after the game, after a 4-0 win, and saying we can do better, and that’s good.
“We had some really good spells in the game where we were playing some really good football, but we also had spells where we knew that we could’ve done better and let Newington have a little bit of a foothold in the game.
“It was a game where the scoreline flattered us, and we had games like that last season. It’s easy to look back at a game like that where you’ve had a big win and you’re buzzing, but we’re trying to create a winning mentality and we want to be relentless.
“They're an honest bunch, they’ll reflect and analyse their own performances, and they’re all determined to keep improving.”
(Posted: Saturday, 24th August 2024)
GOALS: M.Ferguson(2), B.Cushnie, T.Mathieson
The Seasiders survived a 4th minute Newington penalty miss before storming back with four goals without reply at Clandeboye Park on Friday evening.
Matthew Ferguson bustled his way through the Newington defence to fire past Smyth and put the Seasiders into a 22nd minute lead.
Bangor then took full advantage of Joshua Diver's 66th minute dismissal by racking up another three goals in the closing stages. Ferguson grabbed his second of the game with an incisive finish from 12 yards in the 81st minute. Substitutes Ben Walker and Ben Cushnie combined for Bangor's third three minutes later and the lively Tom Mathieson pounced on a Smyth fumble to prod home the fourth in injury time.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, K.Reid(B.Walker), H.Beverland, K.Owens, R.Neale, L.Harrison(M.Bradley), R.Garrett, T.Mulvenna(B.Cushnie), B.Arthurs(S.McArthur), M.Ferguson, T.Mathieson.
Subs: M.Orbinson, G.Beattie, C.Byers
NEXT MATCH:
Tues, 27th August - ARDS v BANGOR, Clandeboye Park, Championship,7:45pm
(Posted: Friday, 23rd August 2024)
Friday, August 23 – Ballyclare Comrades U21 vs Bangor Reserves, NIFL Championship U21 Development League, Dixon Park, 8:15pm
The curtain lifts on a new season for Bangor Reserves on Friday night when they travel to a new-look Dixon Park to face Ballyclare Comrades Under-21s.
The Seasiders are hoping to get off to a flying start on the new artificial pitch laid in Ballyclare this year and set off on what they hope will be another title charge having rounded off last term in third-place in the Championship/Premier Intermediate Development League.
There has been a restructuring of the league this year with the Championship and PIL each given their own Reserve leagues, which means that Bangor are in a 10-team division alongside fellow senior men’s Championship outfits. The teams play each other three times over the course of the campaign in the hunt for title glory, with defending champions Harland and Wolff Welders U21 and Dundela Reserves again expected to pose a challenge, but the Yellows are keen to show they are up for the fight against the Comrades early on.
Meanwhile, the Reserves will face a local derby in the opening round of the FonaCAB Craig Stanfield Junior Cup as they were drawn away to Bangor Young Men. The game will take place at Bloomfield Playing Fields on September 7, with a 1:30pm kick-off.
(Posted: Friday, 23rd August 2024)
Welcome to Bangor, Lee Rea.
The 22 year old forward completes a transfer from Dundela where he netted 10 times last season in the #PlayrFitChamp including two goals against the Seasiders.
We’re delighted to have our new number 7 at Clandeboye Park.
(Posted: Thursday, 22nd August 2024)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney expects two teams up for battle on Friday night when the Seasiders welcome Newington to a floodlit Clandeboye Park.
Both sides are searching for their first win of the new Playr-Fit Championship campaign and, in Newington’s case, their first point as the Swans make their second trip to north Down in six days having lost 3-2 to Ards last Saturday.
Their hosts were also beaten 1-0 on the road last week when Annagh United – who were 3-0 conquerors of the ‘Ton at Inver Park on the opening weekend – took home all three points thanks to substitute Kenny Ximenes’ winner seven minutes from time, and Feeney is keen to put right what went wrong then and respond with a strong effort in this clash of Premier Intermediate champions in 2022 and 2023.
The Kilkeel supremo is also hoping that a bit of fortune smiles on Bangor too, with chances being created but not always converted in the first two matchdays, but he adds that for as long as the squad continues to probe in the final third and put in the hard yards, the goals – and victories – will soon come.
“We really want to win the game on Friday night, and I’ve no doubt so will Newington as they’re in the same boat as us where they’re also looking for their first win of the season.
“It’ll be a hard game, it’ll be competitive because there’s two teams that are both looking to get their seasons up and running and get that first win.
“I think you saw looking back at the results from last Saturday, you know, the league’s mad, that’s the reality of it, so we’re not disheartened by that start and it’s early days but, obviously, we want to grab our first three points of the season on Friday night.
“We’re creating chances, we’re being positive in how we approach games, I’d say we have been unlucky but I’m absolutely confident it’ll click for us sooner rather than later.
“It’s just about both boxes, we’ve not been as clinical as we would’ve liked and it’s fine margins as we’ve seen in this league.
“As a manager, you know, I don’t rely on luck, but maybe we just need a little bit of luck to fall for us and get that first win of the season; we have been getting up the pitch, we have had territory in games, so it’s just about burying our chances.
“I feel structurally, there’s a good organisation there, we have been searching for it and not been able to put chances away in the way that we’d like so far, which is frustrating.
“But we’re getting there and, as I said, we’re nowhere near our best, it’s taken a wee bit of time for us to gel at the start of the season but we’re moving in the right direction for sure.”
(Posted: Thursday, 22nd August 2024)
Bangor returned to winning ways for the first time in five matches on Wednesday night with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over St James' Swifts in the NIWFA Championship at Clandeboye Park.
An uneventful first half saw few clear-cut chances, with both sides testing their respective opposition goalkeepers on a few occasions although not hitting the target before the interval in a clash of the sides ranked second and fourth in the standings before kick-off.
The action continued to build throughout the second half as both sides probed to find the opener, St James' just shading it particularly when visiting sub Chloe Doak just fired past the post, but the Seasiders continued to hold their own and kept their shape as they battle to regain a foothold in the opposition final third.
But on 82 minutes, the Seasiders finally hit the opener. Giulia McLaughlin floated a fine kick from goal over the St James' defence and, instinctive as ever, striker Amber Dempster hit the mark with a clever lob over the off-her-line opposition stopper which put Bangor in the driving seat and into a lead they would not relinquish.
(Posted: Thursday, 22nd August 2024)
(Posted: Monday, 19th August 2024)
Bangor have been drawn at home to Carrick Rangers in the first round of the Toals Bet County Antrim Shield.
The tie will be played on Tuesday, 3rd September at Clandeboye Park.
OTHER FIXTURE NEWS
Our Playr-Fit Championship fixture away to Newry City has been moved to the Friday night. The tie will now be played at The Showgrounds on Friday, 6th September at 8:00pm.
(Posted: Monday, 19th August 2024)
Bangor remain on the hunt for their first win of the season after falling to a slender 1-0 defeat to Annagh United at the BMG Arena on Saturday.
The Seasiders’ heartbreaking final away day of last season was also the first of the new campaign and, despite a flurry of chances at both ends, the game was only decided by a single goal by the hosts seven minutes from time. Kenny Ximenes connected with a Craig Taylor delivery placing beyond the reach of James Taylor.
In the end, that piece of clinical edge by the Dungannon Swifts loanee coupled by an impressive display in goal by former Yellows stopper Jason Craughwell made it two wins from two for the hosts to begin their Playr-Fit Championship campaign.
Ximenes had earlier rattled the woodwork, while Howard Beverland’s acrobatic overhead kick drew out the first of a number of saves by Craughwell who also accounted for Matthew Ferguson and Ben Arthurs. A goalline clearance by Annagh captain Paul Finnegan also preserved the three points for the Portadown club in the end, with Lee Feeney’s men especially determined to record their first three-point haul when they welcome Newington to Clandeboye Park next Friday night.
GARY'S GALLERY JORDAN'S GALLERY
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, H.Beverland, K.Owens, C.McGuinness, T.Mulvenna, L.Harrison, S.McArthur(B.Cushnie), B.Arthurs, M.Ferguson, T.Mathieson(B.Walker)
Subs: M.Orbinson, J.Hughes, G.Beattie, M.Halliday
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 23rd August 2024 - BANGOR v NEWINGTON, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 17th August 2024)
Bangor are targeting their first three-point haul of the weekend when they travel to the BMG Arena in Portadown to face Annagh United – a venue that brings back a few agonising memories from a few short months ago.
The Seasiders travelled to Annagh on the final day of last term when both sides knew that a victory would fire them into a promotion play-off against Ballymena United, but neither side could break the deadlock in a chance-laden goalless draw as Michael Harris’ added-time winner against champions Portadown at nearby Shamrock Park booked Institute’s slot in that face-off against the Sky Blues.
Besides that, it was a clean sweep for Bangor in this fixture last season, defeating Annagh by an aggregate scoreline of 9-2 in the three pre-split encounters – including an emphatic 4-0 victory away from home when Adam Neale fired in a hat-trick in one of the Yellows’ most complete displays of 2023/24. But Lee Feeney knows better than to underestimate Ciaran McGurgan’s outfit, who have twice reached the promotion play-off since starting their journey back in the Championship in 2021.
They also signalled a statement of their intent on the opening day with a 3-0 victory away to Newington when Ryan Swan – back after a double leg break curtailed his season early last year – Lee Upton and Nathan Kerr produced the goods. With Annagh in a rich vein of form since the turn of the year having lost just one league match in 2024, Bangor must show strong wits on their back of last Friday night’s 2-2 draw with Harland and Wolff Welders to emerge with the maximum spoils here.
(Posted: Friday, 16th August 2024)
Levelling goalscorer Kirsten Palmer reflected on a frustrating night for Bangor FC Ladies on Wednesday by saying it should be motivation ahead of the Local Women Sport Super Cup semi-final clash with Greenisland on Sunday.
The versatile Palmer, who arrived mid-season and has caught the eye with energetic displays from the wide areas in her six appearances to date, started and finished the 2-2 draw with Camlough Rovers in the NIWFA Championship and netted the equalising goal in a game Bangor really should’ve taken three points out of rather than just one.
The Seasiders created the vast majority of major chances in the contest and struck the woodwork no fewer than three times, but Camlough were clinical as two direct attacks brought about a couple of first-half goals that put them into the lead at the interval.
Megan Gore hit back the first time around on 31 minutes with a cross-come-shot that found its way into the bottom left corner before Palmer capitalised on a scramble from a corner 10 minutes from time by prodding home the goal that ultimately salvaged a share of the spoils – a proud, if bittersweet, moment.
“Yeah, it’s a great feeling. I feel like I had quite a lot of chances tonight, it was frustrating that I couldn’t put any more away but I was happy to get one at least.
“As a team, we’d loads of chances but we just couldn’t put them away, it was just one of those nights.
“We just need to work on finishing, really; we had loads of shots, loads of opportunities, we created so much, but we just couldn’t make the most of them.”
Palmer, deployed on her unfavoured left side on Wednesday, is a winger by trade who has been utilised at wing-back by manager Chris Dougan ever since returning to home shores having played this year for Stirling University.
She says it has been a simple adaptation for her thanks to the team spirit within the squad and positive energy both on and off the pitch – and that includes Wednesday where she pointed to the squad continuing to put their focus on gaining something from the match.
The focus now turns to that last-four Super Cup battle against Greenisland, and it’s likely also a test for next season because the Glenkeen Avenue club will play in the Championship in 2025 on the back of winning the NIWFA Division One. The Co Antrim side visit Clandeboye Park for a 3pm kick-off and will look to disrupt Bangor’s bid to reach a second consecutive decider in this competition, with one of Belfast Celtic or Ballymoney United awaiting in the decider when those two face off the following evening. Palmer adds that on the back of a game like Wednesday – which leaves Bangor hungry to put right a four-game winless streak – doesn’t motivate the players, then nothing will.“Yeah, I usually play on the wing, I’ve played at full-back, so it’s a change for me but it’s something new and I enjoy it. “There’s a lot of the same responsibilities, though; you’re still holding the width, it’s a lot of running, making sure to track back.
“I’ve enjoyed it coming in. It is tough, but it’s really good, everyone’s so nice, so I’m really happy with where I’m at in terms of my football now.
“It was very easy for me to come in. Since the day I came in, everyone has made me feel so welcome, everyone’s so nice and so positive.
“Even if we go a goal down, it’s still really encouraging, we’re all positive towards each other and united to play and united to win, and it’s so nice just to play in a team like that.
“I think the first half, we did have a few chances, but I think we did play well, we created quite a lot, and then in the second half, they didn’t really have many chances, it was all attack for us and all defence for them.
“They were playing five at the back by the end of it, their goalkeeper played well, and we got back into the game but just couldn’t do enough to win it.”
“I think everyone, as Chris was saying in the changing room, that should give us so much more motivation now to work towards Sunday.
“It’s a big game, it’s going to be a tough battle and we as a team want to finish the season strong.
“If you’re not up for a semi-final and the chance to get into a cup Final, I don’t know what you’d be up for, so it’ll be a good experience playing under that sort of pressure.”
(Posted: Thursday, 15th August 2024)
Max Davidson is glad to be back at Bangor and feels there is no place he would rather be following a few years across the water.
The left-back made his long-awaited second competitive appearance for the Seasiders more than three years on from his first; having first arrived in 2020 as a fledgling 17-year-old and making a Covid-delayed competitive debut in May 2021 in an Irish Cup penalty shoot-out loss away to Carrick Rangers, he featured from the start for Lee Feeney’s side in the Playr-Fit Championship curtain-raiser against Harland and Wolff Welders in August 2024 and spoke of his delight at making his comeback.
“Yeah, listen, it’s great to be back, honestly.
“I was looked after here when I was here a couple of years ago when I was 17 with Feeno and I was buzzing to get back as soon as I was in the country.
“It’s great to be back at Clandeboye playing in front of the fans.”
So, what has Davidson done all this time? After that disrupted 2020/21 campaign, he went to study at the University of Liverpool and played full-time in the Welsh top-flight for Cefn Druids as well as English sides 1874 Northwich and Burscough.
When it was time to come home, the former Ballymena United Academy player knew that he had unfinished business in north Down and the 21-year-old Ballyclare man returned to work under Feeney with Bangor having since moved up a league and into the senior ranks.
It’s a move that made sense for Davidson, who figured at left wing-back in the 2-2 draw with the Welders, especially given he had picked up that valuable experience and lived the life of a full-time athlete across the Irish Sea.
“I think it’s been brilliant, I got to play against different teams, play against different systems, play with players who have played at the top level in England and work in different systems under different managers.
“Having the chance to come back here and apply that to my game over here in the Irish League is a great opportunity.
“To be honest, it wasn’t really a university lifestyle, I was playing football all the time as we were full-time at that first team I was at (Cefn Druids).
“And then obviously, in university, you’ve got your sport as well, so I wouldn’t say it would be your standard university lifestyle, it was basically just being a full-time athlete.
“Having that behind me’s great and I’m just looking forward to applying that back at Bangor.”
(Posted: Thursday, 15th August 2024)
Bangor FC Ladies were left wondering just how they didn't take all three points as a bulk of second-half chances weren't to result in the win, with clinical Camlough Rovers Ladies leaving Clandeboye Park with a share of the spoils in a gripping 2-2 draw in the NIWFA Championship on Wednesday night.
Camlough drew first blood on 10 minutes, as the goalkeeper launched one forward for their attacker to latch onto. It was well-controlled and the bounce caused a few problems for the home defence, with the ball delicately lobbed over Giulia McLaughlin and into the net, but the Seasiders clicked into gear afterwards and got into the final third more often before converting the equaliser.
Megan Gore hit a cross-come-shot which looped into the bottom left corner just after the half-hour mark to level the scores, but despite Janine Jess crashing a low shot off the base of the post and Kirsten Palmer being well-denied on the rebound, it was Camlough who entered the break ahead on 41 minutes when the forward again raced behind the defence and rounded McLaughlin before placing it low into the net.
The second half felt like constant Bangor attack after Bangor attack, the ball hardly ever leaving the Camlough half with the ball finding different ways not to send the back of the net shaking, with Francesca Costa and Emi Wynne striking the upright within seconds of each other after Jess' effort cracked the post, but finally the ball went in on 80 minutes as Palmer alertly prodded home from an initial corner from the right that was cleared off the line by a Camlough defender.
(Posted: Wednesday, 14th August 2024)
Wednesday, August 14 – Bangor FC Ladies vs Camlough Rovers Ladies, NIWFA Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:30pm
Bangor FC Ladies return their attention to the NIWFA Championship on Wednesday night in their penultimate home match of the season when they entertain Camlough Rovers Ladies.
The Seasiders, who kept their grip on third-place in the standings following last week’s 2-2 draw against Ballymena United Women – Amanda Morton and Janine Jess scoring to get them back on level terms after going two down – have went three without a win across all competitions and are keen to get back on track as the climax to the campaign approaches.
At the weekend, Bangor were knocked out of the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup on Sunday afternoon as Derry City Women emerged 3-0 victors in the sides’ quarter-final clash, with Ballyclare Comrades Ladies having fought from behind the Wednesday before to secure a 4-3 win at Dixon Park. Now, Chris Dougan’s side will look to overcome a capable Camlough outfit who have looked the part since achieving promotion last year, scoring 21 points from 13 matches to date and who Bangor worked hard to beat 2-1 in the first outing in May.
(Posted: Wednesday, 14th August 2024)
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 17th August - Annagh United v Bangor, BMG Arena, 3:00pm
(Posted: Tuesday, 13th August 2024)
Bangor FC Ladies exited the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup on a sunny Sunday afternoon with a 3-0 defeat to Derry City Women at Clandeboye Park.
The Sports Direct Women’s Premiership side visited with the favourites tag bestowed upon them for this quarter-final clash and ultimately lived up to the billing, with Chris Dougan’s Seasiders exiting on the back of their best-ever run in the showpiece women’s tournament. Derry drew first blood 18 minutes into proceedings as Ellen McDermott broke the deadlock for a rotated Candystripes line-up, however it was a mainstay in the in-form Tara O’Connor-Farren who added their second – the 23-year-old’s ninth goal in five matches just after the hour mark.
A fighting effort from Bangor to mount a comeback followed, but progression was secured for Paul Dixon’s Derry when substitute Ellie Long hit the target to secure a semi-final place for the away side, joining Cliftonville Ladies, Glentoran Women and Lisburn Rangers Ladies.
(Posted: Tuesday, 13th August 2024)
A Bangor squad will travel to play Dollingstown this evening in a friendly at Planters Park.
Match kick off is 7:30pm
(Posted: Tuesday, 13th August 2024)
Defender Max Davidson admits there was a feel of two points dropped in the dressing room following Bangor’s 2-2 draw with Harland and Wolff Welders on Friday night.
The Seasiders settled for a share of the spoils in a competitive match under the lights against the Welders, who bounced back twice from a pair of Matthew Ferguson strikes either side of half-time to take a point back up the A2.
Sean O’Kane’s placed header 11 minutes into the second half was in response to Ferguson’s 17th-minute debut opener against his old employers, and while ‘Spike’ hit back with an aerial effort of his own to ensure the Welders’ parity lasted just two minutes, Lewis Mearns pounced seven minutes from time to ensure the east Belfast side made it honours even.
Davidson (21), making his home debut on the left side of defence having rejoined Bangor in the off-season, says the expectation amongst the squad is to try and win every encounter but believes the motivation’s there to put it right against Annagh United next Saturday.
“Listen, it’s a frustrating start; we want to be going into every game getting three points.
“Every single game this season, we’re expecting to win, and that’s the attitude we should be going into every game, so the lads are disappointed.
“We feel like we’ve lost the game there, but we’re just looking towards Annagh on Saturday, go away down the road and try and get another three points, keep that undefeated season and looking towards promotion next year.”
It was a competitive and end-to-end encounter where both teams threw caution to the wind, with an impressive performance by Welders stopper Jack Mills playing no small part.
The 23-year-old denied Ben Arthurs and Caomhan McGuinness in one-on-ones across both halves, while a low Ben Cushnie attempt that had the beating of Mills deep into added-time was hooked away by visiting captain Lewis Patterson off the line.
Before Ferguson’s opener, the away side started the game on top and enjoyed a few early chances that Bangor goalkeeper James Taylor had to be alert to, denying Tiarnan O’Connor and Adam McAleenan from distance.
Davidson felt the initial contribution of the 28-year-old marksman – who has now bagged 51 league goals in the last two years – helped settle the game and brought Bangor more into it as the Seasiders went into the interval the stronger of the sides.
“I feel like the first goal definitely settled things, I felt like we were adjusting to their system for the first wee while.
“We were adjusting to how they played and boys were getting dragged about a little bit, but I feel like once we scored the first goal, we settled, we started creating more chances, more combinations and we worked from there.
“Don’t get me wrong, we were 1-0 up at half-time but we were nowhere near satisfied.
“We’re wanting to get, you know, eight or nine out of 10 performances all round the park each half, and I don’t feel we had that in the first half.
“So, we were going out to really stamp home our authority in the second half but, obviously, it didn’t fall that way for us.
“It was a very end-to-end game. Obviously, they play quite a high line which we were trying to work round, play balls over the top, and we were getting joy and it was 50/50 each side, so yeah, it was very end-to-end.
“We didn’t get the result we would’ve wanted, a win on the opening day in front of a big crowd, but everyone is really motivated now to get our first win of the season next week.”
(Posted: Monday, 12th August 2024)
GARY'S GALLERY | JORDAN'S GALLERY
It was two goals on debut for Matthew Ferguson, but the striker’s brace wasn’t quite enough to account for three points for Bangor against Harland and Wolff Welders on Friday night.
Second-half goals from fresh faces Sean O’Kane and Lewis Mearns bagged a point for Ferguson’s former employers in a 2-2 draw the frontman described as “end-to-end”.
Onlookers would agree in what was an entertaining start to the new Playr-Fit Championship campaign on Friday night, but Bangor did enjoy the greater of the clear-cut chances and felt frustrated afterwards that they couldn’t start a win.
Ferguson, who was in the right place at the right time with two close-range finishes to start his adventure in a slightly different shade of yellow on the front foot, believes the team set up to play attacking football and took a glass-half-full point of view.
“The most important thing is to set up as a unit, do the best we can to try and get three points on the night.
“It was a hot and heavy game, so many chances for ourselves and they’d a couple, too; it was pretty much a good end-to-end game.
“We were 2-1 in front, I thought we were maybe going to hold on and get the win but, unfortunately, they got their second and it is what it is.
“We have to look at the positives, we’ll try and correct the negatives and we’ll take the point and we’ll move on.”
The Seasiders also finished the game on a high note, as Ferguson’s fellow debutant Caomhan McGuinness’ rasping drive forced a strong left-handed save from Welders stopper Jack Mills before substitute Ben Cushnie’s last-gasp effort was rushed off the line by Lewis Patterson in a move that preserved a point for the visitors.
With the east Belfast side also throwing caution to the wind and moving directly up the pitch, the Bangor defence – with another former key Welders man in the commanding Kyle Owens at the centre – stayed firm and held on for a point, which ‘Spike’ states is at least better than none.
“Obviously, we would’ve liked to hold on and get the three points, but the fact we conceded and it was 2-2 and it was getting to the last stages of the match, I think you just need to take your medicine and realise a point’s better than no points.
“It’s just one of those things, it’s disappointing that we didn’t get the three points but one’s better than none like I said.
“We’ll regroup and go again, Welders are a good side, they’ll take points off teams this year; we’ll just look to Annagh next week.”
The striker’s first goal on 17 minutes arrived when Scott McArthur was unleashed down the left and swung one into the danger zone, and although Mills denied him at the first attempt, Ferguson stayed alert to prod home the rebound.
His second after O’Kane’s header from David Parkhouse’s long throw-in restored the lead on 58 minutes, with Owens flicking into his path that teed up the marksman to place delicately past Mills prior to Mearns’ late leveller from a loose ball after Tiarnan O’Connor’s free-kick was palmed out by James Taylor.
It’s a bright start for the Dundonald man who is glad to get off the mark straight away, and he hopes to add more to his tally in winning efforts down the line in the 2024/25 season.
“Yeah, absolutely. It’s nice to get off the mark, scoring two goals, it’s a great feeling.
“If you’re a centre-forward scoring from 30 yards, if you ask me, they’re not in the right position.
“But my job for the club as I’ve said is to try and score as many goals as I can to help the team, help the boys win matches.
“I’m glad I was able to pitch in with two goals tonight and hopefully, further on down the line, my goals will help contribute to matches that we win and get the three points.
“You can’t take any games for granted because if you lie down or you think the day’s going to be easy, you’ll get punished.
“Tonight, the Welders put up a great fight, I thought it was a really even enough game but we probably had double the chances than what they had, but we’re 2-1 up and unfortunately we conceded late on, we’ll take that on the chin, we’ll look where we need to improve and we’ll go again.
“Going into next week and further on, we’ll work on what we need to in training and try and do what’s best for the team going into that Saturday, and hopefully, we’ll get three more points on the board.”
(Posted: Saturday, 10th August 2024)
Bangor settled for a competitive 2-2 draw on opening night in the Playr-Fit Championship against Harland and Wolff Welders at Clandeboye Park on Friday night, with Matthew Ferguson bagging twice on his competitive debut against his former employers.
Bangor took the lead on 17 minutes with a well-worked attack down the left. Scott McArthur found himself free down the channel and raced clear before swooping a cross into the box with Ben Arthurs and Ferguson both lurking. The latter got a firm header on at the back stick which Jack Mills did well to palm, but the striker got the rebound for a debut goal against his former side.
The Welders had to that point enjoyed a firm grip on the contest and created the bulk of early chances, but the Seasiders settled the flow of things and started to make a few opportunities of their own up the other end. An end-to-end contest where both sides were well in the mix leading up to half-time, Ben Arthurs missed a gilt-edged chance to add to the advantage on 39 minutes when his one-on-one chance was placed straight at Mills.
The Welders equalised on 56 minutes when a David Parkhouse throw in was headed in by Sean O'Kane off the inside of the post, but Bangor quickly restored the advantage when the hosts' two summer recruits from the visitors combined two minutes later. Kyle Owens won the first header and Ferguson was on hand to head in from a few yards out.
The Welders got back on level terms when Lewis Mearns slammed home after James Taylor spilt a free-kick attempt, the striker first to the mark to bury home from close range and find the bottom right corner for the visitors on 82 minutes. A Caomhan McGuinness chance forced an impressive save by Mills, who made himself big, and the Welders stopper again saved from Ferguson and substitute Ben Cushnie saw his late, late effort cleared off the line by Lewis Patterson.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, M.Davidson(T.Mathieson), C.McGuinness, R.Neale, H.Beverland, K.Owens, T.Mulvenna, L.Harrison(M.Bradley), S.McArthur(B.Cushnie), B.Arthurs, M.Ferguson.
Subs: M.Orbinson, G.Beattie, K.Reid, B.Walker
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 17th August - Annagh United v Bangor, BMG Arena, 3:00pm
(Posted: Friday, 9th August 2024)
Sunday, August 11 – Bangor FC Ladies vs Derry City Women, Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup, Clandeboye Park, 4pm
Bangor FC Ladies face what on paper is their toughest test of the season on Sunday when they welcome Sports Direct Women’s Premiership side Derry City Women to Clandeboye Park in the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup quarter-finals.
The Seasiders are the only club outside the top-tier remaining in the blue riband competition and will battle against the odds on this occasion, with Paul Dixon’s Candystripes entering this clash as favourites with a last-four place on the line.
Derry are sixth in the Premiership with eight points collected from their nine games to date and Bangor know they will need to bring their A-game to reach the semi-finals, with close attentions to be placed on star performers within the north west outfit’s line-up such as captain Shannon Dunne, ex-Sion Swifts star Caoirse Doherty and the prolific Tara O’Connor-Farren, who has eight goals in her last four games.
Chris Dougan’s Yellows showed their steel to rebound from two goals down to draw against Ballymena United Women 2-2 on Wednesday – last season’s relegated side from the Premiership having rubbed shoulders with Derry in that battle against the drop – and they will hope to keep up that momentum to defeat the Brandywell side here.
Meanwhile, midfielder Erin Hennity hailed Bangor’s resilience against the Sky Blues to seal a point to take back up the road that keeps the Ladies third in the NIWFA Championship.
“Ballymena are always a tough and physical contest and that certainly was the case on Wednesday night.
“We started the game slowly and were punished for it by going two goals down early in the first half, so we gave ourselves a lot of work to do.
“Credit to the girls, though; we didn't let our heads drop and showed great work-rate and character to keep pushing for an equaliser which came early in the second half through a great strike from Janine.
“We grew into the game, started creating gaps and moving the ball well but unfortunately weren't able to get the winner.
“Coming off the back of a defeat to Ballyclare, we've been working hard in training and were hopeful to regroup and put right some of the mistakes we made last week, so it's disappointing to not take all three points.
“However, it was very much a game of two halves, so some might say 2-2 was a fair result on the night.”
(Posted: Friday, 9th August 2024)
It’s a Friday night, it’s floodlights and it’s competitive Playr-Fit Championship football for the first time in over three months at Clandeboye Park as Bangor start a new season at home to Harland and Wolff Welders.
The Seasiders have finished pre-season preparations and are ready to mount a fresh charge in the second season back in the second-tier, hoping to collect three points for the books in this weekend’s curtain-raiser.
Lee Feeney’s side, who came third last term, are fired up to deliver under the lights in what is a tough test against Paul Kee’s Welders, sixth-placed to finish last season, and a big crowd is expected at Clandeboye on the back of a successful campaign last year.
A chance to see some of the new additions to the squad in the off-season ply their trade in yellow and blue for the first time in competitive action, a big support roared the players on and it is hoped more of the same can help Bangor start the new campaign on the front foot.
The Yellows finished off pre-season on a winning note having came from behind to defeat Warrenpoint Town last Saturday afternoon and, with Friday nights proving a hit during the last 18 months or so, will want to continue in that vein as the east Belfast-based Welders make the short trip down the A2 for this fixture.
Feeney reiterated pre-match that the players set their own standards, and they will be keen to live up to the billing once more as a fresh nine-month crusade gets under way.
(Posted: Thursday, 8th August 2024)
Bangor FC Ladies settled for a share of the spoils for the first time in this season’s NIWFA Championship when they recovered from two goals down to draw with Ballymena United Women at The Showgrounds.
On the Seasiders’ second trip up the M2 this term having previously been defeated on penalties by the Sky Blues in the NIWFA Championship Cup, they fell behind early here before recovering to take a point down the road and remain third-placed in the league standings.
Ballymena took the lead eight minutes in when Megan Henry hit the target, and Braid skipper Natasha Bamford doubled the advantage nine minutes later which left Chris Dougan’s side with a mountain to climb early doors.
But Bangor responded through a goal from the penalty spot by Amanda Morton – her fourth in three matches – and fellow midfielder Janine Jess netted the equaliser shortly before the hour mark that ensured the visitors took home a draw, moving up to 28 points in the table with just four league matches left to play.
(Posted: Thursday, 8th August 2024)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney is looking forward to a new Playr-Fit Championship season kicking off and believes his players are showing the right application and attitude heading into the return to competitive action.
The Seasiders face Harland and Wolff Welders at Clandeboye Park on Friday night to begin the club’s second season back in the second-tier with hopes high that last term’s third-placed finish can be built on.
Following a six-week pre-season schedule featuring games against Premiership opposition like Linfield, Loughgall, Carrick Rangers and Ballymena United, Premier Intermediate sides Ballymacash Rangers, Queen’s University and Warrenpoint Town and Amateur League tests including last Tuesday evening’s simultaneous double-header with Dundonald and Bangor Amateurs, Feeney feels his charges are mentally and physically prepared to tackle a tricky match-up under the floodlights.
Four of Bangor’s five matches in August are at Clandeboye and big crowds are expected to flock down to watch the team in action – and the Kilkeel boss, now in his fourth year in the hotseat, is hopeful the players can produce the goods.
“Yeah, when you’re going through pre-season, the main thing you’re looking for is that the players get minutes under their belt and you’ve no serious injuries, which we have done.
“We’ve played different types of opposition; in terms of Premiership opposition, you’re just looking to go into the game and give it your all, there’s nothing much more you can do than that.
“Playing against so-called ‘lesser’ opposition, you’re looking for the players to go into the game with the right attitude and right mindset and it’s a different kind of challenge that we’ve benefited from in pre-season, and to be fair, the players have risen up regardless of who they’re up against.
“The new players have come into the team and settled really, really well and I’ve been very pleased with how the players are approaching training sessions, the mentality’s been super.”
The Welders, who finished sixth in Paul Kee’s first full season in charge last year, concluded their pre-season preparations against Linfield on Monday night.
The east Belfast outfit are Championship stalwarts and have a gifted squad featuring an array of threats including impressive defender Lewis Patterson, livewire forwards Tiarnan O’Connor and David Parkhouse, versatile wing-back Ewan McCoubrey and former Bangor duo Dylan O’Kane and Jamie Glover.
Bangor fared well against Kee’s men last campaign, going unbeaten in their four clashes with two wins and two draws, but Feeney knows to automatically assume more of the same is a trap to avoid falling into against a side who beat Loughgall and Glenavon in their pre-season. He maintains the Seasiders squad sets their own bar and, like last year, is only focused on the task immediately ahead – and no more.
“We set our own expectations within the dressing room, all the players set the standards for themselves and they hold themselves to those standards.
“We went into last season with no expectations at all, and it’s maybe because we did so well that people are saying we can go one better, which is understandable.
“But to be honest, we have our own expectations and we’ll be doing what we were doing last season, we’ll only be taking it one game at a time and our focus is only on the Welders on Friday night.
“The players’ attitude in pre-season has been fantastic and you know that you’ll never be guaranteed of anything in this league. If you go into anything thinking it’s guaranteed in terms of a win, you’re mistaken.
“We’ve looked at the Welders and prepared the way we usually do, they’ve had a good pre-season as well and they’ll probably be going into the game the same way as us and thinking they’re able to get three points to start the season.
“You can’t take anyone for granted, absolutely, and we know we have to be on top of our game if we want to start the season with a win.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 7th August 2024)
Wednesday, August 7 – Ballymena United Women vs Bangor FC Ladies, NIWFA Championship, Warden Street Showgrounds, 7:30pm
Bangor FC Ladies are looking to bounce back off the ropes on Wednesday night when they go to the Warden Street Showgrounds to take on Ballymena United Women in the NIWFA Championship.
The Seasiders were beaten 4-3 last week by Ballyclare Comrades Ladies having led by two goals leading into the interval and will be keen to make a swift return to winning ways as they travel to face the Sky Blues, who earlier this season knocked them out of the NIWFA Championship Cup on penalties. Prior to last week’s defeat at Dixon Park, Bangor had won five in a row dating back to before the summer break and, with just five league matches to go until the league ends with four points to make up on Sion Swifts Ladies at the top of the standings, there is little margin for error for Chris Dougan’s side in their bid to finish top.
Bangor, who also this week do battle with Sports Direct Premiership side Derry City Women on Sunday in the Irish Cup, will be confident of finding their winning groove once again in a clash of third versus fourth – Ballymena are a point behind having also played 13 times in the league – that could set them up for a big finish.
(Posted: Wednesday, 7th August 2024)
New Bangor recruit Caomhan McGuinness is excited to make a flying start to life at the club and backs himself to make an instant impact when the new Playr-Fit Championship season commences.
The fleet-footed full-back, who has joined from Ballyclare Comrades in the off-season and hails from a sporting family that includes two full Northern Ireland Women’s internationals in sisters Kirsty and Caitlin McGuinness, says he has slotted into the dressing room culture at Clandeboye Park straight away and is raring to go for the opening fixture at home to Harland and Wolff Welders this Friday night.
“Yeah, the pre-season flew in, it’s hard to believe we’re that close to the season starting, we play the Welders on Friday night so obviously all the boys are buzzing for it, can’t wait.
“I’ve enjoyed it coming in, all the boys have been great. As soon as I came in, I fitted in straight away, made me feel welcome straight away, so it’s been grand so far.
“That’s good to come into, I see myself as someone who wants to come into a club and make an instant impact, especially with the season only round the corner.
“Can’t wait to get started, the Welders on a Friday night, what more could you want?”
McGuinness earned acclaim for his performances at right wing-back during his time at Dixon Park where he worked under Stephen Small, and his experience of the Championship and a position he’s set to slot in like-for-like at Bangor are also assets he thinks will add to the side.
With Ben Arthurs and Matthew Ferguson finding the net 41 times between them in league play last season, the Belfast man (24) – who also had a season in the second-tier with Queen’s University prior to joining Ballyclare in 2022 – has aims for being one of the chief suppliers of goalscoring chances for whoever’s deployed up top and is keen to chip in with as many assists as he can.
“Yeah, absolutely, I’ve played the last three seasons now in the Championship, so I’m well-prepared for the games and I know what it takes to be successful in it.
“The fitness, the physicality of it and all that, so that’s what I’m looking to bring into the side here, just my experience from playing in the league and hopefully help towards a push for promotion.
“I’ve played right wing-back for the last two seasons, so yeah, it’s a like-for-like in that sense.
“I must’ve had about 80 games playing right wing-back, so I’m well used to the position and again, that instant impact, I can make an impact from there straight away.
“I’ve got a bit of pace and a good delivery, and when you’ve the likes of Ben and Spike, of course, you want to put the ball into the box every chance you get.
“They love scoring headers and stuff, they love the balls in the air, just attacking them, so I’ll be looking to put them in the danger zone when I can and chip in with assists throughout the course of the season.”
(Posted: Tuesday, 6th August 2024)
The Seasiders rounded off their pre-season fixtures with a 3-1 win over Warrenpoint Town at Milltown on Saturday afternoon.
Bangor suffered an early setback when a loose ball on the edge of the area was drilled into the bottom corner of the net past James Taylor.
Reece Neale brought the Seasiders back level before half-time with a curling free-kick into the area which evaded everyone and bounced up into the corner of the net.
Bangor took control in the second half and a perfectly weighted pass from Jordan Hughes fed in Tom Mathieson who slotted in Bangor's second. Substitute Ben Walker rounded things off near the end when he made space on the left to fire low into the far corner of the net.
NEXT MATCH:
FRIDAY 9th August, BANGOR v H&W WELDERS, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Sunday, 4th August 2024)
It proved to be a tough night on the road for Bangor FC Ladies in the NIWFA Championship on Wednesday night as Ballyclare Comrades recovered from two goals down to win 4-3 at Dixon Park.
Bangor put the pressure on from the off as they fashioned a flurry of early chances, and the visitors were rewarded on 13 minutes as a short-corner routine led to the opener. A give-and-go between Emi Wynne and Amber Dempster gave the latter licence to pull the trigger, and she did just that and looped the ball over the Ballyclare stopper into the top right corner to break the deadlock.
Eight minutes from half-time and it was a doubling of the advantage for the Seasiders. After Robyn McFadden forced a spectacular tip around the post from the Ballyclare stopper, Sarah Crooks took command of the resulting corner and it was guided in from close range by the head of Amanda Morton for her third goal in two matches.
But Ballyclare added spice to the encounter on 44 minutes when the winger chipped one over Giulia McLaughlin to reduce the arrears, making it 2-1 before the referee blew for half-time.
Only four minutes of the second half were needed for Ballyclare to restore parity to the contest. The hosts had a corner from the left that was delivered deep towards the right stick and it was turned in for 2-2 that brought a further competitive edge to the contest. The Comrades, however, continued to build on their initiative and dealt a couple of quickfire blows within four minutes of each other, firstly on 75 minutes and then 79 with balls in behind that were converted by the hosts' forward on both occasions.
Amber Dempster pulled one back in added-time but it proved too little, too late in the end.
(Posted: Thursday, 1st August 2024)
Planning approved for new grandstand and community hub at Bangor FC
Bangor FC has received planning approval for a new 480-seater grandstand and community hub.
The grandstand will be located at the current away side of the ground and will include:
Bangor FC Vice-Chairman and stadium development lead Jim Russell said:
“This is an exciting time for all at Bangor FC. The potential to have a new modern grandstand and community hub is another exciting step forward for the club. This clearly shows our aspirations for the future, including new potential income generating facilities to help sustain the Club financially.
“It has taken a lot of hard-work by a small group of Bangor FC volunteers, supporters and officials to get us to this stage. Plans were designed by architect and Bangor FC supporter Nigel Barton.”
Included in the plans is a new perimeter wall and a set of gates at the Clandeboye Road end of the ground. There are also plans for a new workshop, garage, accessible toilets and parking spaces up to the new grandstand.
Jim continued: “Our ambition is to continue making progress on the pitch and supporting the local community off it. That is why we have included a community hub at the heart of this project.
“The vision is that this facility will help to cement the club further in the community, with the building being available for use by people in the local area.”
Jim concluded: “The new grandstand and community hub will be dependent on securing a combination of public funds, from the Northern Ireland Football Fund and private investment opportunities.
“Bangor is one of the largest conurbations in Northern Ireland, and our vision is to upgrade the ground to match this position, as we progress through the leagues in our attempt to return to the NIFL Premiership.”
(Posted: Thursday, 1st August 2024)
Bangor fans who tuned into Tuesday night’s friendly with Dundonald will have been treated to a strong line-up that looks set for battle against Harland and Wolff Welders in next Friday night’s Playr-Fit Championship opener.
The Seasiders prevailed 4-1 over their Amateur League opponents as a raft of familiar first-team names lined out, with three new summer signings in striker Matthew Ferguson, right wing-back Caomhan McGuinness and centre-half Kyle Owens all finding the net at a warm and sunny Clandeboye Park. Central midfielder Tiarnan Mulvenna, who himself is bracing for his first full season with the club having proved a hit since joining from Glenavon in January, was the other goalscorer for Lee Feeney’s side and feels the squad is tuned-in and ready to fight for their place on Friday.
The Belfast man also pointed to the other match of the double-header – a 5-2 victory against Bangor Amateurs next door where Jordan Hughes and Tom Mathieson both hit braces and young striker Sonny Redford also hit the target – as proof that every man in Feeney’s panel is up for holding each other to high standards.
“It’s good to get the boys out, get a load of minutes under our belt as a collective where we’ve had a lot of changes in our pre-season games so far.
“Obviously getting the win, that’s the main thing, so now, we have Warrenpoint on Saturday and we’ll just get another win there and push on to Friday night.
“There was two games there and two different teams and, to be honest, all 22 of them are playing for their place on Friday night, you know. “So, it goes to Saturday and we kick on from there.
“That’s what drives the squad, it’s obviously what Lee’s looking for, healthy competition.
“It’s not like one person wants on in front of the other, it’s who’s in form and who’s doing best, so we’re all in it together if you know what I mean, we all drive the standards here.”
Some slick interchanges of play were noticeable in the clash with Lee Cathcart’s Dundonald, and Mulvenna praised how the new signings have applied what has been worked on during training sessions.
So well have they adapted, the former Newington man adds, that it’s felt like they’ve been around the place for years, and the 26-year-old couldn’t hide his delight at how Ferguson – last season’s joint top scorer with the Welders on 23 – and Ben Arthurs have connected on the pitch throughout pre-season.
“Obviously we work on that on training, the passages of play that you saw tonight, but mostly, we all know each other and we know what way we play.
“We’ve a lot of boys in there from last year, but the new ones have come in and it’s just like they’ve been here for a long time, you know.
“You look at tonight, big Bubs (Kyle Owens) has come in and scored, and Spike, he’s been in and you seen there tonight, it looks like he’s been there from last season and how he’s fit in with Big Ben, they’ve looked really sharp together.
“There’s the chemistry on the pitch already with those two, with their movement and the positions they’re picking up and how they’ve come in and fit in with the way everyone is playing, and Spike and Big Ben are going to be a force this year…
“Even I scored a goal tonight, I couldn’t believe it myself! I was just in space and wrapped my foot around it and got the curl on it for it to go into the bottom corner.”
On the latter point, Mulvenna – who registered six assists to finish behind only Arthurs (13) and Reece Neale (10) in that metric last season but has yet to mark the scoresheet during a competitive match for Bangor – is challenging himself to hit the goal trail more in 2024/25.
He hasn’t set himself a target but is aiming to pick up the right positions to do damage as part of Feeney’s attack-minded ethos.
“That’s what I said to myself, obviously the assists come but I need to make myself available for goals and put myself in the right positions when the ball falls for me.
“We’re set up to play attacking football and we want everyone contributing when they can, so I’ll be looking to put my name on the scoresheet more.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 31st July 2024)
Bangor continued pre-season preparations with a 4-1 victory over Amateur League side Dundonald at Clandeboye Park on Tuesday night.
Lee Feeney's side took the lead on eight minutes after Tiarnan Mulvenna's perfectly weighted through ball down the inside right channel had both Caomhan McGuinness and Matthew Ferguson ready to attack it. The latter took command of the situation, duly rounded the Dundonald goalkeeper and slotted effortlessly into an open goal to break the deadlock.
Six minutes later, another ball in behind the line – this time thanks to Ben Arthurs' right boot – gave McGuinness his chance to bear down at goal, and the pacey right wing-back did just that and fired across the face of goal to pick out the bottom left corner and double the Seasiders' initiative.
The advantage became three a couple of minutes after the restart when Mulvenna connected from 15 yards out, sweeping home a beauty low into the bottom left corner after a delivery aimed at Reece Neale had been partially cleared, before Dundonald pulled one back with a superb free-kick from 25 yards that picked out the bottom right corner beyond James Taylor's sprawling dive.
Bangor added a fourth and restored the three-goal lead on 73 minutes when Kyle Owens slammed home from close range after Reece Neale's low drive after cutting in from the inside right was parried by the Dundonald stopper that completed the scoring on the night.
Meanwhile, a Bangor XI emerged victorious 5-2 next door against Bangor Amateurs to make it a double victory.
(Posted: Tuesday, 30th July 2024)
There’s a double header on the Clandeboye Road on Tuesday night as pre-season heads into the final stages with two Seasiders squads in action.
(Posted: Monday, 29th July 2024)
Bangor striker Jordan Hughes admits that the pre-season defeat to Ballymacash Rangers on Saturday afternoon was a disappointment but insists the minutes in legs and the intensity of the contest still stand the Seasiders in good stead for the start of the season.
With less than two weeks until the Friday night clash with Harland and Wolff Welders that kickstarts the new Playr-Fit Championship campaign at Clandeboye Park on August 9, preparations are ramping up a notch and continued at the weekend with a 3-2 home reverse to Premier Intermediate side The ‘Cash.
The visitors were three goals to the good by the hour mark, with Owen McKeown, Benny Igiehon and Bobby Robinson having hit the target for Lee Forsythe’s side, but late strikes courtesy of substitutes Matthew Ferguson and Ben Arthurs threatened a late fightback.
The pre-season agenda has moved thick and fast since the opening fixture against Queen’s University at the end of last month, and Hughes says everyone is feeling sharp as the squad bids to improve on last season’s third-placed finish.
“It’s the same thing every year, you start pre-season and you think you’ve got a long haul of getting fit, but it comes on quick every year and it’s never any different.
“But the boys are looking sharp, they’re looking fit and the pre-season’s been strong, there hasn’t been too many people set back (with injuries), which is a good thing.
“Today obviously wasn’t great result-wise, but it’s minutes under the belt for everyone, so that’s what you take from it. If there’s not much positive, that’s one that you take.”
Bangor know Ballymacash well having faced the Lisburn outfit four times during the 2022/23 campaign, ending as the top two teams in the PIL with Lee Feeney’s men clinching the title and promotion as well as the Steel and Sons Cup.
All four meetings were memorable encounters and competitive affairs in their own right, and there was an intensity and energy to the contest that reflected the previous games.
With past clashes including a Steel and Sons Cup semi-final success for Bangor courtesy of Jamie Glover’s wondergoal at Seaview, a 94th-minute debut equaliser for Adam Neale – a ‘Cash loanee now – at The Bluebell, another 1-1 draw on the day the Seasiders held the PIL trophy aloft and a highly charged 2-0 victory for the hosts at Clandeboye Park on a Friday night in February, this may have been lower-profile in stature but it was no less hard-fought.
“As we were just saying there before, there’s sometimes a little bit of needle between certain teams. We had a good battle with them when we were in the same league as them, sometimes that just carries over, it’s a natural thing.
“So, there was a bit of needle out there today, good, strong tackles going in – it was an intense game. The quality was lacking a bit on our side but, you know, you’ve got to take the positives, it’s minutes and you got a good run-out.
“Pre-season’s always going to be like that where you’ve lots of players coming on and off because the management have to get everyone fit obviously for the start of the season. It’s one of those things, the changes came on and changed the game, we went a little bit more direct by playing two up front, put more bodies forward and it seemed to pay off.
“It was just a little bit too little, too late, really, in the end, but it’s maybe not all about the result either.
“You like to win, and every game you want to play, you want to win, but the minutes under the belt and a really intense game are the positives from today.”
Hughes (32), who joined his home town club from Dundela in January 2022 and has been a dependable performer for Feeney when called upon, is hoping to make a further impact in the forthcoming campaign.
With his standout moment last term being the double he grabbed off the bench that helped Bangor progress past Dergview 3-1 in the Irish Cup Fifth Round in January, the frontman has vowed to give his all to the cause once more in the 2024/25 season.
“I’m just looking to give my best any time I’m on the pitch and give my all for Bangor. I’m from Bangor and I want to give my all every time I step on the pitch for them.
“So, pre-season’s been okay, missed a couple with work but it’s just one of those things, I haven’t had any setbacks which, touch wood, keeps going.
“It means I can get stronger and fitter as we go, and hopefully, I can have an impact when the season starts.”
(Posted: Monday, 29th July 2024)
There’s no hiding how enthusiastic Ben Walker is about helping Bangor succeed – and the defender has eyes on promotion after his return to his home town club for another season.
The left wing-back, who arrived on a season-long loan from Larne last campaign where he signed his first professional contract having risen through the Invermen’s Scholarship programme, is deeply rooted in Bangor having played in the Seasiders’ Academy up to the age of 16 and made 34 appearances in his first full season of men’s football last term.
Now 19 and with that valuable experience under his belt, Walker, whose fabulous free-kick against Annagh United last October proved a Goal of the Season contender in the Playr-Fit Championship, is determined to “push on” and contribute in whatever way he can to help Bangor improve on last term’s superb third-placed finish.
The ambitious and driven teenager is not alone in having that motivation within the squad and feels the Yellows’ panel is in a great place to launch a bid for the Championship title.
“Yeah, it’s good to be back, I just want to push on this season and get promotion, I want us to be back in the Irish League, the top division.
“Last season was just the start, I just want to push on this season.
“Obviously, we came so close, going into the final game (the goalless draw with Annagh at the BMG Arena), just, it hurt, and now I just want to push on and do whatever I can for the team, goals and assists, and get us up there.
“All the lads are motivated; since the start of pre-season, everyone’s coming back, they’re all in good condition, everyone’s motivated just to win the league and go a step further than we did last season which we all believe we can do.”
(Posted: Sunday, 28th July 2024)
Strikers Matthew Ferguson and Ben Arthurs hit the target as Bangor continued their pre-season preparations with a 3-2 defeat to Playr-Fit Premier Intermediate League side Ballymacash Rangers at Clandeboye Park on Saturday afternoon.
The 'Cash took the lead on 11 minutes as former Seasider Karl Devine threaded a delicate through ball behind the line, and winger Owen McKeown raced down the inside left channel and broke the deadlock with a neat finish at goalkeeper Marc Orbinson's near post.
The Lisburn side doubled their advantage when striker Benny Igiehon – partnering Bangor loanee Adam Neale up top for the visitors – drilled into the net just five minutes after the start of the second period, and a third came courtesy of an unorthodox finish from 'Cash defender Bobby Robinson, whose apparent mishit cross looped over Orbinson and in shortly before the hour mark.
Substitutes Ferguson and Arthurs upped the ante, though, with the former reducing the arrears 15 minutes from time with a delicate header past Ballymacash stopper Brian Neeson from Caomhan McGuinness' superb weighted delivery before Arthurs then poked home after capitalising on a loose ball inside the area on 88 minutes, however an equaliser wasn't to follow as the PIL outfit took victory in north Down.
(Posted: Saturday, 27th July 2024)
Saturday marks 53 years since the sad and untimely loss of one of the most important figures in Bangor FC’s history, Charlie Tully. Tully, who enjoyed two spells as Seasiders boss, first arrived at Clandeboye Park in January 1964 having been appointed by chairman Jack Gaw to lead a rebuilding job with the side having endured a rotten run of form under Tully’s predecessor Clancy McDermott that saw them go on to lose 19 of 25 fixtures and fail to record a home win during the 1963/64 term.
Capped 10 times by Northern Ireland and spending 11 years at Glasgow Celtic, whom he joined following Belfast Celtic’s permanent exit from the Irish League in 1948, 40-year-old Belfast native Tully – who was still registered as a player – was a big name but showed he wasn’t just at Bangor on reputation given the club’s rise in fortunes under his watch.
Tully, who jested that “even the Seagulls were leaving Bangor when I arrived”, was popular among players and fans alike and his first spell lasted 15 months until April 1965, during which the yellow and blue outfit’s rise in fortunes was such that Bangor did not have go cap in hand to the league to seek re-election.
The infectious and at times unorthodox character of Tully also saw him given the nickname “Cheeky Charlie”. On one occasion in March 1964, in a match against Crusaders where the kick-off time was delayed by half an hour due to the Crues side arriving without boots, Tully offered 11 pairs of wellies to his opposite number; the offer was declined, the boots did evidently arrive and Crusaders emerged 6-2 victors, but it was a show of Tully’s charisma that made him so revered amid a time of doom and gloom around Clandeboye back then.
For the following season, Tully – an Irish League and Irish Cup winner with Belfast Celtic and Scottish champion with their Glaswegian counterparts – used his array of contacts both at home and abroad to entirely revamp the Bangor side for 1964/65, including Scotland international Willie Fernie who was named in the nation’s 1954 and 1958 World Cup squads.
Results on the pitch improved, and it is said that an all-time-high crowd of 5,000 made their way through the Clandeboye turnstiles for an Irish Cup replay with Linfield, but financial difficulties loomed in the background and Tully’s tenure ultimately came to a shuddering halt in April 1965 with Ralph McGuicken succeeding him. But the former Cliftonville loanee was tempted back to the hotseat in January 1968 to the delight of Bangor supporters, and he repaid them by securing the club’s first senior trophy.
In May 1970, on the fourth replay, the Seasiders won the County Antrim Shield against bitter rivals Ards, with Jim Herron, Brian Mulgrew and Ivan McAllister scoring the crucial goals in a 3-2 victory at Solitude. The first three games all ended in 1-1 draws, all forcing replays, and eventually, it was Tully’s Bangor who broke the deadlock to win the ‘Bin Lid’ and spark some incredible scenes of celebration in the Bangor Social Club. And the good days didn’t stop there. Later that year, in December 1970, Bangor contested the City Cup Final against Derry City and, despite trailing 3-2 deep into the latter stages at Clandeboye, the tide was turned and goals by Jim Graham, Brian Morrison, Tommy Craig and Ronnie Morrison roared the Seasiders across the line and wrapped up a famous 4-3 triumph.
A match that was also historic for being the first-ever Irish League match to be televised in colour and recorded by the BBC, it went down as a real milestone day and is synonymous with Tully’s tenure, making 1970 probably the best year in the club’s history up to that point.
But 1971 was to be a year of sadness. In July, at the age of just 47, Tully unexpectedly passed away in his sleep and the Irish League lost one of its great characters way before his time. The death of Tully, who would have celebrated his 100th birthday on July 11, caused great shock around the division and, as coach Jackie Gallagher recounted the funeral, his status as a popular figure was well beyond doubt.
“I went to Charlie’s funeral on the Falls Road,” he said. “All the famous players and managers came, including a huge contingent from Scotland and Glasgow Celtic.”
“The church was full to capacity and thousands stood outside during the service to pay their respects to a larger-than-life football icon. “It was a big event in those days for Protestants to attend a Roman Catholic funeral on the Falls Road, but such was the esteem in which Charlie was held that it was truly a very inclusive event.”
Tully to this day remains an iconic figure in the history of Bangor FC and his achievements, as well as his aura and personality, continue to stand the test of time as he is remembered.
(Posted: Saturday, 27th July 2024)
Saturday, July 27 – Bangor vs Ballymacash Rangers, Pre-Season Friendly, Clandeboye Park, 2pm
Bangor continue their pre-season preparations on Saturday when they welcome Playr-Fit Premier Intermediate League side Ballymacash Rangers to Clandeboye Park.
The Seasiders delivered an imposing performance on Tuesday night when goals from Tom Mathieson, Ben Arthurs and Scott McArthur helped claim a 3-1 victory at Carrick Rangers, and Lee Feeney now turns his attention to the visit of Lisburn club The ‘Cash, who were runners-up to Bangor in the PIL title race in 2022/23.
Lee Forsythe and his charges have designs for a fresh title charge this season after finishing third last term – their second-ever as an Irish League club – and have Adam Neale on loan from Bangor as well as popular former yellow and blue midfielder Karl Devine among their ranks in their bid to achieve promotion in 2025.
They will pose a stern test for Feeney’s side, with a healthy crowd expected and anticipation abounds for the start of the Playr-Fit Championship season, now just a fortnight away. Note the earlier kick-off time of 2pm for this duel as well.
(Posted: Friday, 26th July 2024)
Bangor FC Ladies are back up to speed and still on the winning trail after coming from behind to wrap up a 7-1 success over Comber Rec Ladies at Parkway on Wednesday.
The Seasiders, who returned from the summer break after three weeks away following their 11-1 victory over Foyle Belles at the Ryan McBride Brandywell, fell on the back foot after the Comber deadlock-breaker on 23 minutes, but a nine-minute double from midfielder Jodie Shannon had the visitors back on track and leading 2-1 at the interval in the NIWFA Championship encounter.
A win would have taken Bangor closer to the summit with pre-matchday league leaders Sion Swifts not in action, and five goals in the last 18 minutes did the job with Amber Dempster grabbing her sixth hat-trick of the season in the process.
Former Comber player Dempster – who scored three goals during recent Northern Ireland Futsal friendlies against England while the Championship was paused – struck for her first finish on 72 minutes, added a second nine minutes later and, either side of captain Sarah Crooks’ third of the 2024 campaign on 83 minutes, bagged two more in the dying embers of the contest that secured a third win of the season over Comber having previously emerged victorious in both the league and cup.
Chris Dougan’s side keep tabs with new leaders St James’ Swifts, who held a two-point lead over the north Down side that remains as such, while Sion are within one point albeit with one match fewer played.
(Posted: Thursday, 25th July 2024)
Bangor continued their pre-season preparations on a winning note on Tuesday night when the Seasiders overcome Carrick Rangers 3-1 at Loughview Leisure Arena.
On a dry night in east Antrim, goals either side of the interval by Tom Mathieson, Scott McArthur and Ben Arthurs did the business as Lee Feeney's men recorded their first victory over a Premiership opponent in this pre-season itinerary.
Lee Feeney's men built on their draw with Ballymena United when the versatile Mathieson netted a last-minute equaliser, and the versatile Bangor lad repeated the trick here with a goal either side of McArthur and Arthurs' first goals in pre-season ahead of the Playr-Fit Championship campaign kicking off properly in two and a half weeks' time.
Bangor are back at home on Saturday when they welcome Playr-Fit Premier Intermediate League outfit Ballymacash Rangers to Clandeboye Park for a 2pm kick-off.
(Posted: Tuesday, 23rd July 2024)
Wednesday, July 24 – Comber Rec Ladies vs Bangor FC Ladies, NIWFA Championship, Parkway, 7:30pm
Bangor FC Ladies return to league action following a three-week hiatus when they travel to Parkway on Wednesday night to take on Comber Rec Ladies.
Beginning the season run-in, the Seasiders make this short trip buoyed by their progression into the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup quarter-finals – the only non-Premiership side left in the blue riband competition – after receiving a bye when Belfast Celtic Ladies withdrew from the tournament and Friday’s last-16 clash at Clandeboye Park was postponed.
It means Chris Dougan’s side retains an interest in two cup competitions this season, with the LWS Super Cup adding to the Irish Cup, and in with a real hope of winning the NIWFA Championship where they are four points behind league leaders Sion Swifts Ladies upon the restart following the summer break.
Bangor hit Foyle Belles for 11 in the north west in their last game before the pause and they also have two wins over Comber, who are second from bottom in the second-tier, in 2024 – victorious 6-0 in the first league meeting of the sides and then by an 8-1 scoreline in the Irish Cup last-32 at Londonderry Park – and with just seven more league outings to go and plenty of twists and turns still in the pipeline, Dougan and the team have their sights on making the most of them.
(Posted: Tuesday, 23rd July 2024)
Bangor’s start to the 2024/25 Playr-Fit Championship campaign has been brought forward a day as the Seasiders prepare to welcome Harland and Wolff Welders to Clandeboye Park on Friday, August 9 – brought forward from the Saturday afternoon. A
nd the fortnight after, there are further Friday night lights when Newington visit on Friday, August 23, likewise brought forward a day, with both games kicking off at 7:45pm.
It means three of the first four outings in Bangor’s season will be played under floodlights, as the North Down Derby against Ards on Tuesday, August 27 adds to a Saturday trip to Annagh United on the second matchday of the season, and with the success of these games in bringing big crowds to Clandeboye over the course of the past two campaigns, this vein will continue going into 2024/25.
So, with that in mind, come out in numbers and support the Seasiders as we look to build on the progress made so far!
(Posted: Tuesday, 23rd July 2024)
Tuesday, July 23 – Carrick Rangers vs Bangor, Pre-Season Friendly, Loughview Leisure Arena, 7:45pm
It’s less than three weeks until the start of the new Playr-Fit Championship campaign, and Bangor’s pre-season preparations are being taken up a further notch when they travel to Taylor’s Avenue to face Carrick Rangers on Tuesday night.
After the first-team got a good workout and secured a 1-1 draw with Ballymena United on Saturday, with Tom Mathieson bagging a last-minute equaliser to cancel out Mikey Place’s first-half penalty for the Sky Blues, it’s another test against Sports Direct Premiership opposition at Loughview Leisure Arena here.
Stuart King’s Carrick, who finished seventh in the top-flight and featured in the European play-offs to cap a hugely successful season, are keen to make further strides and are set to pose another tricky test for Lee Feeney’s Seasiders.
The intensity is ramping up and the excitement is growing with each passing day, with this match against the Amber Army marking the next step in the build-up to the home opener against Harland and Wolff Welders on August 10.
(Posted: Monday, 22nd July 2024)
Bangor defender Sam Millar admits it was an honour and privilege to captain his home town club in the Seasiders’ friendly clash with AFC Carnforth on Saturday afternoon.
The highly-rated left-back, who has been a consistent feature for the Reserves during the past couple of seasons, donned the armband in the 2-1 defeat at Clandeboye Park against the East Cheshire Football League outfit who are touring Northern Ireland as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations.
In a side that mainly comprised youth talent, as well as the veteran pedigree of Michael Halliday and Jordan Hughes up top, Bangor hit back after going behind through gifted midfielder Caden McKee on 31 minutes but a brace by Carnforth striker Jordan Connolly ultimately decided the contest – his second goal coming seven minutes after the restart.
Facing men’s opposition, 18-year-old Millar believes these sorts of tests stand the Reserves in good stead for both the Championship/PIL Development League, where finishing in top spot is the main goal, as well as in the likes of the Junior Cup and Junior Shield where they are likely to come up against capable senior sides.
“Exactly, especially being from Bangor as well, it’s a real honour for me to captain the team, so hopefully, I can lead the team to a good season, push for the league.
“There’s always learnings to take from playing that sort of opposition, they were fairly physical as well which isn’t something you’d get as much in our league. But, in cup games, the likes of the Junior Cup, Junior Shield, games like these can help us get more used to games in those competitions.
“The physicality side, it’ll help us throughout the season.”
In somewhat of a period of transition for the Reserves that has seen key players such as top scorer Charley Craig (Abbey Villa) and previous captain Kristian Trainor (Rosemount Rec) depart in search of first-team football, several hopefuls are looking to make the grade and step up from the Under-18s next term.
Millar feels that the new faces have adapted well so far and believes their quality will shine through in Bangor’s bid for league glory.
“It was a good performance, unlucky not to win it, but I thought we’d done ourselves proud. We’re still gelling together as well with a number of new players coming up; that’s our second game of pre-season, we also played Crusaders Reserves, so we’re still gelling together, still getting to know each other.
“But, it’s been a good, positive start, so I’m happy enough. That’s the aim, to go for the title, we fell short last season – maybe that physicality side killed us in the end.
“So, that’s why we’re going to try and play a few more men’s teams in pre-season, get us ready for the demands of the season.”
With Ian Boal delivering instructions from the touchline against Carnforth as he prepares to step into the Under-20s hotseat next season, with previous boss David Downes moving into a directorial role within the Seasiders’ Academy, Millar also feels that the familiarity with his methods will serve them well.
Boal, who was Downes’ assistant, and Ollie Haslam will look to continue the progress made in recent years, and Millar – who made his first-team debut against Larne in the County Antrim Shield quarter-finals last October and hopes to figure in and around Lee Feeney’s senior fold again next campaign – is optimistic of savouring a title success and going one better having settled for third-place in 2023/24.
“It’s a change from last season, but there’s no reason why he can’t step up to the plate. He’s got good experience with working under Davy last season, so he knows what it’s about and what we’re going to be challenging for next season.
“We know his methods and we’re keen to put that into practice and deliver in every game. Personally, I’m also keen to try and feature in and around the first-team squad as well, but it’s a big squad, so you have to make your mark in the Reserves first to get you in the first-team, so that’s the aim for everyone in the Reserves, to knock on the door of the first-team.”
(Posted: Sunday, 21st July 2024)
A last-gasp Tom Mathieson finish helped Bangor to a 1-1 draw against Ballymena United at The Showgrounds, with Lee Feeney's side getting a good workout against capable Sports Direct Premiership opposition as their pre-season preparations continue.
The Seasiders started slowly, though, and conceded a penalty early on which was saved. It wasn't to be second time lucky, however, as another spot-kick was awarded the way of the Sky Blues which was converted prior to their visitors' late, late response through a former United ace in Mathieson.
Meanwhile, at Clandeboye Park, Ian Boal steered the ship as a Bangor XI were beaten 2-1 by ceremonial English opponents AFC Carnforth.
The Reserves boss saw his young side that included the veteran pedigree of Michael Halliday and Jordan Hughes up top hit back just after the half-hour mark through the versatile Caden McKee having conceded the opener on 22 minutes, but East Cheshire Football League side Carnforth added a second seven minutes after the break.
(Posted: Saturday, 20th July 2024)
Bangor FC is delighted to confirm the return of defender Max Davidson to Clandeboye Park following a successful trial period with the club during pre-season.
The 21-year-old left-back, who was one of Lee Feeney’s first signings when he first linked up at the age of 17 for the Covid-shortened 2020/21 campaign, links back up after spells across the water at Welsh side Cefn Druids and English pair 1874 Northwich and Burscough.
Davidson, from Ballyclare, played eight times in the Cymru Premier Division for the Druids and registered an assist during the 2021/22 campaign having made his breakthrough in the men’s game under Feeney the previous year having arrived from Ballymena United. Since moving across the water when going to study at university, he has made further strides and now makes his return to the Irish League.
The first game of the new Playr-Fit Championship term against Harland and Wolff Welders could mark Davidson’s long-awaited second competitive appearance for Bangor – and first on home soil – having debuted in the Irish Cup last-16 defeat on penalties to Carrick Rangers back in May 2021. He was also named on the bench for the County Antrim Shield encounter against Glentoran in October 2020 in what, with a starting line-up aged 23 in Feeney’s competitive bow as boss, is one of the youngest selections in Bangor’s modern history.
Welcome back to Bangor, Max!
(Posted: Friday, 19th July 2024)
Saturday, July 20 (double-header) – Ballymena United vs Bangor, Pre-Season Friendly, Warden Street Showgrounds, 2pm and Bangor vs AFC Carnforth, Pre-Season Friendly, Clandeboye Park, 3pm
Bangor are both at home and on the road on Saturday afternoon, welcoming AFC Carnforth to Clandeboye Park and travelling to Ballymena United in the first friendly double-header of this pre-season agenda.
The Seasiders host Carnforth, from the East Cheshire Football League, in a ceremonial clash with the club from England celebrating their 50th birthday this year. Following the success in entertaining Rangers’ ‘B’ team at Clandeboye a year ago, this cross-water duel is sure to whet the appetite once again as Bangor’s pre-season preparations continue.
Meanwhile, Lee Feeney will also deploy a team to head to the Warden Street Showgrounds to face Jim Ervin’s Ballymena, who are aiming to move up the Sports Direct Premiership table after narrowly avoiding relegation via the play-off last term when they beat Institute 2-1 on aggregate. That match in Co Antrim kicks off at 2pm, while the Carnforth battle is set for slightly later at 3pm.
In other news, Bangor FC Ladies are into the quarter-finals of the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup after Belfast Celtic Ladies withdrew from the competition in advance of the Round of 16 clash between the sides at Clandeboye on Friday night. That match has, as such, been cancelled and the Yellows will await other results ahead of tackling the last-eight stage.
(Posted: Friday, 19th July 2024)
Young striker Sonny Redford has given a ringing endorsement of Ian Boal’s credentials as he steps up to become manager of Bangor Reserves for next season.
With David Downes moving into a directorial role with regards to the Seasiders’ Academy set-up, his assistant Boal has been promoted to the top job with aspirations of building on last season when the club challenged for the Development League title.
After a red-hot start to the season, Bangor’s bid for league glory was thrown off course by a run of four straight defeats to title rivals in March, but Redford is confident the Reserves can take learnings from that stretch and go one better this year.
With Belfast man Boal and assistant Ollie Haslam set to take the reins, the 18-year-old says the familiarity and mutual respect in the squad can help the Yellows make further strides following Downes’ three-year reign.
“I think he’s really confident, he’s a really good manager.
“I’ve always got on well with Ian from last year as an assistant coach, and he knows what he’s doing.
“He’s ideas for the team, his training sessions are good quality. Him and Ollie (Haslam) working together is really good, and as players, we’ll all look to do well for them.
“We’ve been told to push on further from last season, we want to go for the title this year.
“We went on a little losing run for a wee bit after winning for a long period of time, but we’ll hopefully just sort that out and learn from it and keep going into this year and try and win the league hopefully.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 17th July 2024)
Young striker Sonny Redford was pleased to be in the first-team mix during Bangor’s pre-season friendly defeat to Linfield on Saturday and glad to get senior minutes under his belt.
Four first-half goals did the damage, as Matthew Fitzpatrick bagged a hat-trick and Darragh McBrien also hit the target for the Blues, but the Seasiders fired back on 73 minutes through former Linfield Swifts captain Kielan Reid in the second period as part of an encouraging display after the interval during the 4-1 reversal.
Teenage frontman Redford, a fixture in the Reserves for the past two seasons, was brought on for the second half and impressed having caught the eye of first-team boss Lee Feeney and been involved in senior training sessions.
The 18-year-old took the glass-half-full mindset of having “won the second half 1-0” and said the perseverance of the squad to fight until the final whistle at Clandeboye Park bodes well for what is to come.
“We’ve been doing loads of work, the whole first-team have; I’ve only been up a few times, but everyone’s working really hard, and you can see in the second half, we’re still pushing, we’re still fighting.
“We won the second half 1-0, so that’s good, that’s the way we’re looking at it and we’re going to continue with that positive mindset.
“It’s obviously good for morale as well, getting minutes in the legs and just being out there, there’s a close bond with everyone in the club and playing together strengthens that.
“It just shows we’ve got the fitness to last full games against good teams like Linfield and keep performing until the end.”
Redford has a handful of first-team appearances from the end of the Premier Intermediate League-winning 2022/23 season and highlighted himself as a rising prospect to supporters then, continuing his development under David Downes last year when the Reserves challenged for the Development League title.
The Belfast lad, who came close to scoring from an acute angle against Linfield just before the end here, has ambitions of being in and around the first-team set-up more often as he adapts to what he feels are big demands and hopes for progress with the Under-20s too.
“Stepping up to first-team football is different quality, it’s so much harder. I played 90 minutes for the Reserves last Friday, and then here, I’m playing 45 and I’m wrecked!
“But no, it’s hard work, but I almost nicked a goal as well there, I was unlucky just at the end. I just couldn’t wrap my foot around it, but going into games against top opposition and being able to make an impact, it’s good.
“I’m hoping that I can show the management what I can do next season, be it with the first-team or the Reserves. That can help me get more call-ups to the first-team during the season and just be involved in training and stuff like that, so I’m just looking forward to doing the best as I can next season.”
(Posted: Sunday, 14th July 2024)
Bangor fell to defeat for the first time in their pre-season schedule as Linfield won 4-1 in the sides' friendly clash at Clandeboye Park on Saturday afternoon.
Matthew Fitzpatrick headed the Blues into the lead just 12 minutes in when he bulleted home a header from Darragh McBrien's free-kick from the left, and Linfield doubled the lead eight minutes later from the striker's second goal when he blasted in from close range.
Linfield added a third just after the half-hour mark when Darragh McBrien plundered home for last season's Premiership runners-up, and Fitzpatrick then completed his hat-trick on 40 minutes from the penalty spot after a foul on the edge of the area.
In the second half, Bangor pulled one back on 73 minutes when Kielan Reid scored his third goal in four pre-season outings from defence as he slotted in from a corner, with an energetic second-half display going down as the main positive of a sunny afternoon.
(Posted: Saturday, 13th July 2024)
Saturday, July 13 – Bangor vs Linfield, Pre-Season Friendly, Clandeboye Park, 2pm
Bangor continue their pre-season preparations on Saturday afternoon when they welcome Linfield to Clandeboye Park.
With the Blues halfway through their Conference League First Qualifying Round clash with Icelandic outfit Stjarnan, where they will have a 2-0 deficit to overturn at Windsor Park on Thursday, this match-up splits those two European clashes for David Healy’s side with Lee Feeney looking ahead to the new Playr-Fit Championship season.
Bangor clinched their first victory of their pre-season itinerary against Premier Intermediate side Knockbreda on Monday night and will look forward to facing Linfield in this weekend’s offering as bodies begin to get fresher.
The Seasiders, who also face Sports Direct Premiership opponents in Ballymena United and Carrick Rangers over the next two weeks, are ramping up and will have sights for putting on a performance in this one.
(Posted: Friday, 12th July 2024)
Experienced midfielder Robert Garrett has shed light on his “combative” playing style that he feels can add a fresh dimension to the Bangor side in the 2024/25 season.
The 36-year-old has linked up at Clandeboye Park after five successful years at Glenavon, and the five-times-capped former Northern Ireland international – in action in the first half of the Seasiders’ friendly against Knockbreda on Monday night for his first minutes in the yellow and blue shirt – has pointed to his vast experience, grit and determination as traits that can serve him well in the Playr-Fit Championship.
But Garrett, who has the guts of 400 appearances under his belt and scored 24 goals across his time at the Lurgan Blues, Linfield and Portadown in the Irish League and enjoyed a brief spell on loan at FC Edmonton of Canada in 2013, also relishes getting the ball on the ground and playing it as he joins a gifted crop of midfielders including Lewis Harrison, Tiarnan Mulvenna, Marty Bradley and Mitchel Watterson at Bangor.
He hopes to take the club one better next season after narrowly missing out on a promotion play-off by a matter of minutes and feels the quality’s there in the panel to achieve that feat.
“Yes, definitely, my first night back after my holidays, so just about blown the cobwebs off!
“At this stage in pre-season, that’s what it’s about, just getting minutes in legs now, blowing the cobwebs off from last season, so I’m looking forward to getting going. Hopefully, I’ll bring in a wee bit of experience into the side.
“I know I’m coming into a good side who done well last year, just unlucky at the end of the season (not to achieve a promotion play-off) so they were, but I’ll definitely hope to bring in a bit of experience.
“I’m combative, I like to get the ball back, but I also like to play, I like to get the ball down and play. I like working hard off the ball as well and keeping the play ticking over. Hopefully, I can add a bit of competition in the middle as well, I know we’ve a couple of good players in there at the minute so it’ll be good to get in and play alongside them as well.
“Get the ball, tick over and get it back out of possession, that’s probably me in a nutshell.”
Belfast man Garrett, whose talent from an early age saw him move across the water to Stoke City’s Academy where he’d spend six years before first joining Linfield at the age of 20 in 2008, reveals he was persuaded to join Bangor by the ambition the club has shown of late.
A conversation with Lee Feeney made Garrett – who spent 18 months on loan at Wrexham from the Potters as a teenager – sure that the Seasiders was the perfect next step for him.
“I was speaking to Feeno at the end of last season, I knew there was a wee bit of interest there.
“I’d seen that they were close last year and, with a bit of luck and with a couple of other new players on board as well, I can come in here and go one step further this year.
“Bangor’s definitely been showing a wee bit of progress over the last years, we’re pushing for something and it’s good to be involved here.”
(Posted: Thursday, 11th July 2024)
Bangor Football Club will not proceed with the American/Canadian consortium investment offer.
Bangor FC Chairman Graham Bailie said: “The Board of Directors met with a group of American/Canadian investors in December 2023. We received a proposal in February 2024 from the consortium. After lengthy discussions we decided not to proceed with the bid, as it was not in the best interests of Bangor FC to do so, especially as we felt the club was being undervalued. All Board members have signed a non-disclosure agreement about the proposal, so we cannot go into detail about the content.
“Further to the initial rejected proposal, the Canadian element of the consortium group asked to continue talks with the club. These talks have now ended without agreement.
“I reiterate that the best interest of Bangor FC is the board’s highest priority. We will talk to any potential investors and will take proposals to our shareholders, if we believe they are favourable for the club.”
Graham continued: “I would like to put on record thanks to our supporters for their patience during this period. Negotiations of this magnitude are protracted as we must be thorough, careful and diligent. Even though the process has been prolonged, and has not always been in our control, we have had the backing of our fans. This has been roundly appreciated by all at the club.”
Graham concluded: “We are a football club that is progressing each year both on and off the field. We are a club that values community involvement and a club in a major conurbation in Northern Ireland. We genuinely believe that other investment will be forthcoming, but it must be right for both parties.”
Notes to editors:
Media enquiries to Bangor FC at media@bangorfc.com
(Posted: Thursday, 11th July 2024)
(Posted: Wednesday, 10th July 2024)
Bangor new boy Kielan Reid believes his relationship with manager Lee Feeney stretching back a decade can be the formula for success on both a personal and collective level next season.
The defender, who lashed home the third goal in the Seasiders’ 4-1 friendly victory against Knockbreda on Monday night, added to his bullet header in the entertaining 4-4 draw with Queen’s University that has cemented a strong start to pre-season for the former Linfield Swifts captain.
The impressive 19-year-old is well-acquainted with Feeney already having known the Bangor boss since the age of 10 and his days in the SBYL youth set-ups, adding that his knowledge of the Clandeboye Park chief’s methods can help him make an instant impact.
Reid, a shrewd ball-playing centre-back whose confident finish from a corner kick attests to his belief that he can cause all sorts of problems from set-pieces, is also looking forward to helping the Yellows mount a bid for promotion from the Playr-Fit Championship in 2024/25.
“Yeah, it’s been a good start to pre-season for me; three games, two goals, can’t complain.
“I already knew Feeno from last year, he was with us in Portugal for Linfield’s pre-season, and he used to take me when I was about 10 in the South Belfast (Youth League) team as well, so I have always knew Feeno and that’s how the chance to join Bangor came about.
“I know the way he works, so I’m going to go and try my best in what he asks of me.
“Personally, goalscoring from set-pieces and playing out from the back are what I’m good at, getting the ball down and playing out from the back, so that’s what I think I could add.
“The aim for the club is promotion first and foremost, but I’ll be taking each game as it comes. It’s always good to aim high, and that’s what I want to do.”
Reid was in the heart of defence on Christmas Day 2021 when Linfield Swifts faced then-PIL outfit Newington in the Steel and Sons Cup Final. Aged just 16 and in a line-up that included would-be Northern Ireland international forward Callum Marshall, the day ended in a 1-0 defeat for the young Blues, but the Dundonald teen says the experience was priceless and has served him well as he adjusts to men’s football.
“I was young, I was 16, playing in the Steel and Sons Final, I’ve a few more years under my belt, I’m 19 now and I feel now is a good time to get a few more minutes at senior level.
“You learn loads from games like that, playing in Finals, even when we got beat, it was a learning curve.
“You’re up against big, physical strikers, it’s harder back then because you’re younger and you’re just coming through obviously, but I’ve got experience of playing against them now and that’s helped me develop as a player.
“It’s what I’ve always wanted to do, go out and play men’s football and get good minutes, and I believe I’ve got the opportunity to go and do that.”
(Posted: Tuesday, 9th July 2024)
Bangor recorded their first win in the pre-season agenda when they got the better of Knockbreda 4-1 at Clandeboye Park on Monday night.
The Seasiders, who entered this one a couple of days after a 1-1 draw with Loughgall, played out a competitive first half if sparse in chances with their Playr-Fit Premier Intermediate League opponents with the deadlock staying unbroken at the half-time break.
But Lee Feeney's side took the lead on 63 minutes when Tom Mathieson received the ball on the edge of the area after an incisive piece of build-up and drilled low across the goalkeeper into the bottom left corner to open the scoring, despite the stopper getting a palm on it.
Bangor doubled the lead 10 minutes later when Ben Cushnie pounced on a mix-up in defence before rounding the Breda keeper and slamming low into the net from close range, adding comfort to the scoreline. Knockbreda pulled one back late on after the attacker pounced on an underhit backpass and slotted into an open goal, but Kielan Reid restored the two-goal lead after burying in following a Kyle Owens header that rattled back off the upright and Marty Bradley added gloss with a fine finish with virtually the last kick.
(Posted: Monday, 8th July 2024)
Monday, July 8 – Bangor vs Knockbreda, Pre-Season Friendly, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
Bangor step into their third match of their pre-season itinerary on Monday night when they welcome Playr-Fit Premier Intermediate League outfit Knockbreda to Clandeboye Park.
The Seasiders enter on the back of a 1-1 draw with Loughgall on Saturday which followed a 4-4 goalfest against Breda’s new league mates Queen’s University that kickstarted the pre-season schedule, facing some familiar opposition from last campaign’s Championship as the Castlereagh club’s season ended in relegation.
Bangor enjoyed a strong record against Knockbreda last year, winning all three of the league clashes between the sides, but Breda also inflicted a promotion play-off defeat in 2022 that denied the Seasiders promotion to the second-tier at the end of Lee Feeney’s first full season in charge. Much less is at stake this time around, but Feeney will still look for a performance from his side as pre-season preparations are ramped up a notch.
(Posted: Sunday, 7th July 2024)
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Bangor FC are pleased to confirm the arrival of young defender Kielan Reid as the club’s fifth confirmed arrival of the summer transfer window. The 19-year-old, who arrives having risen through the Linfield Academy ranks to ultimately captain the Swifts last season, had been on trial at Clandeboye Park and featured in the two pre-season friendlies to date against Queen’s University and Loughgall – and on the back of impressing in both games, he has now signed on the dotted line. The Dundonald teen, predominantly a left-sided centre-back, scored a bullet header against Queen’s to kick off pre-season and immediately caught the eye of Bangor supporters for his performance. He previously started for the Blues’ Swifts in the 2021 Steel and Sons Cup Final at the age of just 16 and figured in and around David Healy’s first-team fold at Windsor Park, continuing to be relied upon by Under-20s boss Michael Gault as a consistent performer. Also capped at Under-16 level by Northern Ireland, Reid joins the likes of Reece Neale, Lewis Harrison and Caomhan McGuinness in the Bangor squad to have had their roots in the youth set-up of the south Belfast side and links up with ambitions of making a transition to regular first-team football under Lee Feeney’s tutelage. Welcome to Bangor Kielan! |
(Posted: Sunday, 7th July 2024)
Bangor continued their pre-season preparations on Saturday afternoon with a 1-1 draw away to Sports Direct Premiership side Loughgall. The Seasiders, who faced their top-flight counterparts on the 3G pitch on the grounds of Lakeview Park, took the lead in the first half through Ben Cushnie but were pegged back right at the end when Loughgall netted a stoppage-time equaliser.
Dean Smith’s Villagers side featured former Bangor loanee Conor McDermott, while Lee Feeney handed minutes to youth talent such as defenders Ryan Nixon and Jack McCosh and the versatile Caden McKee, who impressed in the latter stages as the legs continue to be freshened up.
It’s from top-flight to third-tier on Monday night when the Seasiders welcome Knockbreda to Clandeboye Park in their third pre-season friendly, a familiar foe from last season’s Playr-Fit Championship. Kick-off is at 7:45pm.
(Posted: Saturday, 6th July 2024)
Saturday, July 6 – Loughgall vs Bangor, Pre-Season Friendly, Lakeview Park, 2:30pm
Bangor continue pre-season preparations this Saturday when they travel to Lakeview Park to face Loughgall in their second friendly of the summer.
The Seasiders, who kickstarted their pre-season campaign with an entertaining 4-4 draw with Queen’s University at Clandeboye Park last Friday, will continue to get key minutes in bodies before the start of the 2024/25 Playr-Fit Championship season on August 10.
It is also the first of a few meetings against Sports Direct Premiership opposition this pre-season, with Loughgall impressing last term and finishing ninth-place in their first season back in the Premiership after achieving promotion as second-tier champions in 2023.
With two former Bangor loanees in Lewis Francis and Conor McDermott having signed for the Villagers permanently this summer – Loughgall is also the smallest settlement in all of Europe to have a top-flight football club, with just 282 inhabitants per the 2011 census – some quick reunions are also set to be in order when Lee Feeney’s side make the trip to Co Armagh this weekend.
(Posted: Friday, 5th July 2024)
Bangor FC Ladies closed out the first portion of the season with an impressive 11-1 victory over Foyle Belles that keeps the Seasiders third-placed in the NIWFA Championship for the next three weeks at least.
Chris Dougan’s side took a while to hit their full stride at the Ryan McBride Brandywell, but after Robyn McFadden bagged two goals in two minutes in the lead-up to half-time adding to Francesca Costa’s early brace, Bangor hit the front in the second half and secured three important points that ensures the gap to Sion Swifts Ladies at the top remains four points.
Foyle hit back to make it 4-1 right at the start of the second half with Michaela McGilloway hitting the target, but substitute Lydia Clarke restored the four-goal lead on the hour mark that kickstarted a spree of seven goals in the next half-hour. Two minutes later, on 60 minutes, Toni Stewart – who was also introduced from the bench – added Bangor’s sixth before Amber Dempster scored her first of the night on 62 minutes to extend the advantage.
Dempster, who scored a first-half hat-trick in the previous week’s 9-0 victory over St Oliver Plunkett Ladies, repeated the feat and bagged her fifth match ball of the season already as she struck on 75 and 77 minutes. She notched up a fourth three minutes from time before Clarke got her second of the night shortly after that rounded off the goal count in this one.
After Bangor FC Ladies consolidated third-place in the NIWFA Championship for the next few weeks at least, experienced midfielder Amanda Morton and young goalkeeper Amy Wignall hailed the spirit of the side to bounce back after a slow start in their clash with Foyle Belles. The Seasiders enter a three-week break from league action on the back of a comprehensive 11-1 victory in the north west – their biggest of the season to date – and will first return in the Irish Cup on Friday, July 19 before travelling to face Comber Rec Ladies in the second-tier on Wednesday, July 24.
On a night when seven of the goals were scored from the 58th minute onwards, Bangor left their best to the latter stages of the contest against the league’s basement side at the Ryan McBride Brandywell and clicked into gear to rise to 24 points and remain four points behind league leaders Sion Swifts Ladies.
Having bagged 20 goals in two league matches – Chris Dougan’s side despatched St Oliver Plunkett Ladies 9-0 the Wednesday before – and tasted victory in five of their last six in all competitions, the Yellows are in a rich vein of form, and Morton was quick to praise the sense of commitment around the squad while insisting there is still some room to improve.
“I thought, first half, we were probably a bit slow, I don’t know if it was from the travel or just a little bit of complacency, but the first half wasn’t what it should’ve been.
“And then, I think second half, we played a little better, moved the ball much better and played at a higher tempo, so I think the second half was much better.
“We have a full squad travelling down and girls are willing to come, whatever the drive is, two hours, to be part of the squad and part of the team. I for one am really grateful that we have a full squad, any of which of the players are capable of coming onto the pitch and executing the game plan. I think that shows when Chris is able to make changes and keep fresh legs, and it really helps us and benefits us throughout the season. I think that’s a real positive, particularly when we are travelling so far like tonight.
“Going forward, there were quite a few offsides where we maybe need to work on our timing, the timing of the delivery or the timing of the run, and we probably feel that we could’ve scored a few more goals than we did in the end as well.
“But I think it shows what we’re capable of; once it clicks, you know, it will seriously click and we’ll be even more dangerous than we are now.”
Teenage goalkeeper Wignall, who made her first start for the Seasiders in the absence of usual first-choice Giulia McLaughlin in this battle, believes the learning curve from getting senior minutes under her belt can only serve her well for her future growth.
A mistake that led to what proved to be the Foyle consolation on 47 minutes that made it 4-1, with Francesca Costa and Robyn McFadden having hit first-half doubles before the break, was quickly shrugged off as goals by substitutes Lydia Clarke (2) and Toni Stewart and an Amber Dempster four-goal haul – she also missed a penalty awarded for a foul in the second period, too – comfortably wrapped up the points.
Wignall marshalled the defence, pointing out that adaptability is an important attribute for a shot-stopper to have and also highlighting the mentality and willingness to put things right.
“Yeah, you know, as I said before, you have to adapt, and it showed tonight – it was a bit rocky at the start but I think I adapted quite well.
“Bar that one mistake, I moved on, I improved, and that’s really what I’m looking for. For a first match, I don’t think that was too bad, you know, a couple of mistakes here and there but I know what I have to work on now, and hopefully, you will see a bit more of me. “
It’s a rough job being a goalkeeper, you’re not really allowed to make mistakes, but you take it as it comes. It’s more mentality than anything else, you have to be able to bounce back, but I think I did that quite well.
“I’m going to go away and work on some things, and hopefully, I’ll come back stronger from those things that I am working on.”
(Posted: Thursday, 4th July 2024)
New Bangor signing Kyle Owens has shed light on what attributes he believes he can offer to Lee Feeney’s side in the forthcoming campaign. Experience, stability, communication and the odd goal here and there are what the 31-year-old centre-back hopes to contribute following his move from Harland and Wolff Welders to Clandeboye Park for the 2024/25 season.
A dependable performer at both Premiership and Championship level – primarily Ballymena United in the top-flight and Dundela and the Welders in the second-tier – the defensive ace has more than shown proof in the pudding in terms of his quality and reckons he can prove a big influence in the backline for next term.
“No, it feels good, I’m glad to get started, glad to be back, just hopefully have a good pre-season here and push on. All being well, I can be a good addition to the defence hopefully.
“Hopefully, I can carry on my form from the start of last season and bring it into the Bangor team, and obviously, I hope my experience helps the younger lads and push on and go for promotion.”
Owens, like team-mate Matthew Ferguson, comes from a lineage of goalscoring – the former Crusaders man’s brother Jordan is the Seaview side’s all-time record sharpshooter and is still going strong with almost 700 appearances and over 250 goals.
Kyle’s niche is more in keeping them out rather than putting them in, although he still sets a high bar for himself season in, season out with a 10-goal-a-season target before each term.
He hit three of them in 33 league appearances in 2023/24 but he’s highly confident that with a strong delivery from set-pieces – his aerial strength is well-documented – he can make that profound impact from these scenarios.
Lewis Francis endeared himself to supporters on loan last term by being a colossus in those sorts of situations and breached the double-digit barrier, but Owens is assured that he can emulate the 20-year-old now-Loughgall talent’s exploits and find the goal trail as needed.
“I was going to say goals (in terms of what he can offer), but probably not many! Stability, probably, at the back, communication and experience obviously. Yeah, that’s it in a nutshell. Last season, I maybe didn’t score as much as I wanted to, I’m sure Spike’s the same, from set-pieces. But, hopefully, there’s a good delivery coming into the box, yeah, certainly, I would like to chip in with close to 10 goals a season. That’s always been my target, to try and hit 10 a season, I always aim high and it’s always been my target from many a start of a season, always aim to try and get 10 at least.
“I have done now a couple of times, the likes of the Ballymena days, I got 10 one season. But, like I say, I’m not going to score a 40-yarder, you know what I mean, the ball into the box is probably the best for me, I like to think I’m good from sort of the six-yard area. If I get a good delivery, hopefully this season, I can chip in with as many goals as I can.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 3rd July 2024)
Wednesday, July 3 – Foyle Belles vs Bangor FC Ladies, NIWFA Championship, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, 8pm
Bangor FC Ladies round off before the summer break with a trip to the north west when they take on the NIWFA Championship’s bottom side Foyle Belles at the Ryan McBride Brandywell.
The Seasiders, who recorded back-to-back victories in the cup and league and scored 14 goals in the process against firstly St James’ Swifts (5-1) and then St Oliver Plunkett (9-0), hope to make it three of the best against Foyle, who they despatched 9-0 in the first duel between the sides at Clandeboye Park in April.
Buoyed after that latter victory over Plunkett, in which strikers Amber Dempster and Robyn McFadden both ended with hat-tricks, Chris Dougan’s side – who are third in the table and four points behind in-form table-toppers Sion Swifts Ladies – have a chance to make ground and end this first part of the 2024 season on a high, with the summer break following this match-up ahead of the second half of the campaign getting under way.
Bangor have also learned their opponents in the two cups they will be vying for glory in. In the Super Cup, their reward for their victory over St James’ is a trip to NIWFA Development League side Civil Service Ladies in the quarter-finals, while in the Irish Cup, having beaten Comber Rec Ladies 8-1 in the previous round, the Seasiders will entertain Belfast Celtic Ladies with high hopes of reaching the competition’s last-eight.
(Posted: Wednesday, 3rd July 2024)
Bangor kicked off their pre-season schedule with an entertaining 4-4 draw with Queen’s University at Clandeboye Park on Friday night.
The Seasiders made their return to action after the off-season break and delivered a goal fest for the supporters in attendance, with a Ben Cushnie brace and Scott McArthur strike adding to a first-half finish from Trialist A.
The Premier Intermediate League outfit also figured among the goals on the night, with Lee Feeney’s hosts getting minutes into their legs and beginning the pre-season itinerary in the lead-up to the start of a new Championship season.
Bangor are next in action when they travel to face Premiership side Loughgall – what is set to be a speedy reunion with former Yellows loanees Lewis Francis and Conor McDermott – next Saturday afternoon at Lakeview Park. Kick-off is at 2:30pm.
(Posted: Saturday, 29th June 2024)
Friday, June 28 – Bangor vs Queen’s University, Pre-Season Friendly, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
Bangor’s men’s side are back in action and begin their pre-season campaign this Friday night by hosting Premier Intermediate League outfit Queen’s University at Clandeboye Park.
Lee Feeney’s Seasiders are preparing to make a splash once more in the Championship, with a home date against Harland and Wolff Welders kicking off their league agenda as they have learned this week, but a comprehensive schedule of pre-season clashes before that opening date of August 10 starts with this hosting of the Students.
Supporters have been excited ahead of the team’s return, with the spirits all around the club sky-high after such a successful first season back in the senior ranks last term with the third-place finish recorded, and a chance to get a look at new arrivals such as former Welders duo Matthew Ferguson and Kyle Owens, new recruit from Ballyclare Comrades Caomhan McGuinness and ex-Northern Ireland international midfielder Robert Garrett has whetted the appetite in the lead-up to the new campaign.
It's an opportunity to catch up with familiar faces, too, and offer backing to the players in advance of a campaign that will promise much. Queen’s, who were in the promotion hunt for a second straight PIL season last term and themselves are targeting a return to senior football following a fifth-placed finish in the 2023/24 third-tier season, will also look to make a positive impression and build a head of steam going into next campaign, so a competitive match is promised on the men’s return to action.
(Posted: Thursday, 27th June 2024)
Bangor FC Ladies made it a week to remember on Wednesday night when they emerged 9-0 winners over St Oliver Plunkett Ladies at Clandeboye Park in their penultimate fixture before the mid-season break.
The Seasiders were high in confident on the back of the impressive 5-1 victory over St James’ Swifts on Monday evening to advance to the Local Women Sport Super Cup quarter-finals and kept that momentum flowing with nine unanswered goals to do the double over Plunkett having defeated them 6-1 on the opening day of the NIWFA Championship season.
Chris Dougan’s side wasted no time in making their mark here, with Leah Robinson opening the scoring less than five minutes into proceedings when she swivelled and fired into the left side of the net from a well-placed corner.
Amber Dempster doubled the lead barely 60 seconds later and kickstarted a 17-minute hat-trick with that finish; her second, on 13 minutes, was done on the back of excellent work by Emi Wynne down the right when she cut inside and squared for Dempster to prod in from close range, and the seasoned striker scooped up the match ball from an indirect free-kick from inside the box – awarded after a Plunkett backpass was picked up by the goalkeeper – which she picked out the bottom left from.
Half-time saw a raft of substitutions, including a debut for right-back Kirsten Palmer, and two of the five subs made their way onto the scoresheet within five minutes of the restart.
Robyn McFadden put home on 48 minutes, Francesca Costa grabbed her second goal in as many games two minutes later before McFadden took full command on the goal front. She blasted in her second on 63 minutes, slotted low into the bottom right to wrap up her own match ball eight minutes later and, sealing the deal with Bangor’s ninth of the night, added her fourth eight minutes from time from close range to round off as impactful a substitute appearance as we’ve seen in recent years.
Factor in a clean sheet for Giulia McLaughlin between the sticks and it really was the perfect night at the office ahead of facing Foyle Belles next week.
Four-goal hero Robyn McFadden hailed the squad depth at manager Chris Dougan’s disposal after making an emphatic impact off the bench in Bangor FC Ladies’ 9-0 victory over St Oliver Plunkett Ladies on Wednesday night.
The Seasiders made it a week to remember by following up Monday evening’s 5-1 Super Cup last-16 win over St James’ Swifts Ladies with a resounding clean-sheet success in the NIWFA Championship at Clandeboye Park, with McFadden’s quadruple after being sprung as one of five half-time subs in the encounter standing out on a night when three pivotal points were picked up to add to the earlier win at Sally Gardens.
That three-point haul was so important because two second-tier title rivals in St James’ and Ballymena United slipped up, with the Sky Blues beaten 2-0 by Belfast Celtic and west Belfast side St James’ settling for a 3-3 draw away to Camlough Rovers having rallied from three goals down late on. League leaders Sion Swifts were also given a tough ride by Ballyclare Comrades Ladies before wrapping up a 3-1 win at Dixon Park, and McFadden, who marked the scoresheet with fellow hat-trick ace Amber Dempster and Francesca Costa and Leah Robinson, who got one apiece, believes the variety of attacking impetus and depth in what is the league’s top-scoring attack on 54 goals will drive them on.
“Yeah, it was a good day, I think the team played really well together. I’m lucky to have good team-mates who can play good balls into the box and set me up for goals, there was great service into the box and I made sure I was in the right place to be on the end of those balls and put them in the back of the net.
“It’s nice coming off the bench and kind of trying to prove a point, trying to get onto sort of the starting team. Making five subs at half-time, it’s a big adjustment and it can be a bit risky, but you’ve got Amber scoring goals in the first half, you take her off at half-time and it’s good that you can put new players on who are able to put the ball in the net as well.
“We’ve lots of players who can get assists and goals around the team, we’ve a great strength in depth and we can all rely on each other to contribute. I think we played really well on Monday as well and I think that’s the benefit of having a big squad.
“You can rotate players, rest players and bring on subs who can make a difference as well instead of maybe waiting until the last few minutes. So, we made our subs early tonight and made a few subs on Monday night so we’re keeping everybody fresh as well.
“We’ve been able to get two really good wins doing that this week and we certainly have the confidence in ourselves that we’ve got the squad that can go the distance.
“I thought Kirsten (Palmer) did really well (on her debut), obviously playing right-back and then we went into more of a three at the back, but every I looked around, she was behind me, she was getting into the box, crossing, so it’s really good to see. It’s really good to see our defenders pushing on and getting involved in the attack with goals and assists, like Sarah (Crooks) on the Monday night as well.”
(Posted: Thursday, 27th June 2024)
Bangor’s new recruit Matthew Ferguson backs his experience in the Championship to add a new dimension to the side’s forward exploits in the forthcoming season.
Speaking after the Seasiders’ first pre-season training session last Saturday, the respected 28-year-old frontman, who linked up at Clandeboye Park from Harland and Wolff Welders during the off-season, believes the second-tier pedigree Lee Feeney has added to his panel thus far stands Bangor in good stead for the 2024/25 campaign.
Ahead of entertaining Premier Intermediate League outfit Queen’s University on Friday night in the first game of the Yellows’ pre-season itinerary, Bangor have in addition added centre-half Kyle Owens (H&W Welders), right-back Caomhan McGuinness (Ballyclare Comrades) and central midfielder Robert Garrett (Glenavon) to the ranks in what’s been a busy summer of both ins and outs at the club.
Ferguson believes the fresh blood sets up Bangor to enjoy a successful season and feels his own ability to find the net – he’s done that 49 times in the last two league campaigns after overcoming a lengthy injury absence during his time with the Welders – at this level would be a worthwhile addition to a quality squad.
“Well, I’ve plenty of experience of the Championship. Bangor have a good squad of players here, probably just missed out, maybe three points last year (from top spot). Bringing myself in and the likes of Kyle, experienced players, Robbie as well, Ceevo (McGuinness), probably we offer that bit of extra experience that we can see games through.
“Great bunch of lads here and a very good quality in the squad, just glad to be here and hopefully help the lads push on into next season.”
Matthew has inherited his father Glenn’s nickname of ‘Spike’ in the wake of 26 goals in the 2022/23 season – runner-up to Ards loanee Adam Salley in the Golden Boot race – and 23 during the campaign just past, firing home a hat-trick on the final day in a comeback East Belfast Derby victory over Dundela at Wilgar Park to share the top scorers’ accolade with Duns loanee Jordan Jenkins.
Glenn, whose tally of 563 goals places him second on the all-time goalscorers’ ranking in the history of the Irish League – the bulk of which came with Glenavon and Linfield – had scoring in his blood and it’s passed down to his son, who is excited at the prospect of adding a further dose of firepower to last term’s top-scoring attack in the Championship on 77 goals.
He reckons that the quality of forwards like Ben Arthurs, Michael Halliday, Jordan Hughes and Ben Cushnie, who has signed permanently after his loan from Glentoran in 2023/24, is perfect to dovetail into.
“If Bangor are able to follow on from last year, I think they scored the most goals in the Championship last year, hopefully we’re coming in and it’s the same sort of situation this year.
“Hopefully I’ll be able to help the boys score a few more goals and add to that tally. There’s plenty of good quality up front, myself, Ben, Michael now, I think he’s had his 20th pre-season he says! And Jordy there as well, who’s quality on the ball there too, so we’ve got a lot to offer and I’m sure that if there was a chance to drop to any one of us on a Saturday, we’d be capable of putting them in the back of the net.
“Healthy competition’s good for any squad, we’re all good footballers and I’m sure we’ll all pitch in to score as many as we can.”
With former Ballymena United centre-back Owens also making the move from Blanchflower Park this summer, Ferguson revealed the two share a great relationship on and off the pitch and believes the pair are ready to contribute from the off at both ends. As team-mates under Paul Kee at the Welders, both stood out among the east Belfast side’s top performers last term and come in with high hopes of doing well under Feeney’s watch.
“Me and Kyle have a great relationship off the pitch and it’s good to have him down here with myself. I know he plays centre-half and I play centre-forward, but we still have a great relationship and a great partnership within the team.
“It’s right through the middle of the team, good spine that we have now, and hopefully, we can continue that through to next season as well.
“He knows what I like and I know what he likes too, especially from set-pieces, so all being well, we can continue that coming into the new year.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 26th June 2024)
Wednesday, June 26 – Bangor FC Ladies vs St Oliver Plunkett Ladies, NIWFA Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:30pm
Bangor FC Ladies are back in NIWFA Championship action and in high spirits as they host St Oliver Plunkett Ladies in the last home match before the summer break.
The Seasiders were in fine form on Monday night when they despatched St James’ Swifts in the Local Women Sport Super Cup, defeating the second-tier high flyers 5-1 at Sally Gardens in Poleglass to advance to the competition’s quarter-finals, and they will bid to follow up an impressive performance then against another west Belfast outfit back in the league tonight.
Chris Dougan’s side defeated newly promoted Plunkett 6-1 on the opening day at Crumlin Leisure Centre and are keen to do the double over the Championship’s seventh-place side, sitting just four points off the top of the table and hungry to make ground up on St James’, Sion Swifts and Ballymena United above them.
With Bangor on the road to Foyle Belles next week when they will hope to have propped up to 21 points after this week – that match at the Brandywell being their last encounter before the three-week mid-season break until July 24 – it is just about continuing to pick up results, with this clash against Plunkett a good chance to keep getting points on the board at the midway point of this term.
(Posted: Wednesday, 26th June 2024)
Bangor will kick of the 2024/25 Playr-Fit Championship Season with a home fixture against H&W Welders on Saturday, 10th August.
The full fixture list can be viewed here-> 2024/25 FIXTURE LIST
(Posted: Wednesday, 26th June 2024)
Bangor FC Ladies shone in the sunshine in Poleglass on Monday night with a 5-1 victory away to NIWFA Championship leaders St James’ Swifts Ladies in the Local Women Sport Super Cup.
Five different players marked the scoresheet in a fairly dominant success at Sally Gardens, with Amanda Morton and Francesca Costa kicking off the goal count before half-time prior to a trio of second-half strikes from Toni Stewart, Sarah Crooks and Amber Dempster that sealed the deal. St James’ hit back to reduce the arrears to 4-1 with nine minutes remaining after a pinball sequence from a corner, however Dempster’s close-range strike on 85 minutes to add to captain Crooks’ slick finish and Stewart’s effort from effectively a yard out after a fabulous bit of pressing down the right-hand side. Morton was credited with the opener after Emi Wynne’s cross had rebounded off the crossbar and fell kindly to the midfielder just 70 seconds in, while Costa’s low drive five minutes from time was the deserved reward for an all-conquering first-half performance in midfield.
As a result, Chris Dougan’s side progress to the next round of the Super Cup – a competition the Seasiders reached the Final of last year – and have momentum again as they return to winning ways ahead of this Wednesday’s last home game before the mid-season break, with Bangor bidding to do the double on St Oliver Plunkett Ladies when they visit Clandeboye Park back in the Championship.
Bangor FC Ladies duo Francesca Costa and Toni Stewart revealed their pride in a system that moved like clockwork during the Seasiders’ 5-1 victory over St James’ Swifts on Monday.
Both players marked the scoresheet in the Local Women Sport Super Cup success against the Swifts, with bustling central midfielder Costa bursting behind the defensive line to slot home a nerve-settling second goal on 40 minutes before fleet-footed winger Stewart notched the third for Chris Dougan’s side four minutes after the restart.
After Amanda Morton’s deadlock-breaker just 70 seconds into proceedings at Sally Gardens in Poleglass, Bangor never really looked back and wrapped up the victory through finishes by ex-St James’ duo Sarah Crooks and Amber Dempster – with the hosts’ Eimhear O’Prey prodding home in between for what proved a consolation for the west Belfast outfit.
Former Glentoran youth talent Costa, who joined Bangor at the start of the 2023 season, hit her second of the season and praised the standard of pressing as well as a dominant display at the heart of defence from centre-backs Dani Boyd and Janine Jess that ensured defensive solidity for the large part.
“It was really good being out there, it was nice to see the whole team pressing after we’d practised it in training. Seeing it happen on the pitch, yeah, we played well together as a team and we went out there and got a really good result.
“Everyone worked hard, and Toni, when she was pressing, she ended up getting a goal out of it, so we’re definitely seeing what we worked on in training coming off on the pitch.
“In the cup, at the end of the day, it’s all about just getting the result. Anything can happen in the cup, and we know that we’re confident we can beat the likes of Ballymena or Sion, top teams in our league, so we’re just excited to get to the next round.
“It was also so nice to see Dani and Janine winning basically every single ball in the centre of defence, they’re really strong at the back and it filled the whole team with confidence.”
Stewart, meanwhile, has shaken off an ankle knock to play an important role this season and struck her fifth of the season – and third in three matches – that added further insurance to the scoreline on 49 minutes.
The 24-year-old’s goal came on the back of a superb bit of pressure down the right flank, as Emi Wynne forced the issue and Stewart nipped in ahead of the Swifts goalkeeper to turn in from close range.
The fourth goal, when Crooks slotted home her second of the term after a give-and-go with sharp-shooting striker Dempster – who herself netted the fifth with an astute finish – was a textbook piece of interplay, and captain Crooks’ recent move to left-back has seen a run of performances that have impressed Stewart.
“It was definitely good to get a goal, good to get a win and get through to the next round of the cup. Goals breed confidence, and it’s definitely good to get on the pitch after a few injuries – hopefully, there’s no more to come and that’s me back at it.
“We’ve been working on defensive organisation in training as well, with the forwards sort of coming in to Amber and the full-backs overlapping. It was good to see that in action that we’ve been working on, I thought Sarah did well to get the goal as well; great bit of link-up there between her and Amber in the build-up that led to it and a good strike that settled the nerves for us.
“Yeah, we’re all glad to see that working out and we’ve been getting the rewards for it as we saw tonight.”
(Posted: Tuesday, 25th June 2024)
Monday, June 24 – St James’ Swifts Ladies vs Bangor FC Ladies, PwC Super Cup, Sally Gardens, 8pm
Bangor FC Ladies are in action this Monday night as they travel to Sally Gardens in Poleglass to face St James’ Swifts Ladies in the PwC Super Cup.
It’s a tough visit to the NIWFA Championship leaders, who got the better of the Seasiders 4-2 at Whiterock Leisure Centre in west Belfast a few weeks ago, as they bid to repeat their impressive feat from last season and reach the Final of the competition – Bangor’s first women’s decider – under Ethan Boylan.
The Yellows are also hoping to bounce back off the ropes following last Wednesday’s 4-3 loss at home to Sion Swifts Ladies at Clandeboye Park and return to winning ways, with a game in which Chris Dougan’s side led 2-0 in early on ending in a defeat that saw the Seasiders drop to fourth-place in the league.
Not only could a dose of revenge be on the agenda, but it’s also an opportunity for Bangor to build up a head of steam once again ahead of important NIWFA Championship matches against St Oliver Plunkett and Foyle Belles ahead of the summer break.
(Posted: Sunday, 23rd June 2024)
Bangor fell to defeat by the odd goal in seven on Wednesday evening when they were beaten 4-3 in a third-versus-second clash in the NIWFA Championship against Sion Swifts Ladies at Clandeboye Park.
Bangor enjoyed a dream start when an error in the Sion defence allowed Lydia Clarke to slot low into the net on six minutes – a second goal in successive league games – before Amanda Morton netted her third of the season when she nipped in ahead of the Sion goalkeeper to head home and double the advantage.
Sion then pulled back into the game with two penalties in four minutes. Firstly, after Giulia McLaughlin saw a penalty kick awarded against her after coming second-best in a race for the ball with the Sion forward, which was subsequently powered into the bottom left to reduce the arrears on 28 minutes. Then, a handball in the box was appealed for by Sion attackers from a corner kick, with the ref awarding a second spot-kick after spotting the infringement which was also converted to level the duel.
From there, the visitors ground through the gears and took control, and in the minutes leading up to the interval, two loose balls in the Bangor defence proved their undoing as Sion moved in and netted quickfire one-on-ones on minutes 39 and 41 to turn the tide.
Dempster then got Bangor exactly the response the Seasiders needed when hitting a shot in anger on 63 minutes which the Sion goalkeeper just couldn't stop, and Erin Hennity struck the underside of the upright with a thunderous shot from distance as the clock ticked past 90, but it wasn't to be and the Swifts left with all three points in the end.
(Posted: Sunday, 23rd June 2024)
Wednesday, June 19 – Bangor FC Ladies vs Sion Swifts Ladies, NIWFA Championship, Clandeboye Park, 8pm
Bangor FC Ladies stare into a top-of-the-table clash at Clandeboye Park on Wednesday night when Sion Swifts Ladies make the long trek from the north west for a high-stakes affair.
The Seasiders, in third, are a place below Co Tyrone outfit Sion – last term’s fourth-placed side in the Sports Direct Premiership prior to their surprise drop-out into the second-tier in 2024 and Irish Cup Finalists less than 24 months ago – and a victory here would represent a big statement in terms of their title ambitions.
Chris Dougan’s side do have momentum, though, having won their two matches last week by an aggregate score of 15-1 – firstly when they overcame Belfast Celtic Ladies 7-0 in the NIWFA Championship last Wednesday before recording an 8-1 success over Comber Rec Ladies in the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup First Round two days later. Defender Lucy Hollies believes the confidence gained from those two wins stand the Yellows in good stead when the Sion Mills club, who now play their games at the Brandywell, come to visit.
“Coming off the back of two wins with big scorelines will really help with our confidence going into our next game. Sion will be a good competitive match, and we're ready for the challenge.
“We have a lot of trust in Chris (Dougan, manager) to help prepare us as much as possible for each of our games, and recently, we've been focusing on remembering why we all play football in the first place - because we love it.
“I think regaining our enjoyment for the sport as a team also helps us massively to go into each match with our heads up.”
(Posted: Tuesday, 18th June 2024)
Scott McArthur has signed a two-year contract with Bangor FC until May 2026.
McArthur scored 14 goals in all competitions during the 2023/24 season.
Bangor FC Chairman Graham Bailie said:
“Scotty is a die-hard Bangor player who has been a quality performer at the club since our Ballymena league days. He is an integral part of our team and a young player who will only get better and better.
“I couldn’t be happier that Scotty has committed his future to Bangor FC. It is a yet another statement from the club that we are trying to deliver success on the field and return Bangor to the top table of Irish league football.”
Scott joined Bangor FC from Ards in January 2019, picking up the Ballymena & Provincial Intermediate Young Player of the Year award that season. Scott subsequently moved to Stirling University and rejoined Bangor in 2022.
Scott McArthur said:
“Bangor means a lot to me and there was never a doubt in my mind about extending my stay at the club and signing a two-year deal.
“I live in Bangor, so I know how much the club means to the fans and the city. The club is in a great place, so it was an honour to be offered a deal to remain with the Seasiders.
(Posted: Sunday, 16th June 2024)
Bangor FC Ladies advanced into the Second Round of the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup yesterday evening and rounded off a goal-filled week by overcoming Comber Rec Ladies 8-1 at Londonderry Park.
Fresh on the back of the NIWFA Championship success over Belfast Celtic Ladies at Clandeboye Park two days previously, a 7-0 victory, the Seasiders entered this clash against fellow second-tier opposition in a confident mood – but it wasn’t all plain sailing to kick off. The visitors took 25 minutes to break the deadlock when Janine Jess hit the target, with the young midfielder continuing her fine vein of goalscoring form in the process, but the hosts only took seven minutes to equalise when Lucy Carville responded as the teams entered the break set to be locked at 1-1.
But two minutes before the interval, Amber Dempster restored Bangor’s advantage, and Chris Dougan’s side never really looked back from there as Robyn McFadden added their third three minutes after the restart before Jess notched up her second of the night and eighth of the 2024 season to date. Dempster bagged her second on 56 minutes to add a fifth for the Seasiders and, 10 minutes later, substitute Toni Stewart got in on the act with the sixth of the night. The two traded goals once more when Dempster secured another hat-trick goal and 50 in a Bangor shirt against one of her former sides, with Stewart completing her brace on 83 minutes to round off the victory in this local rivalry.
The Seasiders entered the clash at Londonderry Park as favourites on the back of a 6-0 win over the same opposition in the NIWFA Championship at the start of May, but it took until the 25th minute for the deadlock to be broken by the visitors through Janine Jess – and a leveller courtesy of Comber’s Lucy Carville quickly followed.
But Chris Dougan’s side regained their nerve and retook the lead after Amber Dempster’s strike on 43 minutes, from which point Bangor never really looked back as Dempster went on to complete a hat-trick and net a milestone 50th goal for the club in just her 29th appearance alongside a second from Jess, a Toni Stewart double and a Robyn McFadden goal just after the restart.
It all added up to an 8-1 win which, although less comfortable than the scoreline suggests, guarantees Bangor their slot in the blue riband competition’s Round of 16 where a test against a Sports Direct Women’s Premiership big hitter may await.
Full-back Gore praised the resilience of the squad to shrug off that tense opening as the Yellows went on to complete the job in professional style in Newtownards, believing that such a display bodes well for taking on Sion Swifts Ladies in a crunch second-against-third encounter in the league on Wednesday.
"The game went really well. We started slow, but once we found our rhythm and started playing our football, the goals eventually came. The attack was brilliant, we've been working in training on our runs off the ball, and all that hard work definitely showed during the game. It's always nice seeing so many different people scoring as well. Credit to Comber as well, as they fought to the end and never gave up.
"Chris was able to change our formation multiple times during the game and the defence was able to adapt straight away, which worked really well. I thought we showed confidence in defence when knocking the ball about as well under pressure.
"We've got Sion Swifts at home on Wednesday. Sion have just come into the league this season, so it's a new challenge for us which we're all ready for. After Sion, we'll be at the halfway mark in the league, so we'll be able to reset and go again stronger."
Centre-half Hollies echoed Gore’s sentiments and added that confidence amongst the defensive line has never been higher after Bangor booked a second win of the week following the 7-0 success over Belfast Celtic Ladies in the league a couple of days earlier. She praised manager Dougan’s trust in the squad and hailed the adaptability with which the team can play with ahead of facing Sion, last season’s fourth-placed side in the Premiership who dropped out of the top-tier in a shock development weeks before the start of the term.
"After a bit of a slower start trying to work out the best way to play in some horrible weather conditions, we came together as a team at half-time and had a much clearer plan of attack going into the second half. As a result, the second half was much more enjoyable as each of us, we settled well into our individual roles and I felt the football we were playing was of a really high standard.
"As a defender, it's always great being able to see our passages of play work so fluidly from the back, all the way through to the forwards. We've worked a lot on our shape and how it's key in creating goalscoring opportunities for ourselves, which worked really well for us on the night. We felt really confident in the defence, and it's extra confidence-boosting to know Chris trusts us enough to even play with only two at the back. Because we quickly realised the long ball wasn't working due to the pitch being so wet, we had to play out from the back, which we did with good composure, and it led to some really nice team goals.
"I've really enjoyed the season as a whole this year so far, and I think we've a lot of positives to continue to build on in training. The league is still very much to play for, and it's nice to have a couple of cup runs on the go, too."
(Posted: Saturday, 15th June 2024)
Friday, June 14 – Comber Rec Ladies vs Bangor FC Ladies, Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup First Round, Londonderry Park, 7:30pm
Bangor FC Ladies are swiftly back in action after Wednesday night’s victory over Belfast Celtic when they face Comber Rec Ladies in the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup tonight.
The Seasiders, who won 7-0 last time out and have won four of their last five encounters in all competitions, bounced back in style after defeat to league leaders St James’ Swifts two weeks previously and will bid to restore momentum further when they make the short trip to Londonderry Park in Newtownards to take on fellow NIWFA Championship side Comber.
Victory would see Bangor progress into Round Two of the blue riband competition when the Sports Direct Premiership clubs enter the fray, so there is a huge carrot tonight to go out and produce another strong performance with the Yellows having previously despatched Kilkeel outfit Valley Rangers 2-1 in the Preliminary Round.
With Amber Dempster bringing her goal tally for the season up to 18 thanks to four strikes in the success over Belfast Celtic, as well as Lydia Clarke and Francesca Costa bagging their first goals of the campaign either side of Amanda Morton’s second – Bangor also defeated Comber 6-0 in the league meeting back at the start of May – there are goals all over the team that manager Chris Dougan will hope proves enough to guide Bangor to another win.
(Posted: Friday, 14th June 2024)
Bangor FC wish to thank defenders Lewis Francis and Ben Walker for their contributions as they return to their parent clubs after the end of their one-year loan deals on the seaside.
Imposing centre-back Francis, who linked up from Dungannon Swifts, proved a huge hit, and his 10 goals and three assists from the heart of defence earned the 20-year-old huge acclaim and a fan favourite status that was reflected by a spot in the Championship Team of the Year in the end-of-season NIFL awards.
The Magherafelt man was a mainstay in Lee Feeney’s starting eleven from the off, making 40 appearances across all competitions in what was his first full season of senior football. His prowess from set-pieces and physical stature made him a nuisance at both ends of the pitch, routinely scoring in decisive moments with an equaliser in the seventh minute of stoppage-time against Institute in September, last-minute winners over Ballyclare Comrades and Ards and a double during a comeback 2-1 victory versus Annagh United at the turn of the year.
Walker, meanwhile, returns to Larne where he signed a two-year full-time professional contract prior to arriving back at Clandeboye Park at the start of the season.
A Bangor native who initially rose through the Seasiders’ Academy before availing of the Inver Reds’ two-year scholarship programme in 2021 as a 16-year-old, the left-back’s delightful first senior goal against Annagh in October was a thing of beauty; a fine curling free-kick that went in off the underside of the bar at the Wall End in the 3-1 victory that goes down as the highlight of his time on the seaside.
Having enjoyed a strong split too, former Northern Ireland Schoolboys international Walker rounded off with 34 appearances in what was also his first full season of first-team football and chipped in with two assists as part of Bangor’s promotion play-off push.
Best of luck for the future lads!
(Posted: Thursday, 13th June 2024)
Bangor FC Ladies bounced back into their winning stride with a 7-0 success over Belfast Celtic Ladies at Clandeboye Park on Wednesday night, in the process moving into third-place in the NIWFA Championship.
After an end-to-end opening to the game in which both sides showed attacking intent, the deadlock was broken just eight minutes in as Lydia Clarke slotted low into the net having hit the post just moments earlier with a cool curling strike. This proved somewhat of an opening of the floodgates as just two minutes later, Amanda Morton doubled the lead with her second goal of the season having nipped in ahead of the Belfast Celtic goalkeeper to bravely nod home.
From here, Bangor's goal blitz continued as a quickfire brace by Amber Dempster consolidated their advantage. The first on 18 minutes was a thing of beauty, thundering a free-kick home from the guts of 35 yards into the right-hand side of the net, and then her second two minutes later came in the form of a delicate lob from the edge of the box after Clarke was initially dispossessed.
The fifth arrived eight minutes after the restart when young midfielder Francesca Costa raced in behind the defensive line, and she chipped low into the bottom left to extend the initiative.
Then, 12 minutes from time, Dempster converted her hat-trick goal before tapping into the bottom right from close range for a fabulous fourth three minutes later.
PLAYER QUOTES:
“Yeah, it was really good, we had a really great training session on Sunday. The girls after that were feeling really positive, we were feeling a wee bit low after the game two weeks ago. But yeah, really good encouragement from the coaches and, yeah, training on Sunday, we had a really good session together and get another win, which we did tonight.
“We really went out hard, the first load of goals were in the first kind of 20 minutes and then after that, we kind of found it hard to break them through again. But I just think we had a load of composure tonight; I think we had a lot of time on the ball and really kind of made the most of each player. We were tight at the back and we kind of just dominated and controlling the ball and yeah, we just played really confidently tonight, and always really good to get a goal.
“I think it’s very much a team game, we had players all over the pitch who were kind of playing in different positions throughout the game; Sarah (Crooks) was at left-back and ended up playing the last half an hour at centre-forward! The players have been here for a while, we’ve been together as a group for a while and we know what we’re like, we know where we’re going to be on the pitch, which really helps.”
“I think the game went well for us, there was no pressure on us to stay top of the league after our defeat to St James’ Swifts two weeks ago. Chris told us to go out and play our football and enjoy it, and I think we did just that.
“We knew Belfast Celtic were going to be a very strong, physical side, and it was good to see the girls play until the whistle. Especially when Lydia went down in the box, causing confusion amongst Celtic allowing one of Amber’s goals.
“Big shout out to Emi as well, she was displaying some excellent footwork and it was a real joy to watch tonight. Personally, as a goalkeeper, I always love when we keep a clean sheet, it brings real confidence to myself and the rest of the girls.
“As always, big credit to the back four, especially when they’ve been playing in different positions throughout the season; I couldn’t do my job without them.
“Going into the next game, it’s a really quick turnaround, but I think there’s a real confidence around us now, we’ve already played Comber once this season, we know how they play and, hopefully, we’ll come home with another win.”
“It’s a great feeling (to make my debut), you know, everyone’s working hard and I’m just trying to do my part for the team. Taking on advice in training and really just trying to implement that, and the girls are creating a great environment for me to come into. I was confident as soon as I went on the pitch there, and it may only have been five, 10 minutes, but it means the world, really.
“It’s a great place to be, you know, playing grassroots last season and coming up here, it’s obviously, you have to adapt to that. “It’s a big change, but I wouldn’t change it for the world, I’m really happy here.I’ll try to improve as much as I can, obviously being young, it’s great experience for me and being around girls who are older and been around longer than myself, it’s a really good chance for me to improve.
“That’s really what I’m looking for, trying to take football as far as I can, really just do the best I can and do my part for the team.
“On the game itself, I think we took our chances well, being consistent throughout the game, you know, up until the very last minute, the girls were giving their all in the game and just, really appreciate all that.
“It’s definitely great to come back from losing last time out, could’ve been that heads had started to drop, but we addressed that in training and we definitely wanted to come back into winning ways, and it means the world for us coming back and getting the three points.”
(Posted: Thursday, 13th June 2024)
Wednesday, June 12 – Bangor FC Ladies vs Belfast Celtic Ladies, NIWFA Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:30pm
Bangor FC Ladies are back in NIWFA Championship action after a two-week break this Wednesday night when they welcome Belfast Celtic Ladies to Clandeboye Park.
The Seasiders enter bruised on the back of a 4-2 defeat to league leaders St James’ Swifts on May 29 but will be confident of returning to winning ways against the Championship’s seventh-placed side – although the west Belfast club have claimed two wins on the bounce, firstly against Foyle Belles in the league (5-4) and St Oliver Plunkett Ladies in the NIWFA Championship Cup quarter-finals (4-1).
Having enjoyed a run of three successive victories when they defeated Valley Rangers (Irish Cup), Ballymena United and Camlough Rovers (both in the league) in the space of five days prior to that St James’ reversal, Bangor are hoping to hit their stride again with half a dozen games until the summer break – starting with this clash.
And with Comber Rec Ladies swiftly to follow on Friday night in the Irish Cup First Round, defender Sarah Crooks has rallied the squad in the wake of the last defeat to enter that encounter at Parkway on the back of a victory.
“I'm feeling really positive about the next game. I think all of the girls are desperate to rectify mistakes made and push on.
“There's a long way to go in the league and plenty to play for.
“We're very lucky to have such supportive coaches, and I think all the girls can agree that the post-match chat from Chris (Dougan, manager) has left everyone with a positive outlook.
“We have a week’s break here and then two games next week, so it'll give us a chance to regroup. I've no doubt that all the girls will be busting to go.”
(Posted: Tuesday, 11th June 2024)
The summer pre-season fixture list has been released:
** PRE-SEASON FIXTURES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. KEEP AN EYE ON THE CLUB'S MEDIA CHANNELS FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION **
(Posted: Monday, 10th June 2024)
Bangor can confirm that Adam Neale has departed the club on a season-long loan to Premier Intermediate League outfit Ballymacash Rangers for the 2024/25 campaign.
The striker from Ballynahinch, who has scored 38 goals in 67 appearances since joining the Seasiders from Rathfriland in September of 2022 – his first, ironically, coming in the form of a 94th-minute equaliser against the ‘Cash on his debut at the Bluebell – will spend the forthcoming season under Lee Forsythe’s tutelage at the Lisburn club having signed a two-year professional deal 12 months ago.
The 30-year-old marksman was Bangor’s third top goalscorer with 11 finishes in the season just past, with highlights including the strike that clinched a first Seasiders victory in a North Down Derby for 12 years last August and a hat-trick in the 4-0 victory over Annagh United in late November, while his remarkable 27-goal haul in just 29 appearances in the double-winning crusade beforehand comprised the winning strike in the Steel and Sons Cup Final that sparked jubilant scenes in the Seaview stands.
He also finished joint with strike partner Ben Arthurs on 20 goals to top the PIL goalscoring charts in 2022/23 and showcased himself as one of the Championship’s top super-subs in latter stages of last term, which ‘Cash fans will hope is a good omen as Neale returns to the third-tier of the Irish League hoping to do more damage – with Bangor supporters naturally watching his progress with interest.
Good luck and best wishes Adam!
OTHER NEWS
FORTHCOMING LADIES FIXTURES
(Posted: Thursday, 6th June 2024)
(Posted: Wednesday, 5th June 2024)
Bangor FC has agreed a new two-year shirt sponsorship deal with local firm Send My Bag®.
Based in Bangor, Send My Bag is a luggage courier and delivery service which serves over 80 countries each month.
Bangor FC Chairman Graham Bailie said:
"This marks an exciting chapter in our history of partnerships with high-profile brands. Send My Bag will be the shirt sponsor for both the Bangor FC senior men’s and women’s teams and we are delighted to secure their support.
“We always strive to work with local businesses and Send My Bag has well-established links in the city. Send My Bag has come onboard at a critical time in our journey and I know that, as dynamic brand that shares our vision for growth, they will help us progress both on and off the field.”
The new sponsorship agreement runs until the end of the 2025-26 season
Send My Bag founder and CEO Adam Ewart said: “As a company founded in Bangor, I am delighted Send My Bag is the shirt sponsor for the Seasiders. The football club is at the heart of the local community, so it seemed a natural partnership for us.
“It is amazing to see the club doing so well, and we are proud to be associated with them at such an exciting time in their history. We wish the club success this season and we are looking forward to seeing the senior teams in action over the coming weeks.”
(Posted: Sunday, 2nd June 2024)
Congratulations to our U18s squad who became the Champions of Down yesterday after defeating Portaferry Rovers at Davidson Park.
Carter Maxwell (2), Sam Millar (2) and Scott McAdam were all on target for the Seasiders in the final.
Well done to the players and coaches
(Posted: Sunday, 2nd June 2024)
Saturday, June 1 – Bangor Under-18s vs Portaferry Rovers, Champions of Down Final, Davidson Park, 2pm
Bangor Under-18s will face Portaferry Rovers in the Champions of Down Final this Saturday at Davidson Park in Ballywalter. The young Seasiders, who won a tense penalty shoot-out against Ards Under-20s to reach the showpiece on Tuesday having also eliminated Ards Rangers II in the quarter-finals, will take on the Ards Peninsula side keen on taking bragging rights in the friendly tournament.
Manager Ian Boal’s team drew 4-4 with Ards before the Seasiders prevailed 5-4 on spot-kicks, with Under-20s feature Sam Millar finding the net twice alongside a Thomas Wiles finish and an own goal in normal time before goalkeeper Ben McConkey was the hero for Bangor in the shoot-out with a crucial save.
Portaferry, meanwhile, defeated Groomsport 5-1 in the second semi-final on Thursday and will pose a stern test as a fully fledged Division 1B side in the Amateur League, finishing in 10th-place – one position behind the Seasiders’ next-door neighbours Bangor Amateurs. It promises to be a hard-fought encounter and a tricky one for the Yellows, but with all eyes on the prize, both sides will be up for the task in front of what’s expected to be a big crowd for the yearly off-season competition.
(Posted: Friday, 31st May 2024)
Bangor FC wish David Hume well as the centre-back departs Clandeboye Park and steps back from football after four successful years with the club. Hume, who was one of Lee Feeney’s first signings as Bangor manager when he joined from Amateur League side Tullycarnet in 2020, has played a key role ever since his arrival and leaves having made 102 competitive appearances for the Seasiders.
The fan favourite 32-year-old, who made 31 appearances in all competitions last season and 40 in the double-winning 2022/23 campaign when he was named Players’ Player of the Year and won the Man of the Match award for a fantastic individual display in the Steel and Sons Cup decider victory over Dunmurry Rec, also bagged five goals in that span – including a strike from close range in March against Portadown that raised the roof of the away end.
The Ballygowan man was highly regarded among supporters for his brave ball-playing style and his composure under pressure, becoming a mainstay and impressing from the left side of the back three during the Premier Intermediate League title win last year, while his mazy runs deep into the opposition half could often light up a game as he also chipped in with a number of assists in his forays forward.
A leadership presence in both his words and actions, Hume, who also plied his trade with Dundela and Lisburn Distillery having spent seven years with Tullycarnet before linking up during the Covid pandemic, leaves with the very best wishes of everyone at Bangor for the future and will always be welcome back at Clandeboye any time.
Thank you and best of luck Davy!
(Posted: Friday, 31st May 2024)
It proved to be a disappointing night at the office for Bangor FC Ladies on Wednesday night after going down 4-2 to St James’ Swifts in a top-of-the-table NIWFA Championship clash.
A goal-filled first half at Whiterock Leisure Centre proved to be where the difference was largely made, with St James’ taking the lead seven minutes into the game through Chloe Tully, but Seasiders captain Sarah Crooks replied with her first goal of the season only four minutes later to equalise.
Even then, parity only lasted three further minutes when Tully bagged her second of the game to restore St James’ lead, and just after the half-hour, Chloe Doak notched up the Belfast side’s third that made the mountain harder to climb for Chris Dougan’s team.
The scoreline reading 3-1 at the interval, the second half got off to a bad start for Bangor when Roise Thompson added goal No.4 for St James’ on 46 minutes, and although Amber Dempster emulated centre-back Crooks in scoring against her former side just four minutes later, this wasn’t to spark a revival as the hosts retained all three points and, indeed, moved to the top of the table.
Bangor FC Ladies captain Sarah Crooks admits it was a tough night for the Seasiders as they fell to a 4-2 defeat to St James’ Swifts Ladies on Wednesday night.
The visitors to Whiterock Leisure Centre in west Belfast were off the pace in what started as a top-two battle but ended with Bangor slipping down to fourth-place – albeit still just three points off the top – in the NIWFA Championship, with Crooks and Amber Dempster scoring either side of half-time in the reversal.
St James’ got off to a fast start, with Chloe Tully finding the net just seven minutes in before adding a second on 14 minutes after Crooks had scored the equaliser, and the hosts built on that advantage firstly through Chloe Doak just after the half-hour mark and then with Roise Thompson on 46 minutes before Dempster’s consolation.
Centre-back Crooks singled out full-back Megan Gore for praise but also admitted there was a frustration at both mistakes leading to goal concessions and the team not being clinical in positions where they could have done more damage.
"Yeah, bad day at the office; we started slow and allowed St James' to come at us, we came back into it in the second half and were pushing for the goals, but it wasn't to be. The girls showed heart to keep going to the final whistle.
"Both goals were a glimpse of what we can do. We had a good few chances with hitting the crossbar and narrow misses, but sometimes luck isn't on your side, and we just couldn't find the net to rack up the goals needed to get anything out of the game.
"We're so used to playing out from the back, but due to the size of the pitch, we found out quickly that we were unable to use that approach and we had to play more direct. I think big credit has to go to Megan, who was busting herself in left-back, and she made some great forward runs trying to create opportunities for us.
"I do think we gifted them some goals, which is disappointing from our point of view that we got punished for our own mistakes, and it'll be a lot of work in training to tidy up and learn from those mistakes and trying to be more like our usual selves for the next game in two weeks' time.
"We have such a good squad of players, and I can't wait to see what the rest of the season brings."
(Posted: Friday, 31st May 2024)
Bangor FC Ladies stare into a top-of-the-table NIWFA Championship clash this Wednesday night as they travel to Whiterock Leisure Centre to face St James’ Swifts.
The Seasiders and their west Belfast opponents are locked on 15 points out of 18 at the summit and have each been in prolific form, scoring 64 goals between them in league play and averaging over five goals a game so far, and will lock horns in a mouthwatering battle.
Bangor are fresh on the back of three victories in the space of five days, which they rounded off last Wednesday evening with a hard-fought 2-1 victory away to Camlough Rovers when Amber Dempster’s brace – including an 86th-minute winner – wrapped up the three points.
Dempster faces one of her former sides tonight and is excited at the test that lies ahead, as well as the chance to seal a fourth straight win while boosting the Yellows’ title credentials.
“St James’ are a fantastic side, lots of really quality players and, like you mentioned, an old team of mine.
“I think they’re absolutely quality all over the park, so it will be really tricky.
“We’re definitely going to have to be on our ‘A’-game, but if we defend like I know we can and be clinical in front of goal, I’m confident we’ll be able to get the result.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 29th May 2024)
Lewis Bennett has a look back at some of the statistics from the 2023/24 season.
(Posted: Saturday, 25th May 2024)
Bangor FC Ladies made it three wins in five days on Wednesday evening following a battling 2-1 victory at Camlough Rovers in the NIWFA Championship.
The Seasiders kept their grip on top spot in the standings courtesy of two Amber Dempster finishes either side of half-time – the second of which came just four from the end, proving enough to win the contest and ensure they stay top of the pile ahead of next week’s top-of-the-table clash with St James’ Swifts.
In a tense opening period at Camlough Stadium where both sides threw caution to the wind in cloudy conditions, it was the visitors who drew first blood in the contest when Dempster’s 32nd-minute free-kick from distance squirmed underneath home goalkeeper Aoife Magee and broke the deadlock. Targeting a trio of successes following last Friday night’s cup triumph at Valley Rangers and the six-goal defeat of Ballymena United back in the league, the Yellows had similar aims in this contest and were on track for that at half-time but were pegged back by Camlough on the hour mark when a deep free-kick was turned in from close range by Leanne Domican.
There was still time for another goal, though, and Dempster got it on 86 minutes for Chris Dougan’s side. A beautiful flowing move from back to front was finished confidently by the striker, who already has 13 goals for the season, when she drilled the ball low into the bottom left and ultimately wrapped up the three points for Bangor with their fifth league win in six matches.
Amber Dempster was left satisfied after her two goals helped Bangor FC Ladies grind out a hard-fought 2-1 win over Camlough Rovers Ladies in midweek. The striker’s finishes either side of the interval ensured Bangor picked up their fifth league win in six games and a third across all competitions in a five-day span.
Dempster reflected on a performance where the Seasiders had to knuckle down to get the job done and praised the side’s persistence to get the job done against a battling Camlough side in south Down.
“It’s definitely great to travel all the way down here and come away with the three points.
“You know, we definitely made hard work of it, it was obviously quite difficult given the circumstances with the travelling, the pitch… we’re not really used to playing on a grass pitch, it was quite small.
“Those are things that can go against you, but at the same time, you can’t make excuses.
“We should’ve probably got the job done a lot earlier than we did, but the most important thing is we came away with the three points.
“The girls really did dig deep, it was obviously going to be a really physical game and difficult conditions, but it’s great to get away with the three points.
“The girls worked hard, obviously heavy legs from Sunday as well (against Ballymena United), but great now to go into training and into next week’s game against St James’.
“The defence did really well, you know, we’ve been working quite hard in training defensively and it really is paying off.
“Going forward, obviously we just need to be a bit more clinical. Like I say, we come down here, we get a 2-1 win and move on to the next game.”
(Posted: Saturday, 25th May 2024)
Wednesday, May 22 – Camlough Rovers Ladies vs Bangor FC Ladies, NIWFA Championship, Camlough Stadium, 7:30pm
Bangor FC Ladies are on the road again on Wednesday when they will bid to make it three wins on the spin away to Camlough Rovers Ladies.
The Seasiders, who are in hot form after a 2-1 Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup win over Kilkeel side Valley Rangers last Friday and 6-1 victory against Ballymena United in the NIWFA Championship on Sunday, have their sights on further success when they travel to south Down to take on Camlough, promoted to the second-tier for this season alongside St Oliver Plunkett.
Chris Dougan’s side will make it a fifth win from six league matches and climb to 15 points to retain their grip on top spot should they clinch the three points here, and the players are in high spirits going into the clash at Camlough Stadium having also hit 31 goals in their first five league games – the attack has been firing on all cylinders and pleasing the management.
The Yellows, who are then on the road to St James Swifts’ in what could be a top-two battle at Whiterock Leisure centre, want to build on their early-season momentum and overcome a tough challenge against the side who sit sixth in the rankings and having won their last two.
(Posted: Tuesday, 21st May 2024)
Bangor FC can confirm the departures of Conor McDermott and Seanna Foster following the conclusion of their respective loan deals at Coleraine and Cliftonville.
McDermott, who linked up in January 2024 having spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Lisburn Distillery in the PIL, made 13 appearances for the Seasiders and made his mark with memorable finishes during victories over Ards and Harland and Wolff Welders. The right-back, who also registered an assist for Scott McArthur inside three minutes of his debut – a 3-1 win away to Newington – will be fondly remembered among the Clandeboye faithful, as will his former Cliftonville team-mate Foster who made 59 appearances across two seasons with Lee Feeney’s side.
Foster, who arrived in August 2022 on an initial season-long loan where he won the Steel and Sons Cup and Premier Intermediate League double – he registered seven assists and scored once in 35 appearances at right wing-back – was brought back in August 2023 for another season-long spell and made 24 appearances this term, providing three further set-ups for his team-mates as Bangor came third in their first season back in the Championship.
“Some unreal memories that will be with me forever,” said Foster. “Can’t thank everyone at the club enough from Lee, all his team and the board members over the last two years.”
McDermott said: “Had an amazing few months at Bangor. Football was great but met some even more amazing people at the club. Thank you @bangorfc. Looking forward to the next chapter of football.”
The very best of luck for the future lads!
(Posted: Tuesday, 21st May 2024)
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Bangor are delighted to confirm a fifth summer arrival to Clandeboye Park, with right wing-back Caomhan McGuinness linking up from fellow Playr-Fit Championship outfit Ballyclare Comrades. The 24-year-old, who hails from a famous footballing family that includes his three sisters, the Cliftonville Ladies trio Kirsty, Caitlin and Orleigha McGuinness, switches to Clandeboye Park and arrives with an attack-minded reputation and industry that saw him named in the 2022/23 Championship Team of the Season. McGuinness a graduate of Linfield’s Academy set-up prior to joining Queen’s University in 2022, shone on the right side of defence for Stephen Small’s side, playing over 50 games throughout his couple of seasons at Dixon Park and helping the Comrades to two Irish Cup quarter-final clashes – the first of which, against Ballymena United, saw him almost rip the roof of the net off with one particularly ferocious drive. Also figuring in the Premiership while on loan at Dungannon Swifts from the Blues during the 2019/20 season, making 12 league appearances for the Co Tyrone outfit, McGuinness joins Lee Feeney’s panel this window keen to put his quality on display in front of the Clandeboye faithful. Welcome to Bangor, Caomhan! |
(Posted: Monday, 20th May 2024)
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Bangor are pleased to confirm experienced midfielder Robert Garrett as the club’s fourth signing of the summer window, signing a one-year deal until the end of the 2024/25 term. Garrett (36), a tough-tackling presence in the centre of the park and a former fully-capped Northern Ireland international – he has five caps to his name and graduated through Stoke City’s youth set-up – has enjoyed a distinguished Irish League career, winning five Premiership titles with Linfield and plying his trade with Mid-Ulster rivals Portadown and Glenavon, joining from the latter where he has spent the past five years of his career. Having also spent a brief stint on loan in the North American Soccer League in 2013 with now-defunct Canadian outfit FC Edmonton, Garrett’s well-travelled throughout his career and now links up with Lee Feeney’s panel ahead of the 2024/25 Championship campaign. The Belfast man nicknamed ‘Ribsy’, who made 30 Premiership appearances for Glenavon under Gary Hamilton and Stephen McDonnell last season, was a free agent following his departure from Mourneview Park but has swapped Lurgan for north Down for what will, indeed, be his first taste of Championship football in his career. Welcome to Bangor, Robert! |
(Posted: Monday, 20th May 2024)
Bangor FC Ladies returned to winning ways in the NIWFA Championship on Sunday afternoon following a stylish 6-1 victory over Ballymena United Women at a sunny Clandeboye Park.
Braces by top goalscorer Amber Dempster and the prolific Janine Jess followed earlier strikes by teenager Emi Wynne and Leah Robinson that help the Seasiders hit back in the league following the 5-4 home reversal to Ballyclare Comrades Ladies 11 days previously as well as build on the slender success in the Women's Challenge Cup against Valley Rangers on Friday night.
It was Wynne who broke the deadlock on 18 minutes, and the lead was swiftly doubled by Robinson five minutes later that saw Bangor start on the front foot against United, who recorded a penalty shoot-out success in the teams' earlier meeting at the Warden Street Showgrounds in the NIWFA Championship Cup a few weeks ago. In-form midfielder Jess added a third on the half-hour mark that saw Chris Dougan's side through to the interval before Dempster added a fourth 21 minutes after the restart that increased Bangor's cushion on the day.
Ballymena then pulled one back with five or so minutes remaining through Ellen McClure, but Jess bagged her second shortly after that restored the hosts' four-goal advantage before Dempster put the final flourish on the contest in added-time with the Yellows' sixth of the afternoon. The result sees Bangor move back on top of the league with 12 points from 15 to date ahead of Wednesday night's trip to Camlough Rovers.
(Posted: Monday, 20th May 2024)
Bangor FC Ladies made their way through to the next round of the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup on Friday – but a determined Valley Rangers pushed the Seasiders all the way.
The Seasiders won 2-1 at Bignian Park in Kilkeel and punched their ticket into the next phase of the competition courtesy of second-half finishes from Megan Gore and Toni Stewart, but the NIWFA Division Five hosts proved a stern obstacle as they had held the score goalless at half-time here. Chris Dougan’s side broke the deadlock on 52 minutes, though, and it was a peach of a strike from Stewart that did it, finding the net from 25 yards before Gore also hit the target from a similar distance around the midway point in the half.
Valley applied the pressure in second-half stoppage-time, though, with Caitlin Rae scoring in the fourth additional minute to set up a grandstand finish, but Bangor weathered a late storm in south Down and secured their place in the First Round Proper of the tournament.
Bangor FC Ladies face a quick turnaround as they head into a Sunday special in the NIWFA Championship against Ballymena United Women at Clandeboye Park.
The Seasiders, who defeated Valley Rangers 2-1 in Kilkeel on Friday night to progress in the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup, return to league action and stare into a tough test against last season’s relegated side from the Premiership. United have also previously beaten the Seasiders this term, on penalties after a 1-1 draw at The Showgrounds in the NIWFA Championship Cup, so there is somewhat of an element of revenge about this duel.
In any case, boss Chris Dougan will keep his players grounded and look for them to hit their winning stride in the Championship again, as a 5-4 reverse to Ballyclare Comrades Ladies in their previous league outing following three victories to start the league campaign has the side hungry to rediscover their groove.
The hard-fought success at Bignian Park on Friday when Toni Stewart and Megan Gore hit the decisive strikes has fuelled the Yellows’ momentum that, it is hoped, translates into a return to type in the league once more.
(Posted: Saturday, 18th May 2024)
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Bangor FC are pleased to confirm the signing of centre-back Kyle Owens from Harland and Wolff Welders on a two-year contract ahead of the new season. After his Welders team-mate Matthew Ferguson put pen to paper a two-year deal to link up at Clandeboye Park this week, 31-year-old defender Owens – who is the younger brother of Crusaders’ all-time record goalscorer Jordan Owens – has followed suit and become part of Lee Feeney’s panel ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. The former Crues and Ballymena United ace has experience in the Premiership and featured in an imposing partnership at the heart of defence with Callum Byers, who arrived at Bangor in January, at the Welders where he rocked up in 2022. He went on to score five goals in 62 appearances for the east Belfast club and played 33 times in the Playr-Fit Championship last term, when his positional sense and commanding aerial ability caught the eye of Bangor fans in clashes between the sides. Now, Owens, who has also played for Dundela, Knockbreda and Carrick Rangers in his career, becomes Bangor’s third permanent recruit of the off-season in an active start to the window. Welcome to Bangor, Kyle! |
(Posted: Saturday, 18th May 2024)
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Bangor FC are delighted to confirm that forward Ben Cushnie has agreed a two-year deal to join on a permanent basis when his contract with Glentoran expires at the end of June. The 22-year-old, who linked up on an initial one-season loan from the Glens last summer, hit six goals and three assists in 25 appearances, showcasing his quality and enjoying a fruitful post-split in particular when he netted crucial goals against Dundela and Institute that saw the Seasiders in promotion play-off contention right until the dying embers of last campaign. Having weathered injury turbulence in 2023/24 to display his ability to score and create, his performances were a hit with the management and supporters and the Hillsborough man is primed to help Lee Feeney’s side push on next term. Cushnie arrived at Bangor after rising through the ranks at The BetMcLean Oval, playing over 60 times for the east Belfast establishment while also spending time away in loan spells with Ards and Dungannon Swifts, and the versatile attacker who also earned plaudits for his work-rate and application has now committed his future to Clandeboye Park on a long-term basis. Congratulations Ben! |
(Posted: Saturday, 18th May 2024)
Bangor FC Ladies manager Chris Dougan believes a quick turnaround of fixtures, starting with Friday night’s trip to Valley Rangers Ladies in the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup, is handy for his side to return to winning ways and show their mettle.
The Seasiders travel to Kilkeel to face the Division Five side (7:30pm) before a double-header in the NIWFA Championship, firstly hosting Ballymena United Women on Sunday (2:30pm) before heading to south Down on Wednesday night to play Camlough Rovers Ladies (7:30pm). Dougan feels the players can hit back in a tricky set of fixtures and is putting his focus firstly on sealing progression in the women’s equivalent of the Irish Cup.
“I think it suits us perfectly, having that quick turnaround, and we definitely showed that last week when we hit back from losing on penalties to Ballymena on the Monday to winning on the Wednesday against Comber with a really professional performance.
“It’s going to be a tough run for us, we’re playing Ballymena on Sunday and we know what they’re about, so we’re looking forward to getting a response against them in the league.
“But we have the cup game first on Friday, it’s a long trip to make and we know we can’t take anything for granted.
“We want to progress in the cups and we’ve been putting in really positive performances to start the year, we’ll make sure we keep it up and, hopefully, at the end of this run of games, we’ll have three wins out of three.”
(Posted: Friday, 17th May 2024)
Bangor FC are delighted to confirm the arrival of striker Matthew Ferguson in a high-profile first bit of off-season business at Clandeboye Park.
The ace marksman, who joins after five and a half years with fellow Playr-Fit Championship club Harland and Wolff Welders, links up with the Seasiders on the back of a 2023/24 campaign when he led the Championship scoring charts jointly alongside Dundela loanee Jordan Jenkins on 23, which itself followed a 26-goal scoring spree in 2022/23 when he was runner-up for the Golden Boot behind current Newry City forward Adam Salley.
Ferguson (28), who is the son of Glenn ‘Spike’ Ferguson – one of the Irish League’s most feared goal-getters who hit 285 strikes across over 500 appearances in his career – has adopted his famous father’s nickname and possesses the same predatory instincts as the former Linfield and Glenavon hero.
The Dundonald man, who enjoyed spells in the youth set-ups at Glentoran and Ballymena United, emulated his dad when he briefly played in the Premiership for the Lurgan Blues in early 2019, the only interruption to his time in east Belfast with the Welders who he joined from Lisburn Distillery in January of that year.
After netting 69 goals in total across 90 appearances for Paul Kee’s outfit – indeed, his rise to prominence came after a serious injury and going two and a half years between Irish League appearances from February 2020 to October 2022 – Ferguson now links up with Lee Feeney at Bangor understandably keen to pick up where he has left off.
Welcome to Bangor, Matthew!
(Posted: Friday, 17th May 2024)
Friday, May 17 – Valley Rangers Ladies vs Bangor FC Ladies, Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup Preliminary Round, Bignian Park, 7:30pm
Bangor FC Ladies turn their attention to the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup on Friday night when they take on Valley Rangers at Bignian Park.
The Preliminary Round clash with the Kilkeel outfit, who play in the NIWFA Division Five – five leagues below the Seasiders – should pose an interesting test for Chris Dougan’s side, who are well-rested with nine days having passed since their most recent outing, the 5-4 home defeat to Ballyclare Comrades Ladies last Wednesday.
This outing against Valley, who are the early league leaders in Division Five, kickstarts a run of three matches in just five days, with a home duel against Ballymena United Women next up at Clandeboye Park on Sunday before a long-haul trip to Camlough Rovers next midweek – both in the NIWFA Championship – following up.
Dougan is naturally eyeing a return to winning ways against Valley first of all, but he and his players will take nothing for granted as they aim to progress on the cup front early this term.
(Posted: Thursday, 16th May 2024)
Bangor Reserves hosted their Awards night at Teddy’s Restaurant on Saturday night as the achievements of the season just past were celebrated. Hoisting aloft individual prizes were forward Charley Craig, who notched up the top scorer award for a second straight season, midfielder Ethan Scott – named Player of the Year and Manager’s Player of the Year – and versatile defender Ryan Nixon, who clinched the Young Player of the Year accolade after a breakthrough season.
18-year-old Craig, who scored 28 goals in all for the Reserves, also notched up a couple of first-team appearances this term when he featured in the 4-0 Playr-Fit Championship win away to Annagh United in November and the 2-1 Irish Cup defeat to Portadown in February on the back of his consistent scoring exploits for the second string throughout 2023/24.
Scott, a dependable performer for a number of years within Bangor’s youth set-up and who was named on the bench for the County Antrim Shield last-16 trip to Larne in October, was a mainstay in the centre of the park, and the 20-year-old captained the side in their 4-2 defeat to Institute on Friday night which showcases both his leadership and consistency this season.
Meanwhile, newcomer Nixon (17), who can play both at centre-back and right-back, made his first-team debut in the 4-0 victory over Ballyclare Comrades at Clandeboye Park in late February and impressed as an injury-enforced replacement for Howard Beverland on the back of his displays for the Reserves.
Congratulations to the award winners and to the team for delivering another promising and successful campaign!
(Posted: Sunday, 12th May 2024)
We celebrated the end of the 2023/24 season last night with dinner & awards in our Social Club.
Thanks to everyone who supported the event and congratulations to all of the award winners:
(Posted: Sunday, 12th May 2024)
Bangor Reserves finished up their Championship/PIL Development League campaign with a 4-2 defeat on the road, with Institute U21 emerging victorious at Melvin Sports Complex on Friday night.
The young Seasiders, who travelled to Strabane hoping to end the season with a victory, had an uphill battle from early on, with the home side having established a three-goal advantage by the half-hour mark, and they extended that to four on 59 minutes to leave their visitors chasing in the final 30 minutes of the match.
David Downes’ charges did hit back, with centre-back Jack McCosh firstly replying on 68 minutes with a bullet header from a corner before Mitchel Watterson converted from a Charley Craig cross two minutes later to halve the deficit, but that proved as good as it got for the visitors on the night – a four-hour-round trip – with midfielder Watterson red-carded on 73 minutes following two bookable offences.
As a result, the Reserves end on 65 points from their 28 league games played this term, with 21 wins in that span as well as two draws and five defeats, and boss Downes will be keen for his players to mount a fresh title charge in 2024/25 after Harland and Wolff Welders U21 took the crown in the end.
(Posted: Sunday, 12th May 2024)
Friday, May 10 – Institute U21 vs Bangor Reserves, Championship/PIL Development League, Melvin Sports Complex, 8pm
Bangor Reserves pull the curtain on their 2023/24 Championship/PIL Development League season when they travel to the Melvin Sports Complex to face Institute U21.
The young Seasiders, who are second, will bid to sign off the campaign with three points in a long-haul trip for a Friday night, covering 200 miles to Strabane and back where they contest with ‘Stute in a clash rescheduled from earlier in the term.
After the first clash at the Brandywell was postponed midway through the season amid an icy spell in the winter, their last game of the campaign, which comes three weeks on from their home clash with PSNI when eight different scorers marked the scoresheet in an 8-0 success, is a chance for David Downes’ current second-placed outfit to enjoy a winning end against a team they beat 1-0 back in November courtesy of Jay Boyd’s 35th-minute finish.
With that in mind, the north west club are expected to pose a stern test of their credentials and will likewise build towards a happy ending – this is their third-from-last game and they have won each of the last five, including successive 8-1 away wins over Lisburn Distillery U21 and PSNI – and Downes will have his charges fired up to deliver in expectation of a tough challenge to close out.
(Posted: Friday, 10th May 2024)
It was goals galore at Clandeboye Park but no cigar for Bangor FC Ladies, who were defeated 5-4 in the NIWFA Championship by Ballyclare Comrades Ladies for their first league defeat of the season on Wednesday night. Ballyclare wasted no time in asserting their presence on the contest, slotting home with just 23 seconds played, and they doubled their lead shortly before the 20-minute mark when Giulia McLaughlin was adjudged to have committed a foul inside the penalty area and the resulting effort from 12 yards was converted.
Bangor roared back into proceedings on 29 minutes when Lydia Clarke raced behind the Comrades' defensive line and won a spot-kick of her own after being felled, with Amber Dempster ruthlessly powering into the bottom right corner, but Ballyclare restored their two-goal advantage when a low shot was placed into the bottom left across the face of goal. The Seasiders had a response to this, too, though, with Erin Hennity's first goal of the season making it 3-2 after Emi Wynne skipped by a few challenges to cross.
The visitors retook the lead seven minutes into the second half, but again Bangor just wouldn't go away; just before the hour, it was Dempster again, and on 80 minutes, the waves of Bangor pressure paid dividends and a delivery into the box from the right-hand side by Hennity instead floated its way into the bottom left corner and the match was tied.
In a game that always maintained plenty of twists and turns, there was one more as a Bangor offside trap was beaten and the Ballyclare forward slotted home on 86 minutes for what proved the winner, inflicting a first defeat of the season on the Seasiders after this nine-goal thriller.
Bangor FC Ladies manager Chris Dougan admits he was left disappointed after his team fell just the wrong side of a nine-goal thriller at Clandeboye Park on Wednesday night.
The Seasiders tasted defeat for the first time in the 2024 NIWFA Championship season when Ballyclare Comrades Ladies wrapped up the three points with a ding-dong 5-4 win.
After three consecutive successes to begin the campaign and, indeed, Dougan’s managerial reign in the league, Bangor conceded just 23 seconds into this end-to-end battle, and the nature of the Ballyclare goals across the 90 minutes frustrated the boss given they were “very preventable”.
Although nine points from 12 is still a hot return to start the 2024 term, Dougan insists it was a result that keeps the players’ heads on the grounds and prepared for tests to come – and if they iron out such errors and build on their strengths, they will continue to be tough to stop.
“Yeah, I think the key word for us is disappointment.
“We’ve started off brilliantly all year, we’ve had a run of games, we’ve controlled every game we’ve played so far, and tonight, we started off far too slowly. We were architects of our own downfall. Four of the five goals, you could say, were our own mistakes. Things that were very preventable, and on the night, you don’t make three or four of those; we need to take control of what we do, take control of our own destiny.
“If we can control the things that we do well, control how the game’s played and just get on with it, do our own job, we’ll be fine. We can’t blame ourselves, blame each other, blame anybody else for when mistakes do happen, it’s part of football. We just have to get on with it, focus on our own jobs on the pitch, and we’ll be fine.”
With a quick turnaround that sees them firstly travel to Bignian Park in Kilkeel to take on Valley Rangers in the Women’s Challenge Cup next Friday before successive duels in the league against Ballymena United (home, next Sunday) and Camlough Rovers (away, Wednesday, May 22), Dougan feels this plays into his side’s hands and gives the squad an opportunity to show lessons have been learned quickly.
“We’ll bounce back, we’ve got three games coming up very quickly. One game doesn’t define our season. Just like against Ballymena last week, after the nature of how we lost that game and coming back to put on a really good performance against Comber, it’s good to have the chance to hit back quickly and put a run of results together.
“I thought the girls showed resilience and character to come back into the game after the slow start, and we’re still learning, it’s our second season in the league, so you’re always taking new things on board.
“If this is our only defeat, or one of a few defeats, that we have across the entire season and we show that we’ve taken things on board going forward to get points on the board and put performances in, I’ll take this and look at it as a point when we were stronger for it.
“The ambition for us is to play Premiership football and you need to take things on board at this level if you want to set yourself up for that, so we’ll take tonight and work on what we need to work on and, hopefully, use this run of games coming up gives us the chance to get back to winning ways.”
(Posted: Friday, 10th May 2024)
Ahead of the end-of-season Awards on Saturday evening, Bangor manager Lee Feeney has praised his players for their endeavours throughout the 2023/24 season and insists their hard work has made the Seasiders faithful “proud of their club”. The Kilkeel man, who is four years into his tenure as boss at Clandeboye Park, believes that the message from the coaching staff to the players – to be competitive in their first season back in the Championship – was fulfilled in full and showcased by a third-placed finish and narrowly missing out on the promotion play-off.
Feeney paid tribute to his players’ efforts and the supporters for coming out in their droves to back the team, and he adds he is looking forward to celebrating the side’s achievements with a keen eye on making more special memories next season and in the years to come.
A squad built on hard work and character, Feeney also says these traits will again need to be shown in abundance should the Yellows aim to hold their own and fight at the summit again in a league that will feature three new sides – Newry City, who have dropped down from the Premiership, and Premier Intermediate League champions Limavady United and play-off winners Armagh City.
“Everyone around the club is obviously a bit disappointed at the way the season ended, that we couldn’t get that place in the promotion play-off. But I think as well, we surprised a lot of people to be in that position, and that’s testament and a credit to the players and the work they’ve put in. That was the only thing I asked of the players at the start of the season, to be competitive, and we were that, we absolutely were. We knew we’d have to be that if we wanted to get results, and I’m very proud of the work every player has put in this season to be as successful as we have been. I think they’ve given the supporters a club to be proud of, a club they’re proud to support, and the supporters are proud of the players because of the work they put in each and every week and their performances on the pitch.
“I’m really looking forward to the Awards, I look forward to it every year. It’s a chance to celebrate the players’ achievements across the season and have a bit of craic, and obviously, it’s when we can celebrate the players who do win the awards at the end of the season. Unfortunately, we can’t give awards to everyone, not every player is going to get an award on the night, but for me, everyone deserves an award for the work put in to make it a really memorable season.
“We’re looking forward to next season as well, and we know it’s going to be even tougher next season and we’re going to have to work even harder to get results; it’s going to be a tough, tough league with lots of very good sides, and we’ll have to be on top of ourselves. But I can guarantee you, at the first home game of next season, there’s going to be a big crowd, a decent crowd backing the players, and we know we’ll have to produce the goods week in, week out to keep those big crowds coming.
“I’ve talked to a few people from outside the club who have been really impressed by our support and the numbers we’ve been bringing to games, and they always come out in big numbers home and away to support us and I think the players have done them proud. There’s a lot of positive vibes around the club. Last year when we were coming into the league, we were positive about what we could achieve, and the players ticked every box.
“In my opinion, the players would’ve deserved to play in the play-off, and sometimes you don’t always get what you deserve in football, but I couldn’t ask any more of them; we’d asked them to be competitive and they were. This year, again, we’re positive about what we can achieve, we believe we can have even more moments for the supporters to celebrate and we’re already working on next season and we can’t wait for pre-season to start.
“The players have earned a bit of a break, we’ll all enjoy the Awards night and celebrate the work that’s went in and we’ll be ready to go again.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 8th May 2024)
Wednesday, May 8 – Bangor FC Ladies vs Ballyclare Comrades Ladies, NIWFA Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:30pm
Bangor FC Ladies are back in NIWFA Championship action on Wednesday night and will bid to keep up their perfect opening to the 2024 league season when they take on Ballyclare Comrades Ladies.
In a clash of last campaign’s second and third-placed sides, it was the Seasiders who last got the better of Ballyclare when the clubs met in the PwC Super Cup semi-final at Clandeboye Park, and Chris Dougan will look for his side to repeat that famous 3-2 success at the same venue this week. Bangor will also look to keep hold of top spot, which they have on goal difference and share with St James’ Swifts and Ballymena United who also maintain 100 per cent standings at the summit after three outings, and build on the previous week’s impressive 6-0 victory against Comber Rec Ladies last time out.
Midfielder Amanda Morton, who scored her first goal for the club off the bench in that game, is expecting a difficult test against the Comrades.
“Ballyclare have been a Championship team for a long time and they have the quality of players to be competitive at the top of the table.
“They’ll be strong, and they’ll be a good challenge for us.
“But, I think as long as we keep doing the things that Chris (Dougan, manager) is asking us to do, we’ll be in a brilliant position to get a result.”
(Posted: Tuesday, 7th May 2024)
Bangor FC Ladies pair Amanda Morton and Leah Robinson both pointed out the importance of returning to winning ways on Wednesday evening following the penalty shoot-out defeat to Ballymena United in the cup a couple of nights earlier.
Former Larne and Crusaders midfielder Morton netted her first goal for the club during the 6-0 NIWFA Championship success over Comber Rec, heading home from close range on 63 minutes for the Seasiders’ fourth goal of the night, while Robinson’s brace off the bench wrapped up the goal count to bring the versatile forward’s tally to three for the 2024 season.
That came after the Seasiders were defeated 4-2 penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra-time at the Warden Street Showgrounds in the NIWFA Championship Cup on Monday, and hitting back was the perfect tonic for the side who retain a perfect nine points from nine in league play having scored 21 goals in the process.
Morton, however, believes there are still gears for the Yellows to go through and that there can be even more clinical edge at the sharp end.
“I think that was kind of the message in the changing room, that we’re glad we’re back so soon to shake the cobwebs off from Monday night and get scoring goals again, so it was good. The turnaround was tight, but it was good for us, I think.
“I think we had, I’d say, 80 per cent of the possession and they got in our box once or twice in the game. So, it shows that we are dominating possession, but I think everybody would like a few more goals – saying that after a 6-0 win is a pretty good thing, to be honest.
“It’s good to get my first goal, I hope to get a lot more of them, but assisting’s good, too; I had a couple of assists this week and last week. So, just, anything I can do, whether it’s scoring goals or passing to other people to score goals, I’m happy to do it.
“What I liked about Bangor coming in was the level of professionalism they already have, players on the pitch hold really high standards for themselves, the coaching staff hold really high standards for us and the club do in general.
“To be honest, it’s not been a difficult transition because I think Bangor are already showing some of the assets that Premier League clubs would have. I still think we can up it, and again, when you play teams like Ballymena (as on Monday night), we need to be scoring goals and getting on target, so our conversion rate would need to increase a little bit.
“But I think we’re doing all the right things, getting there, third game of the season, so we’ll get there.”
Robinson, meanwhile, reflected on overcoming a rocky start to proceedings at Clandeboye Park when Comber put the pressure on early – but the opener, scored by Janine Jess and followed up by an Amber Dempster brace, was a nerve-settler and had them on their way.
“Absolutely, taking that defeat on Monday night was tough, but we came tonight and we wanted to put that behind us, just go out and get a few goals in. You know, work on that from Monday night, we’d a few fresh legs on the pitch, Ashleigh (Scott-Brown) making her first start, Emi (Wynne) coming on at half-time, absolutely super performance.
“Yeah, it was good, I was happy to get two goals in coming on as a sub as well. It’s good to get another two goals this year, it’s things that we’ve worked on in training, just being able to put that into effect in a match, it’s brilliant.
“It was a bit of a shaky start, didn’t start too quick, but once we got that (first) goal in, we picked up a bit more. We kept building on that, playing our football, working around Comber, and yeah, we just found our feet then and put another few goals in.
“Still feel like we could’ve had a few more goals tonight, but we’re happy with the win, and we’ll keep working on that in training, we’ll keep working on our finishing, and hopefully, we can keep picking up points on the board.”
(Posted: Friday, 3rd May 2024)
Bangor FC Ladies recovered from the cup exit on penalties to remain the early pacesetters on top of the NIWFA Championship following an impressive 6-0 victory over Comber Rec Ladies at Clandeboye Park on Wednesday night, with nine points out of nine and having scored 21 goals in the process as well as a second straight clean sheet in the league.
It was a shaky start for the Seasiders, who had to fend off a fierce early wave of pressure and navigate an end-to-end opening 20 minutes with goalkeeper Giulia McLaughlin called into action to make sure Comber were kept at bay, but Janine Jess' fourth goal of the season – and fourth consecutive goalscoring game in the process – proved just the nerve-settler the home side needed.
Jess' long-range effort on 24 minutes was followed by Amber Dempster sliding low into the bottom right corner 10 minutes later that made it a two-goal lead at the halfway mark. Dempster added a third, a shot across the goal that fizzed through the Comber stopper's fingers and into the top left on 55 minutes, and eight minutes after that, there was a first goal in yellow and blue for Amanda Morton who headed into the net from close range.
A late brace by Leah Robinson rounded off the goal count, the forward firstly firing low into the net with a deft side-footed finish on 79 minutes before, five minutes from time, powerfully drilling the ball low into the net from Dempster's cut-back from the byline. That made it a six-goal display and, in a professional success, keeps Bangor perfect to start the 2024 NIWFA Championship campaign off.
(Posted: Thursday, 2nd May 2024)
Bangor FC Ladies bowed out of the NIWFA Championship Cup on Monday night following a penalty shoot-out defeat to Ballymena United FC Women – but produced a spirited display that will bode well for the rest of the campaign.
The Seasiders travelled to the Warden Street Showgrounds for what they knew would be a tough assignment against last term’s relegated Sports Direct Premiership outfit, but almost immediately after the restart following a first half where the Sky Blues stopper was tested the more regularly of the two and Bangor had strung many positive passages together, midfielder Janine Jess powered home a far-post header for her third goal in as many games to give the visitors the lead.
However, the hosts conjured up a response and found a leveller when Katie Wallace found the net at the back stick with 13 minutes left to play, prodding home from close range, and after the sides were thereafter unable to be split in the remainder, extra-time was required with the closest chance during the 20-minute additional spell coming with virtually the last kick of the first half when Amber Dempster side-footed agonisingly over from Emi Wynne’s crafty delivery from the right-hand side.
It remained level and the match went to penalties, with Amanda Morton – making her full debut for Bangor in this encounter – and Dempster hitting the target, but Megan Gore and Erin Hennity were both denied as United scored all four of their spot-kicks to progress to the competition’s next round.
Bangor FC Ladies boss Chris Dougan admits that a lack of cutting edge in front of goal proved costly in the NIWFA Championship Cup loss on penalties to Ballymena United FC Women on Monday evening but saw a strong effort and performance across the pitch to suggest that his players will be the stronger despite the outcome.
With the score level at 1-1 after 110 gruelling minutes at the Warden Street Showgrounds, a dramatic climax resulted in United prevailing 4-2 on spot-kicks to advance to the competition quarter-finals where they will face Foyle Belles. The Seasiders took the lead on 46 minutes through midfielder Janine Jess but Katie Wallace’s leveller just over half an hour later forced extra-time and later penalties where the Sky Blues just held the edge, with Megan Gore and Erin Hennity’s denials from 12 yards proving crucial as Ballymena scored all four of their kicks.
Dougan, who saw his side enjoy plenty of possession and a number of presentable chances, was keen to focus on where the points for development can be built upon, as a league duel against Comber Rec beckons on Wednesday night where things can be put right once more.
“Yeah, we dominated the whole first half, I think we had probably 90 per cent of the ball, we had the ball in the right areas.
“We outthought them, outplayed them, outperformed them… we just lacked a little bit of a clinical edge tonight.
“The girls worked unbelievably hard and one mistake at the back throughout the whole game, let them back into it, became 1-1, the keeper (Giulia McLaughlin) didn’t really have to make a save, so, very disappointing.
“But it’s more about the girls’ bouncebackability now, we have a fantastic group there, great attitude, great togetherness, and penalties are a horrible way to go out, but if we were more ruthless earlier on, we don’t have to leave it to that.
“I couldn’t be prouder of all their efforts tonight, every single one of them put in a brilliant shift, played for each other, played for the badge, represented us brilliantly.
“Giulia, superb. She was close to saving all four penalties, you couldn’t ask for any more, they struck them well, she went the right way and I thought overall, our whole team from front to back, not one player should be leaving with their head held down. Brilliant team performance.
“We’re a strong team, we’ve been here before, we’ll have disappointments. That’s football.
“But we’ll go back again, that was a big game tonight but it sets us up brilliantly for the rest of the season.
“Good challenge (against Ballymena), the girls are strong, they’re mentally strong and they’ll look to bounce back against Comber and really put a performance together to go out and set the league on fire.”
(Posted: Tuesday, 30th April 2024)
Monday, April 29 – Ballymena United FC Women vs Bangor FC Ladies, NIWFA Championship Cup, Warden Street Showgrounds, 7:30pm
It’s a first foray into cup action this season for Bangor FC Ladies, who travel to the Ballymena Showgrounds on Monday night for a tricky encounter with Ballymena United Women in the NIWFA Championship Cup.
The Seasiders, who have kickstarted the season in fine fashion having scored 15 goals across their opening two matches, face the side they are level on points with at the top of the table early in 2024.
Ballymena, who were relegated from the Sports Direct Women’s Premiership and have kept hold of the bulk of the side that plied their trade in last year’s top-flight, are targeting an immediate bounce back and have began the campaign with successes over Belfast Celtic Ladies (2-1) and Sion Swifts Ladies (3-2).
After also despatching Bloomfield FC Ladies in the County Antrim Cup on Friday evening, the Sky Blues are in high spirits and have the talent to ask questions of Chris Dougan’s Yellows at the Warden Street venue, but the manager’s players have hit the goal trail early and are keen to extend that vein. Performances have indicated that 2023’s success under Ethan Boylan is being built on and there can be further evidence of that provided in the form of cup progression here.
(Posted: Sunday, 28th April 2024)
Bangor agonisingly missed out on a Premiership promotion play-off place by a hair on Friday night following an attack-minded and nerve-wracking goalless draw with Annagh United at the BMG Arena on the final day of the Playr-Fit Championship.
Both the Seasiders and their hosts huffed and puffed for a winner in Portadown knowing it was winner-takes-all for the play-off – if there was a victor, they would categorically face up to Ballymena United over two legs with a top-flight spot at stake – but neither side could break the other down and, with Institute scoring an added-time winner just a mile up the road at Shamrock Park against the champion Ports, there were hands on heads and players on their knees wherever you looked as both fell just short.
Michael Harris found the net for Stute deep into proceedings – they needed to win and hope for a draw in this clash, and fate fell kindly for Kevin Deery’s men, who will face the Sky Blues for the right to play Premiership football next term. Both Bangor and Annagh, who have played each of the last two play-off series against first Portadown and then Dungannon Swifts, were left with disappointing ends to highly creditable seasons – indeed, the Yellows finished on 68 points and third-place in their first season since their promotion from the PIL.
There were chances throughout for Ben Arthurs, Ben Cushnie, Lewis Francis and a last-gasp curler from Conor McDermott that inched past the post, while some last-ditch defending in the Seasiders’ rearguard was also needed and an inspired performance from former Bangor goalkeeper Jason Craughwell in the Annagh goal is also worthy of credit, with the Seasiders’ main focus after a well-earned break being to prepare for a second season of Championship football and hope to be fighting near the summit once more.
BANGOR TEAM:
M.Orbinson, H.Beverland(J.Hughes), R.Neale, L.Francis, B.Walker(C.McDermott), B.Cushnie, T.Mulvenna, S.McArthur(A.Neale), B.Arthurs, T.Mathieson(M.Halliday).
Subs: McConkey, S.Foster, D.Hume
(Posted: Friday, 26th April 2024)
Friday, April 26 – Annagh United vs Bangor, Playr-Fit Championship, BMG Arena, 7:45pm
Bangor pull the curtain down on their Playr-Fit Championship season tonight when they travel to the BMG Arena for a winner-takes-all showdown against Annagh United.
There’s a lot riding on this clash, with the winner (if there is one) going on to face Ballymena United in the Premiership Promotion/Relegation Play-Off, while a draw on the Tandragee Road would also suit the Seasiders owing to their vastly superior goal difference should Institute fail to beat newly crowned champions Portadown at nearby Shamrock Park.
It promises to be a night of tension for both sides but, on the back of consecutive victories over Harland and Wolff Welders (3-0) and Dundela (3-1) as well as last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Institute at the Ryan McBride Brandywell, Bangor will enter this tricky clash with Ciaran McGurgan’s men in confident mood and believing that they can book a double date with the Sky Blues in the first season back in senior football. With Ben Cushnie cancelling out Oisin Devlin’s opener in the north west last time out for his second goal in as many games, the Yellows will want to return to winning ways against an opponent they have registered three wins out of three against to date.
Lee Feeney will also be very wary, though – Annagh have won four times on the bounce in the split, all of them away from home, and ever since Lewis Francis’ double proved enough to defeat them 2-1 back on December 30, the Co Armagh side have lost just once since and thrust themselves into a position where a third consecutive play-off is within their grasp. No chances can be taken on what is a huge night for the club.
(Posted: Friday, 26th April 2024)
Bangor made it back-to-back victories to begin the 2024 NIWFA Championship season when they emerged 9-0 winners over Foyle Belles at Clandeboye Park on Wednesday night, added to the previous week’s 6-1 success away to St Oliver Plunkett Ladies in what has proved to be an impressive start in charge for manager Chris Dougan.
The Seasiders opened the scoring on 11 minutes through a delicate Amber Dempster chip as she was sent behind the line, with teenager Emi Wynne bagging a superb brace that made it three by the 24th minute, picking out the bottom left corner on both occasions with a couple of well-taken finishes.
On 29 minutes, Janine Jess netted her second goal in as many games when she thundered a low effort into the net through a crowd, establishing a four-goal lead at the break. Dempster powered in a second goal for herself into the bottom left 18 minutes into the second period, twisting and turning before finding the bottom corner in stylish fashion, while Jodie Shannon added a sixth 20 yards out from goal seven minutes later.
What followed was a late salvo in added-time, as new signing Ashleigh Scott-Brown scored a couple of goals off the bench in the second and sixth minutes of stoppage, sandwiching Leah Robinson’s close-range effort for her first goal of the season in the fourth minute of added-time that secured the three points for Bangor.
(Posted: Thursday, 25th April 2024)
Wednesday, April 24 – Bangor FC Ladies vs Foyle Belles, NIWFA Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:30pm
Bangor FC Ladies march on with their NIWFA Championship exploits at Clandeboye Park on Wednesday night when they host Foyle Belles, hopeful of building on last week’s impressive opening victory over St Oliver Plunkett Ladies in Crumlin.
The Seasiders, who picked up three well-earned points courtesy of a comeback 6-1 success over the newly promoted west Belfast side and face familiar foes this week, with Foyle the seventh-placed side in last year’s second-tier and who Bangor despatched thanks to a goal-filled 12-2 triumph in the home clash last August.
Following the win over Plunkett, achieved following a first-half hat-trick by Amber Dempster and finishes from Toni Stewart, Janine Jess and Evarose Martin having went behind early on, manager Chris Dougan is in high spirits after his first competitive victory since taking the hotseat and is confident that three-pointer can be built on when the Yellows return home.
And having kickstarted in the right way with ambitions of fighting at the top end of the table again following last term’s third-placed finish, plus the potential of a big home crowd to will the players on, Bangor can add momentum to their early charge and construct a two-game winning streak as a platform to go off.
Bangor FC Ladies boss Chris Dougan insists the commanding opening victory over St Oliver Plunkett should be the springboard for further success ahead of Wednesday night’s home clash with Foyle Belles.
The Ladies’ first competitive fixture at Clandeboye Park in 2024 pits them against the pink-shirted north west outfit, with Dougan believing this second NIWFA Championship outing presents another chance to make a statement of intent. He says the approach is simply to “press reset” and go for glory once again, adding that he will strive for improvement even with last week’s 6-1 win at Crumlin Leisure Centre in mind.
“Press reset. We’ve had our first big one out of the way, potential banana skin out of the way, a newly promoted team.
“So, we go on Sunday, we train again, we press the reset button and we do what we do, practise what we’ve trained at.
“We’ll look at and analyse that game, there’s always things that we want to improve and we’ll go and work on those and, hopefully…
“Foyle’s got a big travel, and they won’t want to play us after how we did last year, so if we can go and put another statement out to the league that Bangor’s here to be a serious contender, that’s what’s going to motivate us every day.
“We’ve got some great new staff working with us as well, these guys are superb, couldn’t ask any more.”
(Posted: Tuesday, 23rd April 2024)
Bangor’s goal hero at Institute Ben Cushnie admits he is satisfied with a point from the visit to a sunny Ryan McBride Brandywell on Saturday afternoon.
The 22-year-old forward delivered a leveller for the Seasiders five minutes out from the end of the first half in response to Oisin Devlin’s deadlock-breaker for ‘Stute, and after the half-time pause, Cushnie felt the visitors would have been worth a victory as centre-back Lewis Francis narrowly missed the mark from a last-gasp free-kick initially soared in by Ben Walker. But a point keeps the Seasiders’ fate entirely within their own grasp; they are second-place in the Playr-Fit Championship still and know that victory at Annagh United on Friday night – irrespective of results elsewhere – will book a two-legged slot against Ballymena United in the promotion/relegation play-off.
Glentoran loanee Cushnie, who hit his sixth goal of a somewhat injury-disrupted season by connecting to Francis’ flick-on 40 minutes into proceedings, insists that after a rocky start, a draw was the least Bangor deserved on their trip to the north west against the only opponent that has went unbeaten in their clashes with the Seasiders across this term.
“I think we probably did (deserve a bit more from the game); the second half, I thought we dominated a lot of the play.
“The first 15 minutes, we struggled to settle into the game a bit. Obviously, we were coming into a tough place, big pitch, good side… early on, they were playing the ball over the top of the defence quite a lot and it wasn’t easy trying to stop that. We settled more after the (Institute goal), we began to play our own game a bit more and we got the equaliser.
“It doesn’t matter who gets the goals, just that you do get them, but for me, it’s two in two, I was in the right place for it and I feel I’ve been getting sharper in front of goal every week.
“Second half, we started it and continued in the same way that we’d ended the first, we kept control of the game, we had good possession and we managed the game well, made sure we didn’t give too much away and the defence wasn’t under too much pressure.
“Obviously, Lewis has the chance at the end, the free-kick fell nicely for him and he had the chance, but it wasn’t to be. The goals he’s scored this season, all the goals he scored coming up from the back, you’d probably have bet your house on him scoring there, but I think the ball was just a bit too far ahead of him in the end.
“But, obviously, going into the game, it was must-not-lose, so I think a draw was probably a fair enough result as well. We came in knowing ‘Stute have had a good record against us this season and they’ve been tough enough games, I think they also have a good home record this season as well, so we’ll take a point that keeps things in our hands and try to do the job against Annagh next week.”
Having played 86 minutes of the 3-1 victory against Dundela at Wilgar Park the previous weekend, his neat free-kick kickstarting the comeback in east Belfast with Francis and Ben Arthurs adding to the goal haul, Cushnie got another 84 minutes in the book on Saturday.
Lee Feeney has been pleased to have the Hillsborough man at his disposal and fit and firing at a crucial point in the season, and with more than 60 appearances for the Glens under his belt, Cushnie’s pedigree at the top level has the tools to prove difference-making come this pulsating climax.
The striker adds that the strength of character in the dressing room furthers his belief that even if Bangor find parts of the going tough at the BMG Arena against Annagh, the panel is still able to weather any storms they face.
“Feeno had said in one of his previous interviews, I was building my way up to match fitness again, and I can feel that myself every week.
“I’ve had two games in a row now where I’ve played close to the full 90 minutes, probably as close as I’ve got throughout the season, so I’m feeling sharp and I’ve got a few goals and got a bit of momentum.
“We went 1-0 down away against the Duns at half-time, came back, won; we’ve went 1-0 down here, good side, big pitch, came back and got a draw that means it’s in our hands (play-off) going into the final day.
“I think that shows the character of the team and the mentalities that we have, we have the people in the squad that can go out and get results, and everyone has that responsibility in the team across all areas of the pitch.
“For me personally, I’m a player that can contribute more than goals and can do other stuff in the game as well, work hard for the team, and we all work for each other to get results.”
(Posted: Monday, 22nd April 2024)
Congratulations to James Taylor, Reece Neale, Lewis Francis and Scott McArthur who picked up their awards last night for being selected in the NI Football League Championship Team of the Season.
Well done!
(Posted: Sunday, 21st April 2024)
Bangor Reserves closed out their home slate of matches in Championship/PIL Development League in some style, with eight different goal-getters putting their name on the scoresheet during Saturday morning’s 8-0 rout of PSNI Olympic at Clandeboye Park.
The Seasiders, who had earlier in the season despatched the Police side 10-0 at Breda Park, ran goal crazy in this encounter and maintained a clean sheet for their biggest home success of the season. Strikes from Callum Johnston, Jude Healy, Jack McCosh, Charley Craig, Caden McKee, Jay Boyd, Ruairi Wright and Mitchel Watterson sealed the deal for David Downes’ side in the end and ensures that, ahead of their final outing of the season at the Brandywell against Institute U21 on May 10, they kept their grip on second-place in the division.
Adding to the hard-fought success in midweek against Lisburn Distillery U21 when defender McCosh’s late strike kept the Yellows on the winning trail (3-2) despite being reduced to 10 men in the first half, Bangor look well-poised to end the season on a high and will go into that clash with ‘Stute buoyed by their return to form.
It also means they maintain a mathematical chance at title glory, too, although three defeats for league leaders H&W Welders U21 would be required for that to be so. In any case, their run of four three-pointers in a row after a rocky March inspires belief among the coaching staff and players that the best is still to come.
(Posted: Sunday, 21st April 2024)
Bangor’s promotion play-off destiny will both go right down to the final day and be entirely in their own hands following Saturday afternoon’s 1-1 draw with Institute at a sunny Ryan McBride Brandywell.
The Seasiders found themselves on the back foot just 15 minutes in when Oisin Devlin – the prodigious 17-year-old midfield talent who signed on a three-and-a-half-year deal with Larne in the January window – slid beyond James Taylor to break the deadlock for ‘Stute, but a fighting response from Lee Feeney’s men against the only team they had yet to defeat in this Playr-Fit Championship season yielded a point reward.
Ben Cushnie’s return to fitness has come as a big boost, and the Glentoran loanee struck a second goal in as many weeks five minutes before the end of the first period. A looping ball found Lewis Francis, and the centre-back hooked into the striker’s path to strike a decisive equaliser that ultimately was to remain until the end.
The popular Francis almost won it late on from a deflected Ben Walker free-kick but missed the mark at the death, and with the stalemate also confirming Portadown’s status as league champions in line with their 1-1 draw at home to Dundela, it means Bangor’s full focus is authentically on second-place. However, just a point separates the Seasiders, Dundela, Annagh (all 67) and Institute (66) ahead of what promises to be a nerve-jangling Friday night for the right to face Ballymena United in the two-legged shoot-out. The drama has only just begun.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, H.Beverland, L.Francis, B.Walker, L.Harrison(M.Bradley), T.Mulvenna, B.Cushnie(A.Neale), S.McArthur(J.Hughes), B.Arthurs, T.Mathieson.
Subs: McConkey, M.Halliday, D.Hume, G.Beattie
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 26th April, ANNAGH UNITED v BANGOR, Championship, BMG ARENA, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 20th April 2024)
Bangor FC Ladies boss Chris Dougan toasted his first competitive victory as manager as one built on solid foundations, trust, familiarity and the freedom to play.
Having succeeded Ethan Boylan in the top job at the start of 2024, Dougan, stepping up from his assistant role, bagged an opening-day victory with a 6-1 success over St Oliver Plunkett in the NIWFA Championship on Wednesday night.
After Clodagh Mervyn’s opener for the west Belfast-based home team just 56 seconds into proceedings at Crumlin Leisure Centre, the Seasiders largely dominated the play thereafter, with Amber Dempster’s first-half hat-trick added to by strikes from teenagers Evarose Martin and Janine Jess as well as winger Toni Stewart that ultimately wrapped up a convincing win.
The NIWFA Division One champions had caused problems for Bangor in the not-too-distant past, but a display of heart, work-rate and energy – not to mention a number of exceptional sequences of football – meant the Yellows asserted their authority delighted Dougan, who also hailed how the new arrivals bedded into the fold.
“These guys have shown that they have the freedom now to go and play. They have the intensity to be competitive the whole way through the game, we’ve got the depth on the bench that they can come on and maintain (energy levels), or even change the game themselves.
“We’re very, very lucky with the girls that we do have, they followed the instructions and they know what to do. So, they worked their legs off in pre-season, they’ve kept the intensity through the roof and as you can see by the performance today, they trust each other.
“When you get that trust, they will go and play some beautiful football. They have that continuity, giving you a complete foundation about how you build a team this year. So, all the new girls coming in are five steps ahead because they’ve had everything built on by watching other players and understanding you’ve got perfect examples in front of you at all times.
“When they (existing players) come off, they (new players) can replicate that sort of way because they know what to do, they’ve seen it, we do it in training and the girls have all bought in and enjoying everything we do.
“When they’re playing happy… yeah, we conceded in one minute, from nerves, but after that, it was never a doubt. “I don’t think they had more than two or three shots at goal, and the girls could have been a bit more ruthless and it could’ve been an even bigger scoreline – fair play to them.”
Following a slender 3-2 victory for Bangor when they overcame Wednesday’s opponents in last season’s PwC Super Cup quarter-final at Sally Gardens in Poleglass, this fixture had the makings of a potential banana skin that the Seasiders could slip on if they weren’t careful. However, the professionalism of the performance and handling of the pressure of being a top-end team in the Championship both came in for huge praise from the manager.
“Massive banana skin, opening game, new team promoted, they’re going to be excited, they’re going to be up for the game. We’ve finally got the pressure on us to start performing because we performed so well last year, and the girls haven’t been stepping away from the pressure; they’re embracing it.
“They’re going, ‘We like to be the team that’s now being considered one of the top (teams), we’ll take that mantle, we’ll run with it’. Asked on whether he reads much into the league’s expansion to 10 teams from seven last year, Dougan adds: “No, not for me.
“I think it adds a bit more excitement, you’ve got a higher level of competition. But, the girls back themselves playing against competition from the top level, the girls are here to go and be competitive.
“I’m not sure if we will win it, but we’ll definitely be competitive and we’ve got great young players coming through that, in the next couple of years, can do some real damage as well.
“So, I’m more than happy with how they’re doing, they deserve the bigger league and they deserve more matches.”
(Posted: Saturday, 20th April 2024)
Saturday, April 20 – Bangor Reserves vs PSNI Olympic, Championship/PIL Development League, Clandeboye Park, 11am
It’s the second from last outing in the Championship/PIL Development League this Saturday for Bangor Reserves, who entertain PSNI Olympic at Clandeboye Park and will be determined to sign off their home slate of fixtures in 2023/24 with three points.
David Downes’ men were forced to battle for the maximum spoils in midweek when they edged a five-goal encounter with Lisburn Distillery at Wallace Park, with Jay Boyd’s header and Kristian Trainor’s composed penalty cancelled out by a pair of second-half finishes by the Whites that levelled the scores at 2-2 – Bangor had at this stage been reduced to 10 men, too, with centre-back Mackenzie Gray shown a straight red card during the first half.
But towering defender Jack McCosh notched up his third goal since arriving in January on 82 minutes and ultimately secured the victory, with their penultimate clash with PSNI allowing them to add a third straight triumph – four, if you count the win over Warrenpoint Town via forfeit – and maintain their grip on second-place, with Harland and Wolff Welders U21 still atop the table and two points ahead of the Yellows having played a couple of games fewer.
Capitalising on any potential slip-up is the principal aim for Downes and his charges come the business end, with the second string’s curtain-closing encounter not coming for another three weeks before they visit Institute at the Brandywell on May 10. Against the league’s third-from-bottom outfit, Bangor will back themselves against a side they overcame 10-0 early doors, but they will guard against complacency seeping in while there is still something to play for.
(Posted: Friday, 19th April 2024)
Saturday, April 20 – Institute vs Bangor, Playr-Fit Championship, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, 3pm
Bangor are in action for the penultimate time in the Playr-Fit Championship when they travel to the Ryan McBride Brandywell to face Institute – a crunch clash that could go a long way to deciding who competes in the promotion play-off versus, in all likelihood, Ballymena United.
The Seasiders enter Saturday afternoon’s encounter on the back of a stirring 3-1 comeback success away to Dundela last time out. After Jordan Jenkins handed the Duns the lead nine minutes in, a three-goal second half for Lee Feeney’s men in which Ben Cushnie, Lewis Francis and Ben Arthurs marked the scoresheet inspired an important win that leaves this weekend very finely poised.
The players will also be motivated to atone for their previous visit to the north west venue, a 4-0 reversal last October when Kirk McLaughlin’s second-half hat-trick added to Shaun Leppard’s headed opener for ‘Stute. Kevin Deery’s men (65 points) trail their visitors on Saturday (66) by a point and know victory is all but essential to have their play-off fate in their own hands next Friday, with Annagh United (64) – a point further back and on the road to Blanchflower Park where they play Harland and Wolff Welders – also in the frame in what is a pulsating race that’s guaranteed to go to the wire.
The players’ focus is firmly on this weekend and a big travelling support is expected to flock to the Brandywell to will Feeney and his charges to victory; this promises to be a pivotal and deciding duel in what truly feels like the business end.
LEE FEENEY - LOOKING FORWARD TO SATURDAY
There’s a certain word starting with ‘p’ on the lips of a lot of people around Bangor right now but manager Lee Feeney insists he’s not getting carried away ahead of Saturday’s trip to the Brandywell to take on Institute.
The Seasiders supremo, who takes his side into the penultimate Playr-Fit Championship duel of the season on the back of impressive 3-0 and 3-1 successes over east Belfast duo Harland and Wolff Welders and Dundela, believes his players will be fired up to deliver against ‘Stute, the only team in the division they have not got the better of.
The north west outfit won 1-0 a few weeks previously when Mikhail Kennedy headed home the only goal of the game just after the hour mark at Clandeboye Park, and Feeney – whose side lost 4-0 on their first trip back in October for what remains Bangor’s heaviest defeat in this campaign – says lessons have been learned and is in confident mood for this encounter.
The Kilkeel man also shed light on a conversation he had recently with John Boyle. The 38-year-old centre-back was a pivotal member of last term’s Steel and Sons Cup and Premier Intermediate League double-winning team, making 40 appearances and leading that squad for minutes played on 3,405, and the current Warrenpoint Town captain is a seasoned campaigner in the art of promotions through the NIFL pyramid – but after addressing that theme briefly, Feeney returned to present affairs.
“I was actually speaking to Boyler there, John Boyle over Easter. He’s been a bit of a specialist in promotions over the years, that was his sixth or seventh last year.
“He’s achieved promotion from the Championship four times, twice with Warrenpoint and twice with Newry, and he was telling me that while it was a nice feeling to win the division and make sure of it, the play-off just has a different feeling to it, and winning a play-off, it’s like winning a cup final.
“There’s a feeling with the play-off that it is a one-off, and anything can happen; any team can cause an upset on the day. But, that being said, we can’t think too far ahead of ourselves, and we have to put all our focus into winning this weekend. We just have to take it one game at a time, and it’s always been the approach that we’ve had, just to take each game as it comes.
“The last time we played Institute, I felt we were the better team in the game and we were unlucky to lose, and we’re motivated to put things right this time around.
“We went to Dundela knowing the last time we went there that we got beat, and we put in a really good performance to put things right there, and it’s the same going into this weekend.
“The last time we played Institute up there, it was a tough day for us and it was a lesson, but the players are motivated because we haven’t beaten them yet this season and we felt hard done by when they beat us last time.
“We’re not going to dwell on that result; we’re coming into this game on the back of two convincing victories and we need to keep the momentum going into this weekend.”
(Posted: Friday, 19th April 2024)
It wasn’t all plain sailing for Bangor Reserves in Lisburn on Wednesday evening, but they got the job done and secured a precious three points with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Lisburn Distillery Reserves in Wallace Park.
The Seasiders were two to the good in a feisty enough first half that saw a number of meaty challenges, one which saw centre-back Mackenzie Gray given his marching orders following a high lunge around 10 minutes out from the interval. By that stage, the visitors were two to the good, with Jay Boyd heading home an early opener before Kristian Trainor slotted home a cool penalty after Jude Healy was upended in the penalty area by the Distillery goalkeeper when chasing a loose ball.
On a bobbly pitch, Distillery fought back and searched for a way back into the game, levelling with two goals in two minutes midway through the second period, but the full reward was headed back with David Downes and his troops when towering defender Jack McCosh delivered the winner eight minutes from time and moved the Seasiders to within two points of league leaders Harland and Wolff Welders – albeit having played a couple of games fewer.
Bangor contest their final home match of the season on Saturday when they entertain third-from-bottom PSNI at Clandeboye Park before a break of three weeks, making the long travel to the north west where they will face Institute at the Brandywell in a rearranged match-up.
(Posted: Thursday, 18th April 2024)
Chris Dougan got off to a winning start in his first competitive outing as Bangor FC Ladies manager with a comprehensive and ruthless 6-1 victory over St Oliver Plunkett Ladies at Crumlin Leisure Centre on Wednesday night, picking up all three points in their 2024 NIWFA Championship opener.
Bangor couldn't have had a worse start to the game in truth, conceding after just 56 seconds when Plunkett forward Clodagh Mervyn raced behind the defensive line before firing into the top left corner of the net out of reach of Giulia McLaughlin – but what followed was a storming Seasiders response.
Amber Dempster, so ruthless in front of goal in 2023, picked up exactly where she left off in the new year with finishes in the 11th and 19th minutes to turn the tide back in Bangor's favour, while composed drives by Toni Stewart and Janine Jess – both around 10 yards from goal, the former from a well-worked sequence down the left and the latter with a fierce rebound after Dempster's initial shot from a corner was blocked — made it 4-1 before the half-hour.
Dempster then completed her hat-trick five minutes out from the interval from the penalty spot, and a second half that started on a less frenetic note than the first offered Dougan the chance to introduce three fresh faces to the fold to a starting XI that entirely comprised familiar faces from 2023's crusade. Substitute Evarose Martin, a summer arrival last term, then struck a sublime free-kick from 25 yards that nestled beautifully in the top left corner and rubber-stamped the scoring on a fine night.
AMBER DEMPSTER'S THOUGHTS ON WEDNESDAY WIN
They say the best things some in threes, and that was certainly the case on opening night for Amber Dempster, who delivered a fine first-half hat-trick to help Bangor FC Ladies to victory in their 2024 NIWFA Championship opener on Wednesday night.
The Seasiders faced St Oliver Plunkett Ladies at Crumlin Leisure Centre for what looked like a potential banana skin, having only narrowly overcome the west Belfast outfit in last season’s PwC Super Cup quarter-final 3-2, and that reputation was living true inside the first minute when Plunkett forward Clodagh Mervyn stroked in a beauty to give the home side the lead.
But a fired-up Bangor responded fearlessly and hit the Lenadoon club for six, with Dempster hitting a treble either side of finishes from impressive midfielder Janine Jess and agile winger Toni Stewart before the half-hour mark.
Substitute left-back Evarose Martin delivered the cherry on top and the finish of the night to round off the goal count 10 minutes from time, the teenager’s fabulous 25-yard free-kick picking out the top left corner in spectacular style, and 31-year-old Dempster hailed the grit and determination the Yellows showed to clinch victory in Chris Dougan’s first competitive clash in charge as manager.
“Yeah, definitely, the girls battled hard… you know, we went behind pretty early on, and I think we were finding our feet, first game of the season.
“You know, Plunkett are always a difficult team to come away to, you know, obviously travelling an hour out to Crumlin, too. Kind of heavy legs, obviously, whenever you first get going but, yeah, obviously from when we conceded, we managed to pull one back, and from there, it was just a really professional performance from the girls.
“We managed to get good squad rotation on today, too, which was excellent, and everybody really worked hard. We’ve been playing some tough friendlies in pre-season, it’s really had us ready for this moment, you know, whenever we do go one or two behind.
“The team always shows really great resilience, and it’s something even last year that we really demonstrated a lot throughout the season. Definitely, the girls, you know, No.1 right through to 18 that were there today really gave their all, which was fantastic.
“Even having the fans down to support us and having them behind us, too, always really helps as well.”
Dempster, who, alongside ever-reliable Seasiders skipper Sarah Crooks, recently scored for Northern Ireland Futsal in a memorable 4-1 victory over Belgium in Newry, believes those more fresh-faced to the fold showed their quality, too.
Namechecking respected ex-Larne and Crusaders midfielder Amanda Morton (35) and teen talent Emi Wynne, who both debuted off the bench against Plunkett, she feels the familiarity of a starting XI entirely comprised first-team mainstays from 2023 combined with new faces can help the Seasiders take their talents to new heights.
“We’ve made some new additions this year, which has been fantastic, you know, with the likes of Emi and Amanda coming in. I think Emi, obviously, so young, being able to get on there and get her first senior minutes for Bangor was excellent, and she really held her own whenever she went out there too.
“She almost managed to grab herself a goal in the process so, yeah, definitely, nice to have a mix of new additions and experience in there. We’ve kept the majority of the squad together from last year, obviously there’s a few have went travelling or went off to university but, apart from that, we’ve kept the squad together, we’ve continued to go from strength to strength, so we’re excited to see what the rest of the season brings.
“I think it was great to be able to have that squad rotation today and be able to obviously use all our subs, get them on, get them game time, get them minutes. You know, it is fantastic for players last year who maybe didn’t get the opportunity to get as many minutes to get them on the ball and get them that experience.
“And Evarose’s free-kick was an absolute worldie, definitely, she’ll be teaching me how to do them on the training ground, she’ll be fighting me for the next one I think!”
(Posted: Thursday, 18th April 2024)
Wednesday, April 17 – Lisburn Distillery U21 vs Bangor Reserves, Championship/PIL Development League, Wallace Park, 6:30pm
Bangor Reserves are on the road on Wednesday night and are aiming to close the season on a high when they travel to face Lisburn Distillery U21 at Wallace Park, their third-from-last outing in the Championship/PIL Development League.
Following a 3-0 success over Knockbreda Reserves that put them back on the winning trail – they were awarded a 3-0 win over Warrenpoint Town, who were unable to field a team, but lost the four preceding matches in March that means the side’s most likely aim is consolidating second-place – David Downes will want his men to keep their composure up against a Whites outfit sitting second from bottom in the table but who have reserves at their disposal to cause other teams problems.
The Seasiders were victorious during the clash of the teams at Clandeboye Park in February, but the 4-1 scoreline wasn’t one that told the whole story given both left chances begging to add even more goals to what was an end-to-end affair. Mitchel Watterson, Charley Craig, Callum Johnston and Jay Boyd hit the target that Saturday morning, and Downes will hope his forward options can produce the goods again and potentially capitalise on any slip-ups from league leaders Harland and Wolff Welders at the summit; Dundela Reserves, in third, are also six points behind with three in hand.
Putting points on the board by hook or by crook is the objective in the run-in, which is then followed with a home clash against PSNI Olympic on Saturday before a curtain-closer at the Brandywell for a rearranged trip to Institute on May 10.
Wednesday, April 17 – St Oliver Plunkett Ladies vs Bangor FC Ladies, NIWFA Championship, Crumlin Leisure Centre, 8pm
Bangor FC Ladies kickstart their 2024 campaign with a trip to Crumlin Leisure Centre for the NIWFA Championship opener, where newly promoted St Oliver Plunkett Ladies will be keen to throw an early spanner in the works.
In what is also new first-team boss Chris Dougan’s first competitive outing as manager since stepping up from his assistant role to succeed club hero Ethan Boylan in the new year, he’ll aim to set the side up for success and build on a highly promising 2023 crusade that saw the Ladies finish third-place in the Championship and reach the Final of the PwC Super Cup – the first showpiece the team has competed in since being brought back into the fold in 2019.
Much of last season’s squad has been retained and they have experience of facing the west Belfast side, given it was in that very knock-out competition where the Seasiders won 3-2 in a nip-and-tuck quarter-final encounter at Sally Gardens in Poleglass. Twice Boylan’s outfit were behind on that early July day, but goals from Erin Hennity, Amber Dempster and Robyn McFadden were enough to edge a five-goal thriller against the would-be Division One champions, who are a west Belfast outfit generally renowned for their youth production.
It’s a tough test to kick things off for the squad, but with the vast majority of last campaign’s playing personnel retained, there is an element of continuity that is poised to stand them in the right stead and begin 2024’s events on the front foot. With Sion Swifts and Ballymena United both dropping down from the Premiership, it promises to be tough but exciting for the Yellows throughout, beginning in Crumlin.
(Posted: Tuesday, 16th April 2024)
The two Bens in the Bangor line-up produced the goods on Saturday and delighted manager Lee Feeney with their contributions in the victory over Dundela.
It was Cushnie who hit the target first, slotting a low free-kick 25 yards from goal past Lewis Hunter and into the bottom right corner to equalise at Wilgar Park after his fellow Glentoran loanee Jordan Jenkins had opened the scoring for the hosts early doors, before his namesake Arthurs rounded off the scoring when he found the net for the 25th time this campaign after capitalising on a loose touch in defence to round the Duns stopper and finish easily for 3-1.
Both players have repeatedly come in for praise from the Clandeboye chief throughout this campaign and, beginning with versatile forward Cushnie (22) – who struck his fifth of the season having navigated injury turbulence at points – Feeney saluted the Hillsborough ace’s all-round play and called him “unplayable” at times in east Belfast.
“Ben is a great lad… great lad, and a fantastic player. I think you can see he’s not quite at full match fitness, he’s not at a level to play 90 minutes just yet, but we’re building up to that point and he’s getting closer to that level.
“He was unlucky a few times before he got his goal, he was finding space on the pitch and was working hard, but then he got his goal which I felt his play deserved.
“There was a period in the second half where I thought he was just unplayable, the way that he was moving around the pitch, how he was working for himself and others and getting into positions where he could cause problems.
“Yes, he’s had his problems with injury, it’s been a tricky season for him, but I have no doubt over what he gives to the team, and I believe there’s still much more to come from him.”
On Arthurs, the masterful 25-year-old from Kircubbin is a player that Feeney has routinely challenged to be even better, and the striker – who has 131 goals in total in the yellow and blue shirt – delivered on the job following his manager’s rally cry at half-time on Saturday.
Dealing with experienced centre-halves Jay Magee and Jaimie McGovern in the Dundela defence, ‘Big Ben’ was tasked with creating important spaces for his team-mates to roam into and pounce on any chances that fell his way, deservedly marking the scoresheet with one of the final meaningful actions of the contest.
Having hit a quarter-century of goals across all competitions in the Ballymena and Provincial League and McReynolds Cup double-winning season in 2018/19, when he scored 38, as well as 31 in last campaign’s Premier Intermediate League and Steel and Sons Cup crusade, Feeney also hailed the predatory marksman – who is also Bangor’s top assister this term with 13 – for repeating the feat in the Championship, an “outstanding” achievement.
“I actually had a wee go at Ben at half-time… I asked him to do more in terms of keeping the centre-backs occupied and, fair play to him, in the second half, I thought he was outstanding.
“He was up against big Jay Magee, who I actually thought played a really excellent game with Ben, but Ben was physical and he kept him occupied, and Jaimie McGovern in there as well.
“He was doing a lot of the dirty work that was allowing Cush and Scott McArthur, and even Jordan Hughes when he came on, to find the spaces that they did, and playing as the lone striker, that’s what you have to do in games.
“You’ve got to go above and beyond in that sense, to create room for others, and I thought up against two tough centre-backs, he was doing that and caused Dundela a lot of problems and gave us a lot of joy, a lot of territory in the final third.
“He got his goal late in the second half that I thought he took superbly, how he controlled it and then the finish, and that was a reward for the work he’d been doing for others earlier.
“He’s scored 25 goals in a season across three different leagues… I think that’s outstanding.
“That’s just a measure of his commitment, the part he’s played in this team being where it is now and being in a position to challenge at the top end of this league. He’s someone I know I can look to and will demand more of himself, and I believe he’s got levels to climb as well.”
(Posted: Tuesday, 16th April 2024)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney admits the main source of satisfaction from Saturday’s priceless 3-1 win at Dundela was righting the wrongs of their previous less jubilant visit to Wilgar Park.
The Seasiders were on the wrong end of a Jordan Jenkins hat-trick and a 3-2 reversal at the hands of the Duns on Tuesday, February 13 – a scoreline that, in truth, was flattering for the visitors that night – but the supporters felt the love much more on post-split Saturday after this fighting comeback success.
Jenkins required just nine minutes to shoot Stephen Gourley’s charges into the lead, but that proved as good as it got for the east Belfast side as a second-half fightback inspired by a Ben Cushnie free-kick special, a powerful Lewis Francis header and a Ben Arthurs classic roared Bangor to all three points this time around.
Feeney took responsibility for that defeat and pledged to carry on board the lessons learned as a direct brand of football failed to yield the desired reward, with the Yellows returning to deploy a fresh style that made a difference this time.
“It was a big win for us, and I was really pleased with the way we went about ourselves in the end. I took responsibility, and I told the players that, I took responsibility for when we got beat in February and that we would come back here having learned lessons.
“I learned a lot as a manager that night, and that has been the way it’s been at times, either you win or you learn, and you keep learning. We played direct and long from that back that night, but I set us up for this game to play the ball on the ground more and every player worked hard to execute the game plan the way they did and play some of the football we did.
“It’s a tough game here, but I was feeling confident on the back of that experience and the win last week that the players would have taken lessons on board coming back here, and I felt we produced a really good performance.
“Tactically, I think we got it spot on, and I felt the players executed the game plan superbly. I felt defensively, with young Jenkins, I know he scored, but I felt we did a good job and marshalled him well, we kept track of his movements and we knew he’d be a threat.
“I felt we were a wee bit were unlucky to be behind, we had a few moments in the first half where we were unlucky, but in the second half, I felt we were outstanding.
“We controlled the play, we got our foot on the ball, we were creating chances and getting into dangerous areas, we had dangerous territory in the final third and we capitalised in the end for a really important win.”
Reflecting on the turbulent sequence of results that preceded Saturday and the previous weekend’s dominant 3-0 home triumph over Dundela’s local rivals H&W Welders, Feeney reiterated his confidence in his squad and insists he knew they would turn the tables.
A trio of defeats to Portadown (twice) and Institute could have stunted Bangor’s momentum but that is not in the nature of this squad, who hit back with a vengeance in successive duels to set themselves up perfectly for facing Institute and Annagh United in their final couple.
Praising the standard of football on Wilgar Park’s oft-discussed compact playing surface, the Clandeboye chief says setbacks are par for the course and is pleased his squad have hit the high notes once again.
“At this stage of the season, it is about getting the three points, and we have been unlucky recently, but the performances have been really, really good. We have been playing really, really, really well. Apart from, you know, the Portadown game (3-0 defeat at Clandeboye Park on Easter Tuesday), we were playing really well and just not getting the results, not getting the rub of the green.
“But we have great characters at this club, the character’s always been there ever since I first came in, and I’ve said to the players that it’s just football, and football throws up these types of setbacks that you’ve got to try and put right.
“Now, we’ve got two victories, two convincing victories in my opinion, and it’s now a wee bit of momentum for us to push on and go into Institute. People say you can’t play football at Dundela, they make it tough, the pitch is too small, it’s compact, some of the football we played on Saturday was outstanding.
“I’m proud of every player for that; every player had a part to play in that, getting from back to front to create chances and create spaces and find spaces on the pitch, and I thought the subs came on and came into that really well as well.
“No one at this club doubts the character of the boys, I never have any doubt and you can see why.”
(Posted: Monday, 15th April 2024)
A storming second-half performance at Wilgar Park on Saturday showed that Bangor’s intent to end the season strong and vie for a promotion place is burning bright as ever, as the away side came from behind to take all three points against Dundela. Trailing at the interval after Jordan Jenkins blasted the Duns into the lead with less than 10 minutes on the clock in east Belfast, the Seasiders clicked into gear at a venue they lost 3-2 at in the middle of February and converted three unanswered finishes during the second period to wrap up a priceless victory.
Jenkins’ fellow Glentoran loanee Ben Cushnie laid the foundations for the fightback when he slotted in a brilliant low free-kick past home shot-stopper Lewis Hunter on 53 minutes – and after notching up his fifth goal of an injury-disrupted season, defender Lewis Francis racked up his 10th and shot Bangor into the lead for the first time having headed home new CBSC Player of the Month Tiarnan Mulvenna’s corner.
The cherry on top that propped up the Yellows to 66 points and second-place in the Playr-Fit Championship table was applied by Ben Arthurs, who raced behind the Dundela defence and beat Hunter for the third goal of the afternoon and his 25th of the campaign.
While the title is all in Portadown’s hands – they are four points clear at the top and know victory over the Duns at Shamrock Park next Saturday will win them the league any which way – the same can now be said of Bangor’s chances of the promotion play-off, with visits to fourth-placed Institute (April 20) and fifth-positioned Annagh United (April 26) to come in the last two scheduled outings.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, H.Beverland, L.Francis, S.Foster(G.Beattie), L.Harrison(J.Hughes), T.Mulvenna, B.Cushnie(A,Neale), S.McArthur(M.Bradley), B.Arthurs, T.Mathieson.
Subs: M.Orbinson, D.Hume, M.Halliday
NEXT MATCH:
SATURDAY, 20th April 2024 - INSTITUTE v BANGOR, Championship, Brandywell, 3:00PM
(Posted: Sunday, 14th April 2024)
Scott McArthur is expecting Bangor to be pushed hard by a Dundela outfit who can’t go up but are still chasing title glory.
The Seasiders’ next assignment in the Playr-Fit Championship sees them bound for Wilgar Park to take on the Duns having despatched of their east Belfast rivals Harland and Wolff Welders at Clandeboye Park last week.
In-form attacking midfielder McArthur, who bagged a brace in the 3-0 win in a blustery but sun-drenched affair, says the squad is keen to make amends following the 3-2 defeat there in mid-February when Glentoran loanee Jordan Jenkins’ hat-trick fired Stephen Gourley’s men to the three points.
In fact, the 24-year-old is hungry for victories over Institute and Annagh United afterwards, too, but his focus is firmly planted on beating a side whose narrow pitch may be the reason why they can’t achieve promotion but who have used it to their advantage to defeat rivals.
“The last game against Dundela, it was very difficult.
“You know, the pitch suits them very well, but even when we were behind there, but I think when we got a goal back, we maybe could’ve deserved to sneak a draw at the end of it.
“But I seen they got beat today (4-3 at home to Institute), so they’re going to be wanting – or needing – to get a win if they want to stay in the title race.
“So, you know, it’s going to be a really tough game, but we’re hoping we can get nine points here in the last three games and then, you know, see where that takes us.
“If that’s to win the league or finish second, you know, we’ll be happy with the play-off spot.”
(Posted: Friday, 12th April 2024)
Saturday, April 13 – Dundela vs Bangor, Playr-Fit Championship, Wilgar Park, 3pm
Following a run of three straight home outings, Bangor now stare into a trio of away days to close out the campaign, beginning with their short trip to Wilgar Park this Saturday to face Dundela.
A venue the Seasiders tasted defeat at in mid-February, with Ben Arthurs’ brace usurped as it was by Jordan Jenkins’ hat-trick in a 3-2 victory for the hosts, Lee Feeney and his men are fired up to answer back following that reversal and set themselves on a front footing going into trips to the Brandywell and BMG Arena where Institute and Annagh United respectively lie in wait.
Having returned to winning ways in the final scheduled home match of the season last time out, proving too hot to handle for Harland and Wolff Welders on a warm spring’s day when Scott McArthur’s brace and a cool Arthurs finish secured the maximum spoils at Clandeboye Park, those in yellow and blue will be determined to continue their winning groove in east Belfast and keep applying the heat – just six points separate the top five, with Bangor fourth among that contingent and four off the top.
Previous outings against the Duns in addition to that rearranged trip on February 13 include a 3-0 triumph at Clandeboye back in January, with McArthur, Lewis Francis and Adam Neale on target, while August saw a Lee Rea brace hand Stephen Gourley’s side the full spoils in a 2-1 defeat for Bangor that Ben Arthurs converted in. This match is high-stakes and should have the bumper crowd to reflect the occasion.
(Posted: Thursday, 11th April 2024)
Experienced defender Howard Beverland has offered an interesting insight into how he has settled in since joining Bangor in January and his expectations of himself and the impact he could have on the team.
The 34-year-old centre-back, who was an Irish Cup and County Antrim Shield winner as well as Irish League champion with Crusaders, has seen all that there is to see in a distinguished career in the domestic game that also includes two stints with Coleraine and spells playing for Portadown and Ballyclare Comrades.
Beverland linked up at Clandeboye Park from the latter and admits he demanded of himself that he get down to business as quickly as possible, with the culture and atmosphere at Lee Feeney’s outfit helping him settle speedily and cement a spot in the starting side early doors.
You can sense the Ballymoney native’s winning mentality when he speaks and his desire to help bring success to the seaside, and having recently returned to fitness from a hamstring injury, the prospect of challenging for promotion and competing in big games in the split is right up his alley as the squad aims to make one big final push.
“I came in here and I kind of expect myself at this stage of my career to come in and hit the ground running because I’m an experienced player.I wouldn’t personally have felt I’d need two or three weeks to kind of get going.
“I was keen to get going and sort of hit the ground, and that’s what I’ve done, to be fair. That’s been helped by the culture, the atmosphere throughout the club and the togetherness, to be honest; it’s a really enjoyable club to sign for and to step into.
“Most importantly, we have something to play for at this stage of the season because that’s what it’s all about, you know, at this stage, you want to be in the top half, you want to be going into those big games where you put yourself out of your comfort zone.
“You want to have the confidence to play in the big games, that’s something I’ve been used to a lot in my career as well, and hopefully, it’s something I can bring when it comes to those games here as well.
“Obviously, I’d a wee injury there for the last five or so weeks, probably just disrupted my momentum because I was in a really good place performance-wise within the team. The Ballyclare game (a 4-0 win at Clandeboye Park on February 23), my hamstring tears and then you’re working hard to get back again because you know it’s a crucial time.
“I worked hard, seen the physios and did my rehab and worked hard at that to get back in again to help the team.
“We’re in a really privileged place here to have a go and see where it takes us as well.”
(Posted: Tuesday, 9th April 2024)
Howard Beverland is feeling the love at Bangor and insists repaying the supporters’ faith by doing the hard work on the pitch is key to the club’s success in the present and future.
The centre-back turned in a commanding performance during the Seasiders’ 3-0 victory over Harland and Wolff Welders, with a dominant collective display warmly received by a rousing round of applause as the players and management walked off for the final scheduled home match at Clandeboye Park this season.
Irish League veteran Beverland, who linked up from fellow Playr-Fit Championship outfit Ballyclare Comrades in the January transfer window, took in the acclaim and was satisfied after helping the team bounce back from the 3-0 defeat to another of his former sides, Portadown, on Easter Tuesday.
A crowd well into the four-figure mark witnessed that reversal, leaving Lee Feeney and his charges desperate to correct a three-game losing streak, and they produced the goods at a sunny Clandeboye on Saturday to return to winning ways.
“Reading there as well, on Tuesday, there were 1,200 or so for the third time this season? That atmosphere, that’s great for the players to play in as well,” Beverland said. Brilliant (to be clapped off), and not only that; that rubs off on the players, too.
“You know, you feel the enthusiasm of the support from the fans as well, and they sense that we’re giving everything on the pitch for them. That’s what it has to be to make the best home atmosphere and the best clubs as well.
“So, it’s definitely happening, and we were keen today to put in a more… a performance more like us probably from Tuesday against Portadown, you know, we were disappointed.
“It’s disappointing to concede three goals against any team, you know, it doesn’t happen very often, so hopefully, we came out today and we were a bit more like ourselves in a way.
“We did good preparation during the week, we were in training to put things right, to review a few things, to look at things, see what went well, what didn’t go so well, and I think that paid off.
“And credit to the backroom staff and all for the hard work they put in to get us right today, and the boys took the game plan, actioned it and we came out with a really, really good win and a clean sheet.”
On that note, clean sheets are something Bangor have taken pride in of late, with a record-breaking 24 in last season’s double-winning crusade followed up by a commendable 11 so far in their first campaign back in the second-tier.
Add a Scott McArthur brace that sandwiched Ben Arthurs’ 24th of the campaign overall, and you have about as close to a perfect day as Feeney and his staff could have envisioned from the dugout.
Former Crusaders and Coleraine stalwart Beverland, who celebrated his 34th birthday at the end of last month, understands that feeling and tips the nature of the weekend’s success to inspire a strong end to 2023/24’s events.
With the Championship’s top two, leaders Portadown and second-placed Dundela, beaten at home by Annagh United and Institute respectively, just six points now separate the top five, and the defender reckons it is all to play for now.
“It’s huge, and that was really pleasing today, getting the clean sheet in. You know, you bounce back with a win, and you never know where it takes you; you look at results today and all of a sudden, it was kind of doom and gloom on Tuesday, and then after today, you’re feeling your way back into it in a way.
“So, yeah, long way to go, especially when it’s the split. You’re playing against the best teams and there’ll be points dropped, and that’s what’s happened today elsewhere.”
On the aspect of capitalising on mistakes for the goals, as was the case with both McArthur’s finishes, Beverland adds: “Massively, and I think, you know, we’re capitalising… we played against the wind there in the first half.
“And I think the way we controlled the game for near enough 90 minutes, I don’t know if they recorded a shot, which is credit to the boys. Those conditions today were as bad a wind during a game I’ve ever played in before, and we kind of managed the game into the wind, against the wind.
“The boys kept their shape, we kept the line high, we caught them offside today many times, and a really composed performance.”
Beverland also felt the bench made a difference, with five substitutes called upon in the second half to ensure Bangor didn’t get blown away amid the strong winds he refers to.
“It was really good across 90, you know, we have a bench that the manager can turn to and he did today,”
“I think maybe four or five players came on, and I think all of them impacted the game really well. That’s the way it’s got to be, if you want to be one of the best teams that’s competing to get promotion at that end of the table, you’ve got to have hungry subs.
“You know, subs can sometimes be the most important people because they’re the ones that need to be ready to be called on after five minutes or 55, and I thought they all did it today when they came on and impacted the game. It was really pleasing.”
(Posted: Monday, 8th April 2024)
Two-goal Scott McArthur believes the nature of his goals in Bangor’s handsome victory over Harland and Wolff Welders on Saturday was a much-needed rub of the green after a recent difficult stretch.
The local lad, who now has 14 goals in the yellow and blue shirt this season, struck a decisive double either side of half-time in the 3-0 win at a sun-drenched Clandeboye Park, with both his openings popping up as a result of lapses in the Welders backline.
McArthur’s brace sandwiched Ben Arthurs’ well-placed finish at goalkeeper Jack Mills’ near post eight minutes from the end of the first period, and the attacking midfielder believed it was a result that reflected a fine performance across both halves that ends a run of three successive defeats over the past couple of weeks.
There were strong gusts that threatened to sway Bangor’s focus at times, but the players remained planted to the ground and saw out a clean sheet – their 11th of the campaign.
“Delighted for the two goals. I think we haven’t had that luck recently, sort of we’ve maybe made mistakes where other teams have scored so, yeah, to pounce on that, you know, set us up for the win.
“I thought the first half, we were unbelievable. Created loads of chances, probably should’ve went in maybe four or five up. We were actually playing against the wind (in the first half), but I think we played better that way.
“Second half, you know, we got that early goal and, you know, when you go 3-0 up so early, maybe a bit of concentration goes, but we were able to keep the heads.
“Obviously, they put on all their attackers and went for it, but we were able to keep a clean sheet, which is important again.”
Despite recent reversals home and away to Portadown and against Institute at Clandeboye, McArthur insisted the players’ belief in their ability to turn things around never dipped.
The 3-0 loss to the Ports on Easter Tuesday was a match where Bangor were firmly second-best, but the heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to the same opponents at Shamrock Park had a fine display to go with it and the 1-0 reverse against ‘Stute was one where the Seasiders battled. McArthur reflected: “The three games, the three defeats there, we had the confidence, and I actually thought Portadown away, we were very good.
“And then Institute at home, I thought we were very good as well. I thought the game against Portadown there at home, I think that was maybe a one-off this season where we were miles off it, didn’t really create anything.
“But, you know, it’s good to get a few goals today, and to keep the clean sheet is really important for us going into the last few games.
“It’s important because you keep clean sheets and you don’t lose games, and it’s good that, you know, I think that was me and Ben had gone maybe three or four games without scoring there, so it’s good that we’ve got back on the scoresheet.
“You know, we’re confident here ahead of Dundela away.”
(Posted: Sunday, 7th April 2024)
Bangor brought an end to their three-game losing slump in convincing style after recording a largely dominant 3-0 win over Harland and Wolff Welders in the last scheduled home outing of the 2023/24 Playr-Fit Championship season.
The victory cements an unbeaten record against the east Belfast side this campaign, with a pair of successes and two draws from the four encounters, and this outcome at a sunny but blustery Clandeboye Park proved one of the Seasiders’ best performances since achieving promotion into the second-tier last year.
The hosts broke the deadlock shortly after the half-hour mark, with some short build-up from the back by the Welders going awry and allowing Scott McArthur to capitalise. The attacking midfielder was placed one-on-one with visiting goalkeeper Jack Mills and was clinically incisive to slot low and open the scoring.
With that finish coming on 31 minutes, only six more were needed to double the advantage. In a back-to-front move that culminated in a fine pass by Tiarnan Mulvenna with the outside of his boot which slipped in the onrushing Ben Arthurs, the big striker showed fine footwork to cut inside the Welders defender and fire in at Mills’ near post to cap off a fantastic piece of counter-attacking and net his 24th of the season across all competitions.
There was some confusion surrounding the Seasiders’ third when the linesman had his flag raised for offside – against Arthurs – but McArthur was on the defensive blindside and very much onside, pouncing and blasting in at the Wall End for his 14th this term having latched onto an opportunistic ball in behind. Referee Ryan Hanna consulted with his assistant, who clarified the situation, and pointed to the centre circle to signal that the goal did, indeed, stand to extend the initiative.
Lee Feeney’s men, who faced a Welders side that featured former fan favourite midfielder Dylan O’Kane from the start, didn’t experience too much trouble after and weathered the gusty conditions to wrap up a slick three points.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, L.Francis, C.McDermott(S.Foster), H.Beverland, B.Walker(T.Mathieson), L.Harrison(M.Bradley), T.Mulvenna, B.Cushnie(J.Hughes), S.McArthur(M.Halliday), B.Arthurs.
Subs: M.Orbinson, D.Hume
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 13th April 2024 - DUNDELA v BANGOR, Championship, Wilgar Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 6th April 2024)
Friday, April 5 – Knockbreda Reserves vs Bangor Reserves, Championship/PIL Development League, Breda Park, 8pm
Bangor Reserves face a Friday night examination this weekend when they visit Breda Park to take on Knockbreda Reserves, hopeful of recording their first victory since the thumping 7-0 success away to Newington at the end of February.
Having endured a winless March that saw them lose four on the spin before last Saturday’s clash with Warrenpoint Town was a late postponement – the ‘Point were unable to field a team and so the fixture did not proceed – David Downes and his charges are due a bit of feelgood spirit, and that is exactly what the second-string boss will be hoping for against the team that sit third from bottom in the league.
Knockbreda are likewise hungry for a return to winning ways having not won any of their last six outings, but their most recent affairs have tended to be close-run. They drew 3-3 at home to Institute a fortnight ago and ran in-form duo Queen’s University and Portadown close, losing 4-2 and 2-1 respectively, so Bangor must maintain steely determination to pick up all the reward on offer here.
Indeed, it was only by a solitary goal that the Yellows won this match just before Christmas, with Charley Craig scoring the winner just before half-time, but the players will be especially fired up to answer back and keep their hopes of title glory alive. Currently sat five points behind league leaders Harland and Wolff Welders, who have played a game fewer, wins are of the essence and Bangor will be fighting hard to tag another one onto the tally on Friday.
(Posted: Friday, 5th April 2024)
Saturday, April 6 – Bangor vs Harland and Wolff Welders, Playr-Fit Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3pm
It’s the last scheduled home game of the season in the Playr-Fit Championship for Bangor this weekend and, after a run of three successive defeats, the players could hardly be any more keen to give the Clandeboye faithful cause for cheer.
The Seasiders play host to Harland and Wolff Welders this Saturday on the back of a streak of losses in need of correcting – home and away reversals at the hands of Portadown have sandwiched a slender defeat to Institute in the previous trio – and the determination out on the park to return to winning ways is expected to be tangible against the division’s current sixth-placed side.
Having drawn twice with Paul Kee’s Welders before substitute Adam Neale bagged a winner at Blanchflower Park in the third encounter, Bangor have enjoyed a good record against the opponents on Saturday – former Seasiders Jamie Glover and Dylan O’Kane are part of their panel these days – but every game will pose fresh challenges and the prior encounters will not count for much when the ball is set rolling.
The Welders are 10 points behind Bangor with a couple of games in hand, too, so they will harbour outside hopes of qualifying for the promotion play-off and know that wrapping up victory here will be essential to that aim. For that reason, Lee Feeney’s charges know they can’t let their guard drop given, in a quirk of this season’s league and how Dundela cannot be promoted, they are actually two points closer to the play-off than they were before kick-off on Tuesday. That’s still very much a live hope for the Seasiders, and a win surely boosts their ambitions here.
(Posted: Friday, 5th April 2024)
Bangor assistant boss John Douglas has urged the supporters to wrap around the players for the last scheduled match at Clandeboye Park in the 2023/24 Playr-Fit Championship season.
The Seasiders are bidding to bounce back off the ropes following three successive defeats on Saturday when they entertain Harland and Wolff Welders and, ahead of kick-off, Douglas has rallied everyone associated with the club to do themselves proud and those on the pitch to reproduce the commitment and passion that has encapsulated this second-tier campaign.
As he approaches four full years in the role working alongside first-team manager Lee Feeney, Douglas has hailed the spirit shown throughout a club where “we’re all in this together” and pointed out just how determined the players are to deliver for the fans.
He believes the family feel around Bangor and the desire on the part of the players to do their people proud inspire a bright future going forward and insists that in the push for a promotion play-off place – an overachievement in its own right compared to expectations from the start of this term – those on the pitch will thrive with the faithful backing them up.
(Posted: Wednesday, 3rd April 2024)
Bangor assistant manager John Douglas reflected honestly on a disappointing day for the Seasiders at Clandeboye Park and admits Portadown ran away deserved winners in their penultimate scheduled home match of the season.
Niall Currie’s Ports netted three second-half strikes to rubber-stamp a 3-0 victory which lifts them to the Playr-Fit Championship summit, seven points clear of their Easter Tuesday hosts with just four matches remaining, and Douglas felt the Co Armagh club were well worth the three points that means Bangor stay in fourth position.
The man who has served as Lee Feeney’s trusted No.2 for the past four years also felt that Portadown’s desire and commitment to winning first and second balls ultimately proved a pivotal factor and left the Yellows on the back foot for chunks of a game where the yellow and blue display that never really got going nor reflected the feelgood time of year.
He felt the result was fair but keenly stressed that it gives the North Down pride cause to produce a stirring reaction in their second pre-split outing this Saturday afternoon.
“To be honest with you, I thought we were second-best all over the park. I think we’ve had a lot of hard luck stories this season, draws and defeats where we played well enough to win the game and haven’t got our reward, but on this occasion, you know, definitely, the better side won. We’ve no queries about that.
"I thought every department, they were better than us, and it hurts me to say but I felt they wanted it more as well. They showed a bit more passion, a bit more desire than us; when there was a first ball, they were winning the first ball, the second ball, they won the second ball, and when you’re not winning the first and second balls, it’s going to be very hard for you to get anything from the game, and that was exactly the case.
“I didn’t think that we did the basics particularly well, I felt we were reactive rather than proactive, we were waiting for them to come at us and, again, when it’s like that, it’s very hard to get a foothold in the game.
“I’d say Portadown controlled key areas of the game, and it was from winning those first and second balls that they were able to do that and they were able to put pressure on us. I know results are key but I look at performance levels first and foremost, and we just never got started in the game. The better team won, it was as simple as that, and credit to them in the end, they showed the heart and desire to deserve to win the game.
“In pre-season, people looked at Portadown as favourites to win the Championship and they brought in a lot of talented players to make that happen, and on Tuesday night, I think that was probably the Portadown that people more or less expected to see from the start of the season, and maybe they have clicked into gear. They’re a high-quality side, and when you’re facing up to that sort of quality, you have to match that. I thought we were second-best throughout and reacted more than proacted.
“I said to the players after about that passion and desire, and they’ve shown that all season and they’ve rightly been praised for that, but Portadown wanted it more and they’ve come and ultimately deserved the three points here.”
Douglas added that Portadown’s quality, which shone through in the form of an Eamon Fyfe brace either side of Dougie Wilson’s rasping volley just before the hour, called for more and branded the display a “learning curve” going forward that Bangor can reap rewards from. Singling out impressive Coleraine loanee Conor McDermott for plaudits, with the 26-year-old right wing-back slotting into midfield after fellow January arrival Tiarnan Mulvenna was a late pull-out of the line-up due to an injury in warm-up, Douglas felt the bar wasn’t really raised across the board for a match that demanded it.
“I think, and this is me being brutally honest, we’ve needed players delivering eights, nines, 10s out of 10 every week to be where we are and get the results we have. Against Portadown, the only player I would say who played to the best of their capabilities was probably Conor McDermott, the rest I felt weren’t at their best, and the reality is that we needed more eights, nines and 10s in a game of this magnitude.
“Competing with teams at this level, the likes of your Portadowns who have the players that they have, it’s going to take everything to get a result against them, and we’d too many out there, I thought, who probably didn’t play to the best of their capabilities, and we ended up being punished for that.
“We don’t have much margin for error being up at the top end and, as I say, facing up against quality opposition, your Portadowns, Dundelas, Institutes, as a newly promoted team in the league this season, we’ve needed to deliver to the best of our ability to get to that position. When you’re not at that level and the other team has the quality and the determination on the day, it’s going to be a tough day, and that game there was a big learning curve for us. A big learning curve.
“They’re a team with great quality and great depth, a lot of players who are experienced at the senior level and lots of Premiership and Championship experience, and you take a look at their bench as well, it’s got the same level of quality. That’s not something we have as much of, the experience at this level of the game, and this season has been about learning, and we’ve been learning along the way, learning more and more about ourselves and what it takes to win at this level. We’ve some players who’ve never played at this level consistently before and they’re learning more about it as well.
“Portadown have more of that experience in their squad and I think that showed a bit here. I’m a believer that you win as a team and you lose as a team, and we weren’t good enough collectively to get something, we had to be on top of our game. That’s three defeats in a row now, isn’t it? We’ve gone from a run of winning games 5-0, 4-0, 4-0 to stepping into a tough run of games that we’ve not been as flowing in, where we’ve played top, top opposition and not got anything from.
“To be in the position we’re in, and I know that we set the bar high in pre-season, but where we’re in a position where we’re in the conversation for potentially being promoted out of this league, it’s been a credit to the players who’ve gone out and performed as consistently as we had been to go on a long unbeaten run and that run in the league over the last few months where we’ve got ourselves into where we are now. They’re a great squad, great characters and we’ve never doubted their commitment.
“Now, we’ve got to work on getting that consistency back, and it’s as simple as getting back on the training pitch and working hard to take on this run of games, the final run-in. Our season’s not done, make no mistake about that. We’re far from done, we’re still fighting for that play-off position and we want to have a strong end to have a chance of playing in that. And we’ve seen how unpredictable this league can be, so we need to be prepared to capitalise when the chance comes along to make up ground and go for the play-off.
“It’s a learning curve, and if we approach that and look back on that in the right way and we come out with the right mentality, I have no doubt we’ll come out better on the other side and be a better team for it.”
Spring is a season for blooming rather than wilting, and that is exactly what Douglas will be challenging his players to do when they take on the four remaining games of the post-split.
He wants the players to stand up and be counted, starting with this weekend’s home clash with Harland and Wolff Welders, and believes the characters in the dressing room have the resolve required to start firing again in the season climax.
“You could hear a pin drop in the changing room after, the players were hurting and they know when they’ve not performed as well as they’re capable of.
“They don’t need Lee or me or Deano (Dean Gordon) or Michael (McClelland) to tell them, they know where they’ve fallen short and they know in their heads how they’ll put it right.
“That’s one reason why it is a great dressing room to be involved in, the players are never saying afterwards that this didn’t work in the game or that didn’t work in the game. They already know and they’ll work hard to put it right.
“We’ve all a choice to make here for the final four games of the season. Do we curl up and let the season fizzle out, or do we stand up and go and be counted in the final four games and show what we’re capable of?
“I know the players will go into training fired up and determined to give a reaction, there’s absolutely no doubt in my mind, and we’re looking ahead to what’s going to be another tough, tough game at home against the Welders and then three games away from home.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 3rd April 2024)
It proved an Easter Tuesday to forget for Bangor as Lee Feeney’s side suffered a third straight defeat in the Playr-Fit Championship – 3-0 at home to Portadown – to commence their post-split schedule.
A goalless first half was followed by a second period in which Niall Currie’s Ports claimed the game by the scruff of the neck, with Eamon Fyfe the tormentor-in-chief during that spell. Indeed, less than one minute after the restart, the Coleraine loanee capitalised ruthlessly on a slip in defence by Reece Neale before slotting the ball beyond the onrushing James Taylor to break the deadlock for the visitors.
On 50 minutes, Fyfe contrived to somehow spurn the ball wide from Ryan Mayse’s late lay-off with an open goal to aim for – a miss that you really would have had to see to believe – however the reprieve was brief for Bangor. Seven minutes later, former Ballymena United defender Dougie Wilson rifled an unstoppable shot on the volley into the roof of the Wall End net that doubled Portadown’s advantage.
Ben Arthurs almost halved the deficit having crashed a low attempt off the base of the post, but the next goal was again to arrive at the opposite end and again through ex-Dundela forward Fyfe, who’s hit the target four times against the Yellows this term and who poked low into the bottom right corner on the stroke of added-time that ultimately signed and sealed the three points for the Co Armagh men, who are now seven points ahead of Bangor at the summit.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, H.Beverland(G.Beattie), L.Francis, S.Foster, L.Harrison(B.Walker), M.Bradley(D.Hume), T.Mathieson(B.Cushnie), S.McArthur(M.Halliday), B.Arthurs, C.McDermott.
Subs: M.Orbinson, J.Hughes
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 6th April 2024, BANGOR v H&W WELDERS, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Tuesday, 2nd April 2024)
Tuesday, April 2 – Bangor vs Portadown, Playr-Fit Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7.45pm
Bangor begin their post-split on home soil this Easter Tuesday, with Portadown visiting Clandeboye Park in what is the fifth and final meeting between the sides this campaign.
The Ports, in second, have two wins having recorded two 2-1 victories at Shamrock Park – Zach Barr’s double in the Irish Cup was followed by a last-gasp Kenny Kane gut punch 11 days previous to this encounter – with the Seasiders having added a 2-2 draw at home to August’s 1-0 triumph on the road thanks to Scott McArthur’s sublime solo finish that day.
Should the hosts bid to stay on the coattails of those leading the pack, namely Portadown – who are four points better off going into this duel – and league leaders Dundela, who won’t be able to go up but are still chasing the Playr-Fit Championship title, then a win would likely be vital both for picking up a precious three points for the season tally after successive losses and showing the likes of Niall Currie’s men that the Yellows’ flame hasn’t burnt out just yet.
Lee Feeney and his charges will enter this rapturous nighttime encounter with hunger, and in the wake of a 1-0 defeat to Institute last time out when captain Mikhail Kennedy’s header 62 minutes in made all the difference, Bangor will hope that this holiday evening can kick off a barnstorming run-in that would do the fans proud for the backing that has been afforded throughout this term. With this also being the penultimate home league game of the split and final floodlit duel involving the Seasiders at Clandeboye in 2023/24 – pending, of course, any potential play-off – the players will be keen to produce their best selves for this battle.
Bangor assistant coach Dean Gordon has rallied the players to produce a big finish that befits their status as the “best team” in the Playr-Fit Championship this season.
The Seasiders tackle Portadown at Clandeboye Park in the first of the final five on Easter Tuesday hopeful of marking their return to winning ways following successive defeats to Institute last Wednesday and the Ports the previous Friday. Now, the current fourth-placed occupiers have the chance for swift revenge on the latter and, speaking after the 1-0 home reversal to Stute in which Mikhail Kennedy headed the winner in just after the hour mark, Gordon insists his players will be going all out to give Bangor supporters cause for cheer in the run-in.
He explained:
“We just keep going the way we’ve been going and just take one game at a time now. We’re good enough, we are good enough to go and win every game. Every game in this split, we’re good enough to go and win.
“There’s not one team in this league that we can say is better than us, and we’re not going to blow the players up and say that, but I strongly believe from a personal perspective that we’re the best team in the league.
“They (the players) believe that, and we’ve just got to show that for the last five games and give the supporters something they deserve.
“Starting off in the season, we were expected to be where we are now? We’re probably exceeding expectations, and we’ve grown as the season’s gone on, we’ve just grown from strength to strength.
“The character of the dressing room and the support we get is just, it’s second to none, it’s fantastic.”
(Posted: Monday, 1st April 2024)
Michael Halliday has agreed a new 2 year professional contract with Bangor Football Club.
The 44 year old striker joined the Seasiders in 2018 and has scored 40 goals for the club. Michael's new contract will see him through to the end of the 2025/26 season, with an option to extend even further.
Michael said:
"I am delighted to commit my future to Bangor Football Club. I might be the club's oldest ever player, but I still feel that I've got the legs to compete at this level and higher for at least another two season.
"Right now, I feel like i could keep on playing until I am 50. I still have a lot to offer the club both on and off the field.
"If truth be told, Ben Arthurs actually wanted my signing to be a condition of his recent contract renewal, but I wanted to wait and see."
(Posted: Monday, 1st April 2024)
Today's Bangor Reserves game against Warrenpoint Town Reserves was called off, with Warrenpoint unable to field a full team.
(Posted: Saturday, 30th March 2024)
Saturday, March 30 – Bangor Reserves vs Warrenpoint Town, Championship/PIL Development League, Clandeboye Park, 11am
Bangor Reserves bring the curtain down on a rather downbeat March at Clandeboye Park this Saturday morning when they entertain Warrenpoint Town Reserves.
Having hit the ropes after a run of four consecutive defeats to Dundela (2-0), Portadown (3-2), Queen’s University and Harland and Wolff Welders (both 3-1) this month, the Seasiders are determined to bounce back fighting and clinch victory by hook or by crook against the ‘Point, who are 10th-placed in the Championship/PIL Development League and themselves are entering this clash on the back of a three-game losing streak.
Purely for rebuilding momentum and knowing now that they are two points off the league-leading Welders, whose comeback victory at Blanchflower Park last weekend ensured they leapfrogged their opponents into top spot with a couple of games in hand, David Downes’ young Yellows are on the back foot really for the first time this whole campaign and know that they must stay on the coattails of those around them to maintain hopes of hitting their title stride once more with just five games to go.
Charley Craig’s first-half penalty had sent Bangor into the lead and their performance during the opening 45 minutes was deserving of the advantage at the interval, and it was a similar story when Jack McCosh bulleted home a header that had the Seagulls ahead at the break against Queen’s the previous week, but delivering for the full 90 and not dropping their guard is what must be done should those in yellow and blue bid to sustain their momentum right until the dying embers.
(Posted: Friday, 29th March 2024)
Bangor duo Seanna Foster and Ben Cushnie both felt the Seasiders were slightly hard done by in their defeat to Institute at Clandeboye Park in the final outing before the split, though both insist the hard work hasn’t stopped and they will be pushing for a reaction as soon as possible. Having ended the traditional set of 33 fixtures in fourth-place, Lee Feeney’s men now know they will entertain Portadown in the first of the final five on Easter Tuesday when they will bid to end a mini-blip of two successive defeats in the Playr-Fit Championship.
The Ports’ last-gasp winner over Bangor at Shamrock Park had those in yellow and blue very hungry to respond in this one, but Mikhail Kennedy’s close-range header just after the hour mark proved the difference and saw Kevin Deery’s Stute leap above their hosts into third. Foster felt his side were good value for at least something from the contest and believes it was as good a performance “for 90 minutes” as the Seasiders have given in some time.
Foster, who was making his first start for the senior side in four months having undergone knee surgery around the turn of the year, is relishing the chance to make amends. The Cliftonville loanee (27), who has notched up almost 60 first-team appearances since first linking up with Bangor at the start of the 2022/23 campaign, reckons a turning point is close and is looking forward to seeing what the team can still achieve.“Yeah, you seen the football we played throughout the game and we played them completely off the park. There’s been times this season when we’ve got three points playing scrappy football… you know, that’s probably the first time we’ve performed for 90 minutes.
“And then you see the reaction in the changing room, the boys are completely disappointed. We’re not going in arguing with each other, which shows a sign of a good side, and you know you’re going to get a reaction from us because we’ve done it all year.”
“That’s the thing with football. There’s always a game the next week, or there’s always a way to make amends. And, with the two teams that’s given us a bad reaction in the last week, you know, the tables will turn.
“We’ve to play them again, and hopefully, it’s us coming out on top next time.”
Cushnie has also had injury turbulence to overcome this term and was introduced as a sub in this one when he replaced midfielder Marty Bradley, with the forward targeting a clean run of match fitness for what’s left of this term.
“Yeah, just, my ankle flared up after the Ballinamallard game, so it’s just about building my fitness back up and getting back in the starting 11 hopefully next week,” he explained. On the game itself, the 22-year-old continues:
“I think Seanna said it, I think we were the better team I’d say for the 90 minutes, really. I think some decisions aren’t going our way, some more obvious than others, but at the end of the day, you can’t blame it all on decisions.
“I thought over 90 minutes, we were the better team, we were a bit unlucky.”
On the disallowed goal, Cushnie said:
“I don’t know, I think he (the referee) said that it was something to do with the follow-through from Tom’s (Mathieson) tackle, but I was standing right in front of it and he took all the ball.”
Foster also believes that lessons will be learned going forward and praised the relationships and responsibility within the team that have underpinned Bangor’s success in 2023/24.
“You know, they were going to get chances and they’ve scored, and the team’s going to learn from it, we’re never going to give chances like that away again. The team’s building a lot of maturity and we’re building relationships across the back and the midfield.
“It’s taken time, there’s been a lot of changes, a lot of changes in personnel, a lot of injuries which affect things. You know, it just shows that whenever someone drops out and someone steps in, everyone knows their roles, everyone knows their responsibilities and knows their jobs for the team.”
Sometimes you don’t always get what you deserve in football, and that was the view taken by Bangor assistant coach Dean Gordon in the aftermath of the 1-0 home loss to Institute on Wednesday night.
In the Seasiders’ final pre-split outing, a solitary Mikhail Kennedy header proved difference-making on 62 minutes as the ex-Crusaders hitman bulleted a header from Daniel Lafferty’s free-kick supply past James Taylor and ultimately secured three points for the Foylesiders.
It also meant Stute leapfrogged their hosts into third-place, meaning that Bangor will begin their Playr-Fit Championship post-split run-in with a mouthwatering battle with Portadown at Clandeboye Park on Easter Tuesday. Gordon, who shed light on the regroup following last Friday’s last-gasp 2-1 reversal at the hands of the Ports that has now been made successive defeats for the first time since late October, is optimistic going into the final five and insists when Bangor clicked into gear, it made for some fine viewing at times. He also opined that Ben Arthurs’ would-be leveller merely 10 minutes from time that was chalked off after an adjudged foul on Stute stopper Gareth Muldoon should’ve stood, but he is not one to dwell and believes the Yellows will save their best for last.
“Obviously, coming off the back of the Portadown game, we’d regrouped, we knew exactly what Institute was going to come in with tonight and they were going to put the three lines of defence up as such and it was going to be hard to break down.
“First 20 minutes or so, we probably did struggle to break them down, but then we got into the flow of things, and then for 20 or 25 minutes, I thought we came in, first half, on top of the game. I felt we were creating more chances than what they were creating in the game, and we played some beautiful football at times, some really good football. Second half, we were confident enough to come out to believe that we were going to continue from where we were, and we did.
“The performances from the boys in there was superb tonight, you couldn’t fault a player. Every single player didn’t leave nothing out there, emptied the tanks. We’re beat by a single goal, it was a great delivery from Lafferty, and the man at the near post has scored a header. But again, don’t want to talk about referees, but Ben’s goal, I thought there was nothing wrong with it, I thought the keeper dropped it and spilt it. People say you create your own luck in football, but we just don’t seem to be getting the rub of it at the moment at critical times in the game, et cetera.
“So, we just regroup again, we go again. We still believe… there’s five games left, we win all five games, we’re still going to be in there. We’re a good side, the boys are gutted there in the dressing room as we are as management and staff, but we go again on Tuesday.”
Gordon praised the midfield’s application to the cause and sequences of play in the first half that did bring about some flowing moves that led to open-play chances. He also hailed the work-rate of the team as a whole and felt Bangor’s defensive organisation was also a highlight.
“I thought our midfield three, I thought Marty Bradley, Lewis Harrison and Tiarnan Mulvenna, first half, was outstanding in the middle there,” Gordon reflected.
“They were showing tenacity… Lee said it at half-time as well, when we’re in possession, the football we were playing, it was flowing, it was one, two-touch, it was triangles being played, it was people running off the ball.
“When we lost the ball back, there was tenacity to win it back, you could see the hunger to win the ball back so we could start playing again. So, you know, for me, first half, those three in the middle there, unfortunately we lost Marty Bradley with a bit of a calf strain early in the second half and Cush come on in that No.10 role.
“The only save James Taylor had to make was really, probably, 10 minutes to go, there was one down to his right-hand side and he got a big strong hand on it and cleared it. And then you could say, putting bodies on the line, the last five minutes, there was a mad goalmouth scramble, I think it was three or four challenges… they looked destined to score maybe a second goal as we were pushing for the equaliser.
“The boys just thrown themselves on the line to defend our goal, you know. Every player, every single player, you couldn’t criticise one of them, they gave everything tonight.”
(Posted: Thursday, 28th March 2024)
Bangor suffered a second consecutive loss in the Playr-Fit Championship on Wednesday night after a 1-0 defeat to fellow promotion chasers Institute, whose resolve in defence proved a source of frustration all night for Lee Feeney's hosts who slip below the Foylesiders into fourth for the split.
An opening of few chances threatened to spark into life when Reece Neale's delivery was marginally out of reach of Ben Arthurs on 16 minutes, with Institute stopper Gareth Muldoon stretching shrewdly to prevent any own goal scenario emerging at the Clandeboye Road end. At the other end, James Taylor just kept a looping delivery from crossing the goalline, but precious little in front of either goal emerged until Scott McArthur dragged wide of the left-hand post from Arthurs' layoff five minutes from the interval and Tom Mathieson sliced over from close range on the stroke.
A fantastic goal-saving clearance from the auxiliary centre-back Conor McDermott on the blow kept Bangor's lead intact with Mikhail Kennedy lurking as a cagey battle opened up late in the half, but Kennedy did open the scoring just after the hour mark when he flicked in from the near post from a free-kick scenario. Bangor sought to build up their rhythm yet again, with Tiarnan Mulvenna firing just over the bar from outside the area after a well-worked move involving a number of short interchanges.
Arthurs had a goal disallowed following a Reece Neale corner on 80 minutes, with a foul on the Stute goalkeeper adjudged despite extensive protestations from the stands, and Lewis Francis headed a Ben Cushnie cross over in added-time to compound what was a difficult night in front of goal for the Seasiders.
BANGOR TEAM
J.Taylor, R.Neale, L.Francis, C.McDermott, S.Foster(H.Beverland),T.Mathieson(M.Halliday), M.Bradley(B.Cushnie), T.Mulvenna, L.Harrison, B.Arthurs, S.McArthur.
Subs: M.Orbinson, A.Neale, M.Watterson
NEXT MATCH:
Tuesdsy, 2nd April 2024 - BANGOR v PORTADOWN, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Wednesday, 27th March 2024)
Bangor Central Primary School were crowned champions at this year’s Gerry Armstrong Cup at Clandeboye Park.
Nine primary schools from across North Down entered the tournament, which was held on Friday 22 March.
Bangor FC Community Liaison Officer Paul Cain said: “Congratulations to Central Primary school for winning the trophy and all the teams who took part. The quality of the football was excellent, and I hope all the young people enjoyed the event.
“As a community-based club, we organise the annual tournament to bring together local primary schools, so they can participate in sport and enjoy the experience of playing at Clandeboye Park with classmates and parents watching on.”
Teams involved in the competition included: Ballyholme, Ballymagee, Bangor Central, Kilmaine, Rathmore, St Comgall’s, St Malachy’s, St Patrick’s, Holywood and Towerview.
Paul continued: “Huge thanks to Chris Turner and his team at McDonald’s, Bangor for providing fruit and refreshments at the competition. Thanks also to volunteer Sam Gamble who organised the fixtures and co-ordinated the overall event.
“Special appreciation, however, must go to former Bangor FC and Northern Ireland footballing legend Gerry Armstrong for his continued support of the tournament. We’re already excited about the 2025 event.”
(Posted: Tuesday, 26th March 2024)
Wednesday, March 27 – Bangor vs Institute, Playr-Fit Championship, Clandeboye Park, 8pm
There’s merely one matchday remaining of Bangor’s pre-split schedule, with Institute visiting Clandeboye Park for a rare Wednesday night kick-off in a clash of third against fourth in the Playr-Fit Championship.
Lee Feeney’s Seasiders are intent on dusting themselves down after the agonising 2-1 defeat to Portadown last time out and, pending how the Ports do on Tuesday evening at home to a basement-dwelling but recently resurgent Knockbreda, could have second-place up for grabs if they better the Shamrock Park outfit’s result 24 hours earlier – but it won’t be easy against the only side they haven’t beaten in the league yet.
Stute, who first visited Clandeboye Park in early September when Lewis Francis’ 97th-minute headed equaliser cancelled out Kirk McLaughlin’s second-half opener, emerged victorious by inflicting the heaviest defeat of Bangor’s season upon them at the Brandywell – a 4-0 reversal in October when a hat-trick by substitute McLaughlin added to Shaun Leppard’s opener and compounded a bad day at the office for Lee Feeney’s men in the Maiden City.
And following the sucker punch that was Kenny Kane’s stoppage-time dagger on Friday, with the hosts leapfrogging their visitors in the standings as a result, the Yellows will be eager for a quick response that would build crucial momentum ahead of the five-game split. Kevin Deery’s Institute, who finished second-bottom last term, have also enjoyed an impressive campaign built on both quality and youth and will pose a stern test in what should prove a competitive and charged affair.
(Posted: Monday, 25th March 2024)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney admits the nature of Friday night’s defeat to Portadown was a “bitter pill to swallow”, but a hearty display in defeat has inspired his belief that his players will be all the better for it going forward.
After Kenny Kane’s stoppage-time winner for the Ports at Shamrock Park left the Seasiders empty-handed despite defender David Hume replying half an hour on from Eamon Fyfe’s 24th-minute opener, there was a particular rawness to this reversal not felt for some time among the visiting faithful.
Much of that was down to the performance, which the Kilkeel supremo rightly praised in the aftermath, and he has rallied his charges to channel their frustration into hitting back in style against Institute on Wednesday night.
That final pre-split encounter under the floodlights at Clandeboye Park at least represents a chance for Bangor to react quickly, and Feeney, who hailed how his men adapted to difficult weather conditions and a somewhat bobbly playing surface at the Co Armagh venue, has no doubts as to whether the side can conjure up a response following Friday’s disappointment.
“The first thing you want to do after a defeat like that is to channel the players. You want to channel their frustrations because we’ve got a massive game on Wednesday night and you want them to feel up for it and wanting to deliver a quick response.
“It’s hard because I felt we were clearly the better team in the game, we were getting up the pitch with the ball, and to concede in the last minute of the game, it’s tough to take, it is. It’s a bitter pill to swallow.
“I felt we started the game well, we started the game on the front foot and we were playing some good football and creating early chances. It was tough conditions and it wasn’t an easy pitch to play on, it was a bobbly pitch that did make it a little bit harder to necessarily play the way we want to play, but I really felt that we adapted to the conditions well and had control in the game early on.
“There was a piece of play in the first half where we must’ve put together 20 passes, we cut it back from the right-hand side and Tom (Mathieson) got the shot away from the edge of the box and it was tipped over by the ‘keeper (Aaron Hogg). That was as good a piece of football as I’ve seen all season, and I thought we played really well in the first half.
“Yes, we gave a silly goal away, but I never had any doubts over the character of the players to respond, and we found our rhythm again and we ended the first half really well again. The second half was the same, and we got the goal early on in the half to equalise, which I felt we fully deserved at that point for the way we were playing.
“The players put the work in, they did their jobs on the pitch and I can’t fault them for that, I thought they showed character and put in a performance that showed how good they are.
“I have a lot of positive takeaways from the performance, and to be in the position we’re in, at the start of the season, you’d probably have bit your hand off for that, and there’s still six games to go and a lot can happen between now and then. I would say that I didn’t think we were as sharp in the final third as we could’ve been, which is the first time I would’ve said that in a while – from a finishing point of view, we’ve had one or two where we could’ve done slightly better, but we’re aware we were also playing against quality opposition on the night.
"I believe we’ll be stronger for a defeat like that, we’ll be better for it, and for us now, it’s about taking it into Wednesday night.”
Fyfe’s opener, which came after a loose play-out by goalkeeper James Taylor was intercepted by tall striker Zach Barr – it was his shot that was parried into the Coleraine loanee’s path to tap in – didn’t flatten Bangor, who had enjoyed the better of the play up to that point, and Hume’s leveller after defensive partner Lewis Francis headed Reece Neale’s delivery across Hogg’s goal nine minutes post the interval was well-deserved for a mentally resilient response.
It was, of course, to end in heartbreak, but with Ballygowan hero Hume becoming Bangor’s 15th different goalscorer in the 2023/24 campaign, Feeney feels the diversity in the scoring ranks has been of big benefit to the Seasiders.
“That’s been a credit to us this season, we’ve got goals from all over the team and there’s a lot of ways that we can put the ball in the back of the net. In that sequence, it’s a ball in from the right-hand side and big Lewis is in the right place to head it back across the face of goal, it causes problems in the Portadown defence and Davy is there to put the ball in for the equaliser. “We work on this in training, how we can find new ways to hurt our opponents and pick out spaces in the defence that we can capitalise on, and we’ve got a squad where a lot of players are able to score, and that’s benefited us a lot this season.”
“Listen, we’re far from done. There’s still a lot of football to be played, there’ll be other teams that slip up and we’ve got to do our best to capitalise when we get the chance. We’ll do a bit of work in training on Tuesday ahead of the Institute game, and that’s where we want to go and deliver a quick response.”
(Posted: Monday, 25th March 2024)
Charley Craig admitted it just wasn’t good enough from Bangor Reserves as they suffered a fourth successive defeat the Championship/PIL Development League on Saturday morning.
The defeat at Harland and Wolff Welders U21 was made all the harder to swallow given it was a second straight 3-1 loss having led at half-time, with striker Craig converting from the penalty spot on 17 minutes after Sam Millar was upended in the area, but three finishes after the hour mark from the hosts turned the tide and kept the points in Blanchflower Park.
It piled more frustration on David Downes’ charges, who also ceded top spot in the table to their opponents on Saturday – the Welders also retain two games in hand – and leaves the side playing catch-up in their bid to wrap up title glory.
Craig pointed to the lost leads, having lost each of their last three despite also scoring first against Queen’s University and Portadown beforehand, as the biggest sickener behind this challenging spell for the young Seasiders.
“Yeah, 100 per cent, it’s happened now two, three weeks in a row, which is not good enough. We’re not learning from our mistakes every week, the same thing’s happening; we’re just getting into half-time, getting a bit lackadaisical and then just… bottle it. We’re throwing it away and we’re just bottling it completely.
“But, no, we’ve got no excuse for ourselves, it’s just not good enough all over. We started well, the first half was good, we just didn’t take our chances enough. And then, obviously, I had a chance at the start of the second half which I should’ve taken myself. And again, it’s just not good enough all over.
“But yeah, we done really well in the first half, I thought. We played football, played the football we usually have this season, then it’s just been the same as the past two weeks. We’ve just got into half-time, talking about what happened in the past few games, and just completely bottled it the second half.
“We played football in spells in the second half as well, it was just them vital moments that loses games, and unfortunately, we’ve just been unlucky in those moments in the past couple of weeks."
On where the game was won and lost, 18-year-old Craig, who figured alongside Jude Healy as a strike pairing on Saturday, felt cheap fouls and a lack of unity were contributing factors.
“Yeah, I feel like we just… second half, we were diving in, every challenge on the edge of the box,” he reflected. “And that’s what gave them the chance to get back into it. We were just giving silly fouls away, just not working for each other – I think that’s probably the biggest thing.
“The heart of the team is backing each other up, if someone goes down, picking them up, work harder for them. If you lose the ball, winning it back… it’s just, the word ‘team’ wasn’t there, and it’s simple at the end of the day, it just wasn’t good enough.”
The season’s by no means a lost cause, though, and with 10th-placed Warrenpoint Town visiting Clandeboye Park next Saturday morning, there’s a chance to make swift amends.
Building up a head of steam is important for capitalising on any slip-ups from the challengers and with five games remaining, fate could well see the pendulum swing back in the Yellows’ favour if they enjoy a strong end.
“100 per cent, we just have to win all the games we’ve got,” Craig says. That’s all we can do. The rest is going to fall into place, if it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen, so it’s down to us to win every single game we can and try and get as many points on the board.”
(Posted: Sunday, 24th March 2024)
A fourth consecutive defeat befell Bangor Reserves on Saturday morning – and also saw them lose top spot in the Championship/PIL Development League – with a 3-1 defeat to new leaders Harland and Wolff Welders U21 at Blanchflower Park in east Belfast.
Bangor drew first blood with 17 minutes played. Some good work from Sam Millar was rewarded as his Welders counterpart upending the left-back as he chased the ball down, with Charley Craig blasting low into the bottom left corner after the referee pointed to the spot.
The visitors continued to enjoy chances in what remained of the first half after a start that also saw the Welders strike the upright, with strikers Charley Craig and Jude Healy causing problems among the frontline and Mitchel Watterson breaking forward from midfield, but the goal differential remained one at the interval.
An equaliser arrived on the stroke of the hour from a dead-ball situation. After a lunging tackle from Jacob Chisholm was just mistimed, the subsequent direct free-kick sailed over Mason Hume and into the top left corner as the Welders restored parity in the contest. From then, the hosts applied pressure while the visitors – in a changed blue away strip – sent the ball upfield to escape the strain, but it was the Welders who added the next goal with a close-range header on 79 minutes and they clinched it in added-time with a drilled low shot into the bottom right.
(Posted: Saturday, 23rd March 2024)
It was defeat in the most heartbreaking of fashions for Bangor on Friday night after a 94th-minute dagger denied the Seasiders a share of the spoils in an agonising 2-1 defeat to Portadown.
Having fought from behind when the Ports first took the lead on 24 minutes, as a loose play-out from goalkeeper James Taylor was intercepted by striker Zach Barr whose subsequent shot was parried into Eamon Fyfe's path for a tap-in, Kenny Kane's low finish after Taylor punched out Ross Redman's left-sided delivery clinched the three points for the hosts and handed Lee Feeney's Bangor just a second league defeat of 2024 in a painful way.
In between, the Yellows – wearing changed white – sparked scenes of ecstasy in a raucous away end when two centre-backs combined. After Lewis Francis headed back across the face of goal, David Hume slammed in an equaliser nine minutes after the interval before wheeling behind the goal where the Seasider faithful soaked the celebrations in.
But there was to be that final twist in the tale that saw Niall Currie's Portadown keep all the rewards on offer and leapfrog their visitors into second-place in the Playr-Fit Championship, with Bangor's focus swiftly turning to the final match of the pre-split on Wednesday evening when Institute visit Clandeboye Park.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, D.Hume, L.Francis, T.Mathieson, T.Mulvenna, S.McArthur(S.Foster), B.Arthurs, A.Neale(B.Cushnie), C.McDermott.
Subs: M.Orbinson, H.Beverland, M.Bradley, M.Halliday, B.Walker
NEXT MATCH:
Wednesday, 27.03.2024 - BANGOR v. INSTITUTE, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 8:00pm
(Posted: Friday, 22nd March 2024)
Season-defining is the word that springs to mind regarding Bangor Reserves’ clash with their Harland and Wolff Welders counterparts this Saturday at Blanchflower Park, with the Yellows staring into a first-versus-second battle that, in truth, they can’t really afford to lose.
After three straight defeats, the Seasiders are due a turn in fortunes and will be chomping at the bit to make sure past mistakes are put right in east Belfast. Following a real sickener last Saturday when Queen’s University turned the tables after Jack McCosh’s header sent Bangor into the break 1-0 up at Clandeboye Park, they were handed a third straight defeat following another comeback loss to Portadown (3-2) last Monday and a home reversal a fortnight ago against Dundela (2-0).
The fate is in the Welders’ hands as we speak given that they sit a point off the top and with a couple of games in hand, but what David Downes will be determined to achieve is to make key inroads that can stunt their opponents’ momentum – and that can be done should the Seagulls soar to three points here.
It’s a big game, and one where the visiting players will need little charging up for given what is at stake. It promises to be a cracker.
After letting slip the initiative in hugely disappointing fashion against Queen’s University last weekend, defender Jack McCosh insists there’s no better place for Bangor Reserves to show their steel than Blanchflower Park this Saturday. That’s because a first-versus-second battle will erupt as Harland and Wolff Welders’ young guns entertain David Downes’ Seasiders in a season-defining battle. Split by a point in the standings and with the Welders having two games in hand, it’s a must-not-lose at the very least should Bangor bid to keep charged up until the end.
They’d be setting the record straight with a win too. McCosh’s powerful header on the stroke of half-time put the hosts in front at a damp, drizzly Clandeboye Park last Saturday, but what followed were three sucker-punching Queen’s goals that instead inflicted a third successive loss after defeats to fellow high flyers Portadown and Dundela in the two weeks beforehand.
The 18-year-old said:
“We’re playing against the Welders who second in the league, they’re obviously in good form and they’ve beaten the Duns (on Saturday), so it’ll be a tough game obviously.
“But I think there’s no better place to do it, get back to winning ways and show the character we have in the squad, I think that’s really important for us.”
(Posted: Thursday, 21st March 2024)
The floodlights will be on and the leashes will be off as Bangor travel to Portadown on Friday night hopeful of producing a major flourish and boosting their standing ahead of the split.
The penultimate match for the Seasiders ahead of the final five, in which the Ports will travel to Clandeboye Park with the Playr-Fit Championship’s top five teams having all consolidated their top-half place, the visitors will move top with a win and above Dundela for a few hours at least while increasing their breathing space to Niall Currie’s side to five points – however, the jeopardy enters the equation because a Portadown win would instead lift them above the Seasiders and into second spot themselves.
It's a high-stakes encounter, and Portadown are buoyed after checking into North Down on Tuesday night and picking up three points courtesy of a 3-1 victory over Ards. Brandon Diau, Eamon Fyfe and Zach Barr hit the net after Max Miller’s opener for the Red and Blues, adding to the feelgood factor following Eoghan McCawl’s 97th-minute winner that sank Institute at the Brandywell at the weekend.
Bangor’s intention is to burst the BetMcLean Cup Finalists’ bubble and continue a run of just one defeat in 16 league outings – a run which, in fact, started with the 2-2 draw between the sides at Clandeboye back in mid-November, with the Yellows counting on a sublime solo goal by Scott McArthur to clinch victory in the first visit to Shamrock Park back in August. This is the only Irish League show in town on Friday and promises to be an unmissable blockbuster.
Portadown has been the first thing on Lee Feeney’s mind all week ahead of Bangor’s Friday night visit to Shamrock Park for a Playr-Fit Championship blockbuster.
Third in the league entertains second as Niall Currie’s Ports, who clinched a last-gasp win at Institute on Saturday before coming from behind to beat the Seasiders’ North Down rivals Ards at Clandeboye Park in midweek, aim to leapfrog their yellow-shirted opponents into the play-off position with the post-split just a couple of matchdays away. But Bangor, who have lost just one of their last 16 league matches – albeit did exit the Irish Cup at the hands of their next adversaries in February thanks to Zach Barr’s double – are in high spirits indeed and the mood in the playing camp is high on the back of a professional 5-0 triumph over basement side Knockbreda last week.
And the visiting manager wants that momentum to continue flowing as they stare into this weekend’s assignment. Victory would see them rise to 63 points and provisional pole over Dundela while leaving their hosts five points in their dust – but that’s easier said than done.
“I know it’s a boring old cliché, but we really do take it one game at a time. To be honest, I wasn’t even thinking about what happened at Institute. That hadn’t even crossed my mind, what the result was going to be; we’re just focused on ourselves.
“What was going to happen there was never going to be in our control. My focus has been on preparing the team on Friday night and setting us up to get a result in Portadown.
“They’ve got a lot of quality in their side, they’ve got talented players and they’ve obviously played in the League Cup Final, but our approach is to take every game one at a time and it’s about us going in with the right approach to pick up three points.
“After the full-time whistle (against Knockbreda), my focus was straight onto Portadown, and I told the boys after and they know what they need to do.”
(Posted: Thursday, 21st March 2024)
A message from Gareth Beattie after his testimonial for 10 years of tremendous service for Bangor FC:
Hello everyone, I would like to place on record my thanks to Michael Halliday, Dean Gordon, Social Club Chairman Alan Corbett and Rogie from the bar for putting this testimonial event on for me in celebration of 10 years of service for Bangor Football Club.
I also wish to express my gratitude to the Chairman Graham Bailie for granting me my testimonial, as well as my team-mates and the management team of Lee Feeney, Deano, John Douglas, Michael McClelland, Neil Gillespie, Lee Millar and Bradley Ferguson for being there to support me. Thanks also to Gary Faulkner ('Big G') for all the lifts to games up on the Bangor party bus every week, it's always great craic.
I must give out a massive thank you to my friends and family and each and every one of the loyal and dedicated Bangor fans who turned out to support me on my testimonial dinner and have backed me on the pitch through the hard times and the good. I wouldn't have reached this milestone without you and to be able to have won trophies and hopefully done you proud has been a huge honour.
Thanks as well to two great team-mates and friends, as well as Bangor heroes in Andy Long and Ethan Boylan, who gave speeches at the testimonial, and one person I owe it all to is the great Frankie Wilson, an inspirational man who gave me the chance to represent the club I love and whose influence on me has been so huge throughout my career and my 10 years as a Seasider.
Bangor is a truly amazing club run by an brilliant Board and Chairman, it's been a privilege to represent the club for the past 10 years, and hopefully, there's many more still to come.
Yellow and Blue Seasiders
GARETH BEATTIE
(Posted: Tuesday, 19th March 2024)
When all components in an operation run like clockwork, productivity is at its peak – and Lee Feeney felt that was exactly the case for his Bangor team on Friday night. Hailing his “machine” that churned out five goals and three more points that briefly propped the Seasiders top, the Clandeboye chief was brimming with pride at a professional display at home to Knockbreda that keeps his side ticking over.
Following successive 4-0 triumphs over Ballyclare Comrades and Ballinamallard United, the second half of the latter was the Yellows at their ruthless best, Feeney opined, and carried over perfectly into a third straight clean-sheet success against the Playr-Fit Championship’s basement dwellers. Truthfully, the damage was done by 18 minutes. Adam Neale’s early double on his first start since the Irish Cup Fifth Round defeat of Dergview in early January was added to by the league Player of the Month for February Scott McArthur and Tom Mathieson each slotting in from close range.
Although Ballynahinch ace Neale was denied a hat-trick after a penalty denial just before the hour mark, Ben Arthurs’ 23rd strike of the campaign 12 minutes from time – to add to a hat-trick of assists that takes him up to 13 in that metric – rubber-stamped a five-star account that floored the Castlereagh club. It left Kilkeel manager Feeney with a beaming smile after a display he adjudged to have been almost totally controlling. He reflected:
“We know Knockbreda are bottom of the league, but that didn’t influence our preparation at all going into it. We prepared for the game in the way we always prepare for every team in this league, we had them watched, we had our game plan sorted and at this stage of the season, you can’t afford to take liberties against anyone.
“I never doubt the boys, it’s one of the best dressing rooms I’ve ever been involved in and I know how many big characters we have, so I knew we wouldn’t get complacent or let our foot off or anything like that. I was really pleased last week. In the second half against Ballinamallard, you know, I thought we were a proper machine.
“We were controlling with possession, chances, we were closing down everywhere on the pitch and I felt we dominated. And on Friday night, I felt we were a machine as well. They (Knockbreda) had a period in the game where they were getting forward and created a few chances, they got shots on our goal and big James had to make a few saves.
“But I felt in the way that we controlled possession, created loads of chances… some of the football we were playing was absolutely unbelievable, and that’s where I feel we’re getting back to our best. I had felt we’d been winning games before, winning them comfortably on the scoreline but not really dominating in the way I’d have liked, but the last three halves of football, in terms of in possession, that’s where I want us to be at.
"It was a thoroughly professional performance.”
With four different goalscorers against ‘Breda just as against the Mallards the previous week, Feeney highlighted the importance of players from all across the pitch contributing in attack. It’s certainly reaping its rewards. Bangor, who are second-placed and just two points behind leaders Dundela, are 69-goal top scorers while also boasting the second-flight’s second-best defensive record (36 goals conceded), behind Institute. The Seagulls boss feels the whole squad is contributing and insists any overdependency on any one player would be detrimental to their chances.
“We were saying before the game, it’s important we have players chipping in from all over the pitch so we’re not being dependent on Big Ben and the likes of Adam (to score goals),” he continued. We had four different players score against Ballinamallard, from different positions on the pitch, and that was very pleasing.
“We had four on Friday night as well, and we’re also getting players from all over the pitch creating chances and being involved in building up into the final third, and that’s massively important.”
It was also a third successive clean sheet, and Feeney reserved plaudits for goalkeeper Taylor who, ahead of his 40th birthday, is aging like a fine wine.
“Three clean sheets in a row, and in every one of those clean sheets, you know, James has been called into it, he’s had to make a big save. And I know it feels weird to say as he’s been in the game a long time, but actually, I think he’s getting better with age.
“He’s made a big difference with his organisation, his vocal presence, and with bodies being missing from the defence due to injury, players have had to step up and be leaders in that part of the pitch. Reece filled in at left centre-back again, Tom’s been playing out at wing-back, so it’s about the collective – that’s always been the way of it from I first came in, that we’ve got to focus on the collective and make sure everybody’s contributing.
“It’s a squad game and everyone’s at the heart of it. We’re getting more back from injury, with Seanna (Foster), Beats (Gareth Beattie), Marty Bradley’s been carrying knocks so to have them all involved is good ahead of the run-in.”
Feeney also had to take a moment to process a phenomenal run of form that’s now been extended to just a single defeat in 16. With third-placed Portadown and Institute in fourth to come in the final two matches before the split, he saluted the way his panel have acquitted themselves and reared their head into the conversation at the top of the table. He looked back:
“One defeat in 16, and that defeat (a 3-2 loss at Wilgar Park on February 13) was my fault up at the Duns because of the way I set up that night. You think back to the end of October, we had that wobble with the 4-0 defeat to Institute and then getting beat 3-0 by Ballinamallard at home. I’d never any doubt we’d respond from that, but then there was when Newington beat us (on November 11), we dominated that game but we were wasteful and we didn’t take our chances and we ended up losing the game.
“Since then, it’s just clicked, and how good the players have been and the effort they’ve put in. That game (against Newington), we just couldn’t hit the target, and since then, we’ve just put that right and the rest has just spoken for itself. But we’ve also got two massive games coming up before the split, and I believe we can continue to improve and that can start for us in the run-in.”
(Posted: Monday, 18th March 2024)
When it rains, it pours, and Jack McCosh gave an honest reaction to a defeat where Bangor Reserves weren’t really able to weather the storm. The defender’s powerful back-post header on the stroke of half-time was the highlight of the Seasiders’ first half and put them deservedly ahead at the break, with Jay Boyd also enjoying a pair of presentable opportunities before the half-hour mark, but Queen’s University’s reply in the second period was to race out of the traps and turn the tie on its head, winning 3-1.
It was a third consecutive defeat for David Downes’ young Yellows, who enter a first-versus-second battle with Harland and Wolff Welders at Blanchflower Park next weekend, following a 2-0 home loss to Dundela and a 3-2 reversal at Portadown on Monday night, when Bangor twice led but ultimately fell at the hands of a last-gasp finish by the hosts at Shamrock Park.
Centre-back McCosh, who notched his second goal since arriving at the club, admitted it was a game of two halves and feels the side paid the price for their own mistakes on Saturday.
“Well, I think the first half, we started off a bit here and there, it was up in their air, and then we got a foot on it I think, and then we started playing, we started to create chances, Jay had two big chances. We were making chances, we were pushing for it and then I got a good header at the end at the end of the first half.
“The second half, we went out, and we said to ourselves, we have to go out and think about Monday because obviously the same thing happened, so it was just really disappointing, the second half. We took our foot of it, we let them get into the game and then they got one back and we just lost our heads, I think. We weren’t looking out for our men, we were all over the place at one point, so I think that’s what let us down, our own mistakes basically.
“I don’t think they caused us too much, it was just more our own mistakes led us into bad habits and stuff like that.”
18-year-old McCosh arrived from Crusaders in January and has added physical presence to the backline, and in assessing his time at Clandeboye Park so far, he says he’s enjoying his football and pleased to be getting minutes under his best.
A return to winning ways would brighten his mood even more, but he’s built up confidence and is relishing getting opportunities to shine.
“Well, at the start, I think I was a bit here and there because I needed to bring my confidence back up. I feel as I’ve built my confidence obviously back up to where I need it to be, I feel I’ve been settling in well.
“I’m enjoying it, I can’t complain, obviously I’m getting minutes and getting more fit every day. Just the results, we need to bounce back.”
(Posted: Sunday, 17th March 2024)
Bangor Reserves' title ambitions were dealt a further blow at a cold and wet Clandeboye Park on Saturday morning, handed a third straight Championship/PIL defeat by Queen's University U21 who stormed to a 3-1 comeback success.
A game of precious few chances ignited on 24 minutes when Bangor created an enticing opening in the final third. Mitchel Watterson swivelled and seared towards goal before stinging the palms of the Queen's keeper, with Jay Boyd side-footing the rebound over the bar from 10 yards with the goal gaping.
Boyd drew a super save minutes later as Bangor tightened their grip on a strong first period, but the Seasiders' pressure paid on the stroke of half-time when a bullet header at the back stick by centre-back Jack McCosh broke the deadlock.
But Queen's flew out of the traps in the second half and Marc Orbinson could do nothing to prevent the Students' equaliser 10 minutes after the restart. A sweeping delivery in was powered into the back of the net by the visitors and put the pressure back on the home side, who conceded a second after the hour after a free-kick delivery was stabbed home from close in.
It got worse for the Yellows on 68 minutes after a deflected ball into the box was turned in at the bottom right corner, compounding what was a miserable day in the pouring rain.
(Posted: Saturday, 16th March 2024)
An early four goal blitz helped send the Seasiders back to the top of the Playr-Fit Championship this evening.
Scott McArthur, Tom Mathieson and Adam Neale(2) were all on target for Bangor in the first half, while Ben Arthurs headed home the fifth in the 78th minute.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, L.Francis, D.Hume(G.Beattie), T.Mathieson(S.Foster), T.Mulvenna(M.Bradley), L.Harrison, C.McDermott(B.Walker), B.Arthurs, A.Neale(M.Halliday), S.McArthur.
Subs: M.Orbinson, M.Watterson
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 22nd March - PORTADOWN v BANGOR, Championship, Shamrock Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Friday, 15th March 2024)
Saturday, March 16 – Bangor Reserves vs Queen’s University U21, Championship/PIL Development League, Clandeboye Park, 11am
A home showdown presents Bangor Reserves with the opportunity to make a much-craved return to winning ways when high-flying Queen’s University travel to Clandeboye Park in the Championship/PIL Development League this weekend.
The Seasiders, who are reeling from a 3-2 defeat on the road against Portadown Reserves on Monday night – a game they led twice before an added-time winner for the Ports proved the sucker punch at the end – have lost twice in a row having also been beaten 2-0 at home by Dundela the Saturday before.
They hadn’t tasted defeat in the league all season prior to the latter outing, but now is a time for showing their steel.
With the Students, who sit fifth, this Saturday and Harland and Wolff Welders in a top two showdown at Blanchflower Park next weekend, two wins out of two would relight Bangor’s title flame once more, with David Downes hoping for a fired-up reaction after an opening-season run of 19 matches without defeat that had fired his team all the way to the summit.
The Yellows won the previous encounter 1-0 at The Dub, with Charley Craig bagging the only goal of the game back on November 4, however Queen’s are an in-form animal and enter on the back of six triumphs in their last seven matches. With the pressure turned up, the hosts know they must be on top form to take the points.
(Posted: Friday, 15th March 2024)
Friday, March 15 – Bangor vs Knockbreda, Playr-Fit Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
The post-split is nearing in the Playr-Fit Championship, and it’s full steam ahead for Bangor in the third-from-last match until the division is separated into top half and bottom half as the Seasiders entertain basement team Knockbreda on Friday night.
Fresh off the back of sealing an emphatic 4-0 triumph at Ballinamallard United last Saturday, that trek west is followed by something a little closer to home this weekend with ‘Breda, still fighting for their second-tier survival despite only seven points to their name, aiming to lead yet another great escape and use this Friday’s floodlit encounter as their springboard.
Lee Feeney will be leaving nothing to chance knowing that the yellow-shirted outfit from the Castlereagh Hills have scooped up four of their seven points at Clandeboye, having overcame Ards in a shock 2-1 triumph on their last visit after an earlier 1-1 draw. This is also the same Knockbreda who, a little under two years ago, sucker-punched the Seasiders in the promotion/relegation play-off in one of those famous successful survival bids in recent times, thus Bangor, who are 50 points better off than the east Belfast men, know they must still be on top form and not let complacency seep in.
As if that’s not incentive enough, the hosts, who defeated Knockbreda 5-1 at Breda Park on a Sunday special in October and 4-1 on a cold Friday night in December in the last two meetings of the sides in 2023/24, can rocket into top spot in the Championship on at least a provisional basis and become the first side in the second-tier to hit 60 points with a victory. This clash promises much and you don’t want to miss it.
(Posted: Thursday, 14th March 2024)
Throughout the course of 10 years of playing time at a club, reflecting and picking out the standout moments can be a seriously tall order. But Gareth Beattie has shown time and time again that he is never one to shy away from a challenge, and ahead of the defender’s testimonial in the Bangor Social Club on St Patrick’s Day (Sunday, March 17), he looked back fondly at his time in the yellow and blue shirt and dissected some of the highs and lows that will live with him forever.
The right-back is as tough as teak and his no-nonsense style of play has come in for much admiration among the Seasiders faithful, a player who truly wears his heart on his sleeve going into each and every game and whose commitment to the cause is beyond question.
Playing in three different levels of the pyramid, going down and coming all the way back up, it’s been a rollercoaster ride and the 32-year-old has become a hero of a generation having stuck through any and all twists and turns.
Beattie was given his big break by the late Frankie Wilson, under whom he won the Steel and Sons Cup in 2011 when the Seagulls defeated Larne on Christmas Eve, and that silver lining so early in his career proved very much a means to go on.
As a young lad of 20 at the centre of attention inside a packed Seaview that festive term, sealing an honour he dreamt of clinching from an early age brought some ecstatic feelings for ‘Beats’ as Gareth McLaughlin and Garth Scates hit the target against the Inver Reds.
A man of the town, Beattie began by paying an emotional tribute to former boss Wilson, who sadly passed away in October 2022 after a battle with cancer, for trusting in a young talent with a big future to produce the goods.
"It was absolutely fantastic, there was no better feeling. The Steel and Sons is absolutely one of the biggest trophies you can win.
"I went and watched it (the Final) plenty of times and it was always something that I wanted to win, and to get it at such an early stage as I did was great. And obviously, under Frankie, him giving me the chance to do it was absolutely… I couldn’t thank him enough, I really couldn’t.
"I couldn’t praise Frankie Wilson highly enough, I really couldn’t.”
Beattie was no stranger to Clandeboye Park, of course. Before he took the field, he was an interested supporter from the stands.
Balancing his time between his two local football loves, Bangor and Linfield, the full-back always held faith that he would one day pull on the shirt and play in the Irish League. He reminisced about conversations with his brother about just what he could do if he was given the opportunity, knowing that if he got the chance to go out and play in front of the faithful himself, he would feel fulfilled.
After a decade of service for the Seasiders over spells from 2011 to 2013 and then again from 2015 to the present day – a month-long spell with Knockbreda in 2017 the solitary interruption – would stand to that feeling of fulfilment on paper, and Beattie agrees.
Bangor’s a club I’ve watched from I was a young kid, you know what I mean? When Bangor was at home, I watched Bangor at home; whenever Linfield was home, I watched Linfield at home. Whoever was at home, that was the team I went to watch, that was obviously as a kid, you couldn’t travel anywhere, so between Bangor and Linfield, they were my two teams.
“Whenever I was a kid, me and my brother and watched Bangor games at home, I always said to my brother, ‘see if I ever get the chance to play here, I would be over the moon’. And, as I say, to look back now over 10 years and say basically what I said all those years ago, to me, it would probably be my biggest achievement to say that I’ve actually reached 10 years at a club that I always wanted to play for.
“So, to play for (Bangor) and to do it, to me, if anyone’s asking me what my biggest achievement, that’s what it would be.”
When Beattie returned for his second spell with Bangor, the club was on a downward slope that would ultimately culminate in relegation to the Ballymena and Provincial Intermediate League in 2017.
It represented the lowest low in the Seasiders’ near century-long history. Slipping out of the organised Irish League set-up into the regional ranks after successive relegations was nothing short of humiliating and would have tested the resolve of even the most ardent supporters to continue following.
But having returned following his brief time at ‘Breda and despite transfer interest, there were never any other options on the table for Beattie, who knew he had a point to prove when committing to the cause for a time that will now be remembered as the start of the rebirth.
"I'm a fighter, you know what I mean?” he declared. “See if there’s a fight or a challenge, I would be there. I’m your man.
“So, to see Bangor going down all those leagues and to see people walk away from them at that time, seeing people play for different clubs, that was never my intention. I was never going to leave. I got some offers to go to some big-name teams and I could’ve progressed in a different way in my football career, but I chose to fight for Bangor, to get them back up the leagues.
“I swore to myself and other people that know me that I would never leave Bangor until I got them into the league where I started.
“To get here this year in my 10th year is brilliant, but to actually win this league this year or even get promoted into the Irish League, it would be even bigger.
“So, to me, I think my own personal achievement is to get this far and get them back to where they belong, I feel like I’ve done what I set out to do. So, I’ll be happy with that.”
During the Ballymena League years, Beattie pocketed three trophies – the O’Gorman Cup in 2018 plus the BPIL title and McReynolds Cup the following year.
Winning the fourth-tier title as invincibles back in 2019, with just a goalless draw at home to Ballymoney United blotting an otherwise perfect league crusade, was a big achievement and done in a division that featured respected opposition such as Donegal Celtic, St James’ Swifts and Brantwood.
In winning the O’Gorman against Glebe Rangers, where Ross Craig and Gerard McMullan were the scorers in a 2-2 draw before Darren Gibbons – who received his testimonial last year – turned the hero with two penalty saves in a 3-0 shoot-out victory, it did not come with that prized promotion, but that was put right through the first of two double successes in the space of just four years.
In the McReynolds, McMullan was on target again alongside three modern titans who are still team-mates of Beattie’s today in Ben Arthurs, Michael Halliday and Scott McArthur in a 4-1 victory over St James’ at Allen Park in Antrim, and glory in the BPIL came courtesy of an astonishing 27 victories in the 28 league outings.
“No, it was brilliant,” he says of those early trophies. “People say, ‘aw, the league you’re playing in, it was wick, all the teams you were playing against, you were supposed to win’, but nobody’s got any given right to win any match on a Saturday.
“You need to go out to win, everybody was out to stop us. We were a big team, everybody wanted to beat us every week, so that makes it 10 times harder.
“So, to go out… even the season we didn’t get beat, you know, we went unbeaten, there’s not many teams can do that there. It’s alright saying these teams weren’t great, but these teams were great. St James’… you’d some big teams in that league that could quite easily beat you on the day.
“But we were big enough and we were good enough not to let them.”
The 2023 feat that made Beattie one of the elusive ‘double-double’ winners on the seaside, in which Bangor reclaimed their senior status by winning the Premier Intermediate League and his second Steel Cup in the yellow and blue shirt, is his “best moment”, as he revealed.
“To win the league last year and get us back into the Championship, that would be my best moment,” he smiles.
“I set out, whenever we got relegated, I always set it out, I had it in my head, if I get Bangor back into the Championship, I feel like I’ve done my job.
“Because I’ve gone down with them and I’ve risen back up with them, so to get them back into the Championship where I first started with them.
“To me, I would say that would probably be mine (best moment), to get them back. In my eyes, I feel like I’ve got them back to where they belong.
“Not as me, as a team, but me being a part of it for all those years.”
The testimonial comes as a richly deserved piece of recognition for so much tremendous service over the years, and Beattie admits that the football family and special connection he’s felt over the years at Bangor has kept his appetite for more burning bright.
Supporting the club home and away, be it on the pitch or off it, is a special honour for him, and he was in attendance at the 4-0 win over Ballinamallard United at Ferney Park – a four-hour-round, 200-plus-mile trip – to will his team-mates on from the stands in Fermanagh.
It’s part and parcel of Beattie’s character, and to be viewed as a hero among the terraces gives him immense pride. Whatever role he plays, he has always put the badge on top; it’s for that why he is so respected and adored by so many.Reflecting on the past, enjoying the present and looking forward to the future, the name of Gareth Beattie is enshrined in the archives and his incredible contribution is a credit to him.
“It is a good family club, it’s my family club and it’s always been my club. Even before I played for Bangor, it was still my club, and to play for them, as I say, over 10 years, it’s my biggest achievement, so I’ve never looked back.
“And I’m just happy to see… I’ve been able to play for them for 10 years and it’s gradually been getting better and better.
“I’ve always had to chase people out of my spot, let them know it’s my spot! Obviously, this year’s been a wee bit more frustrating, obviously with the injury… a wee bit last year, too.
“But these things happen, you know what I mean? You could walk away, you could leave, you can just do what everybody else does, but I don’t.
“I turn up every week, home and away, and I still support the team. Even if I’m not playing, even as a supporter, so that’s how much the club means to me. Andy Morrow was my hero when I was younger, so whenever I started going to matches, he was my hero.
“But now, eras move on, so you’ve supporters looking back on 10 years or bits of it and whose names they think of with Bangor, and maybe, it’ll be mine. But maybe in another few years’ time, could be Big Ben (Arthurs), could be somebody else, could be their heroes, so these are just the way things go.
“But these are the names you always remember, like Andy Morrow’s the man for me, some people used to say who was the best player you know, Morrow’s your man. There’s lots of people, but it’s been great having people knowing me for helping the club get back up and what I’ve done here, I’m very proud of that.”
Legend can be an overused word in football, but Bangor’s Gareth Beattie merits that word and then some.
(Posted: Tuesday, 12th March 2024)
Bangor Reserves’ bid for an immediate return to winning ways fell short on Monday night as a frustrating 3-2 defeat to Portadown Reserves at Shamrock Park marked their second loss in a row during a crunch stretch in March.
After a 2-0 reversal at home to Dundela, the young Seasiders were on the road and looked to be on the right track in Co Armagh, having twice led the contest – 1-0 and 2-1 – before their hosts, third-placed and nine games unbeaten before kick-off, clinched all three points with the odd goal in five. Combined with a Harland and Wolff Welders win on the same night, with the second-placed side in the Championship/PIL Development League picking up the maximum haul following a 5-2 triumph away to Warrenpoint Town, the gap at the summit has been cut to four points – the Welders maintain having two games in hand, with Bangor due to travel to Blanchflower Park in a fortnight’s time hopeful of success.
First, however, comes a home clash with Queen’s University, in fifth, this Saturday as Bangor aim to hit the winning groove and build a head of steam beforehand, although second string boss David Downes knows there is pressure on his team to see through their title charge and make the most of what remains. The Yellows remain atop the tree having secured 53 points from their 21 outings played to date.
(Posted: Tuesday, 12th March 2024)
The collective effort was at the forefront of left wing-back Reece Neale’s post-match analysis after Bangor kept their grip on second-place and boosted their promotion credentials with a 4-0 win over Ballinamallard United on Saturday.
A 200-mile-round trip was worth its weight in gold when referee Stewart Long’s final whistle sounded at Ferney Park, with a couple of goals in each half ensuring Lee Feeney’s Seasiders left with all three points in Co Fermanagh and making sure that a formidable run of form was extended to 11 victories in the last 14 Playr-Fit Championship outings.
Scott McArthur, who has just been crowned NIFWA Championship Player of the Month, took just four minutes to break the deadlock when he guided Ben Arthurs’ headed flick-on into the net before centre-back Lewis Francis swivelled to rifle home a fabulous ninth goal of the campaign with virtually the last kick of the first half.
Kircubbin favourite Arthurs headed in a clinching third 13 minutes from the end and repaid a fabulous bit of closing down from super sub Adam Neale in the process – that’s 22 this term for the 25-year-old top marksman – and there was still the time for one last cherry on top when captain Lewis Harrison bulleted home midfield partner Tiarnan Mulvenna’s sublime corner kick delivery in second-half stoppage-time.
Vice-skipper Neale, who is closing in on three years in a Bangor shirt, subsequently hailed the spirit in the dressing room after what was firmly a team-orientated triumph out west.
“I’ve been in good changing rooms before, but this one’s just completely different,” the Ballynahinch man beamed.
“Any time we have even a team night out and stuff, we have the whole squad, we’ve 30 boys going, that says everything you need to know. Like, everything we do, everything’s as a team, there’s no wee groups, there’s nothing; everyone’s just one big family. Everyone looks out for each other, takes the p*** out of each other, nobody’s sitting in a corner or staying shy. Everyone’s involved in everything that we do, so it’s absolutely brilliant.”
Former Linfield Academy ace Neale added that a second-half showing, punctuated perhaps best by the work his older brother did to win the ball high up the pitch before swinging the ball into Arthurs to guide home, was a ‘dominant’ follow-up to a first period that did show one or two cracks in the defence.
The Mallards reacted well after going behind and enjoyed chances through Josh McIlwaine, Simon Warrington and James McGrath that they’d otherwise feel they should’ve buried. But the visitors’ mean streak shone through and, after the interval, the points were great value. Assessing his own display, Reece said: “Personally for me, I thought I did alright, tried to keep the team together the whole way through the game as I do, there was a lot of communication.
“I thought as a team, we kept our shape very well, both halves, even in the first half, couple of light chances for them, we gave them most of them.
“And then second half, we came out a different animal and we just played the way we can play and dominated the game, I think.” There were also four different assisters to add to the quartet of scorers, to which Neale summarises: “That’s been the theme of our season, I think. Obviously, Big Ben’s come up with a lot of big goals, big Lewis as well.
“See there, Adam came on the pitch and he’s completely changed the game for us, he chased everything down and his first touch, everything was brilliant, he helped the team massively and done very, very well. But it’s been the story of our season, everyone’s been chipping in. Obviously Big Ben’s way out in front in terms of goals, wee Scotty’s there scoring goals, both Lewises scoring goals and all now. I just think, as a collective, (that’s been) very, very good that everyone’s contributing.”
Bangor are in action again next Friday night when basement team Knockbreda come to Clandeboye Park, but Neale – who achieved promotion to the Premiership with Carrick Rangers in 2019 – won’t take the Castlereagh club lightly despite them having picked up merely seven points this term. Breda were beaten by the Seasiders’ fellow promotion chasers Institute 3-0 on Saturday, but examples of their mettle, including a 2-1 away success over Ards and a 1-0 defeat to league leaders Dundela where they kept it scoreless until Willie Faulkner’s winner 10 minutes from time, are enough for Reece to know they can dish out a sucker punch if the Seagulls aren’t careful.
“We’re just sort of on our own boat, it’s an old cliché isn’t it? We just look after ourselves,” he stressed. "But I think we’ve been doing that ourselves all season here. We’ve came in, went under the radar quite a bit and now I think people are starting to realise what we are.
“We’re here to challenge, and we’ve always believed that, we’ve always had belief in ourselves. Yeah, there’s no reason why we can’t push on now, but we’ll not get too far ahead; one game at a time.
“We’ve a massive game next week, Knockbreda, I know they’re down at the bottom but it’s a huge game, they’re capable of causing really tight games, causing upsets. They beat Ards as well and held the Duns down to 1-0, the Duns scored a late goal, so you just don’t know.
“And especially in this league, you know what it’s like, so yeah, we’ll keep our feet on the ground and we’ll keep working towards our goal.”
(Posted: Sunday, 10th March 2024)
BALLINAMALLARD UNITED 0-4 BANGOR
Bangor were to the four in Fermanagh on Saturday after taking down Ballinamallard United 4-0 at Ferney Park and moving to within two points of Playr-Fit Championship leaders Dundela with a display that, if not always a formality, was still one to leave Lee Feeney very satisfied.
The visitors took the lead just four minutes in as Ben Arthurs' astute headed knock-down found Scott McArthur, and the recently crowned NIFWA Championship Player of the Month bagged the opener and his 11th goal of the season when he fired low into the bottom right corner past Mallards stopper Jamie Ray.
Anxiety among a buoyant away support was momentarily sparked when David Hume's intervention with home counterpart Josh McIlwaine had to be quickly saved from becoming an own goal by James Taylor, before the Bangor goalkeeper's stray ball out from the back on 21 minutes was fortunate not to be pounced on by Simon Warrington, who could only find the side netting from 10 yards out.
Bangor settled after, but that preceded a spell where James McGrath blazed wide with the goal at his mercy eight minutes from half-time and McIlwaine diverted a header off-target leading into the interval. Though, with the last kick, Bangor doubled their initiative and added security; centre-back Lewis Francis turned and fired home from namesake Lewis Harrison's header into the danger area.
The Seasiders began the second half with intent as a Reece Neale free-kick was caught by Ray before Conor McDermott's delectable right-wing cross was just unable to be trapped under Arthurs' spell. Another effort from the 25-year-old, buoyed after extending his contract to 2026, was clutched by Ray afterwards, but he made a deserved mark 13 minutes from time after Adam Neale superbly won possession high on the left and crossed for the Kircubbin ace to guide in.
And there was a last flourish three minutes into added-time in a half where Bangor enjoyed a much greater sense of authority when captain Lewis Harrison bulleted home Tiarnan Mulvenna's corner that rubber-stamped the victory. The result puts Bangor on 57 points and, in the wake of Dundela's East Belfast Derby defeat to H&W Welders, the Seasiders now have the chance to go top against Knockbreda next Friday night.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, D.Hume, L.Francis, T.Mathieson(B.Walker), C.McDermott, L.Harrison, T.Mulvenna, B.Cushnie(A.Neale), B.Arthurs, S.McArthur(M.Watterson)
Subs: M.Orbinson, M.Bradley, S.Foster, M.Halliday
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 15th March - BANGOR v KNOCKBREDA, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 9th March 2024)
Saturday, March 9 – Portadown Reserves vs Bangor Reserves, Championship/PIL Development League, Shamrock Park, 11am
A bruised Bangor Reserves will lick their wounds and bid to bounce back fighting at Shamrock Park this weekend when they face an in-form, third-placed Portadown.
David Downes’ men were hit by a sucker punch last time out when they were beaten 2-0 at home by Dundela Reserves – their first league defeat of the 2023/24 campaign – but against the Ports, who emphatically conquered second-placed Harland and Wolff Welders U21 when on the road last weekend, they can mount a swift return to winning ways and keep their title charge motoring throughout a tricky March.
With fifth-placed Queen’s University to follow at Clandeboye Park next Saturday, followed by a trip to the Welders – who are seven points down on the Seasiders with two games in hand – on March 23, this clash with Portadown, who are 14 points behind their weekend rivals with three games in hand and sealed a 1-1 draw when the sides met in the reverse outing in September, carries importance for the league leaders given momentum in this tough stretch is sure to be telling in a tense title race.
The players will hope that loss to the Duns, who netted early in the first half and late in the second to seal the deal, clicks them into gear for the tests to come. The margin for error is minimal at a crunch stage in the campaign and the points that can be dropped must be few and far between if any side wants to lead the race, so Bangor are aiming to prove their credentials with three precious points here that would lift them to 56 from 63 in the table.
(Posted: Friday, 8th March 2024)
After 15 days, Bangor’s first-team are back in action in the Playr-Fit Championship and begin their March agenda with a long-haul trip to Ballinamallard United on Saturday afternoon.
The Seasiders, who are second-place in the league and retained that position while Institute and Portadown were in Irish Cup quarter-final action, will mathematically confirm a top-six place for the split with a victory at Ferney Park that could also close the gap to the leaders Dundela, who extended their advantage at the summit to five points thanks to a thumping 4-0 triumph over Ards at Wilgar Park last weekend.
In the first meeting with the Fermanagh side and 2019 Irish Cup Finalists since the tail end of October, there is curiosity in that from each of the first two encounters this season, the away side were 3-0 winners. When the Seasiders first travelled west, they spread their wings after Ben Cushnie’s late brace added to Ben Arthurs’ early opener last September, however the Mallards returned the favour at Clandeboye Park on October 28 when Simon Warrington, Darragh Byrne and Jamie McGrath prevailed in wet conditions that really was the perfect weather for ducks.
It'll also be a third different manager on the touchline; Harry McConkey led them in that first battle, Mark Stafford was in interim charge the second time around, while now, ex-Dergview boss Tommy Canning will be in the dugout adjacent to Lee Feeney for what is the fourth-from-last outing before the split for the Yellows. Ballinamallard, who are four points out from a top-half spot with three games left for them to play, promise to be fired up for a duel that could have further twists and turns.
(Posted: Thursday, 7th March 2024)
Bangor began their pre-season ahead of the 2024 campaign on a losing note with a 7-0 defeat to Linfield Women at Midgley Park on Wednesday evening.
The first 15 minutes saw Linfield largely dominate the ball and the chances, with Giulia McLaughlin forced into a number of clever stops early on to keep the Women's Premiership side at bay, but the pressure paid off when the hosts broke the deadlock with a rifled effort towards the top left corner from a distance.
Bangor came out fighting afterwards, with Janine Jess denied in a one-on-one when she won possession and caught the Linfield defence unawares, but the Blues doubled the advantage on 34 minutes with a powerful low effort into the bottom right past McLaughlin's dive.
Four minutes later, it was three through a towering header by former Lisburn Rangers markswoman Eve Reilly and the Seasiders entered the interval 3-0 down. Four minutes after the restart, a penalty presented the hosts to add another and they made no mistake from 12 yards as they added a fourth.
The visitors, in changed white, continued to see out pressure and make occasional forays forward for much of what remained, but Linfield added a fifth on 74 minutes with a long-distance looping finish. Six minutes later, a sweet curler from 10 yards made it six, and a last-minute seventh put the cherry on top of the cake as far as the scoreline was concerned.
(Posted: Thursday, 7th March 2024)
Bangor FC has announced the expansion of their chaplaincy team.
Gary Faulkner remains as the first team chaplain, a role he has held since 2017. Leah Emberson continues as Bangor FC Ladies chaplain and James Crothers comes on board as academy chaplain.
Gary Faulkner said: “The Bangor FC chaplaincy team is trained and fully supported by Sports Chaplaincy UK. Our central objective is to provide pastoral support, help, care and encouragement to everyone involved with Bangor FC. This includes players, management, volunteers and supporters.
“We are here to serve everyone at the club, regardless of faith or beliefs. Tough times and struggles are part and parcel of football and life in general, and the chaplaincy team is always available to provide support and to ensure people don’t forget that you are loved and cared for.”
Gary continued: “I have an amazing team to work with at the club. Leah has already four years experience working with the ladies team. She provides support and shows love, kindness and empathy in all she does. James Is new to the team and will be there for those that may need a little guidance. In his day job he works with young adults with mental health, drugs and alcohol issues.”
Bangor FC Chaplains can be contacted by emailing gfaulkner@sportschaplaincy.org.uk
Bangor FC Chairman Graham Bailie said: “We benefit enormously from having Gary and his team at Bangor, especially as they have an impressive amount of pastoral knowledge and experience.
“As the club continues to grow, and reach out further into the community, it is important to us that we have the expertise and support in place to offer a chaplaincy service to all.
“Everyone involved with the Seasiders can contact any of our chaplains, confidentially, when in need of a listening ear, pastoral care or spiritual support.”
(Posted: Tuesday, 5th March 2024)
Ruairi Wright gave an honest reaction to Bangor Reserves’ first league defeat of the season against their Dundela counterparts on Saturday, admitting that the visitors were good value for the three precious points they achieved in the Championship/PIL Development League.
The Seasiders struggled to break down a stern Duns defence at Clandeboye Park and were hit by two goals at the start and end of the contest, with a fine free-kick firing the away side, who are fourth in the division, into the lead mere minutes in before sealing the contest with a placed shot into the corner seven minutes from time.
They do, however, retain their seven-point lead at the summit after second-placed Harland and Wolff Welders, who have two matches in hand, were also beaten at home on Saturday – 4-0 by Portadown, who sit third and are 14 points from David Downes’ league leaders having played three games fewer.
The Ports are Bangor’s next opponents at Shamrock Park and are unbeaten in nine, with the Welders also to come on March 23 following the visit of high-flying Queen’s University in fifth in what is potentially a title-deciding stretch of games this month.
Wright hopes the Yellows have got the worst out of their system and will hit their peak performance again sooner rather than later.
“We knew coming into today, it’s not going to be easy. Obviously, to go 1-0 down, and then… our backs are always against it.
“We started slow, they grew into the game, they wanted it more, and, listen, in football, you’re going to go on an easy ride. Even the best teams lose, so now, it’s just, how do we get back into winning ways, how do we work for each other again, how do we bounce back.
“We’ve got a tough month coming up with another three good teams, so it’s a bit of a wake-up call, maybe we needed it coming into this tough month. And, you know, it’s just how do we bounce back.”
The 20-year-old forward, who was sprung from the bench against the Duns and scored in the previous weekend’s 7-0 win over Newington, was in no doubt where the duel was decided.
“Hard work. It just came down to hard work.
“They (Dundela) worked for each other, it took us 40 minutes, maybe on the half, to start actually going for the second ball. Even towards the end, second ball, it was won and lost with who wanted the second ball more.
"First ball and the second, they were first to it, so credit to them and, you know, we just need to move on from it now.”
The losing feeling is not one that the Reserves have been accustomed to lately – not in the league since a 5-2 reversal at Warrenpoint Town in May towards the tail end of last term – but it is a sensation they must conjure up a response to.
Wright insists it is by no means panic stations and says the squad won’t change their mentality of taking every match as it comes for this crunch set of fixtures.
“We’re going to do what we’ve done all season, take each game as it comes. You can’t just look past your next game, you know, maybe, we have Portadown, Queen’s and then the Welders.
“You’ve got Portadown first, get through that and then we take it another game and another game and just, see what happens to the end of the season.”
Seanna Foster, meanwhile, completed the full duration of a match for the first time since the 4-0 Playr-Fit Championship triumph over Annagh United on November 25 and is pleased his continued road to recovery is well on the right track.
The Cliftonville loanee, who underwent knee surgery in December, has made three features as a substitute for the first-team in 2024 but started his first game since that success away at the BMG Arena. While disappointed with the outcome of the match, the 27-year-old is on the mend and building sharpness.
“It’s a full 90, that was my first full 90 in 15 weeks,” right wing-back Foster said.
“Disappointing (the result), I know there’s still a bit to go for me personally, but it’s good to be out there and good to get minutes under my belt again and build back up to speed.”
(Posted: Sunday, 3rd March 2024)
Bangor Reserves suffered their first defeat of the Championship/PIL Development League season in their 20th match when Dundela left Clandeboye Park with all three points and inflicted a 2-0 defeat upon their hosts.
The Duns drew first blood mere minutes into the game through a fine free-kick finish, with Bangor replying with a flurry of set-pieces and forward forays but not creating much of note going into half-time.
The Seasiders, who featured first-teamers Seanna Foster, David Hume and Gareth Beattie continued to put pressure on a robust opposition defence who sat compactly and soaked it in, with the hosts pushing and probing for a key equaliser.
Instead, the Duns made the game safe with a low shot into the bottom left corner which goalkeeper Mason Hume got a strong palm to but was unable to stop.
(Posted: Saturday, 2nd March 2024)
Ben Arthurs has signed a contract extension with Bangor FC until June 2026.
Arthurs has scored 21 goals in all competitions during the 2023/24 season.
Bangor FC Chairman Graham Bailie said: “Ben is a fantastic Bangor player who gives his all for the club. He is an outstanding example for all his teammates in training and with his work rate on the pitch.
“I’m really pleased to see that Ben has committed his future to Bangor until June 2026. It is a further statement from the club that we are trying to deliver success on the field and returning Bangor to the highest echelons of football in Northern Ireland.
“We have had a number of home matches this season with over 1,000 fans attending. We have a strong talented squad that is progressing in the championship and pushing to achieve on the field. We are a thriving community-based club. Ben wants to be a key part in all of this success at Bangor FC.”
Ben Arthurs joined Bangor in summer 2018 and has scored 127 goals for the Seasiders.
Ben Arthurs said: “Everyone knows how much I love this club. I am really proud of playing my part in the Bangor FC journey and helping the club get promoted to and progress in the NIFL Championship.
“Lee is building a team and a squad to compete in the Championship and beyond. I want to be a part of that and help the club push on. I believe we can achieve something special in the next few years and that is why I am extending my contact with the Seasiders.”
Ben concluded: "Bangor FC is a special club – the fans are amazing. It is a cliché, but they are our 12th man. Bangor fans are always with the team from the first minute until the match finishes There isn't a fanbase as passionate and supportive as ours in the league.”
(Posted: Friday, 1st March 2024)
Saturday, March 2 – Bangor Reserves vs Dundela Reserves, Championship/PIL Development League, Clandeboye Park, 11am
The senior side may have a rare free weekend, but there’s no stopping Bangor Reserves when they host their Dundela counterparts in a crunch battle in the Championship/PIL Development League.
The young Seasiders, who have picked up maximum points in each of the seven games since the pulsating 3-3 draw against the Duns back in December – the visitors were denied victory just by a last-gasp equaliser at the Billy Neill Centre – will begin a pivotal month of March with hopes of atoning for the heartaching nature of that stalemate and continuing their path to the title.
David Downes’ panel are seven points clear of Harland and Wolff Welders, who they face in three weeks’ time, but the second-placed outfit have played two games fewer, making every win of the utmost importance in a month where Portadown (third) and Queen’s University (fifth) also count among their opponents.
Three points against the Wilgar Park-based east Belfast men this Saturday would therefore be of the utmost importance and build on last weekend’s 7-0 defeat of Newington in style.
It’s March madness for Bangor Reserves in 2024 and Charley Craig is relishing some massive match-ups to come in the Championship/PIL Development League title race.
After 19 outings, David Downes’ side are invincible, with just four points dropped and zero defeats in league play this season, but the next four clashes mark their toughest stretch of the campaign as they bid to rubber-stamp a crowning glory this year.
With Portadown (third), Queen’s University (fifth) and Harland and Wolff Welders (second) chronologically following this weekend’s clash with fourth-placed Dundela, who the Yellows drew 3-3 with at the Billy Neill Centre in December, this run is likely to determine whether the team, who are seven points clear of the Welders with two more matches played, will rake in the title come the end of the campaign.
But versatile forward Craig is confident they can start the month on the front foot with a win over the Duns on Saturday morning
“Yeah, 100 per cent,” Craig said after scoring the seventh goal in the 7-0 triumph over Newington last time.
“We’ve four big massive games, the three teams below us here.
“Queen’s, Portadown, Duns and Welders, so hopefully, we pick up a win against the Duns and that’ll set us on the road for the title hopefully.”
(Posted: Thursday, 29th February 2024)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney lavished praise upon Ben Cushnie after the forward bagged his first goal in five months during the comprehensive victory over Ballyclare Comrades on Friday night. The Glentoran loanee hadn’t hit the target since he broke the deadlock in a 2-1 win over Newington on September 23, 2023 but, having returned to fitness after an injury-disrupted few months, set the record straight with the second strike of four at Clandeboye Park.
The 22-year-old Hillsborough man, who accompanied Scott McArthur (2) and Ben Arthurs among the scoring stakes in the 4-0 success, netted only four minutes into the second half having been fired up by Feeney to produce the goods.
Branding Cushnie “one of the best players” in the Playr-Fit Championship, the Seasiders boss believes his return to match sharpness after ankle trouble is timely for a big run-in as the side kept its grip on second-place in the standings.
“I absolutely love Cush,” Feeney hailed. “And he knows I love him.
“I said to him on the way out for the second half, ‘You’re going to score today’, and I asked him to say it back to me that he was going to score today, and that’s exactly what he did. He’s been unlucky this season because of injuries, it’s been a bit stop-start for him, but he’s a quality player and it’s massive for us to have him back for the run-in, he’s going to be a big player for us if we want to keep getting points on the board.
“For me, he’s one of the best players in this league, one of the most talented players in this league and he showed that on Friday night. He’s been getting back to full fitness and I put him in from the start, and I couldn’t ask any more from him in terms of the impact he makes in the final third.
“We had the front three all scoring, and there was Adam Neale off the bench and what he gave, fresh legs into the game and a fresh energy that kept us going, and that’s the strength in depth and the quality that we have in that top area.
“That was great to see, and getting a player like Cush back fit is massive to keep us going.”
Any emphatic win over a fellow promotion-chaser is bound to stand out, no less than that it came on a night when league leaders Dundela – who, it was revealed, will be unable to take their place in the Sports Direct Premiership despite their position in the table – were also beaten 4-0 away to Annagh United.
But Feeney admits parts of the performance against Stephen Small’s Comrades have left him wanting more in the final two months of the season – not, however, without praising a tally of just one defeat in the last 14 league outings following Friday’s endeavours.
“We largely controlled the game but I didn’t feel we were at our best,” admitted the Bangor supremo. We didn’t really have the control of possession that I would’ve liked to see, and I said to the boys afterwards that I feel we can be a bit better.
“I think we’ve maybe had a wee bit of luck go our way recently, we’ve been getting results but I think the performances haven’t been as good as I’d have wanted, and there is a point when your luck runs out and that’s not something we want to be on the wrong end of.
“But if every team has a bad patch, and we’re having our bad patch and we’re winning 4-0 in ours against a team like Ballyclare who’s a really good side, how good can we be when we’re back in a good patch again?
“I do think there’ll come a day when we tank a team, I think we’re getting to that point, but I wouldn’t call that a tanking because a lot of parts of our performance weren’t 100 per cent. We gave the ball away cheaply under little pressure at times and they had opportunities in the game, we kept the clean sheet but we didn’t dominate the game in the way I’d have liked, and I feel there’s more that we can do.
“But if you’d said to me when we were in the Premier Intermediate that we’d have a run of one defeat in 14 in our first season in the Championship, I’d have laughed at you. A run like that is done through hard work, we’re in for a big run-in now and we’ve a really tough game against Ballinamallard in a couple of weeks, who lost at the weekend there (2-1 against Portadown) but have been in good form recently, so we’re expecting a tricky game away from home.
“We’ve been in great form probably since the last time we were up there, the 3-0 (win on September 9), it’s been a fantastic run and the players have emptied the tank for me. We’re at the top end of the table and we want to keep winning matches for as long as we can.”
(Posted: Sunday, 25th February 2024)
Charley Craig admits it took Bangor Reserves a while to find their rhythm despite recording an impressive 7-0 victory at Newington U21 on Saturday morning.
The Seasiders got off to a flyer just four minutes in after centre-back Jack McCosh rocketed a piledriver into the net, but it wasn’t until Kristian Trainor bagged a nerve-settling second just after the half-hour mark that the league leaders began to take command as the hosts enjoyed their fair share of presentable opportunities.
It was a three-goal advantage at the interval after the experienced David Hume rammed in a bullet header from Mitchel Watterson’s enticing delivery from the right, and Craig admits it was easier to control the game once the Yellows hit their ideal stride.
“Yeah, it took us a good while to play football. About half an hour in, we were 2-0 up and just weren’t playing football at all. It just wasn’t good enough all-round but once we sort of got a few goals and it was a lot better all over. We done well once we got the ball flowing.”
He adds on McCosh’s opener, a 25-yard spectacular that soared into the top right corner:
“It was definitely a brilliant goal; you know, to start the game off that a couple of minutes in just, it just sort of relaxes the nerves even when you know you’re coming in to hopefully win.
“It’s good to get a wee early goal, and hopefully we get the same in a big match next week against the Duns.” Playing from right wing-back against the Championship/PIL Development League’s basement side, 18-year-old Craig, who slotted in Bangor’s seventh on 83 minutes, also hailed the depth at manager David Downes’ disposal that certainly helped them on their way to success here.
It was half-time substitute Jay Boyd who slipped his team-mate in to apply the cherry on top of this ruthless triumph, while Sonny Redford netted a brace having been introduced to the fray alongside Boyd to lead the line. Ruairi Wright netted in the second half as well and three points were rubber-stamped ahead of a pivotal month of March that sees the side face every team from second to fifth-place. Craig feels it could be the squad effort that makes all the difference.
“Aye, it’s good to know you have loads of options. You know, we had two strikers (Callum Johnston and Jude Healy) in the first half and then two different strikers in the second half.
“So, it’s always good to have depth all over the pitch, you know, competition for places, it’s good. It makes you sort of step up your game, you know, having people behind you, knowing you have to play well to keep winning games.”
(Posted: Sunday, 25th February 2024)
Bangor Reserves were in seventh heaven at V36 Valley Leisure Centre when they put seven unanswered goals past Newington U21 and kept their title charge ticking over for another weekend.
Playing into the sun in the first half, Bangor required just four minutes to break the deadlock and did so through marauding centre-back Jack McCosh, who fired an unstoppable piledriver from 25 yards into the top right corner. The Seasiders doubled the lead just after the half-hour mark. A long ball down the left channel set Kristian Trainor away, and he placed his attempt across the Swans goalkeeper and into the opposite corner of the net.
Four minutes out from half-time, that advantage became three when David Hume's back-post header turned in a sublime Mitchel Watterson cross from wide-right, cementing the league leaders' authority on the affair in Newtownabbey.
Ruairi Wright added a fourth, sliding in five minutes after the restart after a delicate low supply from McCosh set him in, and it was five only a few minutes later when Sonny Redford turned in after the Newington stopper spilled Jay Boyd's curling effort. Substitute Redford added a second and Bangor's sixth just after the hour.
Charley Craig broke through and became the sixth scorer in a yellow shirt on 83 minutes after he was played through by Boyd, slotting low and in to apply the finishing touch to a ruthless display.
(Posted: Saturday, 24th February 2024)
Bangor maintained their grip on second-place in the Playr-Fit Championship with a fine 4-0 victory over Ballyclare Comrades on Friday night.
In a match-up that had seen 16 goals in the three previous meetings this term, goals were a guarantee going into this encounter – and that promise was fulfilled 37 minutes into a hotbed affair when the alert Scott McArthur side-footed into the Clandeboye Road end net from Ben Cushnie’s headed flick-on.
Cushnie himself added the Seasiders’ second four minutes after half-time. The forward, who has found his season disrupted by injury but shown some flashes of brilliance when it’s been called for, rammed in his first goal since finding the net against Newington on September 23 to double the lead.
It was 20 minutes later when McArthur boosted his personal tally with the third of the game – the Bangor native’s 10th finish of an impressive campaign – before goalscorer-in-chief Ben Arthurs wrapped up the points in stoppage-time when he turned in Tiarnan Mulvenna’s inswinging corner.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, H.Beverland(R.Nixon)(B.Walker), R.Neale, L.Francis, L.Harrison(S.Foster), T.Mulvenna, T.Mathieson, B.Arthurs, B.Cushnie(A.Neale), S.McArthur(M.Watterson), C.McDermott.
Subs: M.Orbinson, M.Halliday
(Posted: Friday, 23rd February 2024)
Saturday, February 24 – Newington U21 vs Bangor Reserves, Championship/PIL Development League, V36 Valley Leisure Centre, 11am
Bangor Reserves are in action in the Championship/PIL Development League on Saturday morning when they travel to V36 Valley Leisure Centre to face Newington U21.
The young Seasiders’ formidable start to the season has them on track for a title lift, but that thought will be firmly at the back of the players’ and coaches’ minds when they check in at the Newtownabbey venue this weekend.
After the previous Friday’s impressive 4-0 triumph over Ballymacash Rangers U21 at The Bluebell, which shot them to 50 points at the league summit and marked a sixth straight victory ahead of tackling the division’s bottom side, David Downes and his charges will be fired up to deliver once again but wary of the threats the north Belfast side – who they bounced back from behind to beat 4-1 at Clandeboye Park in mid-October – can pose.
With only eight matches to go in their season following this weekend’s encounter, the games are coming thick and fast and every point will be of value between now and the end. Expect to see a competitive account produced here.
(Posted: Thursday, 22nd February 2024)
Bangor are in action for the last time in February, with Ballyclare Comrades the visitors to Clandeboye Park in the Playr-Fit Championship.
The Seasiders got back to winning ways after finishes by Conor McDermott and Adam Neale either side of Tiarnan O’Connor’s leveller secured an important three points at the expense of 10-man Harland and Wolff Welders, with Lee Feeney’s men seeing their 11-game league unbeaten streak dating back to mid-November snapped with the 3-2 defeat at Dundela four days earlier.
Now, a new hot spell is on the radar with Ballyclare next up, who edged a five-goal thriller on the opening day of the season before Bangor hit back in turn in the County Antrim Shield – a 4-2 comeback triumph inspired by four Ben Arthurs finishes at Clandeboye Park in September – and then in the league thanks to Lewis Francis’ last-minute winner in a 3-2 success at Dixon Park in early December. The games have swung one way and the other this term and goals are expected to flow once more here.
With Friday’s hosts in second-place, they can tighten their grip on that spot and move to within two points of leaders Dundela with a victory, although with Ballyclare only seven points worse off and also in the promotion conversation in fifth, it is certainly finely poised.
Adam Neale believes the Bangor fans can make their presence felt again when the Seasiders entertain fellow promotion hopefuls Ballyclare Comrades on Friday night. 30-year-old striker Neale made an instant impact after being introduced as a substitute last weekend against Harland and Wolff Welders, latching onto Ben Arthurs’ headed flick-on and lobbing over goalkeeper Jack Mills for what proved to be the matchwinner on 68 minutes.
That 2-1 victory inspired a return to winning ways following the midweek defeat to Dundela four days prior, and the Ballynahinch man is in no mood to let up with a competitive race for promotion at the top end of the Playr-Fit Championship.
In that respect, he feels the supporters could hold the key to success against the Comrades.
“Yeah, at this stage of the season, it’s just about picking up every point that you can,” stated Neale, who buried his ninth goal of the season at Blanchflower Park.
“We’re getting closer to the split and every team’s wanting to get as many points as they can, so it’s up to us to keep the momentum going. We’re going in and we want to finish as high up the table as we can, it’s a tough run-in but we want to be in and around the promotion places, whether that’s first, second or third or whatever it may be.
“The games are coming thick and fast and every team around us is going to be competitive, but we were able to get back to winning ways at the weekend and we’ve been in good form and working hard for each other, so I’m looking forward to it. I think we’ve shown this season, we don’t fear any team in the league and there’s no team we feel we can’t beat, and we’ve beaten Ballyclare twice already.
“Our fans have been unbelievable this season, especially at home when they really do give us a wee bit of a lift, so we’re looking forward to playing in front of another big crowd.
“It’ll be a tough game but there’s a great spirit in the dressing room and we’ve had the fans come out in big numbers, and we’re confident we can go and get a result on Friday night.”
(Posted: Thursday, 22nd February 2024)
(Posted: Monday, 19th February 2024)
Chris Dougan has been appointed the new manager at Bangor Ladies FC.
Dougan previously worked as assistant manager at Bangor Ladies in 2023, when he helped guide the team to third place in NIWFA championship and to the final of the PwC Super Cup. Chris has also managed Bangor U17s boys academy team.
“I’m honoured to get the job at Bangor and I’m excited about the challenge ahead, especially as I know what a talented group of players we have.
“My aim is to further develop current and young players and build on what has already been established at Bangor. I want to help the team fulfil their potential by increasing professionalism in the squad and demanding the team is hard working and gives 100%.
“I’m also keen to adopt an exciting style of play that is not only entertaining to watch, but, most importantly, will get us results.”
Chris will be joined by current assistant coach Josh Eynon and new assistant coach Josh Wynne.
Bangor FC Head of Women’s Football Michelle Crawford said:
“I am absolutely delighted to have secured Chris as the new manager. As a previous member of the Bangor Ladies backroom staff, Chris understands the vision of the club and what is required to move the team forward.
“He already has a strong working relationship with players and non-playing staff at and has a clear understanding of what he wants on and off the pitch with his team.
“The desire and determination from Chris to take this team forward is evident and I believe he will be an exciting appointment for Bangor Ladies.”
“The Board and I would also like to thank Ethan for everything he did at Bangor Ladies and the success achieved last season. We wish him well in his future endeavours.”
Chris replaces Ethan Boylan who recently stepped down as manager.
(Posted: Monday, 19th February 2024)
Bangor swept away the blues of Tuesday night’s 3-2 defeat to Dundela with a 2-1 triumph at their 10-man east Belfast neighbours Harland and Wolff Welders on Saturday afternoon to surge north of the 50-point marker in the Playr-Fit Championship and significantly boost hopes of a top-half placing for the split.
The visitors opened the scoring just 15 minutes into proceedings at Blanchflower Park, Conor McDermott bagging his second goal in a fortnight when he rifled through a crowd and past Welders stopper Jack Mills to break the deadlock.
The hosts, whose line-up featured recently departed Seasiders favourite Dylan O’Kane in the middle of the park, were only behind for six minutes, however, as hotshot Tiarnan O’Connor restored the level pegging before the major flashpoint on 35 minutes when Welders top scorer Matthew Ferguson was sent off following a high boot on Bangor defender Howard Beverland.
It took some time for the Yellows to make their numerical superiority count, though that all-important third goal of the game did arrive on 68 minutes thanks to substitute Adam Neale’s clever finish with his very first touch. Ben Arthurs provided the supply and a deft chip by the Ballynahinch marksman over Mills restored Bangor’s lead and gave Neale his ninth of the campaign that wrapped up the three points.
Bangor team:
J.Taylor, C.Byers[D.Hume, 46’], L.Francis, H.Beverland, R. Neale, L.Harrison[T.Mathieson, 66’], T.Mulvenna, C.McDermott, M.Bradley[S.McArthur, 46’], B.Arthurs, B.Cushnie[A. Neale, 66’].
Subs: M.Orbinson[GK], M.Halliday, S.Foster.
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 23rd February 2024 - BANGOR v BALLYCLARE COMRADES, Playr-Fit Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm.
(Posted: Saturday, 17th February 2024)
Bangor Reserves extended their formidable unbeaten run in the Championship/PIL Development League this season to 18 matches following a 4-0 victory over their Ballymacash Rangers counterparts on Friday night.
A double from Callum Johnston, as well as strikes by Kristian Trainor and Sam Millar, ensured that the Seasiders hit the 50-point marker with their 16th league win of this campaign at The Bluebell and further consolidated their position at the top of the table.
Striker Johnston, who scored a clinching fourth off the bench in the previous weekend’s 4-1 success at home to Lisburn Distillery Reserves, was named from the start for this encounter and he broke the deadlock just before the half-hour mark before adding a second eight minutes after the interval.
Trainor, wearing the captain’s armband in Lisburn, added a third goal on the hour mark before left-back Millar completed the scoring 11 minutes from time for what is David Downes’ side’s biggest win of 2024 to date.
The side are on the road again next Saturday when they take on Newington U21 at Valley Leisure Centre, with kick-off at 11am.
(Posted: Saturday, 17th February 2024)
Saturday, February 17 – Harland and Wolff Welders vs Bangor, Playr-Fit Championship, Blanchflower Park, 3pm
Having dusted themselves down after the disappointment of losing to Dundela on Tuesday night, Bangor are back in east Belfast this Saturday to take on Harland and Wolff Welders in the sixth-from-last Playr-Fit Championship outing of the pre-split.
The second visit to Blanchflower Park this term, the Seasiders have played out two draws to date with Paul Kee’s Welders; a keenly contested 0-0 stalemate away in September followed by a 1-1 level pegging on home soil, with Adam Neale turning in and cancelling out Matthew Ferguson’s third-minute opener in early November.
On this occasion, the race to consolidate a top-six finish is at the forefront of minds on both sides; Bangor are safe by eight points in the top half, while the Welders are five points back and just three clear of seventh-placed Annagh United. With that in mind, it promises to be a hard-fought battle on the Holywood Road and, should one side prevail, a coveted three points for whoever is clinical on the afternoon.
Yellows boss Lee Feeney admitted it wasn’t his side at their best at Wilgar Park in midweek, as a direct brand of football failed to bring a points reward back to Clandeboye Park despite two goals from 20-goal top scorer Ben Arthurs either side of half-time, but he felt in his pre-match outlook for this fixture that the Welders’ synthetic surface can allow his team to play their preferred style more effectively this time around.
There’s not much margin for error as the split nears, so another competitive fixture can be expected this weekend.
(Posted: Friday, 16th February 2024)
Friday, February 16 – Ballymacash Rangers U21 vs Bangor Reserves, Championship/PIL Development League, The Bluebell, 8pm
After Bangor’s senior side came under the spotlight and shone with the North Down Derby success over Ards last weekend, it is the Seasiders Reserves’ turn to come under the Friday night lights where they will hope to excel in their latest Championship/PIL Development League outing against Ballymacash Rangers U21.
David Downes’ men put their unbeaten record in the division at stake once more and enter this clash with The ‘Cash bidding to wrap up a 16th victory in their 18th league encounter.
A win would also take the Yellows up to 50 points having won each of their last five matches, most recently securing a 4-1 triumph over Lisburn Distillery U21 thanks to strikes by Mitchel Watterson, Charley Craig, Jay Boyd and Callum Johnston at Clandeboye Park. The result looked more comfortable than it was in practice, however, and Downes has been impressed of late with how his squad has found more gritty ways to take three points and keep their title charge ticking over.
This trip to Lisburn to face Ballymacash, who are second from bottom in the standings, is the reverse fixture of the match-up on the opening day. Craig, Kristian Trainor (two), Sam Millar, Ethan Scott and Sonny Redford marked the scoresheet in a 6-0 success back on September 2, and completing a back-to-back will be the target here.
Bangor Reserves assistant boss Ian Boal expects Ballymacash Rangers U21 to ask questions of his side and has warned the players not to let complacency seep in as the team aims to extend their formidable unbeaten streak.
The Seasiders have not lost in the Championship/PIL Development League all season and sit top of the table by seven points, but the focus is to continue on the winning trail rather than look back with The ‘Cash playing a tough host on Friday night.
After a 4-1 victory over Ballymacash’s near-neighbours Lisburn Distillery U21 last time out, Boal anticipates that the Lisburn club will put the pressure on from the outset, but he also has faith in his charges to show their quality and shine under the floodlights.
“Ballymacash is always a hard place to go. Even when they come here, they’re always a physical, strong, fast-paced team. But we don’t fear anybody in the league. We have the quality in the dressing room that can go out and beat any team in our league comfortably.
“Ballymacash, we won’t look past them. We don’t look past any team. We know we’ll be in for a fight and we’ll have to bring our game in order to beat them.”
(Posted: Thursday, 15th February 2024)
(Posted: Thursday, 15th February 2024)
Manager Lee Feeney has taken responsibility for a direct style of play that failed to pay full dividends in Bangor’s 3-2 defeat to Dundela on Tuesday night – but he reaffirms his belief that his players can make a quick return to winning ways with just six pre-split fixtures left. The Seasiders were on the losing end of a Playr-Fit Championship match for the first time in 11 outings, since a 2-1 reversal at the hands of Newington in mid-November, and the Kilkeel chief admitted that, with hindsight, he would have asked his charges to keep the ball on the ground more rather than the vertical approach in practice.
Feeney also praised his team’s never-say-die spirit and refusing to wilt after Jordan Jenkins rubber-stamped his hat-trick for the Duns just five minutes into the second half. A tension-filled finale was lined up after Ben Arthurs bagged his second of the evening with 15 minutes to go, but it wasn’t to be and, ultimately, the manager felt too many of his men had off-nights in this crunch clash with the league leaders. Dundela were good value for their win, but from former Linfield and Rangers ace Feeney’s perspective, there were key learnings to take.
“I take the blame for it. Tactically, it was the wrong approach. I had told the boys to play direct, try and get behind, chase on second balls.
“It’s a tight pitch, a narrow pitch, they’re a pressing team and it’s hard to play your own style at times, and I maybe underestimated that we could’ve played a bit more football and kept it on the ground a bit more, passed it around a bit more. Looking back, I do think we could’ve played a bit more football and I think there was the space to do that, maybe a bit more than we realised at the start.
“I looked at it and there was going to be a lot of playing in tight spaces, and I do think we’re one of the best teams in the Championship at playing football and playing it short, so it was influenced a lot by the pitch and conditions to play a long-ball approach and I think we could have played a bit more on the ground and relied less on second balls and that sort of thing.
“It was disappointing, and it’s something I’ll personally learn from. In saying that, we know ourselves that wasn’t good enough and we’re better than that. I felt there were five or six players who just didn’t turn up on the night, who just struggled to make an impact on the game for large parts. “But even then, we got the second goal that brought us back into the game and still fought right to the end.
“It wasn’t to be, but the character’s there that we can go out and fight until the last ball, and there’s things I’ve learned today that will influence how we set up for this sort of game going forward. It was just a really bad day, and we had injuries as well, and it’s up to us now to go and put up a response against the Welders on Saturday.”
In singling out those who stood up and made themselves counted, Feeney praised three star performers for their contributions. Arthurs, who bulleted in a powerful header from Reece Neale’s corner to make it 1-1 on 25 minutes, coupled that with a second strike when he latched onto Ben Cushnie’s slick lay-off before rounding opposition ‘keeper Lewis Hunter to slot home and threaten the comeback, with Feeney hailing how his target man led the line. January arrivals Marty Bradley and Tiarnan Mulvenna – the latter was subbed off 10 minutes into the second half over an injury concern – were also bright lights the manager felt shone. Feeney said:
“Yeah, Big Ben, you have to give him credit, he went out and scored two goals… I think that’s the first time he’s scored two goals in the league all season. His all-round play was good, he led the line and it was two well-taken goals. I thought Marty Bradley was very positive as well, he took up a few good positions on the pitch and made a lot of things happen and he’s a great character, and Tiarnan Mulvenna had a good game as well before he had to go off injured.
“There were others who weren’t up to those levels, but I think they’re now playing with a point to prove and they’ll want to go out and deliver a response. The players have been a credit; if you’d given me third or fourth-place, where we are now, before the season started, I’d have bit your hand off. They work hard in training and set high standards for themselves and they have high expectations.
“It is disappointing that our unbeaten run is over and things don’t go as we wanted in terms of the performance, but going 11 games unbeaten in the Championship as a newly promoted team is outstanding and it shows the work the players are putting in. It’s a fresh start, our approach is very much we’re taking it one game at a time and we’re treating Saturday like that.
“We’ve got great characters, mentally strong characters who’ve done the club proud and who I’ve got a lot of confidence in. “We’ve got a wee bit of motivation to put things right now that we’re coming off the back of a defeat and we’ll try and start a new run. We’re in for a massive 11 games now, and the first thing we have to do is secure top six because that’s not even been confirmed yet. It’s a tight league and every point you can get counts.”
Looking ahead to the weekend battle at Blanchflower Park with Harland and Wolff Welders, one of only two teams in the Championship that Bangor have yet to beat this term – two draws (0-0 and 1-1) have been played out – Feeney expects a tough match-up against a side ranked fifth in the standings and likewise hoping to assure themselves of a top-half finish.
A win for Saturday’s hosts would put them within a couple of points of the Yellows, so it is a fixture that carries significance with Ballyclare, Institute and Portadown also still to come.
“The thing about 3G is you can always trust the pitch, you know what you’re going into,” he said on the topic of the Welders’ artificial surface, in contrast to their east Belfast neighbours Dundela’s grass.
“The thing with the Welders, they’ve got a lot of great players, good manager, and they’re sort of breathing down us I think. They’re fighting for top six, they’ve got threat in the forward areas and I’m fully expecting a real tough battle when we head up there. We’re sort of the same as them in that right now, we’re wanting to consolidate top six, and every team will be fired up and looking as many points as they can get.
“And listen, we’re going into Saturday’s game hurting; we’re a wounded animal and we know that other teams will be looking at that and wanting to put the pressure on us. But we’ve got the characters in there who’ll want to produce a response, we’ll work on our game plan in training and I’m confident with the personalities we have that can get back on track again.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 14th February 2024)
Bangor suffered an agonising first league defeat in 11 matches following a 3-2 midweek defeat to Dundela at Wilgar Park.
After an even start, the Duns were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead on 19 minutes when tricky frontman Jordan Jenkins was felled in the box by Lewis Francis, with referee Stewart Long showing no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Jenkins himself stepped up and sent James Taylor the wrong way to open the scoring for the hosts.
The Seasiders reacted quickly, however, as Ben Arthurs powered in Reece Neale's left-sided corner to level just six minutes later – his 125th competitive goal for the club since he first joined in 2018. Dundela provided a response in turn; on 31 minutes, Jenkins received from David McMaster on the left flank and cut inside before slotting low and in at Taylor's near post to restore their lead.
Hoping for a fast start to the second half, it didn't materialise as hoped when Jenkins completed a hat-trick just five minutes after the restart as he slotted beyond his former Glenavon team-mate Taylor for 3-1. A response arrived when Arthurs broke behind the line, sitting goalkeeper Lewis Hunter down before slotting into an open net past recovering Dundela defenders.
But despite an end-to-end finish, a decisive third was to elude Bangor in the end and a first loss in the league since the 2-1 reversal to Newington on November 11 was confirmed. The focus swiftly moves towards the away battle with Harland and Wolff Welders on Saturday.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, C.Byers, L.Francis(D.Hume, 45'), H.Beverland, R.Neale, L.Harrison(A. Neale 90'), T.Mulvenna(Halliday, 55'), T.Mathieson(S.Foster, 70'), M.Bradley, S.McArthur(B.Cushnie, 55'),B.Arthurs.
Unused subs: M.Orbinson[GK], C.McDermott.
Booked: S.Foster, M.Bradley.
Referee: Stewart Long
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 17th February 2024 - H&W WELDERS v BANGOR, Championship, Blanchflower Park, 3:00PM
(Posted: Tuesday, 13th February 2024)
Tuesday, February 13 – Dundela vs Bangor, Playr-Fit Championship, Wilgar Park, 7.45pm
Bangor will become familiar with the scenery of east Belfast this week as they prepare for a double-header in the Playr-Fit Championship, starting with a midweek duel at Dundela.
The Duns, whose 5-1 rout of Dergview on Saturday shot them to the top of the division and, indeed, dislodged Bangor following the North Down Derby success for Lee Feeney’s side the previous night, play host in an outing rescheduled from the original date of December 9 due to a waterlogged pitch at Wilgar Park that afternoon.
Stephen Gourley’s men, who became the first team in the second-flight to hit 50 points this term with that triumph over the relegation-threatened Dergs, had only won one of their last six prior to that five-star win, with a brace by January new boy Ewan Kelly adding to finishes from Charlie Dornan, Jordan Jenkins and a Lee Rea penalty. Amid their rocky patch was a bit of Friday night delight for the Seasiders, who counted on a trio of late goals to take down their rivals at Clandeboye Park a little over three weeks ago, and Bangor can retake top spot with another win this Valentine’s Day eve.
The victory over Ards last time out saw the Seagulls make it 11 unbeaten in the league, a run that dates three months, and with a trip to Harland and Wolff Welders following on Saturday, the team is in no mood to let up their mean streak. -
Defender Conor McDermott is expecting a difficult encounter at Wilgar Park this midweek as Bangor take on league leaders Dundela in a rescheduled Tuesday night blockbuster (7:45pm).
It’s first versus third in the Playr-Fit Championship on February 13, and with the top four in the division split by only a couple of points, the Seasiders know a win at the ‘Hen Run’ sees them reclaim top spot ahead of another testing trip to east Belfast on Saturday, as Harland and Wolff Welders await at Blanchflower Park.
Coleraine loanee McDermott is taking a one-game-at-a-time approach, however, and is firmly focused on clinching another win that would see Lee Feeney’s men rise north of the 50-point marker in what feels like a pivotal week.
“Another really tough game. It’s very close at the top of the table and every team’s going to be scrapping away for points.
“We’ve got tricky games coming up and all the lads know we have to be ready for whatever the other teams are going to throw at us.
“We obviously played them (Dundela) a few weeks ago and it was important that we won and we keep finding ways to win, we’ve turned our focus right onto Tuesday night now and we’re looking at getting three points again.
“They’ve got good players, but we’re focused on picking up as many points as we can, it’s been a good run and hopefully, we can keep that going on Tuesday night with another win.”
(Posted: Monday, 12th February 2024)
Bangor Reserves kept up their formidable unbeaten run with an impressive 4-1 victory over Lisburn Distillery’s Under-21s at Clandeboye Park on Saturday morning, extending what is a monster streak without defeat in the Championship/PIL Development League to 17 games.
Goals by Mitchel Watterson, Charley Craig, Jay Boyd and Callum Johnston secured a win that looked more comfortable than it was, with the Whites setting up a nervy second half having looped a header home while young striker Jude Healy was also denied from the penalty spot following the interval.
Classy midfielder Watterson, who was named on the substitutes’ bench for the senior side the night before, set the Seasiders on the front foot with a well-placed drive low into the bottom left corner from 20 yards, while a trio of striker goals that followed – Johnston’s close-range clincher coming from the bench – will have heartened manager David Downes as his side rise to 47 points in the standings and keep their title charge motoring along.
Healy, who saw his penalty in the second period parried away after the Distillery goalkeeper dived low to his right before Craig blazed the rebound over the crossbar, was also a livewire and ensures that an attack that has averaged over three goals a game this term remains in rude health ahead of a tough Friday night battle against Ballymacash Rangers U21 in Lisburn, where the Yellows will bid to breach the 50-point marker.
Assistant managers Ian Boal and Ollie Haslam admitted that while Bangor Reserves weren’t on top form in their victory over Lisburn Distillery U21 on Saturday, the importance of three crucial points in the title hunt made it a highly satisfying day at the office.
The Seasiders ran out 4-1 winners but were made to work for their rewards, with the nerves eased after an at times rocky start by Mitchel Watterson’s low drive 34 minutes in when the midfielder drilled into the bottom left corner from the edge of the box. Jay Boyd extended the cushion just after the interval, but a quickfire reaction saw the arrears swiftly trimmed by the Whites before Charley Craig and substitute Callum Johnston rubber-stamped the win in the final half-hour. The results sees Bangor maintain a seven-point lead at the top of the table, extending their unbeaten streak to 17 matches this term – and 18 in total in the Championship/PIL Development League dating back to last campaign – and rise to 47 points from a possible 51.
Lately, the Yellows have had to show their steel and find fresh ways to win, but with five victories on the bounce, this triumphant vein is just the ticket for the coaching staff.
“That’s it, it’s just trying to keep the momentum going. The boys are working hard in training, just taking each game as it comes and putting it into the match.
“I think they (Distillery) took us by surprise. The games we’ve played against them previously, they weren’t as good as what they were today, and give them credit today, they came out and were fighting the whole game. They were unlucky with two of the goals and we were lucky, and sometimes you just need a little bit of luck in the game just to get the momentum going in the way you want.
“Mitch scoring that goal in the first half definitely settled a lot of nerves, definitely.”
Haslam adds that the subs’ impact on the match late on – topped off by Johnston’s close-range finish nine minutes from time that proved the cherry on top – is a showcase of the strength in depth that will be of value in the season run-in. In the striker department, the side is well-stocked, and despite new arrival Jude Healy seeing his second-half penalty parried that would have added comfort to the scoreline, a flying start in yellow and blue for the son of David comes as a further boost as the side eye title success.
On Healy, Boal saluted his immediate influence and predatory instincts in the penalty area having bagged a debut brace against Ballyclare Comrades followed by the opener in last weekend’s 3-2 win over Limavady United.“Like Ian says, the first goal settled us down and then we kind of built from there, we came back into it. We kind of let them (Distillery) back into it slightly, but then we started to play free-flowing football like we know we can do and just, eventually, it will come.
“With Callum and Jack coming off the bench, we went to four at the back, and bringing Jack in, he kind of steadies the ship as well, and we have got options off the bench and there’s obviously the true depth we’ve got in the squad. We’ve got competition all over the pitch for places; starting XI, any of them boys can be in the starting XI.
“The team can change week-in, week-out and everyone’s strong enough to do a job in that position and do well. So, it’s testament to the boys putting the effort in, and the boys that come off the bench, we know what they can do, and they went out and done it. They done what was asked, big Jack steadied the ship at the back, Callum comes on and he gets his goal.
“Jude, he was unlucky with his penalty, you know, you score penalties and miss penalties, but he wanted the penalty, he was confident to come up and take it and I’m sure if he’s asked again, he’ll be happy to make sure he puts it right.”
“Yeah, we sort of lacked consistent forward goals, we were doing everything but the goals for the work they’re putting in, And Jude coming in, his first game at Ballyclare, scoring two within 35 minutes, you know, shows what he can bring to the team, his goals.
“That’ll help, especially with the run-in to the season, I think we’ve 11 games (left to play) now after today… it’s 11 cup Finals, you know, if we want to win this league.”
(Posted: Sunday, 11th February 2024)
(Posted: Sunday, 11th February 2024)
Bangor produced a grandstand finish as Lewis Francis and Michael Halliday struck injury time goals to send the Seasiders to the top of the table.
Lee Newell opened the scoreing for Ards in the 26th minute, but a sublime finish from Conor McDermott in the 41st minute made it 1-1 at the break.
Both sides went close in the second half before late strikes from Lewis Francis and Michael Halliday secured the three points for the Seasiders.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, H.Beverland, R.Neale, L.Francis, C.Byers, T.Mulvenna, M.Bradley(B.Walker), C.McDermott(S.Foster), S.McArthur(M.Halliday), B.Arthurs, T.Mathieson(B.Cushnie).
Subs: M.Orbinson, M.Watterson, A.Neale
NEXT MATCH
Tuesday, 13th February - DUNDELA v BANGOR, Championship, Wilgar Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Friday, 9th February 2024)
Saturday, February 10 – Bangor Reserves vs Lisburn Distillery U21, Championship/PIL Development League, Clandeboye Park, 11am kick-off
Bangor Reserves continue their push towards title glory in the Championship/PIL Development League on Saturday morning when they welcome Lisburn Distillery’s second string to Clandeboye Park. The Seasiders, who kept up their unbeaten streak with a slender 3-2 victory over Limavady United’s young guns last weekend, face the Whites – who are third from bottom – bidding for a 15th win in 17 outings that will keep them on pace to fulfilling their league ambitions.
Goals from Jude Healy, who has hit three goals in two matches since arriving in the January window, Jay Boyd and Gareth Beattie helped the hosts on their merry way, but it was a duel that could easily have saw more goals than had went in given both sides enjoyed numerous presentable opportunities that edged wide of the mark. A competitive Limavady outfit, who the Yellows did the double over having won by the same scoreline in the away encounter in September, should prove suitable preparation for facing this Saturday’s opponents from Ballyskeagh.
Distillery, who have 11 points from 16 matches played so far, will aim to spring a surprise and lift themselves further up the table at the expense of their league-leading hosts in the first meeting of the sides this term. In four meetings last season, Bangor emerged with 10 points from 12 – a 2-2 draw away followed by consecutive home wins (4-0 and 5-3) as well as a 2-0 success on their return to New Grosvenor – and will hope to continue that positive run with another three-point haul here.
(Posted: Friday, 9th February 2024)
MATCH DAY GUIDE
Friday, February 9 – Bangor vs Ards, Playr-Fit Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7.45pm
Bangor's unbeaten run across all competitions may have concluded at 11 following last weekend's Irish Cup exit at the hands of Portadown, but the third and final North Down Derby of the pre-split on Friday night can see them extend their streak of games without defeat in the Playr-Fit Championship.
Perhaps even more significantly, though, the Seasiders can rise provisionally to the top of the table and overtake Institute on goal difference with victory over Ards at Clandeboye Park. Having not been defeated in the Championship since a 2-1 loss to Newington at Inver Park on November 11, that invincible stretch endured until last Saturday when two Zach Barr strikes either side of Ben Arthurs' leveller saw Lee Feeney's panel eliminated from the Irish Cup by the Ports at the Sixth Round stage at Shamrock Park.
But attentions swiftly turn back to a hotly contested promotion race in the second-tier with the Yellows hopeful of securing a second success against the old enemy. With the most recent league result, a 1-1 draw with Dergview in Castlederg a fortnight ago, and the 2-2 stalemate with Ards on Boxing Day in which a two-goal lead was lost both fresh in the mind, Bangor will be keen to deliver a crucial killer blow this time around and rise to a division-leading 48 points in the table.
(Posted: Friday, 9th February 2024)
(Posted: Thursday, 8th February 2024)
(Posted: Wednesday, 7th February 2024)
NOW AVAILABLE - PORTADOWN v BANGOR MATCH VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS:
PORTADOWN MATCH VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
(Posted: Tuesday, 6th February 2024)
Bangor's January arrival Callum Byers has revealed he feels settled in and raring to go having played his first minutes in the yellow and blue shirt during the Reserves' victory over Limavady United U21 on Saturday. The centre-back, who linked up from fellow Playr-Fit Championship outfit Harland and Wolff Welders in the winter window, played the full 90 minutes in the 3-2 win on his debut appearance and says he had a "really good gut feeling" about making the move to Clandeboye Park.
26-year-old Byers adds that walking into a changing room full of players he has already made acquaintances with across a career that has seen him represent Linfield Swifts, Dungannon Swifts, Ards and the Welders made it a simple adaptation.
"Yeah, no, the club's been amazing to be fair," he says of his initial bedding-in process. "It all happened quite quickly, Lee got in touch, sort of spoke to the Welders and they were happy enough for me to move on. I had a really good gut feeling about coming in here, and I knew a few of the boys in the changing room from before from Linfield Swifts and my days at Ards, so it makes that a wee bit easier.
"The changing room's been fantastic, the coaching staff and Lee have all been super. Yeah, it was good to get a few minutes this morning and sort of just get back in the swing of things."
Byers feels his experience of both the Premiership and Championship throughout his career to date will come in handy as Bangor prepare for a crunch run-in. He has already made his first senior matchday squad having been an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw with Dergview in the last league outing, and while he was cup-tied for the Irish Cup defeat to Portadown – a clash in which three Under-20s in striker Charley Craig (18), midfielder Mitchel Watterson (18) and centre-back Mackenzie Gray (16) were among the subs – he is in line to make his first-team bow against Ards, who he previously captained, in the third North Down Derby of the season on February 9.
"Yeah, I'm only 26 but I feel I've been around the block for a while," he adds. I had time at Dungannon and Ards in the Premiership and then obviously at the Welders there for three years, so yeah, I've been about and I know what the Championship's about. So, I'm looking to add a wee bit of experience, a wee bit of knowhow around the changing room and help us push on."
An injury-hit first half of the campaign meant Byers arrived keen to build up his minutes again, and he was pleased to register a full match's worth of action for the Reserves and make an instant impact by helping them on the way to victory.
He said: "Yeah 100 per cent, I think it's good coming down and get 90 minutes because I sort of haven't had a consistent run of games this year.
"So, it's good getting 90 minutes under the belt and pick up the win because the Reserves side are pushing towards the top of the league and wanting to go on and strive for better things. So, yeah, it was good to get the result, too."
(Posted: Sunday, 4th February 2024)
Bangor Reserves emerged on top to preserve their unbeaten record in the league after a close-fought battle with Limavady United U21 at Clandeboye Park on Saturday morning. A game that, in truth, swung one way and the other in north Down, it was a game that probably should have produced more than the five goals it did as both sides missed some presentable opportunities, but the Seasiders took the reins and saw through a 3-2 success.
Goals in the first half from Jude Healy and Jay Boyd saw them enter a commanding position; the former prodded home on 29 minutes for his third goal in two games since his debut the previous week, while the latter showed fantastic strength to outmuscle his Roesiders opponent and blast home six minutes later.
The Lims came roaring back, though, as they struck twice either side of the interval to peg back to level terms, but Gareth Beattie was on hand with what proved the matchwinner on 57 minutes when he placed a back-post header in at the Clandeboye Road end net. The result lifts David Downes' Seasiders, who had seven regulars absent through injury or first-team squad inclusion in the seniors' Irish Cup match with Portadown, up to 44 points as they remain on top of the standings.
(Posted: Sunday, 4th February 2024)
Bangor fell to a narrow defeat to Portadown in the Irish Cup at Shamrock Park this afternoon. Zach Barr fired in the opener for Portadown after 5 minutes, but Ben Arthurs headed in a 19th minute corner kick to level it for the Seasiders.
The Seasiders twice saw the ball roll agonisingly across an empty goalmouth in the second half, but Zach Barr headed in the winner for Portadown in the 79th minute.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, H.Beverland, D.Hume, L.Francis, T.Mulvenna, L.Harrison, T.Mathieson (C.Craig), B.Walker (B.Cushnie), B.Arthurs, S.McArthur (A.Neale).
Subs: M.Orbinson, S.Foster, Gray, M.Watterson
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 9th February - BANGOR v ARDS, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 3rd February 2024)
Manager Lee Feeney declared himself satisfied with Bangor's transfer business throughout the January window, bringing in five new faces while accounting for seven departures from Clandeboye Park in all.
He adds that he hopes the players the club has signed can be cornerstones of their progress in the months and potentially years to come having opted to freshen up his panel for the Playr-Fit Championship run-in.
Arriving at the club were centre-backs Howard Beverland and Callum Byers, right-back Conor McDermott (on loan) and central midfielders Tiarnan Mulvenna and Marty Bradley. Mulvenna, who linked up from Glenavon, signed an 18-month professional deal, with Feeney having stated that the Belfast man had been on his radar for some time, while Coleraine Player of the Season for 2022/23 McDermott was naturally an arrival that turned heads around the Irish League landscape.
Departing, meanwhile, were long-serving goalkeeper Darren Gibbons, defenders Ryan Arthur, Ali Omar and Sean Brown – the latter two returning to Larne following loans – and midfielders Jack Henderson, Dylan O'Kane and Karl Devine.
"Yeah, I've been really happy with the business that's been done," said Bangor boss Feeney. "I think the new players that have come in have settled in quickly and made an impact, and that'll put us on the right track for the next part of the season.
"The players that have come in, they're great characters and they're players with experience and who have been successful at the top level of the game, who've won trophies and give us some things that we didn't really have before.
"There has been quite a bit of turnover in the window, we've seen players leave the club, but that's also a challenge because you need to have the right sort of characters coming in to replace them.
"We're not wanting to bring in any passengers, we're wanting to bring in players who have the desire to improve themselves and the people around them and who'll strengthen the team, and a lot of work's went in to bring in the players I believe can help strengthen the squad.
"Some good players have left us as well, the likes of Sean Brown for example, and I wish them all the best for the future. Those we've brought in, I'm looking forward to working with them and I believe they can set the standards for the months to come."
(Posted: Friday, 2nd February 2024)
Saturday, February 3 – Bangor Reserves vs Limavady United U21, Championship/PIL Development League, Clandeboye Park, 3pm kick-off
Table-topping Bangor Reserves put their unbeaten record on the line once more when they welcome their Limavady United counterparts to Clandeboye Park for this match-up at the start of February. The young Seasiders are chasing title glory and have not lost in their 15 league matches to date, enjoying a comfortable position at the top of the table with 41 points collected from a possible 45 in the Championship/PIL Development League.
Bangor were in Mossley last weekend and extended that proud run thanks to debutant Jude Healy's brace that sank Ballyclare Comrades U21, although there was a nervy finale when the hosts cut the deficit to 2-1 that ultimately was the final score.
It was a one-goal game when David Downes' charges visited Limavady the first time around, too; a 3-2 victory courtesy of a Charley Craig brace and a Jay Boyd strike later credited as an own goal back in the middle of September. It will again be a tough task here against the side sat sixth-placed in the standings ahead of kick-off, but the manager will expect his players to put in the hard work and rubber-stamp the win.
(Posted: Friday, 2nd February 2024)
Bangor start February's agenda with a trip to Shamrock Park in the Irish Cup, where Playr-Fit Championship rivals Portadown will entertain them in a straight shoot-out for a place in the quarter-finals of the esteemed competition.
Lee Feeney's men are intent on continuing their impressive vein of form, entering this clash with the Ports having not lost in any of their last 11 outings. He knows that if the Seasiders reach the last-eight of the oldest footballing cup competition on the island of Ireland, it will be a delightful dozen, although in a meeting of the third and fourth-placed sides in the second-tier, it is too close for comfort.
Last time out, Bangor wrapped up a solid point on their travels when they clinched a 1-1 draw at Dergview courtesy of Howard Beverland's 96th-minute equaliser which kept the unbeaten run alive – a streak that started against Saturday's opponents, with whom they played out a 2-2 draw at Clandeboye Park back on November 18 having held a 2-0 lead through Lewis Harrison and Ben Arthurs strikes in the first half.
Niall Currie's Portadown panel, which now includes midfielder Jack Henderson who departed the Seagulls at the beginning of the month, snatched a share of the spoils through Dougie Wilson and Eamon Fyfe finishes that day and will pose a stern challenge once again, but the visitors will back themselves to deliver and secure their spot in the quarters and know they must produce the goods to do so.
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Bangor manager Lee Feeney insists progression in the Irish Cup is a priority now that the Seasiders have returned to the senior ranks of the Irish League.
The Seasiders tackle Portadown in the Sixth Round of the competition this Saturday and have a quarter-final place in their sights, needing to fend off their Playr-Fit Championship rivals at their Shamrock Park home to secure that berth.
But the Seasiders supremo has full faith that his men in yellow and blue can deliver, backed up by their 11-game unbeaten run across all competitions and with his side having already defeated the Ports at this venue back in August.
"Absolutely, we've experience of playing Portadown and we should be looking to beat them and progress into the next round," Feeney declared. I said to the boys, we're a senior football club now, and we need to have the attitude towards the cups that senior football clubs have. We want to progress in the cups, that should be an ambition for us every season.
"Last season (against Crusaders), when we got to this stage, it was more of an occasion for us and a night to enjoy more than anything, but now, we've got a winnable tie and we want to go as far into the Irish Cup as we can. "Yes, the unbeaten run maybe helps us, and it was good to keep it alive with the last-minute goal there that gives us a bit of momentum, but we approach every game the same and we have to go into this game with that same winning mentality. It's a big opportunity for us and I'm really looking forward to it."
(Posted: Friday, 2nd February 2024)
Midfielder Karl Devine leaves the Seasiders after two & a half years.
The 28 year was part of last season’s double winning side and has played 21 times for the Seasiders this season.
We thank Karl for his time at the club and we wish him well for the future.
(Posted: Wednesday, 31st January 2024)
Bangor FC has agreed a new sponsorship deal with local Bangor firm Mango Ethical Direct Marketing.
Bangor FC Chairman Graham Bailie said: "We are delighted to secure the support of Mango, which is a high-profile company with well-established links in the city.
“Mango shares the ambitions of the football club as they are renowned for consistently striving to set high standards and delivering excellent results. We are thrilled to have them onboard as we continue our journey and I look forward to working with them and seeing how we can strengthen our relationship moving forward.”
Mango CEO Stuart Lally said: “As a family-owned business rooted in the local community, we’re incredibly proud to sponsor Bangor FC. This partnership aligns seamlessly with our work culture of being happy, friendly, diligent and delivering results.
“Just as the Bangor players strive for victory on the field, Mango is striving to set a high standard, delivering excellent results for our customers, whilst supporting our loyal team and driving a positive ethical culture.
“We wish the team continued success in their matches this season and we are looking forward to seeing the players in action over the coming weeks.”
Mango is as a full-service direct marketing agency that provides for clients based in UK, Ireland, Australia and America. Services are provided across many sectors including charities, home shopping, public sector and finance.
(Posted: Wednesday, 31st January 2024)
Congratulations to our U16s who defeated Strangford in the final of the SBYL First Division Cup at the weekend.
Finley, Jai and Jack were all on target for the Seasiders.
Well done to the coaches, players and parents!
(Posted: Tuesday, 30th January 2024)
The son of a Northern Ireland football legend had his shooting boots on having marked his debut for Bangor Reserves with a fabulous first-half double in Mossley.
It proved crucial come the end as, following a frantic finale with hosts Ballyclare Comrades having cut the deficit in half, the brace from Jude Healy was just what was needed to secure three points and preserve an unbeaten record.
Jude's father, NI men's record goalscorer and Linfield manager David Healy, was a renowned goalscorer in his peak who plied his trade at Premier League level in his playing days, and he showed similar instincts with two smart close-range finishes that capped off well-worked moves on 13 and 35 minutes. A fluid first half was to be followed by a more gruelling second, however, and David Downes' Seasiders were forced to grind out the points after that nervy ending in which the Comrades hit back with a placed 20-yard free-kick.
In the end, the players saw their lead through and picked up a 13th victory in 15 Championship/PIL Development League outings this season to maintain their grip on top spot and rise to 41 points.
Bangor Reserves striker Callum Johnston admits it was simply about getting the job done after the yellow and blue shirts were forced to work for the three points at a muddy Mossley Pavilion on Saturday morning. The sharp-shooter was right in the thick of a second half where the Seasiders were having to soldier hard for one another, fending off the late advances of Ballyclare Comrades U21 to clinch an important 2-1 win courtesy of a brace by Jude Healy inside the opening 35 minutes.
At a venue where Bangor's senior side have also played in the recent past, most notably a 4-0 Intermediate Cup victory in 2021 that was marked by a Michael Halliday hat-trick as well as when facing Ballynure Old Boys in the Ballymena Provincial League, David Downes' charges were sweating after a 20-yard free-kick was converted to haul the Comrades back within one late on, but Johnston was pleased with a battling victory.
"Today was just a case of getting the three points," reflected an honest Johnston.
"We made it a bit hard for ourselves in the second half, but we dug in, we defended as a unit and ground out the three points in the end, that's the most important thing. First half, the football we played was great. It wasn't the easiest pitch but we were stringing passes together, I think we expected a reaction from Ballyclare at the start of the half and they had bodies forward, but that's when you've got to work hard as a unit and we did well to get the win in the end."
Johnston was also left impressed by new recruit Healy, who marked his Reserves bow with a couple of goals that ultimately proved crucial on the way to a 13th victory in 15 league outings this term.
"He's good, isn't he?" was Johnston's first impression of the fresh face with a famous name. "Two goals, well-taken... he's a pure No.9, knows where to be and be in the right place at the right time.
"Obviously, that's his debut today, he's scored a couple of goals and he's hit the ground running, which can only be a good thing for the team as a whole. He'll provide extra competition for the likes of me at the top end of the pitch, it's good to have that competition and, yeah, looking forward to seeing what he can do."
(Posted: Tuesday, 30th January 2024)
Lee Feeney lavished 96th-minute saviour Howard Beverland with praise after the centre-back's heroics rescued a point for Bangor at Darragh Park on Saturday.
It looked like Dergview would send the Seasiders' unbeaten run crashing to an abrupt halt after Niall McGinley opened the scoring 11 minutes from time, but classy Beverland had other ideas when he intuitively backheeled Lewis Francis' cut-back beyond game Dergs stopper Ronan O'Gara and secured a share of the spoils on this four-hour-round trip.
The defender, originally from Ballymoney and who has represented high-ranking Coleraine and Crusaders sides in the Premiership, wheeled away with delight and celebrated his first goal for his new club with his team-mates in tow on just his fourth appearance since arriving from Ballyclare Comrades.
Feeney shared Beverland's joy and felt it was a just reward for a fine start to life in yellow and blue both on the pitch and behind the scenes in training, where he hailed his new recruit's early influence and leadership generated throughout years of distinguished service in the Irish League. Although having not worked with him before, the Bangor boss already feels like a man who shone under Oran Kearney and Stephen Baxter has been here far shorter than he'd have you believe.
"Howard Beverland, I'm absolutely delighted for him scoring his first goal for the club," Feeney explained.
"I know he's only been here for a short time, but you could tell that it really meant something to him the way he went away and celebrated, he was delighted and the lads around him were delighted for him. And it was really clever the way he did it as well, it was great improvisation from him when the ball was sent back across the face of goal, the corner was sent in towards the far post and then it was brought back across and he was able to connect with a backheel and put the ball in. He's deserved that for the way he's come in, he's been absolutely phenomenal.
"I didn't really know Howard before he came in, I hadn't worked with him and hadn't coached him before, so it was a bit of an adaptation at the start because we were obviously getting to know each other when he was first coming here to train. But he's settled in quickly, he's been setting an example in training and he's been showing his experience, he's been an absolute class act, he's been phenomenal. On the pitch, he's organising, he's leading and he's being a big presence, and I've been really pleased with the way he's playing. He's playing like he's been here for years, not like he's just joined the club and he's getting to know people. He's already adjusted to the system and he's playing like he's been here for a long time. He's a player who can have a really big impact here, he's made a quick start and hopefully that form continues."
Last season, the experience from the right side of a back-three provided by John Boyle proved pivotal behind Bangor winning the Premier Intermediate League and Steel and Sons Cup double, and that the 37-year-old Warrenpoint man featured so prominently under Feeney reflected the esteem he was held in.
After Boyle departed in the summer, a player less than half his age in Sean Brown arrived on loan from Larne and routinely impressed in that right centre-back berth before being recalled by the Inver Reds in January this year. Former Premiership and Irish Cup winner Beverland (33) has filled that void seamlessly.
"Yeah, we missed that, I'd said earlier in the season that that was something we'd been missing, that experience, and it definitely is something Howard has in his locker," Feeney added.
"I didn't think that was something we had enough of before the window, but we've brought in a few more experienced players who've played in the Premiership and who are proven performers at the top level. That's certainly the case with Howard, he's a player who's proved himself at the top level of the game, his attitude and his character, and he's come in here and is a player I believe can help us push forward."
(Posted: Tuesday, 30th January 2024)
A last-gasp goal by defender Howard Beverland rescued a point for Bangor at Darragh Park yesterday afternoon and extended their unbeaten run across all competitions to a formidable 11 matches.
The centre-back's intuitive backheel at the death came after Niall McGinley had put hosts Dergview in front 11 minutes from time, and the Co Tyrone men looked for all the world like they would secure the three points. Winter arrival Beverland had other ideas, though, connecting after defensive comrade Lewis Francis cut Tiarnan Mulvenna's floated corner back across the face of goal.
The 33-year-old finally broke impressive Dergs goalkeeper Shane O'Gara's resistance and ensured the Seasiders emulated the feats of their fellow top-four outfits in the Playr-Fit Championship, given Dundela, Portadown – who played each other – and Institute also picked up draws during Saturday's action. The 11th-placed home side steered by Emmet Friars are battling gamely against the drop, with former Crusaders ace Beverland on hand to secure a precious point at a difficult venue.
The outcome means Bangor remain in third-place before tackling the Ports in the Sixth Round of the Irish Cup next time out, with Lee Feeney's panel perched on 45 points and still within touching distance of the promotion play-off currently occupied by the Duns, who are a couple of points better off.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, H.Beverland, R.Neale, D.Hume(M.Halliday), L.Francis, T.Mulvenna, L.Harrison, C.McDermott, S.McArthur, B.Arthurs, T.Mathieson(A.Neale).
Subs: M.Orbinson, K.Devine, M.Bradley, C.Byers, B.Walker
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 3rd February - PORTADOWN v BANGOR, Irish Cup, Shamrock Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 27th January 2024)
Taking liberties is not an option for Bangor manager Lee Feeney, who declared that the defeat against Dergview on their last visit to Darragh Park is more than reason enough to guard against having their wrists burned for a sub-par effort.
The Seasiders' unbeaten run is put to the test once again in Castlederg, where they were defeated by the Dergs 2-1 back in September, and although the Bangor boss said that having the momentum of a run of positive results sets them in good stead, he is treating it like any other game and the Co Tyrone outfit with the respect they deserve as his charges bid for a ninth win in 10 outings.
"It's never that simple," Feeney warned regarding what is demanded to pick up three points. "It's never that simple in football as you know, we have to be on it from the first whistle here again.
"They beat us the last time we were up there and it's a tough pitch to play on, they'll do their best to try and make the game uncomfortable for us and it's up to us to respond to that.
"We didn't play great and we got punished for making mistakes and switching off (on the first visit), so the players will want to put that right and we know we need to show Dergview respect because they're good on their pitch especially.
"Yes, I suppose the unbeaten run helps in terms of the momentum, but we have that unbeaten run because we've been approaching games the right way and putting in the effort to win them, and I'm expecting a real tough game here and a tough battle."
(Posted: Friday, 26th January 2024)
Bangor FC can confirm the departure of popular midfielder Dylan O'Kane this January window having made over 70 appearances for the Seasiders since first arriving on the scene.
O'Kane, who linked up from Ards in January 2022, made his impact felt almost immediately with a powered header against Newington the following month and would end his first full season at Clandeboye Park with the Steel and Sons Cup and Premier Intermediate League trophies.
A home town favourite, his close connections to Bangor underpinned the high regard he was held in among supporters. Making 34 appearances in 2022/23, O'Kane scored three and assisted three with a further 21 features both from the start and bench as Bangor took the leap into the Championship for 2023/24, registering two set-ups in victories over Ballinamallard United (3-0) and Knockbreda (4-1).
Gutted to be leaving Bangor FC," the man who also represented university sides the Tiffin Dragons and Wingate Bulldogs in the United States said. "Some great memories that will last a lifetime."
"Wish Dylan all the very best with his next move and a massive thanks for everything he has given us during his time at the club," added chairman Graham Bailie on 26-year-old O'Kane's contributions over the past 24 months.
Also well-regarded for his engagement with supporters and positive attitude, Dylan naturally departs with the best wishes of everyone at Bangor FC for his future endeavours.
(Posted: Friday, 26th January 2024)
Bangor are in Playr-Fit Championship action once again on Saturday afternoon when they make the long trek west to Darragh Park to face Dergview.
The third meeting in five weeks between the sides, Bangor have been victorious in two prior meetings at Clandeboye Park in league and cup fronts during the winter season, but they return to a venue where they suffered defeat back in September. Nevertheless, 10 games without defeat has inspired belief among Lee Feeney's panel that they can make amends for that 2-1 reversal.
Perched in third-place after late finishes from Lewis Francis, Scott McArthur and Adam Neale capped off a decisive win over then-league leaders Dundela last Friday night, this visit to Castlederg is for facing a team at the other end of the standings. Emmet Friars' Dergs are in the relegation play-off spot and fighting for their lives, which means any notions of taking the foot off the pedal have been quashed in advance; Lewis Harrison struck the opener in the previous encounter in Co Tyrone only for Padraig Lynch and Niall McGinley finishes to turn the tide.
Now at the end of January and with some new bodies added, Feeney will have his players energised for battle and targeting a 14th win in their 25th league match as the Seasiders bid to continue their charge at the top of the table.
Bangor Reserves are in action in the Championship/PIL Development League this weekend and will bid to extend their impressive unbeaten run in the division when they travel to Mossley to face Ballyclare Comrades U21s.
The young Seasiders face a venue that their senior counterparts visited in the Ballymena League/McReynolds Cup double-winning season of 2018/19, with Bangor playing Ballynure Old Boys in April and recording a 4-2 victory through finishes from Ben Arthurs, Scott McArthur, Ethan Boylan and Ben Roy en route to their title coronation.
A triumph will be the name of the game for David Downes' charges here, too, returning to action after last week's duel with Institute at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium was postponed due to the frosty weather conditions. The Yellows enter with a seven-point lead over Harland and Wolff Welders U21 in second-place and 38 points from a possible 42, bidding to do the double over a Comrades outfit they bested 4-0 at home in the second week of December.
You wouldn't expect any relenting from the side as Ballyclare play host at an alternative venue to Dixon Park, with works ongoing to instal an artificial pitch there. Bangor will hope to capitalise at their home away from home.
(Posted: Friday, 26th January 2024)
Bangor FC is pleased to confirm the signing of centre-back Callum Byers, who joins the club from fellow Playr-Fit Championship side Harland and Wolff Welders this January.
The 26-year-old, who also plied his trade for Ards and Dungannon Swifts, joins on the back of a successful two-and-a-half-year stint with the Welders and was a key player under Paul Kee having helped the east Belfast club to escape the relegation mire and surge within touching distance of reaching the top half of the table for the split last term.
Spending time in the Premiership with Dungannon, whom he served from 2019 to 2021, and Ards, where he wore the captain's armband in the top-flight as a youngster under Colin Nixon and Warren Feeney, injury hampered Dundonald man Byers' first half of the 2023/24 campaign with the Welders but he arrives as a player with noted experience at the top level of the game and ready to make an impact.
In total, he made over 60 league appearances with the Blanchflower Park club and links up with Lee Feeney's panel as Bangor's fifth capture of the winter transfer window.
Welcome to Bangor Callum!
(Posted: Thursday, 25th January 2024)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney reserved special praise for fresh-faced duo Howard Beverland and Tiarnan Mulvenna following the 3-0 victory over Dundela at Clandeboye Park on Friday night.
Centre-back Beverland (33), who arrived from Ballyclare Comrades, was hailed by the Seasiders supremo for his assertiveness on the pitch against the Duns, while former Glenavon midfielder Mulvenna (26) was influential behind the side settling down following a tricky opening to proceedings in this top-of-the-table Playr-Fit Championship blockbuster.
Former Premiership and Irish Cup winner Beverland is an experienced campaigner at the top level of the game, while Mulvenna was developing a fan favourite status at Mourneview Park before sealing his switch to the seaside, with both having a two-from-two win rate in their first couple of starts as Feeney opted for an unchanged team from the XI that prevailed 3-1 away to Newington.
The Kilkeel chief saluted their qualities to the heavens and added that their contributions will be pivotal behind the Yellows' growth in the next few months.
"Howard Beverland, he's not a player that seems to get mentioned much from he joined, but I thought he was colossal... organising, orchestrating, he's a player who's been a proven performer at the top level of the game and he's already made a big impact here. He's a big presence to have in defence who offers that experience and that composure, and he was a big reason why we settled down after that first 20 minutes.
"But Tiarnan Mulvenna... for me, he was at the absolute heart of it. He got his foot on the ball, he played the game at his pace, and for me, him as well, he was huge after that tricky opening in terms of us settling down and playing our football. He was picking out passes, he was playing with energy, closing people down, and that's the qualities you want to see in a player when they're coming in. He was working hard and he's the type of personality I like to have in my team who can impose themselves on a game and lift those around him; I've been very impressed the way he's come in.
"I think that's all part of it, they're players who will help us get better and make us better, and I felt they really did that here with how they got us back into our rhythm, as it could have turned into a hoof match in the middle of the pitch. Maybe they're playing with a bit of a point to prove as well, a chip on their shoulder and they want to show that to their previous clubs that they've got that quality and can make a big impression.
"But yeah, both on and off the pitch, they've settled in really quickly, they're big characters and they're putting in performances early doors. They've been a joy to work with and hopefully they continue to perform."
(Posted: Sunday, 21st January 2024)
Lee Feeney expressed pride at the response his Bangor players produced following a rocky opening to the game as they ran away 3-0 winners over Dundela in a top-of-the-table Playr-Fit Championship showdown. Goals from Lewis Francis, Scott McArthur and Adam Neale – all inside the final 10 minutes of the contest at Clandeboye Park – ensured Bangor were lit up by the Friday night lights once again and atoned for the 2-1 home reversal they suffered at the hands of the Duns back in August.
The Seasiders temporarily moved up to second-place after the full-time whistle, but Institute's 2-0 victory over Ballyclare Comrades that shot the north west outfit to the top of the table saw Bangor move back down to third. However, Feeney was beaming to see an active unbeaten streak for his side extended to 10 matches across all competitions, with this being their eighth win in the last nine since the end of November.
Revealing that he stressed to his players both before the match and at half-time that they mustn't let a drop in standards seep into their play, the Kilkeel supremo admitted he was left a tad frustrated after a first 20 minutes he felt the Duns held the upper hand in, but momentum built up afterwards that culminated in a thrilling climax which left him with a smile on his face.
"I was disappointed with the first 20 minutes," admitted the Bangor boss.
"I'd said to the players in the changing room that when we were going out there, we needed to stay composed, we needed to be calm, and I didn't feel we were doing that in the first 20 minutes, I thought they had the better of us at that point in the game. But we were better afterwards after we settled... I felt we dominated, we were building up our rhythm again, we were creating chances and getting the ball up the other way by the time we got to half-time.
"We were playing well when we got in but I still reminded them of that (the start to the game), and I told them to keep their levels up, and I'm hard on them at times because I don't want our standards to drop. I don't want lower standards to come into our play, and I said to Ben (Arthurs), 'you'd been caught offside three times when you didn't need to be offside'. I wanted them to be more ruthless.
"Ben then goes and he's ruled offside and he puts the ball in the net... I looked back at it on the video and he wasn't offside, and that frustrated me; it felt like everyone in the ground could see he was on but the lino's the one who doesn't and he raises his flag, and I was annoyed about that looking back. From there, you know, these are big decisions, and the game could potentially end 0-0 or we lose 1-0 and it has a big impact.
But credit to the players, they kept their composure, they continued to stay in control and then at the end of the game, they get the three goals that was enough to win the game, and I felt we'd maybe deserved that for the way we were building up to it."
Feeney also praised substitutes Adam Neale and Marty Bradley for their impact in the latter stages of the contest, saluting their work ethic and determination to move play forward after they were introduced in the second half. 30-year-old Neale, who entered the fray 21 minutes from time, was hailed by his manager for the effort he put in and lift he provided for his team-mates in his off-the-ball work, and the Ballynahinch sharp-shooter had debutant Bradley to thank as the former Ballymacash Rangers midfielder squared to provide Neale with the clinching third goal in added-time – his eighth of the season in all competitions.
"Adam brought real energy when he came on," Feeney continued. "He was hungry, he was chasing lost causes, he was turning bad balls into good balls that worked in our favour. When you see your frontman working like that, putting pressure on the opposition, it gives the whole team a lift.
"The timing he came on, it was 0-0 at the time and it probably was a turning point when he comes on because he's putting the hard work in, and I was pleased to see him mark it with a goal because he set us on our way with how he was impacting.
"And Marty Bradley as well, he got the assist for Adam and it was good to see him the ground running. He wasn't on the pitch long, but he gave us a bit of energy at that stage and it was a really good bit of play from him to win the ball and then set Adam up; the substitutes had a good impact and they're fired up and wanting to deliver.
"The whole game, we'd been building up the momentum up to the last 10 minutes when we got the goals, and we go and get two goals in two minutes that was the springboard and keeps us going strong."
(Posted: Sunday, 21st January 2024)
The Seasiders made in 9 games unbeaten and closed the gap on the leaders to 2 points with an impressive 3-0 win over Dundela at Clandeboye Park this evening.
Lewis Francis broke the deadlock in the 80th minute when he hooked in a loose ball from a corner kick on the right. Bangor's second came just two minutes later when Ben Arthurs crashed the ball against the Dundela crossbar and from the rebound Scott McArthur looped a header over Hunter and into the net.
Substitute Marty Bradley was only on the pitch a matter of minutes when he burst through on the left to set up Adam Neale who slotted in an injury time third.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, H.Beverland, R.Neale, L.Francis, D.Hume, T.Mulvenna, C.McDermott (M.Bradley), L.Harrison, B.Arthurs, T.Mathieson(A.Neale). S.McArthur.
Subs: M.Orbinson, K.Devine, B.Walker, M.Halliday, D.O'Kane
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 27th January 2024 - DERGVIEW v BANGOR, Championship, Darragh Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Friday, 19th January 2024)
Bangor are in action this Friday night in a top-of-the-table blockbuster when they entertain Playr-Fit Championship leaders Dundela.
The third-placed Seasiders can close the gap to the pacesetters to just two points with success here – although having played a game more – and set the record straight after Stephen Gourley's men were victorious 2-1 at Clandeboye Park in the first meeting of the sides back in August.
That windy night saw Lee Rea hit a double for the Duns in the first half, with Ben Arthurs halving the arrears midway through the second period but not able to spark enough of a revival for the hosts to claim a share of the spoils. This is the second clash of the sides so far this term, with Bangor travelling to Wilgar Park on Tuesday, February 13 in a rescheduled showdown for a battle that will also have much riding on it.
Focusing on this duel, however, Lee Feeney's charges will look to extend their unbeaten run to 10 matches, having not previously tasted defeat since the middle of November, and rise to 44 points to draw level with Institute in the promotion play-off berth. Anticipated full home debuts for new arrivals Howard Beverland, Tiarnan Mulvenna, Conor McDermott and Marty Bradley also whet the appetite as the Seagulls eye an important three points in this encounter.
Match sponsor: Baillies Menswear
Ball sponsor: Anchor AirBnB
Bangor manager Lee Feeney believes the form and momentum his Seasiders have built up over the last two months is the perfect backdrop to their top-of-the-table tussle with Dundela in the Playr-Fit Championship on Friday night.
The Duns visit Clandeboye Park bidding to expand on the 46 points they have picked up so far, and a second away victory over the North Down men would lift them eight points clear of the Yellows with a game fewer played, but Feeney believes that for the east Belfast side's quality and experience, this clash is a chance for his charges to show they've learned a few lessons themselves.
"It's finely poised, we've looked at them closely and they've got a lot of quality all over the pitch and they're well-coached," the Bangor supremo said.
"They've got experienced players, they've got quality players and we're fully expecting them to take the game to us on the night.
"The first game, they were better than us and they deservedly picked up three points, but we've got momentum and it's good to go into a game like this with that good run of form.
"We're hoping to put things right that we didn't get right from the first game and get three more points to move up the table."
(Posted: Friday, 19th January 2024)
Ryan Arthur has completed a transfer to Ards.
The 28 year old leaves the Seasiders having picked up winners medals in the Ballymena League, Premier Intermediate League and Steel & Sons Cup.
We thank Ryan for his contribution to our success and wish him well.
(Posted: Thursday, 18th January 2024)
(Posted: Wednesday, 17th January 2024)
Bangor have confirmed their fourth arrival of the January transfer window in the form of midfielder Marty Bradley.
The 28-year-old, who plied his trade for Ballymacash Rangers in the first half of the 2023/24 season, links up with Championship experience from a stint with Portadown before Covid. He also represented Ballymena League outfit Belfast Celtic – although he didn't feature in either of the cup clashes against Bangor last campaign – as well as Amateur League big-hitters Immaculata, though he arrives on the back of 15 appearances under Lee Forsythe at The 'Cash.
Bradley played the full match in the Lisburn club's historic County Antrim Shield semi-final clash with Larne before Christmas and rises up a division into the Championship this winter with the Seasiders.
Playing under Matthew Tipton's tutelage with the Ports, where he counted the likes of Northern Ireland international striker Lee Bonis and MLS SuperDraft selection Ryan Carmichael among his team-mates, Bradley is a player with pedigree and experience across a number of levels of the pyramid and now is at Lee Feeney's disposal at Clandeboye Park.
Welcome to Bangor, Marty!
(Posted: Wednesday, 17th January 2024)
Seasiders manager Lee Feeney has thanked Bangor fans for their incredible support and loyalty this season.
Lee said: “The support from the Bangor fans this season has been superb, yet again. We have had a season with some ups and downs, but the constant has been the positive atmosphere created by our supporters at the matches.
“They never stop encouraging the players and getting behind the team, even when the going gets tough. With that in mind, and on behalf of the players and management team, I want to thank our fans for their outstanding support.”
Bangor play Dundela on Friday night at Clandeboye Park in a Player Fit Championship match, kick-off at 19:45.
Lee continued: “Our supporters are travelling in numbers across Northern Ireland to watch the team and, at times, we are outnumbering the home fans. Our crowds at home are growing week by week and we all really appreciate the support.
“I noticed that our group of young fans were at the Newington match, making lots of noise and creating a real buzz. They are doing a great job and I know they will continue to push the lads on throughout the remainder of the season.
“I’m positive that we will get another great turn out from Bangor fans on Friday night, under the lights versus Dundela. The support from our fans does make more of a difference than you’d think and we really do feed off their backing.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 17th January 2024)
We send our thoughts and prayers to Darren Gibbons following the passing of his mother, Helen.
Helen was a familiar face at Clandeboye Park, both supporting Darren and the Seasiders as well as having been part of our hospitality team.
Deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Helen at this sad time.
(Posted: Monday, 15th January 2024)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney had absolutely no doubts or concerns over handing three winter arrivals their full debuts in the Playr-Fit Championship clash with Newington at Inver Park – and how he reaped the rewards. One of them, right wing-back Conor McDermott, registered an assist within 180 seconds of kick-off when he teed up Scott McArthur to break the deadlock, while central midfielder Tiarnan Mulvenna – who featured alongside returning captain Lewis Harrison against his former club – and centre-back Howard Beverland both made positive impressions on their first starts for the Seasiders.
The boss declared that starting them was a sign of how his team are "never standing still" and keen to push on in the second-tier, and when a 3-1 victory courtesy of a McArthur brace and a Ben Arthurs header was signed and sealed to lift the Yellows above the 40-point marker, there was no wiping the smile off the Kilkeel man's face when he gave his post-match reaction to a ninth consecutive game undefeated. Citing their experience and quality at Premiership level, Feeney hailed the trio's decisive contributions and expressed his excitement about the role they could play with 15 league matches remaining.
"Starting each of the three new boys from the start, I think you saw there that we're ambitious, we're never standing still," explained the Bangor supremo.
"The three players coming in, all of them have Premiership experience and have proven their quality at the top level of the game. Howard won the Irish Cup and the league title with Crusaders, Conor was Coleraine's Player of the Season last year, and Tiarnan, he was a player we'd been tracking for months and he was a player the Glenavon fans spoke very highly of, he was very popular with them.
"So, I think with those three players, they add experience but they also add quality, and that's what we feel we could add to this team that can make it even better. We always want to push on. And you mentioned Conor... on Saturday, I think the thing that stood out to me most about his performance was that he was enjoying himself.
"And that's the main thing you want to see from a player when they're in their early days with a new club, that they are enjoying themselves on the pitch, and going in and making that instant impact with the assist after three minutes. But all three players I thought were super, and that can push our entire squad because we don't want to settle for what we have. We want to keep getting better and I believe the new players showed that on Saturday."
Feeney went on to salute his two goalscorers, firmly believing that, although they have 24 finishes between them across all competitions, there is still plenty of untapped potential within both players. McArthur, who completed a double on 58 minutes, sandwiched Arthurs' 17th strike of the season, and the 45-year-old Seagulls chief singled both out for praise both in the way they conduct themselves on and off the pitch.
"I think the key thing with Scotty is, we're playing to his strengths," Feeney raved.
"We're playing to what he's good at and he's been fantastic in that role. I can remember chatting with Scotty in the summer and we re-signed him for this season, and he was concerned about playing the No.10 role, whether it was maximising his potential because he'd wanted a run out on the wing. But I always believed in him that he could grow in that attacking midfield position, and I said to Scotty to believe in himself that he could do that, to have the confidence to run with the ball and drive at people, score goals and set up chances for others, and he's been brilliant particularly in front of goal during the past month or so.
"He's a player that can get the play moving and have a big impact and get us up the pitch when he has that drive to run with the ball, he's getting into good positions, and honestly, I believe there's still so much potential with him. What's untapped with him... honestly, it's scary. I think he's maybe only playing to 70 per cent of his potential, and he'll keep driving himself to be better and we'll keep driving him to be better. But he works so hard in training, he always gives it his best and he deserves every bit of success that comes his way.
"And Ben as well. I went to shake everyone's hands after the game, and I went over to Ben and he told me, 'I played crap today'.
"And he did to be fair, he had a poor game, and he'll be the first to tell you when he's had a poor game. But he has a poor game and he still scores one and sets up another... what does that tell you about him? He's another one with that mentality, who'll keep pushing himself to be better, and what he's been doing for the team has been a credit to himself. He's the same, there's a lot still to come from him, too."
(Posted: Sunday, 14th January 2024)
Bangor Reserves started 2024 with a bang when they kept hold of the north Down bragging rights with victory over their Ards counterparts on Saturday morning.
The Seasiders counted on a goal in each half from Ruairi Wright and Mackenzie Gray to follow up on the win at Londonderry Park in November and retain their pacesetter status at the summit of the Championship/PIL Development League. Three points here lifts David Downes' charges up to 38 in total, 10 clear of Harland and Wolff Welders U21 in second-place.
Wright broke the deadlock 22 minutes in when he received the ball around 20 yards from goal, swivelling into his left foot and driving a low effort into the bottom right; the ball trickling past the Ards goalkeeper, who did get fingertips to the winger's attempt.
Centre-back Gray, who has overcame the injury issues that limited his involvement in the first half of the season, was on hand to start the new year afresh with his first goal of the campaign that ultimately rubber-stamped the result. He towered over his Ards opponent at the back stick and powered home a header from Charley Craig's 66th-minute free-kick delivery, with the side going on to record a clean sheet on their way to a further boost in their title charge.
Bangor Reserves goalscorer Ruairi Wright paid tribute to the colossal impact of defender Mackenzie Gray's return to the fold as the Seasiders capped off a second North Down Derby success of the season. The centre-back powered home a header in the second half to add to winger Wright's deadlock-breaker in the 22nd minute against Ards Reserves, keeping a clean sheet thereafter and sealing a 2-0 victory at Clandeboye Park in the side's first fixture of 2024 that ensures their title charge continues to tick over as planned.
"Well obviously, first goal's important; especially that early in the game, it sort of settled the lads," Wright explained.
"You know, we were far from our best, but it's a clean sheet and the three points and Mackenzie just sealed the game, so we can't complain with that. It's great to have him (Gray) back, the back-three whenever he's in there, just commanding it, organising it. We really missed him when he wasn't here but, you know, he's back and he's straight back to his best, so it's super."
Wright, who was named to his first senior matchday squad in Bangor's 2-2 home draw with Portadown in November, also pointed to the solid foundation the Seasiders are built upon with greater defensive solidity a target that was laid out before the start of the season. There is a variety of goalscorers within the fold, and there is confidence from inside the camp that this is serving them well in their continued push for Championship/PIL Development League glory.
"Obviously, you know, we're confident in ourselves when we're playing, we can get the goals," Wright added.
It's now, we've started focusing on the defensive side of things. If we can keep them out for as long as we can, even all game, then the goals will come and, whether it's from Charley (Craig), young Mitch (Watterson) or myself, and Jay (Boyd) and those around as well, the goals will come."
Discussing his own finish, Wright dissects: "Well, it came out to me, a couple (of Ards defenders) were in front of me, I just thought if I can shift it onto my left and just hit it anywhere towards the net, there's always that chance of it going in.
"It wasn't the best goal I've scored, but listen, they all count."
(Posted: Sunday, 14th January 2024)
A goal in each half from Scott McArthur and a bullet header from Ben Arthurs secured a 3-1 win for Bangor over Newington at Inver Park this afternoon.
The Seasiders took the lead after just 3 minutes when new signing Conor McDermott raced down the right to pick out Scott McArthur for an easy chance to slot home the opener. Ben Arthurs power in a 23rd minute Reece Neale corner kick to give Bangor a two goal lead at the break.
Scott McArthur struck home a spectacular volley in the 58th minute before Francis Rice grabbed a 78th minute consolation goal for Newington.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, H.Beverland, R.Neale, D.Hume, L.Francis, C.McDermott(D.O'Kane), T.Mulvenna, L.Harrison(K.Devine), S.McArthur(B.Walker), B.Arthurs, T.Mathieson(J.Hughes).
Subs: M.Orbinson, R.Arthur
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 19th January 2024 - BANGOR v DUNDELA, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 13th January 2024)
After a run of five consecutive matches at Clandeboye Park during December and early January, Bangor are back on their travels this weekend when they head to face Newington at Inver Park.
The Seasiders make the trip in high spirits having progressed into the Sixth Round of the Irish Cup last week, with Jordan Hughes' double off the bench making all the difference as Lee Feeney's charges prevailed 3-1 over fellow Playr-Fit Championship outfit Dergview. That result, which set up a date with Portadown at Shamrock Park in the first week of February, extended Bangor's unbeaten run in all competitions to eight matches.
Indeed, that active streak started on the back of their last visit to Larne to take on The 'Ton who, courtesy of Neil Cummings and Zach Barr strikes in the second half, emerged with a 2-1 victory on November 11. Ben Arthurs bagged a late deficit-halver to set up a grandstand finish on that day, but it was not to spark a revival.
It also means both sides have a victory apiece in the two showdowns so far, with Tom Mathieson netting a late winner in the first meeting of the sides at Clandeboye in September. With 26-year-old pair Tiarnan Mulvenna and Conor McDermott also potentially in line for debuts, there is an added layer of intrigue as the Yellows bid to keep their impressive form ticking over.
Jordan Hughes has warned that Bangor can't afford to live off past results if the team intends to keep up an unbeaten run that has stretched for the last two months.
The Seasiders are bound for Inver Park this weekend where the last team to beat them, Newington, will be hungry to repeat the feat and halt the north Down club's impressive streak of eight games without defeat.
Goals from Zach Barr – who has since departed Paul Hamilton's panel for Portadown – and Neil Cummings proved decisive early in the second half for the Swans, with Ben Arthurs netting late to set up a nervy finale that ultimately didn't yield any points in a 2-1 defeat for Lee Feeney's panel. Bangor have hit their stride since, though, having risen to third-place in the Playr-Fit Championship standings and reaching the Irish Cup Sixth Round courtesy of last Saturday's 3-1 victory over Dergview at Clandeboye Park.
32-year-old Hughes was the hero against the Dergs, sprung from the bench and scoring twice to ensure Bangor's safe passage, and while happy to hit the goal trail once more, he swiftly guarded against complacency as the side targets a third win in succession.
"That's it, you've just got to keep the momentum going," says Hughes on this weekend's journey to Larne. Look, you could take things from previous games and use that as whatever you want but, you know, every game is different. We're playing three weeks apart against Dergview (a trip to Darragh Park beckons on January 27), they'll be two different games, so we don't want to rely too much on previous results but, as we've talked about, it's just that momentum.
"We're doing well, just keep ticking over, keep tallying the wins up and just see where we go."
Saturday, January 13 – Bangor vs Ards, Championship/PIL Development League, Clandeboye Park, 11am kick-off
Bangor Reserves kick off 2024 with a derby bonanza at Clandeboye Park, where a North Down Derby against Ards is on the agenda on Saturday morning.
David Downes' side, who ended last year with a 1-0 victory over Knockbreda that added further security to their place at the top of the Championship/PIL Development League table, are in action for the first time in three weeks as the players look to build on a start that has seen them pick up 35 points from the 39 on offer.
The Seasiders, who are unbeaten, clinched the bragging rights first time around when first-half goals from Ryan Arthur and Sonny Redford secured a 2-0 success at Londonderry Park in November. Derbies are one-off games, however, and Downes will encourage his charges to be firing on all cylinders when they go into battle this weekend.
With the league run-in being the point of focus, every point is expected to be crucial as the chasing pack aim to make up ground and pounce on any signs of weakness, but the players will be confident of delivering on a big stage here.
(Posted: Friday, 12th January 2024)
Our postponed Championship fixture with Dundela at Wilgar Park has been scheduled for Tuesday 13th February, 7.45pm.
(Posted: Wednesday, 10th January 2024)
The Seasiders have been drawn away to Portadown in the 6th Round of the Clearer Water Irish Cup. The tie will be played on Saturday, 3rd February at Shamrock Park.
(Posted: Saturday, 6th January 2024)
Bangor wrapped up a second successive Sixth Round date in the Irish Cup after dealing with the challenge posed by Dergview at Clandeboye Park in the club's first outing of the new year.
Sealing a clash with another Playr-Fit Championship rival in Portadown following the 3-1 victory over the Dergs, a day which also saw a debut from the bench for January arrival Howard Beverland, Lee Feeney will be optimistic of rekindling old memories in the illustrious competition with a realistic shot at a quarter-final berth when the side visits Shamrock Park at the start of February.
The Seasiders were made to work for this win, as a Niall McGinley penalty that he firstly won and then converted himself on 35 minutes made sure Emmet Friars' panel entered the break level following Ben Arthurs' crisp curling opener within the opening quarter-hour of the contest.
It was the introduction of Jordan Hughes that turned the tie on his head. He hadn't scored all season prior to this encounter but his impact was instant after he replaced Adam Neale midway through the second half, scoring with his very first touch of the ball after heading in Reece Neale's enticing delivery.
The 32-year-old marksman wasn't done there, though, as nine minutes from time, he latched onto Arthurs' pull-back and, via a deflection, converted beyond Dergview stopper Shane O'Gara to secure Bangor's passage to the last-16.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, B.Walker(H.Beverland), D.Hume, L.Francis, D.O'Kane(G.Beattie), K.Devine, S.McArthur, A.Neale(J.Hughes), B.Arthurs, T.Mathieson(R.Arthur).
Subs: M.Orbinson, M.Halliday, S.Millar
Jordan Hughes took a selfless approach to post-match interview duties and revealed he took most pride in contributing to Bangor's successful progression into the Sixth Round of the Irish Cup at the weekend. The striker, whose first two goals of the season on Saturday helped restore the Seasiders' advantage against Dergview and ultimately inspired the side to a solid 3-1 victory at Clandeboye Park, was sprung from the bench and repaid Lee Feeney's faith in the best possible way.
When introduced for Adam Neale on 67 minutes, the score was level at one apiece with Ben Arthurs' inch-perfect curled finish having been cancelled out by a Niall McGinley penalty for the visitors before half-time, but Hughes wasted no time in making an impact – literally, as within seconds of being brought into the fray, he headed in a Reece Neale set-piece delivery with his very first touch. The 32-year-old doubled up 13 minutes later after an Arthurs pull-back teed up the shot, and via a deflection, Hughes celebrated his second goal of the game that rubber-stamped Bangor's place in the Round of 16, where fellow Playr-Fit Championship outfit Portadown lie in wait. The marksman admitted advancing to the next stage of a historic competition was a major positive.
"Absolutely," Hughes says of the importance of progressing to the next round. "Listen, obviously league form is your bread and butter, but if you can get a cup run, it's always nice. But, I can't complain with the way we've been going of late, you just want to keep the momentum going no matter what the competition is. So, it was obviously important to keep the run going, keep the momentum high and we're glad to be through."
Former Dundela ace Hughes brought his overall goal tally to nine since joining Bangor in January 2022, and he will soon face his former boss at the Duns, Niall Currie, come the first week of February when that showdown with the Ports takes place at Shamrock Park. Being an all-round package as a member of the frontline is something he takes huge pride in, and finding the net is something he takes confidence from while also praising the quality of service around him.
"Yes, I mean, look, it's always nice to contribute to the win, the win's the most important, but it's always nice as a forward to contribute with your goals and stuff," Hughes continued. "Obviously, scoring with your first touch is maybe a bit more unusual! But, again, brilliant delivery by Reece... I hardly had to move, really; I just had to apply the touch and that was it, really. So, really glad. I got a bit of luck with the deflection on the other one, but I'll claim it was going in anyway!" he laughs.
It's been a busy start to the January window on the Clandeboye Road and one of the three new arrivals so far, experienced defender Howard Beverland, debuted as a late sub against Emmet Friars' Dergs. The 33-year-old centre-back has been joined by right-back Conor McDermott and midfielder Tiarnan Mulvenna (both 26), and Hughes feels that the new additions will add competition to an already strong panel as well as challenging himself to continue to improve.
"That's it," Hughes adds on getting off the mark for the season before saying of the strength in depth: "Absolutely, there's loads of competition for places, it's a really strong squad that's just got stronger with January there.
"We're looking good, it's a strong squad but there's lots of competition, but it's a great achievement to be in (third-place in the league). Everyone wants what's best for the team and stuff and, you know, I'm just glad to contribute today as I said."
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 13th January 2024 - NEWINGTON v BANGOR, Championship, Inver Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 6th January 2024)
Bangor FC is pleased to confirm the arrival of midfielder Tiarnan Mulvenna to Clandeboye Park as the club's third signing of the winter window.
Mulvenna (26), who joins from Glenavon where he had spent six months in the Premiership having previously featured for Mid-Ulster League outfit Crewe United, enjoyed a brief stint on the seaside under Hugh Sinclair in January 2020 but re-signs at Clandeboye Park four years later on an 18-month contract.
Also counting St Patrick's Young Men, Newington and 1st Bangor among his former employers, Mulvenna, who was signed by Gary Hamilton at Glenavon but continued to feature under Stephen McDonnell at Mourneview Park, is predominantly a central midfielder, but the Belfast man can also be deployed in wider areas where required and will aim to make his mark under Lee Feeney in the yellow and blue shirt.
Making 20 top-flight appearances and registering a couple of assists in the BetMcLean Cup this term, and possessing experience at the highest level of the domestic game as Conor McDermott and Howard Beverland also have, Mulvenna is a highly regarded player who will also look to make a swift impact when he takes the field.
Welcome to Bangor Tiarnan!
(Posted: Friday, 5th January 2024)
Bangor turn attentions to the Irish Cup for the first time this season as Dergview visit Clandeboye Park in the competition's Fifth Round this weekend.
In the draw, the Seasiders were paired with their league mates from Castlederg, who make the long journey east from Co Tyrone for the second time in as many weeks following a 3-0 Playr-Fit Championship victory for Lee Feeney's charges on the 23rd December.
Second-half strikes by Ben Arthurs, Lewis Francis and Michael Halliday secured victory on that day, with those in yellow and blue entering on the back of an active seven-game unbeaten run stretching back to the end of November and a 4-0 away success over Annagh United. At the start of the transfer window, there has already been some activity, with Conor McDermott (Coleraine) and Howard Beverland (Ballyclare Comrades) linking up as midfielder Jack Henderson (Portadown) and defenders Sean Brown and Ali Omar (both Larne) have exited the club.
McDermott is cup-tied and therefore ineligible having already represented Lisburn Distillery in the competition, however Beverland could make his Bangor debut in this weekend's encounter. The collective aim, though, is to repeat last year's feat and reach the Sixth Round of the tournament, which will inspire belief going into the league where Emmet Friars' Dergs are also close on the horizon.
Bangor defender David Hume admits spirits are positive across the board as the Seasiders bid to make more famous memories in the Irish Cup.
The Seasiders progressed to the Fifth Round via the preliminaries in each of the three preceding seasons, but as a senior-status club, they have been dropped right in and will face fellow second-tier outfit Dergview in the pursuit of progress in one of world football's oldest cup competitions.
Stacked with history dating back well over 140 years, the prestige of the Irish Cup is huge for teams all across the Irish League and below, and with Lee Feeney's men having advanced beyond Mid-Ulster side Tandragee Rovers this time last year to set up a Friday night televised bonanza with Crusaders in the last-16, the ambition to go on a run in the tournament has never been higher on the Clandeboye Road.
Hume, speaking after last weekend's comeback 2-1 victory over Annagh United that extended the club's unbeaten run to seven ahead of facing Emmet Friars' Dergs this Saturday (3pm), revealed that the players are all charged up and ready to go on another cup surge.
"Yeah, it's been going well, it's good to start the new year with the Irish Cup," Hume says of the recent unbeaten run that saw Bangor enter 2024 third-placed in the Playr-Fit Championship.
"You want to get a wee run in there, don't you? So, we pick up a win there, and I think, thankfully it's at home, we don't have to travel all the way down there, but yeah, I think the mentality, everything at the club's good, everyone's positive.
"It feels like there's no one really in our league who we're afraid of, like we're competing against everyone, so I think even when it's in the Irish Cup, I think we're confident we're going in strong against Dergview.
"Pick up a win and pick up a wee cup run as well, and then if we win, we'll see who we get in the next round after that."
(Posted: Friday, 5th January 2024)
Bangor FC can confirm that defenders Sean Brown and Ali Omar have returned to Larne following their loan spells in the first half of the 2023/24 campaign.
Northern Ireland Under-19 international Brown was a mainstay in the right-sided centre-back berth for the Seasiders this term, playing in 22 matches and starting 21 with the full amount of minutes being played in every single one of those starts. He registered one goal and two assists in that time, with the 18-year-old singling himself out as a consistent and high-level performer in his first half-season of regular senior football.
Fellow defender Omar (24), who featured on four occasions in yellow and blue, arrived on an initial loan until January and has returned to Inver Park upon the conclusion of that agreement. The England-born centre-back, who made three starts, made his debut in the 5-1 away success against Knockbreda in mid-October – Brown scored in that game – before featuring in successive fixtures against Institute, Ballinamallard United and H&W Welders.
Chairman Graham Bailie commented: "Thank you to both lads for their time at the club, your attitude, commitment and quality has been outstanding. We wish you every success with the fantastic career you have ahead of you.
"We also would like to thank Larne FC for their continued cooperation and trust with their players."
Brown and Omar depart with the best wishes of Bangor FC for their future endeavours and we thank them for their contributions at Clandeboye Park this term.
(Posted: Thursday, 4th January 2024)
We are delighted to welcome defenders Conor McDermott and Howard Beverland to Clandeboye Park.
Bangor FC is pleased to confirm the signing of defender Conor McDermott on loan from Coleraine for the rest of the 2023/24 season.
The 26-year-old, whose forays from right-back earned him the Bannsiders' Player of the Year award last year, links up at Clandeboye Park having spent the first half of the campaign at Premier Intermediate League outfit Lisburn Distillery. A dependable player who started the BetMcLean Cup Final in front of over 11,000 spectators last term, McDermott joins as someone with extensive Premiership pedigree.
Also representing Cliftonville prior to joining Coleraine in 2022, the Derryman made 42 appearances with the Warden Street club across all competitions in 2022/23, scoring once, before heading out on loan to Distillery ahead of the current campaign where he had made eight appearances in the PIL.
Highly-rated McDermott first rose through the ranks at Derry City, where he won the League Cup in 2018.
Bangor FC is pleased to confirm the arrival of experienced Irish League centre-back Howard Beverland, the club's second signing of the January window.
Beverland, who follows right-back Conor McDermott through the entrance door at Clandeboye Park, links up with manager Lee Feeney's Seasider squad having made over 500 appearances throughout a distinguished career that includes a Premiership winners' medal with Crusaders.
The 33-year-old, originally from Ballymoney, graduated through the ranks at Coleraine before linking up with Stephen Baxter at Seaview where he won the title in 2018 as well as the Irish Cup, thereafter representing Portadown and Ballyclare Comrades in both the Premiership and Championship before making the move to north Down from the latter midway through the 2023/24 term.
He played seven times in the Playr-Fit Championship for Ballyclare this term and featured from the start for Stephen Small's men when the Seasiders emerged 4-2 victors in the County Antrim Shield last-16 back in September.
Welcome to Bangor Conor and Howard!
(Posted: Wednesday, 3rd January 2024)
Midfielder Jack Henderson has left the Seasiders to join Portadown.
We thank the 23 year old for his efforts during his second spell at Clandeboye Park.
(Posted: Monday, 1st January 2024)
Experienced defender David Hume admits it was a monkey off the collective Bangor back after the hosts held their nerve to record a hard-fought 2-1 win over Annagh United at Clandeboye Park on Saturday. The Seasiders fought from behind on the final matchday of 2023 to earn three more precious points for the Playr-Fit Championship kitty, leaving them on 38 points after 22 games and third-placed in the standings.
Lee Feeney's men were disappointed to let slip a two-goal advantage against Ards on Boxing Day, ultimately settling for a share of the derby spoils and a 2-2 draw, but supporters were heartened as the Yellows stayed firm to assure all three points for themselves and an extension of their unbeaten run in the second-flight to seven matches. That includes five victories in the last six, the North Down Derby stalemate being the sole exception.
Lewis Francis' brace meant the tide had been turned by half-time after Ruairi McDonald's 13th-minute deadlock-breaker for Annagh, ramming home six minutes after the Portadown side had found the net before heading in Reece Neale's right-sided corner on 41 minutes. It was a lead Bangor would see until the end and, while a bitter taste is still left from Boxing Day, Hume was proud to make amends.
"Absolutely," the Ballygowan man explained. "I think we'd said earlier this week, we said we'd three games, we'd try and get three wins.
"So, I think against Dergview (a 3-0 victory on the 23rd December) and today, they were good wins, and then we were saying in the changing room there, the Ards one from the other day is still annoying us, especially with where we're sitting in the league. I think we pick up those extra two points (from the Ards clash), and even against Portadown (a 2-2 draw at Clandeboye Park in which Bangor ceded a two-goal lead late on), it was a couple of points there we dropped with the draw, I think we're sitting second if we see those out. So, I think that's a bit frustrating, but it shows where we are in this league, our first year in it and we're annoyed at that. But it's good to win today, it puts us into third at the end of the year, which is a good kickstart going into 2024."
Hume, who is one of the longest-serving players in yellow and blue having joined from Tullycarnet back in the summer of 2020, knew Ciaran McGurgan's Annagh would apply the pressure following the restart and couldn't hide his satisfaction at Bangor's ability to "weather the storm". And after Callum Dougan and Ross Hunter hit the mark in the second half for Ards with Scott McArthur and Ben Arthurs having put the Seasiders into a commanding position on Boxing Day, he was pleased to put right mistakes that had been made.
Hume added: "Yeah, obviously they were going to come out and go for it a bit more, and a bit more direct. You want to win four, five, you want to win more, but it's about weathering the storms and it's putting right what we didn't do the other night. We held out, and sometimes you need to do that I think with teams this year, you've got to grind out wins, defend your box and, you know, hold onto that. I think when they push, you have to weather the storm a bit, and I thought we did that well today."
A big reason why Bangor preserved the lead was thanks to Hume's goalline heroics 68 minutes deep into proceedings. After Stephen Murray had lofted a shot goalwards with shot-stopper James Taylor off his line, the 32-year-old former Tullycarnet ace's defensive instinct kicked in and he headed clear right as the ball was about to trickle in. A nervy moment at the time, it was one Hume could look back on with a smile.
"You know what, I was saying in the changing room there to big James, see because it (the ball) was hanging in the air too long, I was nearly overthinking it!" the popular centre-back laughed. I think big James was sweating because he thought, 'how'd you manage to head it over the bar'! I was just glad to not stick it in the net!"
It was a show of never-say-die spirit that has been documented from within the squad, and Hume saluted the mentality to fight back after going behind.
He continued: "We'd said, Lee had said before the game, their threat is long balls, corners, free-kicks, throw-ins, so not to give them away, and I think their goal came from a free-kick, headed back across and their boy had three of our lads around him in the box, but he got the header.
"I think that was frustrating, but the mentality of our team, we know that if we can get a goal, get back into the game, we can kick on from there. I felt that, when big Lewis made it one each, you felt like the momentum swung our way. We were playing great football in the first half, getting the ball down, playing it about... I think we'd a ton of corners, we probably needed to score another one then, and I always felt, this team creates chances, we'll get back into this game. I think our problem is, and it's something we said in the changing room there, we don't score enough. We get to 2-1 and we just hold it out, but after that, I think we need to try and make it 3-1, 4-1, put the game to bed, so I think that's probably something we need to really kick on with in the new year.
"When we get a good advantage, we don't just have to grind it out like we did in the second half today, but actually go out, make it three, four, five and punish teams, get the goals up because we're doing well defensively but I think we can score more."
(Posted: Sunday, 31st December 2023)
Bangor capped off 2023 on a winning note after securing a nervy, end-to-end 2-1 victory over Annagh United at a blustery Clandeboye Park on Saturday.
Annagh surged into the lead on 13 minutes when Ruairi McDonald capitalised on a bouncing ball in the penalty area, slotting underneath James Taylor to hand the visitors the advantage early on, but Lewis Francis was on hand to level it with his third goal in his last five matches.
The Magherafelt centre-back rifled home from Reece Neale’s initial long throw-in and blasted home at opposition goalkeeper Jason Craughwell’s near post with the Seasiders being behind for only six minutes, and they led through the Dungannon Swifts loanee’s sixth finish of the campaign four minutes before half-time as he powered home a header from Reece Neale’s inswinging delivery on the right.
Chances for Reece Neale and Ben Arthurs before the hour ensured that Bangor started the second period on the front foot, while a Scott McCullough attempt that fizzed off the ground called James Taylor into action. Craig Taylor struck the Bangor stopper’s upright before David Hume spectacularly cleared off the line from Stephen Murray’s attempt, with Annagh finding their groove and making it a battle following the interval.
Taylor and Murray were also causing trouble as Annagh shifted through the gears in the latter stages of the contest, with James Taylor making a pair of fine stops to deny them. Reece Neale tested Craughwell in what was a rare alleviation of Annagh pressure on 86 minutes, while Jack Henderson also arrowed past the post two minutes later, but there were sighs of relief when the final whistle blew and the points were confirmed as all Bangor’s.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, D.Hume, L.Francis, S.Brown, R.Neale, L.Harrison(K.Devine, 48’), J.Henderson, T.Mathieson, S.McArthur(M.Halliday, 81’), B.Arthurs, A.Neale(Walker, 71’).
Subs: M.Orbinson, G.Beattie, R.Arthur, D.O’Kane.
Bangor's two-goal hero Lewis Francis lauded how the clinical edge that was somewhat lacking in the Boxing Day draw with Ards had reverted to type to secure a hard-fought victory in the Seasiders' last match of 2023. The centre-back scored a couple of goals in the first half to overturn an early deficit against Annagh United, powering home on 19 minutes after the visitors had taken the lead through Ruairi McDonald six minutes earlier prior to heading in Reece Neale's delicious corner just before half-time to give the hosts the advantage for the first time in the contest.
The Yellows would not relinquish that for the rest of the encounter, but they had to weather a storm to maintain it. Despite Annagh piling on the pressure in the second period, with Craig Taylor striking the upright, Conall Young spurning a presentable opportunity from close range and Stephen Murray's looping shot being cleared off the line by the backtracking David Hume, Ciaran McGurgan's men would leave empty-handed and counterpart Lee Feeney celebrated a return to winning ways following a 2-1 success.
Magherafelt teenager Francis, who ends a December punctuated by four of his six total strikes that has him behind only Ben Arthurs and Adam Neale in the scoring charts, was delighted to come out the right side of this pulsating duel.
He reflected: "Well, against Ards, we lacked that desire in both boxes in the second half, and (Lee Feeney and the coaches) kind of emphasised to us before the game, we have to be more clinical in both boxes.
"We didn't get off to the best start today but I thought after that, we defended our box really well, especially the second half, and then today, we attacked both boxes rightly. I got on the end of two (in the opposition box) so, yeah, all good."
The Dungannon Swifts loanee, who started the last month of the year with a 93rd-minute winner in the 3-2 triumph away to Ballyclare Comrades that came after Bangor had fallen to a 2-1 deficit with less than a quarter-hour of the match remaining, believes the spirit shown since that rousing fightback at Dixon Park has underpinned the impressive form those in yellow and blue have displayed since then.
"I think before Ballyclare, we hadn't came back in a game and won, so I think that was a big turning point for us, and then you look at the form we've hit since Ballyclare, we're the most in-form team in the league and, you know, Tuesday (against Ards) was disappointing, it felt like two points dropped, but you've got to look at it as a point. We're still undefeated, we take it one game at a time and not get too ahead of ourselves."
Three wins out of three against Annagh with nine goals scored in that span marks an impressive return against the previous campaign's promotion play-off representatives, with third-placed Bangor now just a couple of points away from that position in the table themselves.
The players are next in action in the Irish Cup Fifth Round and face Dergview at home, who Francis found the net against seven days prior when the Seagulls despatched the Tyrone men 3-0 at Clandeboye Park. The defender feels progress in tournaments such as these is important going forward. "Everyone wants to go on a wee cup run, so we feel we've got a winnable tie here as well, so we'll not look past Dergview and hopefully we'll do enough to get to the next round."
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 6th January 2024, BANGOR v DERGVIEW, Clandeboye Park, Irish Cup, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 30th December 2023)
