Mick Morgan has completed a transfer to Newington.
Since joining the Seasiders in January 2025, the forward went on to score eight goals in his 59 matches - including the goal that sealed the Championship title at the Blanchflower Stadium.
We thank Mick for his time in yellow and blue, and wish him well on his move to the Championship leaders.
(Posted: Saturday, 22nd August 2026)
JORDAN's MATCH GALLERY | GARY's MATCH GALLERY
Bangor were defeated 2-0 by Dungannon Swifts in the sides' Boyle Sports Premiership encounter at Stangmore Park on Saturday afternoon.
Tiarnan Mulvenna set the ball rolling and the Seasiders made a statement of their intent early on as Iestyn Hughes darted down the right before flighting a cross into the box that was hooked behind for a corner. Steven McCullough's ball in from the right was cleared at the near post with Liam Hassin running to get his head on it in the area.
Jamie Glackin then fired a shot towards Gareth Deane that was just wide of the mark on four minutes, while Sean McAllister then fired high and wide from the inside right channel in an open-ended start to the game.
But on 11 minutes, the Swifts drew first blood. He received the ball in the inside right channel and shaped the shot from 20 yards, unleashing a powerful effort into the top right corner that Deane could do little to prevent.
With 22 minutes gone, Reece Neale struck a free-kick from 25 yards just over the bar after a handball was given against Dungannon, while Leo Alves placed a similar effort straight at Deane five minutes later.
Bangor's first shot on target came when Lewis Harrison did well to win the ball off McAllister in the attacking third, feeding in Tiarnan Mulvenna who placed a shot at goal that was dealt with low by Declan Dunne just before the half-hour.
On 33 minutes, McAllister fired a shot from the edge of the box that stung the palms of Deane, while Kris Lowe was replaced by Shea Gordon in an early enforced change for the Swifts. Then Junior was closed down by Harry Lynch as he bore down on Deane's goal from the left side.
With 38 minutes played, Boyd looked primed to score after a header was flicked on from Lewis Francis, but Danny Wallace got back in the nick of time to hook behind. Then with 43 gone, McCullough flighted a free-kick from the left that was just wide of the far post as he looked to find the top left corner.
After four minutes of stoppage-time, referee Tony Clarke signalled for half-time with the home side retaining their one-goal advantage.
McAllister set things back rolling for the second period with both sides emerging unchanged, and it was Bangor who had the first real look at goal with 47 minutes gone. A long ball over the top from Neale was headed back towards Dunne by Wallace, but Boyd was inches from getting there first and the Dungannon goalkeeper was relieved to gather the ball first. McCullough was then replaced by Stephen McGuinness on the left side in the first Seasiders change.
On 55 minutes, Bangor won a corner on the right after McKeown sliced a low cross behind his own goal as the visitors strung together a sweet flowing move from left to right, while McGuinness' low cross had to be turned behind after he found himself in acres of space down the left flank – both not coming to anything.
Mulvenna then curled agonisingly past the post after Jeremi Rodriguez had won the ball high up the pitch before a Bangor triple substitution – Ben Arthurs, Mackenzie Strachan and Oisin Devlin all coming on for Boyd, Harrison and Rodriguez with 63 minutes played.
Referee Clarke waved away penalty appeals as McGuinness went to ground just inside the area with 68 gone, while another penalty appeal against Wallace – for grabbing Arthurs' shirt in the box – was again waved away by Clarke.
But on 81 minutes, Dungannon did win a spot-kick – Lynch deemed to have upended Tiernan Kelly in the box, with Andrew Mitchell stepping up and sending Deane the wrong way as he picked out the bottom left.
In a late change, Hughes was replaced by Lucas McRoberts in an attacking change, while Dillon let fly from distance on the stroke of 90 minutes that nestled on the top of Deane's net. Four minutes of additional time followed, which Dungannon saw out to ensure the three points stayed in Co Tyrone.
BANGOR TEAM:
G.Deane, H.Lynch, L.Francis, R.Neale, J.Rodriguez(O.Devlin), L.Hassin, L.Harrison(M.Strachan), S.McCullough(S.McGuinness), J.Boyd(B.Arthurs), T.Mulvenna, I.Hughes(L.McRoberts). Subs: L.McMahon, A.Mitchell
(Posted: Saturday, 22nd August 2026)
Stangmore Park has been a happy hunting ground for Iestyn Hughes in the not-too-distant past, and the Welshman is hoping that proves the case again when Bangor visit Dungannon Swifts in their second Boyle Sports Premiership match of the season on Saturday afternoon.
The right-sided defender plundered an important winner on the Seasiders’ previous visit to the Co Tyrone venue which proved crucial in the club’s survival in their first season back in the top-flight.
Hughes retains happy memories after netting his first goal for the club in that fixture back in March, but the 23-year-old’s sights are now firmly set on making new ones as Bangor aim to bounce back from their 3-0 opening-day defeat at home to Cliftonville.
The former Wales youth international maintains the onus is on the players to respond after losing to the Reds at Clandeboye Park and hopes to show his finishing prowess once again, as well as contribute to a strong team performance.
“We definitely need to (respond). I got a goal there last time, so good memories, but there needs to be a big reaction next week.
“We owe it to the fans and everyone at the club to show a reaction, so let’s hope for a big performance from the lads, myself included, but another goal there wouldn’t go amiss!”
(Posted: Friday, 21st August 2026)
Three years on from when he featured against Bangor in a pre-season friendly with Rangers ‘B’, Mackenzie Strachan has made a more permanent move to the seaside this summer and insists he is already feeling right at home.
The 22-year-old Scottish midfielder chuckles as he looks back on when he previously started for the young Gers against a Seasiders side that back then had just achieved promotion to the Championship at Clandeboye Park in July 2023.
A little over three years on, the former Scotland youth international is happy to be wearing the yellow and blue shirt and revealed manager Lee Feeney – himself an ex-Rangers player – played a pivotal role in convincing him to make the move to North Down on a two-year deal.
“I played against Bangor three years ago for Rangers ‘B’, but it was more Feeno, to be honest with you (who helped make the move happen).
“He’s the one that convinced me – as soon as I came in, I really enjoyed it.
“All the lads have been brilliant, so I’m really enjoying it so far. I’m settled into the dressing room, it’s all brand new and I’m all settled in.”
Strachan’s signing was only confirmed the day before Bangor’s opening game in this season’s Boyle Sports Premiership at home to Cliftonville.
Appearing as a substitute for the final half-hour of the contest, the 3-0 defeat – in which Kyle McClelland, Ben Quinn and Liam McStravick were on target for the Reds – left him feeling a tad bittersweet as far as debuts go.
But the former Scotland Under-19 international is pleased to be off the mark and has high hopes that the Yellows can make speedy amends in Saturday’s trip to Dungannon Swifts.
“It went alright, obviously it could’ve gone a bit better.
“First game, it’s obviously getting to know all the lads – they’ve all been brilliant with me since I came in.
“It was a frustrating second half there, I thought we didn’t really play the best and I think we can do a lot better.
“Hopefully going into the Dungannon game, we can go in and have a better game and dominate the game more.”
That trip to Stangmore Park at the weekend is one where Strachan backs Bangor to give a better account of themselves.
He believes fine margins worked against them in last Saturday’s defeat and has urged the players to seize the chance to build momentum in Co Tyrone, with Iestyn Hughes bagging the winner on Bangor’s last visit in March.
“One hundred per cent, we can go up a couple of gears.
“It was fine margins – I feel like we did have some chances in the first half, even a few in the second but more so in the first half, if you take those chances, you go on and win the game.
“But as I said, it was just fine margins and momentum, I think we just need to build up a bit of momentum hopefully in the Dungannon game and then just go from there.”
Strachan feels he is joining a club where the competition for places is intense and feels the quality is there to go and enjoy a successful 2026/27 campaign.
It’s his first foray into Irish League football having previously represented the Gers up to ‘B’ team level as well as Stranraer, Annan Athletic and Cove Rangers in the senior game – and he’s relishing the challenge ahead.
“I mean, we’ve got a big squad and it’s dog-eat-dog, you’ve got to perform on the pitch or you’re going to get dropped at the end of the day.
“We’ve got a big, competitive squad and I feel we can do well in the league this year.
“It’s frustrating, but we’ll go back in, train hard and be ready for the game on Saturday.”
Strachan considers the Irish League to be of a similar level to League One in his homeland, playing in the Scottish third-tier with Cove Rangers last term.
He feels playing at that level in Scotland has set him up well for coming to Northern Ireland and insists that there is more to come after showing flashes of his quality at the weekend.
“A few nice touches but, as I said, I feel I can do a lot better.
“There was some sloppiness in there that I know I can do better, but it’s the first game and we’ll move on to the next game, hopefully it’s a better one.
“I found the level quite similar to where I was playing last year in League One in Scotland, I feel like the standard’s pretty similar, so I know I can deal with it.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 19th August 2026)
Iestyn Hughes admits the Bangor players need to stand up and deliver a reaction following Saturday afternoon’s season-opening 3-0 defeat to Cliftonville at Clandeboye Park.
The Seasiders were beaten in their Boyle Sports Premiership opener after Kyle McClelland, Ben Quinn and Liam McStravick scored the goals that ultimately powered the Reds to the three points in North Down.
After a positive opening from the hosts, defender McClelland volleyed Cliftonville in front on 16 minutes with their first real sight at goal before Quinn added a second with virtually the last meaningful kick of the first half, latching onto his own rebound after his initial header had struck the post.
Reds substitute McStravick then cut inside from the left before striking a powerful shot past Gareth Deane from outside the box 10 minutes from time that ultimately settled matters.
Welshman Hughes, who delivered an energetic performance from right wing-back, felt that Quinn’s goal in particular was a sucker-punch that gave Bangor a mountain to climb for the remainder of the contest.
“Yeah, it wasn’t ideal – I thought we started off quite well, had a few chances, probably should’ve scored a few.
“And then after that, two poor goals – the one on half-time especially changes it, if we go in at 1-0, you have a bit more of a chance but 2-0 kills you a little bit.
“But I think second half, we came out alright, first 20 minutes, and then same again, the goal just kills the momentum and it’s just an uphill battle from there.
“But it’s a long season ahead, hopefully next week, we need a big reaction and it’s a good chance for lads to come in and show what they’re about.”
Hughes rued what he felt were two sloppy goals to concede, with the 23-year-old ex-Cobh Ramblers man adding that the timing of the goals didn’t make Bangor’s task any easier.
The defender – who recently signed a two-year contract extension with the Seagulls having impressed since his January arrival – is now looking especially forward to next week’s trip to Stangmore Park to face Dungannon Swifts, a fixture in which he scored the winner last term.
“Yeah, I think to be fair, they were both sloppy goals as well, probably should’ve been dealt with better and just the timing of it.
“If we clear that and it’s 1-0, then it’s a completely different game, but it is what it is now – go and look forward to next week and have a big week of training and hopefully go there and show a reaction.”
Hughes also believes Bangor need to show more of a ruthless touch at the top end of the pitch in order to really put opponents to the sword going forward.
The former Wales Under-21 international crossed for Steven McCullough to fire a shot at goal that was saved by Cliftonville goalkeeper PJ Morrison at his near post not long before McClelland fired the Reds in front.
Ben Cushnie also fired over the bar from a presentable position in the box, while a Lewis Harrison header was glanced just past the post during a spell in which the hosts were creating chances early on.
“I think we created enough chances to score a few, especially the first 15 minutes.
“But we just need to be more clinical – it’s probably the same as last season, not scoring enough, not taking our chances.
“But hopefully when we start knocking a few in, that lifts the confidence a bit and then just take it from there.”
Where Hughes took positives was the fact that Bangor showed fighting spirit and continued to probe on a day that saw competitive debuts for McCullough and Jeremi Rodriguez from the start as well as Scottish pair Lucas McRoberts and Mackenzie Strachan from the bench.
He insists that is the bare minimum the Seasiders must show each week while also adding that quality in both boxes which can ensure they pick up the points they need going forward.
“I think any game in this league, it’s going to be a battle, so one half of the game’s just winning that and then the other bit’s not making any silly mistakes like probably the first two goals were.
“And just being clinical, which we weren’t today but, like I said, it’s a long season and hopefully we can build that up.”
(Posted: Tuesday, 18th August 2026)
JORDAN's MATCH GALLERY | GARY's MATCH GALLERY
Bangor began their 2026/27 Boyle Sports Premiership campaign with a 3-0 defeat to Cliftonville at Clandeboye Park on Saturday afternoon.
Bangor had the game's first chance with four minutes gone – and it was a good one. A wingback-to-wingback combination saw Iestyn Hughes flight a cross from near the right byline that found Steven McCullough at the back stick, but his header was well-saved by Reds goalkeeper PJ Morrison.
Hughes then sent a cross in that Lewis Harrison glanced just wide of Morrison's far post with seven minutes gone, while Reece Neale's tame long-distance shot a few minutes later had to be held by the Cliftonville stopper. Harrison then tried an audacious effort from range with Morrison off his line, but Morrison managed to hold.
Bangor started brightly and Ben Cushnie also fired over the bar from an inviting position, but on 16 minutes, Cliftonville scored with their first sight of goal – Kyle McClelland lacing a powerful shot on the volley past Gareth Deane and into the back of the net.
Deane then got good hands behind Brian Healy's curling effort before Harrison won a free-kick off McClelland on 24 minutes after Ben Arthurs held the ball up for him, though the delivery went too deep and was cleared away.
Arthurs then placed a header wide after a cross from the inside-left channel was sent into his path by Liam Hassin just before the half-hour mark, while up the other end, Rhyss Campbell directed a shot high and wide after he broke for the visitors down the left. On 33 minutes, Hughes placed wide with a header as the Seasiders kept probing.
But in first-half stoppage-time, Cliftonville doubled their lead. A ball was sent in from the left and Quinn got his header got his head to it, the ball struck the post but he was first to the rebound and he duly slammed it past Deane into the net. That was the first half's last meaningful action with Cliftonville ending it two goals ahead.
Both sides emerged from the second half unchanged with Cliftonville setting the ball back rolling.
Bangor had the first sight as Harry Lynch got the ball in from the inside-right into Cushnie, but his header from around 10 yards was wide of the mark with Morrison watching it go. Up the other end, Rory Hale shaped to shoot on his right foot but his low effort was read and held by Deane.
On 51 minutes, Arthurs was unlucky with the bounce of the ball after it broke in the six-yard box for him to have a go at Morrison's goal – Cliftonville's Scottish goalkeeper holding on to it – while with 56 played, Harrison's looping header from Hughes' cross on the right was also held by Morrison.
Deane was called into action again when he made a low stop, while Oisin Devlin, Mackenzie Strachan and Tiarnan Mulvenna came on for Rodriguez, Harrison and Cushnie in a triple switch for Bangor just before the hour.
On 65 minutes, Hale fizzed a shot towards the top right corner that was tipped over by Deane in impressive fashion, and the same player again found the Bangor stopper in his way as he got fingertips on his laced effort to send it over. Lucas McRoberts then entered the fray as he replaced Hassin on 67 minutes.
Francis produced a double block to deny Healy after he looked to twist and turn his way behind the defence, while Cliftonville substitute Joe Sheridan placed a shot wide of bottom left post as he looked to add their third.
With 74 minutes gone, McCullough drove at the byline after Strachan showed neat footwork to play him in, with the ball having to be knocked behind for a corner, though the flag-kick was ultimately dealt with by the Reds defence.
But Cliftonville added their third with 80 minutes gone. The away side played in Liam McStravick down the left and he weaved in before placing an effort from outside the box beyond Deane into the top right corner.
On 86 minutes, Neale was called to hook a Joel Thompson header off the line, and Cliftonville saw out the remainder of the contest to pick up the three points on the afternoon.
BANGOR TEAM:
G.Deane, R.Neale, H.Lynch, L.Francis, L.Hassin(T.Mulvenna), J.Rodriguez(O.Devlin), L.Harrison(M.Strachan), S.McCullough, B.Cushnie(L.McRoberts), B.Arthurs, I.Hughes
Subs: L.McMahon, S.McGuinness, A.Mitchell
NEXT MATCH:
Sat, 22nd August 2026 - Boyle Sports Premiership, Dungannons Swifts v Bangor, Stangmore Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 15th August 2026)
Lewis Francis maintains he is ready to get stuck back into competitive action – and has high hopes for what Bangor can achieve throughout the course of the 2026/27 campaign.
The Seasiders are gearing up to open their Boyle Sports Premiership season at home to Cliftonville on Saturday, and centre-back Francis can’t wait to get back into the thick of things once again.
“Yeah, I’m looking forward to getting back – pre-season has been enjoyable but tough at the same time.
“Looking forward to getting started and getting stuck in.
The Magherafelt man, who made 29 appearances in total last term, has noted rumblings of the dreaded ‘second season syndrome’ – that relegation follows a successful first season in the top-flight – but believes Bangor have the tools at their disposal to rubbish those claims.
The 22-year-old, who signed permanently from Loughgall last summer having initially shone as a teenager in the Championship while on loan from Dungannon Swifts, says the fact that the majority of last season’s squad has remained a part of the fold is enough to inspire confidence for the year ahead.
“I think we’ve done that as well (improved on what we have), we’ve kept a lot of the same players from last year and we’ve got quality in the team.
“There’s a lot of noise and a lot of talk with people and where they’re predicting us, but we can only worry about ourselves and we’ll aim to get off to a good start now in August.”
Cliftonville kicked off their season on a winning note with a 2-1 North Belfast Derby triumph over Crusaders at Solitude last Friday night, with debutants Ben Quinn and Dean McMaster hitting the net either side of half-time for the Reds.
Francis accepts Jim Magilton’s men have momentum under their belts that they will be keen to carry forward, as well as outlining that Bangor will be just as eager to start on a high note.
“We want to take the game to Cliftonville – I’m sure they’ll be looking at it as well as a game where they’ll be eyeing up points.
“But we’re the same, we know we have to be at our best to get something from the game.
“But I’m confident that, with the quality in the group, we’ll be able to manage.”
Casting his mind back to last season, Francis is hoping Bangor can show greater consistency over the piece after a flying start was followed by a bumpier remainder of the campaign.
Lee Feeney’s men went a long way to consolidating their position in the top-tier by winning six of their first 11 games to sit as high as fourth, but they won just four of the remaining 27 encounters as they ultimately came home 10th – three points above Crusaders in the relegation play-off position.
Francis doesn’t wish for a repeat of that and has set his sights on picking up more points at crunch stages of the season.
“We probably want to be more consistent coming into the last half – we probably left a few points behind us last season, if we’re being honest.
“But I think Lee said last year as well around September time – fortunately in September, we were on a good run and we weren’t going to get beaten until October – he said it’s just going to keep getting harder.
“I suppose that’s how it is, any team on a good run’s going to be the same, but yeah, we’ll just go out and see over time.”
Another target Francis has set for this term is for Bangor to make Clandeboye Park as hard a place as possible for visiting teams to come to.
Of last season’s top six, Bangor beat three – Cliftonville, Coleraine and Dungannon Swifts – at home and drew with Glentoran, proving they could be a tough nut to crack on home soil.
But Francis also admitted there were times when the Seagulls let points slip away from them on their own patch – back-to-back last-gasp defeats to Carrick Rangers and Ballymena United last autumn spring to mind – and is determined to ensure that Clandeboye is a “fortress” moving forward.
“The script’s written – it was the first game last year for Bangor (against Cliftonville) and it’s the first game this year for Bangor, albeit it’s the second game for Cliftonville.
“But we’re at home, and whenever you’re at home, you need to try and use the home advantage as much as you can, so we want to make this place a fortress.
“We had some good results here last year, Coleraine (a 2-1 win in October) and plenty of other games, but there were some games that we did leave behind us that, hopefully this year, we can amend.”
(Posted: Friday, 14th August 2026)
Bangor FC is pleased to confirm the arrival of Scottish midfielder Mackenzie Strachan, who becomes the club's fourth signing of the summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old, who is a Scotland youth international up to Under-19 level and has in fact already played against the Seasiders, follows countryman Lucas McRoberts, Steven McCullough and Jeremi Rodriguez through the entrance door at Clandeboye Park this summer.
Strachan was part of the Rangers 'B' squad that faced a Bangor side that back then had just gained promotion to the Championship in July 2023, being part of a side that also included would-be Northern Ireland international Ross McCausland.
Since then, he has gone on to represent Stranraer, Annan Athletic and Cove Rangers in his homeland and will now savour his first taste of the Irish League with Bangor.
Joining as a free agent after his departure from Scottish League One outfit Cove Rangers at the end of last campaign, Strachan will now look to make an impression on the Bangor fans and could make his debut in the Seasiders' opening Boyle Sports Premiership match at home to Cliftonville on Saturday afternoon.
(Posted: Friday, 14th August 2026)
Lewis Harrison is feeling a sense of déjà vu as Bangor prepare to open their Boyle Sports Premiership campaign against Cliftonville at Clandeboye Park on Saturday afternoon.
After last Sunday’s trip to Larne was postponed due to the Invermen’s European endeavours, it means the Seasiders will entertain the north Belfast side in their first fixture for the second season in a row.
Bangor made a dream start to top-flight life when goals from Kyle Owens, Ben Arthurs and Mick Morgan inspired a 3-1 win over the Reds on the opening day last year – and captain Harrison is hoping for more of the same this time around.
“It’s like déjà vu, we played Cliftonville at home last year in our first game and we’ve got them again.
“But we’ve just got to train hard and get ready for Saturday, we’re looking forward to it.
“It’s going to take us a couple of games with the new players, what we’re going to gel like, but we’ll be good to go.”
Harrison took in Cliftonville’s 2-1 victory over Crusaders at Solitude last Friday night on television, while manager Lee Feeney attended the game in person and watched Reds debutants Ben Quinn and Dean McMaster find the net either side of half-time.
The 27-year-old admits he was impressed by what he saw from Jim Magilton’s outfit but believes Feeney will have pinpointed weaknesses that Bangor can take advantage of on Saturday afternoon.
“I did, I watched them against Crusaders – they were sharp enough; both teams looked decent, to be fair.
“But no, Feeno will have looked at things and we’ll look to capitalise on their weaknesses.
“Three points is the main thing for us, especially at home as well. If we can win as many matches as possible, that’s the main objective.”
Now Bangor’s second-longest-serving player having joined the club from H&W Welders in January 2020 – and having just agreed a new two-year contract – midfielder Harrison has just completed his sixth pre-season in yellow and blue.
The Belfast man insists he is confident everyone is sharp and ready to go for the return of competitive action.
“It’s been tough, so it has. It’s been tough going but we won plenty of matches for a change, normally we’re not the best in pre-season!
“It’s been a good pre-season, it’s more been about getting minutes in the legs and getting the fitness up.
“Everyone’s looking sharp and ready to go.”
Fresh faces have arrived in the form of experienced left-back Steven McCullough, Scottish striker Lucas McRoberts and versatile midfielder Jeremi Rodriguez – all of whom are in line to make their competitive debuts on Saturday.
Harrison has full faith in their qualities and also believes it’s a good thing that the bulk of last season’s squad, which successfully helped Bangor to safety in the top-flight for the first time in over 30 years, has stayed together.
“There’s been a couple of signings and I’m sure he’ll (Feeney) bring in a few more up to the end of this window.
“I think it’s good as well that we’ve kept the squad together – we’re kept together and we’ll keep gelling and then add a few more hopefully, good characters.”
While the main goal last year was undoubtedly survival, Harrison – who is closing in on 200 appearances for the club – feels it is too early to set a broad objective for this campaign.
For the former Linfield Swifts player, the main focus has to be on a game-by-game basis and winning as many matches as possible from the outset.
“It’s too early to say now – just win as many games as possible and see what we’re like at Christmas time.
“There’s no point saying that we’re going to do this and do that, just start and try and get a few wins under the belt and see what happens.”
(Posted: Tuesday, 11th August 2026)
Bangor FC are pleased to confirm that Lewis Harrison, Iestyn Hughes and Alfie Mitchell have all agreed new contracts to commit their futures to Clandeboye Park going forward. Central midfielder Harrison and full-back Hughes have put pen to paper on two-year deals, while teenage centre-back Mitchell has signed a three-year contract. Club captain Harrison has been a mainstay in the middle of the park since he was brought to Bangor by Hugh Sinclair from H&W Welders in January 2020, with the 27-year-old playing 187 competitive games and scoring 18 goals in that time.
The Belfast man’s honour roll with the Seasiders comprises Premier Intermediate League and Championship title successes in 2023 and 2025 respectively, playing a pivotal role in both, as well as the Steel and Sons Cup on Christmas Eve 2022.
Having established himself as a key player and leader in Lee Feeney’s squad, being named captain at the age of just 21, all at the club are delighted that Harrison will remain part of the Yellows fold for the foreseeable future.
Right-sided defender Hughes arrived during the January transfer window following a spell at Cobh Ramblers in the League of Ireland First Division and was a standout performer during the second half of the campaign.
The Welshman, who has been capped by his country at Under-21 level and who spent time in the youth set-ups of both Manchester United and Leicester City, impressed during his 15 appearances in yellow and blue and bagged a crucial winning goal away to Dungannon Swifts in March that went a long way to securing Bangor’s top-flight status for this term.
The 23-year-old Flint native also laid off two assists for his team-mates from right wing-back, and those exploits will continue after he agreed to extend his stay for the next two seasons. Bangor native Mitchell linked up with his home town club at the start of last season and, at the age of just 17, rose in prominence to become a popular performer in the defensive line. Having turned 18 during the off-season, the former Cliftonville Under-20s captain made his senior breakthrough last campaign and caught the eye of Northern Ireland Under-19 manager Gareth McAuley, who handed him his debut at that level in a 1-0 Euro qualifying victory over Kazakhstan in Romania where he put in a Man of the Match performance.
Mitchell made 14 senior appearances last term in all, including seven from the start, and hopes are high that he can continue to kick on having now signed a three-year extension.
Bangor manager Feeney hailed all three players’ contributions since their respective arrivals at the club and insists their new deals highlight the positive trajectory the club is moving in.
“These new contracts show the direction the club is going in – it shows we’re not looking to stand still, we want to keep progressing.
“It’s great for the players as well that they’re enjoying it here and they’re willing to commit. It’s great that they’re enjoying their football and that they want to be a part of it.
“I’m delighted for Lewis – I think him and Ben Arthurs are the only two players left now who were signed before I came in, and I think it’s a reward for him for what he’s given to the club over the years.
“He’s been a part of it since we were lower down the leagues, he’s helped the club move up to where we are now and he’s been an important part of what we’ve been building, and I’m delighted that he’s agreed to stay on.
“You mentioned Hughesy, who’s been a fantastic signing – he’s got real pedigree, he spent 10 years at Manchester United and came up through their Academy and he was at Leicester City as well, and you can see that with what he gives us on the pitch.
“He’s a top pro, top attitude, and football’s been his life – he loves playing the game and he gives us a lot of quality down the right-hand side.
“And young Alfie, for me, there’s no one better at his age – he’s brilliant to work with, he’s got a really good attitude.
“He’s had a really good pre-season there and his mentality’s as good as any seasoned pro, he’s mature and he showed he’s got what it takes to play at the top level, and I think he’ll only get better the more he plays.”
(Posted: Saturday,8th August 2026)
Result from Darragh Park. Dergview 1-1 Bangor.
(Posted: Saturday, 1st August 2026)
First-half goals from Iestyn Hughes and Harry Lynch, from the penalty spot, secured a 2-1 victory for Bangor away to Ballinamallard at Ferney Park this evening, despite a late goal from Ryan Mayse for the hosts.
(Posted: Friday, 31st July 2026)
Ballinamallard United vs Bangor and Dergview vs Bangor – Ferney Park, Friday, July 31 (7.45pm) and Darragh Park, Saturday, August 1 (2pm) – pre-season friendlies
Bangor’s final two pre-season friendlies come in the form of back-to-back clashes out west with Ballinamallard United and Dergview.
The Seasiders firstly face the Mallards at Ferney Park on Friday night before travelling to Darragh Park to take on the Dergs the following afternoon.
Both sides are familiar opponents to Bangor from the Championship, with Ballinamallard an established team in the division and an Irish Cup Finalist as recently as 2019, while Dergview now ply their trade in the third-tier.
Lee Feeney’s side faced the Mallards on six occasions across both seasons the clubs played in the Championship together, edging the head-to-head with four wins to two.
Bangor also played Dergview four times in the 2023/24 campaign, with the teams sharing a win, draw and defeat apiece in the league, while the Seasiders also came out on top in an Irish Cup Fifth Round tie at Clandeboye Park.
With the Yellows’ Boyle Sports Premiership opener at home to Cliftonville just two weeks away, these two encounters promise to be another good workout for the squad as they prepare for an imminent return to competitive action.
(Posted: Friday, 31st July 2026)
We’re delighted to confirm the signing of Jeremi Rodríguez.
Born in Spain, Jeremi moved from Las Palmas to join Southampton where he progressed from U16 to U21 football as well as representing Ecuador at U20 level.
Following a spell in USA and a return to Spain, the 22 year old midfielder joins the Seasiders after guesting in a number of pre-season friendlies.
Welcome to Clandeboye Park, Jeremi
(Posted: Thursday, 30th July 2026)
A first half Ryan Swan goal gave Newry City a 1-0 win over Bangor in this evening's friendly at the Showgrounds.
(Posted: Tuesday, 28th July 2026)
Tuesday, July 28 – Newry City vs Bangor, The Showgrounds, pre-season friendly – 7.30pm kick-off
Bangor’s pre-season schedule continues on Tuesday night with a trip to The Showgrounds to take on Boyle Sports Championship side Newry City (7.30pm kick-off).
The Seasiders’ third-from-last pre-season encounter before the start of the new campaign sees them go face a side who have bounced back to the Championship at the first ask after they had been relegated from the second-tier at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
Under the management of former Carrick Rangers and Banbridge Town manager Stuart King, Newry finished fourth in last season’s Premier Intermediate League and gained promotion to the second-flight where they will be aiming to make further progress in the campaign ahead.
They are also set to present another tough test for Lee Feeney’s Bangor, who will begin their Boyle Sports Premiership a week later than planned after their opening fixture against Larne at Inver Park was rearranged.
With that clash on Sunday, August 9 now pencilled in for Tuesday, September 8, the Yellows will now – for the second season in succession – begin with a home game against Cliftonville, who visit Clandeboye Park on Saturday, August 15.
Feeney’s charges will look to continue to get minutes in the legs before then, and this duel with City presents an ideal opportunity to do just that with only a few weeks to go until the return of competitive action.
(Posted: Monday, 27th July 2026)
Bangor have been drawn to face Harland and Wolff Welders in the opening round of the Toals Senior Shield.
The Seasiders are headed to Blanchflower Park where a tricky opening-round tie awaits against the third-placed side in last season’s Championship.
Paul Kee’s Welders are a familiar opponent to Bangor, with the sides having locked horns eight times across two seasons in the second-tier – Lee Feeney’s side having won four, drawn three and lost one of those clashes.
It was also the venue where Bangor crowned themselves 2024/25 Championship champions, bringing fond memories for many supporters, though it will be a different ball game this time around as both sides look to book their spots in the quarter-finals of the flagship County Antrim FA competition.
The tie has been pencilled in for a 7.45pm kick-off on Tuesday, September 1.
Meanwhile, Bangor Reserves begin their crusade in another Co Antrim FA tournament – the Steel and Sons Cup – with a trip to Northern Amateur Football League Division 1B side Colin Valley in the First Round.
That game against the west Belfast outfit is timetabled to take place at Colin Valley’s Good Shephard Road home ground on Saturday, August 15, with the Reserves starting their NIFL Under-20 Premiership season at home to Larne Olympic three days earlier on Wednesday, August 12 (8pm kick-off).
(Posted: Monday, 27th July 2026)
Two Bangor teams were in action on Saturday afternoon against Comber Rec and Dundela at Parkway and Wilgar Park respectively.
One XI fell to a 3-0 defeat in the former fixture, while the other emerged victorious on penalty kicks following a 1-1 draw in the latter game to claim the Mervyn Bell Memorial Trophy.
In east Belfast, Liam Burns – who ironically spent the second half of last season on loan at the Duns – opened the scoring for the Seasiders before they were pegged back later on.
But a Bangor side that was led from the touchline by assistant manager John Douglas held their nerve to emerge 4-3 winners on spot-kicks.
The result saw the Yellows add to their Spectator and Chronicle Cup victory over Ards – their first outright triumph in that outing for 22 years – with another trophy, making it two pieces of silverware in the cabinet during this pre-season.
Lee Feeney, meanwhile, took charge of a youthful side at Parkway, with Comber Rec coming out on top with all three of their goals scored by trialists.
All in all, it was another productive workout with plenty of players adding minutes to their belt in advance of their Boyle Sports Premiership season opener away to Larne on Sunday, August 9 – now just a couple of weeks away – while best wishes are also extended to Comber Rec and Dundela for their seasons ahead.
Bangor are next in action on Tuesday night when they travel to The Showgrounds to take on Boyle Sports Championship outfit Newry City. That game has a 7.30pm kick-off.
(Posted: Sunday, 26th July 2026)
Saturday, July 25 – Comber Rec vs Bangor, Parkway (2pm kick-off) and Dundela vs Bangor, Wilgar Park (3pm kick-off), pre-season friendlies
It’s a double-header of pre-season friendlies for Bangor on Saturday as they continue to build up to the start of the new Boyle Sports Premiership campaign, which begins in just over two weeks’ time.
Two Seasiders selections will be in action at Parkway and Wilgar Park where NAFL Premier Division side Comber Rec and Boyle Sports Championship outfit Dundela will respectively play host.
An established team in the Amateur League who won the Steel and Sons Cup on Christmas Day 2023, Comber also featured in last year’s pre-season itinerary for Bangor and they will once again be expected to pose a stern test having finished fourth place in last season’s Premier Division.
They also possess a former Seasider in Brandon Nelson, who featured for the club during the Ballymena League days, and will be hoping to enjoy another successful campaign next year having been one of the top-ranking intermediate clubs in Northern Ireland in recent times.
Dundela, meanwhile, are a familiar rival for Bangor from the Championship, with the teams enjoying a number of entertaining battles during the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns.
With Kyle Owens and Ben Walker joining the Duns after their departures from Clandeboye Park this summer, it will be a swift reunion for those two players at the Hen Run – as it will for Liam Burns who, alongside Walker, spent the second half of last season on loan at the east Belfast club before returning to Bangor this summer.
Among the other Bangor connections are striker Matthew Ferguson, who was influential in the Yellows’ Championship title success in 2025, and the versatile Andy Hall, who is still fondly remembered for his exploits in yellow and blue over a decade ago.
For both Bangor teams in action on Saturday, it will be a good workout as the opening game of the season against Larne at Inver Park on Sunday, August 9 continues to edge ever closer.
(Posted: Friday, 24th July 2026)
Bangor had to come from behind before eventually running out 5-1 winners over Oxford Sunnyside at Knockrammer Park this evening.
Liam Burns (pen), Mick Morgan and a late Jay Boyd hat-trick secured the win for the Seasiders.
NEXT MATCH:
Bangor have a double header of friendlies on Saturday, with teams travelling to Comber Rec (2:00pm) and Dundela (3:00pm)
(Posted: Tuesday, 21st July 2026)
The Seasiders came away from Mill Meadow this afternoon with a 2-1 friendly win over Moyola Park.
Harry Lynch (pen) and Steven McCullough were on target for Bangor.
Next up for the Seasiders is a trip to Lurgan to take on Oxford Sunnyside on Tuesday evening. Kick-off time is 7:45pm.
(Posted: Saturday, 18th July 2026)
Mick Morgan reflected on another good workout as Bangor defeated Ards 2-0 to win the Spectator and Chronicle Cup on Thursday night.
A goal in each half did the job for the Seasiders, with Morgan’s composed finish 20 minutes from time adding to Steven McCullough’s placed effort just five minutes into the contest.
With teenage goalkeeper Lawton McMahon also making a handful of strong stops to make sure of a second clean sheet in four pre-season games for Bangor, there were positives all round – and 20-year-old Morgan believes it further stands the Yellows in good stead for when they take on Larne at Inver Park in their opening Boyle Sports Premiership encounter on Sunday, August 9.
“Yeah, it's good – it's obviously good to get the result.
“I thought we put in a good performance, a lot of players got minutes in the legs which is obviously the main thing.
“We got 70 minutes in and 20 for the subs as well, so we're happy enough and I was glad to get the goal myself as well.
“We're obviously building up to the first game of the season and that was a good workout tonight.”
Bangor led early doors against their local rivals, with McCullough finishing off a neat passing interchange five minutes in as he placed beyond former Yellows stopper James Taylor into the bottom left corner.
The new signing from Portadown moved up the pitch from defence and played a give-and-go with fellow fresh face Lucas McRoberts before finding the target, with Jack O’Mahony’s cross initially connected to by Morgan to tee McCullough up.
It remained a one-goal lead until the 70-minute mark when former Cliftonville Academy player Morgan slotted low into the net.
On this occasion, Stephen McGuinness made a surging run down the left before playing a low pass into Lewis Harrison on his right, and the Bangor captain laid off for the frontman who confidently picked out the bottom left once again.
Those were the two highlights of a convincing performance, and Morgan believes Bangor must carry the positives forward.
“We played some good football tonight, a few good bits of play and I thought we got sharper as the game went on.
“We kept a clean sheet as well and that's something we take pride in, Lawton made a few decent saves and we kept it solid.
“We'd a lot of positives to take and we'll hopefully carry that forward in the next couple of games.”
Next up is a trip to Mill Meadow on Saturday to take on Moyola Park, a familiar opponent to Lee Feeney and Bangor from their days at the intermediate level.
The Castledawson club won the Premier Intermediate League last season to gain promotion into the Boyle Sports Championship for 2026/27, and Morgan is expecting a stern test to be posed by Marty Smith’s side.
“They're a good side, they've just been promoted into the Championship.
“They've got a lot of good players in their squad and it'll be a good test for us going up there.
“We've put in some good performances in pre-season and we want to win the games that are in front of us, so hopefully we can keep that up on Saturday.”
(Posted: Friday, 17th July 2026)
Bangor defeated Ards 2-0 at Clandeboye Park to clinch the Spectator and Chronicle Cup on Thursday night.
In Bangor's fourth outing of their pre-season itinerary, they got down to business early doors and broke the deadlock with just five minutes on the clock under the sun.
Jack O'Mahony put a teasing ball in the box from near the right byline that was connected to by Mick Morgan, and he headed into the path of Steven McCullough who got into the box, playing an astute give-and-go with Lucas McRoberts before finishing neatly into the bottom left corner of the net.
Bangor held that lead until the break and set things back rolling for the second half unchanged, with Stephen McGuinness replacing Reece Neale in defence in the opening period.
And on 70 minutes, the hosts doubled their advantage. McGuinness raced down the left before playing a low ball to Lewis Harrison, and the captain offloaded to Morgan who placed a neat shot low into the bottom left.
A quintuple substitution followed for the Seasiders and they looked to keep applying the pressure, but two goals proved enough for Bangor to claim the silverware for 2026.
Bangor are next in pre-season action when they travel to Mill Meadow to face Moyola Park on Saturday. Kick-off is at 3pm.
(Posted: Thursday, 16th July 2026)
Bangor will lock horns with Ards in the Spectator and Chronicle Cup at Clandeboye Park on Thursday night.
The two North Down rivals will do battle for the trophy once again as both sides look to step up their preparations for the 2026/27 campaign. While it may be a pre-season friendly, there is always an added spice that comes with the North Down Derby and it promises to be a competitive and hotly contested encounter.
Lee Feeney’s Bangor are aiming to consolidate their place in the Boyle Sports Premiership next term, while John Bailie’s Ards will hope to make the step up from the Championship.
In addition to one-time Bangor defender Bailie, Ards boast several ex-Seasiders in their side, including goalkeeper James Taylor, centre-backs Ryan Arthur and Kielan Reid and attacking midfielder Tom Mathieson – all of whom are former title winners in yellow and blue.
That will also make for an interesting renewal of old acquaintances, with the Yellows hungry to get the better of their arch-rivals and pick up a positive result in the fourth friendly of their pre-season itinerary.
Kick-off at Clandeboye Park is at 7.30pm.
(Posted: Thursday, 16th July 2026)
This week’s pre-season fixture with Ards has been rescheduled and will now take place at Clandeboye Park on Thursday 16th July at 7.30pm.
(Posted: Sunday, 12th July 2026)
Bangor were in pre-season action at The Dub on Saturday morning where Queen's University came out 5-2 winners in the sides' friendly clash.
Queen's drew first blood on eight minutes as a cross from wide on the left was picked up at the back stick by an attacker, who swivelled to shape a shot at goal and duly placed past Lawton McMahon to find the bottom left corner.
But on 26 minutes, Bangor equalised. An inswinging cross from the inside-right channel from Reece Neale – making his first appearance of pre-season – was connected to by Jay Boyd, who laid into the path of Josh Ritchie to lash low into the bottom right.
And six minutes later, Bangor took the lead for the first time as Iestyn Hughes found the target from wide on the right, turning the tide to put the Seasiders in front just after the half-hour.
But Queen's had an answer and they found the net to equalise once again with 38 minutes gone, bundling in from close range after a neat interchange down the left side and turning past McMahon into the net.
It was 2-2 at half-time, but then with 62 minutes gone, Queen's got back in front. The cross from the inside right was placed in towards the six-yard box and the striker got his head on it to turn into the net, with McMahon getting a hand to the ball but unable to keep it out.
Three minutes later, it was 4-2 – Queen's crossing into the box from near the left byline, with the ball turned into his own net from Lewis Harrison.
With 75 minutes gone, Queen's added a fifth. A ball was played across the defence and intercepted by a home forward who surged towards goal and shaped a shot that was saved by the feet of McMahon, but the rebound fell kindly for a forward to slot into an open net.
Bangor are next in action against Ards in the Spectator and Chronicle Cup on Wednesday night, with kick-off at 7.45pm at Clandeboye Park.
(Posted: Saturday, 11th July 2026)
Saturday, July 11 – Bangor vs Newington, The Dub, pre-season friendly – 11am kick-off
Bangor continue pre-season preparations this Saturday with a trip to The Dub to take on Boyle Sports Championship side Queen’s University. Marking the Seasiders’ third fixture in their pre-season itinerary, the players will look to continue to get minutes in their legs and build on wins over Knockbreda and Newington across the previous two weeks.
With momentum building ahead of Bangor’s big kick-off in the Boyle Sports Premiership away to Larne on Sunday, August 9, building match sharpness is key and this weekend’s outing promises to be another worthwhile test for Lee Feeney’s men.
Goals from new signing Steven McCullough and Blake Matier helped the Yellows claim a 2-1 win over Newington at Clandeboye Park last weekend, and with Queen’s finishing fifth-place in last season’s second-tier – just one place below the Swans – it is set to be a similar sort of test this time around.
Bangor are familiar with the Students from having played them in the Premier Intermediate League in 2022/23, when the Seasiders wrapped up a league and Steel and Sons Cup double, and Feeney and his players will look forward to renewing acquaintances in this friendly duel.
Supporters travelling to the game are also advised to note the earlier kick-off time of 11am on Saturday.
(Posted: Saturday, 11th July 2026)
Steven McCullough capped his unofficial Bangor debut with a majestic free-kick goal – and the defender hopes there is more where that came from when competitive action returns.
The 31-year-old flew back from holiday on Saturday morning and showed no signs of jet lag with a spectacular left-footed strike against Newington, coming just 10 minutes after he had been introduced as a half-time substitute at Clandeboye Park.
After Iestyn Hughes was upended just outside the box on the right flank, McCullough took command and curled superbly beyond the Newington goalkeeper into the opposite top left corner.
That made it 1-1 after the Swans had drawn first blood in the first half, with McCullough also involved in the winning goal when his indirect free-kick delivery was nodded into the path of Blake Matier to head home on 72 minutes.
The experienced left-back has arrived from Portadown for an undisclosed fee and hopes he has started as he means to go on in the yellow and blue shirt.
“Yeah, it was obviously nice to get a goal but it’s just nice to get minutes in the legs.
“I’m not long off my flight home from my holiday this morning, so I’m not running with much sleep!
“But it’s just good to get out there – I finished last season injured so I haven’t played in a while, so it’s just nice to go out there and get minutes in the legs.
“There’s obviously not many better ways to start than with a goal, but the result doesn’t mean anything – it’s about getting minutes in the legs and getting as fit as we can for the start of a hard, tough season.
“Hopefully I can do it whenever it matters – it’s all easy doing it in pre-season games, but hopefully I can pull off a couple of them during the season.”
A change in McCullough’s personal circumstances paved the way for the former Glentoran, Carrick Rangers and Ballymena United man to make the move to Clandeboye Park from the Ports this summer.
The Belfast native lives locally and has been impressed with the progress made at Bangor over the past number of years, while seeing first-hand how well-run the club is and how close-knit things are on and off the pitch also played a part in convincing him to join.
“My circumstances kind of changed with work and family, obviously I live in Bangor as well.
“I’m not just here because it’s close, but I know how well-run the club is and how well they did last year.
“Coming here, how close it is, it’s a nice family club which was a big thing for me, so there was a lot of factors that made me think this was the right place for me.
“Obviously with Lee (Feeney) as well and how well he’s done in terms of bringing Bangor from where they were to where they are now.
“So, there was a lot of factors and I’m really, really glad to be here.”
McCullough joins as one of the seasoned heads in a young Bangor squad, with goalkeeper Gareth Deane the only other player over the age of 30 at the club at present.
Having been an ever-present in the top-flight in the past decade and more, that experience is something he is hoping he can bring to the table to help the Seasiders improve on last season’s 10th-placed finish on their return to the Premiership.
“It’s a young squad here and I’ve been about the league for a good lot of years now.
“Hopefully my experience can help the young lads and help the squad and that’s what I’ve come here to do.
“Bangor did well last season for their first season back in the league and, hopefully, we can do better next season.
“As they always say, the second season’s where it shows you if you’re kind of good enough.
“You’re kind of unknown to teams when you’re first coming up from the Championship, so the second season’s always harder.
“But no, I’m sure there’ll be a few more signings and we’ll obviously be pushing to do better than last year.”
Bangor are gearing up for their season opener on Sunday, August 9 when they travel to Inver Park to take on defending champions Larne.
McCullough, who was a key component in a Ballymena side that finished second in the table in 2018/19, feels that is a test to be relished and is keen to embrace the opportunity to start the new campaign on a high note.
“The season will come around just like that, but it’s just all about getting minutes in pre-season, getting fit, staying injury-free and just building the fitness up to get in against the league champions.
“It’ll be a tough game, but you have to play them and that’s who you want, you want to be involved in those big games.
“Bangor last year deservedly stayed up and, as I say, these are the games that you want to be in and we just want to push better than what they did last year.”
(Posted: Sunday, 5th July 2026)
Bangor continued pre-season preparations with a 2-1 win over Newington at Clandeboye Park on Saturday afternoon.
The game got off to a largely uneventful start, although goalkeeper Lawton McMahon was sharp to stop a quickly taken free-kick that was slipped into the Newington forward shortly before the 20-minute mark, assertively beating the ball away with his feet.
But with 34 minutes gone, the visitors did draw first blood in the contest with a well-taken finish.
On 38 minutes, Newington looked to have gotten in behind the line and added their second goal of the game, though the finish by Jay Donnelly was ruled out for offside.
At half-time, there were seven changes for Bangor – including an unofficial debut for new signing Steven McCullough at left wing-back following his move from Portadown – and the new signing made his mark on 55 minutes.
After Iestyn Hughes won a free-kick just outside the box on the right side, it was McCullough who took command and he curled a brilliant left-footed effort over the head of the Newington goalkeeper into the top left corner – a stunning goal to level things for the hosts.
And on 72 minutes, Bangor turned the tide. McCullough's free-kick was nodded into the path of Blake Matier, who used his head to place low into the bottom right and put the Seasiders 2-1 ahead.
That was a lead Bangor saw out until the finish, with Queen's University to come in their next pre-season outing on Saturday, July 11 (11am).
(Posted: Saturday, 4th July 2026)
Saturday, July 4 – Bangor vs Newington, Clandeboye Park, pre-season friendly – 2pm kick-off
Bangor continue their pre-season preparations on Saturday afternoon when they welcome Boyle Sports Championship side Newington to Clandeboye Park (2pm).
The Seasiders began their pre-season itinerary with a 5-0 victory over Knockbreda at Breda Park last weekend and will aim to continue to build match sharpness ahead of the return to competitive action in a little over five weeks’ time.
A hat-trick from Lucas McRoberts, plus goals from Jay Boyd and Blake Matier, ensured it was a successful outing in the Castlereagh Hills last Saturday, and it is hoped the momentum can be carried into this weekend’s clash with the Swans.
Newington are coming into the 2026/27 campaign on the back of an excellent season in the second-tier last time out, finishing in fourth place, and have recently hired former Cliftonville defender and assistant manager Declan O’Hara as their new manager ahead of next season.
A familiar opponent to Bangor in both the Championship and Premier Intermediate League in recent times, Lee Feeney and his players know to expect a tough test and a good workout as they ramp up preparations ahead of the big kick-off in the Boyle Sports Premiership away to Larne on Sunday, August 9.
Kick-off in this Saturday’s game against the ‘Ton is at 2pm.
(Posted: Friday, 3rd July 2026)
Bangor Football Club is calling on supporters and the wider community to get involved and play their part as the club competes in its second season in the NIFL Premiership.
As the club continues to establish itself at the highest level of local football, the Bangor FC Board has stressed that success both on and off the pitch depends on a collective effort.
Following a recent Open Meeting with supporters, the club has highlighted the strong appetite within the community to become more involved in the day-to-day running of Bangor FC.
Chairman Graham Bailie said: “The step up to the Premiership continues to present challenges, but also opportunities for the club to grow stronger together.
“Our progression as a club over the past eight seasons has been outstanding, but competing in the Premiership brings a different type of challenge.
“Now in our second season at this level, it’s clear that to succeed we all need to pull together and support each other.”
Reflecting on recent engagement with supporters, Graham said: “Bangor FC is more than just a football club, it is a community. Our recent Open Meeting was about bringing people together, sharing our plans and making sure everyone feels part of what we are building.
“What came through strongly is that supporters want to help, and we want to harness that enthusiasm. There are opportunities for people to get involved in the Club, especially with enhancing the matchday experience for all fans. That could include helping to maintain and develop the ground, supporting our hospitality team, or taking on important roles such as matchday stewards or working at the turnstiles.
“Our recent success has only been possible because of our supporters, volunteers and local businesses. Whether it’s giving your time or backing the club in any way you can, every positive action helps us grow stronger.”
Graham added: “Volunteering with Bangor FC offers a range of personal benefits. It provides the chance to develop new skills and gain valuable experience, meet new people and build friendships, and can even support career development. Just as importantly, it brings a real sense of satisfaction from contributing to a club with a proud history and an ambitious future.”
He concluded: “Whether supporters can commit regularly or help out occasionally, the club is encouraging anyone interested to come forward and have a chat with us.”
For more information on volunteering opportunities, please email media@bangorfc.com or speak to a Bangor FC official.
(Posted: Thursday, 2nd July 2026)
Lucas McRoberts admits it’s a big step for him to move away from his native Scotland for the first time in his career – but the young striker feels he’s already right at home at Bangor.
The 19-year-old scored a hat-trick in his unofficial debut for the club against Knockbreda on Saturday afternoon and feels he has settled in quickly on the seaside.
Having been introduced as a half-time substitute at Breda Park, McRoberts wasted no time in showing his quality and expressed afterwards how pleased he was to begin on a high.
“I’m enjoying it – coming over here, it’s obviously a big thing, but I’m really enjoying being here.
“I think I’ve settled in well, the lads have been brilliant.
“It was definitely nerve-wracking when I was coming in for the first training session, but I think I’ve settled in quickly and it showed today.”
On what attracted him to Bangor, McRoberts has taken note of the Seasiders’ rise through the divisions over the past nine years, most recently achieving Premiership survival in the club’s first season back in the top-flight for 16 years last term.
The Prestwick native is now hoping he can play a pivotal role in 2026/27 and help Bangor write a fresh chapter in their history.
“I’ve seen obviously that they’ve had a progression to the first division and they’ve done really well over the past number of years.
“They’ve done well and they look like they’re going to challenge next season, so I wanted to come here and show what I can do.”
McRoberts rose through the ranks at Ayr United, scoring his first senior goal at the age of just 16, and made nine league appearances for the Somerset Park outfit in the Scottish Championship last campaign.
He says a search for increased game-time was the main reason for his departure from South Ayrshire and is hoping he can achieve that in the Irish League.
“I really enjoyed my time at Ayr, they looked after me really well – for me, all I needed was game-time.
“So, I’ve come here and I want to prove myself and, hopefully, I can get game-time.”
Describing his overall game, McRoberts – who has also played for Bonnyrigg Rose and East Stirlingshire – refers to himself as a striker who can hold the ball up as well as make darting runs behind the line.
“I’m a hold-up player, probably a typical striker and I can get in behind as well.
“I like to think I bring goals as well, so hopefully I bring the goals here.
“As long as I’m getting in the right areas and taking my chances, that’s all that I can do.”
McRoberts is keen to use the pre-season schedule to build match fitness and sharpness ahead of Bangor’s season opener against Larne at Inver Park on Sunday, August 9.
He certainly showed sharpness in front of goal against Breda, winning a penalty just three minutes into the second half and then converting from Tiarnan Mulvenna’s layoff after his initial attempt had been saved.
His second was a neat first-time finish from an enticing Ross Ferguson cross on the right just after the hour mark, and he then completed his treble 10 minutes from time with an expert rifled finish into the net.
McRoberts is keen to show more of the same throughout pre-season and challenge himself once competitive action returns in six weeks’ time.
“Yeah, I need to use the pre-season obviously to get fitter and sharper and then when the season comes around, hopefully I’m ready to go.
“I feel coming to the Irish League gives me the chance to play men’s football and probably make that step up and challenge myself, so that’s what I want to do here.”
(Posted: Tuesday, 30th June 2026)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney has been impressed with the attitude his players have shown since their return to action after the Seasiders started their pre-season schedule on a high on Saturday afternoon.
The players returned to training following a well-earned break during the week and opened their pre-season fixture list with a convincing 5-0 victory over Knockbreda at Breda Park.
Jay Boyd opened the scoring, Lucas McRoberts bagged a second-half hat-trick on his unofficial debut for the club and Blake Matier also hit the target in an impressive win.
With Scottish striker McRoberts and experienced defender Steven McCullough recruited to the Bangor ranks ahead of next season, Feeney admitted he is hoping to close some more deals in the coming weeks.
The vast majority of last campaign’s squad are also staying put, and the Yellows supremo – now six years in the job at Clandeboye Park – feels the squad is in a good place building up to the Boyle Sports Premiership season opener away to Larne on Sunday, August 9.
“The players needed the break – the break’s important, so they got the break, they’ve come back, they trained this week with great attitudes.
“The boys trained really, really well this week and we’ve still a lot of people to come back, I think there’s still seven or eight to come back.
“So, we were able to field two XIs basically and a few of the Under-20s came in and helped out and they did brilliant.
“They’ve been training with the first-team as well so, yeah, it’s typical pre-season – you’re getting a look at people, you’re giving people opportunities and trying to get your fitness.”
It may have only been the first game back, but Bangor impressed with some neat passing interchanges and slick sequences that resulted in goals.
Boyd broke the deadlock shortly before the half-hour mark with a close-range finish, being supplied with a low cross from the left by one of three trialists in the Bangor line-up.
That one-goal lead remained until the break and was extended just three minutes into the second period. McRoberts – brought on at the half – was tripped in the box and won a penalty, and though he saw his low attempt saved, he was alert to convert when Tiarnan Mulvenna played across the face of goal on the rebound.
McRoberts added Bangor’s third on 61 minutes when he prodded in Ross Ferguson’s cross from the right and, after fellow teenager Matier showed great composure to pick out the bottom left to make it four 13 minutes from time, completed his hat-trick in some style when he rifled into the net on 80 minutes.
Feeney was delighted with the overall performance and how his players grew into the game as it went on.
“It was a good performance – the first game back’s not always easy, but I felt the players handled it really well.
“The pitch was a bit sticky and they had to get used to it.
“As I say, most of the players got two 45 minutes and sometimes it takes you 25 minutes to get into the game, so the boys have to learn really quickly how to adapt.”
Feeney also reserved praise for new boy McRoberts, whose arrival following the expiration of his contract at Scottish Championship club Ayr United was greeted with much fanfare.
On how the move for the highly-rated 19-year-old frontman came about, the Kilkeel chief explained that he was filled in by his contacts across the water and watched him carefully before drafting him in.
Once he was convinced he would be the right fit for the Seasiders, Feeney didn’t hesitate to make the move and believes the youngster from Prestwick has all the makings to be a major success at Clandeboye Park.
McRoberts showed his quality from the outset with a well-taken treble and his new manager was glad to see him hit the ground running.
“He’s only 19, he’s big, athletic – I’ve been looking at him thoroughly through all my contacts and I took my time with it and I knew once I did it that it was going to be the right thing (for the club to sign him).
“He’s got a really, really good attitude, he’s very young and willing to learn and I’m just delighted that he got off the mark.
“It is important when you’re a centre-forward and you’re coming to a new club, whether it’s a friendly or not, you want to feel good about yourself.
“He can’t feel any better today, he scored three goals there.”
(Posted: Sunday, 28th June 2026)
The Seasiders kicked off pre-season with a win at Breda Park this afternoon.
Jay Boyd scored in the first half before a much changed team in the second half went on to score four more with Lucas McRoberts bagging a hat trick and Blake Matier also finding the target.
We thank Knockbreda for today’s friendly and wish them well for the season ahead.
(Posted: Saturday, 27th June 2026)
Saturday, June 27 – Knockbreda vs Bangor, Breda Park, pre-season friendly – 2pm kick-off
Bangor begin their pre-season schedule ahead of the new Boyle Sports Premiership season on Saturday with a trip to Breda Park to face Knockbreda.
The Seasiders are back up and running ahead of their second season back in the top-flight and return to action this weekend with a visit to the Castlereagh Hills. Lee Feeney’s charges returned to pre-season training this week and will now turn their focus towards building up match sharpness ahead of the big kick-off in six weeks’ time when they travel to Larne on Sunday, August 9.
Their pre-season agenda opens against Breda, who will play in the new National Conference League – the revamped third-tier in Northern Ireland football – next season.
Bangor know Knockbreda well from having faced them in the 2023/24 Championship, and a number of former Seasiders are currently plying their trade there.
Among them are midfielder Louis Blackstock, who featured regularly under Feeney in the 2021/22 campaign, while Ruairi Wright, Jay Boyd and Curtis Giltrap are all former Bangor Reserves players in the Breda fold.
With both clubs keen to put themselves in the best possible position for the new term getting under way, it promises to be a good workout for both teams and a chance for supporters to reconvene and watch their side in action.
Kick-off at Breda Park on Saturday is at 2pm.
(Posted: Friday, 26th June 2026)
We can confirm that the following players will all depart the club on the expiry of their contracts this month:
We wish all five players well as they move on from Clandeboye Park, and we thank them for their efforts for the Seasiders.
(Posted: Friday, 26th June 2026)
Bangor will begin the 2026/27 Boyle Sports Premiership campaign with a tricky trip to defending champions Larne on Sunday, August 9.
The Seasiders start their second campaign back in the top-flight with a second Sunday fixture in succession when they travel to Inver Park to take on last term’s league winners, with kick-off pencilled in for 3pm.
Also for a second season in a row, Bangor’s first home game will be against Cliftonville, with the Reds travelling to Clandeboye Park the following Saturday, August 15. The Yellows defeated Jim Magilton’s side 3-1 on the opening day of last campaign to mark a memorable return to the top division after more than 16 years away, and Lee Feeney’s men will target more of the same this time around.
A trip to Stangmore Park to oppose Irish Cup Finalists Dungannon Swifts and a home game against Carrick Rangers round off August’s agenda. September begins with a home clash against Ballymena United before successive away days against Glentoran and newly promoted Limavady United – the latter a Tuesday night encounter at the Rathmore Road Showgrounds on September 15.
Those games are followed by a home date with Portadown and a trip to Seaview to take on Crusaders to complete the month’s schedule, with October beginning on a tough note as a meeting with Coleraine at Clandeboye Park on October 3 is followed by a trip to Windsor Park to face Linfield seven days later.
In terms of some of the other important dates on this season’s fixture calendar, Bangor’s Boxing Day ‘derby’ is against Limavady this year, with Paul Owens’ charges travelling to Clandeboye Park on December 26.
There is a Friday night clash with Glentoran at The BetMcLean Oval on Friday, November 13, while there is a Tuesday night trip to the Warden Street Showgrounds on December 29 with Ballymena United lying in wait.
All other pre-split fixtures are provisionally set to be played on Saturdays, but this is subject to change as the season progresses.
The Seasiders’ pre-split schedule concludes on March 27 with their second away day against Crusaders of the season, with 15 home games and 18 away before the post-split begins on April 3.
The post-split runs from April 3 to 24, with the third of the final five fixtures a Tuesday night game on April 13, and Bangor will hope come the final day that another successful campaign in the top-tier will be capped off.
It promises to be another eventful season, and with pre-season about to get under way with this Saturday’s trip to Knockbreda and Larne away to look forward to on the opening day, the anticipation has only been heightened – so make sure you’re supporting the Seasiders home and away throughout 2026/27!
(Posted: Wednesday, 24th June 2026)
Bangor FC are delighted to confirm the arrival of experienced defender Steven McCullough as the club's second signing of the summer transfer window.
The 31-year-old left-back has completed a move to the Seasiders from Portadown for an undisclosed fee.
McCullough boasts extensive pedigree in the Irish League having represented Glentoran, Carrick Rangers and Ballymena United prior to joining the Ports in the summer of 2024.
A proven performer in the Premiership who made 250 appearances for the Sky Blues, where he spent seven years, the left-footed McCullough has developed a strong reputation over the past decade for his set-piece prowess and impressive delivery into the box that he will be keen to bring to the table in yellow and blue.
Having initially risen through the Glens' ranks, the Belfast native – who also enjoyed a spell on loan with Ards from the east Belfast club – moved to Carrick in 2016 before arriving at Ballymena a year later where he played an important role as they reached several cup Finals and finished a club-high second in the table under David Jeffrey in the 2018/19 season.
McCullough was then signed for the Ports by Niall Currie following their promotion back to the top-flight in 2024 and went on to make 75 appearances across his two seasons at Shamrock Park.
Now, the defender has made the move to Bangor ahead of the Yellows' second season back in the Sports Direct Premiership.
Welcome to Bangor, Steven!
(Posted: Saturday, 20th June 2026)
Bangor FC is delighted to announce Scottish striker Lucas McRoberts as the club’s first new signing of the summer transfer window, subject to international clearance.
The 19-year-old frontman arrives at Clandeboye Park following the expiration of his contract at Scottish Championship outfit Ayr United.
McRoberts rose through the ranks of the South Ayrshire club and made nine appearances for them in the Scottish second-tier last season.
He made his senior bow against Airdrieonians aged just 16 years and three months in March 2023 and scored his first senior goal for Ayr against Dunfermline in May, outlining his potential from a very young age.
Teenage talent McRoberts made 18 appearances in total for the Somerset Park side and also plied his trade at Bonnyrigg Rose and East Stirlingshire, scoring 15 times in 40 appearances for the latter.
The Prestwick native now makes the move to the Irish League with the Seasiders and comes in as an exciting addition to the frontline ahead of the new Sports Direct Premiership season.
Welcome to Bangor Lucas!
(Posted: Friday, 19th June 2026)
(Posted: Friday, 19th June 2026)
Following our previous statement on April 20th, the Club has now completed its internal review into this matter.
We can confirm that Ben Arthurs will be returning for pre-season training. We won't be making any further comment on this matter.
(Posted: Monday, 15th June 2026)
Bangor FC has launched season tickets for the 2026/27 NIFL Sports Direct Premiership season, with prices frozen at last season's levels in recognition of supporters' loyalty.
Tickets are available HERE now and will also be on sale at all home matches until the league campaign begins. Adult season tickets, sponsored for the tenth successive season by McKeown's Fish and Poultry, are priced at £195, with concession tickets (65+ and students 18+) at £135. Both options include a payment plan spread across three equal monthly instalments. Junior tickets (ages 12–18) are £40 and Primary School tickets (ages 4–11) are £20. All Adult and Concession season tickets include automatic membership of the Bangor FC Social Club.
Bangor FC Chairman Graham Bailie said: "Next season we will again be hosting the biggest clubs in Northern Ireland. A season ticket remains the best way to guarantee your place at every one of those matches and one of the most meaningful ways you can back this club.
"We have frozen prices because we never take your support for granted. Every person who invests in a season ticket plays a real part in what we are trying to build here, and we want to make that as accessible as possible."
On the club's long-standing season ticket sponsorship, Graham added: "We are incredibly proud that Sean and the team at McKeown's have been with us for ten consecutive seasons, which is right back to our Ballymena League days. That kind of loyalty means everything to a club like ours."
McKeown's Fish and Poultry proprietor Sean McKeown said: "I'm delighted to continue supporting Bangor FC as they establish themselves in the Premiership. I hope the backing I've provided over the past ten years has played some small part in their incredible journey.
“Next season will again present real opportunities for the city and local people to get behind the Seasiders, and I wish them every success.”
For reference, individual gate prices during the 2026/27 season are: Adult £15, Concession £10 (65+ and students 18+), Youth £5 (ages 12 to 18) and Primary School pupils £2 (ages 4 to 11).
(Posted: Wednesday, 10th June 2026)
Bangor FC will host an Open Meeting on 17 June, offering supporters and all those with an interest in the Club the opportunity to hear directly from the board ahead of the 2026/27 NIFL Premiership season.
Chairman Graham Bailie will provide an update on preparations both on and off the pitch, outlining the Club’s vision for the season ahead. He will reflect on the past campaign and set out plans as the squad builds towards the challenges of the coming season, while also highlighting the wide range of opportunities for individuals and organisations to play a part in Bangor FC’s continued progress.
Speaking ahead of the event, Chairman Graham Bailie said: “Bangor FC is more than just a football club, it is a community. The open meeting is about bringing people together, sharing our plans, recognising the areas where we can grow and ensuring everyone feels part of what we are building.
“Whether you are a lifelong supporter, a local business, or someone who has been considering getting involved, there is a place for you at Bangor FC. We look forward to welcoming both familiar and new faces and to hearing fresh ideas as we continue to move forward together.”
Attendees will also hear about the many ways they can contribute to the Club’s journey, including advertising and sponsorship opportunities and volunteering roles.
The meeting will take place at Bangor FC Social Club, starting at 7.30pm. All those with an interest in the Club are warmly invited to attend.
(Posted: Tuesday, 9th June 2026)
Three Bangor players have been out on loan throughout the second half of the season.
In our monthly loan review, let’s take a look and see how they have performed throughout April…
Ben Walker
As in March, Ben Walker was once again an ever-present for Dundela throughout April and helped the east Belfast side enjoy an impressive end to the 2025/26 Playr-Fit Championship season.
The 21-year-old started all four of the Duns’ games last month, with Clifford Adams’ outfit picking up two wins and two draws to finish their campaign on a high note.
The left-sided defender started his April by playing the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 victory for the Wilgar Park men over Ards at Clandeboye Park, following that up by featuring for 76 minutes in a 2-0 win over Warrenpoint Town back on home soil.
Walker then started a goalless draw at home to Armagh City before rounding off his season with another 76 minutes in Dundela’s 2-2 draw with Ballinamallard United at Ferney Park.
Those results saw the Duns finish in 11th-place in the Championship this term with 28 points to their name.
For Walker, it proved to be a highly productive half-season loan spell as he made 16 appearances, with 14 of them coming from the start, as he consolidated his place in Dundela’s starting line-up early on and did not relinquish it.
The talented Bangor native and former Northern Ireland Schoolboys’ international, who has 37 appearances for the Seasiders to his name since his initial loan arrival from Larne back in the summer of 2023, will naturally now hope to kick on from this going forward having built up valuable experience in the second-tier.
Liam Burns
Liam Burns also featured in all four of Dundela’s April fixtures, with the teenage midfielder starting their final-day draw with Ballinamallard following three substitute appearances in the clashes with Ards, Warrenpoint and Armagh.
The former Linfield Swifts captain, who recorded a couple of assists for Bangor during the first half of the season, finished up with 11 appearances – seven starts and four off the bench – in total with the Wilgar Park outfit.
Burns played 81 minutes of the Duns’ 2-2 draw with the Mallards in Fermanagh, with former Bangor striker Matthew Ferguson scoring their second goal, before he was replaced late on to round off a promising first season in senior football.
Before that, the 19-year-old from Belfast played the final 10 minutes of their victory against Ards, 20 minutes in their win over Warrenpoint and 58 in their goalless draw with Armagh.
In the latter, he was introduced just after the half-hour mark and went on to produce a tidy display that helped earn him a starting spot at Ferney Park, where he put in an impressive account.
In all, Burns made 22 appearances between his spells with Bangor and the Duns this season, and he’ll now hope to kick on going into next campaign having picked up valuable minutes at senior level over the past year.
Bangor FC wish to again thank all at Dundela FC for their help and the opportunities afforded to Ben and Liam to further their development during their time away, ensuring that it was a productive loan spell for both players.
Ross Ferguson
Ross Ferguson continued to play a pivotal role for Lisburn Distillery in the Playr-Fit Premier Intermediate League, rounding off his time with the Whites with his first-ever senior goal.
Ferguson found the net for Lee Forsythe’s side with a goal that made it 3-3 against Strabane Athletic at the Melvin Park Arena – a game that ultimately ended 4-4 in Co Tyrone – in what was Distillery’s penultimate game of the season.
The New Grosvenor outfit played five games in April, with Ferguson starting and playing the full 90 minutes in four of them, as well as one in May – a 6-0 defeat to division champions Moyola Park that Ferguson did not feature in due to suspension.
The midfielder played the full match in defeats to Ballymacash Rangers (3-2 and 3-1) and Dergview (3-1) as well as that eight-goal thriller against Strabane, while he was an unused sub in an equally entertaining 3-3 draw with Knockbreda at Breda Park.
Overall, Ferguson played 14 times for Distillery – all of them from the start – with the Whites finishing 13th in the PIL, consolidating his place in Forsythe’s line-up early on and starting in over half their total league fixtures.
The Groomsport native, who had played in Bangor’s Academy ranks before a two-year spell at Larne where he graduated through their Scholarship programmes, also played five times for the Seasiders having returned last summer.
That included a Sports Direct Premiership debut for the 19-year-old – the son of former Bangor defender Gary Ferguson – against Ballymena United in August, and Ross will be hopeful of kicking on with a valuable half-season of senior experience under his belt.
Bangor FC wish to thank all at Lisburn Distillery FC for the opportunities afforded to Ross and their support in his development, ensuring that it was a strong and productive loan spell for him at New Grosvenor.
(Posted: Sunday, 10th May 2026)
Bangor’s 2025/26 season was officially rounded off with the annual end-of-season Awards Dinner, which took place at the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel on Friday night.
Celebrating the achievements of the players and management staff during a successful first season back in top-flight football since 2008/09, as well as paying tribute to the volunteers and supporters for their efforts throughout the campaign, it was a fitting way to sign off an excellent year that culminated in a 10th-placed finish and Sports Direct Premiership survival.
With a four-course meal and a light-hearted atmosphere as the successes and triumphs of the past nine months were reflected on, it was a nice way to round off the current season before turning the focus towards trying to make it another memorable campaign in 2026/27.
As for the Awards, the five main prizes on offer were swept up by two players – Harry Lynch and Tiarnan Mulvenna.
Gifted defender Lynch has been a revelation in his first campaign in yellow and blue after his arrival from Glenavon last summer – and that was reflected by the 19-year-old taking home three club awards.
The Warrenpoint man was named Young Player of the Year, Manager’s Player of the Year and Clandeboye Bangor Supporters Club Player of the Year, while he also received a special prize in recognition of his maiden call-up to the Northern Ireland Under-21 squad in March.
Belfast native Mulvenna, meanwhile, also took home two individual accolades after another campaign where he was a mainstay in midfield.
The 28-year-old, who has enjoyed two and a half excellent years in the Bangor shirt to date, received the Players’ Player of the Year and Board of Directors’ Player of the Year awards.
Having also been nominated for Goal of the Season at the NI Football League’s awards after his 25-yard wonder-strike against Glentoran in November, it has been a superb year for the midfielder with just shy of 100 appearances for the club under his belt.
Meanwhile, there were presentations for Michael Halliday and Robbie Garrett, who have now drawn the curtains on their respective distinguished playing careers.
Evergreen striker Halliday gave eight years of outstanding service to Bangor in addition to 11 years at his boyhood club Glentoran between 1999 and 2010, with those two spells sandwiching stints with Crusaders, Lisburn Distillery, Dundela and Knockbreda in between.
The 46-year-old won the Ballymena League, Premier Intermediate League and Championship titles as well as the Steel and Sons Cup and the McReynolds Cup in Bangor colours, scoring 49 goals in 140 appearances for the club.
He also claimed three Irish League titles, two Irish Cups, six League Cups, four County Antrim Shields and the Setanta Cup in an exceptional career spanning four different decades – and fittingly ends it as a Premiership player.
On Friday night, in recognition of his contributions to the Seasiders’ rise back up the leagues and his wider career, Halliday received a special award and a framed shirt – plus a rapturous applause – as a token of appreciation.
A framed shirt was also handed to teak-tough midfielder Garrett, who spent two seasons at Clandeboye Park during which he helped Bangor achieve promotion to the Premiership and then stay there.
Prior to that, the 38-year-old enjoyed two excellent spells at Linfield, during which he collected four Irish League titles, while also plying his trade for Portadown and Glenavon prior to his arrival at Bangor in the summer of 2024.
In addition to his outstanding career in the Irish League, Garrett enjoyed spells in England at Stoke City, whose Academy ranks he initially rose through, and Canada with FC Edmonton – he had a spell on loan there from Linfield in 2013.
And the Belfast man received five senior Northern Ireland caps, meaning that he can reflect on a career during which he made a significant mark on the club and international stage.
Across his two years on the seaside, Garrett made 63 appearances, scoring two goals, and he too received a big round of applause as he walked up to collect his framed shirt.
At the other end of the age scale, a special prize was also handed out to Alfie Mitchell, whose brilliant performances in his first campaign with his home town club saw him called up to the Northern Ireland Under-19 squad.
The 17-year-old, who signed from Cliftonville last summer, made his debut at that level in March in a 1-0 victory over Kazakhstan in an Under-19 Euro qualifier in Romania and was named Man of the Match after a fine display in defence.
As with Lynch, it is satisfying to see Bangor players giving international recognition for their performances and efforts – and shining when they are given the opportunity.
It was a memorable night and Bangor thanks the Clandeboye Lodge for their hospitality, as well as everyone who came along to celebrate a highly successful 2025/26 campaign.
AWARDS SUMMARY:
(Posted: Saturday, 9th May 2026)
What a season.
As our first campaign back in the Sports Direct Premiership comes to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect on what has been an extraordinary year for Bangor FC and to say a genuine thank you to everyone who has been part of it.
To Lee, John and the entire management and medical team: your dedication, professionalism and belief throughout this season have been exceptional. Returning to the Premiership was one thing, but competing in it with the commitment and quality you have shown is another entirely. We are incredibly proud of everything you have achieved.
To the players: you have given the city of Bangor memories to cherish, and you should be immensely proud of what you have delivered on the pitch this season. We firmly believe this team is only just finding its feet and there is a great deal more to come as players grow in experience and confidence.
We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to every advertiser and sponsor who has supported the club this season. From our key club partners right through to match day sponsorship, every contribution matters. Without your generosity and belief in Bangor FC, so much of what we do simply would not be possible, and your support throughout our return to the Premiership has been invaluable.
But above all, we want to acknowledge the true heartbeat of this club. They are our volunteers, our supporters, and our wider community. You are the reason Bangor FC exists. From those who give their time behind the scenes week in, week out, to the fans who have packed Clandeboye Park. You have created an atmosphere that reminded the entire Premiership exactly what this club means to this city. This season belongs to you as much as anyone.
When we set out on this journey in 2017, we spoke about leaving the club in a better place than we found it. Looking around at what Bangor FC has become, we believe we are delivering on that promise.
The next chapter is only beginning. Keep being a part of it.
(Posted: Friday, 1st May 2026)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney praised the players’ collective effort throughout the season to ensure the club’s first campaign back in top-flight football was a successful one.
The Seasiders ended the 2025/26 Sports Direct Premiership term with a 4-2 home loss to Portadown but knew the main goal had been accomplished two and a half weeks earlier – securing survival with four games to spare.
On 26 minutes, Jay Boyd slotted in Iestyn Hughes’ low cross to cancel out Eamon Fyfe’s eighth-minute opener for the Ports, but Ben Quinn restored the visitors’ advantage four minutes later when he found the bottom left corner past Gareth Deane.
That remained the score until the 90th minute when Josh Ukek picked his spot to add a third for Portadown, though the drama wasn’t done as Daniel Hannan – on just his second senior appearance – scored a majestic 35-yard dipping volley to bring it back to a one-goal game just a minute later.
James Teelan did have the final say for the Ports – who were under the interim management of club captain Gary Thompson with new permanent boss David Jeffrey watching on in the stands – in the fifth minute of stoppage-time, but Feeney was keen to point out that the success of this season wasn’t defined by any one game – it was all of them as a whole.
“First of all, I’m delighted with how we’ve performed over the 38 games.
“It wasn’t just about one game or two games, it was the whole 38 games, and I’m really pleased with how we performed throughout the whole season.
“We achieved what we set out to achieve and we did it with a few games to spare, which is credit to the players – they’ve been brilliant from start to finish.
“We can look back and we’ve competed in 90 per cent of the games this season – we’ve commanded respect from other teams, we’ve played with dignity and we’ve shown how competitive we can be.
“I’m delighted for everyone at the club that we’ve achieved what we set out and how we’ve gone about our business.”
Feeney also hailed two Irish League greats in Michael Halliday and Robbie Garrett, who were given a guard of honour following the final appearances of their illustrious careers.
The Kilkeel supremo, who will celebrate six years in charge of Bangor during the off-season, saluted their influence and admits they will be difficult characters to replace.
“Absolutely, two legends of the game – they’ve been two big players for us, two big personalities in the changing room and we’ll miss them.
“They’ve had two brilliant careers, they’ve given a lot to us and they’ve both been a pleasure to work with, and it was great to give them the send-off they deserved.
“They’re irreplaceable, and I mean that. They’re irreplaceable.
“They’re two experienced players who have given a lot to our changing room, especially with a lot of players who are new to this level of football in there – they’re two of the players who know this level, and they’ve made us stronger.
“It’s going to be a challenge to try and cover that in terms of the experience that they bring, there’s no doubt about that.”
On Hannan, who has impressed for the Reserves over the previous two seasons and showed signs of promise on his senior debut in the 3-0 defeat to Carrick Rangers a week ago, Feeney admits he’s hugely excited by the 18-year-old attacker.
He has also spoken of his plans to further integrate young talent from the Academy ranks into the first-team squad during pre-season.
“Daniel Hannan, I’m delighted for him – it was a brilliant strike.
“I’ve had him in training and I put him on in the game against Carrick, and I thought he showed a lot of bravery, he has a wee bit of magic.
“You always want young players to come on and take their chance, and I was impressed with how he performed in the game against Carrick, so I put him on again and the goal he scored was absolutely brilliant.
“I’m delighted to see that and I’ve seen it from the other young players as well, the likes of young Wawa (Joshua Ritchie), Blake (Matier) and Conor Watson – he’s been on the bench a couple of times and didn’t come on but he’s happy to be in and around it and he knows he’ll get his chance.
“It’s great to have those young players coming up from the Academy and showing that wee bit of quality, and they’ll be up with us and they’ll play a lot in pre-season.”
Looking ahead to next campaign, Feeney is relishing the challenge of consolidating Bangor’s status in the top-flight and building on this term’s 10th-placed finish, ultimately ending up three points clear of Crusaders in the relegation play-off spot.
“Hopefully – it’ll be another challenge for us, but we have one season under our belts, the players are a year more experienced at this level.
“I’ll be looking out for the right personalities who can come in and add to what we have as we know again that it won’t be easy – it’ll probably be even harder.
“But as I say, we have some really talented young players who are coming through and that’s encouraging, and I’m looking forward to pre-season already and trying to build on what we have.”
(Posted: Monday, 27th April 2026)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Robbie Garrett says he will look back on his football journey with immense pride after making the final appearance of his illustrious career on Saturday afternoon.
The midfielder played the final half-hour of Bangor’s season-ending 4-2 defeat to Portadown at Clandeboye Park and, alongside his fellow Irish League great Michael Halliday, received a guard of honour from the players and coaches of both clubs after the full-time whistle.
It was an entertaining warm-weather encounter under the sun, with Jay Boyd slotting home a leveller that cancelled out Eamon Fyfe’s deadlock-breaker for the visitors, while a stunning long-range volley and first senior goal from impressive Academy product Daniel Hannan to make it 3-2 in second-half stoppage-time – with Halliday providing the assist – will also live long in the money.
Garrett (37) enjoyed two successful seasons with the Seasiders having joined in the summer of 2024, helping them to promotion from the Playr-Fit Championship in his first and playing his part in sealing Sports Direct Premiership survival in his second.
The five-times-capped former Northern Ireland international was also a popular figure at the Ports, making over 100 appearances for the Shamrock Park club between 2014 and 2017, as well as representing Linfield, Glenavon, Stoke City and Canadian outfit FC Edmonton in a trophy-laden career.
The four-time Irish League champion has plenty of happy memories and insists he will reflect on them with a smile after hanging up the boots.
“Yes, that’s it – a bit disappointing with the result, but the job was done a few weeks ago, so you can’t complain too much.
“I’ll look back on my career now that I’m finished and I think there’ll be a lot of pride there of what I’ve achieved in this country especially.
“So, it’ll be nice to look back on it.”
Garrett finishes his time at Bangor having made 63 appearances, labelling last year’s success in the Championship as a “special” achievement in his first-ever season in Northern Ireland’s second-tier.
And he was glad to play his part in helping Lee Feeney’s men defy predictions that they’d go straight back down in their first campaign back playing Premiership football in 17 years.
“The past two years have been brilliant, especially winning the Championship last year, I really enjoyed that.
“It was the first time I played in that league and to win it on the first try was a special one for me, I was delighted.
“And then this season, I think before the season started, no one really gave Bangor a chance of staying in the league and I think we proved a lot of people wrong.
“The work-rate of the team is next to none and it was special to play in it.”
Garrett also praised his Bangor team-mates for making him feel welcome from the day he joined the club.
“I couldn’t say a bad word about any dressing room I’ve been in throughout my career.
“Especially the Bangor one, since the day I came in, I was made to feel welcome and it was top-class.”
And he reserved praise for the supporters, who quickly became endeared to his committed style of play that blended tough tackling with a touch of class with the ball at his feet.
“I think the fans here, they love a committed player and I try every time I’m on the pitch to be committed and give 100 per cent every game I play, and I think the fans see that.
“I appreciate the backing they’ve given me from the day I came in and I’d like to thank them as well for all their support in the two years I’ve been here.”
As for how he’ll be spending his time away from the game, Garrett admits his immediate priority will be to put the feet up after finishing his career with another successful season.
Having become a father last year, he’s also keen to enjoy more quality time with his daughter while reminiscing over his vast experiences in the game.
Having joined Stoke City’s Academy as a teenager before returning to the Irish League with Linfield in 2008 – ironically signed by new Portadown manager David Jeffrey, who watched on from the side having been appointed Niall Currie’s permanent successor during the week – Garrett has savoured a long footballing career and says he is looking forward to a break.
“I’ll be enjoying a wee bit of time off – especially as a part-time footballer and working, it takes up a lot of time.
“I’ve got the wee one now who’s coming one, so the aim is to spend a wee bit more time with her as well.
“I’ve had a great time playing football and I’m looking forward to a wee break now.”
There’s no doubt that Robbie has played a pivotal role in Bangor’s success over the past two seasons, and all at the club thank him for his contributions and congratulate him on a highly distinguished career in the Irish League and beyond.
Happy retirement Ribsy!
(Posted: Sunday, 26th April 2026)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Bangor rounded off their 2025/26 Sports Direct Premiership season with a 4-2 defeat to Portadown at Clandeboye Park – an entertaining encounter played under the sun that confirmed a 10th-placed finish for the Seasiders on their first season back in the top-flight.
Stand-in captain Tiarnan Mulvenna set the ball rolling for the home side, who were shooting towards the Clandeboye Road end, with the Bangor side featuring four changes from the defeat to Carrick Rangers last time out – Reece Neale, Lewis Harrison, Ben Cushnie and Lewis Francis all making way as Mark Haughey, Stephen Fallon, Oisin Devlin and Mick Morgan came in.
Portadown enjoyed the first attempt of the game on six minutes when Divin Isamala's tame header from Josh Carson's right-sided corner was safely held by Gareth Deane. But they didn't have long to wait – the ball was played into James Teelan, whose initial shot was only parried by Deane, and Eamon Fyfe was quick on hand to slot in the opening goal for the Ports on eight minutes.
On 11 minutes, Bangor had their first look at Alex Moore's goal when Jay Boyd glanced a header wide of the post from Iestyn Hughes' cross on the right, while Boyd was almost in again shortly after only for Portadown defender Jack Scott to intervene, outmuscling him in the penalty box and clearing the danger.
It was a lively start to proceedings with chances at both ends, and that continued when Portadown won a free-kick on the edge of the box. Shay McCartan saw his effort deflected behind for a corner, which was well-held by Deane. McCartan was then subbed off for the Ports on 18 minutes after picking up a knock, with Ben Quinn replacing him.
But on 26 minutes, Bangor got back on level terms – the Hughes-Boyd link-up working out as the former raced in behind and cut the ball back across goal where the latter was lurking, and he neatly side-footed past Alex Moore from six yards out to even the scores.
Bangor looked to build on that, with Moore called into action to claim a tasty cross from Mulvenna from the left on 29 minutes, but instead the visitors retook the lead a minute later – Quinn finding the bottom right corner to put the Ports back ahead in the game.
Teelan then drew a strong pair of palms from Deane two minutes later as he saved at his near post from the Ports attacker, who had raced in down the inside-right channel, and Teelan got in again on 38 minutes only for a combination of Deane and two recovering Bangor defenders to deny him when he looked in at goal.
Quinn fired a low shot down the throat of Deane to gather two minutes later, with the Ports continuing to put the pressure on, but Bangor came close the other way when Morgan got on the end of Mulvenna's incisive through ball — he got a toe to the ball but it ricocheted of Moore's body and away.
Portadown then won a free-kick just right of centre on 43 minutes, which Quinn hit off the wall and then tamely shot his own rebound into Deane's arms, before McGuinness' pinpoint cross found the head of Boyd who headed towards goal for Moore to save. After an additional minute, referee Steven Gregg blew for half-time with the Ports 2-1 ahead.
In a double change at the break, Cushnie and Francis came on for Devlin and Mulvenna, with Portadown getting the action back under way for the second period in the sun.
Bangor started brightly and were unlucky on 47 minutes when Harry Lynch's low cross was backheeled by Mick Morgan into the path of Boyd, who was just beaten to the ball by Moore who hooked clear. Lynch also took the armband for the second half.
Moore then looked to have spilt Cushnie's low cross from the inside right but he regathered in the nick of time before Morgan could punish him, with the Seasiders showing fresh vigour to start.
On the hour mark, Bangor strung a superb flowing move that involved a slick give-and-go between Hughes and Cushnie, with the former delivering a delicious ball towards the right post where Boyd was lurking, but the angle was just too acute and he placed into the side netting.
The retiring Robbie Garrett then came on for his farewell appearance alongside a player right at the start of his football journey – Daniel Hannan – in place of Fallon and Morgan for the remaining 20 minutes, with Bangor still in search of an equalising goal. Boyd almost found it as he got in behind but just placed wide of the top right on 71 minutes.
It took a deflection on the way, though, and McGuinness oversaw the resulting corner on the right, though his inswinging ball was too close to Moore who made a two-handed claim.
Then on 78 minutes, Michael Halliday was introduced for Boyd for the final appearance of his illustrious career – greeted by a rapturous reception from the Bangor fans and applause from the Portadown supporters too as he played his 140th game for the Seasiders.
On 85 minutes, Hughes acrobatically volleyed Lynch's cross over the bar as Bangor stepped things up for what remained, but Portadown did seal the deal on 90 minutes dead – Josh Ukek rifling in from fellow substitute Gideon Tetteh's cross from the right.
But Bangor did offer a reply a minute later – and in some spectacular style to as Academy talent Hannan curled delectably past Moore into the top right corner.
McGuinness then looked to have got in at goal when Moore missed his punch from Lynch's cross, but the angle was too tight and the ball was subsequently cleared – then up the other way, with five minutes of stoppage-time played, Teelan had the final say to secure the spoils for the Ports.
That proved to be that with the final whistle blown on the game and, indeed, a memorable top-flight season for Bangor.
BANGOR TEAM:
G.Deane, H.Lynch, L.Hassin, M.Haughey, S.McGuinness, O.Devlin(L.Francis), T.Mulvenna(B.Cushnie), S.Fallon(R.Garrett), J.Boyd(M.Halliday), M.Morgan(D.Hannan), I.Hughes
Subs: L.McMahon, C.Watson
(Posted: Saturday, 25th April 2026)
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Bangor’s final Sports Direct Premiership outing of the season against Portadown will see Robbie Garrett draw the curtain on his illustrious career – one that has seen him make a major impact at both club and international level.
The popular 37-year-old midfielder, who has won five senior caps for Northern Ireland, has enjoyed two successful campaigns with the Seasiders, playing a pivotal role having helped the club to promotion from the Championship last year before making his presence felt as Bangor secured Premiership survival this term.
Garrett is also a four-time Irish League champion at Linfield, where he enjoyed two trophy-laden spells, while he was also a key player for Glenavon and the Ports prior to linking up with Lee Feeney’s side in the summer of 2024.
The Belfast man’s tough-tackling style and commitment to the cause have won him plenty of admirers across his career, and that’s been no exception since his arrival at Clandeboye Park.
Garrett – who also enjoyed a loan stint at FC Edmonton in Canada in 2013 – played 36 times in his first season at Bangor, scoring twice, as the Seasiders won the Playr-Fit Championship title and reached the semi-finals of the Irish Cup.
He produced a masterful display from midfield in the famous Irish Cup quarter-final victory over Glentoran last February and scored important goals away to Limavady United and at home to Ballinamallard United that helped Bangor on their way to the second-tier crown.
The former Stoke City man has built on those contributions with a further 26 appearances to date this term in Bangor’s first season back in the top-flight for 17 years, helping consolidate their place at the highest level for next season.
In a final-day meeting of two clubs where Garrett is held in high regard, he will hope to finish with a flourish and can reflect on a decorated football journey at the top level, establishing himself as a true mainstay in the Irish League as well as a fully-capped international.
Naturally, all at Bangor wish to thank Robbie for all his contributions in the yellow and blue shirt throughout the previous two campaigns and to congratulate him on a superb career.
Happy retirement Ribsy and best wishes!
(Posted: Friday, 24th April 2026)
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Michael Halliday has one last milestone in mind he’d like to achieve before he hangs up his boots – to score his 50th goal for Bangor.
The legendary striker, who turns 47 next month, will draw the curtain on an illustrious career spanning three decades following the Seasiders’ final Sports Direct Premiership outing of the season at home to Portadown on Saturday.
It will be Halliday’s 140th appearance across eight years with Bangor and he’s one away from a half-century of goals in yellow and blue but, whatever happens, he’s looking forward to the occasion and hoping for a final flourish.
“Yeah, I’m looking forward to it – hopefully I get on, I’d love to get that 50th goal, but let’s see, we’ll see what happens on Saturday.
“At the moment, it just feels like another week, to be honest, but I suppose it’ll maybe hit me a bit more after the game.”
Halliday joined Bangor in 2018 ahead of their second campaign in the Ballymena League, with the Glentoran icon scoring 28 goals to help inspire the Yellows back into the Premier Intermediate League.
Bangor went unbeaten in the league and also clinched the McReynolds Cup, with Halliday on the scoresheet in a 4-1 Final success over St James’ Swifts at Allen Park in May 2019, and the frontman acknowledged that was what convinced him that the club really were on the rise.
From there, the Seasiders claimed the Steel and Sons Cup and PIL title in a glorious 2022/23 term – with Halliday starting the Steel showpiece against Dunmurry Rec – before achieving promotion from the Championship as champions last year, making it five trophies in all for Halliday at Bangor.
He was handed his first Premiership appearance for the club by Lee Feeney against Coleraine at Clandeboye Park back in January, playing his part as Bangor achieved survival in their first season back in the top-flight for 17 years.
Halliday admits he didn’t see all this coming when he first joined but has challenged himself to perform in every season since, reaping the rewards as he has grown into a fan favourite.
“I’m very aware that I wouldn’t be playing Premiership football unless I’d come up with the club the way they have done.
“It’s been a good journey from where we were eight years ago in the Ballymena League – I signed then because I thought it was a level I could play at no problem.
“But I kept just trying to sort of just challenge myself each year, we went up the leagues and I just thought, ‘I’ll give it a go’.
“So, it’s nice to give it one go in the Premiership, Bangor are safe in the league and they’re in the Premiership.
“When we started, we were in the Ballymena League and that was what Graham Bailie kind of sold it as (being in the top-flight) and at the time you were kind of thinking, ‘Aye, dead on’.
“But they’ve gone and achieved it, so it’s all been good.”
Halliday, who won three Irish League titles, two Irish Cups, five League Cups, four County Antrim Shields and a Gold Cup across 11 years with the Glens, will exit the stage having carved out a career for himself that is truly unique.
The proud east Belfast man sealed another League Cup and the Setanta Cup with Crusaders while also plying his trade for Lisburn Distillery, Knockbreda and Dundela before linking up with Hugh Sinclair’s Bangor eight years ago.
He insists that he’s been fortunate to be a part of some outstanding changing rooms over the years, with Bangor helping keep his passion for playing the game he loves alive.
“Do you know what, I’ve been very fortunate to win a lot of trophies here at Bangor.
“We’ve won the three leagues, we’ve won the Steel and Sons Cup, the McReynolds Cup.
“There’s been a lot of good moments and it’s been a great changing room for the full eight years, probably because you’ve been a successful club and winning rather than struggling.
“Even this year, the changing room’s been great – you knew you weren’t going to be winning every week, but it has been a really great time.
“Football probably should’ve been over for me probably six, seven years ago, but Bangor’s just kept me interested in it and it’s been good.”
Coming back to that 50-goal target, Halliday has bagged each of his 49 across no fewer than 11 different competitions – and were he to find the net for his first Premiership finish for the club on Saturday, it would complete the set of having scored in every league and cup Bangor have played in during his time at the club.
Bangor will take confidence from having picked up seven points from nine in their clashes with Portadown this season, but spirits at Shamrock Park have been raised following this week’s blockbuster appointment of David Jeffrey as their new manager from next term.
Club captain Gary Thompson will be in interim charge for the Ports this weekend as iconic former Linfield and Ballymena United boss Jeffrey watches on.
But Halliday’s main focus is on finishing on a high note as a top-flight footballer – although he admits with a smile that he’ll be pulling out all the stops to hit the half-century if he can.
“Bye-balls, corner kicks, I’m hitting them all!
“Listen, it would be nice just to get that goal but, at the end of the day, just to get on and just finish my career as a Premiership footballer, that would be nice.”
Make sure you’re there on Saturday to celebrate a true Bangor and Irish League legend.
(Posted: Friday, 24th April 2026)
Ben Arthurs has been suspended by the Club following a disciplinary matter.
We are unable to provide further details at this time as an established process is underway.
The Club will conduct a full internal review once that process concludes and will issue a further statement at that point.
(Posted: Monday, 20th April 2026)
Mark Haughey admitted it was a frustrating day at the office as Bangor were defeated 3-0 by Carrick Rangers at Clandeboye Park in their penultimate Sports Direct Premiership match of the season.
With the Seasiders aiming to end the season on a high and on a four-game unbeaten run prior to kick-off, they weren’t able to make it five in succession as Danny Gibson’s first-half brace for the visitors – his second from the penalty spot – was added to by Aidan Steele’s low finish midway through the second period.
Experienced defender Haughey – who was introduced from the bench for Harry Lynch 20 minutes in after he had pulled up with an injury – lamented a performance that fell below what the home players would’ve wanted.
“Yeah, it was disappointing – I think obviously at this time of year, you’re always wanting to try and finish as strongly as possible, even though there’s probably not much to play for.
“So, we still wanted to go out with a bit of pride and obviously put in a great performance, which didn’t happen today, and it was disappointing all round.”
With Bangor having only conceded one goal in their previous four games, shipping three in one match was also a source of disappointment for former Linfield and Glenavon favourite Haughey.
Carrick broke the deadlock on 40 minutes when Gibson raced into space on the edge of the box before firing past Gareth Deane into the bottom right corner, and the striker doubled up in first-half stoppage-time having sent Deane the wrong way from 12 yards after Liam Hassin was penalised for a trip on Kyle Cherry inside the area.
Although Bangor started the second half brightly, the Gers made the three points safe on 64 minutes when ex-Ards midfielder Steele found the bottom left, with Deane getting a strong hand behind it but unable to keep it out.
It was a short recovery time for Lee Feeney’s men, who had played out a goalless draw with Ballymena United at The Showgrounds three days earlier, but Newry native Haughey wasn’t keen on looking for excuses regarding the performance.
“It was something obviously all season, we felt we’ve maybe conceded quite a lot across the season and then recently in the last four or five games, we’ve been keeping clean sheets.
“But obviously today was the complete opposite and I think everybody’s disappointed with the performance all over the pitch.
“Up until this point in the split, I think we’ve given a good show of ourselves in terms of our performances and our results.
“Today, it didn’t happen and, look, you can make excuses in terms of we played three days ago on Wednesday night and maybe the boys were a bit heavy-legged and stuff.
“But at the end of the day, that’s just looking for excuses – I don’t think the performance and quality was there outside of the attitudes and stuff, so it’s obviously disappointing all round.”
On a more positive note, Haughey was pleased to see a number of young players handed a chance to shine on Saturday.
The 35-year-old centre-back and Robbie Garrett (37) were the older heads on a bench that featured five teenagers – goalkeeper Lawton McMahon, defender Conor Watson and forward trio Daniel Hannan, Joshua Ritchie and Blake Matier.
The latter three were all given game-time, with Hannan handed his senior debut, Ritchie his second appearance having made his first-team bow against Glenavon seven days earlier and Matier his fourth.
Haughey has been impressed by their hunger to make an impact and believes it adds extra motivation for the rest of the squad to finish the season strong at home to Portadown next weekend.
“It was brilliant to see – obviously me and Ribsy (Robbie Garrett) were on the bench, holding up the average age!
“But yeah, look, it’s great to see the young lads in the squad and it’s important to give them an opportunity and help them develop and they’re definitely doing well for themselves.
“They add a bit of hunger out on the pitch as well – obviously young players are wanting to come on and develop themselves and they’re looking to push the first-teamers and try and get themselves in the team.
“There’s players here who are still playing for contracts as well and obviously trying to put themselves in a good position for next season and put themselves at the forefront of the manager’s mind in terms of pre-season and next year.
“So, look, there’s still a game next week and I think everyone in the changing room’s going into it wanting to win and to finish on a high note.”
(Posted: Sunday, 19th April 2026)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Bangor's four-match unbeaten run in the Sports Direct Premiership came to an end at Clandeboye Park as Carrick Rangers emerged 3-0 winners on Saturday afternoon.
Tiarnan Mulvenna set the ball rolling for the home side – which saw a handful of changes as Liam Hassin, Ben Cushnie, Lewis Francis and Stephen McGuinness all came into the starting line-up – and it was a quiet start that followed, with Reece Neale's sixth-minute free-kick trickling out of play early doors.
A minute later, Carrick won a corner on the left which Aidan Steele oversaw, but the danger was assertively cleared by the Bangor defence. Gareth Deane was then called into action for the first time on 10 minutes when he firmly held Danny Gibson's close-range header after Steele's corner was recycled.
Bangor showed intent and Iestyn Hughes got in behind to send in an enticing ball into the box into the path of Cushnie on 16 minutes, but the Welshman was unlucky to see the ball just edge out of play near the right byline as he sent the cross inwards. The hosts were then forced into an enforced early change, with Mark Haughey replacing Harry Lynch on 20 minutes after the teenager pulled up.
McGuinness then fired a shot over Carrick goalkeeper Nathan Gartside's crossbar on 27 minutes after Lewis Harrison's through ball played him in down the right, while Carrick won a 32nd-minute corner down the right after Haughey blocked Gibson's cross near the byline – Steele's delivery headed clear by Neale.
Bangor won a free-kick high up on the right five minutes later after Carrick defender Michael Place handballed – and it resulted in a dangerous delivery for Neale that fell nicely for Cushnie on the edge of the box, but he arrowed his shot straight at Gartside.
But on 40 minutes, Carrick were clinical to break the deadlock. After Bangor gave the ball away while playing out from the back, Gibson latched on to it and he drove in at goal before placing his shot into the right side of the net to open the scoring for Stephen Baxter's side.
Bangor looked to hit back immediately as a free-kick from Neale swung inwards into the path of Francis, but Carrick defender Jimmy Callacher got his head on it and cleared the danger – and then the visitors were handed a golden chance to double their lead after they were given a penalty when Liam Hassin caught a Carrick opponent while trying to clear the ball following a corner.
In the first minute of stoppage-time, Gibson made the most of it by sending Deane the wrong way and making it 2-0 at the half-time break.
Robbie Garrett and Joshua Ritchie came on in a double change for Bangor at half-time, with Harrison and Neale coming off before Carrick got play restarted for the second period.
Bangor saw penalty appeals waved off as Francis looked to have been upended with 49 minutes played after Mulvenna played in a throw from high on the right, but referee Shane Andrews wasn't convinced.
The hosts then won a corner shortly after which McGuinness floated in, with Boyd seeing a rasping low shot blocked by a Carrick defender, while on 53 minutes, Haughey's header from McGuinness' left-footed cross wide on the right was well-held by Gartside.
Boyd then fired wide of the upright on 55 minutes as Bangor made a bright start to the second half and looked to put the pressure on the Carrick backline, with Boyd then laying off Garrett to have a shot from the edge of the box that was parried away by Gartside.
Carrick's first chance of the half came on 62 minutes when Steele played in Gibson, who cut in on to his right foot and curled a shot from 15 yards out that Deane held – but Steele went alone two minutes later and made it three. He let fly a low shot that Deane got a good hand to but was unable to prevent from finding its way into the bottom left corner.
The game then petered out in terms of the level of intensity afterwards, with Daniel Hannan introduced for his senior debut with 12 minutes to go as he replaced Hughes on the right. Another Academy talent – Blake Matier – came on for Cushnie up top four minutes later.
Carrick midfielder Kyle Cherry angled a curling shot over Deane's crossbar from the edge of the box on 87 minutes, with the visitors content to hold on to their advantage for the remainder of the contest and take the three points back to the other side of the lough.
BANGOR TEAM:
G.Deane, H.Lynch(M.Haughey),L.Francis, R.Neale(J.Ritchie), L.Hassin, L.Harrison(R.Garrett), T.Mulvenna, J.Boyd, B.Cushnie(B.Matier), I.Hughes(D.Hannan), S.McGuinness.
Subs: L.McMahon, C.Watson
(Posted: Saturday, 18th April 2026)
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Bangor enter their penultimate game of the season at home to Carrick Rangers on Saturday hoping to maintain their impressive defensive solidity shown in recent weeks.
The Seasiders have only conceded one goal in their previous four outings, with their goalless draw away to Ballymena United on Wednesday night marking back-to-back clean sheets for the first time this campaign.
Four days prior to that, Lee Feeney’s men played out a scoreless stalemate with Glenavon at Clandeboye Park having earlier drawn 1-1 with Crusaders at Seaview and beaten Dungannon Swifts 1-0 at Stangmore Park.
Gareth Deane has been in impressive form between the sticks of late, and Bangor will hope that continues for the visit of seventh-placed Carrick, who are guaranteed to finish in that spot and feature in the end-of-season European play-offs.
Stephen Baxter’s Gers have already enjoyed a memorable 2026 that was capped by their County Antrim Shield triumph in January, defeating Cliftonville on penalties at Seaview to secure their first senior trophy in over 30 years.
The east Antrim side have also been in impressive form in the Sports Direct Premiership that has helped them surge up the standings into seventh, and they will be hungry to build up a head of steam going into the play-offs.
They possess attacking firepower in the form of Danny Gibson, Paul Heatley and Adam Lecky and will look to make the most of that as they bid to return to winning ways following a late 3-2 defeat to Ballymena United at Taylors Avenue last weekend.
Gibson bagged the only goal of the game in second-half stoppage-time the first time these teams met at Clandeboye back on October 31, with Carrick winning 3-2 at their home venue on February 3 before Harry Lynch’s composed penalty on the half-hour mark cancelled out Heatley’s opener in a 1-1 draw on February 28.
It leaves Bangor searching for their first victory over Carrick this campaign – and with eighth-place up for grabs in the final couple of weeks of the season, the players will be highly driven to perform right until the last kick.
Their defensive resolve has been notable of late and they have not given much away to their opponents, though Deane rose to the fore to save an Igor Rutkowski penalty on five minutes during that Showgrounds stalemate.
Bangor also created plenty of chances themselves going up the other way and will be eager to show the kind of clinical edge that can turn one point into three, with Jay Boyd and Mick Morgan the starting strike pair in midweek.
The Yellows have given themselves a foundation and will look to build on that to help them close out a successful first season back in top-flight football in style.
(Posted: Friday, 17th April 2026)
Bangor played out a goalless draw for the second match in succession, taking home a point from the rearranged Sports Direct Premiership encounter with Ballymena United at the Warden Street Showgrounds on Wednesday night.
Following Saturday's 0-0 stalemate with Glenavon at Clandeboye Park, the deadlock again remained unbroken throughout the 90 minutes in Ballymena as Bangor recorded back-to-back clean sheets for the first time this campaign.
Gareth Deane more than played his part in that, no less than on five minutes when he saved Igor Rutkowski's penalty, while the Seasiders also held their nerve while down to 10 men for the last half an hour after Oisin Devlin was sent off for a second bookable offence.
It means Bangor have lost just one of their last six games, drawing four of them, and guarantees that they will end the campaign with more points than games played – this lifting Lee Feeney's men up to 39 as they remain ninth in the standings, behind Ballymena on goal difference and now a point ahead of 10th-placed Portadown.
Feeney rang the changes for this match – six in all, with only Deane, Reece Neale, Tiarnan Mulvenna, Harry Lynch and Iestyn Hughes reprising their roles from that draw with the Lurgan Blues.
In came Haughey – in action for the first time since he went off against Glenavon due to a heart scare – captain Lewis Harrison from injury and Devlin from suspension, while Jay Boyd, Mick Morgan and Alfie Mitchell entered the fray having featured on the bench last time out.
The play started and it was no sooner than the game had got under way that its first major flashpoint arrived.
After Deane had got out to deny Ballymena striker Success Edogun, the loose ball was then latched on to by in-form Rutkowski before he was deemed to have been upended by Haughey in the box, with referee Jamie Robinson showing no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Rutkowski took responsibility, but Deane was equal to it, diving to his right and denying the frontman to keep it scoreless.
Bangor enjoyed plenty of chances in the first half, notably on nine minutes when Neale – who celebrated 200 appearances at the weekend – slid in at the back post but was unfortunate to be denied by the woodwork.
Morgan and Boyd also had chances to test Ballymena goalkeeper Declan Breen in the half, but neither side could find a breakthrough as Robinson sounded his whistle for half-time.
On the restart, the Bangor strike pairing continued to cause problems without really finding the killer touch before Devlin's dismissal – his second yellow coming after he caught Ballymena substitute Jack O'Reilly late – meant the Yellows had to cope with a man fewer.
But the visitors held their nerve and took a point back up the road on their final away game of the season that sets them up nicely for Saturday's home clash with Carrick Rangers.
BANGOR TEAM:
G.Deane, H.Lynch, R.Neale, A.Mitchell(S.McGuinness), M.Haughey, L.Harrison(R.Garrett), O.Devlin, M.Morgan(B.Matier), T.Mulvenna(L.Hassin), J.Boyd(B.Cushnie), I.Hughes.
Subs: l.McMahon, L.Francis
(Posted: Wednesday, 15th April 2026)
PLEASE NOTE: This fixture will now be played on Wednesday evening.
Gareth Deane insists Bangor must continue to focus on finishing their season on as high a note as possible with just three games remaining.
The first of those is a rearranged Sports Direct Premiership encounter with Ballymena United at The Showgrounds on Wednesday night – the Seasiders’ final away day of the season – when they have the chance to leapfrog their hosts into eighth place in the standings.
Like Bangor, the Sky Blues are safe from relegation and mathematically confirmed that with a come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Carrick Rangers at Taylors Avenue on Saturday, with their in-form striker Igor Rutkowski scoring twice late on to secure the three points for Oran Kearney’s outfit.
That result also moved them up to 38 points, level with Lee Feeney’s Yellows in ninth and Portadown in 10th but above both on goal difference.
There is perhaps added motivation for Bangor given it is a return to the site of one of their heaviest defeats of the season – a 4-0 loss on their last trip to face the Braidmen in August.
But goalkeeper Deane is focused squarely on the present and climbing the standings, which his side know they will do with three points on Wednesday.
“That’s it, trying to finish as high up the league as we can – that’s all we can do now that we’ve guaranteed our safety in the league for next year.
“So, yeah, we can go out and play with freedom in the next three games and see where we end up.”
(Posted: Monday, 13th April 2026)
As a goalkeeper, clean sheets are something Gareth Deane understandably takes a lot of pride in – and the Bangor shot-stopper was glad to add another to his tally on Saturday afternoon.
The Seasiders played out a first goalless draw of the campaign with Glenavon at Clandeboye Park, adding another hard-earned point to their Sports Direct Premiership tally to remain in ninth-place in the standings.
Facing his former club, who are fighting to secure their Premiership status for next season, Deane knew the Lurgan Blues would take the game to their hosts, but the Lisburn man was pleased by how Bangor weathered both their attacking threats and the blustery conditions.
“Yeah, I think we always expected Glenavon to come out, and they’re obviously fighting for their lives down there.
“I think the boys did well, I think we defended really well in the first half, especially against that wind.
“The conditions weren’t easy today, but I think a clean sheet and a point’s good enough for us at the end of the day.”
Deane felt a draw was a fair outcome on the day with both sides having chances to break the deadlock, with Bangor helped by their stopper making a number of impressive saves as well as an alert goal-line clearance by Stephen McGuinness to deny Glenavon striker Conor Falls.
The 31-year-old felt the key to making the most out of the swirling wind was keeping the ball on the ground, which Bangor looked to do as part of Lee Feeney’s game-plan early doors, but the hosts also looked to catch their visitors out with regular quick balls in behind.
“I think in the first half, the manager wanted us to play a lot of football, keep the ball on the ground instead of putting it in the air.
“Then we tried to go into the second half and then hopefully exploit them with the balls over the back four and things like that.
“But I think a point’s a fair result for both teams in the end.”
Saturday marked a second clean sheet in three games and a fourth in total for ex-Linfield and Coleraine stopper Deane this campaign, with Bangor proving a tough nut to crack in terms of their defensive performances recently.
Although disappointed to concede a 95th-minute leveller versus Crusaders on Tuesday night, the Yellows have shown their steel at the back and been reaping the rewards.
Deane revealed that, following Bangor’s 4-0 loss at home to Glentoran on March 10, Feeney held a meeting with the players in which defensive solidity was at the top of the agenda.
Displaying clinical edge was also a topic of discussion, with the forward players contributing to the cause as Ben Cushnie and Mick Morgan each produced hardworking performances as a pair up top against Glenavon.
Teenage winger Joshua Ritchie, who has shone for the Reserves since joining from Crusaders in January, also delivered a lively cameo on his senior debut for Bangor – all positives to take, particularly given a foot injury has sidelined Ben Arthurs for the remainder of the season.
Former Queen’s Park Rangers Academy player Deane feels that balanced foundation has stood Bangor well and hopes that can be maintained.
“I think that’s something we’ve built a lot off over the past few weeks.
“After the Glentoran game, we sat down with the manager and he said we’re going to try and obviously keep the ball out of our net.
“If you can get a goal, you can obviously kick on and get the three points; if you keep a clean sheet, the least you’re going to get is a point.
“We’ve obviously missed Big Ben up there, but I think Cush has done really well in that false 10 role and it was great to see Joshua Ritchie get a run-out off the bench today as well.
“So, yeah, I think we’re looking well and we’ll enjoy the last couple of games and then get ready for pre-season.”
Although Bangor mathematically fulfilled their main objective of Premiership survival on Tuesday night, Deane stressed that was never going to mean there would be a dip in the standards the players have set for themselves.
Turning his attention to this coming Tuesday’s rescheduled trip to The Showgrounds to face eighth-placed Ballymena United, who sit above Bangor on goal difference, Deane wants the Seasiders to keep their levels up and back up what they showed against Glenavon with a victory over the Sky Blues.
“The manager was very clear on Tuesday – it was going to be full strength today.
“I think defensively, if you look at the past few weeks, obviously we were away to Dungannon and we won the game and we kept a clean sheet.
“Last Tuesday was unfortunate with us conceding in the last minute but, yeah, we’ll take the clean sheet away from today and we move on to Tuesday night now.”
(Posted: Sunday, 12th April 2026)
Bangor and Glenavon played out a goalless draw at Clandeboye Park on Saturday, with the Seasiders picking up a point after their first scoreless stalemate in the Sports Direct Premiership this campaign.
The Bangor starting line-up featured one change from the draw with Crusaders as Lewis Harrison – who pulled up in the first half of the game – replaced by Mick Morgan, who provided an extra body up top in his place. There was also a spot for teenage winger Joshua Ritchie on the defence, who has put in a string of impressive displays for the Reserves since arriving in January.
Peter Campbell set the ball rolling for the away side at a windy Clandeboye Park as Glenavon looked to set their stall early, with Charlie Lindsay enjoying the first shot at goal on seven minutes but placing past Gareth Deane's right-hand post from around 25 yards out.
Bangor then looked to break with a ball in behind on 12 minutes, but Ben Cushnie was ruled offside as he looked to bear down on visiting stopper Jacob Carney.
Straight up the other end, Deane pulled off a strong save to deny Glenavon at close quarters, while Conor Falls found himself in a presentable position to connect to a deep cross from the left on 16 minutes but could only swing at air.
With 23 minutes played, up the other way, Iestyn Hughes' inswinging cross after a short corner interchange with Reece Neale had to be dealt with by the Glenavon defence with Harry Lynch lurking, with spits of rain beginning to fall to add to the swirling wind.
Hughes was almost in himself just before the half-hour after Tiarnan Mulvenna managed to nick the ball into his path, but it was too close to Carney and the Glenavon goalkeeper gathered while the Welsh defended looked to break in behind. Nathaniel Ferris managed to do the same for Glenavon on 35 minutes only to see his shot charged down by a recovering Bangor defender.
Mulvenna nearly latched on to the end of Stephen McGuinness' headed flick-on as Carney again rushed out to hoof the ball clear – this coming seven minutes out from the interval and with the wind having subsided a bit — while Deane safely held from Paul McGovern's tame long-range effort after he had cut inside from the right flank on 44 minutes. Two minutes of added time followed as the half ended goalless.
Both sides emerged unchanged for the second period with Mulvenna restarting things for Bangor, and the hosts were almost in on 48 minutes when the lively Hughes saw his cross from near the right byline turned behind for a corner – Neale's delivery was subsequently headed clear.
Glenavon captain Barney McKeown then entered referee Shane McGonigle's notebook on 53 minutes for a tug on Mulvenna that presented Bangor with a free-kick opportunity on the right that Neale oversaw, but Carney came out quickly to gather. Mulvenna – lively in midfield – then lofted over as he once again got in behind the Glenavon line.
Mulvenna, playing against his former club, fired another attempt over the bar on the stroke of the hour as the deadlock remained unbroken, while Cushnie then saw an effort lower towards the bottom right corner from Neale's long throw saved by Carney.
Glenavon then won a free-kick in the inside right channel on 65 minutes that missed everyone in the box and sailed behind Deane's right-hand post, while a minute later, Lurgan Blues midfielder Sean Carlin – on as a substitute – drilled a low shot straight at the Bangor goalkeeper.
The Seasiders' next foray upfield resulted in a corner on the right, with Neale and Hughes playing it short and the former delivering an inswinger that Morgan was unlucky to just glance over.
A Bangor triple substitution followed with Jay Boyd, Robbie Garrett and Jack O'Mahony entering the fray, with Hughes, Morgan and Stephen Fallon making way with 72 minutes gone.
Glenavon won a free-kick on the right that Campbell whipped in, and it was half-cleared and recycled before they won a corner on the right that was headed over, with the Mourneview outfit stepping up the pressure in their push for a late winner.
O'Mahony then had to go off injured and was replaced by Ritchie, who entered the fray for his Bangor debut and joined the attacking line for the last five minutes.
Afterwards, Glenavon won a corner on the right and it was headed behind for another flag kick as the tension ramped up further – no less than when a shot was blocked almost on the goal-line – and there was palpable excitement when Ritchie broke up the other way to lead the Bangor attack, but the score remained goalless going into seven added minutes.
In the second minute of those, Glenavon won a free-kick as Liam Hassin brought down McGovern around 30 yards from goal, with Deane comfortably holding Campbell's effort – but they then won another a minute later after Neale caught Campbell close to the edge of the box, again held by Deane.
There were no further looks at goal from either side as the game ended goalless and shared the spoils.
BANGOR TEAM:
G.Deane, H.Lynch, R.Neale, L.Francis, L.Hassin, S.McGuinness, I.Hughes(J.O'Mahony)(J.Ritchie), S.Fallon(R.Garrett), B.Cushnie, T.Mulvenna, M.Morgan(J.Boyd).
Subs: L.McMahon, M.Haughey, A.Mitchell
(Posted: Saturday, 11th April 2026)
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Although Bangor’s survival in the Sports Direct Premiership is now signed and sealed, Lee Feeney won’t accept any drop in standards going into their last four games of the campaign.
The Seasiders boss has turned his focus towards picking up as many points as possible from their remaining quartet of matches to finish as high up the standings as they can.
Bangor welcome 11th-placed Glenavon to Clandeboye Park in their second post-split outing and will be hungry to atone for a sub-par performance in the sides’ last meeting in February when the Lurgan Blues emerged 3-1 victors.
Michael O’Connor’s men are above Crusaders – who Bangor drew 1-1 with at Seaview on Tuesday night, with Lloyd Anderson’s last-gasp equaliser cancelling out Ben Cushnie’s first-half opener – on goal difference as they look to complete their own survival mission, and Feeney isn’t taking anything for granted.
He’s challenged his players to keep their levels high, improve on their current ninth-placed position if they can and deliver a strong finish to round off a memorable campaign.
“For us now, it’s all about climbing the table – we want to climb the table and finish as high as we can going into these last four games.
“We want to finish the season strong, and if we’re ninth at the minute, then we’re looking at eighth; if we’re in eighth, we’re looking at seventh and trying to get there if we can.
“We’ve achieved what we set out to do at the start of the season, and now we’re focused on picking up as many points as we can in these last four games and seeing where it takes us.
“Especially with three of the last four games being at home, we have the chance to finish strong and, hopefully, we can go and do that.”
(Posted: Friday, 10th April 2026)
Lee Feeney declared after Bangor’s 1-1 draw with Crusaders at Seaview that keeping the Seasiders in the Sports Direct Premiership is his biggest achievement to date with the club.
Although Lloyd Anderson’s last-gasp leveller denied the visitors all three points in north Belfast after Ben Cushnie’s stylish finish had put them ahead six minutes before half-time, the point was enough to mathematically confirm Bangor’s place in next season’s top-flight as 11th-placed Glenavon – 10 points below the Yellows with three games to play – were held 1-1 by Ballymena United at The Showgrounds.
Feeney has guided Bangor to the PIL and Championship titles, the Steel and Sons Cup and an Irish Cup semi-final over the last four years, but he feels ensuring their Premiership survival with four games to spare trumps the lot.
“See to be honest, I think it’s bigger than that – I think it’s bigger than the Steel and Sons Cup, the Irish Cup semi-final and things that we’ve achieved before.
“I think to stay in the league with four games to go, going up against teams with big budgets, experienced players, experienced managers, I think it’s unbelievable, especially when you look at some of the teams around us – there’s a lot of good teams there.
“It’s certainly my biggest achievement with this club.”
Feeney admits he won’t celebrate it like one of those past league and cup successes, notably with four games still to play from which he is keen to extract as many points as possible.
But he believes Bangor’s survival in a top-flight season for the first time in 31 years is a major platform to build on and has already cast his mind on how to make further strides next term.
“It’s harder for me to celebrate staying up than in the way we would if we had won a league title or a trophy – celebrating avoiding relegation, it doesn’t really sit right with me.
“But it was our main goal coming into the league at the start of the season and we’ve done it with four games to go, and I’m really delighted for everyone at the club and I’m so proud of the players for all the work they’ve put in.
“It’s a platform for us to push on, absolutely. We’ve survived our first season back and now we want to become regulars in this league.
“We’ll look for ways to take little steps forward – we might go on to finish eighth or ninth this season, but it doesn’t mean that we’ll go on to finish sixth or seventh next season; we have to build on what we have.
“We want to try and keep this group of players together then add players in who can help us push on going forward.”
On the game itself, Kilkeel supremo Feeney was proud of his players’ efforts against Declan Caddell’s bottom-placed Crues, who enjoyed the bulk of the opportunities in the contest.
“First half, I was really pleased with how we defended and looked after the ball; second half, it was more a mentality thing where we knew we were going to come under pressure.
“By the end of the game, Crusaders had five or six forward players on the pitch and we had to defend for our lives.
“It was disappointing to concede, I think two players have gone to head the ball and then it’s blocked on the line and then their boy’s there to turn in the rebound.
“But apart from that, I thought we defended exceptionally well, and it was the same against Dungannon where we kept our shape really well and we looked after the ball as well.
“In fact, we’ve shown that in three of the last four games now – we showed it against Carrick as well, and the Glentoran game was disappointing, that wasn’t us, but we’ve shown we can hold out and get results, that’s really pleased me.”
Feeney went on to praise his players for their application this season, particularly as Bangor possess one of the younger squads in the division and many of them are new to this level.
“If you look at our squad, it’s an inexperienced group – a lot of people talk about how young Crusaders’ squad is, but they’ve still got a lot of experienced heads in there who’ve played in the league for years.
“You’ve the likes of Jordan Forsythe and Robbie Weir, and then you’ve got Lloyd Anderson, Stewart Nixon, Kurtis Forsythe… they’re all players with a lot of experience in this league.
“With us, we have the likes of Mark Haughey and Ribsy (Robbie Garrett), but a lot of our players haven’t played at this level before.
“Yes, we’ve had highs and lows and we had that bad run recently, but for a lot of them, they have been learning and I think they’ve grown as the season’s gone on in the good and the bad spells we’ve had.
“We’ll hopefully keep this group together, and in three or four years, they’ll be experienced players in the league and they’ll become better players as well.
“But every player has had to give everything, they’ve had to stay strong and it’s had to be that way to achieve our goals.”
The Bangor boss rounded off by paying a warm tribute to the supporters, who turned up in their numbers at the Shore Road venue, for their backing of the coaching staff and players throughout the campaign.
“I think the fans have been outstanding – even tonight, we had a good crowd with us and they stayed behind after the full-time whistle, they’ve been brilliant all season long.
“They’ve stayed behind and clapped us off after every single game, even when we’ve been beaten, which is really pleasing for me, and I know how much it means to them that we’ve managed to do what we set out to do at the start of the season.
“The backing that we’ve had from the supporters, it really has made a difference for us and I know they’ll enjoy it – and hopefully we can go into these last four games of the season and really finish the season strong.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 8th April 2026)
Bangor mathematically confirmed their place in next season's Sports Direct Premiership on Easter Tuesday night after a 1-1 draw over Crusaders at Seaview.
The Seasiders entered the game knowing that a win – irrespective of other results – would guarantee survival in their first season back in the top-flight, and while Ben Cushnie's goal shortly before half-time looked to be enough to do the job on the Shore Road, a late, late Lloyd Anderson leveller in the fifth minute of stoppage-time meant it was a sharing of the spoils, though Glenavon failing to beat Ballymena United at The Showgrounds means their top-tier spot is now beyond doubt.
It means Bangor are safe with four games to spare and remain in ninth-place, 10 points off Carrick Rangers in seventh with a game in hand, and Lee Feeney's men will fancy their chances of a strong end to the season with the primary objective fulfilled.
Bangor named an unchanged starting line-up from their 1-0 victory at Dungannon Swifts two and a half weeks ago, with Ben Cushnie again tasked with leading the line up top with Stephen Fallon and Tiarnan Mulvenna playing in advanced midfield roles behind him.
Feeney's charges were under the cosh for much of the first period, with Gareth Deane called into action to save from both the Crues' main dangerman Fraser Bryden and teenage midfielder Josh Williamson, while Elliot Dunlop also placed a shot just past the post as the north Belfast side enjoyed the greater of the chances.
Perhaps Crusaders' best chance came on 25 minutes when former Bangor favourite Jordan Forsythe saw a header cleared off the line, while there was 30 seconds' applause on the half-hour mark as both teams paused to show solidarity against violence against women and girls, with 30 women having been murdered in Northern Ireland since 2020 – an important stand.
The visitors then took the lead six minutes before the break with a well-worked effort — Oisin Devlin, who had replaced Lewis Harrison moments earlier, capitalised on a loose ball in the middle of the park and released Iestyn Hughes, who ran with the ball before playing in Cushnie, who placed to perfection past home goalkeeper Musa Dibaga into the bottom corner of the net.
Cushnie has found form against the Crues with this being his third goal of the season against them – half his league total – and it gave Bangor a one-goal advantage they retained until the break.
The Crues came out pushing for the leveller, with Deane having to push over Forsythe's free-kick just before the hour mark, coming before Bangor made a double change that saw former Crues striker Jay Boyd and Jack O'Mahony enter the fray in place of Fallon and Hughes.
For Bangor, it was about seeing out their lead and extending on it if possible, with Forsythe again missing the mark when he fired a shot over Deane's crossbar with six minutes remaining of the contest, but the Crues ultimately had the last laugh with Anderson's dramatic leveller after a late scramble at the end.
Nevertheless, with Glenavon drawing with Ballymena 1-1 at The Showgrounds, it means that Bangor secure survival in a top-flight season for the first time since the 1994/95 campaign and can now plan ahead to next year while enjoying the rest of what is to come this term.
BANGOR TEAM:
G.Deane, H.Lynch, R.Neale, L.Francis, L.Hassin, L.Harrison(O.Devlin), S.Fallon(J.Boyd), I.Hughes(J.O'Mahony), B.Cushnie(M.Morgan), T.Mulvenna, S.McGuinness
Subs: L.Axworthy, A.Mitchell, M.Haughey
(Posted: Tuesday, 7th April 2026)
Iestyn Hughes insists Bangor have only one focus between now and the end of the season – to win as many games as they possibly can.
The eighth-placed Seasiders belatedly begin their post-split agenda with a trip to Seaview on Easter Tuesday night to take on bottom side Crusaders – a potentially significant outing given a win will mathematically guarantee their survival in their first season back in the Sports Direct Premiership.
Bangor sit 10 points above both Glenavon and the Crues, who have each played a game more, and will secure their top-flight place for next campaign if they overcome Declan Caddell’s outfit on the Shore Road.
The Yellows have their sights on back-to-back wins for the first time in almost six months, with attack-minded Welsh right-back Hughes scoring the only goal in the victory away to Dungannon Swifts last time out on March 21, and will go in with belief against a Crues outfit who are winless in their last 12 matches.
Lee Feeney’s men will be wary of the north Belfast side, however, given strikes from Stewart Nixon and Fraser Bryden – from the penalty spot – cancelled out an earlier Harry Lynch spot-kick and a close-range Ben Cushnie finish in an entertaining 2-2 draw on Bangor’s first visit to this venue back on February 14.
For 23-year-old Hughes, however, it’s all about three-point hauls and finishing as high up the table as possible, and after Bangor ended their own eight-match winless streak in Co Tyrone, he wants to continue enjoying the winning feeling.
“It’s just about winning as many games as possible.
“I think we showed against Dungannon that we can get back to doing it and grinding out results, keeping clean sheets, working for each other.
“So, hopefully we just carry that on into the next games and keep winning.
“It’s a great feeling, winning, and we wouldn’t mind a few more.”
(Posted: Monday, 6th April 2026)
Today’s match has been postponed due to an unplayable pitch at the Ballymena Showgrounds.
(Posted: Saturday, 4th April 2026)
Bangor defender Alfie Mitchell reflected on a valuable experience with the Northern Ireland Under-19s as he looks to take the learnings from his time on international duty into a strong end to the season with his club.
Mitchell was part of legendary former Northern Ireland centre-back Gareth McAuley’s panel for a triple-header of Under-19 Euro qualifiers in Romania and admits he savoured the time away – capping it off with a Man of the Match performance on his debut at that level in the 1-0 victory over Kazakhstan on Tuesday.
The 17-year-old excelled from right-back as he played the full 90 minutes and helped his side keep a clean sheet, marshalling Kazakhstan winger Azamat Tuyakbayev who had played in a couple of Champions League group stage matches for Kairat Almaty this season.
Arsenal’s Ceadach O’Neill scored the second-half winner and Mitchell, who has shone across 13 appearances for his home town club this season, felt Northern Ireland got the balance right to seal the three points.
“Yeah, Kazakhstan was our best in terms of getting the balance between defence and attack.
“I think we were unlucky in the first two games. In the Romania game, we should’ve got the three points, and the first game, Ukraine passed the ball well and they moved us about.
“But I thought in all three games, we kept our shape well; it was just a matter of we couldn’t really score in the first two, and at that level, it’s tough.
“As long as you keep it tight at the back, you’ve always a chance of scoring, and I think that’s what we did best in the third game – we defended well but we were good when we got the ball and we went forward.”
Having been an unused substitute in the first two games – a 1-0 defeat against Ukraine and a goalless draw with Romania – that made Mitchell all the more determined to take his chance when it came along.
He admits he learned a lot from the trip, particularly from being in a full-time environment which is in line with his ambition to play in England at some point in the future.
“Really what I learned was just what it takes to play in England, and that’s great because that’s what my ambition is for the future.
“They’re kind of replicating what it’s like in England in terms of the full-time training and how you look after yourself.
“I thought it was good in terms of the sports science behind it – your rehab, how you’re eating, all the training, you know, that’s the difference between sort of the part-time and full-time and all the players there are used to that.
“I thought it was tougher mentally, I didn’t play the first two games and I felt, not homesick, but I was missing home and it was tough, but then in the third game, I went in and got Man of the Match.
“I think to get Man of the Match on your first cap, you must’ve done something right.
“Gareth McAuley’s brilliant, and it was tough playing up a year but you can take it all into next year, so I think that’s where I’ll benefit and, hopefully, we can qualify for the Under-19 Euros next year.”
Mitchell believes he has reaped the rewards of playing men’s first-team football this season and felt it made for a smoother adaptation when he received the international call.
The defender, who captained Cliftonville’s Under-20s prior to linking up with the Seasiders last summer, has been trusted by Lee Feeney to do a job when called upon and has been glad to repay the faith.
“I think playing men’s football is very important – I felt in terms of going over there, the jump’s not that big, you can do it.
“I think if you keep performing here, performing up there (at international level), I think it’s only a matter of time.”
He added that it has given him a lift for the remainder of the campaign with Bangor, starting with Saturday’s trip to the Warden Street Showgrounds to take on Ballymena United in the first of the Yellows’ post-split fixtures.
With Bangor, in eighth-place, now 10 points clear of Crusaders in the relegation play-off spot having played a game less, the main objective is to mathematically confirm their survival in the Sports Direct Premiership.
That could happen on Saturday should the Seasiders defeat Ballymena and Glenavon fail to beat Portadown at Mourneview Park, and Mitchell says once they are home and hosed, it will be about picking up as many points to finish as high up the table as possible.
“Yeah, it was great, and I feel like there’s a lot I can take from this, from the trip, into the last few games of the season.
“Survival’s the main thing here, and I think once we get that, it’s all about just climbing the board and seeing how far we can get up the table.
“On any day, we’re a match for anybody – we were disappointed with the last few results previous to Dungannon, obviously that was a great result and that’s what we can do.
“In a one-off game, we can beat anybody, so we’ll get into the next few games and I think the goal is to try and win the next five games and see where it takes us.”
(Posted: Friday, 3rd April 2026)
Three Bangor players are currently out on loan for the remainder of the season.
In our monthly loan review, let’s take a look and see how they have been performing…
Ben Walker has been a regular feature in the Dundela starting line-up and was an ever-present for the east Belfast outfit throughout March.
Bringing his total number of Duns appearances to 12 (10 starts), the left-back missed just six minutes last month, playing the full 90 three times – in a 3-1 derby defeat at H&W Welders, a 1-1 draw away to promotion-chasing Annagh United and a 2-1 home loss to Institute in their first post-split fixture last weekend – and featuring for 84 minutes in their 1-1 stalemate against Ards at Wilgar Park in between.
The 20-year-old has proven to be a dependable performer for Clifford Adams’ side and will aim to help them finish the Playr-Fit Championship season on a high note.
Indeed, the Duns’ next fixture is at Clandeboye Park this weekend when they face Ards in their second post-split outing, followed by consecutive home games against Warrenpoint Town and Armagh City.
They then round off their campaign with a trip to Ferney Park to face Ballinamallard United on Saturday, April 25, and Walker will be keen to show his quality right until the last kick.
Liam Burns played in two of Dundela’s four fixtures in March to bring his total number of appearances up to seven – six from the start – since his January loan switch.
The teenage midfielder started the Duns’ 3-1 East Belfast Derby defeat to Harland and Wolff Welders at Blanchflower Park on March 10, playing for 61 minutes, and was introduced as a 73rd-minute substitute in their 2-1 loss to Institute at the weekend.
In between, 19-year-old Burns was an unused substitute during respective 1-1 draws with Ards and Annagh United on March 14 and 21 and, like Walker, will hope to enjoy plenty of action in the run-in to help Dundela finish the season strongly.
Midfielder Ross Ferguson has remained a constant presence in the Lisburn Distillery starting line-up where he was named in all five of the Whites’ Playr-Fit Premier Intermediate League games last month.
Ferguson most recently played the full 90 minutes in an impressive 3-1 win for Lee Forsythe’s side over Coagh United at Hagan Park on Saturday, also featuring for the entirety in their 2-2 draw at Dollingstown on March 14 and their 3-0 defeat to promotion-chasing Newry City on March 10.
In between, the 19-year-old played for 69 minutes in a 5-1 loss to Strabane Athletic at New Grosvenor and 45 in a 2-1 reverse away to Dergview last Tuesday, with Distillery sat in 12th-place in what is a congested PIL table.
Those five appearances this month mean Ferguson has played in 10 matches in total for the Whites – all from the start – who have six games of their league campaign remaining. Ferguson will look to continue playing an influential role to ensure they finish the campaign strongly – and next up is a tasty derby clash on Friday night when Distillery make the short trip to The Bluebell to face Ballymacash Rangers.
They face their Lisburn neighbours again at New Grosvenor on April 25 – with home games against Dergview and Knockbreda beforehand – before rounding off with trips to Strabane (April 28) and league leaders Moyola Park (May 1).
(Posted: Thursday, 2nd April 2026)
(Posted: Wednesday, 1st April 2026)
With Record Store Day fast approaching, we are pleased to announce the upcoming release of our very own 7" three track vinyl E.P.
In what was the brainchild of local music producer Ugly Bill, the Yellow E.P. is a collection of Bangor supporter songs featuring sounds and samples taken from the Clandeboye terraces this season.
Published on Blue Gill Records, The Shed End Choir are in fine voice on this strictly limited edition E.P. which will be available to purchase on Record Store Day (Saturday, 18th April) the date of our home game against Carrick Rangers.
Contact a club official to reserve your copy today!
(Posted: Wednesday, 1st April 2026)
(Posted: Sunday, 22nd March 2026)
Bangor’s match-winner against Dungannon Swifts Iestyn Hughes admitted he was chomping at the bit to score his first goal for the club – and was delighted to do so in a “much-needed” victory. The Welshman lashed home in the ninth minute to give the Seasiders a one-goal advantage they did not relinquish, with a resolute defensive shift keeping the Swifts at bay and earning Lee Feeney’s men a first win in eight matches.
January signing Hughes has impressed in yellow and blue, with the forward-thinking right-back glad to open his account after feeling he had let earlier opportunities to do so pass by.
But the 23-year-old has his name on the scoring charts now and felt it was a deserved three points for Bangor, who move up two positions into eighth in the Sports Direct Premiership going into the split.
“It was definitely needed! I could’ve scored in the last few weeks, I’ve had chances to score, but I was happy to see that one go in.
“I think we were on top of the game in the first half. They had possession, but they didn’t really do much with it.
“We controlled the game, but we’re just buzzing to get the win – it was very needed.”
Hughes added that the early goal gave Bangor confidence and belief, reflected by a display where the Yellows showed their quality on both sides of the ball.
The pivotal finish at a sunny Stangmore Park came about when a Reece Neale throw-in was connected to by captain Lewis Harrison in the box, and he duly teed up Hughes to fire high past Dungannon goalkeeper Declan Dunne into the roof of the net from six yards out.
The Swifts dominated possession for large parts of what followed and showed a threat when Stephen McGuinness cleared Cahal McGinty’s back-post header off the line before Andrew Mitchell lobbed over Gareth Deane only for the ball to drop just behind the net.
There was also a point of controversy going into second-half stoppage-time as Dungannon appeals for a penalty were waved away after Rocco Devlin went down in the box under pressure from Neale – with the 15-year-old substitute instead booked by referee Mark Milligan for simulation – but many of the Swifts’ other attempts were hopeful tries from distance as the Bangor rearguard held firm.
Former Manchester United and Leicester City youth player Hughes felt that opening strike was key to settle things down and give Bangor the platform they needed to win the game.
“The early goal gave us confidence, it gives us something to play for and sort of hold on to.
“We created chances after that, we could’ve scored a few more.
“I don’t think they really created much, to be fair – maybe towards the end when we were a bit tired and under the cosh a little bit, but apart from that, I thought we defended well.
“I thought we kept our shape well, we were well-organised – we probably just needed to get back to that after the past few results.
“But I think we stuck together as a team and we worked hard for each other, so that’s all you can ask for, really.”
The game also marked Bangor’s first clean sheet since their last victory – and Hughes’ debut – when they defeated Portadown 1-0 at Clandeboye Park on January 17.
The Flint native and former Wales Under-21 international believed that was also a major positive of the day and wants the Seasiders to “enjoy” the post-split agenda as they sit 10 points clear of Crusaders in the relegation play-off spot.
“It’s been a while, I think it might’ve been my first game was the last time we kept a clean sheet. So, yeah, it’s great.
“Great result, just buzzing with it and, hopefully, we can build on it going into the split now and just try and get as high up the table as we can and enjoy the last few games.”
Former Cobh Ramblers and South Shields player Hughes feels Saturday’s result also affords Bangor more freedom going into the split.
Feeney – who marked his 48th birthday in style with the maximum spoils – takes his players to the Warden Street Showgrounds next Saturday to face 10th-placed Ballymena United in the first match of the final five.
There were more plus points in the form of fan-favourite midfielder Oisin Devlin’s return to action after more than two months out injured – the teenager appeared as a late substitute and for the first time since his loan from Larne was turned permanent in January – as well as seasoned defender Mark Haughey’s return to the subs’ bench after he went off in worrying fashion in the 3-1 home loss to Glenavon last month.
Hughes now hopes Bangor can go into the run-in with the shackles off and mathematically seal survival to cap a successful return to the top-flight stage.
“Yeah, I’d say it gives us a bit more freedom. It’s still not done (survival), but it’s obviously a bigger gap than what we started with today.
“So, yeah, delighted with the result and, hopefully, we can just enjoy the last five games.”
(Posted: Sunday, 22nd March 2026)
(Photo Credit: Inpho Sports Photography)
Bangor claimed a priceless victory against Dungannon Swifts at Stangmore Park on Saturday, moving 10 points clear of the bottom two going into the split after a dogged and determined 1-0 win in the Sports Direct Premiership.
Andrew Mitchell set the ball rolling for the home side at a sunny Stangmore Park, but Bangor showed intent early on when Liam Hassin played in Iestyn Hughes down the right, with the Welshman playing a low cross that was unfortunate to evade everyone in the box. Stephen McGuinness managed to recycle it and play to Hughes, but he was ruled offside.
Hughes then had a shot at goal as Swifts defender Danny Wallace lost his footing while trying to deal with Harry Lynch's cross from the right, which was charged down – but on the very next attack, Hughes made no mistake.
Reece Neale's subsequent throw bobbled in the area and the right wing-back was on the end of it, lashing high past Declan Dunne into the back of the net on nine minutes, giving Bangor a ninth-minute advantage.
Dungannon were favouring a possession brand of football, playing the ball short along the ground with Bangor staying tight behind the ball and looking to break, though Gareth Deane was largely untested during the early knockings – with their first shot coming when Kealan Dillon fired well over the bar from the edge of the box with 21 minutes gone.
The Swifts then had a great chance when Cahal McGinty got his head on James Knowles' free-kick from the right, looping a header over Deane but finding McGuinness back on his own goalline to head clear – this coming on 23 minute. The ball was sent back in but Tiernan Kelly could only glance wide of the mark at the right-hand post.
Knowles then let fly from the edge of the box just before the half-hour, with Deane getting strong palms behind the ball to stop the attacking midfielder. Bangor's next break then saw Hughes play Stephen Fallon down the right, but his cross was too close to Dunne.
On 38 minutes, Hughes, Mulvenna and Cushnie were involved in a neat passing interchange down the right, with the latter not able to connect under pressure from Gael Bigirimana, before Mulvenna – down the left this time – won a corner on the left after getting on McGuinness' ball over the top. Fallon got a shot away from the flag kick, but he couldn't direct on target.
With 41 minutes, Dungannon had arguably their closest chance to a leveller when Andrew Mitchell managed to get in behind, and he lofted over the off-his-line Deane but also the crossbar as Bangor had a close shave. McGinty then blasted one well over the bar – the note on which the first period ended with Bangor a goal to the good.
Bangor restarted the play for the second half with Dungannon having made a double change – striker Kobei Moore and full-back Mal Smith entering the fray – and had the first chance when Cushnie's acrobatic effort from Hughes' ball just couldn't be directed on target with 48 minutes played.
On 55 minutes, a back-to-front break saw Cushnie have a shot at Dunne's goal blocked after a give-and-go with Hughes, while with 63 minutes played, Bangor – having won a free-kick high up on the left – saw a lofted effort from Neale claimed by Dunne. Jay Boyd then entered the fray, replacing Fallon as the visitors' first alteration of the day.
With 20 minutes left to play, Dungannon still had a majority of possession as the Seasiders looked to attack on the break, with Neale's free-kick unfortunate not to get a touch from Boyd to divert goalwards at the near post. Jack O'Mahony replaced Hughes in a 76th-minute Bangor change down the right side.
On 81 minutes, a worked interchange down the left was just out of the reach of Liam Hassin, while up the other end, Moore's miscontrol allowed Deane to gather when the striker – on loan at Dungannon from Larne – looked to have a clear shot at goal on.
In a late double change for Bangor, Mick Morgan and Oisin Devlin replaced Cushnie and Mulvenna as Lee Feeney brought on fresh legs to hopefully see out the remainder of the contest, with Dungannon substitute Rocco Devlin then booked for an adjudged act of simulation as strong penalty appeals were waved away for the hosts.
Dillon then fired wide as five minutes of stoppage-time showed on the fourth official's board, and Bangor saw it out for a priceless three points.
BANGOR TEAM:
G.Deane, H.Lynch, R.Neale, L.Francis, I.Hughes(J.O'Mahony), L.Hassin, L.Harrison, T.Mulvenna(O.Devlin), S.Fallon(J.Boyd), B.Cushnie(M.Morgan), S.McGuinness.
Subs: L.Axworthy, A.Mitchell, M.Haughey
(Posted: Saturday, 21st March 2026)
The Sports Direct Premiership’s post-split fixture schedule is close on the horizon, but Liam Hassin insists Bangor are squarely focused on gaining three points out of Saturday’s trip to Dungannon Swifts and building some crucial breathing space between themselves and the relegation places.
The Seasiders travel to Stangmore Park for the final game before the split where they will be extra hungry to put their eight-game winless run to an end and ensure they are in the best possible shape for the final five fixtures.
It’s already been confirmed that Bangor will face Portadown, Glenavon and Carrick Rangers at home and Ballymena United and Crusaders away in the bottom half of the split, with the only thing left to decide being the order in which the games will be played – dependent on where they finish in the pre-split standings.
As it stands, the 10th-placed Yellows will host eighth-placed Portadown next week but, given they could still end up eighth or ninth, that could all change – hence midfielder Hassin is only concentrated on winning in Co Tyrone this weekend.
“Yeah, it’s a massive game on Saturday and then we’re into the split obviously.
“But our sole focus is always on the next game, so we’ll focus on Dungannon, prepare properly to go up against them and, hopefully, come away with the three points.”
(Posted: Thursday, 19th March 2026)
Bangor midfielder Liam Hassin felt Glentoran’s ability to capitalise on the big moments was the difference during the sides’ Sports Direct Premiership encounter on Tuesday night.
The in-form Glens came away 4-0 winners at Clandeboye Park, with Ross Clarke’s first-half brace added to after the interval by further finishes from James Singleton and Pat Hoban.
However, the scoreline doesn’t reflect the opportunities Lee Feeney’s charges had in the game to make inroads in the scoreline – which 24-year-old Hassin felt was especially telling.
After experienced winger Clarke – who Glentoran signed from Crusaders in January – had twice got on the end of crosses to find the back of the net, Bangor had big chances to get back in the contest but were unable to find the net.
Iestyn Hughes was played in behind by Ben Cushnie but could only find the side netting from a tight angle as he bore down on Andrew Mills’ goal, Ben Arthurs was just unable to trap the ball under his spell after he got on the end of Tiarnan Mulvenna’s defence-splitting ball from the right and Cushnie placed past the post in stoppage-time after pouncing on a loose headed backpass.
Then just after the hour mark, Mick Morgan – who came on for Arthurs at half-time after the Kircubbin striker had picked up a knock – struck the top of the crossbar, with Glentoran then adding a third moments later when Singleton picked out the bottom left corner after Ryan Cooney’s long throw was only half-cleared.
The Premiership’s top goalscorer Hoban then seized upon a mix-up between Lewis Francis and Gareth Deane at the back to score a fourth for Declan Devine’s Glens 13 minutes from time, and come the close of play, Hassin felt those situations were where the game was ultimately won and lost.
“It was a strange game actually because I thought for all the ball they had and the chances that they had, we had some big chances in the game as well.
“We find ourselves 2-0 down and then we probably have two – maybe with Ben (Cushnie), a third – big, big chances at the end of the first half.
“So, you’re looking at that and maybe trying to go in level or a goal down instead of two.
“And then we came out for the second half and, again, it’s a bit nip-and-tuck, we hit the bar and they go down the other end, throw-in, ball in the box and score.
“It was like sucker punches, but it was maybe a bit of our naivety showing through and I felt afterwards that that’s the experience that they have, that’s the quality that they have that in the big moments, they take them, and at the minute, in that game in particular, we didn’t, and they punished us for it.”
The result extends Bangor’s winless run to eight matches – their longest of the season so far – with Lee Feeney’s men left to rue their luck at times.
Popular Larne native Hassin, who joined Bangor from Ballyclare Comrades in January 2025, feels that has been a theme of recent performances, but he won’t dwell on it and has turned his focus sharply to Bangor’s final game before the split at Dungannon Swifts next Saturday.
“We’re probably looking for the luck that we were getting at the start of the season – you’re earning your luck, you don’t just get luck, but just a ball to drop, a person at the right height or someone to get the right connection.
“At the minute, we just don’t seem to really be getting that.
“Yeah, it wasn’t a 4-0 game, but we’ll lick our wounds, take the positives and on to the next.”
Bangor sit ninth in the Sports Direct Premiership standings and, though not in action at the weekend, will have one eye on events elsewhere – particularly at Seaview where Crusaders and Glenavon face off in a crunch meeting of the bottom two.
The Seasiders are eight points above the Crues in the relegation play-off spot and 11 ahead of the Lurgan Blues in last place – having played a game more than both – and will have full focus on trying to build daylight between themselves and the danger zone during the split.
While taking an interest in results elsewhere and hoping for the desired outcome, Hassin also stressed Bangor must stay in control of their own destiny by continuing to show the levels of effort and endeavour that have earned plenty of plaudits throughout this term.
“I can only speak for myself, but I think most players would be the same that you’re always keeping an eye on the results in and around you especially.
“But at the same time, we can only control ourselves – we can only control what we do in the game, our endeavour and letting our quality shine through.
“That’s one thing we pride ourselves on massively, and you maybe notice it without really meaning it when you’re going out of your game.
“But your foundation is your endeavour, your hard work and that’s what we’ve been based on from the start of the season.
“You’re looking to get the crowd up for it – you’re looking for those one-ups, wee things like a tackle or a good block or a good shot at goal that gives you a lift.
“So, listen, the endeavour is our foundation, it’s our baseline, and that gives us a platform to go on and try and get results out of matches.”
(Posted: Saturday, 14th March 2026)
Bangor were defeated 4-0 by Glentoran in the sides' Sports Direct Premiership clash at Clandeboye Park on Tuesday – although it wasn't really a game where the scoreline reflected the result.
The Bangor line-up comprised three major changes, with Gareth Deane back in goals after concussion protocols ruled him out of the previous two encounters, former Glentoran striker Ben Cushnie back in following a one-match suspension and 17-year-old Alfie Mitchell handed a start in defence having last week been part of a Northern Ireland Under-19 training camp in Newcastle.
Lee Axworthy and Mick Morgan dropped to the bench, with the suspended Lewis Harrison ruled out following his red card against Carrick Rangers last time out, while there was also a return to the bench for Oisin Devlin after an extended spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.
Bangor had a decent sight of goal on six minutes when Stephen McGuinness' cross from the left was flapped at by Glentoran goalkeeper Andrew Mills with Ben Arthurs lurking, but the striker couldn't get it under control and the danger was cleared by the Glentoran defence. Cushnie then skied over the bar from 20 yards after being laid off by Arthurs just a few minutes later.
The Glens enjoyed plenty of territory and possession but struggled to really test Deane in the opening quarter of an hour – though Liam Hassin entered referee Declan Hassan's notebook for a late challenge in the middle of the park with 13 minutes gone.
But on 19 minutes, Glentoran hit the front with their first real shot at goal. A cross on the right by Ryan Cooney was connected to by Ross Clarke at the near post and he diverted across goal into the bottom left corner to put the away side in front, with Deane beaten.
Bangor settled down quickly and looked to respond and saw a 23rd-minute corner from the right by Neale punched away by Mills in the box, but Glentoran – and Clarke – were more clinical three minutes later when they doubled their lead. A long ball down the inside left channel was connected to by James Singleton, who crossed along the face of goal, and he picked out the winger who turned in from close range.
Again Bangor looked to hit back, and a neat ball in down the right behind the Glentoran defence was on a plate for Arthurs in a presentable position, but he couldn't trap the ball under his spell and the ball was ultimately gathered by Mills with 28 minutes played.
Then on 34 minutes, Bangor forged a great opening on the right when Arthurs headed down into the path of Cushnie, who played in Iestyn Hughes who had made a clever run on the overlap, but he could only fire into the side netting from a tight angle. Hughes then produced a strong and crucial block to deny Danny Amos, who fizzed a low and powerful shot at goal.
A minute before the break, a loose backpass in the Glens defence allowed Cushnie in at Mills, but he could only poke past the post – with that being the last action of a first half Glentoran ended 2-0 to the good.
Ben Arthurs was withdrawn in favour of Mick Morgan in a half-time substitution with the second half getting back under way and Bangor looking to find a way back into the contest – and they had the first chance of the half when Lewis Francis was just unable to keep down Neale's corner on the left on 49 minutes.
Cammy Palmer then blazed a shot well over the bar as Glentoran forged up the other direction, while Bangor then saw penalty appeals waved away a few minutes later as Hughes went down under pressure in the box, with referee Hassan unmoved.
Then on 62 minutes, Bangor came within inches of reducing the deficit – Morgan latching on to a loose ball and lobbing over an off-his-line Mills only for the ball to agonisingly clip the top of the crossbar, with the ball going behind. But a minute later, the fine margins of football were laid bare when the Glens added their third, with Singleton placing low into the bottom left with a neat finish from the edge of the box.
The sides then traded opportunities when Liam Burt was initially denied by the feet of Deane before Morgan turned just past the post after he shaped a shot towards Mills' goal. Bangor were probably enjoying the greater volume of chances in the game, but the difference was Glentoran were taking them.
That was laid bare again on 70 minutes when Mulvenna got in a good position in the box but couldn't place into the top corner, and then on 77 minutes when Pat Hoban capitalised on a mix-up between Deane and Francis to loft into the net – all but assuring the away side of the maximum spoils.
Robbie Garrett and Jack O'Mahony had come on in a double change for Bangor, with Deane then pulling off a strong save when he parried away from Burt's effort from distance on 86 minutes – and that was the extent of the major goalmouth action in the closing stages as Glentoran came away with the full spoils.
BANGOR TEAM:
G.Deane, H.Lynch, R.Neale, L.Francis, A.Mitchell, I.Hughes, L.Hassin(R.Garrett), T.Mulvenna, B.Arthurs(M.Morgan), B.Cushnie(J.O'Mahony), S.McGuinness
Subs: L.Axworthy, O.Devlin, K.Owens
(Posted: Tuesday, 10th March 2026)
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Tiarnan Mulvenna insists Bangor must be fully focused on building a head of steam when the Seasiders welcome Glentoran to Clandeboye Park in the Sports Direct Premiership on Tuesday night.
Bangor will have had a 10-day break between fixtures by the time they step out to take on the second-placed Glens, and midfielder Mulvenna maintains the Yellows must kick on after securing a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Carrick Rangers last time out.
A positive performance against one of the league’s in-form teams at Taylors Avenue bodes well for Tuesday’s outing against Declan Devine’s side – a fixture rearranged from the weekend given Glentoran’s involvement in the BetMcLean Cup Final on Sunday.
The east Belfast club will themselves be keen to respond after exiting the Irish Cup at the quarter-final stage on penalties to Larne on Friday, with teenage centre-back MJ Kamson-Kamara – who scored the late winner in their victory over Carrick at The BetMcLean Oval three days earlier – being sent off, therefore meaning he is suspended for this encounter.
While 28-year-old Mulvenna hopes there will be some tired legs within the Glens ranks on Tuesday, he stressed that Bangor must concentrate on their own preparations and display if they intend to pick up something from the game.
“Yeah, you have to (kick on) from last Saturday’s performance – I think that was more like us from the last load of weeks, to be fair.
“I think that’s just what we needed, to get back on track, but don’t take anything away from Glentoran.
“They’re probably the most in-form team – alongside Carrick – and I think they’re more than likely favourites to go on and win the league.
“But all we can do is prepare for the game as best we can.
“We’ll maybe hope the game on Friday night tires them out a bit and there’s a few tight legs coming into the game against us.
“That maybe gives us a wee bit of an opportunity to take advantage and go on and try and get something out of the game.”
Mulvenna scored a spectacular opener in the sides’ previous meeting at Clandeboye Park in late November, with his dipping strike from 25 yards soaring past Glens goalkeeper Andrew Mills into the back of the net on 70 minutes.
The visitors responded seven minutes later through Pat Hoban, the Premiership’s top scorer on 22 and who has 17 goals in all competitions this calendar year alone, as the teams shared the spoils in an entertaining 1-1 draw.
With the Glens making a number of high-profile additions to their squad since then, such as former Shamrock Rovers midfielder Aaron McEneff, ex-The New Saints and Glenavon winger Josh Daniels and long-serving former Crusaders pair Jarlath O’Rourke and Ross Clarke, Mulvenna feels it is unfair to compare the two fixtures going into Tuesday’s encounter.
But he believes if Bangor turn up and perform at their top level, then there’s every hope of Lee Feeney’s charges claiming another positive result against Glentoran at Clandeboye.
“I don’t think you can really compare the two games, it’s two different times (in the season).
“They’re probably a better team now, they’re going better and they’ve signed a few players.
“They’ve some players in form, they have the top goalscorer in the league.
“But, listen, it’s about us. If we turn up and we do what we know we can do, then we can give ourselves the best chance to get something out of the game.”
Bangor’s priority remains to ensure survival in their first season back in the Premiership as they sit eight points clear of the relegation play-off place entering this midweek showdown.
Belfast man Mulvenna, who has been a firm fans’ favourite since arriving at Bangor from Glenavon in January 2024, feels the Seasiders are entering a crucial home stretch during which the players want to pick up as many points as possible.
“We’ll take these last seven games like we’ve taken every other one.
“We want to go in and get something out of the games and look to get as high as possible in the league.”
(Posted: Sunday, 8th March 2026)
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(Posted: Friday 6th March 2026)
Three Bangor players are currently out on loan for the remainder of the season.
In our monthly loan review, let’s take a look and see how they have been performing…
Having made four appearances for Dundela in January, Ben Walker has continued to feature prominently for the east Belfast side over the last month.
The 20-year-old defender featured in all four of the Duns’ Playr-Fit Championship matches in February, playing the full 90 minutes in three of them.
Walker featured for the full game in Dundela’s defeats away to Newington (2-0) and at home to Ballinamallard United (4-1) before appearing as a 77th-minute substitute in their 5-2 loss to Warrenpoint Town at Milltown.
The left-back then returned to the starting line-up for Friday night’s home encounter with Limavady United at Wilgar Park, featuring for the entirety as Clifford Adams’ side claimed a highly creditable 1-1 draw with the Championship leaders – with former Bangor striker Matthew Ferguson breaking the deadlock.
In all, Walker has made eight appearances for the 11th-placed Duns to date, starting six, and will look to continue to make a positive impression throughout the rest of the campaign.
Ross Ferguson enjoyed a superb February with Lisburn Distillery, playing every minute as the New Grosvenor club won three of their four matches.
The midfielder played the full 90 minutes in Playr-Fit Premier Intermediate League victories for the Whites over Ballyclare Comrades (2-0), Dollingstown (2-1) and Banbridge Town (4-2), as well as a narrow home loss to Rathfriland (2-1).
The 19-year-old contributed an assist for the second goal in their win over Ballyclare, scored by Benny Igiehon, while he also came within inches of a spectacular first goal for Distillery in that game when his rasping 30-yard effort crashed back off the crossbar in the second half.
Groomsport native Ferguson is held in high regard by Whites manager Lee Forsythe and the club’s supporters, which has been reflected by his ever-present status throughout the last month.
Distillery are currently sitting in 10th place in the PIL standings and seven points off the top four, which would ensure promotion to the Playr-Fit Championship for next campaign, and there is still plenty to play for over the remaining two months of the season.
And Ferguson, who has played the full match in each of his five appearances to date for the club, will aim to continue playing an important role.
Crafty midfielder Liam Burns has also been a regular feature for Dundela, featuring in three of their four matches in February.
Although he was absent from the squad for the Duns’ 4-1 loss at home to Ballinamallard, the 19-year-old started each of their other three games this month, including Friday night’s 1-1 draw with Limavady United at Wilgar Park.
Burns played 84 minutes in that stalemate with the Roesiders and the full 90 in their 2-0 loss to Newington at Inver Park at the start of the month, while he featured for 69 minutes in the 5-2 loss to Warrenpoint Town on February 21.
Friday marked Burns’ fifth appearance for the east Belfast club – all of them from the start – and, like Walker, he will aim to consolidate his place in the team for the rest of the season.
Burns and Walker each now have a free weekend before they get their first taste of the East Belfast Derby on Tuesday, March 10, as Dundela make the short trip up the Holywood Road to face their local rivals H&W Welders – a game in which they will be extra keen to impress.
(Posted: Monday, 2nd March 2026)
Lewis Francis admits the Bangor players felt they had to take it upon themselves to stand up to the battle and show their true character in Saturday’s Sports Direct Premiership clash at Carrick Rangers.
Coming on the back of a below-par performance in the previous weekend’s 3-1 home loss to Glenavon, defender Francis insisted the players had to deliver a response at Taylors Avenue – which they did in an at times feisty 1-1 draw.
Both goals came in the opening period at the east Antrim ground, with Paul Heatley’s deft finish on 12 minutes cancelled out by Harry Lynch’s cool penalty on the half-hour mark.
Each side later saw a man sent off, with Bangor captain Lewis Harrison firstly dismissed by referee Louise Thompson on 86 minutes after being shown a second yellow card for a late tackle on Carrick substitute Kyle Cherry.
Then in the fourth minute of stoppage-time, Gers striker Adam Lecky was given a straight red following an off-the-ball altercation with Reece Neale.
All in all, it was an eventful encounter which ended honours even, with Bangor extending their cushion to the relegation places to eight points.
Francis was full of praise for the way the Yellows fought back and showed their steel after that loss to the Lurgan Blues, which he felt was his worst defeat in a yellow and blue shirt.
“I thought it was a battle, you know it’s going to be when you come down here, but I thought to a man, we were brilliant; we stood up to the battle.
“It wasn’t going to be a day… you see the pitch, like a lot of the grass pitches are now, it’s not a day for playing football.
“It was just all about character. Last week especially was really disappointing, I’ve played in some heavy defeats but I think last week was the worst defeat that I’ve had at Bangor.
“And the performance as well – I think overall, we were so far off it and we let the coaches and the Board and the supporters down.
“But today, I think we got back to what we’re good at and back to basics and, thankfully, we got a point in the end.
“I think if you’re looking at chances, we were the team that had the better chances after we gave away one chance that goes in from Heatley.”
Bangor went behind early on when Heatley turned Matthew Snoddy’s cross into the bottom left corner, but they got the spark they needed shortly before the 30-minute mark.
A neat move involving a number of players down the left culminated in Neale whipping in a cross from wide on the left which Harrison raced to connect to, being tripped up by Heatley in the process with teenage defender Lynch sending Nathan Gartside the wrong way from the subsequent spot-kick.
From there, Lee Feeney’s men enjoyed the better of the chances in the contest, with Tiarnan Mulvenna coming within inches of putting the Seasiders in front just before half-time after his glancing header from Stephen McGuinness’ left-sided delivery came back off the bar.
Magherafelt favourite Francis, who scored the opener before being forced off injured in the 3-2 loss at Carrick three and a half weeks earlier, felt it was a strong all-round performance.
He also piled praise on goalkeeper Lee Axworthy, with the Dubliner producing an authoritative display in just his second game for the club between the sticks.
“Yeah, I think the penalty definitely was… I think when you watch it back, it was a good move.
“Tiarnan got in down the side and then held it up and brought Stephen McGuinness I believe into play, and then Lewis goes and gets his body in front and wins the penalty.
“I think from then, we were relatively comfortable throughout the whole game.
“They got the goal, Heatley’s got that quality just on the edge of the box and he finishes it first-time.
“But apart from that, I think we defended, to a man, Big Ben (Arthurs) won his headers coming back, we were back to what we were good at and what we’ve done for most of the season, really, with the exception of the past three or four weeks.
“They have a lot of quality up front and a lot of experience, and we needed to be on it.
“We needed to be on top of our game today and I thought we were all over the pitch, not just at the back.
“A special mention to Lee as well, the keeper. He came for crosses, his handling was good, he was very vocal.
“Last week was probably a tough game for him to come into, but today, he was outstanding as well.”
The 21-year-old Francis feels Bangor fans are seeing that the players are made of stronger stuff amid a recent turbulent patch.
Although the Seasiders remain winless in seven matches, they have picked up points in two of their last three and are making progress in the push to see out top-flight survival.
After a free Saturday next weekend, Bangor begin their March agenda at home to Glentoran on the following Tuesday, and Francis maintains the players must keep their standards high.
“I don’t think we’ve really had a bad run until now and it’s kind of where you see what we’re made of.
“The character that Lee and Dougie (John Douglas) talk about in there, I think we showed that in abundance.
“We’ve now got a massive game against Glentoran, who are probably the in-form team in the league – but Carrick were also up there as well, so we’ve just played Carrick and we’re going in to play the Glens and we drew with them at home the last time we played them.
“Last week, a team came to Clandeboye and got it too easy, which shouldn’t be the case at our home ground.
“So, we need to make sure that we keep the performance levels high when we play Glentoran.”
(Posted: Sunday, 1st March 2026)
GARY's MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN's MATCH GALLERY
Bangor battled to a creditable 1-1 draw with Carrick Rangers in the sides' Sports Direct Premiership encounter at Taylors Avenue on Saturday afternoon.
Matthew Snoddy set the ball rolling for the home side at 3pm sharp, and they enjoyed the first chance of the game on two minutes when Adam Lecky saw his back-post header saved by Lee Axworthy and tipped around the post – and though the ball was put in the net from the resulting corner by Danny Gibson, he clearly fouled Axworthy in the process and the goal was chalked off.
Bangor then had an opening with seven minutes gone as Mick Morgan directed into the path of Ben Arthurs, but it was a loose touch from the Kircubbin striker and Nathan Gartside safely gathered the ball.
But on 12 minutes, Carrick drew first blood. A ball into the box was latched on to by Paul Heatley around the penalty spot, and he got enough placement on his effort to direct it past Axworthy and into the bottom right corner.
After that, the game became a scrappier affair for a while with little by way of chances in front of goal at either end, but on 29 minutes, Bangor got a golden chance to get back in the game when Lewis Harrison was clipped in the box from Neale's cross from the left – and how it was taken. Harry Lynch stepped up to send Gartside the wrong way, slotting low to the right to equalise.
Chances continued to come at a premium, with Lewis Francis pulling off a strong sliding tackle to stop Gibson in his tracks with 40 minutes gone, while on 42, the Seasiders came within inches of taking the lead as Stephen McGuinness' cross from the left was met with a looping header by Tiarnan Mulvenna, who was unfortunate to strike the top of Gartside's crossbar at the Taylors Avenue end.
After two minutes of stoppage-time, and with Mulvenna drawing another low stop from Gartside, the half ended level at one goal apiece.
Mulvenna set Bangor back under way for the second period, with the scrappy theme continuing in the second period – with Ben Buchanan-Rolleston drawing a save from Axworthy initially before Lynch's tantalising cross up the other end was just out of both Arthurs' and Mulvenna's reach at the back post on 54 minutes.
On 66 minutes, Iestyn Hughes – who had pulled up – was replaced by Jack O'Mahony on the right flank, with Arthurs then decisively heading away a goal-bound effort from a corner on the left in Carrick's first sight at goal of the half. Then on 76 minutes, Jay Boyd came on in a like-for-like change up top as he replaced Mick Morgan.
On 82 minutes, Arthurs headed agonisingly over the crossbar from McGuinness' cross from the right – with the striker and Billy Joe Burns having each been cautioned for an earlier scuffle from a free-kick – before Bangor then had to see out the remainder with 10 men after Harrison was shown his second yellow card.
The game entered five minutes of added time at the end, during which Carrick with the extra man were doing most of the pushing – until they, too, went down a man four minutes in as Lecky was shown his marching orders for an off-the-ball incident while a Bangor player was down injured. There was no further action in the remainder as referee Louise Thompson called time.
BANGOR TEAM:
L.Axworthy, H.Lynch, R.Neale, L.Francis, S.McGuinness, L.Harrison, L.Hassin, T.Mulvenna, M.Morgan(J.Boyd), B.Arthurs, I.Hughes(J.O'Mahony)
Subs: L.McMahon, R.Garrett, S.Fallon, M.Halliday, A.Mitchell
(Posted: Saturday, 28th February 2026)
Reece Neale admits Bangor are driven to set the record straight in more ways than one ahead of this weekend’s Sports Direct Premiership trip to Carrick Rangers.
The Seasiders are back at Taylors Avenue on Saturday three and a half weeks after losing 3-2 to the Gers in a rearranged Tuesday night fixture at the east Antrim venue.
It’s fair to say luck hasn’t been on Bangor’s side in clashes with Carrick, with the Yellows 1-0 up when the initial fixture in September was abandoned after 54 minutes following a serious head injury sustained by winger Paul Heatley.
Carrick striker Danny Gibson then hit a last-gasp winner when the sides met at Clandeboye Park on Halloween night prior to that loss on February 3, with Billy Joe Burns, Ryan McKay and Adam Lecky netting for the hosts as Lewis Francis and Ben Cushnie struck in each half for the away side.
Stephen Baxter’s side have been in scintillating form in 2026 and haven’t lost a game in 90 minutes in 11 matches, also scooping up the County Antrim Shield last month when they beat Cliftonville on penalties.
But Neale – who is facing the side he left to join Bangor in the summer of 2021 – believes Lee Feeney’s men have plenty of incentive going into this encounter, hoping to end a six-game winless run during which they’ve picked up just a single point.
Bangor will also be driven to produce a backlash after a disappointing performance in last weekend’s 3-1 home defeat to Glenavon, as well as add daylight between themselves and the bottom two before the split.
Defender Neale is hoping the players can harness that by defying the pre-match formbook and delivering an important victory.
“It’s not been our happy hunting ground just yet but, yeah, time will tell. We’ll go up there and we’ll go up with a positive mindset.
“They’re absolutely flying at the minute and fair play to them, they’ve changed their season around and now they’re looking up instead of down.
“But, yeah, we’ll go and try and put a halt to that.”
(Posted: Friday, 27th February 2026)
Reece Neale admits the players must stand up and be counted in the wake of Bangor’s 3-1 Sports Direct Premiership defeat to Glenavon on Saturday.
It was an underwhelming performance from the hosts at Clandeboye Park, and defender Neale feels the players owe it to themselves and the people around the club to deliver a response.
The Seasiders, who remain seven points clear of the relegation play-off place with eight games to go, were overcome by two Conor Falls finishes either side of half-time which sandwiched a header by Barney McKeown that sealed the three points for the Lurgan Blues.
Ben Arthurs bulleted home a header in the 86th minute, marking a late consolation for Lee Feeney’s side, but vice-captain Neale declared afterwards that it was well short of the standards they’ve set for themselves in Bangor’s first season back in the top-flight.
“It was (tough), it’s not the first time either – it’s the last couple of months, we haven’t got the rub of the green.
“Don’t get me wrong, us as players, we take full accountability for that today – I think that’s completely on us.
“We owe the fans, we owe ourselves and we owe the coaching staff for that one, that was just… I’m sure the fans will even see it, that’s not us.
“Even whenever we were getting beat like that, we normally even look a bit of a team, but today it just looked so disjointed, felt so disjointed on the pitch.
“But we’ll dust ourselves down, there’s still a lot of points to play for and we’ll try and kick ourselves on.
“We’ll be fine, we’ll be fine, but it’s just getting that wee rub of the green that we just haven’t been getting recently.”
Glenavon drew first blood shortly before the half-hour mark when Falls, who they signed on loan from Cliftonville in January, slotted past debutant goalkeeper Lee Axworthy to finish off an incisive counter-attacking move.
They doubled their lead midway through the second half when McKeown got free in the box from a corner to head into the net before Falls added the visitors’ third on 84 minutes having caught Axworthy in possession to turn home.
Arthurs powered in a fine header from Tiarnan Mulvenna’s corner two minutes later, but it ultimately didn’t spark a late fightback with Bangor having been defeated in five of their last six games since beating Portadown on January 17.
Neale, who will mark five years at Bangor in the summer, acknowledged the players had held their hands up and are now fully focused on delivering a response in a “massive, massive” game at in-form Carrick Rangers next week.
“Yeah, the first probably 10 minutes, we weren’t really in the game. We were just defending more than anything.
“But then we sort of got a wee bit of a foothold in the game, started getting up the pitch a bit better but, again, we just didn’t look ourselves – we did not look ourselves.
“We didn’t feel ourselves, didn’t feel like us at all, we’ve all held our hands up in there and we know that is very, very far from what we expect from ourselves.
“I think, as I say, even if we’re getting beat, we still give it a hell of a go, whereas there today, it just looked and felt really bad.
“But we’ll be fine, we’ll be fine. We’re lifting ourselves up and we’ll dust ourselves down and try and kick on now – we’ve got another massive, massive game next week.”
The 27-year-old from Ballynahinch added that poor goal concessions have also been hurting Bangor in recent weeks, with 11 goals conceded in four games this month.
On the flip side, however, Bangor have scored six and showed plenty of promise in creating chances at the top end of the pitch, while Neale also believes the Seasiders have the spirit and character needed to hit their stride again.
“You look back through probably the last six, seven, eight weeks, that’s the way it’s been – a lot of the goals we’ve been conceding have been poor goals.
“There have been a lot of individual mistakes, like someone maybe just not following their runner or whatever it may be and nothing seems to be going our way at the minute.
“But, like I say, we’ll still be fine – we’ve got a great attitude and a great character in the changing room and we’ll kick on, we know we’ll kick on.
“But it’s just rubbing out the wee stupid mistakes, rectifying it all and moving on.”
In closing, Neale stated that, while responding for the supporters is important, the players are determined to do themselves justice above all else.
He’s confident they can show their best selves at Taylors Avenue next week where they will be keen to atone for their 3-2 defeat at the start of the month when Lewis Francis and Ben Cushnie found the net for the visitors.
“We need to react for ourselves, everyone can say about the fans, the club and, yeah, we owe them a hell of a lot.
“But see for ourselves, personally speaking, we owe ourselves massively.
“We owe ourselves massively and, hopefully, it’ll show next week and we’ll come out and give the fans something to be proud of again.”
(Posted: Sunday, 22nd February 2026)
GARY's MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN's MATCH GALLERY
It was a disappointing day for Bangor in the Sports Direct Premiership as Glenavon emerged 3-1 winners in the sides' encounter at at Clandeboye Park on Saturday afternoon.
Peter Campbell set the ball rolling for the away side at a wet Clandeboye Park, and Glenavon started on the front foot as they pressed high and enjoyed the first shot of the contest when Paul McGovern's curling attempt was well over debutant goalkeeper Lee Axworthy's crossbar with three minutes gone.
After Iestyn Hughes went down requiring treatment, Bangor's first look came when a long Glenavon punt forward was intercepted by Ben Cushnie, with the ball trickling agonisingly in front of Ben Arthurs in the middle as Lurgan Blues goalkeeper Jacob Carney scrambled to get back in position – this coming on 13 minutes.
A cross from the right by Glenavon's Nathaniel Ferris was directed in the path of Conor Falls on 16 minutes – the striker unable to get a connection as the subsequent danger was cleared when Campbell's shot was charged down by Mark Haughey. McGovern had another go four minutes later with his shot deflected behind – the corner coming to nothing.
On 28 minutes, Glenavon did break the deadlock. They won the ball in the middle of the park and the ball was played into Falls, who was clean through, and though Axworthy got a strong boot on it, he was unable to prevent the Cliftonville loanee from finding the bottom right corner.
Bangor's response on 33 minutes was for Haughey to draw a save from Carney after heading Neale's right-sided free-kick towards goal, while Stephen McGuinness replaced Hughes in an injury-enforced change shortly after before, on 41 minutes, Haughey was also withdrawn with Jack O'Mahony being drafted on in his place.
In the fourth of eight additional minutes at the end of the half, McGuinness' tantalising ball from the left was planted just past the post by Jay Boyd, but it was Glenavon who held the initiative at the break as Cushnie also entered the referee's notebook during the break.
Mulvenna set Bangor back under way, but Axworthy was forced into a strong save early doors as Glenavon let fly from distance – but going up the other way, on 49 minutes, a free-kick from the right was out of reach of Arthurs in the area as Bangor looked to work their way back into the contest.
On 56 minutes, Axworthy got down to save low from McGovern as he shaped a shot on the edge of the box, while three minutes later, Carney got down to save from Cushnie, who let fly from a similar distance.
Then with 65 minutes, Jack O'Mahony's quickly taken free-kick was loose into the feet of Sean Carlin, who drew a save in behind from Axworthy – and from the resulting corner, Barney McKeown converted and doubled the Mourneview outfit's lead.
In a triple sub on 74 minutes for Bangor saw Mick Morgan, Alfie Mitchell and Stephen Fallon came on in a triple substitution, with Lewis Francis, Boyd and Cushnie being withdrawn as Bangor looked to work back into the contest.
On 78 minutes, Arthurs headed a Neale cross at Carney, who got down low to make the save, with Bangor sending a few crosses into the box which did not get a connection as the Seasiders aimed to set up a grandstand finish.
But on 84 minutes, Glenavon grabbed their third. It came about when Axworthy was caught in possession by Falls, who picked it up and turned into the bottom right corner.
However, two minutes later, Bangor got back into it to set up a grandstand finish – a left-sided corner from Mulvenna being bulleted into the left side of the net by Arthurs.
It sparked hope going into the latter stages of a fightback, but with the game trickling into four added minutes, the result was never in doubt as Glenavon saw out the victory.
BANGOR TEAM:
L.Axworthy, H.Lynch, R.Neale, L.Francis(A.Mitchell), M.Haughey(J.O'Mahony), L.Hassin, T.Mulvenna, B.Cushnie(S.Fallon), B.Arthurs, J.Boyd(M.Morgan), I.Hughes(S.McGuinness)
Subs: L.McMahon, R.Garrett.
(Posted: Saturday, 21st February 2026)
We’re delighted to welcome Lee Axworthy to Clandeboye Park.
With injuries to both Gareth Deane and Patrick Solis Grogan, Lee Feeney has now added the 25 year old goalkeeper to his squad.
Most recently with League of Ireland side Athlone Town, Lee joins us until the end of the season.
LAWTON McMAHON SIGNS FIRST PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT WITH BANGOR
We are delighted that Lawton McMahon has signed his first professional contract with the Seasiders.
The 17 year old goalkeeper has established himself as part of our first team squad this season and has now signed a deal with his home town club until summer 2028.
(Posted: Saturday, 21st February 2026)
It is with great sadness that we have learned about the passing of our Vice President, Sammy Mellon.
Sammy was an integral member of our club and community for many years. His unwavering support meant so much to everyone involved. His commitment and passion will never be forgotten, and his presence will be deeply missed at Clandeboye Park by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Sammy’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
There will be a minute silence before today’s match in his memory.
(Posted: Saturday, 21st February 2026)
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Harry Lynch feels Bangor’s home encounter with Glenavon in the Sports Direct Premiership this weekend has taken on an added layer of importance following last week’s draw against Crusaders at Seaview.
The Seasiders entertain the Premiership’s bottom side on Saturday and, despite there being a 17-point gap between the teams, Lynch insists Bangor must do all in their power to extend that gap.
The 19-year-old defender rose through the ranks at the Mourneview Park outfit prior to his move to the seaside in the summer, while he is also an ex-team-mate of Lurgan Blues boss and former Northern Ireland midfielder Michael O’Connor, so he is well aware of the threats his former club can pose.
Lynch says Bangor will go out all guns blazing to pick up a significant result and has rallied the supporters to give them an extra boost as they return to Clandeboye Park following a run of three successive away days.
“Yeah, it’s a massive game – even bigger after that (the draw with Crusaders).
“We don’t want Glenavon closing the point gap between us and them and we just need a big result.
“Hopefully the fans come out and support us because they’ve been great every week, home and away.
“And even when the results haven’t been going well in the past few weeks, they’re still here, it still feels like we’re at home, so it’s class to see and it’s a big game.”
Bangor manager Lee Feeney, meanwhile, says his side are purely focused on picking up the points they need to make sure they’re in the Premiership next season.
The Yellows sit in eighth-place, seven points above Crusaders in the relegation play-off place, and Feeney declared that he is taking nothing for granted with nine important games of the season remaining.
“It is a big game – it’s a big game for both teams, it’s big for us and it’s maybe even bigger for Glenavon because of the position they’re in in the league.
“Right now, our top priority is survival and it’s just about us getting over the line and making sure we stay in the league.
“We’ve got a good group and I’ve no doubt we’ll be better this season, but right now, we just need to pick up the points we need to make sure we stay up.”
(Posted: Friday, 20th February 2026)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney preferred not to focus on his side ceding a two-goal advantage to draw with Crusaders but instead saluted his players for how they dug in when the going got tough at Seaview.
The Seasiders led through a Harry Lynch penalty and a close-range Ben Cushnie strike either side of half-time before being pegged back by the Crues, who replied through Stewart Nixon and a Fraser Bryden spot-kick to level it up at 2-2.
Bangor goalkeeper Gareth Deane was forced off injured immediately after Bryden’s leveller and replaced by 17-year-old Lawton McMahon between the sticks, with the Yellows seeing out the remainder of the contest admirably to bag a precious point in north Belfast.
Feeney admitted he always expected a Crusaders backlash after Cushnie finished off a clever long-throw routine on 49 minutes and praised his players’ endeavour to claim a share of the spoils.
“There’s a bit of disappointment there, but to be fair, I thought we showed how good we can be at digging in and grinding it out when it could’ve easily went the other way.
“We scored the goals at good times in the game and we were in a strong position.
“But they’re a good side – they’ve got so much energy and a lot of flair and we found them tough to contain, and even when we were 2-0 up, I always expected them to come back at us and create chances.
“After it went to 2-2 and Deanesy went off, we could’ve crumbled, but I was proud of the players for how they managed the last 15 minutes of the game.
“I felt the character, the discipline, the work-rate that we showed to hold on was absolutely second-to-none.
“We couldn’t lose the game – that was the most important thing, that we didn’t leave the game empty-handed.”
Bangor rode their luck at times, none more so than when Adam Brooks and Finley Thorndike missed a gilt-edged chance apiece for the hosts prior to Lynch’s 40th-minute penalty, won by Mark Haughey after he was upended in the box.
But Feeney felt the visitors’ performance merited a points reward from the game and was pleased to see two big chances buried having recently called for improved efficiency in the final third from his players.
“I think there’s two things we need to have if we’re going to pick up results in this league.
“We need to play well and we also need a little bit of luck, and I felt we got that in this game.
“I’ve spoken recently about us not being clinical enough and making the most of our chances in games, but to be fair, we had two big chances to score and we took them.
“There were a few other situations in the game where we got into good positions to cross it into the box and it was a little bit off or the touch to get on the end of it was off, and they’re things that we’ll work on.
“Yes, we rode our luck at times, they had two big chances in the first half, but I felt we played well and we’ll move on.”
Feeney added that he was disappointed with the manner of the goals Bangor conceded.
On 55 minutes, Nixon connected to his own rebound after seeing his initial header saved by Deane to reduce the arrears before Thomas Maguire latched on to a long ball to get a run at goal 18 minutes later, with the Bangor goalkeeper adjudged to have felled him by referee Ben McMaster and taking a clattering in the process.
Though he understood why it was given, Feeney disputed that penalty award and was even more bemused when one wasn’t given Bangor’s way on 89 minutes after Lewis Barr slid in on Ben Arthurs from behind while clean through.
“I was disappointed with the goals we conceded. The first one was a cross into the box and he gets free and gets a good head on it.
“The second one, I was disappointed with in that it was a long ball over the top that beat our defence and allowed him to get in at goal, although I didn’t think it was a penalty – I thought Deanesy got to the ball first, and I’ve watched it back, but I understood why he’s given it.
“I understand it and I won’t criticise him, but then Ben Arthurs is clean through on goal and it’s an absolute stonewall penalty.
“He’s clean through on goal and he’s about to take a shot and then the big lad comes in from behind and practically scissors him, the ball doesn’t even move, and I can’t see a reason why he didn’t give the penalty, so it’s frustrating.”
Feeney also reserved praise for experienced centre-back Haughey, who returned in the 3-1 defeat at Cliftonville in midweek following a six-week spell on the sidelines.
The 34-year-old former Glenavon and Linfield stalwart saw a goal disallowed at Solitude before winning a penalty and contributing an assist at Seaview, but Feeney added that he will continue to manage Haughey alongside others who are currently nursing knocks.
“To be fair, injuries are something every team has to deal with that in this part of the season.
“Hawks isn’t fully fit yet, he came off against Cliftonville and with it being two games in four days, it was a quick turnaround for him, but full credit to him.
“Lewis Francis was back on the bench after he had to come off in the Carrick game, it was just a week too soon for him. Hughesy (Iestyn Hughes) was playing with a knock, Tiarnan (Mulvenna) was playing with a knock.
“We have players who are carrying knocks, and that’s just something every club has to deal with at this stage of the season – all the other managers will be in the same position and we just have to keep going.”
(Posted: Monday, 16th February 2026)
Harry Lynch admitted he was left with a feeling of two points dropped rather than a point gained after Bangor’s 2-2 draw with Crusaders in the Sports Direct Premiership on Saturday.
The Seasiders were two goals to the good early in the second period after Lynch’s composed penalty five minutes before half-time was added to by Ben Cushnie’s close-range finish four minutes after the restart.
However, it was a Crues storm for much of the remainder of the contest, with Stewart Nixon reducing the arrears on 55 minutes before star striker Fraser Bryden’s spot-kick 13 minutes from time tied things back up.
Gareth Deane was adjudged to have clattered Thomas Maguire in the box, with the Bangor goalkeeper receiving a lengthy spell of treatment, and while he regathered himself to step up and dived correctly on Bryden’s subsequent attempt, it proved his last action as teenager Lawton McMahon entered the fray for the remainder and helped the Yellows see things out.
Bangor also saw appeals for a second penalty controversially waved away when Ben Arthurs was caught from behind in the box by Crusaders defender Lewis Barr while clean through – a no-call Lynch admits he was baffled by – but the teenage defender’s overwhelming emotion was disappointment at the lost two-goal lead, even though it was a welcome end to a run of four straight Premiership defeats.
“No, definitely two points dropped. From being 2-0 up and cruising near enough at the start of the second half, it’s definitely two points dropped.
“It’s an improvement from the past four games, which is good, but we’re not going to be happy at all and we’ll get back onto the training pitch and make sure it’s three next week.
“It’s definitely frustrating, and it should’ve been a penalty to us at the very end – I don’t know what the referee’s seen, maybe someone’s blocking him or whatever, but it was a stonewall penalty.
“Sometimes things aren’t going your way, but we worked hard today – things weren’t going our way but we still managed to get into a 2-0 lead.
“But we’ll be absolutely gutted that we threw it away.”
Impressive 19-year-old Lynch, who has started all 29 of Bangor’s league games this term, did add that it was a consolation that the Seasiders didn’t get reeled any closer to the drop zone.
Lee Feeney’s men now have 32 points to their name, are still eighth in the standings and remain seven points away from the relegation play-off place Crusaders presently occupy.
The Crues had missed two gilt-edged chances to hit the front in the first half through firstly Adam Brooks, who planted into the side netting despite having an open goal to aim at after rounding Deane, and then Finley Thorndike, who almost bagged a brilliant solo goal when he danced his way past a number of Bangor defenders only to place his shot wide of the post.
And though they did hit back when Nixon converted his own rebound after Deane saved his initial header before Bryden’s penalty into the left side of the net, Lynch was pleased by how Bangor handled the pressure.
“We went in looking to at least maintain the gap to the bottom two if not extend it, and when it went to 2-2, we could’ve easily crumbled and it could’ve went 3-2 to them.
“That would’ve been the worst-case scenario, and fair play to the lads, we stuck at it and came out with something at least.
“At least we’re not going home empty-handed, so that’s a positive.”
Saturday’s game marked a swift return to north Belfast, with Bangor having gone down 3-1 to Crusaders’ archrivals Cliftonville at Solitude on Tuesday night and aiming to make amends.
Warrenpoint man Lynch was also keen to make up for a penalty late in the second half that was saved by the feet of Reds goalkeeper Lewis Ridd – and he did just that at Seaview.
After Mark Haughey was upended in the box, Lynch – who has recently taken responsibility from the spot having also scored from 12 yards in the 6-1 defeat to Linfield at Windsor Park last month – had no qualms about stepping up again.
And though Crues goalkeeper Musa Dibaga saved penalties from Arthurs and Cushnie in the sides’ first meeting this term back in August, he was unable to deny Lynch, who placed right into the bottom left corner to put Bangor ahead.
The confident former Glenavon defender insisted he had already told his team-mates he’d be taking the next penalty the Yellows were awarded – and how he made the most of it.
“Yeah, listen, I practise I’d say about 30 penalties with Patrick (Solis Grogan) after training every night.
“I was raging with myself, I couldn’t sleep for the past couple nights because I missed it on Tuesday! But I told the lads I was definitely hitting it if we got one and sort of make up for it.
“Thankfully, I got the chance today and it went in the corner.”
Lynch also saluted Bangor’s steely determination to hold firm after Bryden, who previously hit a hat-trick in that August encounter, marked his return from injury from the bench with the equalising goal here.
He maintained it’s something that is instilled in the squad and insisted it must be the way of things going forward too, starting with a home encounter with bottom team Glenavon next Saturday.
“That’s one thing we’ll never lose because we’re a big team and no one plays for themselves, we all play for each other.
“When things aren’t going well, we work hard to get our points – we’re not just handed them.
“We go out and make sure no team’s coming away walking over us or easily beating us, and I think there’s been maybe two results this year that that’s happened, but every other result, everyone’s gave absolutely everything.
“We’ve worked for every point we’ve got, so hopefully we’ll continue to do that for the next nine games after today.”
(Posted: Monday, 16th February 2026)
JORDAN's MATCH GALLERY | GARY's MATCH GALLERY
Bangor claimed an important point at Seaview on Saturday, drawing 2-2 with Crusaders at Seaview which, although there was a tinge of disappointment from being 2-0 up early in the second period, means they remain seven points clear of the Sports Direct Premiership relegation play-off place.
Tiarnan Mulvenna set the ball rolling for the away side at Seaview, but it was the Crues who had the first chance of the encounter when Elliot Dunlop curled a shot straight at Gareth Deane after having the beating of Iestyn Hughes down the right on three minutes. Stewart Nixon then planted a header well over Deane's crossbar after the ball was crossed in from the right flank.
Crusaders looked to play directly on the counter as Bangor opted for a build-up style, with Crues goalkeeper Musa Dibaga first called into action when he claimed high from Stephen Fallon's cross from the right – the stopper taking a clattering in the process – before Fallon directed a header wide on 22 minutes after Hughes' cross was deflected.
Adam Brooks then turned past the post on 23 minutes, seemingly certain to score after latching on to Harry Lynch's loose backpass and rounding Deane but only finding the side netting at an acute angle, before Ben Cushnie became the first name in the referee's book after catching Lloyd Anderson around the centre circle.
On 30 minutes, Bangor had a close shave when Finley Thorndike danced his way past four or five defenders before contriving to plant low and wide of Deane's post with just the goalkeeper to beat. Fallon then blazed one well over from outside the box as Bangor still searched for a meaningful shot on target in the game – one that came on 36 minutes when Cushnie fired an effort at Dibaga.
But on 40 minutes, Bangor had a gilt-edged chance to break the deadlock – and it was taken. Mark Haughey was upended in the box and, after seeing his penalty saved against Cliftonville on Tuesday night, Lynch stepped up hoping to make amends and duly did so when he slotted low past Dibaga, who dived correctly to his right, into the botton left corner.
Bangor looked to extend their lead, with Arthurs seeing a header saved with 43 minutes gone, while Brooks glanced a header wide from Dunlop in the one minute of stoppage-time as the Seasiders entered the break 1-0 up.
In the second half, a free-kick for Bangor on 48 minutes was the source of the first chance of the half, with Lewis Harrison heading back across the face of goal – but Dibaga claimed to allay the danger. However, the Seasiders did double their lead just a minute later – Reece Neale's long throw hurled into the box where Arthurs flicked into the path of Cushnie, who was free at the back stick, and he slotted into the net.
But on 55 minutes, Crusaders reduced the arrears. A wicked ball into the box from the right was connected on to by the head of Nixon, who forced Deane to pull off an excellent low save, but the rebound fell kindly for the Crues frontman to slot home into the bottom left.
With an hour gone, Crusaders' top scorer Fraser Bryden was introduced to the fray having returned from an injury absence, although it was Dunlop who forced Deane into a superb stop at his near post on 62 minutes in a neat interchange that also involved Bryden and Lloyd Anderson. Stephen McGuinness then replaced Fallon on 65 minutes with Bangor also moving to a back-five.
With 67 minutes played, Bryden angled a shot narrowly over the bar from the edge of the area, but on 73 minutes, Crusaders were awarded a penalty when Thomas Maguire was felled by Deane – who picked up an injury in the process and received a lengthy period of treatment – after he latched on to a long ball forward. Deane got himself up and dived correctly, but he couldn't stop Bryden from putting the ball in the back of the net.
That was Deane's last action, however, as he was substituted off and replaced by Lawton McMahon, while Mick Morgan came on for Cushnie.
On 89 minutes, credible penalty appeals were waved off as Arthurs raced in and looked to have been felled, but the referee was unmoved and booked Hughes for his protests afterwards.
Seven minutes were then awarded in added-time, during which McMahon pulled off a superb save at his near post from Anderson, but Bangor held out valiantly and they clinched a valuable share of the spoils on the day.
BANGOR TEAM:
G.Deane(L.McMahon), H.Lynch, R.Neale, M.Haughey, L.Hassin, L.Harrison, S.Fallon(S.McGuinness), T.Mulvenna, B.Arthurs, B.Cushnie(M.Morgan), I.Hughes.
Subs: L.Francis, R.Garrett, J.Boyd, A.Mitchell
(Posted: Saturday, 14th February 2026)
It’s a second trip to north Belfast in four days for Bangor, albeit the Seasiders will be hoping for better luck this time around when they travel to Seaview to take on Crusaders.
Lee Feeney’s men were defeated 3-1 by Cliftonville at Solitude on Tuesday night but have a chance to make swift amends against the Crues, who are seven points behind their visitors and in the relegation play-off spot.
That makes it a crunch Valentine’s Day contest, with Bangor knowing a win will put valuable breathing space between themselves and the bottom two going into the final two and a half months of the campaign.
The teams share a win apiece from the two meetings at Clandeboye Park earlier in the Sports Direct Premiership season, with Bangor prevailing 2-1 in October thanks to Stephen McGuinness’ winner after Adam Brooks had cancelled out Liam Hassin’s deadlock-breaker.
That came after a Fraser Bryden hat-trick helped Declan Caddell’s Crues emerge 3-1 victors in August – a game Bangor finished with nine men and saw two penalties saved after Ben Cushnie had put them into an early lead.
The Yellows, who are hoping to put to an end a four-game losing run this weekend, will be hoping for more of the former rather than the latter on the Shore Road this weekend given there is much at stake.
Feeney at least saw his options boosted by the return of Mark Haughey from injury, with the experienced defender starting and seeing a goal disallowed against Cliftonville in what was his first appearance since going off at Dungannon Swifts on Boxing Day, with no further fresh concerns of note for the Bangor boss ahead of this important contest when he will hope to send the travelling fans home happy again.
(Posted: Friday, 13th February 2026)
Bangor were unable to make a return to winning ways in the Sports Direct Premiership on Tuesday night as Cliftonville emerged 3-1 victors in the sides’ clash at Solitude.
The Seasiders were behind at the interval thanks to Joe Gormley’s low strike on 41 minutes, and though a Conor Pepper own goal restored parity after Stephen Fallon’s effort deflected in off the Reds man just before the hour, Micheal Glynn had Cliftonville back in front almost immediately afterwards and Brian Healy struck 13 minutes from time to seal the outcome.
It was a frustrating night for Lee Feeney’s men, with Ben Arthurs denied by a stunning goal-line intervention by Jonny Addis while the scores were still goalless before Mark Haughey – back in action for the first time since Boxing Day – saw a goal ruled out for offside and Harry Lynch was denied from the penalty spot, both in the second half of an end-to-end battle.
The result ensures Bangor, who were level on 31 points with Cliftonville prior to kick-off albeit having played four games more, remain eighth-place in the standings ahead of a second trip to north Belfast in four days when Crusaders will provide the opposition at Seaview.
Feeney made four alterations to the team that lost 3-2 to Carrick Rangers at Taylors Avenue seven days earlier, with Haughey, Arthurs, Stephen McGuinness and Iestyn Hughes drafted in, while Jay Boyd, Mick Morgan and Alfie Mitchell all took their place on the bench with Lewis Francis ruled out through injury.
Bangor started well and almost drew first blood on 18 minutes when Arthurs capitalised on a slack backpass by Cliftonville defender Kyle McClelland and rounded goalkeeper Lewis Ridd – but Addis recovered to block the Kircubbin striker’s effort in what would prove to be a crucial intervention as the night wore on.
That was especially so when Cliftonville drew first blood four minutes before the interval. The Reds’ record goalscorer Gormley picked up the ball on the edge of the penalty area, shaping a shot that found its way past the dive of Gareth Deane and into the bottom right corner of the net.
Bangor looked to respond and thought they had done so with 52 minutes played when Haughey turned in from close range, but the veteran centre-back’s celebrations were cut short by an offside ruling.
The Yellows had better luck on 59 minutes when they did level – Fallon’s shot deflecting off Pepper beyond Ridd and into the net – but they were trailing again within moments of the restart as Glynn rifled into the top left corner from about 10 yards out and put Cliftonville back in front.
The Reds came under threat on 69 minutes when Ridd produced an impressive stop to deny Arthurs’ headed attempt, but they extended their cushion eight minutes later when Healy – who they signed from H&W Welders in January and was a familiar foe to Bangor when at Ballyclare Comrades and Newry City in the Championship prior to that – placed beyond Deane for their third of the night.
Bangor were still alive in the contest and had a golden chance to cut the deficit when a penalty was awarded on 84 minutes, but Lynch was denied by the feet of Ridd.
An even later chance emerged when Ben Cushnie broke in behind only to see his outside-of-the-boot effort curl past the post, and that turned out to be the last meaningful action as Cliftonville kept the three points in Belfast.
BANGOR TEAM:
G.Deane, H.Lynch, R.Neale, M.Haughey(M.Morgan), S.McGuinness, L.Harrison(R.Garrett), L.Hassin, S.Fallon(T.Mulvenna), B.Arthurs, B.Cushnie, I.Hughes(A.Mitchell)
Subs: P.Solis Grogan, M.Halliday,J.Boyd
(Posted: Tuesday, 10th February 2026)
Ben Cushnie insists Bangor’s frustrating defeat to Carrick Rangers last week is firmly in the past as the Seasiders refocus themselves for Tuesday night’s trip to Cliftonville in their next Sports Direct Premiership encounter.
Bangor were defeated 3-2 in last Tuesday’s rearranged encounter at Taylors Avenue, and 24-year-old striker Cushnie – who struck early in the second half to level things up at two apiece before Adam Lecky bagged what proved to be the winner for the hosts before the hour mark – is determined to make amends at Solitude.
It’s a finely poised clash in prospect in north Belfast, with the Yellows level on 31 points with the Reds but behind on goal difference having played four games more, and Lee Feeney’s men will be wary of a Cliftonville outfit buoyed by a dramatic 2-1 Irish Cup Sixth Round triumph over Glenavon on Saturday.
Jonny Addis fired home a last-minute winner after the Reds’ record goalscorer Joe Gormley had equalised following Luke McGerrigan’s opener for the Lurgan Blues, and Jim Magilton’s men will be eager to carry that momentum into Tuesday’s encounter.
Bangor, for their part, picked up four points from the two previous meetings of the sides this term at Clandeboye Park, with Cushnie – who has two goals in his last three games and five for the season in all competitions overall – hoping the visitors can capitalise again and pick up what he admits would be a “massive three points” that could lift them into the top six by the night’s end.
“We can’t change the way Tuesday panned out – we’ll take the game at Cliftonville and we’ll go for three points.
“And that’s all we need to do. We know if we can get them, it’ll be a massive three points.”
(Posted: Saturday, 7th February 2026)
Ben Cushnie admits the Bangor players need to take collective responsibility and tighten up defensively across the pitch following Tuesday night’s 3-2 Sports Direct Premiership loss to Carrick Rangers at a wet and windy Taylors Avenue.
The Seasiders were feeling under the weather in a match rescheduled from mid-September when a serious head injury sustained by Carrick winger Paul Heatley caused the game to be abandoned early in the second half.
Though Lewis Francis gave Lee Feeney’s men the lead a quarter of an hour into proceedings, Carrick led at 2-1 half-time, with veteran defender Billy Joe Burns equalising with 34 minutes gone when an indirect free-kick inside the box was awarded after Gareth Deane was ruled to have picked up a backpass by referee Tim Marshall.
Just moments before Burns’ finish, Jay Boyd saw his low shot spectacularly diverted onto the inside of the post by Scott Pengelly’s outstretched boot that would’ve made it 2-0 – but in a harsh reminder of football’s fine margins, Ryan McKay picked out the net from Danny Gibson’s low cut-back two minutes before the interval that totally turned the tide.
Bangor started the second half brightly and pegged it back to 2-2 on 51 minutes as Cushnie fired home after Boyd had used his chest to tee him up, but Carrick grabbed what proved to be the winner six minutes later when Adam Lecky stroked in the rebound after Deane had denied the big striker’s initial header.
It was a tough one to take, and Hillsborough native Cushnie admitted in his post-match views that Bangor had a mountain to climb.
“Yeah, it was a frustrating night… you just can’t really be conceding goals like that and expect to be winning games.
“Listen, Tuesday night, Carrick away, it was never going to be easy but, like I say, when you concede goals like that, you’re putting yourself in a tough situation to start with.
“It wasn’t like us, really – we scored the first goal and it was almost like we scored and then lost our momentum.
“It was the same when we scored our second, we got it in the net for the equaliser, but it looked like we just lost our momentum.
“It’s just like those goals take the sting out of everything you’ve worked for.”
Striker Cushnie added that the entire team will be challenging themselves to improve at the back and took heart from the two well-worked goals Bangor managed.
The 24-year-old placed to perfection after Boyd chested down Reece Neale’s cross from wide on the left and has two goals in his last three matches, coming after centre-back Francis, who was forced off just before the half-hour mark with a hamstring issue, had put Feeney’s charges in front with a drilled effort from six yards out – his second goal of the campaign.
But he says everyone will be placing increased focus in keeping clean sheets and staying tight going forward knowing that they have a spread of goals across the team.
“Yeah, they were two good goals, and we are scoring goals, but we just need to, and it’s not just the defenders or the keepers or whatever, but as a team, we need to tighten up.
“As a team, we need to be conceding less goals and we need to cut out those sloppy moments that hurt us tonight.
“It’s a team effort and we want to try and keep more clean sheets, and you would say that’s one of our strong points as well, you know, we don’t mind sitting back and digging out results and keeping clean sheets.
“That’s what we need to get back to doing, sort of simple things in football and what we do best, just grind things out defensively, plugging gaps and keeping clean sheets because we know we’re always going to score goals.”
With Boyd, Lewis Harrison and Stephen McGuinness all back in action after missing the 2-0 defeat to Coleraine on Saturday through suspension, in addition to on-loan Stephen Fallon who was ineligible to face his parent club, Bangor had a number of bodies back after their depth had been stretched at the weekend.
Cushnie warmly welcomed their returns, but he stressed a depleted panel is no excuse for the Seasiders not to perform on a given day.
“Yeah, 100 per cent, it was good to be able to call a few boys back – they came in and done a good job for us, no doubt about it.
“It’s good to have boys back – we’re still carrying a few niggles and a few injuries, but that’s no excuse.
“We have an 18-man squad there tonight and everyone’s capable of coming on and there’s chances with players being out injured and niggles, you have to take it.”
With Bangor not involved in the Irish Cup Sixth Round, it’s a rare weekend off, with a trip to Solitude to take on Cliftonville in the league next Tuesday the players’ primary focus now.
The Seasiders, who are eighth, are only behind Jim Magilton’s Reds on goal difference, and former Glentoran frontman Cushnie says that clash in north Belfast can’t come soon enough.
“Not now, no (I’m not looking forward to a weekend off)! If we won tonight, maybe, but after that result, you just want to play again.
“You just want to get back on the horse, but listen, we’ll go in and sort of reset and work on things in training and we’ll get back to ourselves.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 4th February 2026)
Bangor were left disappointed in east Antrim on Tuesday night as Carrick Rangers emerged 3-2 victors in the sides' rescheduled encounter in the Sports Direct Premiership.
Ben Cushnie set the ball rolling for Bangor at a wet, cold Taylors Avenue, but it was Carrick who enjoyed the game's first opportunity – and it was a good one as well as Danny Gibson raced from his own half and let fly only for Lewis Francis to hook over his own crossbar with Gareth Deane seemingly beaten.
Bangor went right up the other way after and a Francis header from a Reece Neale long throw caused problems, as a handball shout inside the box against Carrick defender Billy Joe Burns fell on deaf ears. On 12 minutes, Gibson was again denied after his Carrick strike partner Adam Lecky played him through, with Deane coming off his line to save with his feet.
But on 15 minutes, Bangor drew first blood. A long throw by Reece Neale was recycled and the same player crossed back into the danger zone, Lewis Harrison's initial shot was blocked but Francis was in the right place at the right time to drill a powerful shot past Scott Pengelly into the net.
Afterwards, the Seasiders kept up the pressure as firstly Ben Cushnie placed a shot just past the top right corner, before Mick Morgan only just failed to connect to an enterprising ball in behind the line. On 26 minutes, there was a break in action with Francis needing a spot of treatment, resulting in the goalscorer being replaced by Kyle Owens in an early substitution.
Gibson headed wide from a Carrick free-kick shortly before the half-hour mark, while Cushnie planted a curling effort into the arms of Pengelly before the Carrick goalkeeper then denied Harrison from range. Boyd was then desperately unlucky on the stroke of the half-hour – his shot tipped onto the inside of the post by Pengelly's boot after Morgan played him in.
Carrick then had a chance from an indirect free-kick after Deane was ruled to have picked up a backpass – and they made the most of it. The ball was blocked initially, however Burns got on the loose ball and placed it into the net on 34 minutes to level the scores back up.
And with two minutes to go until half-time, Carrick took the lead. The hosts got up the pitch through Gibson down the left and played into the box, firing low, and Ryan was in position in the box to slide the ball into the net past Deane – and that proved enough for the hosts to go into half-time with a 2-1 advantage.
At half-time, Iestyn Hughes and Stephen McGuinness came on for Mick Morgan and Alfie Mitchell in a double change for Bangor as the second half restarted – and on 51 minutes, the Seasiders were back on terms. Reece Neale's ball wide on the left was chested by Boyd into the path of Cushnie, and he drilled past Pengelly into the bottom left to level it up at two each.
Gibson was next to put the ball in the net – albeit from an offside position – on 55 minutes, but two minutes later, Carrick did retake the lead. Lecky had a header initially denied by Deane, but he was first on the rebound and slid past the Bangor goalkeeper to restore the lead to 3-2.
Owens saw an on-target header from a free-kick gathered by Pengelly as Bangor looked to work back into the contest, but Harry Lynch had to be alert as a tantalising low ball had to be cleared away midway through the second half. A substitution saw Ben Arthurs sprung from the bench to replace Stephen Fallon, offering an extra body up top on 70 minutes.
Reece Neale was replaced by Robbie Garrett on 75 minutes as the game became scrappy approaching the last quarter of the contest, with Carrick having the next chance of the contest when Aidan Steele couldn't get a touch on Gibson's low cross after Deane had got a good palm.
In three minutes of stoppage-time, Bangor struggled to pose a threat and the full-time whistle sounded with Carrick keeping the three points in Taylors Avenue.
(Posted: Tuesday, 3rd February 2026)
Michael Halliday believes Bangor can take confidence going into Tuesday night’s big Sports Direct Premiership encounter with Carrick Rangers knowing that a number of key men will return to the fold.
The Seasiders head to Taylors Avenue to face the league’s in-form team at the moment, with Carrick winning each of their last three Premiership matches against Cliftonville, Dungannon Swifts and Portadown and scoring 12 goals in the process.
Prior to that, they also defeated Cliftonville on penalties to win the County Antrim Shield at Seaview – their first major trophy in over three decades – and are unbeaten in six since they were heavily beaten 7-0 at home to Glentoran on January 3.
This match is rescheduled from mid-September when the game was abandoned early in the second period after Carrick’s Paul Heatley suffered a serious head injury following a collision with the perimeter wall at the east Antrim venue.
Bangor were 1-0 up at the time, and Lee Feeney’s men will harbour ambitions of finishing the job against Stephen Baxter’s side – and they’ll welcome back Lewis Harrison, Stephen McGuinness, Tiarnan Mulvenna and Jay Boyd from suspensions as well as Stephen Fallon, who was ineligible to face parent club Coleraine at the weekend.
Halliday believes having those bodies back available is a major boost to the Yellows’ hopes as they look to kickstart an important February on a high note.
“I think we’ll get boys back on Tuesday, they’ll be fresh hopefully – we’ve come through against Coleraine without too many injuries.
“Hopefully, we’ll be back to full strength as much as we can be on Tuesday.”
On a personal note, Halliday couldn’t hide his delight after making his first Premiership appearance as a Bangor player in the Seasiders’ 2-0 home defeat to Coleraine on Saturday.
At the age of 46 years, eight months and four days old, the evergreen striker was brought off the bench as an 82nd-minute substitute to a warm applause from both the home and away ends, ensuring he followed in Ben Arthurs’ footsteps by playing for Bangor in four different divisions since his arrival in the summer of 2018.
Glentoran legend Halliday outlined it was his aim at the start of the season to contribute in some way to Bangor’s first Premiership season since 2008/09 – a campaign he ended as a title winner with the Glens – and he couldn’t wipe the smile off his face afterwards knowing he had ticked off something that felt like a pipe dream when he first joined the club in the Ballymena and Provincial League.
“It felt good to come on, it felt good to get on the pitch – the aim at the start of the year was to contribute in some way, I knew I wouldn’t be involved in many squads on matchday.
“But I’m just happy to be about these boys, and if I get a chance to get on the pitch, then that’s great.
“It’s nice to get a Premier League game under the belt, especially at this age, so regardless of what happens, at least I can say I ended it as a Premier League player.
“It’s been a good adventure – when I joined Bangor, they were obviously in the depths, and just to say I’ve played for them in every division, it’s a nice thing to be able to say.
“It meant a lot coming on today, and I hope it’s not the last time – hopefully I’m involved somewhere else down the line, but we’ll see.”
On Saturday’s game itself, Halliday admitted Coleraine were worthy winners on the whole.
Matthew Shevlin broke the deadlock with a powerful finish just after the half-hour – Bangor were unfortunate to be down to 10 men at the time while stand-in captain Reece Neale was receiving treatment for a gash to his head – and midfielder Ben Wylie plundered Coleraine’s second shortly before half-time.
A bandaged Neale forced Bannsiders stopper Ryan Schofield to spectacularly tip a shot onto the top of the crossbar in first-half stoppage-time, but Halliday was quick to acknowledge and praise Coleraine’s quality.
“It was a tough game, Coleraine are a good side.
“Maybe from our point of view, we were down to 10 men and we gave away probably a poor goal and the second goal could’ve been avoided.
“But I think Coleraine were the better side on the day, they’re a good side and it was just one of those things.
“On another day, we maybe could’ve held them out and got a draw, but we know that we were under-strength today and they played well enough probably to win the game.
“But we’ll move on now to Tuesday – at the start of the year, we probably could’ve only dreamed of being in the position we’re in, some people didn’t give us a chance.
“But it’s a huge game against Carrick on Tuesday and these are the ones we need to pick up three points in and, hopefully, we can keep putting the points on the board and getting up the table a bit.”
(Posted: Monday, 2nd February 2026)
We’re delighted to confirm that Oisin Devlin has completed a transfer to Bangor.
The 19 year old midfielder, currently sidelined through injury, has already made 15 appearances this season during his loan spell from Larne and has now signed a contract with the Seasiders until the summer of 2028.
We would like to place on record our thanks to Larne for their assistance in this transfer.
(Posted: Monday, 2nd February 2026)
GARY's MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN's MATCH GALLERY
It was a defeat for Bangor in their final game of January as Coleraine emerged 2-0 winners at Clandeboye Park in the sides' Sports Direct Premiership encounter.
Bangor set the ball rolling through Ben Cushnie – one of four alterations to the hosts' starting line-up on the back of his goal in the 2-1 defeat at Larne last time out, alongside Liam Hassin, Robbie Garrett and Alfie Mitchell – and the Seasiders offered a threat early on when Reece Neale's long throw just couldn't get a concrete connection to trouble Coleraine goalkeeper Ryan Schofield.
On eight minutes, Ben Arthurs was unlucky not to direct Reece Neale's free-kick from the left on target as it inched past Schofield's left-hand post, while two minutes later, Coleraine midfielder Dylan Boyle's long ball was just out of reach of striker James Akintunde as the ball was gathered by Gareth Deane.
Bangor's bright start continued when, on 13 minutes, Cushnie just couldn't keep his shot down after Ben Arthurs had chested down Iestyn Hughes' well-placed ball from the right, while on 15 minutes, Deane was called into action for the first time in earnest when he parried Joel Cooper's effort past the post – and though Mark Connolly headed in the resulting corner, it was immediately ruled out for a foul in the penalty area.
A scramble around the box on 21 minutes caused a few problems for Deane, who initially made the parried save before Cooper planted the subsequent effort just wide – with the aid of a deflection – with Coleraine's subsequent corner cleared by the Bangor defence..
There was then a stoppage in play while Neale was treated after going down in the box following a corner, and shortly after play restarted, Coleraine took the lead. Following a bouncing ball, Matthew Shevlin connected to it about 10 yards from goal and quickly had his bearings about him to rifle past Deane into the bottom left corner.
Coleraine almost doubled their lead 10 minutes later when Cooper darted in behind down the right and poked the ball beyond an off-his-line Deane, but Lewis Francis was on hand to pull off a crucial goalline clearance and ensure it remained a one-goal game – but it didn't stay that way for much longer.
Cooper initially was denied by Deane but Ben Wylie was quick on the scene and redirected the ball back towards the Bangor goalkeeper's net, and he plundered home Coleraine's second right on the stroke of 45 – and though a now-bandaged Neale cracked the top of Schofield's crossbar in four minutes of additional time, it was an advantage the Bannsiders maintained until the break.
Shevlin set the ball rolling for the away side, with Coleraine happy to be in possession of the ball as clear-cut chances were at a premium – though Bangor were a tad unfortunate on 54 minutes when Francis' glancing header from Neale's free-kick trickled out of play as he searched an option. Liam Burns and Ross Ferguson – recalled from respective loans at Dundela and Lisburn Distillery earlier this week – then replaced Robbie Garrett and Arthurs.
Coleraine's first shot of the half came just before the hour when Mark Coyle – the former League of Ireland-winning captain the Bannsiders signed from Shelbourne this month – dragged wide of the post, with Deane motioning to cover his base. Coleraine then made a change of their own as Jamie McGonigle replaced Akintunde.
Cushnie became the first player to enter the book for a sliding lunge midway through the half, while Coleraine added further reinforcement in the form of full-backs Levi Ives and Lyndon Kane, who replaced Dean Jarvis and McDonald with 20 minutes left.
On 77 minutes, Reece Neale fired a rasping volley wide after a left-sided corner was only half-cleared as far as the edge of the box, and then with eight minutes to go, there was a first Premiership appearance in yellow and blue for 46-year-old Michael Halliday – he replaced Cushnie for his first top-flight feature in 4669 days.
With two minutes of normal time, Cooper placed a low shot past Deane's left-hand post as the Bangor goalkeeper dived to cover his corner, with Ben Walker and Blake Matier coming on for Morgan and Hughes in the Seasiders' final two changes on the stroke of 90 minutes. In three additional minutes, there was no change in score as Coleraine saw out the three points in the end.
BANGOR TEAM:
G.Deane, R.Neale, H.Lynch, L.Francis, A.Mitchell, R.Garrett(L.Burns), L.Hassin, M.Morgan(B.Matier), B.Arthurs(R.Ferguson), B.Cushnie(M.Halliday), I.Hughes(B.Walker)
Subs: P.Solis Grogan, K.Owens
(Posted: Saturday, 31st January 2026)
Lee Feeney admits Bangor’s home clash with second-placed Coleraine this weekend will be even tougher than usual – but he has vowed that the Seasiders will leave it all out there in an effort to get back to winning ways.
The Kilkeel supremo is navigating numerous injuries and suspensions going into Saturday’s home Sports Direct Premiership encounter with the Bannsiders, who Bangor previously defeated 2-1 back in October.
Jay Boyd and Ben Arthurs hit the net to put Bangor into a 2-0 half-time lead at Clandeboye Park – incidentally, Coleraine’s on-loan goalkeeper on the day, Aidan Harris, was named on Newcastle United’s bench for their Champions League trip to Paris Saint-Germain this week – and while Harry Lynch was sent off for a second yellow just after the interval and Zane Okoro reduced the arrears before the hour, the Yellows held out for a memorable victory.
But it looks to be a taller order for Feeney this time around given four players – including captain Lewis Harrison, who was sent off in last Friday’s 2-1 loss at league leaders Larne – are serving bans, a number of others are nursing injuries and Stephen Fallon is ineligible to face his parent club having joined Bangor on loan from Coleraine at the start of the month.
Ruaidhri Higgins’ Coleraine, boosted by the attacking exploits of Joel Cooper and Matthew Shevlin – who each netted in the Bannsiders’ 2-0 win over Bangor at The Showgrounds last month and have 29 league goals between them – will be keen to set the record straight following October’s reverse.
But Feeney insists seventh-placed Bangor won’t be lacking in effort and will still have the drive and determination to try and win out.
“It’ll be another tough game and it’s an added challenge for us, how we navigate and work around these suspensions and injuries.
“But we’ll prepare in our usual way and we’ll give all we can to try and get a positive result.”
(Posted: Thursday, 29th January 2026)
Three Bangor players have departed the club on loan deals for the remainder of the season this month.
In our monthly loan review, let’s take a look and see how they have been settling in at their new sides…
Ben Walker has seen plenty of game-time since making the move on loan to Dundela for the remainder of the campaign.
The left-back was introduced by Clifford Adams for his Duns debut as a 65th-minute substitute in their 3-0 Irish Cup Fifth Round defeat to Cliftonville at Solitude and has since started all three of the Wilgar Park side’s subsequent Playr-Fit Championship outings to date.
Walker played the full 90 minutes in a 3-0 home defeat to Loughgall and in their most recent outing, a 1-1 draw with Queen’s University, while he featured for 84 minutes in Dundela’s 2-1 defeat at Institute in between.
Having spent last season on loan at Warrenpoint Town where he was a member of the South Down club’s Premier Intermediate League-winning squad, Bangor native Walker linked back up in the summer and was on the bench for the Seasiders’ 4-0 Sports Direct Premiership defeat to Ballymena United in August.
Shortly after, however, the 20-year-old was set back after unfortunately suffering a broken foot on Bangor Reserves duty that ruled him out for three months, returning at the end of November and putting in a series of consistent performances for the Reserves prior to arriving at the Duns.
Walker – a product of Bangor’s Academy who has made 36 senior appearances since initially returning to the club on loan from Larne in the summer of 2023 – has managed to build up some early momentum in east Belfast that he will be keen to maintain.
Liam Burns has made a bright start to life at Dundela having made the temporary switch on loan for the remainder of the campaign.
Assigned the No.40 shirt for the Duns, crafty midfielder Burns has been named in the starting line-up in each of their last two Playr-Fit Championship encounters.
The former Linfield Swifts captain played 85 minutes on his debut in the Duns’ 2-1 defeat to Institute at the Brandywell Stadium, then he went on to play the full 90 as he helped Clifford Adams’ side to a 1-1 draw with Queen’s University at Wilgar Park.
Belfast teenager Burns joined Bangor from the Blues over the summer and has showcased his talent for both the Reserves and the first-team.
The 19-year-old made 10 senior appearances for Bangor in total, registering two assists in that time including on the opening day of the season as his well-taken free-kick was put on a plate for Mick Morgan to head home the Seasiders’ third goal in the 3-1 win over Cliftonville.
Burns also appeared as a substitute in both Bangor’s respective trips to Linfield in the Sports Direct Premiership and Irish Cup Fifth Round this month prior to embarking on his temporary spell away to further his development in the men’s game.
Burns will have designs on continuing his upward trajectory at Dundela, who are next in action on Saturday afternoon when they travel to Holm Park to take on Armagh City.
Ross Ferguson last week joined Lisburn Distillery on loan for the rest of the season – and it’s fair to say that his debut couldn’t have gone much better.
The midfielder played the full 90 minutes in an emphatic 6-0 Playr-Fit Premier Intermediate League victory for the Whites over Coagh United on Saturday afternoon.
Ferguson, who initially rose through the Bangor youth ranks and rejoined the Seasiders in the summer after two years with Larne, was hailed as “magnificent” by Distillery manager Lee Forsythe after the win.
That’s a standard the 19-year-old will be eager to maintain at New Grosvenor as he continues to build up his experience in men’s football during the rest of the campaign.
Groomsport native Ferguson had featured regularly for Bangor Reserves as well as making four appearances for the first-team during the opening half of the season – including in the 4-1 League Cup success over Distillery at Clandeboye Park back in October.
With Distillery next in action on Saturday when they travel to Portstewart, Ferguson will bid to keep his place in the starting line-up and continue to build on his fine start going forward.
(Posted: Tuesday, 27th January 2026)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney praised his players’ character to fight back in the second half and keep Larne honest in the Seasiders’ battling 2-1 defeat at Inver Park on Friday night.
The Seasiders boss admitted he was disappointed with a first half where the league-leading Invermen largely dominated proceedings, with Scottish striker Andy Ryan’s double sending them 2-0 up at the half-time break.
But after a dressing room debrief and a triple change during the interval, Bangor came out much-improved and halved the deficit just seven minutes after the restart as Ben Cushnie finished off a neat one-two interplay with Tiarnan Mulvenna.
Visiting captain Lewis Harrison’s dismissal following a second bookable offence on the hour mark didn’t help Bangor’s cause, but Feeney took pride in his players’ spirit during the rest of the contest and felt they still had enough in the tank to nick a point.
It ultimately wasn’t quite to be for the Yellows, but the Kilkeel supremo was heartened by his charges’ second-half fightback and maintained it was nothing less than he expected.
“I was disappointed with the first half, we were dominated – I thought we were poor, we just gave them too much respect and room to play.
“We got in at half-time and had a chat and, to be fair, we made a few changes, rolled our sleeves up and we were a lot better in the second half.
“We caused them problems, we managed to get the goal and I thought we were unlucky not to come away with something.
“It was disappointing with Lewis being sent off as well, I think it would’ve been a different dynamic to the end of the game being 11-v-11 but, in saying that, with 10 men, we dug in defensively and we were always in the game.
"But I always knew we would get a response – I genuinely don’t think there’s a team in the league with the character that we have, and we showed a lot of character to get back into the game.
“We were in it right to the end – I was proud of the character and we were disappointed at the end not to come away with something.”
That Bangor’s half-time deficit wasn’t greater had much to do with an inspired goalkeeping performance from Gareth Deane.
The Lisburn native’s first-half highlights reel included an astonishing fingertip save to push away Leroy Millar’s header, as well as a strong stop from Jordan McEneff’s long-range shot.
There was a slice of good fortune on the stroke of half-time when Ryan missed out on the match ball by a matter of inches when his first-time strike cracked off the inside of the post and away.
Feeney praised 31-year-old Deane’s performance on the night while also hailing how Patrick Solis Grogan’s impressive displays while the former was sidelined throughout late November and December showcases the immense strength of the Bangor goalkeepers’ union.
“That’s because of Patrick – the way he’s been performing, he’s been pushing Deanesy and that’s a sign of two good goalkeepers pushing each other.
“Deanesy has been superb since he’s come back in, and he’s had to be because Patrick was playing so well while he was out and he’s had to raise his game because of that.
“We want to have competition for places in our squad, and for me, that’s really good to see.”
Feeney was pleased to see Cushnie get on the scoresheet – the striker’s third league goal of the season and first since the 4-1 win at Portadown in September – but believes Bangor can improve their efficiency in the final third.
He also called for a greater spread of goals in the team, which he has seen of late with Harry Lynch converting from the penalty spot in the 6-1 defeat to Linfield prior to Stephen Fallon’s match-winning header against the Ports last weekend – both players’ first goals for the club.
“We need more goals across our team, and I’m pleased for Cush that he managed to get on the scoresheet.
“I’ve said this to the players that everyone needs to chip in with more goals and spread the load, and that’s true for the players up top but it’s also true for the players in the middle of the park and in defence as well.
“We need to be more clinical in the final third in terms of taking our chances, sometimes the final ball’s been off and we’re too wasteful – we should have more goals than we have.
“We’ve had a really good shape about us defensively over the past couple of weeks and the players have put their bodies on the line, so that’s something we want to build on.”
Feeney was also left to count the cost on a night when defenders Reece Neale and Iestyn Hughes were withdrawn at half-time due to injury.
Fifth yellow cards of the season for Mulvenna, Stephen McGuinness and Jay Boyd mean they join Harrison on a long suspension list for next Saturday’s home match with second-placed Coleraine, with Fallon naturally ineligible to face the club he is on at Bangor from.
To that end, the Seasiders boss felt the Friday night kick-off against the full-time Invermen put his side at a disadvantage – a point he echoed when Bangor travelled to Coleraine on a Friday night last month.
“I’ve said it in every interview I’ve done about the whole full-time, part-time debate on Friday nights, it’s difficult for us.
“We have players who are finishing a hard day’s work at five o’clock and they’re having to basically come straight to the ground from work in their work clothes or they haven’t ate, they don’t get a rest.
“Then in the game, you get tired challenges and niggling injuries, and that’s something that people don’t see – that wouldn’t happen on a Saturday.
“That’s not the reason why you win or lose the game, but we had it up at Coleraine as well and it’s a frustration from my point of view.”
(Posted: Saturday, 24th January 2026)
Bangor put up a brave fight at Inver Park but were ultimately beaten 2-1 by Sports Direct Premiership leaders Larne on Friday night.
The Seasiders found themselves two goals behind at the break thanks to Andy Ryan’s brace for the hosts, with Ben Cushnie replying shortly after the interval to halve the deficit.
But having picked up a point from their first trip to the east Antrim venue back in October with a highly creditable 1-1 draw, there was no reward for Lee Feeney’s charges to bring home on this occasion.
Bangor also saw captain Lewis Harrison sent off for a second bookable offence on the hour mark that means he will miss next week’s encounter with Coleraine at Clandeboye Park as focus now turns to that duel with the Bannsiders.
Feeney made just a single change from the Bangor line-up that saw off Portadown on home soil last Saturday, with top scorer Ben Arthurs restored to the starting line-up having nursed a slight knock in recent weeks – he replaced Jay Boyd up top.
Larne entered the game eight points clear at the Premiership summit and on a 15-game unbeaten run in league play – and their opening 45 minutes reflected their strong form.
Gareth Deane was much the busier of the two goalkeepers and pulled off a raft of fine stops to keep Ryan and Jordan McEneff at bay.
But the Invermen got the opener they were probing with 20 minutes gone. Aaron Donnelly played a cross-field pass that fed Ryan, who had got on Reece Neale’s blind side, in on goal, and he kept composed to fire past Deane and break the deadlock.
From there, Larne continued to probe, with Deane pulling off a spectacular fingertip save to stop Leroy Millar’s header from finding the back of the net.
However, the hosts weren’t to be denied eight minutes from half-time when Ryan struck for his second of the night; Tomas Cosgrove floating in a cross from deep on the right which the Scottish striker used his head to connect to, towering above Iestyn Hughes at the back post and picking out the bottom left corner.
Chasing a hat-trick, Ryan came within inches of the match ball when he got on the end of Millar’s tantalising low cross towards the edge of the box, with his first-time effort striking the inside of the post before trickling away.
Bangor needed a spark in the second period, and Feeney – who made a triple substitution at the break – got it within seven minutes of the restart.
A neat flowing move culminated in a slick one-two between Ben Cushnie, one of those three introduced, and Tiarnan Mulvenna, with the latter feeding the former to bear down on goal.
Cushnie showed aplomb to pick out the bottom right corner past a rooted Rohan Ferguson and halve the deficit for his third league goal of the season.
That provided a fresh injection, but Bangor’s mountain nevertheless got a little bit steeper when Harrison was dismissed by referee Mark Dillon on the hour.
He lunged in on Larne’s Sean Graham, who was advanced on the left, and caught him late – a challenge for which he was shown his second yellow having previously been booked in the first half.
From there, Larne pushed forward and searched out a third goal, with Paul O’Neill placing wide with just Deane to beat before the same player was superbly denied by a goal-saving block from impressive young defender Alfie Mitchell.
Ultimately, no more goals were forthcoming in the contest and Bangor had to settle for a defeat, with Ruaidhri Higgins’ Coleraine to come at home next Saturday afternoon.
BANGOR TEAM:
G.Deane, H.Lynch, R.Neale(A.Mitchell), L.Francis, S.McGuinness, L.Harrison, S.Fallon(L.Hassin), M.Morgan(B.Cushnie), B.Arthurs(J.Boyd), T.Mulvenna, I.Hughes(R.Garrett).
Subs: P.Solis Grogan, K.Owens
(Posted: Friday, 23rd January 2026)
Bangor have already taken a point against Larne at Inver Park this season and that means there’s no reason why the Seasiders can’t get another positive result at the east Antrim venue this Friday night, says Mick Morgan.
Lee Feeney’s men managed a highly creditable and dogged 1-1 draw with the Invermen in October when Ben Arthurs’ early opener was cancelled out by a Conor McKendry equaliser shortly after the hour mark.
Having also narrowly lost to Gary Haveron’s side with a changed team in the BetMcLean Cup at the start of November – Arthurs, sprang off the bench on that occasion, made it a nervy finish after Tiarnan O’Connor’s second-half double helped secure a 2-1 win for Larne – there is sufficient evidence to back up Morgan’s claim.
Larne are in formidable form, however, having gone on an impressive 15-game unbeaten run that has them sitting eight points clear at the top of the Sports Direct Premiership standings with a game in hand on second-placed Coleraine – while those aforementioned Arthurs finishes remarkably make up two-thirds of the total number of goals they have conceded at home all season.
That makes for a formidable assignment for Bangor but, buoyed by a crucial 1-0 victory over Portadown last time out courtesy of Stephen Fallon’s header on the hour mark, 20-year-old Morgan is taking further heart given key players are returning to fitness, including midfielder Oisin Devlin – ineligible to face his parent club this weekend – who came on as a substitute against the Ports after a couple of weeks out injured.
The Glenavy man also spoke about boosting his own goal haul having scored just the once this term back in the opening-day victory over Cliftonville in August, but he has chipped in regularly with assists and is eager to enjoy better luck in putting the ball in the back of the net for himself.
“One hundred per cent, we’ve already managed to get a result up there this season, so there’s no reason why we can’t do it again.
“And we’re getting players back in, Oisin Devlin’s back after a couple of games out, I don’t think Liam Hassin’s too far off either, so we’re getting players back and the squad’s looking good. We’ve obviously brought Stevie Fallon in as well.
“Everything’s there, we just probably need to, and Feeno keeps saying it about adding more goals across the team, and it’s probably a big one for me, to be fair. I’ve probably been a bit unlucky so far this season.
“But I think if we just keep defending the way we have been, we’ll maybe get that stroke of luck and the top end of the pitch and get a couple of goals and, by all means, we can get a result on Friday night.”
Posted: Thursday, 22nd January 2026
New signing Iestyn Hughes says playing a part in writing another glorious chapter in Bangor’s modern history was the main driver behind his call to make the move to Clandeboye Park.
The Welsh defender was sold by Seasiders boss Lee Feeney’s vision as well as the club’s Irish League revival over the past eight and a half years, and he insists all of that factored into his decision to put pen to paper on a deal until the end of the season.
Hughes has settled in well and made an impressive debut from right wing-back in Bangor’s 1-0 home win over Portadown at the weekend – his first taste of Northern Ireland football.
The 23-year-old, originally from the town of Flint in north Wales, had previously played for Cobh Ramblers in the League of Ireland First Division having been drafted in by former Glentoran manager Mick McDermott last summer, representing South Shields in the National League North in England prior to that.
Now the former Manchester United and Leicester City youth player is hoping to keep shining in yellow and blue and help seventh-placed Bangor finish as high up the Sports Direct Premiership table as possible.
“It’s been good, the lads have been great to be fair and it’s a lovely area, so I’m enjoying it.
“I spoke to the gaffer and he sold the club and what they want to do and the plans going forward, so I’m happy to be here and, hopefully, I can contribute and help us push up the league now.
“I think staying in the league would be a big thing for the club from where they came from in the past few years.
“They’ve had a few promotions and it’s their first time in this league for a while, so I think it’s a club that’s pushing in the right direction and, hopefully, we can change the goals to push even higher now.”
On paper, Hughes has been thrown in at the deep end given Bangor’s next two fixtures are away to impressive league leaders Larne and at home to second-placed Coleraine – though the Seasiders did pick up four points from six in the corresponding fixtures back in October.
But the Wales youth international, who has been capped for his country up to Under-21 level, insists he is relishing those tests will use those games to show how good he can be.
“It’s a tough start, but they’re the teams you want to play against in this league.
“You want to show what you can do against those teams and hopefully get results against them.”
Assessing the performance against Portadown, Hughes – in competitive action for the first time since Cobh Ramblers’ season ended in October – felt Bangor were worthy winners.
The defender showed few signs of rust with several neat touches and dangerous crosses going forward before being substituted off for teenager Alfie Mitchell on 74 minutes.
By that stage, Stephen Fallon had put Bangor in front with a glanced header on the stroke of the hour and, indeed, it was Hughes who ultimately forced Ports goalkeeper Aaron McCarey to turn behind for the corner from which the midfielder scored.
The Seasiders had the greater of the goalscoring opportunities in the contest prior to moving ahead and kept a solid shape in defence to hold on to what they had – something Hughes is hopeful can continue in the weeks and months ahead.
“I thought it was a good performance against Portadown, we probably could’ve scored a few more to be fair.
“We had a couple of occasions where the final ball maybe wasn’t quite there, but I thought we played well.
“I don’t think we really created much after going ahead, but then anything can happen with set-pieces and that, but we had a good shape about us and it was obviously good to keep a clean sheet as well, so I’m happy with that.
“I thought it was a good game – I think the first half was a bit scrappy, but playing against Portadown, that’s what we expected.
“But I think we done well to get the win, obviously a good three points to help us get closer to the top six and then it’s a big game on Friday against Larne, which will be a tough one.
“I thought I played quite well – I was struggling a bit towards the end but that’ll come in after a few games while I adjust, so I’m happy with the win and the performance today.”
(Posted: Tuesday, 20th January 2026)
Mick Morgan says he took added satisfaction from Bangor’s ability to come through the heat of battle and emerge with three hard-fought points from their Sports Direct Premiership duel with Portadown on Saturday.
The Seasiders began the day level on 28 points with their visitors in a meeting of seventh and eighth at Clandeboye Park, but Stephen Fallon’s flicked header from Reece Neale’s corner on the stroke of the hour proved enough to lift Lee Feeney’s men above the 30-point marker in the league standings.
It was a gruelling clash, and Morgan knew it would be a testing physical assignment against Niall Currie’s Ports, but the 20-year-old striker was pleased to come away with the spoils with Bangor having picked up seven points from nine against the Mid-Ulster outfit so far this term.
“Yeah, it was a good win – it was probably important to get three points there because we were level on points with Portadown going into the game.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game, we knew it was going to be a battle, they like to play a physical game.
“But we worked hard, we like to play at home, we were well set up and, yeah, it’s just a brilliant three points.”
Bangor enjoyed the greater of the chances in the contest, with Morgan twice denied in the first period thanks to strong saves from impressive Portadown goalkeeper Aaron McCarey, while captain Lewis Harrison glanced a header off the post from a textbook Neale corner.
Neale saw a rasping drive parried away by McCarey, while Ben Arthurs was also kept at bay by the former Glentoran stopper as he turned behind for the corner from which Fallon got the decisive goal.
Indeed, Portadown almost nicked a point at the death when substitute Rabby Minzamba’s effort from the edge of the box clipped the top of Gareth Deane’s crossbar, but Morgan felt it was a deserved three points for Bangor in the end.
The Glenavy man also revealed Fallon wasn’t even meant to be in the penalty area when Neale swung the ball in but was glad the Coleraine loanee’s front-post run paid dividends.
“We don’t seem to do things the easy way! I had two chances from outside the box in the first half the keeper saved, Lewis Harrison hit the post and we had a couple other chances.
“But at the end of the day, we didn’t really look like we were under that much pressure, other than when they hit the crossbar with the last kick of the game.
“I don’t think they really challenged Deanesy, I don’t think Deanesy really had a save to make – they put it up to us physically, but we defended well and we got the goal in the end.
“It was a good goal, it was a brilliant delivery from Reece and then Stevie wasn’t even meant to be in the box!
“Just the last second, he turned to me and said ‘you sit out’ and he ran straight in and he’s ran to the front post and got a good head on it and flicked it on, so it was a brilliant goal.
“And again, they didn’t really cause us any issues – you’ve seen it all season, we’re happy enough to sit in and defend, and I thought we done that perfectly today.”
Morgan speaks from experience when he says it’s ideal for a January arrival to hit the ground running, and he’s been hugely impressed by what he’s seen from long-time former Linfield midfielder Fallon.
Having struck four goals in his first five games for Bangor when he switched from Ballyclare Comrades 12 months ago, Morgan has backed Fallon to keep showing his quality and help the Seasiders enjoy an impressive end to the campaign.
“Yeah, it’s brilliant to get a goal early on – I was able to get two in my first three when I joined last year.
“So, it’s good for Stevie to settle down – he’s a brilliant player, he’s one of the best players in the league when he’s fit, he’s been unlucky with injuries and he’s coming here to get that fitness back again.
“As long as he can show his quality, which he has in the games he’s played, it’s a brilliant addition for us and, hopefully, he can help us push into the top six in the rest of the season.”
On the topic of the top six, Bangor are only outside it on goal difference as they are perched level on points with Cliftonville – albeit the Reds have two games in hand – while they’re still eight points ahead of Carrick Rangers in the relegation play-off spot with Stephen Baxter’s side having won 4-1 at Solitude on Saturday.
It’s a good position to be in for Feeney’s charges, but Morgan retains a game-by-game focus and is in confident mood ahead of Friday night’s trip to Premiership leaders Larne.
“I didn’t know that actually that we’re now level on points with Cliftonville, I think they’ve a couple of games in hand to be fair.
“But we’re just taking it game by game, that’s all you can do.
“We’ve a big one next week, Larne away on Friday night – we’ve done well against Larne every game we’ve played against them, we’ve been unlucky with the results and they’ve scored a few cracking goals against us.
“But defensively, how we’ve set up, we’ve caused them some issues and, all being well, we’ll be able to get a result and just keep going and just keep taking it one game at a time.”
(Posted: Monday, 19th January 2026)
Bangor FC has appointed former Northern Ireland internationals Rory Hamill and Ashley Hutton as the new management team at Bangor FC Ladies.
Rory will take on the role of Manager and Ashley as Assistant Manager.
Rory brings a wealth of experience from an outstanding career at both club and international level. Having represented Northern Ireland as a full international, he played for Bangor FC among other Irish League clubs and has since developed his coaching credentials within Bangor Swifts women's academy.
Ashley, also a former Northern Ireland international, brings extensive experience and understanding of the women's game that will play a key role in the development of the squad.
Bangor FC Chairman Graham Bailie welcomed the appointments: "We are delighted to welcome Rory and Ashley to Bangor FC Ladies. Rory's pedigree as a former international player speaks for itself, and his vision for the team aligns perfectly with the club's ambitions.
"Having Ashley alongside him, with her own international experience and commitment to the women's game, strengthens the coaching team significantly. This is a major step forward for Bangor FC Ladies, and we are excited about the future."
Speaking on his appointment, Rory Hamill said: "I'm really pleased to be joining Bangor FC Ladies as manager. The club has strong foundations and ambition, and I'm excited about the opportunity to help drive the team forward in the NIWFA Championship.
"Women's football is growing at a significant pace, and I'm passionate about creating a positive, competitive environment where players can develop, enjoy their football, and perform at the highest level. Having Ashley alongside me is a real asset, and together we're ready to hit the ground running." Ashley Hutton added: "I'm thrilled to be joining Bangor FC Ladies and to be working alongside Rory. The club has a clear vision for the women's game, and it's exciting to be part of that journey.
"I'm looking forward to supporting the players, helping them develop, and contributing to a positive and competitive environment."
Rory replaces Chris Dougan who stepped down as manager at the end of last season.
Graham concluded: "The Board and I would also like to thank Chris Dougan for everything he did at Bangor Ladies and we wish him well in the future."
The new management team will begin work with immediate effect as preparations continue for the upcoming season.
(Posted: Sunday, 18th January 2026)
GARY's MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN's MATCH GALLERY
Bangor’s matchwinner against Portadown Stephen Fallon admitted watching the Seasiders’ impressive adaptation to life back in the Sports Direct Premiership made it a no-brainer when the opportunity arose to join up for the rest of the campaign.
Having arrived on loan from Coleraine until the end of the season, the crafty midfielder has already made a big difference, with his glancing header from Reece Neale’s corner on the hour mark proving enough to overcome the Ports 1-0 at Clandeboye Park on Saturday.
Belfast man Fallon’s decisive contribution helped Bangor move beyond the 30-point marker with Lee Feeney’s men only outside the top six on goal difference – and it’s a standard that he intends to maintain.
The 28-year-old won every major trophy during a distinguished eight-and-a-half-year spell at Linfield, including six league titles, before making the move to the Bannsiders last summer.
He made his debut off the bench in the 6-1 Premiership defeat to the Blues at Windsor Park on January 3 before making his first start against the same opponents seven days later in a 1-0 Irish Cup loss, following that up with a goal on his home debut that ensures Bangor remain eight points away from the relegation play-off spot.
Although injuries have proved disruptive for Fallon in recent years, he was easily convinced by Bangor manager Lee Feeney to make the temporary move to North Down and is already enjoying the fruits of his loan.
“Yeah, I’m happy to be here – I spoke to the manager and the team’s been doing really well this season.
“So, coming in, it was a no-brainer for me to come here and try and get in the team and try and get minutes and see where we go from there.
“I just want to help any way I can, really. I’ve had a disappointing couple of years, and any experience that I have, I hope it can help.
“But the boys have done unbelievably and, obviously, we hope we can continue to give a good account of ourselves going forward and push on.”
Fallon, who also enjoyed a spell across the water at Swansea City as a teenager, admits those injuries mean he has arrived at Bangor with a point to prove.
He’s keen to work hard and earn his place in Feeney’s team, which he has done early on, and he’s being carefully managed by the Bangor manager having played for 60 minutes in both his starts to date.
“Yeah, 100 per cent. I’ve definitely got a point to prove.
“I’m not coming here expecting to play – I have to earn my spot and there’s plenty of good midfielders in the team as well.
“So, hopefully, I can keep my place in the team and help us progress and help us try and have a strong end to the season.”
Describing his style of play, Fallon takes pride in being an all-action, hardworking midfielder capable of contributing both going forward and in defence.
Those are attributes the Bangor fans enjoy seeing in players, with former Northern Ireland youth international Fallon also guaranteeing 100 per cent effort any time he takes the field.
“I’m energetic, I like to get on the ball, I always try and give 100 per cent.
“That’s what you can say about me, I’ll try and give my best every time I’m on the pitch and, hopefully, that’s good enough.
“I’ve watched Bangor from the outside, I don’t really know too many of the boys but any time I’ve been a part of opposing teams, it’s always been a difficult game at Bangor.
“So, I’m delighted to be here and, hopefully, we can have a good second half to the season.
“Just game-time is what I’m hoping I can get, just get back involved again and hopefully get games, get minutes, see where we go from there and how high up the table we can finish.”
Fallon – who played more than 200 times for Linfield – has enjoyed working with Feeney and being part of a welcoming changing room.
The former St Oliver Plunkett Academy player hadn’t worked with the Bangor boss before but says he has been well looked after by the Kilkeel chief since his arrival in North Down.
As one of the more experienced heads at a club with a lot of young talent in it, Fallon is also quickly building relationships in a dressing room that comprises former Linfield team-mates including Gareth Deane, Mark Haughey and Robbie Garrett.
“He’s been good, I didn’t really know Lee before, this is my first time working with him and, yeah, he’s good to work with, he’s been good to me.
“It’s a good group of lads as well, it’s a good mix with the younger ones and older ones, it’s a good changing room to be a part of.”
(Posted: Sunday, 18th January 2026)
A home debut winner from Stephen Fallon proved enough for Bangor to claim a crucial three points in the Sports Direct Premiership, overcoming Portadown 1-0 at Clandeboye Park to move north of 30 points in the table.
Two minutes in, Harry Lynch almost put a ball in for Jay Boyd to latch on to – he had managed to spin Portadown defender Lewis MacKinnon to get in at goal – but the ball was just out of the striker's reach before Aaron McCarey gathered the ball.
Debutant Iestyn Hughes had his first real contribution when he whipped in a tasty outswinging cross that was just out of Boyd's reach on eight minutes, while on 22 minutes, Reece Neale sent a rasping shot on target that forced McCarey to punch around the post – and there was a moment of anxiety for the Portadown stopper as he dropped Neale's resultant corner only for the shot to sail over.
With 24 minutes gone, Lewis Harrison drew a low claim from McCarey as he let fly from outside the box, while an acrobatic effort from Eamon Fyfe a couple of minutes later registered as Portadown's first shot of the game – Gareth Deane got good hands on it.
Shortly after the half-hour, Mick Morgan called McCarey into action as his rising effort was palmed past the post before Harrison's header from the resultant corner got a flick from Jay Boyd that was excellently stopped at point-blank range by McCarey. The goalkeeper was keeping Portadown in it and he then pulled off another strong stop to deny Morgan again.
James Teelan fired wide for Portadown as he rescued a Fyfe cross at the back post on 37 minutes, while in the one added minute of stoppage-time, Stephen Fallon fired past the post as the ball fell kindly from a half-cleared corner – the last action of a goalless first period.
Ben Arthurs replaced Boyd during the half-time break to join Morgan up top – making his 250th competitive appearance for the club – and the second half took a while to ignite with little by way of chance creation.
However, on 59 minutes, Arthurs latched on to Stephen McGuiness' low cross with McCarey getting a hand on it to get it behind – and from the resultant corner, Bangor broke the deadlock. Neale whipped it in and Fallon got a glancing header on it that took it past McCarey and into the back of the net on the hour.
It proved Fallon's last meaningful act with the midfielder and Morgan being replaced by Oisin Devlin – returning from injury – and Ben Cushnie.
Portadown looked to offer a reply as Fyfe curled a free-kick over the crossbar, while they also made a double change midway through the half as Ben Quinn and Jordan Gibson replaced James Teelan and Jack Scott – with Bangor continuing to push.
Rayhaan Tulloch game on in a further alteration as he replaced Gideon Tetteh on 72 minutes, while debutant Hughes – who had put in a good shift from right wing-back – made way for Alfie Mitchell in Bangor's third change of the afternoon.
The Ports won a corner high on the left as Mitchell's header out was latched on to, but Bangor won a free-kick from it as they looked to defend their advantage. Mulvenna drew a routine claim from McCarey from a free-kick on 82 minutes as he tried to double the Seasiders' advantage.
There was a bit on anxiety when Harry Lynch's headed backpass forced Deane to overextend more than he'd have liked to claim the ball with four minutes of regulation time to go, while Arthurs called McCarey into action with 89 minutes gone as the Portadown goalkeeper saved at his near post.
The game entered three minutes of added-time during which Bangor looked to hold their lead, but they still had a bit of attacking edge as Cushnie's cross near the byline forced Luke Wilson to head behind for a corner. It was kept in the corner – but Portadown broke and almost levelled in the last second as Tulloch hit the bar. And that was that as Bangor held out for a precious three points.
BANGOR TEAM:
G.Deane, H.Lynch, R.Neale, L.Francis, I.Hughes(A.Mitchell), S.Fallon(O.Devlin), L.Harrison, T.Mulvenna, J.Boyd(B.Arthurs), M.Morgan(B.Cushnie), S.McGuinness.
Subs: P. Solis Grogan, R.Garrett, K.Owens
(Posted: Saturday, 17th January 2026)
Liam Burns has joined Dundela on loan for the remainder of the season.
The 19 year old midfielder, who will join up with fellow Seasider Ben Walker at Wilgar Park, will continue his development in the Championship before returning to Clandeboye Park for next season.
We wish Liam the very best for his spell with the Duns.
(Posted: Saturday, 17th January 2026)
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Bangor assistant manager John Douglas preferred not to focus as much on moving above the 30-point marker in the Sports Direct Premiership standings and more on simply scooping up the three on offer ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Portadown.
The Seasiders are at Clandeboye Park for the first time in 2026 when they entertain the Ports in a finely poised encounter, with Bangor – perched on 28 points – only above their visitors on goal difference in a meeting of seventh versus eighth.
Douglas knows Portadown manager Niall Currie well given the pair were Bangor team-mates early in the millennium, and the former midfielder was keen to praise the ex-Yellows stopper on the job he has done at Shamrock Park.
But Douglas oversaw Bangor’s superb 4-1 win at the Co Armagh venue in September as Lee Feeney served a touchline ban, with a 1-1 draw following at the same ground in November, and the assistant boss is hoping this weekend’s hosts can clinch three more points in the first top-flight meeting of the sides in 30 years.
The Belfast man believes the players are confident after an improved performance in defeat to Linfield in the Irish Cup last Saturday which will stand them in good stead for their return to league commitments.
“The approach that we always have is to take it one game at a time and try and pick up as many points as we can.
“Although we were disappointed to lose the game (against Linfield), I think the players were coming out of the changing room really confident after producing a big improvement from the previous week.
“Portadown are a top side, Niall Currie’s done a brilliant job there – I think we saw that from the two games that we played up at Shamrock Park earlier in the season, and it’s going to be another really tough game against them back on our home pitch.
“Our focus is just on the next game in front of us and we’ll do our best to go and pick up the three points.”
(Posted: Friday, 16th January 2026)
A warm welcome to our latest signing Iestyn Hughes.
The former Wales U-21 international has joined the Seasiders for the remainder of the campaign, having spent the first half of the season with Cobh Ramblers.
A right sided defender, Hughes has played for South Shields after progressing through the youth system at Manchester United before a spell with Leicester City.
Welcome to Clandeboye Park, Iestyn
Posted: Thursday, 15th January 2026
Both Tom Mathieson and Paul Osew have left the Seasiders.
Mathieson leaves Clandeboye Park after three and a half years in which time he was part of the squad who won two league titles and secured a return to the top flight, while summer signing Osew made five appearances for the Seasiders.
We thank both Tom and Paul for their contributions while in yellow and blue, and wish them well for the next steps in their careers.
Posted: Tuesday, 13th January 2026
Assistant manager John Douglas felt a single lapse in concentration late in the first half was the only blot on a much-improved Bangor performance against Linfield at Windsor Park on Saturday.
Returning to the site of a 6-1 Sports Direct Premiership defeat seven days earlier in the Irish Cup Fifth Round, the Seasiders exited the competition but with their pride intact after a spirited 1-0 loss to the Blues at the international venue.
Isaac Baird’s glanced header a minute before half-time proved enough to settle the issue in favour of David Healy’s side, but Douglas took plenty of positives from the visitors’ display.
The assistant supremo felt the experience of playing at Windsor Park in the league stood to Bangor, who held firm defensively in a first half of precious few clear-cut opportunities until Blues midfielder Baird got free in the box to place beyond his former Glenavon team-mate Gareth Deane in the Yellows goal.
With penalty shouts for a handball against Linfield defender Ethan McGee shortly after the deadlock-breaker waved off, Douglas – in addition to manager Lee Feeney and the rest of the bench – was also adamant a spot-kick should’ve been awarded, but the popular former Bangor midfielder was full of praise for the response to going behind in the second period.
“Yeah, I thought we were a lot better than what we were last week.
“I think it helped the players having the experience at Windsor Park – some of the players were playing there for the first time and sometimes it can absorb you, it can get on top of you with the size of the stadium, et cetera.
“We all had things we could take away from it and learn, and I thought we put in a much-improved performance across the pitch.
“I didn’t think Deanesy had an awful lot to do, he looked confident, and probably the only downside for us is that we had one lapse of concentration and we were punished for it.
“The goal was a disappointing one to concede on our behalf – we worked on set-pieces on Thursday and I didn’t think we were too troubled from those sorts of situations in the game except for that one just before half-time.
“Linfield played the corner short and sent a good ball into the box, Isaac Baird got free and he gets a glancing touch and it’s into the bottom corner, which was frustrating for us.
“We had a big shout for a penalty as well – I thought it was a clear handball in the box and I felt there were other decisions in the game that didn’t fall for us, so that was frustrating as well from our point of view.
“But apart from that lapse in concentration, we didn’t give too much away, we had a good shape, we were well-organised and caused them problems going forward at times as well.
“I thought we responded really well to going behind and into the second half – we know the mentality our players have, we stayed solid and stayed in the game, so that was pleasing.”
Ben Arthurs, who was introduced off the bench, had two big opportunities to haul Bangor level, firstly finding himself one-on-one only for Linfield shot-stopper Chris Johns to grab at his feet after a heavy first touch before placing a header from Tiarnan Mulvenna’s inch-perfect cross wide of the post.
Douglas admits they were big moments in the game before going on to praise an excellent collective display in midfield from Mulvenna, Lewis Harrison – back after missing the league game through suspension – and ex-Blues favourite Stephen Fallon, who made his full debut for Bangor after joining on loan from Coleraine.
“Ben had those two big chances – his first one was just his second touch, he knocked it in front of him and it had too much on it and he wasn’t able to get the second contact.
“The second, I think he maybe wasn’t sure of his bearings and he headed it wide of the post – both those chances came from great balls by Tiarnan Mulvenna, who I thought was super.
“Lewis Harrison had a good game as well and we obviously had Stephen Fallon in there, who we got a good 55 or 60 minutes out of and who I think adds that bit of quality that I feel we need in there once he’s up to speed.
“We need to manage him – he’s coming off the back of a run over the past few years where he’s struggled with injuries, but I think it’s about helping him enjoy his football again and he can really add a touch of quality in there.”
As for the Seasiders’ focus going forward, it is single-minded with only the league to concern themselves with for the remainder of the campaign.
Douglas has backed Bangor to take the learnings from the Windsor double-header into their Premiership commitments going forward, starting with Saturday’s first home game of 2026 against Niall Currie’s Portadown.
“We’re fully focused on the league now, and I think there’s a lot of things we can take away from the performance and carry forward in the coming months.
“Our goal is to pick up as many points as we can and have a successful rest of the season and make sure we stay in the league, that’s our main priority.
“I think there’s a lot of positives you can take from coming up to the home of the champions, the biggest club in the country, and frustrating them and causing them problems on the day.
“We’ll take the learnings from these two games and build on them going forward – that’s something positive I felt we showed, and we’ve a lot of big games coming up now where we’ll look to pick up the three points.”
(Posted: Sunday, 11th January 2026)
GARY's MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN's MATCH GALLERY
Bangor exited the Irish Cup at the Fifth Round on Saturday but restored pride by putting in a much-improved performance from last weekend's 6-1 defeat to Linfield in the league in a 1-0 loss to the same opponents at Windsor Park.
Tiarnan Mulvenna set the ball rolling for the visitors, though it was Linfield who enjoyed the first opportunity of the afternoon on three minutes – and they arguably should've done better. Striker Matt Yates got free in the box and connected to Dane McCullough's delivery from the left, but he planted his header wide of Gareth Deane's post.
Besides that, the opening 10 minutes were extremely uneventful as chances came at a premium at both ends, with Linfield making one change to their line-up from last week's league encounter as Isaac Baird replaced Chris McKee while Deane, Jay Boyd, Lewis Harrison – both back from suspension – and Stephen Fallon came into the Bangor side.
Bangor's first sight came on 15 minutes came courtesy of a nice worked break down the left involving Stephen McGuinness and Tiarnan Mulvenna, with the pair playing a give-and-go and the former crossing low into the Linfield box, albeit dragged into an area where there were no Bangor bodies to pick the ball up.
On 23 minutes, a tame Yates attempt was straight at Deane, who safely accounted for the danger, with the game then going through another spell of limited chance creation before Mulvenna blocked a Josh Archer attempt from distance on the stroke of the half-hour.
With 36 minutes gone, Charlie Allen had a go and was denied by a crucial near-post block by Harry Lynch, with the resulting corner cleared away by Deane under pressure in the box, while another delivery in from Kyle McClean was well held again by Deane a couple of minutes later.
On 43 minutes, Fitzpatrick got on the end of a neat layoff from Isaac Baird and drew the save at the near post from Deane – but from the resulting corner, Baird got free in the box and glanced a header into the bottom right corner that saw the Blues head into the interval a goal to the good.
Alfie Mitchell replaced Jack O'Mahony in a half-time switch for Bangor, and after a tame start to the opening period, the Seasiders made an attacking double change when Ben Arthurs and Ben Cushnie were introduced – but not before Fitzpatrick tested Deane with a glancing header on 57 minutes.
Fallon and Boyd were the players to come off, with Stephen McGuinness going into the book shortly after for a foul on Allen. Linfield then made a triple substitution that saw captain Jamie Mulgrew enter the fray for the hosts.
On 68 minutes, Arthurs got clean through and had a presentable one-on-one look at goal, but a poor first touch let him down with Chris Johns coming out to gather at the Kircubbin striker's feet. Fitzpatrick thought he had a similar chance up the other end 10 minutes later but was denied by the offside flag.
Arthurs placed a close-range header wide from Mulvenna's cross on the inside right before Robbie Garrett and Liam Burns entered the fray for Mick Morgan and Stephen McGuinness on 80 minutes. Arthurs then saw appeals for a penalty waved away shortly after when he went down under pressure from East.
There was almost a hairy moment for Johns when Cushnie intercepted his kick-out and the ball spiralled in the air, with the Linfield goalkeeper just about rescuing the situation, while Lynch saw a rasping attempt from the edge of the box well-held by Johns with 87 minutes played.
The game entered four minutes of added-time, Bangor applied some pressure with Deane even coming up for a corner, but it wasn't to be for the Seasiders as the focus now turns to the league and next Saturday's first home game of 2026 against Portadown.
BANGOR TEAM:
G.Deane, R.Neale, H.Lynch, L.Francis, T.Mulvenna, S.McGuinness(R.Gerrett), S.Fallon(B.Cushnie), L.Harrison, J.Boyd(B.Arthurs), M.Morgan(L.Burns), J.O'Mahony(A.Mitchell)
Subs: P.S.Grogan, K.Owens
(Posted: Sunday, 11th January 2026)
After last Saturday’s 6-1 defeat to Linfield in the Sports Direct Premiership, Bangor manager Lee Feeney maintains that he and the players owe it to the supporters to put in an improved performance on their return to Windsor Park in the Irish Cup Fifth Round this weekend.
It’s the second meeting with the Blues and a second trip to the south Belfast venue in seven days where Bangor will look to reach the Sixth Round of the long-standing competition for a fourth successive season, and Feeney admits he is determined to see a response.
A Harry Lynch penalty registered as a consolation in the wider scheme of things last Saturday when Charlie Allen, Matt Yates, Matthew Fitzpatrick (2) and Chris McKee (2) got the goals for David Healy’s side.
But Feeney was heartened by the support provided by the 320 Bangor fans in the away end, and having steered the Yellows to a historic first semi-final in 19 years in last season’s Irish Cup, the Kilkeel supremo is adamant that it will be a closer contest this time around.
“Absolutely – we’ve got the opportunity to bounce back and put on a better performance than what we showed last week.
“The supporters came out and backed us, they stayed behind to clap us off and they know how much effort the players are putting in and they know they’ll see an improvement.
“We brought a big crowd with us and I really hope those supporters come out again and give us that level of backing again.
“It’ll be a closer game, I can promise you that, and we’ll go out and try and get through to the next round.”
Posted: Thursday, 8th January 2026
Lee Feeney poured praise on the large Bangor support and pledged they can expect better next week following the Seasiders’ heavy 6-1 defeat to Linfield at Windsor Park on Saturday.
There were more than 300 people who turned out to back those in yellow and black at the south Belfast venue at the weekend as the defending Sports Direct Premiership champions ran out convincing winners, providing support that warmed the heart of the Kilkeel chief.
Linfield strikers Matthew Fitzpatrick and Chris McKee – his second from the penalty spot – both struck braces after half-time, where David Healy’s Blues led 2-0 thanks to goals from Charlie Allen and Matt Yates, with Harry Lynch registering Bangor on the scoresheet after he coolly converted from the spot to make it 4-1 just before the hour mark after Ben Arthurs was felled by Fitzpatrick in the box.
With Bangor playing an unfamiliar 4-4-2 formation that saw Stephen McGuinness and Jack O’Mahony as wide players in the middle bank, Feeney admitted he made a misjudgment in that respect but believes the Yellows will be much-improved when they return to Windsor for next weekend’s Irish Cup Fifth Round duel.
“Firstly, it was very, very pleasing to see the amount of supporters that turned out – I thought they were outstanding.
“It was very pleasing to see, and they didn’t deserve that result.
“It was a difficult day for us and I take responsibility – I set us up in a shape that we weren’t familiar with, that we hadn’t used this season, and it probably unsettled the players.
“I thought we could’ve done better defensively, we weren’t as solid as we usually are and it felt like every time they attacked, it was going to end up in a shot on target or a goal, so we were disappointed with that.
“I can’t fault the players – the effort was there right to the end, the application was there, but we were missing that bit of quality that you need in games like that.
“We did have chances, but we weren’t ruthless with them the way they were ruthless.
“They created chances and they took them, and there were some chances we had that we should’ve done better with.
“But this 6-1 hammering won’t do us any hurt at all – sometimes results like these can be good for you, you can get a reaction, and next week, I promise you, it’ll be a closer game.”
It’s Bangor’s biggest margin of defeat of the season, but Feeney’s outlook in terms of how his players can respond is unchanged – he believes they will bounce back and be better.
“Bouncing back from defeats is something we’ve done well in over the past couple of years.
“I feel like every time we’ve had a setback over the past few years, we’ve gotten better and become a better team, and that’s helped get us to where we are now.
“This is a day we’ll learn from and we’ll be better for it – everyone, me, the coaching staff and the players.”
The Bangor boss gave first-team action to a number of young players at Windsor Park, with two 17-year-olds in centre-back Alfie Mitchell and striker Blake Matier coming off the bench.
Defender Mitchell made his second Premiership appearance when he was introduced for the unfortunate Caomhan McGuinness, who was withdrawn after only 38 minutes having picked up an injury on his first start since the 3-0 loss to Linfield at Clandeboye Park back in late September, while tall frontman Matier entered in place of Mick Morgan in the second half for his senior debut.
Former Linfield midfielder Stephen Fallon also made his first appearance in Bangor colours off the bench, replacing O’Mahony a day after confirmation of the 28-year-old’s loan move from Coleraine.
Feeney’s options were depleted with Lewis Harrison and Jay Boyd both suspended and Mark Haughey, Liam Hassin, Oisin Devlin and Ben Cushnie all absent too, but he said Mitchell and Matier have earned their chances to shine.
“Alfie’s only 17 and he’s a first-team player, he’s been training with the first-team all season, and Blake’s been training with the first-team recently because of his excellent performances for the 20s this season.
“They’re not just in the squad for the sake of it – they’ve earned their minutes, they earned them at Windsor Park, and I had no issue putting them into a situation like that because I know they can stand up to it.
“It was disappointing with Ceevo going off. He’s not really had a break with injuries since the start of the season, which is a shame because I think he’s one of the most talented players at the club and he was one who I thought was Premiership-ready at the start of the season.”
Feeney, however, does not attribute the defeat to players being missing and reiterated that he will be hard at work to devise a game-plan that enables Bangor to make it a much closer contest against Linfield next week.
“It’s true that we were missing players with injury and suspension, we were missing maybe six starters when you look at it overall, but listen, every club has to deal with that around this time of year.
“I trust every player that we have to go out and perform, and as much as we’d like to get a few bodies back – and we’ll hopefully get a few back next week – we’ve got a good squad.
“So, I don’t put that defeat down to us being short of players – I put that down to the tactics and me getting the shape wrong, that was the main thing.”
(Posted: Sunday, 4th January 2026)
GARY's MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN's MATCH GALLERY
It was a difficult day at the office for Bangor as Linfield emerged 6-1 winners at Windsor Park in the sides' first game of 2026 in the Sports Direct Premiership.
Linfield's stand-in captain Kyle McClean set the ball rolling for the home side and they had an early chance from a corner down the left, which Lewis Francis headed clear at the near post.
Three minutes in, Bangor had their first shot of the day when Ben Arthurs just couldn't the power on Jack O'Mahony's deep cross from the right, while Stephen McGuinness' inswinging cross shortly afterwards was just too deep for Arthurs to get a connection.
Linfield had a shot on 11 minutes that was fired well over the bar by Chris McKee after former Bangor loanee Sean Brown's looping cross was only half-cleared, while on 15 minutes, Matthew Fitzpatrick saw a tame header easily gathered by Patrick Solis Grogan.
Linfield did draw first blood on 16 minutes, though. Fitzpatrick broke down the right and laid off a cut-back towards the back stick and – courtesy of a couple of decoys – the ball fell for Charlie Allen at the back stick and he took a few touches to set himself before slotting in
And two minutes later, they doubled up. It was Matthew Yates who hit the net as he rifled into the right side of the net – with protestations of offside falling on deaf ears as Linfield made it 2-0 and left Bangor with a mountain to climb.
On 32 minutes, though, Bangor were nearly back in it. A neat interchange also involving Arthurs and Mick Morgan set Tiarnan Mulvenna in behind and he knocked the ball past Johns, but Linfield defender Euan East was back and rescued the situation for the home side before Arthurs could nip in.
Teenager Alfie Mitchell then came on for Caomhan McGuinness, who picked up an injury on 37 minutes, after Robbie Garrett had picked up a yellow card from referee Declan Hassan for a foul near the Linfield technical area. Morgan followed him in the book after sliding in on East from behind.
On 41 minutes, Stephen McGuinness had a shot on goal with his right foot after Arthurs had chested down Reece Neale's cross from the left, with his shot going wide of Johns' goal. Then on 45, a one-two between Mulvenna and Arthurs allowed the latter in behind only for McGee to make a crucial last-ditch intervention to put behind for a corner – Mulvenna's ball coming from behind.
In four minutes of stoppage-time, Morgan planted a tantalising ball from Harry Lynch just wide of the post as Bangor ended the first half strongly, albeit with a two-goal deficit.
Bangor kicked things off for the second period, but it didn't get any easier as the Blues added a third. A ball in behind was sent in from Matthew Fitzpatrick that Reece Neale got his head on, but it was only into the path of Chris McKee and he was clean through to slot in past Solis Grogan to make it 3-0.
Bangor continued to push, though, and Lynch saw a low shot cleared off the line by East on 55 minutes after O'Mahony supplied the pass – but a minute later, Linfield added their fourth. Bangor got caught playing out and Fitzpatrick took advantage to slam in.
The Seasiders got a golden chance to get back – and it was taken. After Arthurs was hauled down in the box, Lynch took responsibility and placed a composed penalty into the left side of the net past the dive of Johns, who had guessed correctly, with 58 minutes gone.
With an hour played, Solis Grogan showed a strong arm to deny McClean after he had got in behind to have a shot, while Mulvenna was denied by Johns having done well to get a shot on target from a free-kick on the left with 62 on the clock.
Bangor make a double change which saw two Bangor debuts – former Linfield midfielder Stephen Fallon, whose loan move from Coleraine was confirmed on Friday, and youth striker Blake Matier, who made his senior bow having shone for the Reserves. They replaced O'Mahony and Morgan on 68 minutes.
On 71, Solis Grogan was on the right place to claim Isaac Baird's header from a right-sided corner, while Neale made a superb last-ditch tackle shortly after to stop McKee in his tracks. But on 74 minutes, Linfield got a penalty – Stephen McGuinness adjudged to have handballed – and he picked out the bottom left with Solis Grogan rooted.
Shortly after, Fitzpatrick doubled his own personal tally and made it 6-1 to the Blues and that made the outcome of a formality for the hosts.
Garrett let fly from 20 yards, with the shot not troubling Johns, before Paul Osew and Liam Burns came on in a late double change for Garrett and Stephen McGuinness for the dying embers. Arthurs then powered a header wide from a tasty Mulvenna corner on the left flank on 84 minutes.
Solis Grogan saved from Sam Taylor after he had cut inside on 87 minutes, while Callumn Morrison fired wide as he tried to side-foot past the post. With two minutes of stoppage-time played, the match ended with Linfield 6-1 winners as Bangor focus their attention on next week's trip back to Windsor Park for the Irish Cup Fifth Round encounter.
BANGOR TEAM:
P. Solis Grogan, H.Lynch, R.Neale, L.Francis, C.McGuinness(A.Mitchell), S.McGuinness(P.Osew), T.Mulvenna, R.Garrett(L.Burns), M.Morgan(B.Matier), B.Arthurs, J.O'Mahony(S.Fallon).
Subs: G.Deane, T.Mathieson
(Posted: Saturday, 3rd January 2026)
Bangor FC are pleased to confirm the arrival of Stephen Fallon as the club’s first signing of the January transfer window.
The 28-year-old central midfielder joins on loan for the rest of the season from Coleraine, whom he joined in the summer having previously enjoyed a decorated and trophy-laden eight-and-a-half-year spell at Linfield.
The Belfast native – who also enjoyed a spell across the water in the youth ranks of Swansea City – won six league titles, three League Cups, two Irish Cups and a County Antrim Shield in his time at Windsor Park prior to agreeing a pre-contract move to the Bannsiders last year.
A dynamic presence in midfield who made more than 200 appearances for Linfield as well as representing Northern Ireland up to Under-19 level, Fallon has built up a strong reputation in the Irish League as an all-rounded player on both sides of the ball though in recent years has found his game-time more limited due to injury.
Bangor manager Lee Feeney rates Fallon highly and described his arrival as a statement of intent that “this is the calibre of player” he wants to attract to the club moving forward.
“This is the calibre of player that we want to attract to Bangor Football Club – Stephen’s been one of the best midfielders in the league over the past number of years.
“He’s coming into an environment that we think will suit him. We believe we can bring the best out of him and we’re keen to get him playing on a consistent basis.
“He’s a quality player – he’s a box-to-box midfielder, he’s intelligent, he’s won this league and, as I say, this is the calibre of player that we want to attract to Bangor moving forward.
“We’re excited to work with him and I’m looking forward to seeing him out on the pitch.”
Welcome to Bangor, Stephen!
Posted: Friday, 2nd January 2026
Bangor head to Windsor Park on Saturday afternoon hoping to make it a happy start to the New Year when they take on Linfield.
The first of a double-header against the Blues, with Bangor quickly headed back to the south Belfast venue for an Irish Cup Fifth Round encounter next weekend, Lee Feeney and his players’ priority on this occasion is to pick up three more points in the Sports Direct Premiership.
The Seasiders enter the game on a high on the back of Tuesday night’s 2-0 home win over Ballymena United, sealed courtesy of a Daniel Lafferty own goal and a Lewis Francis strike either side of half-time, that made it a strong end to 2025.
Bangor, who sit seventh in the standings with 28 points from 22 matches, will now look to back that up by making it a good start to 2026 against David Healy’s reigning Premiership champions – albeit who have lost their last three matches.
Linfield were beaten 3-1 by Coleraine at the Ballycastle Road Showgrounds on Tuesday, in itself coming on the back of a 1-0 Boxing Day derby defeat to Glentoran and a 2-1 loss at Mourneview Park to Glenavon, and will be keen to hit back quickly.
They will also be targeting a clean sweep of pre-split victories over Bangor given the Blues came out on top in both meetings at Clandeboye Park – a 1-0 win in a tight contest back in November courtesy of Matthew Fitzpatrick’s second-half finish adding to their 3-0 victory back in September.
But the Seasiders also know that three points this weekend could see them move into the top six and within four points of their fifth-placed hosts – and, more importantly, build further daylight from the relegation places.
Feeney will also be boosted by the return of former Linfield Swifts captain Reece Neale after he served a one-game ban for an accumulation of cautions on Tuesday, though skipper Lewis Harrison will miss out on Saturday after he picked up his fifth yellow card of the league season against Ballymena.
Jay Boyd also remains suspended after his straight red card following the full-time whistle in the Boxing Day defeat to Dungannon Swifts, though Caomhan McGuinness is building up his fitness having appeared off the bench in each of the last two matches following a three-month spell on the sidelines.
Former AFC Wimbledon wide-man Paul Osew, another who has recently overcome injury disruption, was also introduced as a substitute on Tuesday – his first league appearance since the 4-1 victory over Portadown back in mid-September – while Mark Haughey and Ben Cushnie are also hoping to return to action as soon as possible following recent knocks.
(Posted: Thursday, 1st January 2026)
Bangor signed off for 2025 on a high note after overcoming Ballymena United 2-0 at Clandeboye Park to claim three crucial points in the Sports Direct Premiership.
The Seasiders returned to winning ways against the team directly below them in the standings, with 10 points now separating Lee Feeney's men from the relegation spots after other results on the night also favoured them.
The Bangor boss found his squad more depleted than usual with Mark Haughey absent through the injury he picked up early on in the Boxing Day defeat to Dungannon Swifts, Reece Neale suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season and Jay Boyd banned following his red card after the full-time whistle at Stangmore Park.
But Bangor showed their staying power on home soil, with Mick Morgan and Stephen McGuinness coming into the starting line-up in place of Neale and Haughey and impressing in a convincing victory over Oran Kearney's Sky Blues.
An early change in midfield saw Oisin Devlin replaced by Robbie Garrett in the middle of the park, with chances following for Garrett, Morgan and Lewis Francis before Bangor broke the deadlock three minutes before half-time.
McGuinness sent a ball across the face of goal and, with a slew of bodies in the box, it was former Northern Ireland defender Danny Lafferty who got the decisive touch as he turned past Sean O'Neill into his own net to put Bangor ahead.
Bangor had a chance to double their lead on 57 minutes when referee Louise Thompson awarded a penalty – United's Stephen O'Donnell having upended Morgan in the box – but O'Neill was Ballymena's most impressive performer on the night and repelled Ben Arthurs' penalty.
It was a short reprieve, though, as Bangor doubled their advantage just four minutes later. Lewis Harrison sent a deep cross into the box that was flicked on by Morgan into Francis, and he fired in from close range to net his first goal since his return to the seaside in the summer.
Morgan and Arthurs were further denied by O'Neill, but the most important thing was that Bangor held out for the three points – and they did so, moving back up to seventh place and also keeping their second clean sheet of the season to make sure of a happy end to the calendar year.
BANGOR TEAM:
P. Solis Grogan, H.Lynch, L.Hassin(C.McGuinness), L.Francis, S.McGuinness, O.Devlin(R.Garrett), J.O'Mahony, L.Harrison, B.Arthurs, M.Morgan(L.Burns), T.Mulvenna(P.Osew)
Subs: G.Deane, , M.Halliday, A.Mitchell
(Posted: Tuesday, 30th December 2025)
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Lewis Francis insists Bangor are fully focused on ending 2025 on a high when Ballymena United visit Clandeboye Park on Tuesday night.
The centre-back is keen to bounce back quickly following the Boxing Day defeat to Dungannon Swifts last time out by picking up three points against the Sky Blues – an important game between the respective eighth and ninth-placed sides in the Sports Direct Premiership table who are separated by a single point.
With Ballymena under new management since their last-gasp 3-2 win in the teams' previous meeting last month – Jim Ervin having been replaced by long-time former Coleraine supremo Oran Kearney – it's a different challenge for Lee Feeney's men against an outfit buoyed by their 2-0 Boxing Day victory over Coleraine in their most recent outing.
The first of back-to-back trips to Windsor Park to take on Linfield – in the league on Saturday and then in the Irish Cup seven days later – follow, but 21-year-old defender Francis is primarily concerned with a win on Tuesday and using it as a platform to make further forward strides.
"Yeah, definitely, we want to end the year on a high – the games are coming thick and fast now.
"We've Ballymena, then Linfield – we'll just look at Ballymena, we're in on Monday morning, we'll enjoy the weekend.
"To be fair, I think it's fair to say it's been a good season so far, and for us, it's just about not resting on what we've done so far to kick on even more.
"Friday won't define our season, it's about getting back on the horse and picking up the points."
Posted: Monday, 29th December 2025
Lewis Francis reflected on a frustrating Boxing Day at the office for Bangor at Stangmore Park and admitted a slow start ultimately proved costly in the 1-0 defeat to Dungannon Swifts.
The centre-back felt the Seasiders settled down and improved after the Swifts had taken the lead inside two minutes, with the bounce of the ball just not falling for the visitors.
Dungannon edged in front with a scrappy finish early on, with Adam Glenny pouncing on a loose ball from a corner and firing a shot that deflected off his defensive team-mate Danny Wallace’s head past Patrick Solis Grogan and into the net.
That proved enough to settle the issue in favour of the hosts in a game of precious few clear-cut opportunities at either end.
Lee Feeney also changed formation early on after Francis’ partner at the back Mark Haughey was substituted just seven minutes in due to injury, with Stephen McGuinness brought on and the shape going from a back four to a back three with McGuinness and Jack O’Mahony as wing-backs.
That required a period of adaptation in the first half, but 21-year-old Francis – facing the club whose Academy he graduated through before spending a successful loan on the seaside two seasons ago – felt Bangor did look more like themselves once they got to grips with that enforced set-up change.
“I think the first half, we just weren’t at it and it didn’t help with the change of shape so early on.
“We’d set up with a back four, then Hawks picks up an injury and then we go to a back three and it took us a while to get to grips with it.
“But I think as the half went on, we grew into it and we had chances with Big Ben (Arthurs), Tiarnan (Mulvenna) had one he was called offside for which we didn’t think it was, maybe a few penalty appeals as well throughout the game.
“In the second half, we definitely came out a better team and I think they knew they were in for a game, but that bounce of the ball for us didn’t happen.”
Some of the opportunities alluded to by the Magherafelt man include a big chance in the first half for Arthurs when he saw his shot blocked by a crucial sliding intervention from Swifts defender Peter Maguire, while strong penalty appeals were waved away just after the half-hour when the Kircubbin striker went down under pressure from Wallace in the box.
O’Mahony also miscued an effort from a promising position 30 seconds after the restart, Harry Lynch was unfortunate not to get direction on Lewis Harrison’s enticing corner, while Arthurs drew a low stop from Declan Dunne as the game approached stoppage-time.
Both sides had appeals for spot-kicks waved away by referee Evan Boyce, but it wasn’t to be for Bangor and Francis has now switched his focus to the visit of Oran Kearney’s Ballymena United to Clandeboye Park on Tuesday night – and atoning for the 3-2 defeat last month when Bangor came back from two goals down only to concede again right at the death.
“It was a poor goal at the start to concede. I think someone shouted to let the ball go out, their boy knocked it back in and someone maybe hasn’t picked up their man and it goes in.
“So, when you concede goals like that, you’re probably not going to get what you want.
“But to be fair, I thought we defended well – just moments that have cost us in the end, and that was the goal.
“I thought we defended relatively well and we created chances but, unfortunately, at the end of the day, we didn’t get the bounce of the ball.
“But we’ll dust ourselves down and we’ve another game on the 30th, so we definitely want to go and win that.
“We probably need to make up for the last time we played Ballymena with doing so well and pulling ourselves back into the game and then conceding, so there’s probably a bit there that we want to rectify because it’s so recent as well.”
As a defender, Francis and the rest of the Bangor backline take pride in clean sheets – and he feels it is important they add to their tally.
The Yellows have only kept one shut-out across all competitions this term – in the 3-0 victory at Glenavon back in October – but can consider themselves somewhat unlucky in this regard having now conceded just the one goal in a game on no fewer than 15 occasions this season, including in six of the last seven matches.
It has been a case of so near, yet so far in that regard, but Francis – who recently passed 50 appearances in yellow and blue having signed permanently from Loughgall on Deadline Day – admits the defence is “dying” to add more clean sheets.
“Lee talks about us being a machine – he builds our confidence up and he says we’re one of the best teams in the league without the ball.
“I think we are, but we’re just not getting clean sheets and stuff like that, but I think that’s something that we’re definitely going to have to try and instil in our game.
“Just getting that ruthlessness, both in our box and in the other box, starting to get those clean sheets, those shut-outs because we’re dying at the back to get them.
“We’re defending well the majority of the time, but we’re dying to just get that clean sheet.
“We’re gutted in there because we’ve battled so hard (against Dungannon) and the effort levels are so high, just the last wee bit of quality wasn’t there, but it is what it is.”
(Posted: Saturday, 27th December 2025)
GARY's MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN's MATCH GALLERY
A goal inside the first two minutes proved enough as Bangor lost 1-0 to Dungannon Swifts in the sides' Boxing Day Sports Direct Premiership encounter at Stangmore Park.
Dungannon set the ball rolling early on – and had the lead less than 120 seconds in. A corner was sent in from the left and the ball bobbled around inside the box, with full-back Adam Glenny finishing it off amid a penalty-box scramble – though it will likely be credited to Danny Wallace having been diverted into the net off his head.
Bangor were dealt a further issue early on with Stephen McGuinness coming on for Mark Haughey, who picked up a knock after only seven minutes, with clear-cut chances at a premium during the early knockings as the Seasiders looked to get a foothold in the contest.
Dungannon moved the ball about and were looking to build play up patiently from the back as midfielders moved to support Ben Arthurs up top in a more direct approach from Bangor, with the visitors getting a corner opportunity on 24 minutes after Lewis Harrison's effort was deflected behind by Swifts defender Wallace. Oisin Devlin headed wide from Mulvenna's subsequent corner.
On 33 minutes, Dungannon were almost caught out at the back as Arthurs broke in and showed close control to shape an effort that required a crucial block from Peter Maguire to turn behind. From the subsequent corner, Bangor had strong appeals for a penalty waved away when Arthurs was toppled in the box by Wallace as Harry Lynch sent a cross into the box.
The tempo remained lively but decent looks at goal were in short supply, with Dungannon going into the break 1-0 up following two minutes of stoppage-time.
Mulvenna restarted play for the Seasiders and the away side were in within 30 seconds – the ball falling for Jack O'Mahony at the back stick, but he couldn't get a proper connection and skewed wide of the post.
On 55 minutes, Lynch was unlucky not to get the right placement at the back post from Harrison's right-sided corner – the ball being subsequently cleared – while Dungannon forward Thomas Maguire skied one over the bar after the hosts had countered from one end to the other.
Jay Boyd then came on as a substitute to add ballast up top, replacing Mulvenna, while Leo Alves came on for Thomas Maguire in a simultaneous Dungannon change on 67 minutes. The game continued to a scrappy affair approaching the final 15 minutes, though, with neither side really having a foothold on the game.
On 78 minutes, Dungannon had appeals for a penalty waved away when substitute Alves went down as he chased for the ball with Solis Grogan, though a corner was awarded. Peter Maguire almost made the most of it as he glanced a header past Solis Grogan's far post before a double sub from Bangor was made – O'Mahony and Hassin off, Mick Morgan and Caomhan McGuinness on.
Reece Neale picked up a caution for a foul in the middle of the park, as did Oisin Devlin on 85 minutes as a foul on Leo Alves gave Dungannon an opportunity from a free-kick – it wasn't made the most of, though Solis Grogan was clattered as he moved towards the ball.
Arthurs drew a smart save from Dunne with a side-footed effort before five minutes of stoppage-time were shown from the fourth official, during which Solis Grogan got down to make a save from Kealan Dillon, who drilled low from the edge of the box.
Dungannon ultimately saw things out – though there was one last flashpoint as Jay Boyd was shown a straight red card after the full-time whistle.
BANGOR TEAM:
P.Solis Grogan, H.Lynch, R.Neale, L.Francis, M.Haughey(S.McGuinness), L.Harrison(C.McGuinness), L.Hassin, O.Devlin, T.Mulvenna(J.Boyd), B.Arthurs, J.O'Mahony(M.Morgan).
Subs: G.Deane, B.Cushnie, R.Garrett
(Posted: Friday, 26th December 2025)
Patrick Solis Grogan has revealed he marked Bangor’s Boxing Day trip to Dungannon Swifts with a red cross as soon as he made his permanent move to the Seasiders on Deadline Day.
The goalkeeper admits he is chomping at the bit to face his former employers at Stangmore Park and help Bangor pick up three points against the Irish Cup holders.
Solis Grogan’s 2025 started with a half-season loan switch to Bangor from Dungannon where he played a pivotal role in the Yellows’ Playr-Fit Championship title success last term, though he was ineligible to face his parent club in the Irish Cup semi-final meeting at Seaview.
And it will end with Lee Feeney’s men as well having signed a permanent two-year deal on the final day of the summer transfer window, with Solis Grogan impressing in recent weeks having come in for the injured Gareth Deane between the sticks.
The 21-year-old Spanish-born stopper now returns to Co Tyrone for the first time since that switch and, although it may be the odd one out in terms of ‘derbies’ on Boxing Day, there’s still plenty at stake, with Rodney McAree’s fifth-placed Swifts perched two places and six points ahead of their visitors.
Having said that, a Ben Arthurs finish and a Steven Scott own goal helped Bangor come from behind to beat Dungannon, who had led through Andrew Mitchell, at Clandeboye Park back in August – and Solis Grogan hopes a double is on the cards.
“It’s a game I’ve been looking forward to – obviously I hadn’t joined yet at the beginning of the season, but I was looking and saw, oh, Bangor’s playing Dungannon on Boxing Day.
“And when I joined, it’s a date I have marked with a big cross, a big red cross in my calendar.
“I’ve been waiting for it and I can’t wait, to be fair – it’s maybe something to prove for me, so I can’t wait.
“The three points is always the main thing for us and, hopefully, it’s a clean sheet – but if we concede four goals and score five, I’ll take it every day of the week.”
Posted: Wednesday, 24th December 2025
Bangor goalkeeper Patrick Solis Grogan felt the Seasiders were worth their point for holding their resolve defensively during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Cliftonville at Clandeboye Park.
The 21-year-old also admitted he felt a tinge of frustration as he felt he could’ve done better with the penalty that broke the deadlock for the visitors, but he praised how his team-mates dug in to hold on for a point.
Reds striker Ryan Curran sent Solis Grogan the wrong way on 27 minutes after referee Tim Marshall had pointed to the spot in contentious circumstances, with the contact appearing minimal as Conor Pepper went down in the area under pressure from Harry Lynch.
But there was no wallowing from Lee Feeney’s men as they fired back six minutes later; Ben Cushnie pickpocketing Cliftonville defender Jonny Addis to feed Ben Arthurs in on goal, with the Kircubbin marksman coolness personified to find the bottom right corner and reach double digits across all competitions for this season.
Arthurs had earlier saw a goal disallowed shortly after the quarter-hour mark when he was adjudged to have finished off a neat flowing move from an offside position – Cushnie again the provider – but his placed attempt past PJ Morrison restored parity this time with no further goals in the contest.
From a Bangor standpoint, shot-stopper Solis Grogan attributed that to strong rearguard action for the remainder of the contest after the initial setback of Curran’s spot-kick.
“I write down all the penalty takers on a sheet and he goes both ways, and I’m gutted because I know he opens up but I should’ve given a bigger fake so he goes across.
“I’m a bit mad at myself for that but, well, to stop a penalty, it’s a lottery.
“But I took away some good things from the game and you’re thinking a point was good.
“I got my times to save the team and sometimes the other guys in the team saved me – for example, Oisin (Devlin) in the first half, he came in handy, big tackle, it saved me.
“I think we did well defensively in general.
“It was tricky, it was fast-paced and the wind didn’t make it easy because we were trying to play, but some balls in behind where we wanted to stay, it would go away, or the ones you wanted to go would stay.
“So, it was a bit difficult with the wind, but I think overall, we done well. Maybe in some points, we could’ve played less and others, we could’ve played more, but I’m happy with what we did.”
Solis Grogan was slightly the busier of the two goalkeepers and produced some impressive saves on his fifth consecutive start between the sticks.
He produced a fine close-range stop to deny Cliftonville’s American frontman Eric McWoods seven minutes after half-time after he had weaved his way in on goal, then he fantastically tipped a rasping Joe Gormley attempt over the crossbar midway through the second period.
Cliftonville piled on the pressure and saw further presentable efforts from substitutes Conor Falls and Adebayo Fapetu sail over the bar before, most significantly of all, Solis Grogan got out in the third minute of stoppage-time to make a crucial one-on-one stop from Gormley.
Bangor spent much of the second half behind the ball but did their jobs to hold out for an important sharing of the spoils.
“We take pride in defending, we know defending-wise, there’s not many teams that can move us about.
“We know what our roles are at the beginning of the match and we know we had to sit and screen and we did that really well.
“We held on for so long, and when we had our chances, we didn’t have many to be fair, but were still trying to make the most out of it.”
But that’s not to say Bangor didn’t threaten either – indeed, Cushnie almost raised the roof when he flicked the ball over his own head before seeing his volley crack the top of the bar on 55 minutes.
Then shortly before Gormley’s last-gasp effort, the hosts could’ve won it themselves when a goal-bound shot from substitute Mick Morgan ricocheted off the unfortunate Arthurs before Mark Haughey planted into the side netting.
That was the other side of the coin for Solis Grogan and it’s why he isn’t too disheartened with a point in the end.
“It would’ve been a spectacular goal and Cush is unlucky – the touch, he gets himself set, then the strike is good and it’s unlucky that it doesn’t go 10 centimetres under.
“And then at the end, Mick Morgan has the shot, he’s unlucky that it hits Ben (Arthurs) and after it hits Ben, it’s unlucky that it doesn’t go in (from Mark Haughey).
“It hits Ben, it goes wide, it’s just unlucky, but we’ll take a point at the end.”
On his own run in the team, coming after Gareth Deane had picked up a calf injury during the warm-up before Bangor’s home clash with Linfield on November 22, Solis Grogan has been glad to get minutes under his belt and feels he has been making a good impression.
The Spanish-born stopper played an influential role in the second half of last season to help Bangor gain promotion from the Championship.
Signing initially on loan in January before joining permanently from Dungannon Swifts on Deadline Day, and having had a run of positive performances of late, he’s determined to continue improving.
“Yeah, it’s been good to be back in the team – I joined back in September, I got in when Deanesy got injured in the warm-up against Linfield and it’s been good.
“I was struggling with wee knocks, especially since the Linfield game, but I think I’ve been doing quite well.
“I would say Coleraine (the 2-0 defeat the previous Friday) was quite a low game compared to the standard I’m trying to set for myself, but I feel good about myself.
“I know I can do better, but I just want to keep improving.”
Posted: Monday, 22nd December 2025
JORDAN's MATCH GALLERY | GARY's MATCH GALLERY
In the final game before Christmas, Bangor and Cliftonville shared the cheer as they played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at Clandeboye Park in the sides' Sports Direct Premiership clash on Saturday afternoon.
Conor Pepper set the ball rolling for the Reds and they had a chance within the first minute when striker Eric McWoods got in behind, but the American looked to have gotten caught between two minds and his low cut-back was safely held by Patrick Solis Grogan.
The Reds had another look on five minutes after Joe Sheridan threaded in a pass to Micheal Glynn, who couldn't keep his attempt down, with Stephen McGuinness – facing his former club – entering the book on seven after catching Tom Lavery. The resultant free-kick came to nothing.
The ball struggled to stick early doors, but Cliftonville goalkeeper PJ Morrison had to be alert on 16 minutes to make a high claim ahead of Ben Arthurs getting his head on a left-sided ball. A minute later, Arthurs had the ball in the net from Cushnie's cut-back – but celebrations were cut short as it was ruled out for offside in the build-up.
Up the other end, Oisin Devlin made a fine sliding challenge to stop McWoods in his tracks as he bore down on goal, while Tiarnan Mulvenna was unfortunate not to connect from Arthurs' headed knock-down on 24 minutes as it went behind for a Bangor corner that was ultimately cleared.
But on 26 minutes, Cliftonville were given a golden chance to open the scoring. It looked a soft call as Conor Pepper was adjudged to have been felled in the box by Harry Lynch, but it was one that Ryan Curran made the most of as he slotted the penalty into the bottom right, sending Solis Grogan the wrong way.
In almost the game's next action, Bangor had appeals themselves when a free-kick into the box from Reece Neale was directed towards Mark Haughey, who looked to have been taken down in mid-air, but referee Tim Marshall was unmoved.
Bangor did, however, level on 33 minutes. A loose ball in the middle of the park was pounced on by Cushnie, who fed in Arthurs, and he bore down on Morrison one-on-one before astutely picking out the bottom right corner into the net – though Morrison may feel he should've done better having got a good palm on it.
Lewis Harrison picked up a caution six minutes out from half-time having lunged in to try and win the ball, while Glynn let fly with a free-kick from distance as he looked to catch Solis Grogan off guard only to see the ball dip over the bar. After one added minute, the half-ended with the score deadlocked at 1-1.
Cliftonville made a change at half-time as Pepper was replaced by Adebayo Fapetu in midfield as Mulvenna set the ball back rolling for the second period, and they thought they were in at goal when Harry Wilson played in McWoods behind the defensive line – but the offside flag denied him a run at Solis Grogan.
On 52 minutes, McWoods was in after he muscled his way in on goal, but Solis Grogan made himself big and produced a crucial save with his head to deny the striker from close in. Three minutes later, meanwhile, Cushnie nearly raised the roof – flicking over a defender's head and lashing a volley that clipped the top of the crossbar and behind. It would've been a wondergoal.
Just before the hour, Arthurs miscued a header behind the goal after Bangor had broken upfield from a Cliftonville corner — Cushnie was in close support — before Liam Hassin replaced Mulvenna in a Bangor change while Joe Gormley came on as a like-for-like change up top for Cliftonville.
Gormley almost made a swift impact on 67 minutes, forcing Solis Grogan to tip it over the crossbar with a fine one-handed stop, while Harrison attempted a shot from way out with Morrison off his line that was wide of the mark five minutes later. Conor Falls replaced McWoods in another attacking change for Cliftonville on the same minute.
Fapetu blasted a shot over the bar from close range with 77 minutes played after the initial header skewed kindly for him, while Cliftonville missed a gilt-edged opportunity from a free-kick four minutes with Gormley placing wide from Sheridan's inswinging free-kick from the right – he was just yards out.
In a Cliftonville change, Sheridan was taken off with Callum McCay coming on – Bangor yet to make a change – with Jack O'Mahony seeing a drilled, low effort blocked on 85 minutes as both sides pushed for a late winner. A loose ball out of defence by Mark Haughey was nearly punished not long after, with Falls blasting over from close in.
Bangor did make a late change as Cushnie was replaced by Mick Morgan leading into stoppage-time – with four minutes given – and he so nearly helped win it two minutes in. He blasted low and it was deflected into Haughey's feet, but he could only fire into the side netting.
Cliftonville got even closer when Gormley broke through, but his shot was straight at Solis Grogan a minute later and that was that – the score 1-1.
BANGOR TEAM:
P.Solis Grogan, H.Lynch, R.Neale, M.Haughey, L.Harrison, S.McGuinness, O.Devlin, T.Mulvenna(L.Hassin), B.Cushnie(M.Morgan), B.Arthurs, J.O'Mahony.
Subs: L.McMahon, L.Burns, L.Francis, J.Boyd, C.McGuinness
Posted: Saturday, 20th December 2025
Seasiders manager Lee Feeney has issued a rallying call to Bangor supporters to turn out in big numbers ahead of four pivotal home matches at Clandeboye Park.
Lee said: "I'm making a direct appeal to everyone connected with Bangor FC. We need you at Clandeboye Park in big numbers over these next four home matches. This is a crucial period for the club, and we need our supporters to come out in force and back the team during the Christmas period and throughout January.
"Yet again, we have had fantastic support all season, but now we are asking our fans to step up even more. Get your tickets, bring your friends and family, spread the word, and help us pack out Clandeboye Park. The more fans we have backing us, the stronger we are as a team. These home matches are massive for us this season.
"Our supporters have been incredible throughout this campaign, and I know they understand what these matches mean to the club. This period can help set us up for a positive final push in our Premiership season.”
Bangor's next four home marches are:
Lee continued: "The atmosphere our fans create at Clandeboye Park is second to none in this league, and it genuinely makes a difference to the players on the pitch. When the stands are full and the fans are behind us, it lifts the entire team. The players feed off that energy, and it drives them forward and gives them that extra push when they need it most. We need that backing more than ever over these next four home games.
"We never take our support for granted and we appreciate every single person who spends their hard-earned money to back this club. Now we are asking you to help us by turning out in force for these pivotal matches. Let's continue to make Clandeboye Park a venue where opposition teams know they are in for a real battle."
Home match tickets are available on the Bangor FC website at - https://bangorfc.com/tickets.php
Posted: Wednesday, 17th December 2025
Bangor manager Lee Feeney was proud of his players in defeat following Friday night’s 2-0 Sports Direct Premiership reverse against Coleraine at the Ballycastle Road Showgrounds.
The Bannsiders dominated the opening 20 minutes of the contest, and that was where they did the damage as Joel Cooper’s seventh-minute strike was followed up by a close-range header from Matthew Shevlin on the quarter-hour mark that ultimately settled the issue.
Afterwards, however, Bangor found their feet and not only shut the hosts out for the rest of the contest but threatened themselves, with Jack O’Mahony unfortunate to direct a teasing half-volley inches wide of the post prior to half-time before Ben Arthurs was denied by the feet of debutant Coleraine goalkeeper Ryan Schofield midway through the second period.
That reaction pleased Feeney immensely, although he was disappointed Bangor were unable to find a goal that he felt could’ve changed the complexion of the contest.
“I thought after the first 15 minutes when they were really dominant, we fixed it and then I felt we went toe-to-toe with them the whole way.
“I said to the players to be proud – there’s ways of losing games, and they (Coleraine) knew they had a game on, they knew they had to work hard to see that game out.
“We had a few chances, especially in the second half. Jack O’Mahony was unlucky, Big Ben missed a glorious chance to make it 2-1 – if we get that next goal, I think that changes the mindset, and then even in the second half, I felt we had the better chances.
“I felt we just shaded it in the second half, but we couldn’t get that goal – and if we got that goal, goals change things and we didn’t get it.”
Coleraine were quick out of the traps and winger Cooper was on hand to finish after a slick bit of interplay down the left, with the ball being worked back infield for the ex-Linfield and Oxford United man to slam into the bottom right corner past Patrick Solis Grogan’s dive.
The Bannsiders had chances, including a disallowed goal on 12 minutes after striker Shevlin was caught offside as he glanced Will Patching’s inswinging cross into the net, to extend the lead before the frontman buried Cooper’s cross from close range and made it a bigger mountain to climb early doors.
That could’ve been a cue for Bangor heads to drop, but Feeney said it was testament to his players’ character and desire that they managed to reset and get a foothold in the game.
“You can talk about full-time football and all, but when it comes to fitness and desire, I think we were the team at the end that finished the strongest.
“The advantage they had is they’re all technically good on the ball because they’re working with the ball every day – but what our players have there, you can’t buy.
“The desire… there’s nobody in our league like it with the desire that they have, and it just shows when you’re playing against a full-time team and you’re finishing the strongest, it shows you how good we really are.
“Coleraine caused us problems the first 15, 20 minutes, but after that there, I felt we were in control of everything defensively and we were able to play through the thirds.
“Yes, we caused them problems from throw-ins and free-kicks, but I also felt that we caused them other problems in play, so I walked away happy because there’s so many positives to take away from that.
“I don’t like losing games but, as I said, there’s ways of losing and I was content with the way we lost that game.”
Late on in the game, Feeney also introduced teenagers Liam Burns and Alfie Mitchell to the fray and praised the pair as well as Bangor’s general strength in depth.
It was a Premiership debut for local lad Mitchell, who joined in the summer from Cliftonville where he skippered their Under-20 side from the heart of defence, while midfielder Burns did likewise for Linfield Swifts prior to his switch to Clandeboye Park in the off-season.
Both have been important players for Bangor Reserves throughout the campaign and made sporadic first-team appearances, with Mitchell recently impressing as he played the full 90 minutes in the 2-1 BetMcLean Cup defeat at Larne last month and Burns registering two assists from his first-team features this term.
Feeney rates both youngsters highly and has liked what he has seen from them in training, while he was also glad to have Tiarnan Mulvenna back at his disposal after the midfielder missed last week’s win over Glenavon with a minor knock.
“Liam and Alfie have been playing 20s football all season, and for me, they’re ready for the next step.
“They’re brilliant in training and still very young – Burnsy’s just turned 19 and Alfie’s 17, both of them have been flirting with starting games recently because they’ve been doing so well with the 20s, and it’s great to have them.
“It’s a squad game, and we’ve good players coming off the bench – you’ve Tiarnan, you’ve Cush (Ben Cushnie) on top of that and you still have Mark Haughey sitting there. So, listen, we’ve a decent squad there.”
Posted: Sunday, 14th December 2025
It was two goals inside the first 15 minutes that ultimately decided the contest as a spirited Bangor left the Ballycastle Road Showgrounds empty-handed following a 2-0 defeat to Coleraine in the Sports Direct Premiership on Friday night.
Mick Morgan set the ball rolling for Bangor – whose only change from the victory over Glenavon was a return to midfield after a bout of illness for Liam Hassin in place of Ben Cushnie, who dropped to the bench – on a chilly night in the north west, and it was Morgan who enjoyed the first half-chance of the night two minutes in as his long-range shot was an easy gather for Coleraine goalkeeper Ryan Schofield.
But the Bannsiders drew first blood with their first shot on seven minutes. It was a move that started and finished with Joel Cooper as he worked the ball out to the left where Ronan Doherty worked it back inside, and Cooper got on the ball again in the box to lash into the bottom right corner past Patrick Solis Grogan's sprawling dive.
Coleraine then had a goal disallowed 12 minutes in after Matthew Shevlin turned Will Patching's cross from the inside left into the net from an offside position, before Dean Jarvis then fired a side-footed shot just past Solis Grogan's left-hand post after goalgetter Shevlin had earlier mishit a ball in from Zane Okoro on the right.
But Coleraine – and Shevlin – didn't have long to wait. After Cooper stung the palms of Solis Grogan, who parried to his right, the resultant cross was directed towards the back post and Shevlin was there to head home from close range on 15 minutes, the linesman's flag not accompanying his finish this time.
Levi Ives was next to have a go for the home side as he fired a volley just past Solis Grogan's upright after Bangor had only half-cleared a Coleraine corner from the left on 19 minutes, with Patching having a go from the edge of the box on 26 minutes and drawing a good parry from Solis Grogan.
Bangor had struggled to get a foothold on the game in truth, but Morgan was unlucky not to connect on 35 minutes when Reece Neale's free-kick was recycled into the box from the left – he'd only have had Schofield to beat.
Afterwards, the Seasiders showed better signs and settled down, with an enticing Neale corner from the left three minutes out from half-time unfortunate not to be latched on to by Arthurs as it curled agonisingly past Schofield's far post. Lewis Harrison's acrobatic effort a minute later was another tester, but it was closed down by the Coleraine rearguard who blocked the effort.
Jack O'Mahony let fly a fine volley on 44 minutes that had Schofield scrambling – his shot agonisingly past the post – with Bangor showing signs of life before referee Tony Clarke signalled for half-time with Coleraine 2-0 up.
On 51 minutes, Coleraine came within the width of a post of a third, with Cooper letting fly from around 20 yards out and striking Solis Grogan's left-hand upright with the ball bouncing away from danger. Three minutes later, Bangor worked a neat interchange down the left which resulted in a dangerous looping ball by Hassin towards the back stick, with Morgan just unable to keep his shot down from a promising position.
Just before the hour, Cushnie was drafted in as an attacking Bangor replacement for Morgan up top, before Cooper's shot on 64 minutes was deflected wide of the post with Solis Grogan scrambling to cover his post as a number of Coleraine corners followed – none coming to anything.
Bangor had a great chance to level with 68 minutes gone as the ball broke for Arthurs, who was denied by the feet of Schofield, before Lewis Harrison was denied on the follow-up as Coleraine captain Lyndon Kane blocked his goal-bound attempt. Tiarnan Mulvenna – back after a minor knock – then came on as a substitute for Oisin Devlin in midfield.
Bangor were by now holding their own going into the last quarter of an hour, with a harsh offside against Arthurs called as he got in behind the Coleraine defence to get at Schofield, while on 82 minutes, Cooper cut inside and fired a shot high and wide of goal.
On 84 minutes, Arthurs almost pounced on a loose touch from Coleraine defender Charles Dunne and looked to have got in at Schofield, but he side-footed his attempt past the post. Three minutes later, Cooper got in with Solis Grogan off his goal-line, but he looked to lay it off only for Reece Neale to clear away.
Jay Boyd, Liam Burns and Alfie Mitchell came on in a late triple change for Bangor – Lewis Harrison, Liam Hassin and Jack O'Mahony coming off. Then came two chances at either end, as Shevlin mishit a McGregor delivery before Arthurs sat down Kane with his subsequent shot being blocked. Harry Lynch also had a shot on target that had to be dealt with by Schofield.
Jamie McGonigle saw a curling effort from range that was punched clear by Solis Grogan at the end of three added minutes, that was that as Coleraine held on for the three points – with Bangor fighting well to leave with their pride comfortably intact.
BANGOR TEAM;
P. Solis Grogan, R.Neale, H.Lynch, L.Francis, J.O'Mahony(J.Boyd), L.Hassin(L.Burns), L.Harrison(A.Mitchell), O.Devlin(T.Mulvenna), M.Morgan(B.Cushnie), B.Arthurs, S.McGuinness.
Subs: L.McMahon, M.Haughey
Posted: Friday, 12th December 2025
Ben Arthurs accepts Coleraine may be a more challenging prospect on their home pitch but insists Bangor shouldn’t be short of confidence going off the Seasiders’ stunning victory in the sides’ previous meeting.
Lee Feeney’s men delivered a sensational 2-1 success over Ruaidhri Higgins’ Bannsiders at Clandeboye Park back in October, with Arthurs stroking home Bangor’s second goal before half-time after Jay Boyd’s header had broken the deadlock.
That win was made all the more impressive given the Yellows were forced to play the entire second half with 10 men after Harry Lynch’s sending-off, and although Zane Okoro pulled a goal back for Coleraine before the hour mark, Bangor withstood a barrage of pressure to come away with the three points.
Having scored twice in Bangor’s 2-1 victory over Glenavon last Saturday, Arthurs is high in belief going into Friday night’s long trip to the Ballycastle Road Showgrounds to come up against the current Sports Direct Premiership leaders – but he is also well aware that it will be a totally different game and that Bangor must be at their best again to take the points.
“Yeah, I think they might be a different animal at home but, look, we’ve shown we can beat them.
“You know, not to be cocky or arrogant or anything, they’re obviously up near the top of the table, but we have beat them over 90 minutes.
“So, I think we’ll go up there and we’ll just do our usual – we’ll prepare and we’ll be ready to play the game, and however it goes, it goes.
“But as long as everyone in the squad is ready to work hard and do our best for the shirt, that’s all we can really ask for.”
Lynch, meanwhile, says Bangor will be going out to enjoy the game and maintains there is no added pressure than usual to go and get the three points.
The teenage defender was harshly sent off for two bookable offences in the aforementioned win two months ago, but having enjoyed a stellar debut season in yellow and blue to date, he’s relishing the prospect of keeping Coleraine’s wealth of attacking firepower at bay.
That includes Joel Cooper and Matthew Shevlin – whose 10 goals apiece account for half of the Bannsiders’ league-high 40 goals to date – as well as Lincoln City loanee Okoro, former The New Saints striker Declan McManus, midfield dynamo Jamie Glackin and experienced frontman Jamie McGonigle, who has recently returned from a lengthy injury absence.
19-year-old Lynch knows a tough assignment is in store but believes Bangor can rise to it.
“It’ll be really tough, but hopefully we can do the double over them.
“It’ll be tough up there, it’s a long trip for a Friday night, but we’ll just go and enjoy it and do our best to go and win the game.”
Posted: Thursday, 11th December 2025
Bangor will travel to Windsor Park to take on Linfield in the Fifth Round of the Irish Cup after the sides were paired in Tuesday’s draw, with the game pencilled in for the second week of January.
That means the Seasiders will open 2026 with two trips to the south Belfast ground in as many weeks, with the teams also clashing in the Sports Direct Premiership the weekend beforehand.
The defending Irish League champions will pose a challenging assignment for Lee Feeney’s men, but Bangor will have the bit between their teeth after last term’s run to the Irish Cup semi-finals and hope to upset the odds against David Healy’s outfit.
Memories for a lifetime were created through the sensational quarter-final victory against Glentoran at a packed-to-the-rafters Clandeboye Park and in the semi-final reverse versus Dungannon Swifts at Seaview, and Feeney’s charges will have their sights on weaving more magic in the blue-riband competition – starting with this intriguing clash at Windsor Park.
It was at this venue that Bangor secured their first and only Irish Cup to date when they got the better of local rivals Ards in the infamous trilogy in 1993, with Paul Byrne’s late winner sparking raucous celebrations among those in yellow and blue.
Now, 33 years on, Feeney will be hoping that he can embark on another extended run in one of world football’s oldest and most prestigious tournaments, particularly on the back of last year’s success.
The game is initially scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 10 with a 3pm kick-off.
Posted: Tuesday, 9th December 2025
Harry Lynch believed Bangor’s game management was on point as the Seasiders came away with a crucial 2-1 Sports Direct Premiership win over Glenavon on Saturday.
The comeback success came courtesy of Ben Arthurs’ first-half double after Jack Malone had given the Lurgan Blues – who entered this contest having won each of their last three home games – a seventh-minute lead, with Bangor withstanding an abundance of pressure in the second half to come away with the maximum spoils.
Michael O’Connor’s arrival as boss has coincided with an upturn in form and confidence at bottom-placed Glenavon, who were without a point when he arrived but have since beaten Carrick Rangers (1-0), Glentoran (3-1) and Ballymena United (3-1).
And teenage defender Lynch knows more than most that Mourneview Park can be a tough venue for opposing teams – he had been at Glenavon since the age of 11 prior to joining Bangor for an undisclosed fee in the summer – but the Warrenpoint native was glad to see Lee Feeney’s men recover from that slow start and seal their first victory since mid-October.
“Yeah, it was a really good shift – it’s always tough coming down here and they’ve been in really good form at home recently.
“We needed the points just as much as they did and, thankfully, we held out for it.
“To be fair, we started off slow – we conceded early on, our clearances and passes weren’t good enough and we were scuffing things.
“To be honest, I thought Ben should’ve had a hat-trick or four maybe, which he’ll be fuming at! But, no, it’s good to get the three points first and foremost.
“We had to settle ourselves again after conceding that early goal and, to be fair, we didn’t have much of the ball in the second half.
“But I felt we sat back and it sort of played into our hands, that sort of thing.
“We were well set up, I don’t think they had too many chances.
“I don’t think Patrick (Solis Grogan) had to do too much apart from his kicking, which is always good when you don’t have much of the ball and you need to get up the pitch.”
Glenavon had much of the ball and territory across the entire second period – something 19-year-old Lynch admits Bangor didn’t necessarily expect when coming out after the interval.
But the Northern Ireland youth international insisted the onus was on the visiting players to adapt and adjust, and he feels they did just that to hold on to what they had come the end.
Lynch added the players were determined to put an end to their seven-game winless run, with this victory seeing Bangor remain in seventh place on 24 points – 15 clear of Glenavon and eight ahead of Carrick Rangers, who currently occupy the relegation play-off position.
He says Bangor’s focus is firmly looking up and not down and keeping the points ticking over.
“No, we didn’t expect as much of a backlash maybe coming straight out after half-time – it was always going to eventually come in maybe the last 15 or 20 minutes.
“It was the full half and we were up against it, but I thought because we were doing it for so long, we were used to it and we got to grips with how to deal with it.
“As players, to be honest, we were just glad to win the game and we were itching to bring that winless run to an end.
“You want to start looking up the table, so when you’re playing any team below you, you have to get three points.
“So, that’s really important and it’s a big test for us next week (against Coleraine), so we needed that.
“We needed that tonight because you need to beat the likes of the teams down there and get your points on the board and stay away from the bottom and keep looking up.”
Elaborating further on that message of looking up, Lynch says that is something the Bangor coaching staff are keenly stressing to the players.
The young defender has been a huge hit since joining, reflected by the fact that he is one of just three players in the Seasiders squad – Arthurs and Reece Neale being the other two – to start every league game this term.
And he says he is enjoying the positive mindset and atmosphere around the club relating to their goals this season, believing it is important Bangor have a glass-half-full approach and aim to climb the standings rather than focus on the relegation battle.
“It’s definitely something the coaches talk about because if you keep looking down, you’ll be afraid of going down there.
“Whereas if you’re looking at the teams above you, if you get anything off them, it’s a positive.
“So, just keep winning against the teams below us and make it difficult for our opposition.
“No team’s going to come out, they haven’t so far and smashed us or played us off the park – maybe that Linfield game where it was 3-0 but it wasn’t a 3-0 game, but that’s what we need to keep doing for the rest of the season.”
Posted: Tuesday, 9th December 2025
GARY's MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN's MATCH GALLERY
Ben Arthurs didn’t understate the importance of Bangor’s comeback victory over Glenavon on Saturday afternoon as the Seasiders ended a seven-game winless run in all competitions at Mourneview Park.
The striker scored twice after Jack Malone had broken the deadlock just seven minutes into the contest, ultimately proving enough to secure a 2-1 triumph and open up a 15-point gap to the bottom-placed Lurgan Blues in the Sports Direct Premiership standings.
With survival being the main objective in Bangor’s first season back in the top-flight for over 16 years, 27-year-old Arthurs – the oldest player in a starting line-up with an average age of just 22.8 – admitted it was a much-needed win that could prove decisive come the end.
The Yellows also had to withstand extensive Glenavon pressure at points during the second half, but the Kircubbin marksman said it was testament to the players that they weathered the storm and saw out the three points.
“Yeah, it’s a big win – it’s been a while in the league, five or six games, so it’s just good to get back winning.
“We really needed that, and there’s no better time to get it – obviously, avoiding relegation’s our biggest thing and Glenavon are down at the bottom, so although it’s early in the season, it is a wee bit of a six-pointer.
“It’s arguably more important than the past couple of games, even though you’re playing against Glentoran and Linfield, so it’s a huge win.
“To come down here, away from home, and grind it out, especially with going behind, too.
“It’s brilliant – it was a very early goal (that we conceded), and then to come back and make it 2-1 before the half, that was helpful as well.
“To be fair, I thought we were probably outplayed in the second half but, again, that’s a good sign too when you’re up against it and you’re able to grind it out and hold on to the win.
“So, all in all, it’s a happy changing room in there.”
Glenavon drew first blood when former Derry City midfielder Malone turned Oran O’Kane’s cross past Patrick Solis Grogan into the net early doors.
But Bangor were handed a golden chance to level just before the half-hour mark when Mick Morgan was adjudged to have been clattered by home goalkeeper Mark Byrne as he looked to connect to Stephen McGuinness’ cross from the left, with referee Shane Andrews awarding a penalty.
Arthurs took responsibility and coolly sent Byrne the wrong way to level the scores – the first spot-kick Bangor have converted this term – and three minutes before half-time, the tables were turned when the Seasiders’ modern record goalscorer buried his 166th goal for the club after heading home Morgan’s astute cross.
It marked Arthurs’ first top-flight double and brought him up to nine goals this season, and though there was a tinge of disappointment that he couldn’t complete his hat-trick – feeling he should’ve done better after being denied by Byrne’s outstretched boot 15 minutes from time having broken in behind – he was happy to settle for two finishes and a Bangor win.
“It’s my first brace in the Premiership – I was telling a few of the boys on the way up the road and I said I fancied a brace today!
“And then when I got it, I was sort of thinking maybe I could go and get the match ball.
“Look, it’s hard to be disappointed with two goals – I’d one with my left foot and one with my head in the first half, and then I’d a chance I really should’ve scored in the second half and it probably would’ve put everyone at ease at 3-1.
“It didn’t get punished today, but they’re chances I need to be taking because on another day, they go up the field and put it in the back of the net.
“I’m my own harshest critic, so I need to just focus on hitting the back of the net all the time.”
Arthurs is in fine goalscoring form having struck six goals in his last eight games and says he’s pleased with his own adaptation to Premiership football – but he won’t rest on his laurels.
Only Crusaders’ Fraser Bryden and Coleraine pair Joel Cooper and Matthew Shevlin have outscored Arthurs in league play so far this term, and he’s determined to keep pace with those at the top of the scoring charts that will in turn be of benefit to Bangor as a whole.
“I think I’ve adjusted to the level well, that’s me nearly on 10 goals in all competitions, so I’m pretty happy with that.
“I maybe started a wee bit slow and I have picked up but, look, it’s not an easy league to score goals in and I like to think I’m holding my own – but I always want to improve.
“There’s no point being comfortable saying I’ve got nine goals – I want to kick on, I really want to make it a good season for myself, which will in turn help the team.”
Posted: Sunday, 7th December 2025
Bangor came from behind to put the seal on an invaluable 2-1 win over Glenavon at Mourneview Park, ending their seven-game winless run with a gutsy performance against the league's bottom side and securing three points that could prove so important come the end of the campaign.
Ben Cushnie set the ball rolling for Bangor at Mourneview Park, looking to play on the front foot and tentatively threatening as Reece Neale's long ball was just too far in front of Ben Arthurs as Mark Byrne gathered possession.
Glenavon then had a chance of their own on three minutes as the ball broke for Corey Smith in behind, but Patrick Solis Grogan recovered and the defence snuffed out the danger. On five minutes, Bangor threatened down the left when Stephen McGuinness played into Arthurs down the inside left channel, but his tame shot was gathered by Byrne with Ben Cushnie also in the area.
But on seven minutes, Glenavon took the lead. A cross from the left was directed in and although Solis Grogan saved the initial effort, the ball fell kindly for Jack Malone to prod in from practically on the goalline, giving the Lurgan Blues the early initiative.
Malone drew a save from Solis Grogan from the edge of the box on 15 minutes, with the ball going down his throat as he got down to save, while the Glenavon midfielder drew another strong save from Solis Grogan seven minutes later which the goalkeeper did well to turn away.
On 25 minutes, a neat interchange on the left saw McGuinness float the ball into the feet of Arthurs who laid it in for Cushnie in space, but his shot off balance was skewed wide of Byrne's near post.
But on 29 minutes, Bangor got a golden chance to level it up – referee Shane Andrews awarding a penalty after Byrne clattered Mick Morgan from Stephen McGuinness' cross after a free-kick had been taken short. Arthurs stepped up and duly sent Byrne the wrong way to level the scores once again – a cool spot-kick.
And on 42 minutes, Bangor turned the tide. With chances at a premium from the spot-kick, the Seasiders duly swung the pendulum in their favour — the ball being crossed by Morgan in from the inside right channel for Arthurs to head towards goal, and he planted the ball into the right side of the net via a bounce off the ground that beat Byrne.
It remained 2-1 to Bangor, who were in a good position going into the half-time break. Glenavon set the ball rolling as they looked to force their way back into the contest – although a slack backpass to Byrne perhaps wasn't what they had in mind to start off.
On 48 minutes, Bangor were inches away from adding a third – and in spectacular style. Cushnie unleashed an ambition effort from all of 35 yards that curled and swerved in the air, and he was unfortunate to see the ball crack the top of the crossbar and drift away.
Cushnie left fly again from Morgan's layoff three minutes later but wasn't able to get the right connection on the ball as it diverted wide of goal and, on 53 minutes, it was Glenavon's turn to curse their luck as Paul McGovern's curling effort from the edge of the box clipped the outside of the post with Solis Grogan seemingly beaten.
On 56, Glenavon got a free-kick in a really dangerous area right on the line with the ball fired in towards the back stick, though a foul was adjudged by Andrews and a free-kick instead awarded Bangor's way. The first yellow card arrived seven minutes later when McGuinness was cautioned for Glenavon's next free-kick opportunity, which Jack O'Mahony heading it clear.
On 69 minutes, O'Mahony skewed one high, wide and not very handsome before Morgan and Cushnie were replaced by two prominent former ex-Glenavon players in Robbie Garrett and Mark Haughey to shore things up in the midfield and defence.
Arthurs still had his sights on a first-ever Premiership hat-trick and he almost had it on 75 minutes – getting control of a high ball and firing a low shot at goal from inside the box, but he was denied by the outstretched boot of Byrne and the ball was subsequently cleared. The striker then got in again and got in at goal but was halted before he got a shot away by a recovering defender.
On 84, Reece Neale won a corner on the left side with O'Mahony firing a cross in which Byrne punched clear before, on the right this time, Neale sent in another flag-kick which was again cleared away, with Bangor looking to manage things until the end of the contest.
On 88, Glenavon got a corner of theirs on the right which Haughey got to first before Bangor managed to clear, with Arthurs replaced by Jay Boyd just before stoppage-time – with the striker having put in an industrious, workmanlike shift capped by his couple of goals.
And after seven minutes of added-time, Bangor saw things out and put the seal on three hugely important points in Lurgan.
BANGIR TEAM:
P.Solis Grogan, R.Neale, H.Lynch, L.Francis, L.Harrison. O.Devlin, S.McGuinness, M.Morgan(R.Garrett), B.Cushnie(M.Haughey), B.Arthurs, J.O'Mahony . Subs: L.McMahon, A.Mitchell, L.Burns, T.Mathieson
Posted: Saturday, 6th December 2025
Bangor manager Lee Feeney admits he is looking forward to Saturday’s trip to Glenavon where his side are aiming to start the month of December with a return to winning ways.
The Seasiders travel to Mourneview Park keen to secure three points that would put an end to a seven-game winless run comprising three 1-1 draws and four single-goal defeats.
Feeney was buoyed, however, by last Friday night’s stalemate at home to Glentoran when Tiarnan Mulvenna’s stunning strike from distance 20 minutes from time was cancelled out by Glens frontman Pat Hoban’s leveller.
The Kilkeel supremo is hoping the positives from that encounter can be carried into this weekend’s clash with the Lurgan Blues, who sit bottom of the Sports Direct Premiership standings but have had their spirits lifted thanks to recent 3-1 wins over Glentoran and Ballymena United over the past few weeks.
Former Northern Ireland international midfielder Michael O’Connor was confirmed as Glenavon’s new manager immediately after Bangor’s 3-0 win on their previous visit in October, with Mulvenna, Reece Neale and Jack O’Mahony finding the net to round off a professional performance.
Feeney is anticipating a tough task, but he is confident his players are equipped to meet the challenge head-on this Saturday.
“I’m looking forward to it, I think we’re in a good place after last Friday night and we’re going into the game with confidence.
“It’ll be a tough game – Glenavon are fighting for their lives and they beat Glentoran 3-1 a few weeks ago, they’ve got a few good results under their belt.
“But we’re feeling good about ourselves again, and we’ll hope to carry that into Saturday to come away with the three points.”
Posted: Friday, 5th December 2025
GARY's MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN's MATCH GALLERY
Bangor manager Lee Feeney admits his spirits have been buoyed following Friday night’s hard-fought 1-1 draw with Glentoran at Clandeboye Park.
The Seasiders boss watched his players battle to a share of the spoils with the Glens in a game where most of the major action centred on the last 20 minutes.
Tiarnan Mulvenna’s Goal of the Season contender on 70 minutes that broke the deadlock in Bangor’s favour was cancelled out by veteran striker Pat Hoban’s leveller for the east Belfast outfit seven minutes later, ending in a share of the spoils despite a frantic finale where both sides literally threw caution to the wind.
On a cold and gusty night in North Down, Bangor’s winless run across all competitions was extended to seven matches, but that is caveated by the fact that three of them ended in very decent 1-1 draws and the other four were single-goal defeats – with Carrick Rangers and Ballymena United not claiming the maximum spoils until the very final throes in those respective encounters.
Feeney felt his men could even have picked up all three points against full-time opposition, but the Kilkeel chief saw some notable improvements in Bangor’s play that have him in a positive frame of mind going forward, with the Seasiders now up to 21 points in 17 games.
“I think we’re feeling good about ourselves again after that. It was a tough game, we had to battle to hold on to what we had and it was a good point for us.
“I felt going forward, we caused them problems which I felt we hadn’t done as well recently, we created good chances and we were strong at the back for most of the game as well.
“It was end-to-end in those last 20 minutes – we could’ve won it, they could’ve won it, we’re maybe disappointed we didn’t win it, which I felt we could’ve with a bit of luck.
“But we could’ve lost it just as easy, they had chances as well and put us under pressure, but I felt we deserved something from the game and we were happy with a point afterwards.
“It has been a tough run of results, we’ve had last-minute winners against us and we’ve had things thrown at us.
“But we’ve been digging in, and I would say after that performance, we looked a bit more like ourselves and I’m looking forward going into next week.”
Mulvenna’s second goal of the Sports Direct Premiership season – which added to a brave close-range header last month against Glenavon at Mourneview Park, where Bangor are next headed – was one that will live in the memory.
A long punt from goalkeeper Patrick Solis Grogan was cleverly decoyed by Ben Arthurs for the advanced midfielder to connect to and, having spotted Glens stopper Andrew Mills off his line, he blasted a shot from 25 yards that sailed into the back of the net and opened the scoring in sensational style.
Former Dundalk and Derry City hitman Hoban’s 77th-minute equaliser, after he prodded in Ryan Cooney’s tantalising cross from the right, meant Declan Devine’s Glentoran did come away with a share of the spoils.
But Feeney showered the praise on Belfast man Mulvenna (27), who joined from Glenavon in January 2024 and has been a virtual ever-present in the Bangor midfield ever since.
“Tiarnan is a real unsung hero in there for us – he’s been absolutely first class and he deserved his moment, he deserved that goal.
“The work he does in there, playing through injuries and knocks or whatever it may be, he puts so much in and it’s a credit to himself in terms of his determination and character.
“Whatever praise he gets this weekend, it’s fully deserved because he’s one of those players who doesn’t always get mentioned.”
Feeney also reserved plaudits for Solis Grogan, who made his top-flight debut for Bangor the previous weekend after Gareth Deane had picked up a pre-match injury leading up to the 1-0 defeat at home to Linfield.
The 21-year-old Spanish-born stopper, an impressive and influential presence between the sticks while on loan from Dungannon Swifts in the second half of last season as the Yellows gained promotion from the Playr-Fit Championship, was playing through the pain barrier himself against Glentoran but still produced a strong performance in the battling stalemate.
Having signed a two-year permanent deal on the final day of the summer transfer window, Solis Grogan has had to be patient for his Premiership opportunity, but Feeney is delighted to see him taking it and insists the strong competition in the goalkeeping department is filling him with confidence.
“Yeah, PSG’s come in and we know what he offers, we have two good keepers with him and Deanesy and we’re lucky in that regard.
“He’s come in with Deanesy picking up that small injury last weekend, but we’re not worried – we know what PSG offers and there’s no drop-off, if you like.
“He was playing through a knock and he made a big difference in the game, he made some big saves and it was a good, strong kick to set up Tiarnan for his goal as well.
“They’re coming into training and they’re pushing each other, they’re competing with each other, but when one of them’s going in on matchday, the other’s wishing them luck and wanting them to have a good game.
“So, we’ve got a strong goalkeeping department and that’s a good position to be in as well.”
Posted: Saturday, 29th November 2025
Bangor claimed a creditable 1-1 draw with Glentoran at Clandeboye Park on Friday night, adding a point to their Sports Direct Premiership tally on a cold and chilly night in North Down.
A scrappy start to proceedings saw little by way of meaningful chances, with Bangor – who welcomed back Oisin Devlin to the starting line-up for the first time this month after his three-game ban – first real foray coming on eight minutes when Harry Lynch drove high down the right and flighted a cross towards the near post, with Ciaran Coll heading the ball away at his near post.
On 11 minutes, Bangor enjoyed a golden opportunity when Lynch's pass was flicked into the path of Ben Arthurs, but the frontman was denied by Glentoran goalkeeper Andrew Mills who was out quickly to deny him. Three minutes later, Glentoran's first shot at goal came courtesy of David Fisher, who saw his shot safely held by Patrick Solis Grogan after Fisher had connected to Jordan Stewart's enticing cross from the left.
An injury-enforced early Glentoran change saw Ryan Cooney – scorer of the winning goal in the sides' first meeting at The Oval back in August – replace midfielder Josh Kelly, before a free-kick by Reece Neale with 19 minutes gone was latched onto by Mark Haughey but gathered by Mills.
Up the other end a minute later Stewart drew a save from Solis Grogan, who parried behind his near post for a corner that was directed wide by James Singleton, while their next chance on 28 minutes also came from Fisher but he found Solis Grogan at his near post to block with his body.
Tiarnan Mulvenna had Mills worried not long before the half-hour mark after he burst in behind, with the Glentoran goalkeeper hooking the ball clear, but the rest of the half was something of a scrap with neither side enjoying many any real chances of note until Pat Hoban planted a header straight at Solis Grogan a minute out from half-time.
Liam Hassin placed a shot past the left-hand post two minutes into stoppage-time, with the shot marking the last meaningful action of a goalless first half.
Much of Glentoran's threat came through Stewart, with the livewire former Linfield and Crusaders forward again being the orchestrator of the visitors' first real sight of goal three minutes after the restart, with his cross gathered by Solis Grogan. From there, there was something of a lack of quality and cutting edge with crosses from wide being overhit or carried by the wind out of play.
Going into the hour, there was little even resembling an opportunity at goal coming from either end, with Bangor having their first corner on 63 minutes which Reece Neale took at 'Reece Neale corner', but it was headed away at the near stick. Up the other end, though, Glentoran arguably had the chance of the goal, with Joe Thomson placing wide of the bottom left when he looked likelier to score.
Glentoran had appeals for a penalty on 68 minutes when Hoban went down in the box as he tried to connect to Cooney's delivery, but referee Steven Gregg was unmoved as the away side looked to enjoy greater territory in the forward areas.
But on 70 minutes, Bangor drew first blood out of nothing – and what a hit. A route one approach from Solis Grogan paid dividends as Arthurs let the ball go for Mulvenna, he swivelled on the turn from 25 yards and caught Mills off his line, with the midfielder fantastically finding the back of the net for his second goal of the campaign.
Glentoran looked for a response, and it was an inch-perfect tackle by Haughey who got in to deny Hoban after he broke behind on 72 minutes, with Stephen McGuinness replacing Hassin – who was on a yellow – to bolster up the defence.
But on 77 minutes, Glentoran did draw level. The Cooney-Hoban combination threatened at points, and it paid dividends for the visitors with the full-back floating the ball in for the revered former League of Ireland hitman to turn the ball in from close range.
A game that looked like it was going to peter out instead grew to life with the scores back level going into the last 10 minutes, with Arthurs getting a good head on Mulvenna's 82nd-minute cross but being denied by Mills at the Glentoran goalkeeper's near post.
Mick Morgan replaced Ben Cushnie in a like-for-like change in attack, with a brave piece of goalkeeping by Solis Grogan denying Fisher as he got in ahead of Fisher to get rid of the ball. On 86 minutes, Hoban then shaped a shot not far past the post after Cooney's long throw was only cleared as far as the Dundalk record goalscorer.
Glentoran continued to pile forward and it was Hoban again as he directed a right-sided free-kick over the crossbar, with four minutes of stoppage-time following. Coll blasted a shot well over a minute into that additional period, but there were no further opportunities as Bangor saw out a very decent point.
BANGOR TEAM:
P. Solis Grogan, H.Lynch, R.Neale, L.Francis, M.Haughey, L.Harrison, O.Devlin, L.Hassin(S.McGuinness), B.Cushnie(M.Morgan), B.Arthurs, T.Mulvenna(J.O'Mahony)
Subs: L.McMahon, R.Garrett, L.Burns, K.Owens
Posted: Friday, 28th November 2025
Mark Haughey is drawing belief from Bangor’s positive results against full-time opposition to date this season ahead of Friday night’s Sports Direct Premiership encounter with Glentoran.
The seasoned centre-back is backing the Seasiders to make life difficult for Declan Devine’s Glens in an intriguing clash at Clandeboye Park that will be broadcast live on the BBC iPlayer.
In previous matches against the Premiership’s four fully professional teams this term, Bangor have already recorded an impressive 2-1 home triumph against Coleraine and a creditable 1-1 draw away to Larne while consistently giving good accounts of themselves in the other games, including in last Saturday’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Haughey’s former side Linfield.
Bangor also produced a barnstorming performance to despatch Glentoran 3-1 in the Irish Cup quarter-finals last season and cap a famous night at Clandeboye Park, with Lee Feeney hoping his men can come out on top once more and put an end to a run of six games without a win across all competitions.
The Yellows boss is also boosted this week by Oisin Devlin’s return after the teenage midfielder served a three-game ban following his red card against Carrick Rangers on Halloween night.
A solitary strike from Glens full-back Ryan Cooney decided the teams’ first meeting at The Oval back in August, but 34-year-old Haughey believes results to date have shown any team can claim victory on their day and that Bangor can make life difficult for the east Belfast side.
“Yeah, look, it’s an old cliché, but anybody can beat anybody in the league on their day and I think the results up until now have proven that.
“We’ve got some good results against the full-time teams already this season, so we firmly believe that we can make it difficult for Glentoran coming here to our home pitch.
“We’ll try and make it difficult and cause them problems, and we’ll try and get something from the game.”
Posted: Thursday, 27th November 2025
Mark Haughey admits Bangor came away disappointed following their narrow home defeat to Linfield in the Sports Direct Premiership on Saturday afternoon.
Matthew Fitzpatrick’s placed effort 10 minutes into the second period was all that separated the sides at Clandeboye Park, with the Blues striker finding the bottom left corner after Isaac Baird had flicked on Dane McCullough’s long throw-in.
Prior to that, Bangor had probably enjoyed the better of the opportunities, particularly in the first half when Ben Cushnie was denied by Chris Johns in a one-on-one situation before Ben Arthurs planted a header straight at the Blues stopper from Tiarnan Mulvenna’s left-sided corner.
Former Linfield defender Haughey was satisfied with the display as a whole and felt it was a positive reflection that the Seasiders could feel hard done by not to pick something up from the contest, while he is also keen for the defence to keep more clean sheets and shut out opponents on a more consistent basis.
“It’s probably a tough one to take – it’s always tough when you’re playing Linfield and you’ve got to grind it out, which I thought we did okay, and we gave away maybe a soft goal.
“It’s been a bit of a theme over the last few weeks, giving away soft goals, it’s disappointing, but it’s a good thing at the same time that we’re coming away from playing Linfield disappointed not to get something from the game.
“It’s always going to be harder when you concede the first goal, and you’re always going to miss chances, football’s football, but as defenders and a defence, we probably need to try and keep more clean sheets and reduce the goals and allow the attackers to score.
“Yeah, look, we’re going to be coming away disappointed but, as I say, we just need to brush ourselves off and it’s on to the next one.”
Newry native Haughey, who spent eight years at Windsor Park between 2013 and 2021, added that it was a positive that Bangor heads didn’t drop following Fitzpatrick’s opener – the second time the Linfield frontman has opened the scoring in this fixture this term.
The 34-year-old feels it speaks to the belief of the changing room that they can fight their way back into the game, even if it wasn’t quite to be on this occasion.
“We’re hanging in there – we stayed in the game after going behind, and I think that’s also a good thing.
“We have the belief that we can score and we always do score goals.
“I know it wasn’t really our day in terms of taking those chances, but I think that’s a good thing that even when we do go 1-0 down against the champions, we still believe that we can get one back and try and get something from the game.
“I think when that happened, we sort of had to go for it a wee bit, it opened the game a wee bit and it sort of came back and forth, almost like a basketball game at times.
“Maybe that played into our hands because we wanted to stretch them and try and create problems for them.”
The defeat makes it six games without a win in all competitions for Bangor, with 1-1 draws away to Larne and Portadown accompanied by four defeats, all by a single-goal margin.
Two of those reverses were inflicted in the last minute by Carrick Rangers and Ballymena United, while Ben Arthurs’ equaliser at Shamrock Park last week after Eamon Fyfe had broken the deadlock for the Ports had settled things down.
The Premiership is a ruthless league, and with games against Linfield’s fellow full-time outfits Glentoran and Coleraine to come in the next few weeks as well as a tricky trip to bottom side Glenavon, Haughey knows the standards and character will have to stay high for Bangor to make a return to winning ways.
But with recent performances having still shown a lot of promise, the experienced centre-back – who also spent 10 years across two spells with the Lurgan Blues – is looking forward to the tests ahead, starting with Friday night’s televised clash with the Glens at Clandeboye.
“We set high standards for ourselves and we’re disappointed that we’ve not really had things fall for us recently.
“In the last couple of weeks, we’ve conceded late in games, and we scored last week to bring it back to a draw, we thought maybe we were turning a corner.
“So, we can’t be too hard on ourselves – it’s Linfield, they’re the champions and they’re always going to be up in and around there.
“This week and over the next two weeks, we’re playing probably the better opposition and full-time teams, so it’s going to be difficult.
“But we can’t sort of dally on it too long – we just need to turn around and then focus on next week.”
Posted: Monday, 24th November 2025
Bangor were defeated 1-0 by Linfield in the sides' Sports Direct Premiership encounter at Clandeboye Park on Saturday afternoon.
Bangor set the ball rolling, with the first notable observation being in goal where Patrick Solis Grogan made his Premiership debut for Bangor in place of Gareth Deane, who pulled up during the warm-up in an enforced change. Stephen McGuinness replaced Jay Boyd in the Seasiders' other change as Bangor employed a back-three formation.
A quiet start to proceedings saw no major chances of note until nine minutes when Bangor had a big one – Ben Cushnie being played in behind the line and one-on-one only to find Linfield goalkeeper Chris Johns making himself big and denying the striker as he tried to slot the ball underneath him.
On 10 minutes, Linfield had their first look from a right-sided corner, which Matthew Fitzpatrick headed over the bar, while a free-kick up the other way by Reece Neale was flicked on by Mark Haughey towards Lewis Francis, but he just couldn't get a clean connection and the ball was diverted away from danger.
Cushnie flicked a header not far over ex-Bangor goalkeeper Johns' crossbar with 17 minutes gone, while Solis Grogan had to tip away from a dangerous goalbound shot down the left channel, but all in all, it was fairly tentative to begin the encounter with Bangor looking to press high up the pitch when they could.
On 24 minutes, Mark Haughey made an important headed flick to divert Sean Brown's cross from the inside right away from Fitzpatrick and out for a corner, with Kirk Millar floating it towards the back stick where defender Scot Whiteside couldn't keep his header downward.
On 31 minutes, Bangor had a golden shot at taking the lead when Ben Arthurs got on the end of Tiarnan Mulvenna's left-sided corner and was in space to head at goal, but he planted towards the centre of goal and straight into Johns' hands from a couple of yards out.
On 37 minutes, Solis Grogan got out and rushed to deny McKee after Linfield had intercepted while Bangor were playing out from the back, bravely coming out to clear the ball and receiving a lengthy spell of treatment after, but he got back on his feet and did well to parry away a tantalising cross from McKee three minutes later.
A great piece of play down the left from Bangor culminated in a first-time effort by Liam Hassin that he fired high and wide, with Arthurs, Cushnie and Stephen McGuinness all involved in the build-up, while during three minutes of stoppage-time, the most dangerous forays forward came from the Seasiders as a corner from the left by Mulvenna was cleared and a Francis cross was unable to find a connection as the first half ended goalless.
Kyle McClean kicked things off for the Blues as both sides emerged with no changes at the interval, with Linfield getting the first opportunity of the half when McKee's deflected effort after he cut inside from the left was well-gathered by Solis Grogan.
But on 55 minutes, Linfield drew first blood. A throw-in from the left was directed into the path of Fitzpatrick, who swivelled to shoot low into the bottom left corner past Solis Grogan into the net, with Bangor having to come from behind as in the first meeting of the sides back in September.
On 61 minutes, Solis Grogan came up with a big save to keep it a one-goal game after Kyle McClean burst in behind, while Arthurs almost made him pay after catching Linfield short at the back only to poke wide of Johns' left-hand post.
McKee then shot straight at Solis Grogan with the pitch opening up more for both sides to attack, but it grew cagier with Bangor attempting to direct attacks forward and use Arthurs' runs in behind where possible.
A double change for Bangor saw Jay Boyd replace Cushnie and Robbie Garrett come on for Stephen McGuinness, but Linfield had the game's next chance of note on 74 minutes when Solis Grogan beat away Fitzpatrick's attempt.
A Linfield corner from the right deflected anxiously in front of Solis Grogan's goal and away on 77, while Hassin was replaced by Mick Morgan in a late attacking change for Bangor as they searched for a way back into the contest.
But the remainder of the contest petered out somewhat and Linfield ultimately saw it out to take the three points back to south Belfast.
BANGOR TEAM:
P.Solis-Grogan, R.Neale, H.Lynch, L.Francis, M.Haughey, S.McGuinness(R.Garrett), L.Harrison, L.Hassin(M.Morgan), B.Arthurs, B.Cushnie(J.Boyd), T.Mulvenna.
Subs: L.McMahon, K.Owens, L.Burns, A.Mitchell
Posted: Saturday, 22nd November 2025
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Bangor welcome reigning Irish League champions Linfield to Clandeboye Park for the second time in the Sports Direct Premiership this season on Saturday afternoon.
The Seasiders are hoping to make a return to winning ways having gone four league matches without a victory, although a 1-1 draw away to Portadown settled things down after Carrick Rangers and Ballymena United scored last-minute winners in consecutive games at Clandeboye prior to that.
Saturday’s game also gives Lee Feeney’s charges a chance to atone for the 3-0 defeat to the Blues back in September when Matthew Fitzpatrick, Kieran Offord and Chris McKee hit the net for the visitors, with a crowd of 2,441 packed in to watch it unfold.
A victory for sixth-placed Bangor would see them leapfrog their fourth-placed south Belfast opponents, who are two points ahead in the table albeit with three games in hand, adding a great incentive for the hosts to perform.
Linfield enter on the back of a run of three consecutive draws in the league, with a goalless stalemate against Cliftonville at Solitude sandwiched by draws with Coleraine – 2-2 at The Showgrounds and 1-1 at Windsor Park a fortnight ago, their most recent outing after their trip to Dungannon Swifts last weekend was postponed due to international call-ups.
David Healy’s men will aim to themselves bolster their title ambitions with three points as Bangor aim to remain in the top half, with this fixture kickstarting a run for the Seasiders where three of their next four games are against full-time opposition.
Ben Arthurs’ impressive goalscoring form, with his equaliser at Shamrock Park last weekend making it four goals in his last five matches across all competitions, will be a major source of inspiration for Feeney, while a collective haul of 11 different goalscorers in league play highlights that there is a variety of goal sources who have risen to the fore this term.
Bangor may also take heart from the 2-1 home win over Coleraine and the 1-1 draw at Larne in their previous two Premiership encounters with fully professional outfits last month that show they can hold their own in these types of games.
They will aim to prove that point once again when Linfield come into town and mark the day with three important points.
Posted: Thursday, 20th November 2025
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Bangor put two agonising added-time defeats behind them by picking up a creditable point in a 1-1 draw with Portadown at Shamrock Park in the Sports Direct Premiership.
Although not quite as scintillating as the Seasiders' 4-1 win on their previous visit two months ago, Lee Feeney's men still had to dig in as Ben Arthurs kept up his impressive goalscoring form to claw the visitors level after Eamon Fyfe had given the Ports a half-time lead.
In a depleted Premiership schedule that saw just two matches played this weekend, the point is good enough for Bangor to remain sixth in the standings ahead of back-to-back home games against Linfield and Glentoran over the next two weeks.
Feeney opted for two changes to the starting line-up as Jay Boyd and Lewis Francis – both heavily involved in the equaliser that made it 2-2 against Ballymena, with Boyd converting on the turn after Francis' cross-field ball was nodded into the striker's path by Arthurs – replaced Robbie Garrett and Stephen McGuinness in the side.
The Seasiders enjoyed some chances as Ben Cushnie drew a comfortable save from Aaron McCarey early doors before Arthurs saw a goal on 21 minutes ruled out for offside, while Portadown's Lee Chapman did likewise up the other end only to see it chalked off having turned in after Fyfe's low shot was parried by Gareth Deane.
But Fyfe is Portadown's top scorer this season and not without reason, and he broke the deadlock for the hosts nine minutes from the interval after firing a shot past Deane that ultimately gave Niall Currie's side the advantage by the half-time break.
But Bangor required only three minutes of the second period to haul themselves back to level terms with Boyd sending Arthurs in at goal, and though McCarey got down to deny the Kircubbin frontman first time around, the rebound fell kindly for the striker to bundle in his fourth goal in his last five games across all competitions – and his seventh of the campaign overall.
Portadown did have an opportunity to win it late on when James Teelan got free in the box, but Deane had his bearings checked and denied the Ports striker to ensure it remained level until the end.
Bangor stay sixth in the standings with 20 points from 15 matches ahead of welcoming Linfield to Clandeboye Park next Saturday afternoon.
BANGOR TEAM:
G.Deane, R.Neale, H.Lynch, M.Haughey, L.Francis, T.Mulvenna, L.Harrison, L.Hassin, B.Cushnie(K.Owens), B.Arthurs(M.Morgan), J.Boyd(S.McGuinness)
Subs: P.Solis-Grogan, R.Garrett, A.Mitchell, L.Burns
Posted: Saturday, 15th November 2025
Jay Boyd is anticipating an all-new test for Bangor compared to their previous visit to Portadown when the Seasiders travel to Shamrock Park in Saturday’s Sports Direct Premiership encounter.
Bangor produced one of their finest performances of the campaign to date to overcome the Ports 4-1 back in September, with Ben Cushnie, Reece Neale, Liam Hassin and Mark Haughey grabbing the goals for Lee Feeney’s men.
Boyd delivered an impressive debut for the club on that occasion but insists three points will be no given, with Bangor looking to hit back after successive last-gasp home losses to Carrick Rangers and Ballymena United in their last two league encounters.
Portadown, who are four points behind Bangor in 10th, are themselves on a run of four straight defeats across all competitions, but 22-year-old striker Boyd pointed out that Niall Currie’s side have talent and quality about them, evidenced by a 2-0 home win over reigning champions Linfield and a 2-1 defeat of Cliftonville at Solitude since the teams’ last meeting.
As such, the Belfast man insists Bangor will take nothing for granted and work hard to bring the three points back up the M1.
“We were down there a while ago – my debut, actually – but it’ll be a completely different game this time, we know that.
“They’ve had some good results since then and we’ll be going out to try and get the three points and give it our all.”
Posted: Thursday, 13th November 2025
Jay Boyd was philosophical after Bangor were dealt a second last-minute gut punch in as many weeks in Saturday afternoon’s 3-2 Sports Direct Premiership defeat to Ballymena United at Clandeboye Park.
The Seasiders fought back from 2-0 down to claw level, with substitute Boyd’s well-taken goal on the turn on 80 minutes adding to Ben Arthurs’ looping header from a long Reece Neale throw-in that initially reduced the arrears six minutes earlier.
But the Sky Blues had the last laugh when Success Edogun stroked in from close range four minutes into stoppage-time, with an unfortunate Reece Neale own goal in the first period and Matthew Clarke’s low strike in the second having seemingly put them well in control.
It was a painful way to lose the game, but striker Boyd expressed his pride in the collective effort to keep the fight alive right to the end.
“Losing a game of football in the last minute is always hard to take, especially after we got ourselves back from 2-0 down.
“But the boys can be proud of their efforts today, they gave everything right to the end and it was just a sucker punch.”
Boyd was only on the pitch for a couple of minutes when he picked out the bottom right corner from Arthurs’ knock-down, continuing a theme of replacement impacts of late.
A substitute has hit the net in four of the Seasiders’ last six matches in all competitions, with Arthurs – himself now up to six goals for the campaign and five in the league – also being sprung from the bench to score in the 2-1 BetMcLean Cup defeat at Larne four days earlier.
In this case, Boyd and Lewis Francis were introduced in a double change and both made an instant impact, with Francis’ floated cross from the right connected to by Arthurs for Boyd to do the business.
The 22-year-old was glad to have the desired impact and hopes fortunes can improve when Bangor travel to Portadown next Saturday.
“That’s all you can really do, coming off the bench and trying to make an impact.
“I would’ve liked to have come on earlier but, you know, it’s just what the manager thinks and all you can do is come on and give your all and hopefully something falls for you.
“Thankfully, it did and I put it into the net and it got us back into the game.
“It just wasn’t to be in the end, but we’ll dust ourselves off and we’ll go on to Portadown next week and try to get the three points.”
After the Halloween home loss to Carrick Rangers when Danny Gibson struck the only goal of the game three minutes into stoppage-time, Bangor found themselves out of luck again when Edogun slotted home from close range after Clarke’s low cross filtered into the box.
But rather than wallow in it, former Crusaders frontman Boyd – who fired past Sean O’Neill for his second goal in Bangor colours – says defeats are inevitable in football and has rallied the Yellows to roll with the punches.
“We’ve just been a bit out of luck – I thought against Carrick, we were poor all night, to be fair; it was a bad game of football for the eye.
“They won it in the last minute and it’s two last-minute winners (against us) now and we just need to dust ourselves and just go on into next week – that’s all you can really do in football.
“You’re not going to win every game of football, it’s part and parcel of it.
“You just have to keep going and it’s about picking up as many points as you possibly can.
“We were on a good run, but you’re always going to lose one or two or a couple in a row so, like I said, all we can really do is dust ourselves off and go again.”
Belfast man Boyd, who started in an encouraging Bangor display against Larne in midweek, believes there are plenty of positives to be taken – perhaps reflected by the fact that Lee Feeney’s men remain sixth-place in the standings.
He hopes those positives can be translated into a return to winning ways sooner rather than later, starting with the upcoming trip to Shamrock Park where Bangor were 4-1 victors over Niall Currie’s Ports back in September.
“I thought we were superb against Larne in midweek – we took them right to the end and gave them a game of football.
“Today, it just wasn’t to be – it hasn’t been a great week, but it is what it is. You can’t get too high or too low and you just have to take it as it comes and our focus is on next week now.”
Posted: Sunday, 9th November 2025
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY'
It was a second dose of added-time disappointment in as many league games for Bangor as Ballymena United came away with a 3-2 victory at Clandeboye Park on Saturday afternoon, with the Seasiders having fought back from two goals down only for the Sky Blues to strike the winner in the fourth minute of stoppage-time.
On two minutes, Ballymena had the first chance of the game and came close when Kian Corbally – who struck a brace in the 4-0 victory for the Sky Blues at The Showgrounds back in August – saw an effort deflected wide for a right-sided corner, which was then headed just past Gareth Deane's left-hand post.
Bangor's first effort came five minutes later as Lewis Harrison angled a shot 20 yards from goal past Sean O'Neill's left post before Ballymena won a corner up the other end that was half-cleared as far as Aaron Jarvis, whose inswinging cross nestled on the top of Deane's net.
Ballymena's Calvin McCurry directed a looping header onto the top of Deane's net from Matthew Clarke's left-sided cross on 16 minutes before, a minute later, Ben Arthurs drew an important block from experienced defender Stephen O'Donnell after a misguided backpass caused issues for the visiting backline.
On 27 minutes, Ballymena striker Success Edogun rattled the crossbar – albeit the flag had been raised for offside against the man partnering McCurry up top for the away side – but on 34 minutes, the visitors did draw first blood. Edogun got in behind the line despite protests of offside and cut back into the box from the left byline, with the ball deflecting off the unfortunate Reece Neale into the net to make it 1-0.
From there, it was largely sterile with neither goalkeeper overly tested leading into half-time and no further major chances being created as Jim Ervin's United retained their advantage until the half-time break.
On 49 minutes, Bangor looked to get in at O'Neill when Cushnie trapped the ball and played in Harrison, but his cutback was blocked and ricocheted away. Up the other end, a penalty appeal was waved away – and negated by an offside flag – with Corbally looking to break behind the line.
With 58 minutes gone, Cushnie dribbled around Ballymena defender Ali Gould and let fly from 25 yards, drawing a low parry from O'Neill that forced a corner, but it ultimately didn't come to anything as a second delivery was emphatically headed clear. Shortly after, a placed header from Arthurs landed past O'Neill's upright, but Bangor were showing promise in their search for a leveller.
On 64, Arthurs fired a Tiarnan Mulvenna corner over the bar after getting his head on the end of it amid a congested penalty area, but on 72 minutes, Ballymena were more clinical to double their advantage. The ball was played across the penalty area where Clarke was lurking, and the long-time former Linfield full-back fired a shot low into the bottom right corner.
But that two-goal advantage lasted just two minutes. Bangor won a corner on the left flank which Mulvenna flighted in, and Arthurs had better luck on 74 minutes when he placed the ball past O'Neill to reduce the arrears.
Shortly after, a double sub saw Jay Boyd and Lewis Francis introduced for Harrison and Harry Lynch as Bangor went on the front foot in search of an equalising goal for the final quarter of an hour – and on 80 minutes, Boyd had just the desired impact. After Francis flighted in from the right, Arthurs knocked down and Boyd showed great control to receive on the turn and fire into the bottom right.
On 83 minutes, Cushnie fired an ambitious effort from distance not far over O'Neill's crossbar, and with the clock ticking down, the Seasiders piled on the pressure – with Mick Morgan also introduced to the fray and connecting to a Boyd cutback, but his shot was blocked.
In the first of five additional minutes at the end, Arthurs powered a Mulvenna header over O'Neill's crossbar as it continued to be one-way traffic – but four minutes in, a sucker punch. Clarke delivered a low cross from the left and and it filtered through to Edogun, who slid into the bottom left corner and ultimately proved the matchwinner.
BANGOR TEAM:
G.Deane, R.Neale, M.Haughey, L.Harrison(J.Boyd), L.Hassin, T.Mulvenna, B.Arthurs, B.Cushnie(M.Morgan), H.Lynch(L.Francis), R.Garrett, S.McGuinness
Subs: P.Solis-Grogan, T.Mathieson, R.Ferguson, A.Mitchell
Posted: Saturday, 8th November 2025
Kyle Owens believes Bangor must harness the positives of their excellent form prior to last weekend’s home defeat to Carrick Rangers in order to return to winning ways in the Sports Direct Premiership on Saturday afternoon.
The Seasiders welcome Owens’ former club Ballymena United to Clandeboye Park in their first league match in November, with Jim Ervin’s Sky Blues sitting three points below their sixth-placed hosts having played a game more.
Bangor were defeated on Halloween night after Danny Gibson struck the only goal of the game in the third minute of second-half stoppage-time, with the Yellows also reduced to 10 men after Oisin Devlin was shown a straight red card for a sliding lunge on the would-be matchwinner 13 minutes from time.
In midweek, Bangor exited the BetMcLean Cup following a 2-1 loss to Larne at Inver Park but produced a much-improved performance that inspires confidence going into the clash with Ballymena, who inflicted a 4-0 defeat on Lee Feeney’s side at The Showgrounds in August.
For Owens, a defensive partner of former Braidmen captain Ervin during his two-year stint there between 2016 and 2018, he wants to take the positives from the five-match unbeaten run across all competitions that preceded the Carrick reverse and use them as fuel to pick up the three points this weekend.
“I just think we go in with the mentality that we had against Larne a couple of weeks ago and the couple of games previous to that.
“Obviously Friday night was a bit of a sucker punch, we were down to 10 men but I think we played well below par from how we’ve been playing the past couple of weeks.
“But I just think if we keep doing what we’re doing in the weeks before that, we’ll be fine.”
Posted: Thursday, 6th November 2025
We bid farewell to Scott McArthur as he swaps Bangor for Australia.
Scott leaves the Seasiders with a host of winners medals, including league winners medals for the Ballymena Intermediate League, Premier Intermediate League and Championship.
We thank Scott for all his efforts during his time at Clandeboye Park and for the part he played in helping Bangor return to the Premiership, and we wish him the very best for his move across the world.
Posted: Thursday, 6th November 2025
Bangor produced a highly creditable and battling performance but ultimately exited the BetMcLean Cup by a 2-1 scoreline to Larne in the sides' Second Round clash at Inver Park on Tuesday night.
Chris Gallagher set the ball rolling for the home side – who opted to deploy what was effectively a full-strength team for this encounter as Bangor opted for some rotation, with Patrick Solis Grogan preferred to Gareth Deane in goal and impressive teenager Alfie Mitchell coming into defence – and it was Gallagher who enjoyed the first chance of the game on five minutes when the Larne midfielder fizzed a shot over.
Bangor captain Lewis Harrison fired a tame shot on target a minute later that was gathered by Larne stopper Rohan Ferguson, while on 14 minutes, Stephen McGuinness' left-sided cross from Ben Cushnie's layoff had to be dealt with at the far post as the Seasiders looked to pose a threat going forward while keeping it tight at the back.
On 19 minutes, Cushnie forced a corner when his shot was deflected inches past the post by a recovering Larne defender, while the Invermen got even closer three minutes later when Matty Lusty connected to Tomas Cosgrove's cross with an acrobatic volley that came crashing off the underside of Solis Grogan's crossbar and back just the right side of the goalline from a Bangor perspective.
On 28 minutes, McGuinness almost finished off a sweet flowing move down the left but saw it safely gathered by Ferguson at his near post, while on the stroke of the half-hour, Benji Magee's low cross had to be got to by Mitchell, who dealt calmly with the danger by nipping in ahead of Lusty.
Garrett then fizzed a shot from around 35 yards out five minutes from half-time that had Ferguson on his guard, nestling on the top of the net, while heading into stoppage-time, Magee carried the ball the length of the pitch and laid off McKendry to have a shot that Solis Grogan claimed at his near post – and after that, half-time was signalled with the score still goalless.
At half-time, Tom Mathieson replaced Jack O'Mahony in a like-for-like change at right wing-back as Bangor restarted the play, and Magee drew a save from Solis Grogan just two minutes into the half with a rising effort that had to be tipped over the bar.
On 53 minutes, Ferguson's upright was hit when Reece Neale's right-sided corner was connected to by Harrison at the back stick, and he struck the base of the post with a well-placed header before Lewis Francis' follow-up was struck over the crossbar.
But on 66 minutes, Larne – by now having stepped things up – did draw first blood. A cross from the left was whipped in and Tiarnan O'Connor got on the end of it, placing past Solis Grogan from eight yards with a bullet header. A Bangor triple substitution quickly followed; former Larne player Liam Hassin, Tiarnan Mulvenna and Ben Arthurs brought on for Jay Boyd, Morgan and Harrison.
Hassin almost made a quick impact when he just couldn't trap the ball under his spell from Cushnie's whipped cross from the inside right channel. Up the other end, on 72 minutes, James Simpson laced a low shot towards goal and called Solis Grogan into a dive, but the shot was always angling wide of the mark, while young midfielder Ross Ferguson replaced Cushnie for Bangor's final substitution.
On 79 minutes, Larne substitute Leroy Millar had a presentable chance close to goal that he couldn't keep below Solis Grogan's crossbar, but the Invermen did grab a second – an eye-catching strike from O'Connor again from the edge of the box as he curled into the top right corner six minutes from time.
But a couple minutes later, Bangor offered a reply. McGuinness whipped in a fantastic cross from the left after a neat interplay between him and Mulvenna, with Arthurs getting goalside of Larne centre-back Matt Ridley and bulleting a header past Ferguson, who got hands to it but couldn't keep it out as the Seasiders striker picked out the bottom left.
Bangor had the bit between their teeth and pushed in search of a leveller going into four minutes of stoppage-time, but Larne saw the game out through a series of set-pieces to full-time – with Lee Feeney able to reflect on a positive performance as he and the Seasiders look ahead to Saturday's Sports Direct Premiership clash at home to Ballymena United.
Bangor Team:
P.Solis-Grogan, R.Neale, L.Francis, A.Mitchell, S.McGuinness, J.O'Mahony(T.Mathieson), R.Garrett, L.Harrison(L.Hassin), M.Morgan(B.Arthurs),J.Boyd(T.Mulvenna), B.Cushnie(R.Ferguson).
Subs: G.Deane, M.Haughey
Posted: Wednesday, 5th November 2025
Bangor captain Lewis Harrison believes a cup run would be worth its weight in gold for the Seasiders ahead of Tuesday night’s trip to Larne in the Second Round of the BetMcLean Cup.
The midfielder is keen to hit back quickly after a disappointing 1-0 home reverse to Carrick Rangers in the Sports Direct Premiership on Friday night and is hoping a quick response is forthcoming at Inver Park.
It’s a second trip to the east Antrim venue in 10 days for Bangor, who drew 1-1 against the Invermen in the league to pick up a valuable point, and Harrison hopes the Yellows can go one better to reach the quarter-finals of the NI Football League’s blue-riband knock-out competition.
On the back of last season’s run to the Irish Cup semi-finals, the 26-year-old has the taste for more in the knock-out settings this term and, given the high-profile, televised Sunday billing for the Final and the added prize this campaign of a spot in the end-of-season European Play-Off, says there is an added incentive for Bangor to try and go far in this tournament.
Foremost in Harrison’s mind, though, is hitting back after the loss to Carrick and restoring positive form with another tricky league game at home to Ballymena United on Saturday.
“The cups are massive for us, I think – we want to go on a cup run and stay in the league, that’s what we’d like to do this season.
“We’ve got this game and then Ballymena at the weekend, it’s another tough task, but we’re doing alright, we’ll get there.”
Posted: Monday, 3rd November 2025
Lewis Harrison admits it was a night to forget for Bangor on Halloween as Carrick Rangers’ stoppage-time winner at Clandeboye Park put an end to the Seasiders’ unbeaten run.
Gers striker Danny Gibson struck in the third minute of added-time to win it for the visitors in a scrappy Sports Direct Premiership encounter that featured few clear-cut chances and little by way of flowing football.
Bangor’s task had at that stage been made harder when midfielder Oisin Devlin was shown a straight red card 13 minutes from time by referee Evan Boyce for a late lunge on Gibson, who turned matchwinner when he blasted past Gareth Deane into the top left corner after Joe Crowe’s long throw caused problems initially.
Describing it as a “poor night all round”, captain Harrison admitted Bangor were far from their best on Friday.
“Yeah, brutal night – it just felt like it was going to come, that goal at the end.
“We did have our chances as well, but we didn’t take them – we just didn’t show up tonight.
“From the whistle, we didn’t start. We never really got the ball on the ground, everything was in the air, it was first and second balls and they won more than us.
“It was just a poor night all round.”
The Yellows skipper added, however, that it might be no bad thing to be brought back down to earth in the hope that it refocuses minds for the challenges to come in November.
The 26-year-old is keen to show a reaction and hopes this result can be looked on as a blip down the line.
“Maybe that could’ve come down to it, we were on a good run and maybe we just thought we were going to show up and get the three points.
“But football doesn’t work like that, so we’re on to next week anyway – Ballymena’s the next one in the league, the next two games are massive.
“You never get too high or too low. We’re new into the league, we were five (unbeaten) on the bounce so you’d have took it at the start, wouldn’t you?
“So, to get beat 1-0 with a goal right at the end, hopefully we can look back at it in a couple of weeks and it doesn’t look as bad.”
Harrison took positives from the fact that Bangor did create chances in both halves, with Jay Boyd coming closest just before half-time when he cracked a header off Nathan Gartside’s crossbar.
The midfielder also felt the Seasiders should’ve been awarded a penalty for a tug on Mark Haughey immediately afterwards, while he also praised the impact of Mick Morgan in the second half as Tiarnan Mulvenna and Ben Arthurs both drew strong palms from Gartside after the interval.
“We had chances – there were chances in the first half, Big Ben and then the one with Haughey, he definitely got pulled down, I felt we should’ve had a penalty there.
“And then second half, wee Mick came on and I thought he done well, held the ball up well and we got a couple of shots off.
“Deanesy didn’t really have a save to make but just right at the end, it was scrappy – it just felt like it was going to come.
“We were down to 10 men and that’s wee Oisin out now but, look, there’s boys there to fill in for him – you’ve got the likes of Ribsy (Robbie Garrett), so we’ve got the numbers.”
Foremost in Belfast man Harrison’s mind is reacting as soon as possible, and he’s glad there’s a quick turnaround to Tuesday night and a second visit to Inver Park in 10 days to face Larne – this time in the BetMcLean Cup last-16.
Following that is a return to Sports Direct Premiership duty at home to Ballymena United next Saturday, and he hopes Bangor get back in winning form sooner rather than later.
“We’re going into Tuesday night and we’ve got a quick chance to turn it around and then it’s Ballymena in the league.
“So, we’ll quickly forget about tonight – you have to put your eyes on Larne now on Tuesday and get into the next round of the cup.”
Posted: Sunday, 2nd November 2025