Adam Neale revealed that relief was his overarching emotion after his hat-trick set Bangor en route to a first win in five Playr-Fit Championship matches at the weekend. Having scored three goals in 19 appearances prior to kick-off on Saturday, he doubled his whole-season tally inside 48 devastating minutes as he put Annagh United to the sword.
Adding to Ben Arthurs’ deadlock-breaker merely eight minutes into the action at the BMG Arena, the line-leader – now up to 117 goals in the yellow and blue shirt – handed over a penalty Neale himself had won to convert shortly after the quarter-hour mark before the Ballynahinch frontman notched up two more either side of half-time to seal his second match ball since joining the Seasiders 15 months ago.
He frankly admits that his lack of consistent goalscoring has worn on his mind but, never one to shy away from the challenge, Adam was delighted to produce the goods when it counted and help the Seasiders to all three points on the Tandragee Road.
“It was relief more than anything,” he admits after recording his first hat-trick in league play, having also hit three in a Steel and Sons Cup quarter-final against Albert Foundry a year ago. It’s been a bit stop-start for me, it’s been a frustrating run but I’m hoping now that that (the hat-trick) gets me back on track.
“I’m hoping that coming off that, I can get back to scoring goals – doing what I’ve been doing my whole career. It’s been difficult, but the team created the chances for me and I’m just glad I was able to reward them and score three in the one game here.
“For the penalty, I’d felt I’d kind of earned it. It was my flick-up that hit his (Annagh defender) hand to win the penalty, so I went to Ben and asked him if I could take it as I kind of wanted to finish the job and get myself on the board. That was my opportunity to start something, kick off in the game and I felt confident I could step up and take it. Thankfully, I was able to do that. I was used to being the main penalty taker before I joined Bangor, so I’m used to those sorts of situations and the pressure that can come with them. I think Ben understood that and was happy for me to take it at that point, I was glad to step up and take responsibility, you know, and yeah, on the back of that, I was able to score two more goals from open play.”
For four consecutive games now, one of Arthurs, Neale or both have hit the net for Bangor. The former is now on an active run of three goalscoring games in a row having of late struck versus Newington and Portadown, while the latter’s headed equaliser against H&W Welders represented somewhat of a return to type. But 30-year-old former Rathfriland favourite Adam isn’t keen to rest on his laurels; rather, he wants to keep the goal tap flowing. Supporting Arthurs (25) – the pair scored 58 goals between them across all competitions in 2022/23 – is also high on his priority list.
“Last season, Ben and I were both scoring regularly, and obviously that had helped us push on in the league and win silverware,” Neale reflected. Ben’s kind of been scoring the goals by himself among the frontline since the start of the season and I’ve been playing catch-up, I fell behind a bit. You can’t really go into this league with just one guy scoring goals, one recognised scorer, so I needed to step it up from that point of view and I was glad to do that on Saturday.
“I’ve got that relationship with Ben, there’s a trust and understanding between us and we obviously scored a lot of goals last season between us to help the club get into the league. I know we’re going to be important as a pairing and as two players who’ll help the club push on up the league table by scoring goals.
“Even for the second goal, it was a loose backpass and it fell for me in a one-on-one situation with the keeper, but I spotted him off his line and I was able to bring the ball around him and have a tap-in. That brought me confidence, staying composed to do the right thing, and it’s helping the team out. I think the more players that chip in with goals, the better. If we have players scoring goals all around the team, in defence or midfield as well, we want to get as many people in on the act as possible, which would be great. It’s a shot in the arm for any player to score so, hopefully, both me and the team can do that consistently.”
A telepathic understanding with his younger brother Reece (25) contributed in large part to the finish that ultimately completed Adam’s goal haul for the day, and he paid a warm tribute to an “unbelievable” set-up from his sibling to help make the match ball safe. The striker also shed light on the telepathic understanding with a player who has spent most of this term in a left-sided centre-back role but who was deployed in his more favoured left wing-back position in Portadown on Saturday.
“Reece on the third one was unbelievable. Unbelievable, I’m not sure you’ll see a better assist than that all season. How he kept that ball in… I couldn’t believe it, how it didn’t go out of play, and then for him to move forward and stay composed was really good as well. He laid it off to me when he could’ve easily gone for goal himself, he could’ve tried to chip the keeper but he picked out the pass for me and I was able to reward him by putting it in the net for the hat-trick.
“I have my team-mates to thank for it (the match ball). They helped me get off the mark, be it Ben handing me over the penalty or Reece for the last one, and others in the team across the pitch were being creative and were setting me up for chances. You know, it’s a team game at the end of the day, and the team worked really hard and really well to get the win, and thankfully we made our chances count and got the points to take up the road with us.
"There obviously is that connection between us, not just physically but mentally as well. It’s on me to be in the right positions to connect when it is that sort of situation (the hat-trick-sealing goal), but I always have an idea of where he’s going to place the ball when he crosses it or lays it off or whatever. It’s just that understanding. It was great to see him out wide on the left on Saturday. He’s obviously played a bit deeper this season, being in the back-three, but we saw it last season – he’s really dangerous when he’s able to get forward like that, hug the touchline and get forward and create chances. He picked me out and I was able to finish, but I think Reece knew where I was going to be and I knew I had to be in the right place at the right time.”
(Posted: Tuesday, 28th November 2023)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney delighted over a brilliant performance from his players in the 4-0 victory over Annagh United and singled out a number of influential performers for praise.
The Seasiders supremo watched on as Ben Arthurs broke the deadlock with a stylish finish, plucking out Sean Brown’s lofted supply over the top before slotting beyond ex-team-mate Jason Craughwell between the Annagh sticks.
Adam Neale then took command, doubling his entire tally for the season in just 48 minutes thanks to a devastating hat-trick. First, he slotted home from the penalty spot after his flick-on hit a home hand in the penalty area, then he pounced on a loose backpass and rounded Craughwell to double up just prior to the half-hour before taking on brother Reece Neale’s cut-back and sliding in a cool third on 64 minutes.
Kilkeel chief Feeney was gushing with acclaim for both Neale siblings and Arthurs post-match and laid out just how influential they had been. And Kircubbin punisher Arthurs handing his strike partner over the spot-kick that set him on his way was something that commanded tremendous respect from the boss.
“I have to say, for that first goal for Adam, the penalty, I have to give Ben a huge amount of credit. Ben’s our penalty taker, he’s our first-choice in that regard, but Adam’s obviously went over to Ben and asked to take it, Adam has the belief in himself that he can get off the mark and he goes and scores two more after that for the hat-trick.
“But Ben has confidence in Adam, he has the confidence in his team-mate that he can get kickstarted, there’s the trust between them in that moment and I have to give top marks to Ben for that. I’m pleased for Adam, hopefully that’s him on his way. They were well-taken goals and they were confident finishes. And it’s a big moment for him, too. 13, 14 months ago, he was playing in the Amateur League, he’s played most of his football in the Amateur League, and for him to make that jump and perform at Championship level, he’s been making big strides in his career and working really hard to make that happen.
“It’s been a bit stop-start for him in terms of scoring goals this season, but I know he’ll enjoy that match ball – one more for his collection.”
The set-up for Adam’s third and Bangor’s fourth was thanks in no small part to a massive intervention from his little brother. The ball looked to be spinning across the touchline and out for a throw-in, but a spectacular piece of acrobatics by Reece Neale kept it in play and allowed the 25-year-old to race toward the byline. From there, he acutely laid off and allowed Adam to slot side-footed into the net.
“Reece Neale has been exceptional for this football club,” hailed Feeney in his reflections. The whole ground stood up and applauded how he kept that ball in for Adam’s third goal, you know, the home and away fans that I saw.
“It was just an exceptional piece of skill, to effectively bicycle kick it to keep it in, and work-rate and determination. I don’t know how he did it, but he had the desire to chase after it and has kept the ball alive and then he’s got the composure to drive forward with the ball, doesn’t get a head of steam and picks out a really good pass for his brother. You could call it brotherly love there!
“Reece has been absolutely first class. His character and his personality are beyond his years, he’s a leader, and for a man of 25, he is such an important player and he shows that desire I expect to see from my players. I was really delighted with the way he went about himself.”
(Posted: Monday, 27th November 2023)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney was all too happy with the starring impact made by Mitchel Watterson in the Playr-Fit Championship victory over Annagh United on Saturday.
The Seasiders supremo previously gave Watterson his first taste of a senior matchday panel when including the 18-year-old among his subs for the visit to Institute five weeks prior.
His next appearance among the first selection would be in the starting line-up for this trip to the BMG Arena, where the highly-rated former Linfield Academy midfielder shone alongside Lewis Harrison and Jack Henderson in a 4-0 victory – secured after Adam Neale’s 48-minute hat-trick followed up an opening finish from Ben Arthurs. It was Bangor’s awaited first triumph in five matches, since a 5-1 dose of Sunday service away to Knockbreda in mid-October when both Henderson and Harrison had marked the scoresheet, and the teenager’s influence in the middle of the park alongside that familiar duo was warmly lauded by Feeney.
“Mitchel, I brought him up to the first-team because of how well he’s been playing for the Reserves, and I knew Mitchel from when he was with Linfield Under-18s. I was really impressed by his maturity, his attitude and in terms of his ability as a midfielder, it was beyond his years.
“A few days before the transfer window closed, he gave me a call and said to me that he had wanted to join Bangor, and I told him that I would be delighted to have you here, you’d be very welcome to come. I thought it spoke volumes that he thought here was the best place for him to develop and take that next step. He’s been playing regularly for the Under-20s, with Davy Downes, and he’s been playing really well, so I felt he deserved a chance to make an impression with the first-team.
“I’ve had him in first-team training sessions and had the opportunity to assess him there and he hasn’t looked out of place, he’s adapted to that level of intensity and I’ve had the chance to take a closer look at him from that point of view.
“I think he’s come in and been super, and with certain players in attacking areas not being available, had they been available Mitch might not have got that chance to be in the team this weekend, but I always held belief in him that he could take that next step and I’m really glad he did, he was excellent.”
Feeney also reserved praise for what Downes has achieved during the last number of years in charge of the Reserves set-up.
Having also handed talented sharp-shooter Charley Craig his Championship debut, becoming the 10th player to step up from the second string into a first-team gameday squad this term, the former Linfield and Rangers ace spoke of how a culture has been rubber-stamped for a crop of future stars to flourish on the seaside.
“Davy’s doing great work (with the Reserves). It’s been a gradual build-up to get to the place we are now with our youth set-up but we’ve now got a really good connection between the Reserves and the first-team. He’s an experienced coach who I have a lot of respect for… he had worked before at Linfield Under-16s, he’s worked with players who have went on to play across the water, and in the time he’s been here, he’s created and brought in a culture in there that we’re very proud of.
“Bear in mind, this may be an Under-20s team, but the players that are coming into the first-team, they’re not 20-year-olds, they’re 17 or 18, with the likes of Mitchel and Charley (Craig) at the weekend. We’re able to bring up young players into the team who can impact games.
“They’re able to make that step up to senior football and it’s just a seamless transition, and I find that very pleasing.”
(Posted: Monday, 27th November 2023)
Bangor FC Ladies enjoyed success in the third matchday of the Women's NI Futsal Super League with a victory over Ballymena United Women on Friday night.
Their second win of the Futsal campaign following a 9-0 opening day success over Ballyclare Comrades Ladies, the Seasiders returning to successful ways after falling to a 5-2 defeat at the hands of Crusaders Strikers in the match immediately prior.
This 4-2 triumph at Shankill Leisure Centre was inspired by an Amber Dempster brace and finishes by Olivia Brown and Erin Hennity that notched up the maximum spoils against the Sky Blues.
Next up for the side is some friendly fire in a fortnight's time against Camlough.
(Posted: Sunday, 26th November 2023)
Bangor Reserves picked up their eighth win in nine Championship/PIL Development League matches this season thanks to a slender 1-0 success over their Institute counterparts at Clandeboye Park.
A close-range header by Jay Boyd with 35 minutes gone in the contest proved the only goal of the game, with the result enough to keep the Seasiders top of the table on 25 points from 27 available.
The clash saw both sides push for goals and, indeed, the woodwork was struck at both ends, but Ben McConkey in the home goal kept a clean sheet to help the side to a fifth league win in a row for David Downes and his squad. Boyd broke the deadlock in the first period, hitting his second goal of the season and ensuring Bangor retained a seven-point lead on the chasing pack – albeit with fluctuating amounts of matches played across the 15 teams in the division.
Next up is a Monday night trip to Milltown to take on Warrenpoint on December 4. Kick-off is at 7:45pm.
Bangor Reserves matchwinner Jay Boyd admitted his team weren't at their best against Institute U21 but was satisfied to secure a "scrappy win" that enhanced the team's standing in the table. Boyd broke the deadlock with a well-placed header 10 minutes from the end of the first half, with Bangor holding on for much of the rest of the contest against a Stute side keen to make their presence felt. The striker's reflections were honest, tinged with relief that three more points had been safely tucked away against a quality opponent. He felt that the first period in particular left things to be desired performance-wise but hailed an improvement following the interval that saw a collective Seasider resolve stand tall and a clean sheet success upheld come the end.
He explained: "It was a great performance from the lads. Scrappy game, not a lot we could do, especially the second half... we were told, maybe sit off them, you know, but make sure we're pressing them. The pressing wasn't great in the first half, they were all over us; in the second half, again, they had the chances but, yeah, I think we held on at the end and got the win, which is the most important thing."
Former Ards ace Boyd added that the pressure was perhaps most ramped after he had nodded the hosts in front on 35 minutes. He broke free inside the penalty area and directed coolly into the net from a lofted supply into the danger zone, building the advantage but also in the knowledge that a storm was likely to follow as Institute looked to level up in double-quick time.
The teenage frontman, who represented the County Down select outfit at the prestigious SuperCupNI in 2022, felt game management in the lead-up to the pause was fundamental to securing the maximum spoils for David Downes' group.
"I think after the goal went in, it was see it to half-time," Boyd added. "I think you're most vulnerable after you score, you know what I mean, with the team coming at you again, so see it out to half-time and then second half, Davy's telling us we need to get in their faces."We sat off them too much, and when we did press, the team wasn't pressing so they were just taking it round us, so we tried to work on that in the second half, I think we did better but at the same time, they weren't getting out of third gear the whole game. But, listen, we got there in the end and got the win.
"Institute are a great hardworking team and definitely tested us, but we came away with the win."
After swapping the North Down divide to wear the yellow and blue shirt during the summer, Boyd, who struck his second goal of the season with his clinching finish against the Brandywell outfit, has been a key component of the panel.
He went on to say that nudging the close-fought affairs rank among the most satisfying victories due to the impact they can make come the season's end.
"Yeah, there are probably the most important wins, the scrappy ones, you know what I mean, where you just have to see the game out," Boyd explained. Institute had most of the chances... we took on board what Davy said at half-time, you know, not see the game out but just make sure we're in their faces, press as a team which we did in the second half.
"It was just one of them games, it wasn't great to watch I'm sure but it's an important win."
(Posted: Sunday, 26th November 2023)
Bangor moved back in to the top half of the PlayR-Fit Championship league table with an impressive 4-0 away win over Annagh United at the BMG Arena this afternoon.
Ben Arthurs raced through to slide the ball past Craughwell in the 9th minute and Adam Neale did likewise six minutes later. Neale doubled his tally for the afternoon from the penalty spot on 28 minutes to make it 3-0 at the half-time break.
A remarkable piece of skill from Reece Neale on the left gave him time and space to pick out a pass for his brother Adam to bag a hat-trick and slot home Bangor's fourth.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster, R.Neale, D.Hume, L.Francis(R.Arthur), S.Brown, J.Henderson, L.Harrison(K.Devine), M.Watterson(J.Hughes), B.Arthurs(C.Craig), A.Neale(M.Halliday).
Subs: M.Orbinson, B.Walker
NEXT MATCH
Saturday, 2nd December - BALLYCLARE COMRADES v BANGOR, Dixon Park, Championship, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 25th November 2023)
Saturday, November 25 – Bangor Reserves vs Institute U21, Championship/PIL Development League, Clandeboye Park, 11am kick-off
Bangor Reserves are in Championship/PIL Development League action once more as David Downes prepares his side to face their Institute counterparts at Clandeboye Park.
The Seasiders, who strengthened their position at the top of the table last time out when overcoming Ards Reserves in a North Down Derby success at Londonderry Park, are unbeaten and have dropped only two points all season as they look to keep their title ambitions ticking over this weekend.
A victory last Saturday that was inspired by first-half finishes from the returning Ryan Arthur and Sonny Redford – although boss Downes also stressed after the match that he felt there were more goals in the game – it is seventh-placed 'Stute's turn to make the long journey down from the north west to tackle the in-form Yellows, who have 22 points from their eight matches so far and are on a run of four consecutive wins.
With seven points separating the table-toppers from the chasing pack, albeit with varying amounts of games played to date across the division, the hope is that another three-point weekend will be forthcoming. Kick-off at Clandeboye Park is at 11am.
(Posted: Friday, 24th November 2023)
ANNAGH UNITED v BANGOR
The BMG Arena is Bangor's destination this Saturday, with the Playr-Fit Championship campaign continuing into a testing encounter with Annagh United.
After a 2-2 draw with Portadown last weekend left the Seasiders still on the search for a first victory since mid-October, the other second-tier representative of the Co Armagh town will be eager to boost their fortunes at the expense of their visitors.
Finishes by Ben Arthurs and Lewis Harrison shot Lee Feeney's men into a two-goal lead over the Ports at Clandeboye Park, but two late strikes by Dougie Wilson and Eamon Fyfe meant the visitors escaped with a share of the spoils. Ciaran McGurgan's Annagh, who Bangor overcame 3-1 last month thanks to goals from Arthurs, Jack Henderson and Ben Walker, will target a dose of payback in what is the Yellows' first league-related trip to Tandragee Road in a little over four years – that was a Premier Intermediate League clash in those days.
Performances have continued to be up to scratch despite the downturn in results, though, and Feeney will have his charges fired up to make their return to winning ways this weekend. Between the seventh and eighth-placed sides in the division, each level on 22 points, it should make for an interesting battle.
Bangor striker Ben Arthurs is anticipating a difficult match against Annagh United as he sets his sights on a fresh return to winning form this weekend.
Lee Feeney's Seasiders have gone five matches without a win in the Playr-Fit Championship but it is not for the want of trying, with three pleasing displays against H&W Welders, Newington and Portadown all not matched with three points that have eluded the squad since a 5-1 triumph over basement dwellers Knockbreda on Sunday, October 15.
The Yellows' last victory on a Saturday was, in fact, the reverse of this weekend's fixture, when Arthurs marked the scoresheet alongside home town duo Ben Walker and Jack Henderson in a superb 3-1 success over Ciaran McGurgan's Annagh. The Kircubbin frontman is now targeting a third successive goalscoring game having notched up his 10th strike of the season – and 116th in a Bangor shirt – against the Ports last time out, but he is well aware that he and his team-mates must work hard to record back-to-back victories over the Tandragee Road men.
Arthurs played the full 90 when Bangor last travelled to the BMG Arena in a league context, in which Annagh ran out 2-1 victors in a Premier Intermediate League battle in November 2019, and he is wary that, as the sides joust a level higher, the task will be just as difficult.
"Of course, this weekend's going to be a tough test for us," Arthurs explained. "Annagh are a quality team, they've been up towards the top of this league for the past few seasons and reached the promotion play-offs, so we can't afford to take them lightly when we play them this weekend.
"Yes, we beat them earlier in the season, and we played well that day to get the three points, but I've been impressed with Annagh every time I've seen them and they've got dangerous players all across the pitch. We know they've got players in there who can hurt us, and it's going to take the whole team being sharp all across the pitch to get another win.
"The last three games, we're disappointed that we've only got two points out of them; I think we could've got seven or nine points out of those games and no one would've really had any complaints.
"But this league's crazy, any team can turn up on their day and it's hard to predict, so all we can do is turn up and play our best on Saturday. After all, what better time of the week is there than 3pm on a Saturday playing football? You can't beat it, so I'm looking forward." Arthurs also felt having players like outstanding teenage centre-back Lewis Francis, versatile forward Ben Cushnie and leader-like defender Ryan Arthur return from injury provided a fresh injection of belief going into the challenges to come.
Fan favourite Arthur (28), who scored within 90 seconds of his first competitive outing of the season in Bangor Reserves' derby delight over their Ards equivalents last Saturday, was singled out for his vocal nature by the 25-year-old striker, while Francis (19) and Cushnie (22) – team-mates at Dungannon Swifts last campaign – have both made promising impressions since their respective loan arrivals from the Swifts and Glentoran.
Arthurs elaborated: "It's been good to get a few more bodies back in recently, Lewis came back into the team against Portadown and it was like he was never away, I thought he was really impressive again, and then Cush, getting him back in, he's great to play with; he works hard and gets into good positions.
"And then big Ryan, he's an important player for us, and that's off the pitch as well. Even in the changing room, he's vocal, he's a vocal presence and he lifts our spirits.
"It's important to have leaders in the team, and Ryan certainly is that in terms of the way he goes about himself, and having him back in and around the squad's going to be good for us going forward. It's a great feeling having those sorts of guys back in and getting players back from injury, that boosts the morale too, so long may that continue."
(Posted: Friday, 24th November 2023)
PORTS DRAW DISAPPOINTING BUT WE'LL BE BACK TO WINNING WAYS SOON: BEN ARTHURS
Bangor goalscorer Ben Arthurs admits it was a disappointment to have to settle for a draw against high-flying Portadown.
The hosts held a two-goal lead right until the closing minutes of this Playr-Fit Championship encounter, when Dougie Wilson and Eamon Fyfe strikes cancelled out a couple of fantastic first-half drives by Arthurs and midfield maestro Lewis Harrison. The Kircubbin striker, who broke the deadlock 16 minutes into proceedings at Clandeboye Park – he chested down David Hume’s whipped delivery from the right before venomously powering past Aaron Hogg in the Ports goal – moved into double digits for goals across all competitions in that moment before captain Harrison volleyed in a stunning second that doubled the advantage just before the half-hour.
But the Seasiders were to be clawed back by Niall Currie’s travellers in the latter stages and denied back-to-back victories over the Shamrock Park outfit, who had earlier been defeated in the first match-up back in August.
“We were disappointed after the game, it did feel more like two points dropped. A few of the boys were saying in the club, you know, they’d have taken a point before, but just the way the game panned out… it was disappointing.
“We’re into a two-goal lead, it was two great finishes in the end from me and Lewis to build that up and put us on the front foot, but they scored two goals in the 84th and 91st minutes and obviously they’re back up the road with a point. Portadown are one of the best teams in the league, they’re one of the best teams we’ll face and obviously, with that in mind, it’d have been a great result to get back to winning ways, a big game to win at home. That would’ve been great, it was great to see and play in front of such a big crowd as well, but it wasn’t quite to be.”
A winless run of five matches would ordinarily be cause for concern, but that isn’t really the case on the Clandeboye Road. Yellows boss Lee Feeney was pleased by the standard of performance against both H&W Welders (a 1-1 draw at home) and Newington (a 2-1 away defeat) and foresaw a results upturn sooner rather than later. The Kilkeel supremo almost got that against the Ports, but Bangor’s recent tale of so near yet so far is prolonged just a little bit longer. Arthurs, who bagged his 116th finish in yellow and blue on Saturday and has now notched up double-digit goalscoring campaigns at the second, third and fourth-tiers, wants to provide a fresh injection and boost his numbers to inspire a welcome return to winning ways.
“Yeah, that’s me up to 10 goals this season, it’s a good milestone but I feel I can do better. I think I’m on five in terms of the league, that was my fifth there, so I’m wanting to get to the stage where I’m scoring near enough every week and I’m looking to close the gap on those who are sort of at the top of the charts.
“Goalscoring’s a job for players like me and the likes of Adam (Neale), so I’m fully wanting to keep pushing on and picking up more points for the team with my goals.
“Against the Welders, I probably hold myself accountable, and Newington as well… I’d great chances in those games, I hit the post against the Welders, and then against Newington, you know, I’d two really good opportunities in the first half – one, to be fair, it was great reflexes from the keeper, and the other I feel I really should’ve scored two or three minutes in and that has us on the board early.
“Even against Portadown, there were a couple of times I went close – I’d a header that I just put wide and then there was one I tried to chip the keeper, and if they go in, then you’re on the way and out of sight, but that has me motivated, I’m always going into games believing I can score more goals.
“But you have to take those in your stride and always demand more of yourself, so I was glad to get on the scoresheet against Portadown, but that’s now five games without a win so we also really want to put three points on the board.
“The past three weeks, we’re feeling like we could’ve had nine points out of those games but it hasn’t happened for us. Against Institute and Ballinamallard, it wasn’t good enough those days but I also didn’t feel like they were 3-0 or 4-0 games, so we’re not concerned about performances, really.
“I know my role in the team, a lot of it is about finishing off the chances others create – and we have been, the whole team has – and that’s what I want to do, we’re not far from getting back to winning ways and I want to score goals that help us to wins.”
25-year-old sharp-shooter Arthurs went on to pay tribute to the collective spirit inside the dressing room and reckons it will underpin their future successes. The motivation is high to put three seemingly elusive points on the board, with Bangor next leaving their calling card at the BMG Arena when facing Annagh United this Saturday.
“I love our changing room,” adds Arthurs. “I love being a part of it, honestly, this squad.“There’s a great buzz around the club, we’re playing in front of big crowds every week and we’re all out there, in terms of the personalities in there, we’re all fighting for each other.
“The team spirit is top level, we’re all out there working hard and we’ll be going into training this week confident that we can knock it on the head, this run of games without a win, and go into the weekend believing we can win the game.
“It’s starting to click in terms of the way we’re playing, we know what we need to do in terms of how we play and it’s just about going into games now and getting the job done.
“It’s another tough game against Annagh this Saturday, but I believe we’ve got the character and the standard of performances to go and get a result.”
(Posted: Monday, 20th November 2023)
Bangor Reserves bagged the first regional bragging rights of the season when they overcame their Ards counterparts at Londonderry Park on Saturday.
The Seasiders were up to their tricks right from the off, with Ryan Arthur – who was making his first competitive appearance since a serious ankle injury ruled him out of action in pre-season – opening the scoring just 90 minutes in when he looped a header in off the underside of the crossbar.
David Downes' charges continued to create chances, but near-misses and woodwork strikes, which striker Jay Boyd did against his former employers when his venomous bobbling drive rebounded off the upright, kept the advantage at one right up until added-time. An instinctive close-range finish from Sonny Redford after Charley Craig had sent the ball into the area doubled the lead right on the stroke of half-time.
A scoreless second half was again punctuated by goalscoring opportunities, with Bangor seeing out the clean sheet and moving up to 22 points from 24 in the Championship/PIL Development League. They are next in action this coming Saturday when Institute are the visitors to Clandeboye Park, with kick-off timetabled for 11am.
Bangor Reserves manager David Downes revealed that he felt a tad disappointed despite coming away with the regional bragging rights on Saturday.
That's because he felt there were chances to make their eventual 2-0 winning scoreline over Ards Reserves even bigger, praising the performance on and off the ball but also pointing out that he wants standards in front of goal to stay as high as possible.
Downes went on to praise his squad depth and the overall quality of players at his disposal, and he believes the collective fight around the squad can keep the club flying high at the top of the Championship/PIL Development League. A collective hunger across a young squad to fight for each other and provide healthy competition, he believes, will underpin the Seasiders' title push and help them stay on the winning path.
"I was a bit disappointed, actually," admitted the Reserves boss. "I was disappointed more that we didn't really have the clinical edge where I'd have liked it.
"I felt we'd the chances to have the game wrapped up before half-time. I felt we were doing everything right, how we were building up attacks, how we were off the ball and the way we were pressing, but we weren't as efficient in front of goal which we always want to stay sharp in. We got the two goals in the first half, but there were chances to add to that. We had a goal disallowed (from Sonny Redford), we hit the woodwork (through Jay Boyd) and we had a couple of moments where the ball just went around the post.
"The beauty of it is, though, there's so much competition for places in our squad that no one knows who's starting week in, week out. Some squads, you might have players who you know are going to be in the team, but our squad and our strength in depth is so good that our players never have a place locked down and know they need to fight for their place in the team.
"With our centre-forwards, we have brilliant strength in depth. We had Sonny and Jay playing up top today, we'd Charley (Craig) on the pitch (playing right wing-back), we'd Callum (Johnston) and Jude (Carlisle) as well who came off the bench and made a positive impact. It really is a game by game, if there's a player who's in-form and scoring goals then they'll get the nod, but I know I've someone who's hungry and waiting to make their chances count when the opportunity comes. I think that's a great place to be in, the players work hard for each other and that's all part of the culture I've wanted to bring to this set-up. I'm very pleased with that."
(Posted: Monday, 20th November 2023)
Bangor let a two goal lead slip in a thrilling game at Clandeboye Park this afternoon.
Ben Arthurs controlled a deep cross from David Hume and lashed in the opener past Hogg in the 16th minute. 14 minutes later, Captain Lewis Harrison rifled in the second with a spectacular volley.
The Seasiders looked to be heading for all three points until the 84th minute when Wilson scrambled one back for Portadown. The Portadown equaliser from Fyfe came one minute in to injury time.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, B.Walker, D.Hume, R.Neale, L.Francis, J.Henderson, L.Harrison, B.Cushnie(A.Neale), S.McArthur(K.Devine), B.Arthurs, T.Mathieson(D.O'Kane).
Subs: M.Orbinson, M.Halliday, R.Arthur, R.Wright
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 25th November 2023 - ANNAGH UNITED v BANGOR, Championship, BMG Arena, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 18th November 2023)
Saturday, November 18 – Bangor vs Portadown, Playr-Fit Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3pm kick-off
Bangor return to home soil in the Playr-Fit Championship this Saturday when they welcome high-flying Portadown to Clandeboye Park.
, the relegated side from last season's Premiership, could take top spot if they avoid defeat on their foray east, but Niall Currie will not settle for second-best as Bangor, on 21 points, look to get back on the winning trail and into the top half again, which could happen with a victory this weekend.
Both teams have their respective reasons to win, which should make for a pulsating affair this weekend.
Bangor boss Lee Feeney has spoken of the determination within the playing camp to put things right and end a four-game winless streak against Portadown in the Playr-Fit Championship.
The promotion-chasing Ports travel to Clandeboye Park hungry to atone for when the Seasiders took all three points on their trip to Shamrock Park in late August, when Scott McArthur's 12th-minute strike proved enough to secure victory in a fantastic display by Feeney's men. Although it is later in the season, with Niall Currie's side second-placed in the league, the Kilkeel chief is confident his men have the keys to complete another victory.
"We were hurting after that (against Newington), but we're dusting ourselves down quickly and focusing on this game," Feeney insisted.
"Portadown's going to be a huge challenge for us, no doubt about it, but I'm looking back at the last two performances and I've seen plenty of positives from those games and where we need to improve to get a result.
"They're a strong team, but I think that (recent results) makes us fired up to go out and produce a performance. The first time we played them, we put on a really outstanding performance up at their place and it was good enough to beat them, and I'm confident in the boys, I'm confident that we can get back on the right track again and pick up a result."
(Posted: Friday, 17th November 2023)
Bangor Reserves midfielder Mitchel Watterson is in high spirits ahead of this week's North Down Derby against Ards, where the young Seasiders will aim to record their seventh win in eight matches in the Championship/PIL Development League.
After a fantastic 3-1 victory over H&W Welders in what was billed as a first-versus-second battle, David Downes' charges rose to the occasion – particularly Watterson, who struck twice to help consolidate the three points at Clandeboye Park.
As the action turns to Londonderry Park against Ards, who are ninth-place in the division with nine points from six matches, Watterson believes his team's recent form gives them a big boost going into a highly charged tussle where regional bragging rights are at stake.
"Yeah, it's good for the lads to be going in with a winning mentality, and we've been doing well," he says.
"So, it's a big game against Ards and we'll prepare well and do the exact same that we did against the Welders."
(Posted: Friday, 17th November 2023)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney praised a positive performance but lamented the lack of reward as the side fell 2-1 to Newington on Saturday.
The boss pointed to a first half where he felt his Seasiders had enough chances to decide the outcome there and then but failed to convert, rueing his squad’s luck thereafter as strikes by Neil Cummings and Zach Barr saw the Swans race into a two-goal lead at Inver Park in Larne.
Defensively, Feeney also reserved plaudits for what he deemed to be an organised showing – excluding during the build-up to the ‘Ton’s finishes – and, although Ben Arthurs’ well-placed finish three minutes from time was not to yield any points to take home, felt the creativity on offer inspired hope that it is not for the want of trying.
Insisting that performances have continued to meet his expectations despite a run of four matches without a win, the Kilkeel supremo has no cause for concern but says he will keep trying to enhance his panel’s efficiency at both ends of the pitch.
“No one’s more hurt than the players."
"The first half, we were dominating the game, we controlled the play. We were creating chances, I felt we created enough chances to be maybe 2, 3-0 up at half-time, and I felt we were defending our territory really well; we were defending well in our own half and the opposition half and they (Newington) weren’t creating any chances. I told the boys at half-time, when we went in and it was 0-0… it’s a ruthless league. Teams are ruthless at this level, and they come out and they score right at the start of the second half and, after that, they score a second. They were probably the only times in the game that we let our guard down in defence and we were punished for it, and we accept that; it was tough to take at the end.
“Overall, I felt we were well-organised in terms of our shape, and there were three, four, five colossal performances in there. I wouldn’t say there was anyone who played badly, everyone did okay, and there were a lot of players in there who didn’t deserve to be on the losing side. It’s just coming back to that again, being better in both boxes, and we’ll keep working hard in training on that. I believe it will click at some point… Ben (Arthurs) and Adam (Neale), yes, it’s been a step up in level, but they’re two players who both got 20-plus goals last season, so I think the best is still to come from them.
“It’d be more concerning for me, especially going into a big, big game against Portadown, if we were losing games and playing poorly, but we’re coming in on the back of playing really well last week (against H&W Welders) and playing well again here. It’s not a case of performances not being there, it’s just about quality in both boxes and improving that. It probably was one of the toughest defeats to take because of how well we played, but we took our medicine, we’ll learn from it.”
Feeney was also pleased to welcome back some wounded warriors, with striker Ben Cushnie and centre-back Lewis Francis returning from respective injury absences to enter the fray off the bench against Newington. The manager was boosted by their comebacks after each spent several weeks rehabilitating, but he added that he would not use injuries as an excuse given the modern nature of football.
He said: “It’s always good to get bodies back in, and we have been operating at the bare bones in recent weeks with players being out. We’re now starting to get some of those who had been missing back playing again. We’ve Ben Cushnie, we’ve Lewis Francis, both came off the bench and that was a positive, that’s strengthened our depth a bit more. But at the same time, we’re not making excuses for ourselves or using that as an excuse to drop our standards. When you’re in that situation, you’re counting on the rest of the squad to cover and plug some of those holes, fill in and do a job when we are short on numbers.
“You’ve got Sean Brown there, who’s spent most of the season playing right centre-back – we signed him as a right wing-back. You’ve Reece Neale who’s playing left centre-back and came in as a left wing-back. I think it’s the demands of modern football now that players have to be able to play in at least two positions, and that’s what I want to see – players working at a high standard wherever they’re asked to play. I’ve been pleased with that, with the attitude of the players to perform different roles when I’ve asked them to.”
(Posted: Monday, 13th November 2023)
Bangor FC Ladies were in action on Friday night in the Women's NI Futsal Super League, when they tasted defeat for the first time this season against Crusaders Strikers.
Bidding to follow up a 9-0 victory on the opening night against Ballyclare Comrades Ladies a fortnight ago, it wasn't quite to be for those in yellow and blue this week as the Crues ran out 5-2 winners at Shankill Leisure Centre.
Olivia Brown found the net for the second successive match-day when she hit the target against the north Belfast side, while Robyn McFadden also added her name to the goal count for the first time this term, but it wasn't enough to gain a points reward from the contest.
The squad will be hopeful of returning to winning fortunes when they make the step into their third outing of the campaign
(Posted: Monday, 13th November 2023)
Bangor Reserves produced a fantastic performance to inflict a first defeat of the season upon Harland and Wolff Welders' U21 side and remain top of the Championship/PIL Development League.
A first half that was punctuated by several sequences of good play also brought two goals, with Ruairi Wright and then Mitchel Watterson hitting the target to hand David Downes' men a deserved advantage at half-time. Wright opened the scoring after 17 minutes and was alert to prod past Welders shot-stopper Yusuf Mersin for the opener, while Watterson's finish off the post just before the half-hour mark doubled the lead in an encounter of the league's top two.
The east Belfast side pulled a goal back when a low shot slipped through the grasp of Marc Orbinson and into the net on 65 minutes, but Mitchel Watterson made the points safe 12 minutes from time with a fine finish when he shrugged off a defender, rounded Mersin and slotted low and in.
Against opposition boasting Welders first-teamers like Mersin, Ewan McCoubrey, Callum Byers and Jonny Frazer, Downes was left well impressed come the finish as Bangor rise to 19 points from a possible 21 ahead of next weekend's North Down Derby against Ards.
"WE SHOWED STEEL AND DISCIPLINE TO BEAT WELDERS."
Bangor Reserves' two-goal hero Mitchel Watterson felt his side put their mental resolve on full display to fend off the response of Harland and Wolff Welders U21 in yesterday's top-of-the-table league clash.
Midfielder Watterson bagged well-taken finishes either side of half-time that added to Ruairi Wright's first-half opener – the second of which came after the Welders had clawed back to within one goal of snatching a draw. p>But the teenager showed class and composure to round the east Belfast team's stopper Yusuf Mersin and slot low into the net, putting the cherry on top of a 3-1 victory that keeps David Downes' squad atop the Championship/PIL Development League table.
Watterson, who made his first senior match-day squad appearance in the 4-0 defeat to Institute at the Brandywell last month, found it an enjoyable game to be a part of against a Welders panel that also included Ewan McCoubrey, Jonny Frazer and Callum Byers, and he was pleased with the squad's overall discipline to secure three important points.
He explained: "Yep, it was a good game, obviously the first goal came across the box, took it well, post and in, and into half-time, it's just keeping discipline – the whole team, not just me but everyone."We came out the second half, they were kind of all over us, they came out guns blazing... we just had to make sure we had to keep the line and keep disciplined.
"Second goal, it was crucial, we needed to get it. The next goal (with the score 2-1) was obviously the most important goal; if they (the Welders) got it, they were back in it, but I'm glad I got the two goals and played well, so I'm glad we got the win.
"They came out (for the second half), and it's always, it's football, they always want to come out second half and be on top of you, but you just need to learn to deal with that and cut out the individual mistakes. But I thought we dealt with it well, and we went out and got the next goal (after conceding) and we dealt with it well."
(Posted: Monday, 13th November 2023)
Newington wrapped up all three points at Inver Park yesterday as Ben Arthurs' late strike proved not to be enough for Bangor to claim a share of the spoils.
The hosts won this Playr-Fit Championship encounter between two sides who started the day level on points, with Lee Feeney's Seasiders staying on 21 and dropping down to eighth-place in the Playr-Fit Championship table.
After a first half where the visitors piled on the pressure but were unable to break the deadlock, Newington drew first blood just two minutes following the restart when Neil Cummings put them in front. The Swans doubled their advantage midway through the second period when Zach Barr found the net after making a darting run behind the defence, with Bangor left chasing the game at that point.
Arthurs converted on 87 minutes after Scott McArthur offered him a route to goal, but the 'Ton saw out the remainder of the contest and held on to secure the victory. Bangor will hope for better fortunes when they host Portadown in the Playr-Fit Championship next weekend (kick-off 3pm).
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, S.Foster(T.Mathieson), D.Hume(L.Francis), S.Brown, B.Walker, K.Devine(B.Cushnie), L.Harrison, D.O'Kane, A.Neale(S.McArthur), B.Arthurs.
Subs: M.Orbinson, M.Halliday
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 18th November - BANGOR v PORTADOWN, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3:00PM
(Posted: Saturday, 11th November 2023)
Bangor FC is delighted to announce a new partnership with Doyle Shipping Group and have the company's support for the future endeavours of the 2023/24 campaign.
The sponsorship will see the Doyle Shipping Group logo visible on the men’s first-team tracksuits throughout the season. We are thankful for their backing, which is reflected by their logo's appearance on our training gear.
(Posted: Friday, 10th November 2023)
After ending a two-game losing streak with last Saturday's 1-1 draw against H&W Welders, Bangor will bid to record three points when they travel to Larne to face Newington this Remembrance weekend.
The Seasiders, chasing a first victory since the 5-1 success at Knockbreda in the middle of October, will do battle with the Swans as equals – the sides are locked together on 21 points, with Newington ahead in the standings in sixth-place courtesy of merely goals scored.
Lee Feeney watched his charges defeat the 'Ton in the first meeting at Clandeboye Park, when Tom Mathieson struck a last-minute winner to add to Ben Cushnie's opener in a 2-1 victory, and a similar outcome for the Bangor boss would hardly go unwelcome.
(Posted: Friday, 10th November 2023)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney has warned that Newington will be ready to pounce should the Seasiders drop off from the high levels he felt his players set themselves last weekend.
Feeney was full of praise for the way his charges acquitted themselves in the 1-1 draw with H&W Welders, when Adam Neale's third goal of the campaign cancelled out Matthew Ferguson's third-minute opener for the visitors, and admitted stopping the slide with a sharing of the spoils at Clandeboye Park last Saturday was just the tonic after heavy defeats to Institute (4-0) and Ballinamallard United (3-0).
But the Kilkeel supremo insists that is no cause for a let-up and expects his team to be just as sharp when taking on the Swans at Larne's Inver Park in the next Playr-Fit Championship outing.
Although Newington have had the brakes put on a thrilling start to the campaign, losing six of their last seven league matches following a mirror run of six victories in seven that set them off on a flyer, Feeney knows that any hint of complacency will be pounced on by the hosts.
"We've seen it with this league, you know," he says. "Any team can beat any team on any given day, and you can't go into any game expecting the points just to be handed to you.
"The middle of the league is so tight, and that's where we are at the moment. From our point of view, we were happy to put a point on the board, and we're hoping that'll be the platform that puts us back on the right track.
"We'll be preparing this week (for the game against Newington) and we'll be organising our game-plan to make sure we're in the best position to go out and deliver a performance. You find that if you make mistakes in this league, against any team, you'll get punished for it, and that's where we need to make sure we're on it and be at our best and put another win on the board."
Kick-off at Inver Park this Saturday, November 11, is at 3pm.
(Posted: Friday, 10th November 2023)
Saturday, November 11 – Bangor Reserves vs Harland and Wolff Welders U21, Championship/PIL Development League, Clandeboye Park, 11am kick-off
Bangor Reserves are involved in a mouthwatering battle of first against second at Clandeboye Park when they take on H&W Welders' young guns on Saturday morning.
The Seasiders, who lead the league on 16 points, are trailed by merely one point by their east Belfast visitors, who are a perfect five from five from their league matches played to date.
With a match in hand on their hosts, the Welders know they will wrestle the top spot off Bangor and take it for themselves should they secure all three points, hence home supremo David Downes will have his players fired up to deliver after extending their strong start last weekend with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Queen's University. Charley Craig scored the winner in an otherwise scrappy affair, and he and his team-mates will look to continue their imposing form with a statement success this time around.
Kick-off at Clandeboye Park this Saturday, November 11, is at 11am.
(Posted: Friday, 10th November 2023)
Bangor Reserves' return to league action did not come with a deviation from winning ways as Charley Craig struck the only goal of the game to take down Queen's University.
A scrappy encounter at The Dub in south Belfast was to be decided by one moment of joy for striker Craig, who ensured that Bangor had picked up 16 of the 18 points on offer to date in the Championship/PIL Development League.
It also sees the Seasiders retain their status as division pacesetters with half a dozen league matches contested, only dropping points against Portadown at the end of September and winning each of the other five games to keep a three-point lead over second-placed Institute. After the players kept ticking over by overcoming Magherafelt Sky Blues 5-2 in a friendly, that translated well to edge this tight clash and put three more points in the bank.
The Under-20s are next in action against Harland and Wolff Welders at Clandeboye Park next Saturday, November 11. Kick-off is at 11am.
(Posted: Monday, 6th November 2023)
Although disappointed not to net three points at a sunny Clandeboye Park on Saturday, Lee Feeney declared himself satisfied with the efforts of his Bangor players as they stopped their brief losing rot in the Playr-Fit Championship.
After sharp-shooting Matthew Ferguson put Harland and Wolff Welders a goal to the good inside three minutes, Adam Neale’s reply just after the half-hour brought parity back to the scoreline – and 1-1 it stayed for the remainder as both sides settled for a draw and a share of the spoils having also played out a goalless stalemate at Blanchflower Park in September.
The Seasiders, having scored none and conceded seven in bitter reversals to Institute and Ballinamallard United in the past fortnight, had chances to nudge the game, but two teams who started the day locked on 20 points are each one better off but remain evenly matched. A winner by nature, home boss Feeney – who reserved special praise for goalscorer Neale, strike partner Ben Arthurs and his younger brother Reece when reflecting post-match – felt the victory was in sight, but a strong collective display was enough to inspire him that the turbulence of late has been left behind.
“I was really pleased with the performance,” the Kilkeel manager said. “I felt on Saturday, there were some real big performances; there were so many players who stood up. The past two weeks, looking back, obviously they were two heavy enough defeats and even though I didn’t feel we were that far out of the game, but we didn’t really have those big performances.
“I felt there were some colossal performances out there, and I don’t mind naming them – Reece Neale, I thought he was absolutely outstanding, and big Ben Arthurs, too; when he’s on top form, he can be unplayable at times.
“Reece, I thought he really led the team from the back, and he’s a young pup still in football years but he has a top, top personality. He’s a real leader. He’s a huge character in the dressing room and I felt his overall performance really showed how he gets people up for games. And Ben, I felt on Saturday that he was more aggressive, he was a bit more angry, and I was saying to him to go out there and be like that. The way he won that header (for the goal), the way he knocked the other guy off, the hunger and desire to win it and get it into the six-yard area… I was delighted with that, and that’s what I know he’s capable of. For me, when he’s got that aggression, it makes him a better player.”
The direct link-up between his strikers for the equaliser, when Arthurs won his aerial battle and teed up Neale to nod past Welders shot-stopper Yusuf Mersin from six yards out, was a welcome sight for Feeney.
The 30-year-old Ballynahinch forward notched up his third finish of the campaign, and it has been a stop-start pursuit of goals since the step-up to Championship level, but Clandeboye chief Feeney felt it was just reward for how Neale has been acquitting himself during games.
“I was delighted to see the two of them combine for the goal,” the manager continued. “Adam’s maybe not had it all his own way in front of goal this season, but he works so hard for the team, he’s got a super attitude and I’m glad for him that he got his goal, which was a great piece of anticipation from him as well.He’s been trying to make it happen; he’s not had the luck of it but he’s been working to get in those types of positions and be on the end of those types of chances. He got in ahead of the ‘keeper and he made sure he put the ball in the net. Hopefully now, this is the start of a run for Adam.”
On the duo’s partnership that yielded 58 strikes in last season’s double-winning escapade, he added: “I trust Adam and Ben, and even when they’ve not been scoring, I trust both of them to go out there and do a job, lead from the front and really lift those around them. That’s why they’ve been starting games together and I’ve seen no need to change. I trust them, the coaches trust them, their team-mates trust them, and I know they’ve got what it takes to make a difference, and I’m glad they did.”
Feeney also reinforced his admiration for the character and personality of his dressing room, elaborating on why he was never in doubt that his charges would return to better fortunes. The ex-Linfield and Rangers star also challenged them to keep that mindset up and, even if it did not result in three points at the weekend, that spirit and level of chance creation is what is needed to secure the maximum fruits going forward.
“We’d chances to win the game, Ben was unlucky hitting the woodwork a couple of times and I felt we bossed the play for large amounts of the game,” reflected Feeney. “There was the chance right at the end, I thought it was in – the (Welders) ‘keeper spilt the ball with the last kick, I thought it was going to go over the line but, to be fair to him, he did well to regather himself. It was a bit disappointing from that point of view, that we could’ve won it, but it’s massively positive we’ve stopped that wee mini-run and got a good point.
“As I’ve said, there’s great characters in that dressing room – and for being a young squad, too, a lot of young players in there, the collective mentality for such a young group, it really is brilliant. Injuries have brought us down to the bare bones recently, and we’re looking forward to getting more bodies back, but as long as they have that belief, they can do anything.”
(Posted: Monday, 6th November 2023)
A first half Adam Neale header from a Ben Arthurs cross levelled matters for Bangor as the Seasiders played out an entertaining 1-1 draw with H&W Welders at Clandeboye Park this afternoon.
Bangor had fallen behind to a Matthew Ferguson header in the 3rd minute before Adam Neale pounced to nod the ball past Mersin in the 31st minute. Ben Arthurs was unlucky not to get himself on the scoresheet, hitting the Welders crossbar in the first half and then striking the upright in the 62nd minute. Welders keeper Mersin got down to deny Arthurs in the closing seconds as he just about managed to stop his low shot from crossing the line.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, D.Hume, A.Omar(S.Foster), S.Brown, B.Walker, K.Devine(D.O'Kane), L.Harrison, S.McArthur(J.Henderson), B.Arthurs, A.Neale(T.Mathieson).
Subs: M.Orbinson, J.Hughes, M.Halliday
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 11th November, NEWINGTON v BANGOR, Championship, Inver Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 4th November 2023)
After a run of two successive defeats, Bangor will have a particular keenness to return to winning ways when taking on Harland and Wolff Welders in a finely poised Playr-Fit Championship encounter.
Two teams that are separated by one place and no points, and who played out a goalless draw in the first meeting of the sides in mid-September, the winner will hope to gain at the loser's expense – and in the Seasiders' case, that would mean leapfrogging their east Belfast-based visitors and moving back into the top half of the table following successive defeats to Institute (4-0) and Ballinamallard United (3-0) throughout the last fortnight.
Paul Kee's Welders, who themselves were on a run of two straight losses prior to last week's comeback triumph over Stute – they hit four goals in the final 20 minutes at Blanchflower Park to win 4-1, with the visitors having been reduced to 10 men in the first half – are hoping to surge up the table, and that latest win continues a trend whereby four of their six league successes to date had come after they conceded the first goal. They also possess the joint-top marksman in the division, Matthew Ferguson, who bolstered his tally of nine with a brace last week.
And with 25 goals scored in total, Bangor boss Lee Feeney is wary of the threat the yellow-and-black-shirted outfit will pose. Nevertheless, his and his team's determination to offer a response will be through the roof, and after that home reversal to the Mallards in unenviable weather conditions last time out, the manager will be hopeful that his charges have a spring in their step.
Don't forget our NEW BOBBLE HATS and SCARVES have arrived and are available to purchase from the club shop at Clandeboye Park, both priced at £15, and if you can't make it to the ground, simply email media@bangorfc.com and we'll get you sorted.
Saturday, November 4 – Queen's University U21 vs Bangor Reserves, Championship/PIL Development League, The Dub, 11am kick-off
Bangor Reserves are back in competitive action after a three-week hiatus to take on Queen's University's young guns at The Dub on Saturday.
As David Downes' charges sit atop the Championship/PIL Development League table having pocketed 13 out of the 15 points on offer, the Seasiders will aim to notch up a fifth league victory of the campaign when they travel to south Belfast this weekend.
The Students, who are 13th-placed out of 16 teams but enter on the back of a 1-0 victory at Institute last time out, will be fired up to surge their way up the table, and Bangor – who produced an encouraging performance to overcome Magherafelt Sky Blues 5-2 in a friendly that showed few signs of rust – must once again deliver to their usual high standards to avoid being caught in the hosts' firing line. They delivered a hugely brimming second-half display and came from behind to take down Newington U21 in their last league outing in mid-October, and that is the vein Downes will want his players to continue in.
Having expressed his delight at the brand of football being unleashed and the number of players from his squad receiving first-team call-ups, the manager has a squad high on confidence and will once again look to put the opposition under the sword. Kick-off at the Malone Road complex on Saturday is at 11am.
(Posted: Friday, 3rd November 2023)
With no league game last week, Bangor Reserves were on the road for a friendly at the Meadowbank Sports Arena to face Magherafelt Sky Blues and kept up their winning form this campaign with a 5-2 success.
The Seasiders were required to be patient early on but broke the deadlock in the first half through Callum Johnston, who also had a penalty saved in the first half. An own goal by Jacob Chisholm as he tried to clear the ball meant it was level at the break.
The second half continued in the same vein as the first with the Reserves dominating the possession, with Callum Johnston making good on it when he doubled up to make it 2-1, but Magherafelt struck again and levelled for the second time in the game after a defensive mix-up following a route one ball over the top was pounced on by the Magherafelt striker, who finished well.
An own goal after a Ruairi Wright cross into the box was followed by a fourth, which was finished off by Adam Ambrose. The fifth strike that secured the win for those in yellow and blue came shortly after, as Kristian Trainor sensationally scored directly from a corner kick.
Jude Carlisle got his first full start for the Under-20s this season and was outstanding in central midfield, giving manager Davy Downes a headache for next week's selection. Callum Johnston also staked a claim for another start after banging in two goals and hitting the crossbar.
Downes was delighted with the "unbelievable" standard of football in a "positive friendly with plenty of positives from the game" and pointed to some other fantastic pieces of play that could have added even more gloss to the scoreline.
The Reserves boss reflected: "There were also two fantastic moves from keeper to centre-forward from us. One move must have been 15 or 16 consecutive passes but narrowly missed the target by Sonny Redford, and the other from the goalkeeper, across the backline, down the right into the central midfielder then out to the left, the ball across the six-yard box but the striker was just wide of the target.
"The boys are playing possession-based football with massive confidence all over the team. If we can be more clinical in the final third, then we will be very strong all over the pitch. Then it’s just about consistency."
Downes will hope to keep that momentum flowing with Bangor back in competitive action in the Championship/PIL Development League this Saturday, November 4, when they travel to Queen's University. Kick-off at The Dub is at 11am
Lee Feeney was methodical in where he felt the weekend encounter with Ballinamallard United was won and lost – and sees no reason to panic as he bids to get Bangor back to winning ways again.
p>The Seasiders fell to a second successive defeat in the Playr-Fit Championship on Saturday, when the Mallards triumphed 3-0 at a wet and windy Clandeboye Park in an outing which saw the hosts drop to seventh-place in the standings.First-half finishes by Darragh Byrne and Simon Warrington were added to after the interval by a Jamie McGrath free-kick that wrapped up the points for the visitors to tuck away with them on the road back to Co Fermanagh. In a battle of the birds, Mark Stafford’s Ducks atoned for when their Seagull counterparts conquered them by the same scoreline at Ferney Park in early September, piling on the woe for Bangor after the previous week’s 4-0 reversal at the Brandywell against Institute.
But while fortune may not have favoured those in yellow and blue lately, Feeney is refusing to get swept away and believes there is no reason to panic as he aims to turn the tide sooner rather than later.
"Yeah, it’s exactly that, it’s a bump in the road," the Bangor boss said. "Well, I would say it’s more like a mountain in the road, as we’re obviously now coming on the back of two games where we’ve conceded seven and scored none. We need to be better in both boxes to get over that mountain. Looking back at the game, I would say we had most of the play, most of the possession, and they (Ballinamallard) had four real goalscoring chances and scored three of them. They had four real good goalscoring chances throughout the 90 minutes."
They had another, a header in a good position from a corner, but they had three really good opportunities and scored three goals. That was the difference between them and us on the day. They took their chances… I’d say they deserved the win for how they defended as well, they did a good job, but for us, we’d times where we just didn’t pick out the right final ball, and we need to be intelligent in and around the penalty area and be more ruthless.
We didn’t make the most of our chances when we were building up towards the final third, and I felt it was the same as last week (against Institute) – if we get the first goal, that could shift the momentum, but it wasn’t to be."
Some of the harsher realities of the Championship have been dished out to Bangor recently, and that puts extra demands on the players to find a way out of the rocky waves and back to calmer waters. Feeney is in no doubt, though, that he has the personalities in his squad to do just that.
"It’s fine margins in this league and we need to work on rectifying that, but I also have a top, top dressing room; there’s a lot of great characters in there, a lot of winning mentalities and the personalities to come back from a setback like this."
"There are players in there, obviously a lot of them in there from last year, who won trophies and who know how to perform under pressure, and I’m confident in them to respond and I’m confident things will get better. That’s why I’m really looking forward to playing the Welders, even with the last two results. We’ll work on things in the week and I believe we’ll come back fighting."
by Lewis Bennett
(Posted: Monday, 30th October 2023)
It was a good day for ducks as Ballinamallard United swept Bangor away in torrential Clandeboye Park rain this afternoon.
The Bangor defence were caught flat-footed in the 11th minute when a pull back from the byeline was swept home by Darragh Byrne. A defensive slip in the 34th minute let in Warrington to smash the ball past Taylor for Ballinamallard's second.
James McGrath curled a free-kick past James Taylor six minutes into the second half to complete the scoring on a thoroughly miserable afternoon for the Seasiders.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster(T.Mathieson), R.Neale, A.Omar, S.Brown, B.Walker(M.Halliday), J.Henderson(S.McArthur), K.Devine(D.O'Kane), L.Harrison, B.Arthurs, A.Neale.
Subs: M.Orbinson, J.Hughes
(Posted: Saturday, 28th October 2023)
Saturday, October 28 – Bangor vs Ballinamallard United, Playr-Fit Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3pm kick-off
After a run of five away games in the last six outings, Bangor will tackle the first of two home matches in succession in the Playr-Fit Championship as Ballinamallard United visit Clandeboye Park this Saturday.
Lee Feeney is readying his currently fourth-placed troops to respond in style following last weekend's 4-0 defeat to Institute at the Brandywell, with the Mallards making the long trip from Co Fermanagh desperate to atone for a 3-0 loss in the reverse fixture last month.
Ballinamallard, who remain under the interim tutelage of respected defender Mark Stafford following Harry McConkey's recent exit from the Ferney Park hotseat, were winners over Ballyclare Comrades last Saturday – and that victory, secured courtesy of Simon Warrington's solitary strike just after the hour mark, means they enter this clash in ninth-place and having not lost any of their last four games in the division.
Bangor could rise back above Institute and into third should results fall their way on Saturday, but a return to winning ways in front of their own fans – the Seagulls had won each of the previous two league matches beforehand, scoring eight goals in the process at home to Annagh United (3-1) and away to Knockbreda (5-1) – will be the priority aim for Feeney after a humbling time of it in the north west. Ending October on a high note and leaving the ghosts of Saturday past behind with three points here would be just the treat on Halloween weekend.
Match sponsor: Peter Ewart
Ball sponsor: Henderson Memorials
(Posted: Friday, 27th October 2023)
There was little joy for the Seasiders this afternoon on Bangor's first trip to the Brandywell in over 50 years.
Shaun Leppard opened the scoring for Institute in the 17th minute when he was quickest to react to a loose ball in the area and fired it past Taylor. Bangor were then rocked by three second half goals from the impressive Kirk McLaughlin. Bangor's best chance of the afternoon fell to Adam Neale in the second half, but he could only blast his shot straight at Muldoon.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, S.Foster, A.Omar, S.Brown, B.Walker, J.Henderson(S.McArthur), K.Devine(D.Hume), L.Harrison(D.O'Kane), A.Neale(M.Halliday), B.Arthurs(T.Mathieson).
Subs: M.Orbinson, M.Watterson
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 28th October, BANGOR v BALLINAMALLARD UNITED, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 21st October 2023)
Saturday, October 21 – Institute vs Bangor, Playr-Fit Championship, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, 3pm kick-off
This Saturday, Bangor are bound for the north west when they travel to Institute in the 12th match of this season's Playr-Fit Championship.
The Seasiders enter the clash having signed off the first third of the pre-split with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Knockbreda, entering this match-up at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in third-place – one position and one point ahead of their hosts.
Stute thought they had snatched a victory at Clandeboye Park in the first meeting of the teams back in early September, but Lewis Francis' header instead saw Bangor steal a point right at the death. The centre-back's composed finish in the seventh minute of second-half added-time had secured an almightily dramatic 1-1 draw, but his second goal of the campaign was rather one that added comfort; another header following the interval that put Lee Feeney's men 5-0 up at Breda Park on a rare Sunday kick-off.
As a result of that success in the Castlereagh Hills, blotted only by Matthew Henry's late consolation after he capitalised on a mix-up in defence, the Yellows sit on 20 points, although Institute – who, under Kevin Deery's management, are just a point further back and with a game in hand – will be especially determined to finish the job this time and leapfrog their visitors into potentially as high a place as the promotion play-off spot. It promises to be tasty in what is the Bangor's men's team's first competitive visit to this ground in 51 years.
(Posted: Friday, 20th October 2023)
The Seasiders ran out comfortable 5-1 winners over Knockbreda at a sunny Breda Park this afternoon.
Bangor went ahead within 30 seconds of the kick-off when Jack Henderson's 20 yard shot found it's way into the bottom corner of the Knockbreda net. Lewis Harrison prodded in a Reece Neale corner kick after 28 minutes and 11 minutes later, Adam Neale blasted in the third.
Sean Brown made no mistake when the Knockbreda defence gifted him a chance just after the hour mark and Lewis Francis headed in the fifth from a Dylan O'Kane corner kick a couple of minutes later. Knockbreda grabbed a late consolation in injury time.
GARY'S MATCH GALLERYBANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster(A.Omar), R.Neale, L.Francis(T.Mathieson), S.Brown, K.Devine, L.Harrison, J.Henderson(D.O'Kane), A.Neale, B.Arthurs(M.Halliday), B.Walker(D.Hume).
Sub: M.Orbinson, S.McArthur
LEAGUE TABLE
Today's victory sees the Seasiders move up to third place on 20 points in the Playr-Fit Championship with our first round of games now complete.
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 21st October 2023 - Institute v Bangor, Championship, Brandywell, 3:00pm
(Posted: Sunday, 15th October 2023)
A Clandeboye Park comeback win for Bangor Reserves, inspired by four goals in the second period, propelled them to 13 points from 15 and security at the top of the Championship/PIL Development League table.
Newington took the lead five minutes from half-time as a well-placed back-post header was cushioned past Marcus Thompson into the net. Sonny Redford and Jay Boyd each forced saves early in the second half in pursuit of an equaliser, but that pressure paid off when, on 52 minutes, Charley Craig ploughed home an accurate low drive into the bottom left corner, unerringly striking to draw Bangor back on level terms.
Then, on 70 minutes, Mitchel Watterson rammed the Seasiders in front. He picked up a through-ball in his stride and slotted beyond the goalkeeper to put David Downes' team in front before, just three minutes later, Sonny Redford blasted the hosts into a two-goal cushion from inside the six-yard area.
The outcome was finally signed and sealed one minute from time when Ryan Nixon strode forward from defence, fended off a number of challenges and slid in at the near post to round off a comfortable and commanding second-half performance.
(Posted: Saturday, 14th October 2023)
After a trip to Larne on Tuesday night, Castlereagh is the port of call this Sunday when Bangor travel to face Knockbreda in the Playr-Fit Championship.
The Seasiders, who were knocked out of the County Antrim Shield by the Inver Reds in midweek, bid to return to winning ways against a Breda outfit that is still on the search for their first point of the season after 10 matchdays. As a consequence, they are rooted to the bottom of the table, but a brave 4-3 win away to Ballymena United in the Shield Round of 16 proves they have some steel about them.
Most recently, these two sides met in the 2022 Promotion/Relegation Play-Off, with Knockbreda emerging as 4-2 winners on aggregate despite Bangor creating scenes of pandemonium at Clandeboye Park when Ben Arthurs and Zac Fletcher strikes in added-time hauled back a two-goal deficit. It was a heartbreaker for the yellow and blue following at a sunny Breda Park, but now, the two teams do meet as Championship equals less than 18 months on.
Lee Feeney will be targeting a second consecutive league victory on this occasion, having claimed total spoils last time out thanks to Jack Henderson, Ben Arthurs and Ben Walker goals against Annagh United. Doing so against Colin McIlwrath's men would lift them up to 20 points and, pending other results, perhaps as high as second-place.
BANGOR RESERVES VS NEWINGTON U21: SEASIDERS EYE SWIFT RETURN TO VICTORY
Saturday, October 14 – Bangor Reserves vs Newington U21, Championship/PIL Development League, Clandeboye Park, 11am kick-off
Bangor Reserves are eyeing a return to winning fortunes when they welcome Newington U21 to Clandeboye Park in the Championship/PIL Development League this Saturday.
David Downes' men were agonisingly eliminated from the Junior Shield last week, when they were defeated in a penalty shoot-out to Limavady Rugby FC that spelt the end of their interest in the competition at Bangor Sportsplex. Following a 2-2 draw in which the hosts led twice, and with extra-time not able to split the teams, the outcome was decided on spot-kicks where the visitors prevailed.
Downes, who was delighted to see Academy trio Sam Millar, Kristian Trainor and Ethan Scott named to the bench for the seniors' County Antrim Shield clash with Larne on Tuesday night – forward-thinking left-back Millar and fleet-footed forward Trainor were introduced during the second half – will hope for a quick return to victory and three more points that would boost the Reserves' tally to 13 from 15 possible.
Most recently, a fortnight ago, the Seasiders were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Portadown Reserves in a game Downes felt his team had done enough to win. Both he and his players will aim to be at their clinical best against the Swans this weekend.
(Posted: Friday, 13th October 2023)
Three first half goals from Larne ended Bangor's participation in this season's County Antrim Shield last night. Corey Smith, Ilijah Paul and Craig Farquhar were on target for the Inver Men who now progress to the semi-final stage of the competition.
BANGOR TEAM:
M.Orbinson, R.Neale, L.Francis, D.Hume, T.Mathieson, J.Henderson, K.Devine(K.Trainor), D.O'Kane, S.Foster(S.Millar), S.McArthur(M.Halliday), A.Neale.
Subs: J.Taylor, L.Harrison, B.Arthurs, E.Scott
(Posted: Wednesday, 11th October 2023)
MATCH TICKETS
(CASH PAYMENT ALSO AVAILABLE AT TURNSTILES)
(Posted: Monday, 9th October 2023)
Scoring your first goal for a club is always a special feeling – no less than when they are high-quality strikes and contribute to the team picking up three points.
That was exactly the case for Jack Henderson and Ben Walker, who respectively opened and closed Bangor’s goal account against Annagh United en route to a 3-1 victory in the Playr-Fit Championship on Saturday. Midfielder Henderson swept home a gorgeous opener just before the half-hour mark with a sublime first-time take into the bottom right corner, before teen wing-back Walker recorded his first senior goal, converting a delightful free-kick three minutes from time that all but confirmed the three points for Lee Feeney’s charges.
READ MORE
(by Lewis Bennett)
(Posted: Sunday, 8th October 2023)
Goals from Jack Henderson, Ben Arthurs and Ben Walker helped the Seasiders cruise to a 3-1 win over Annagh United at Clandeboye Park this afternoon.
Jack Henderson lashed in the opener from 20 yards after 28 minutes. Ben Arthurs notched up his 8th goal of the season 9 minutes later when he controlled a high cross field ball to stroke the ball past Craughwell.
Ben Walker stepped up to crash in a 20 yard free-kick off the Annagh crossbar in the 87th minute before Annagh grabbed a consolation goal at the death.
BANGOR TEAM
J.Taylor, S.Foster, R.Neale, L.Francis, S.Brown, J.Henderson, L.Harrison(J.Hughes), K.Devine(D.O'Kane), B.Cushnie(A.Neale), B.Arthurs(T.Mathieson), B.Walker.
Subs: M.Orbinson, M.Halliday, S.McArthur
NEXT MATCH:
Tuesday, 10th October 2023 - Larne v Bangor, County Antrim Shield, Inver Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 7th October 2023)
The Seasiders produced a battling performance at the Coleraine Showgrounds last night, taking the Premiership side to extra time.
The Bangor defence held firm until the 89th minute when Matthew Shelvin headed in for Coleraine, but a last gasp penalty kick from Ben Arthurs sent the game into extra time.
Lee Lynch struck the only goal of extra time in the 98th minute.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster(T.Mathieson), R.Neale, L.Francis, S.Brown, B.Walker, L.Harrison, J.Henderson(M.Halliday), K.Devine(D.O'Kane), B.Cushnie(B.Arthurs), A.Neale(S.McArthur).
Subs: M.Orbinson, J.Hughes
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 7th October, BANGOR v ANNAGH UNITED, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Wednesday, 4th October 2023)
Defeat to Dergview on Saturday has fuelled Lewis Harrison’s fire to bite back strong in the BetMcLean Cup this coming midweek.
The Bangor captain may have put Bangor in a promising position at a wet and windy Darragh Park, but the Tyrone team conjured up a rousing reaction when goals either side of half-time by Padraig Lynch and Niall McGinley ensured the maximum reward was the hosts to retain.
Harrison, who opened the scoring from Seanna Foster’s delivery on 17 minutes – his first of the campaign as he made an immediate return to the starting line-up from suspension – felt that, although the Seasiders could have been more clinical in the latter stages in Castlederg, his side had not done enough to win the contest.
READ MORE
(by Lewis Bennett)
(Posted: Sunday, 1st October 2023)
Dergview fought back from a goal down to take all three points in the rain at Darragh Park this afternoon.
Lewis Harrison crashed in the opener for Bangor in 17th minute, but Dergview drew level in the 38th minute when Padraig Lynch headed in a hotly disputed free-kick.
The Bangor defence was caught off guard in the 55th minute when McGinley raced through to place the ball past Orbinson for the winner.
An unmarked Michael Halliday headed wide of the upright and Lewis Harrison blasted over in the closing stages to round off a frustrating afternoon for the Seasiders.
GARY'S MATCH GALLERYBANGOR TEAM:
M.Orbinson, S.Brown, R.Neale, S.Foster(B.Walker), D.Hume(M.Halliday), L.Francis, L.Harrison, D.O'Kane(K.Devine), A.Neale, B.Arthurs, S.McArthur(B.Cushnie). Subs; M.Thompson, J.Henderson, T.Mathieson
NEXT MATCH
Tuesday, 3rd October - COLERAINE v BANGOR, Coleraine Showgrounds, Bet McLean Cup, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 30th September 2023)
Tom Mathieson came off the bench to slot home a late winner for the Seasiders against league leaders Newington at Clandeboye Park this afternoon.
Bangor took the lead in the 17th minute when Ben Cushnie slotted home a rebound off the upright from a Ben Arthurs header. Newington were level in the 25th minute when Hughes struck home a penalty kick.
There was late drama when Newington crashed a shot off the Bangor crossbar and James Taylor denied a goalbound effort from Rice with an outstretched leg. In the 88th minute, Adam Neale evaded a challenge to break free on the right to cross for substitute Mathieson who slid the ball past Smyth for the winner.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, S.Foster, D.Hume, L.Francis, S.Brown, D.O'Kane(B.Walker), J.Henderson(K.Devine), B.Cushnie(A.Neale), B.Arthurs, S.McArthur(T.Mathieson). Subs: M.Thompson, M.Halliday, J.Hughes
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 30th September, Dergview v Bangor, Championship, Darragh Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 23rd September 2023)
Right wing-back Seanna Foster felt a draw was a fair reflection of the contest between Harland and Wolff Welders and Bangor on Saturday.
The defender also credited the Seasiders’ resolve at the back and cited a fourth clean sheet in seven league matches as a key fulcrum behind how the team can taste success this term. Foster was speaking following a goalless draw in east Belfast between the sides who started the day third and fourth in the table, but neither could make a decisive dent in the scoreline that could have laid full claim to the three points.
READ MORE
(by Lewis Bennett)
(Posted: Sunday, 17th September 2023)
It was honours even and no goals on the Holywood Road this afternoon as Bangor and the Welders played out a scoreless draw. Bangor's best chances came in the second half when a Ben Arthurs strike went just past the upright and a quick flick from Scott McArthur was well saved by Argyrides. Lewis Harrison received his second caution of the afternoon in the closing stages as he attempted an overhead kick in the Welders penalty area.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster, S.Brown, B.Walker(R.Neale), D.Hume, L.Francis, L.Harrison, D.O'Kane(J.Henderson), B.Cushnie(T.Mathieson)(K.Devine), B.Arthurs, S.McArthur(A.Neale).
Subs: M.Orbinson, M.Halliday
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 23rd September, BANGOR v NEWINGTON, Clandeboye Park, Championship, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 16th September 2023)
Bangor have been drawn to play Larne at Inver Park in the second round of the ToalsBet.com County Antrim Shield.
The tie will be played on Tuesday, 10th October at Inver Park.
LADIES ROUND OFF THE SEASON
It wasn't to be for Bangor Ladies last night in the PWC Super Cup Final at the Blanchflower Stadium. Congratulations to Lisburn Rangers Ladies who lifted the trophy with a 5-0 win.
(Posted: Sunday, 10th September 2023)
A stunning finish into the top corner from Ben Arthurs after just four minutes set Bangor up for a win in today's Championship clash with Ballinamallard United at Ferney Park.
Ben Cushnie then came off the bench to round off a terrific team performance with two late goals.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster, R.Neale, S.Brown, D.Hume, L.Francis, J.Henderson(D.O'Kane), L.Harrison, B.Arthurs(K.Devine), A.Neale(B.Cushnie), S.McArthur(B.Walker).
Subs: M.Orbinson, S.Redford, M.Halliday.
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 16th September, H&W WELDERS v BANGOR, Championship, Blanchflower Stadium, 3:00PM
(Posted: Saturday, 9th September 2023)
LEE FEENEY & BEN ARTHURS - BALLYCLARE POST-MATCH REACTIONS
A valiant comeback victory over Ballyclare Comrades has ensured Bangor their place in the quarter-finals of the County Antrim Shield. That Tuesday evening recovery from an early two-goal deficit was inspired by Seasider favourite Ben Arthurs’ four-goal haul, delivering two in each half to bring the Clandeboye institution into their second Shield last-eight encounter in three seasons; the previous occasion being in 2021, when a Second Round defeat to Cliftonville at Solitude spelt the end of their crusade.
This year, though, provides a unique dynamic. Five of the eight representatives of the quarters are from below the Premiership – Bangor join fellow second-tier trio Ards, Knockbreda and Dundela as well as last season’s PIL runners-up Ballymacash Rangers in flying the flag – and, depending on how Saturday’s draw pans out, the Yellows could find themselves in with a very real shot at a semi-final showdown. Feelings on prospective future opposition and much more were dissected by the heroic Arthurs and Bangor boss Lee Feeney post-match.
READ MORE(Posted: Saturday, 9th September 2023)
A four goal haul from Bangor striker Ben Arthurs helped put the Seasiders through to the quarter final stage of the County Antrim Shield at Clandeboye Park this evening.
Bangor started slowly, and the game was just 15 seconds old when Roohi fired the ball past Taylor. The Bangor defence was in disarray five minutes later when Roohi found space in the box once again to double the Comrades lead.
The Seasiders fought back and Ben Arthurs slotted the ball home after 15 minutes and then powered home a header ten minutes later to put the sides level going into the break.
Bangor took control of the game in the second half and two more powerful headers from Ben Arthurs secured Bangor's place in the next round.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster, R.Neale, B.Walker, D.Hume, L.Francis, L.Harrison(J.Henderson), D.O'Kane(A.Ambrose), B.Arthurs(M.Halliday), A.Neale(J.Hughes), B.Cushnie(S.McArthur). Subs: M.Orbinson, S.Millar.
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 9th September - BALLINAMALLARD UNITED v BANGOR, Championship, Ferney Park, 3:00pm.
(Posted: Tuesday, 5th September 2023)
(Posted: Monday, 4th September 2023)
LAST GASP LEWIS
Lewis Francis heads home a 97th minute Seanna Foster cross to make it 1-1 in this afternoon's game against Institute at Clandeboye Park.
BANGOR TEAM
J.Taylor, S.Brown, R.Neale, D.Hume, L.Francis, B.Walker(S.Foster), J.Henderson, L.Harrison, B.Cushnie(M.Halliday), B.Arthurs(A.Neale), S.McArthur(J.Hughes)
Subs: M.Orbinson, D.O'Kane. T.Mathieson.
NEXT MATCH:
Tuesday, 5th September, BANGOR v BALLYCLARE COMRADES, CAS, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 2nd September 2023)
NEW LOAN SIGNING - ALI OMAR
We are delighted to welcome Ali Omar to Clandeboye Park.
The 23 year old central defender joins the Seasiders on loan from Larne until January.
Omar joined the Invermen in the summer having previously played more than 50 times for Torquay United.
SEAN BROWN SELECTED FOR INTERNATIONAL DUTY
Congratulations to defender Sean Brown who has been selected for Gareth McAuley's Northern Ireland U19 squad ahead of next Thursday’s friendly with Italy in Prato.
MATCH DAY INFORMATION - BANGOR v INSTITUTE
(Posted: Saturday, 2nd September 2023)
BACK BEATS ON HIS ROAD TO RECOVERY
With the news that defender Gareth Beattie had suffered a broken fibula during the game against Portadown last Friday, the Clandeboye Bangor Supporters Club have set up a GoFundMe page to assist Gareth during his time off work and on his road to recovery.
Contributions to support Gareth on his road to recovery can be made here:
Support Gareth
(Posted: Thursday, 31st August 2023)
We are delighted to welcome Seanna Foster back to Clandeboye Park for the remainder of the 2023/24 season.
The 26 year-old defender returns for another season long loan from Cliftonville.
Welcome back Seanna!
(Posted: Wednesday, 30th August 2023)
A first half strike from Scott McArthur was enough to give Bangor their first win over Portadown at Shamrock Park since August 1994.
Bangor started brightly with the three frontmen of McArthur, Arthurs and Cushnie linking well to cause the Portadown back line all sorts of problems. The game was only 5 minutes old when Ben Arthurs went close with a 30 yard drive that was pushed round the post by Buchanan. A great piece of play in the 12th minute saw McArthur find space outside the area to drive low into the bottom corner of the net.
Bangor defended their lead magnificently throughout, with Neale and Francis commanding the centre of defence. Two stunning goal line saves from James Taylor midway through the second half denied the Ports any route back into the game and secured three valuable league points for the Seasiders.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, G.Beattie(T.Mathieson), R.Neale, L.Francis, S.Brown, B.Walker, J.Henderson, L.Harrison, S.McArthur(K.Devine), B.Arthurs, B.Cushnie(A.Neale).
Subs: M.Halliday, M.Orbinson, D.O'Kane, R.Murphy
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 2nd September, BANGOR v INSTITUTE, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Friday, 25th August 2023)
(Posted: Wednesday, 23rd August 2023)
(Posted: Wednesday, 23rd August 2023)
The Seasiders have been drawn at home to Ballyclare Comrades in the opening round of the ToalsBet.com County Antrim Shield. The tie will be played on Tuesday 5th September.
(Posted: Monday, 21st August 2023)
Bangor FC have teamed up with strength and conditioning coach Phil Greenwood to help support on pitch performance. Phil, from HI Performance NI, will be responsible for providing targeted strength and conditioning plans for players, working closely with Bangor FC coaches and the club's medical team to improve performance as well as mitigate injury.
Head of Bangor FC Medical Services Luke Neal said: "Phil is a great asset to the club, as strength and conditioning are essential components of football performance. He is specialising in developing speed, and power within the team as well hopefully reducing the chance of future injury.
"Phil has an excellent CV, working with teams at the highest level of sport for over the past 10 years, including Blackburn Rovers FC, Blackpool FC, Tranmere Rovers FC, Team Ireland Hockey and Ulster Rugby, as well as multiple individuals within athletics, motorsport, and golf."
HI Performance NI Phil Greenwood said: "I'm delighted to be able to support the Bangor FC management, and squad with their athletic development for the forthcoming season.
"I have worked with a number of professional football teams, and I am confident that I will be able to use my knowledge and experience to help develop the strength, power, and speed within the Bangor FC men’s team."
HI Performance NI is located at Blackwood Golf Centre, Bangor.
(Posted: Monday, 21st August 2023)
Dundela took all three points away from a wet and windy Clandeboye Park this evening.
Playing into the driving rain, the Seasiders struggled to find their feet in the first half. The Shed End had little to cheers about as Lee Rea fired the Duns into a two goal lead before half-time.
A more energetic second half performance saw Bangor come back into the game. A bullet header from Ben Arthurs in the 66th minute made it 2-1, but despite creating numerous chances, the leveller proved elusive.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Brown, R.Neale, B.Walker(G.Beattie), J.Henderson(J.Hughes),T.Mathieson(D.Hume), L.Harrison, B.Arthurs, A.Neale, S.McArthur(B.Cushnie).
Subs: M.Orbinson, K.Devine, D.O'Kane
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 25th August - PORTADOWN v BANGOR, Championship, Shamrock Park, 7:45PM
(Posted: Friday, 18th August 2023)
Adam Neale scored the winner as Bangor came out on top in tonight's North Down Derby at Clandeboye Park.
The Seasiders made most of the running in the first half with the clearest chance falling to Tom Mathieson who slashed his effort just wide of Moore's upright.
The lively Scott McArthur finally broke free of the Ards defence in the 61st minute to slide the ball wide of Moore for Adam Neale to tap the ball home from a yard out.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, S.Brown, L.Francis, B.Walker, J.Henderson(D.O'Kane), L.Harrison, T.Mathieson, B.Arthurs, A.Neale(J.Hughes), S.McArthur(K.Devine).
Subs: M.Orbinson, R.Murphy, M.Halliday, S.Millar
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 18th August - BANGOR v DUNDELA, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Friday, 11th August 2023)
A late header from Darius Roohi denied Bangor a share of the spoils in our opening Championship fixture at Dixon Park this afternoon.
The Seasiders started brightly and Scott McArthur bundled in the opener after nine minutes. The home side drew level after 29 minutes when Morgan rifled the ball past Orbinson through a crowd of players. The Seasiders were ahead again in the 41st minute when Ben Arthurs rose to knock the ball down to McArthur who blasted the ball past Breen. The Bangor celebrations were short-lived as Roohi smashed in an equaliser before half-time.
Ballyclare's eventual winner came in the 87th minute when Roohi headed in a corner from close range.
BANGOR TEAM:
M.Orbinson, G.Beattie(S.Brown), R.Neale, L.Francis, D.Hume, J.Henderson, L.Harrison, B.Walker, B.Arthurs, A.Neale, S.McArthur(T.Mathieson).
Subs:B.McConkey, D.O'Kane, K.Devine, J.Hughes, J.Black.
NEXT MATCH:
FRIDAY, 11th AUGUST, BANGOR v ARDS, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 5th August 2023)
PLAYER NEWS
GREAT SCOTT!
We are delighted to confirm that Scott McArthur has re-signed for the Seasiders. McArthur grabbed five goals last season in 34 appearances on his way to a league and cup double.
LARNE LOANEES
Following in the footsteps of Nick Aretzis and Ryley D'Sena, we welcome two more Larne loanees to Bangor this season. Northern Ireland U17 Internationals Sean Brown and Ben Walker have featured for the Seasiders throughout pre-season and we are excited to welcome them to Clandeboye Park.
DEPARTURE LOUNGE
The Club would like to thank John Boyle (Warrenpoint Town), Ross Craig (Bryansburn Rangers) and Aaron Harris for their effort and contribution to the Seasiders’ success last season, and we wish them well following their departures from Clandeboye Park.
(Posted: Wednesday, 2nd August 2023)
NEW SIGNING - ROSS MURPHY
We are delighted to welcome Ross Murphy to Clandeboye Park.
The 23 year old full back has guested for the Seasiders throughout pre-season having recently returned home from USA where he played college football.
(Posted: Wednesday, 2nd August 2023)
We are delighted to confirm the signing of Lewis Francis on a season long loan from Dungannon Swifts.
The 19 year old central defender has already turned out for the Swifts in both the Premiership and cup competitions.
Welcome to Bangor, Lewis!
(Posted: Saturday, 29th July 2023)
Goals either side of half-time from debut striker Ben Cushnie secured a 2-1 win for the Seasiders over Linfield at Clandeboye Park this afternoon.
Marc Orbinson saved a John Robertson 8th minute penalty, but he could do little to deny Robertson in the 33rd minute when he put the Blues ahead.
Linfield's lead was short lived and four minutes later Ben Arthurs fed new signing Ben Cushnie who slotted past Walsh to draw Bangor.
Early in the second half the lively Scott McArthur pulled the ball back for Cushnie to fire home Bangor's winner.
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 5th August - BALLYCLARE COMRADES v. BANGOR, Championship, Dixon Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 29th July 2023)
Our new 2023/24 Championship kits have been launched. For the 2023/24 season our front of shirt sponsor is Eventsec Ltd., with Bailie Property and G&H Television Services taking pride of place on the reverse.
You can order your replica jersey now!
(Posted: Wednesday, 26th July 2023)
We are delighted to complete the signing of Ben Cushnie on a season long loan from Glentoran.
The 21 year old forward joins us having made 23 first team appearances for the Glens and had a loan spell at Dungannon Swifts last season.
(Posted: Wednesday, 26th July 2023)
Bangor played out a 1-1 draw with Rosario at Clandeboye Park on Friday evening. Dylan O'Kane scored the Bangor goal from a first half penalty kick.
On Saturday the Seasiders came away from Skegoneill Avenue with a 3-1 win over Brantwood. 17 year-old Sonny Redford(2) and Adam Neale got the Bangor goals.
NEXT MATCH
Sat,29th July - BANGOR v LINFIELD, Clandeboye Park, 2:00PM
DAVID HUME IS BACK
We are delighted to announce that defender David Hume will remain at Bangor for the coming season. The 31 year-old made 40 appearances for the Seasiders last season and went on to win the Players' Player of the Year Award.
(Posted: Sunday, 23rd July 2023)
We are delighted that Adam Neale has agreed a two year contract with the Seasiders.
Adam made the move to Clandeboye Park last summer and went on to score 27 times as he finished joint top scorer in the Premier Intermediate League.
(Posted: Wednesday, 19th July 2023)
The Seasiders fared well in tonight's friendly against Rangers 'B' at Clandeboye Park, despite being defeated 3-0.
Lively striker Zak Lovelace opened the scoring in the 21st minute and Josh McPake blasted a well struck second past Taylor in the 52nd minute. Substitute James Graham drilled a low shot from distance past Orbinson in the 79th minute to complete the scoring. Bangor's best chance came with the final kick of the game when Michael Halliday just failed to bundle the ball home from a few yards out.
NEXT MATCH
Fri, 21st July - BANGOR v ROSARIO, Friendly, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Tuesday, 18th July 2023)
Bangor racked up five goals without reply against Queen's at Clandeboye Park this afternoon. Adam Neale(2), Jordan Hughes, Dylan O'Kane and Michael Halliday were on target for Bangor. The pick of the bunch was Jordan Hughes'deft 20 yard strike in the first half.
In today's other game, a Bangor XI lost 3-0 to Ards Rangers at Drome Park.
WELCOME BACK JACK
We are pleased to welcome 22 year old midfielder Jack Henderson back to Clandeboye Park. Jack had been with Bangor during the pandemic-hit season of 2020/21 before moving to Ballymena United where he made 39 appearances in the Premiership.
(Posted: Saturday, 15th July 2023)
Last night's friendly game against Moyola Park at Clandeboye finished 1-1. A trialist scored the Bangor goal.
This Saturday we field two teams as we take on both Ards Rangers away and Queen's at home.
(Posted: Tuesday, 11th July 2023)
Despite faring well in the first half and going in all square at half-time, Bangor lost 4-1 to Glentoran at The Oval today.
Ben Arthurs was on target for the Seasiders in the first half.
NEXT MATCH:
Monday, 10th July, BANGOR v MOYOLA PARK, Friendly, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 8th July 2023)
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PLAYER DEPARTURES
We say farewell to a number of last season's squad this week as loanees Ryley D'Sena and Seanna Foster return to their respective parents clubs. Also leaving Clandeboye Park is Jamie Glover who is heading to H&W Welders and Ally Ferguson who joins Bangor Amateurs. We thank all of these players for their vital contributions last season and we wish them well for the future.
(Posted: Wednesday, 5th July 2023)
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(Posted: Tuesday, 4th July 2023)
Bangor fought back from two goals down to take a share of the spoils in Saturday's game against East Belfast at Clandeboye Park.
A header from Michael Halliday and a penalty from Karl Devine made it honours even in Bangor's second pre-season friendly.
NEXT MATCH
Saturday, 8th July - Glentoran v Bangor, The Oval, 3:00pm
2023/24 SQUAD NEWS
The following players will be returning to play for Bangor in the 2023/24 season.
Goalkeepers James Taylor and Marc Orbinson, Defender Gareth Beattie, Midfielders Dylan O'Kane, Karl Devine, Tom Mathieson and Aaron Harris, and Forwards Michael Halliday and Jordan Hughes.
(Posted: Sunday, 1st July 2023)
The Playr-Fit Teamwear Championship fixtures have been released.
The Seasiders will kick off the new season at Dixon Park, away to Ballyclare Comrades. That game will be followed by the North Down derby at Clandeboye Park the following Saturday.
The full Championship fixture list for the forthcoming season can be viewed here: HERE
(Posted: Thursday, 29th June 2023)
The Seasiders take on East Belfast at Clandeboye Park on Saturday in their second pre-season fixture. Last night's opening game ended in a 6-0 defeat to League Champions Larne.
(Posted: Wednesday, 28th June 2023)
Season tickets will be on sale at all home matches until the start of the league campaign. Supporters can also order season tickets by emailing media@bangorfc.com
An adult season ticket for 2023/24, sponsored by McKeown’s Fish and Poultry shop, will be £130 and includes all home Championshp matches, including those after the league split, and all home Reserve team league matches. Concession season tickets are priced at £80 for the same games. Under 16s remain free, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. A payment plan is available, with half paid by the end of June and the remaining by the end of July.
Bangor FC Vice-Chairman Jim Russell said: "Season ticket pricing remains at the forefront of our thinking for the 2023/24 Championship season.
"We appreciate these are not easy times for anyone financially. However, prices have risen in line with promotion into the Championship and the increase in home league matches to a minimum of 18 games. But we also wanted to recognise loyalty and with that in mind, season ticket holders will now become automatic members of the Bangor FC Social Club. That is an extra saving for our dedicated supporters."
Jim concluded: "Thanks once again to McKeown’s Fish and Poultry shop for sponsoring our season tickets for the sixth successive season. Community involvement with local businesses is vital at Bangor FC, as the club progresses club to the top level of Irish league football."
McKeown’s Fish and Poultry proprietor Sean McKeown said: "As a local business, I am delighted to continue my support for the city’s football club. Especially after winning the PIL league and Steel & Sons Cup double. I’m pleased to give something back to the local community and I’m proud to be associated with Bangor FC.
"The club is back into senior Irish league football and I am confident they will continue to progress during the new campaign. I will be following the team throughout the season, and I wish the Seasiders every continued success both on and off the field."
(Posted: Sunday, 25th June 2023)
TUESDAY NIGHT
(Posted: Saturday, 24th June 2023)
Reece Neale has signed a two year deal with the Seasiders.
The 25 year old defender made the move to Clandeboye Park in 2021, and scored six goals in his 40 appearances in yellow and blue last season.
(Posted: Tuesday, 20th June 2023)
OTHER NEWS
Ryan Arthur will remain at Bangor for the 2023/24 season.
The 27 year old defender made 36 appearances for the Seasiders last season, scoring five goals on our way to a league and cup double.
(Posted: Monday, 19th June 2023)
Bangor Captain Lewis Harrison has signed a two year professional deal with the Seasiders.
(Posted: Tuesday, 6th June 2023)
We are delighted to announce that Ben Arthurs has signed a two year professional contract with the Seasiders.
Last season’s PIL player of the year and joint top scorer joined the club in 2018 and has gone on to hit more than 100 goals in yellow and blue.
(Posted: Thursday, 1st June 2023)
Seasiders manager Lee Feeney has signed a new contract that will keep him at Clandeboye Park until at least May 2025.
Feeney led Bangor to success by winning the Premier Intermediate League title and Steel & Sons cup during the 2022/23 season. Bangor FC Manager Lee Feeney said: "I’m delighted to have signed a two-year contract with this great Club.
"I spoke at some length with the Board about the aims and objectives of the Club when I first joined. Some of the these have been achieved, but there is a lot more work to do.
We are hungry to keep progressing and challenging ourselves. We're never satisfied, we always want to improve and that will continue."
Lee continued: "My management team and I have received tremendous support since we arrived at Bangor. I want to repay that faith by creating more special moments for the players, the fans and everyone involved with the Club."
Bangor FC Chairman Graham Bailie said: "I am thrilled that Lee has signed a two-year deal at the Club. He is a great fit for how we all see Bangor FC progressing forward.
"He is an excellent man-manager who sets high standards and is driving our club to the levels we all want to achieve. His commitment and ambition to bring sustained success to Bangor FC and to the town and community is unquestionable. We can now look forward to some exciting times ahead."
(Posted: Sunday, 28th May 2023)
Players past and present, as well as a supporters team battled it out this afternoon as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations for goalkeeper Darren Gibbons who joined the Seasiders back in January 2013.
(Posted: Saturday, 20th May 2023)
A LIMITED NUMBER OF PLACES ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR THE SUPPORTERS TEAM
BANGOR FC - AWARDS NIGHT
Bangor Football Club celebrated a double trophy winning season with an Awards Night at the Bangor FC Social Club on Saturday evening.
The Senior Team Awards went to the following:
Adam Neale was presented with an award for his Regions Cup call up and Ben Arthurs was presented with a framed shirt to mark his 100th goal for the Seasiders.
Lee Feeney was also presented with an award to mark his double winning season.
(Posted: Monday, 15th May 2023)
This Thursday night, there is a chance to hear from some of our 1993 Irish Cup winning side as we rewind the clock back thirty years. Joel Taggart will host a Q&A session at Bangor FC Social Club with Nigel Best, Mark Glendinning, Michael Surgeon and Colin McCurdy. Tickets are £10 and that includes a light supper. Contact media@bangorfc.com to book your seat at this special night.
Also on Saturday evening, we host our End of Season Awards Dinner at Bangor FC Social Club. As well as the player awards, there will be a three course meal and entertainment.
A limited number of tickets are available. Please contact media@bangorfc.com to reserve your place.
(Posted: Tuesday, 9th May 2023)
The Seasiders rounded off a fantastic season with a 3-1 win over Tobermore United at Fortwilliam Park this evening.
A headed own goal from a Ryan Arthur flick on gave Bangor the lead after 15 minutes and it wasn't long before Ben Arthurs turned and fired into the bottom corner to make it 2-0. Arthurs turned provider after 30 minutes when he set up Tom Mathieson to tuck home number three.
Martins pulled one back for Tobermore in a second half where Bangor gave run outs to some promising young Reserve team players.
Congratulations to 17 year-old Sam Millar on making tonight's starting line-up.
BANGOR TEAM:
M.Orbinson, G.Beattie, R.Neale, D.Hume, R.D'Sena, R.Arthur, A.Harris(C.Kenny), S.Millar(K.Trainor), B.Arthurs(M.Halliday), A.Neale(S.Redford), T.Mathieson(C.Craig).
Subs not used: D.Gibbons, C.Mills
(Posted: Tuesday, 2nd May 2023)
The PIL Champions completed their final home fixture of the season this afternoon, playing out a 1-1 draw with Ballymacash Rangers in front of a bumper Clandeboye Park crowd.
Adam Neale opened the scoring in the 55th minute when he found space 10 yards out and drilled a low shot past Neeson. Soon after, Reece Neale was unlucky with a close range effort that slammed against the Ballymacash crossbar. Bangor's good work was undone in the 85th minute when Morrison converted a penalty for Ballymacash.
This however didn't dampen the mood of the Clandeboye contingent at the end of the game who were delighted to see the PIL trophy handed over to club captain Lewis Harrison
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster, R.Neale, J.Boyle, D.Hume, R.Arthur, L.Harrison(D.O'Kane), A.Harris, A.Neale(J.Glover), B.Arthurs, J.Hughes(T.Mathieson)
Subs: M.Orbinson, M.Halliday, G.Beattie, R.D'Sena
NEXT MATCH:
Tuesday, 2nd May, TOBERMORE UNITED v BANGOR, PIL, Fortwilliam Park, 7:00PM
OTHER NEWS - CHAMPIONSHIP LICENCE
We are delighted to be awarded our Championship Licence for the 2023/24 season. This confirms the club’s promotion to the Championship for next season.
(Posted: Saturday, 29th April 2023)
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The Seasiders played out a 2-2 draw with Limavady United at Clandeboye Park this evening.
Limavady took the lead just before half-time when Carlin smashed the ball past Orbinson from the edge of the penalty area. Bangor Captain Lewis Harrison poked in an equalizer in the 63rd minute, but Limavady were ahead again six minutes later when and effort from Brown found the back of the Bangor net.
Adam Neale restored parity in the 71st minute when he slotted home the rebound off a Reece Neale shot.
There was drama in the closing minutes of the match when Bangor were awarded a penalty kick, but substitute Michael Halliday's spot kick was saved by Purcell.
Congratulations to Sonny Redford on making his Seasiders debut this evening.
BANGOR TEAM:
M.Orbinson, S.Foster, J.Boyle, D.Hume, R.Arthur, L.Harrison, S.McArthur(R.Craig), A.Harris(D.O'Kane), T.Mathieson(M.Halliday), A.Neale, J.Glover(R.Neale).
Subs Not Used: J.Taylor, S.Redford, R.D'Sena
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 25th April, BANGOR v BALLYMACASH RANGERS, PIL, Clandeboye Park, 1:00pm
(Posted: Tuesday, 25th April 2023)
Congratulations to Ben Arthurs on picking up the PIL Player of the Year Award at the NI Football Awards last night.
James Taylor, John Boyle, Reece Neale, Seanna Foster and Ben were all selected for the PIL Team of the Season.
(Posted: Sunday, 23rd April 2023)
THE SEASIDERS HAVE WON THE 2022/23 PREMIER INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE
Bangor clinched the Premier Intermediate League title on Saturday afternoon with a 3-1 win over Queen's University at the Dub.
Very much against the run of play, Bangor took the lead after 20 minutes when Adam Neale found space in the area to head home a Ryan Arthur knock down. Ben Arthurs scored his 30th goal of the season after 36 minutes when his deflected shot from 25 yards looped kindly over the head of Smyth.
Bangor goalkeeper James Taylor produced a string of outstanding saves and the Bangor defence somehow managed to repel a number of goalmouth scrambles to maintain the two goal lead.
A towering header powered in by Ryan Arthur from a Reece Neale corner kick gave Bangor a three goal lead with 10 minutes remaining. Queen's did grab a late injury time consolation after yet more heroics from Taylor, but nothing could dampen the celebrations for the Seasiders at the final whistle.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster, R.Neale, R.Arthur, R.D'Sena, L.Harrison(A.Ferguson), D.O'Kane(A.Harris), J.Hughes(J.Glover), B.Arthurs(M.Halliday), A.Neale(S.McArthur).
Subs: T.Mathieson, M.Orbinson.
NEXT MATCH:
Tues, 25th April, BANGOR v LIMAVADY UNITED, PIL, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm.
(Posted: Saturday, 22nd April 2023)
The Seasiders are 1 point away from winning the Premier Intermediate League following today's 3-1 win over Moyola Park at Clandeboye Park.
Adam Neale opened the scoring for Bangor in the 24th minute with a deflected strike from just outside the area, but a well placed Parkhill free-kick brought Moyola level just before the break.
Another deflected strike from Ben Arthurs put Bangor ahead in the 51st minute before Marc Orbinson was happy to see a Parkhill shot come back off his upright.
Ben Arthurs was on hand to bundle home a Scott McArthur cross to secure the win in injury time .
BANGOR TEAM:
M.Orbinson, S.Foster, R.Neale, J.Boyle, R.Arthur, D.Hume, L.Harrison, D.O'Kane(R.D'Sena), B.Arthurs, A.Neale(T.Mathieson), J.Hughes(S.McArthur)
Subs: D.Gibbons, S.Miller, M.Halliday, A.Ferguson
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 22nd April, QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY v BANGOR, PIL. The Dub, 3:00pm
Bangor vs Moyola Park preview: Possible revenge mission to start post-split schedule
(An article by Lewis Bennett)
The second meeting of a double-header this week between these two opponents, this time it is Bangor’s turn to roll out the red carpet for Moyola Park as the Premier Intermediate League season enters the split phase. With a pre-split double all but assured over this opposition on a rainy Easter Tuesday duel, Stephen Hughes’ troops will mobilise for battle all too eager to get their own back on the seaside club.
Read More
(Posted: Saturday, 15th April 2023)
The Seasiders head into the PIL Split with a twelve point lead over second place Ballymacash Rangers.
The fixture schedule for the remainders of the season is as follows:
(Posted: Tuesday, 11th April 2023)
First half goals from Adam Neale and Jordan Hughes secured a 2-0 win for Bangor over Moyola Park at a rain soaked Fortwilliam Park this afternoon.
Adam Neale drilled home a Seanna Foster cross from the right after 10 minutes and Jordan Hughes then slipped the ball past the advancing Logan to make it two after 32 minutes.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster, R.Neale(S.McArthur), J.Boyle, D.Hume, R.Arthur, L.Harrison, J.Hughes(J.Glover), A.Harris, B.Arthurs(M.Halliday), A.Neale.
Subs:
M.Orbinson, G.Beattie, R.D'Sena, D.O'Kane
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 15th April - BANGOR v MOYOLA PARK, PIL, Clandeboye Park, 3:00PM
(Posted: Tuesday, 11th April 2023)
Bangor move to 11 points clear at the top of the PIL following today's 2-1 win over PSNI at the Dub.
Adam Neale hooked the ball into the PSNI net to put the Seasiders ahead after 7 minutes. Scott McArthur set up Ben Arthurs to stroke the ball past McCauley in the 16th minute.
At 2-0, the Seasiders squandered numerous other chances and with 16 minutes left a PSNI corner kick drifted over Taylor and ended up in the net. PSNI caused Bangor some nervous moments in the closing stages, but the defence held firm and the Seasiders hung on to pick up the three points.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, G.Beattie, J.Boyle, R.D'Sena(D.Hume), R.Arthur, D.O'Kane, L.Harrison(A.Harris), S.McArthur, B.Arthurs(J.Hughes), A.Neale(M.Halliday), J.Glover(R.Neale).
Subs: M.Orbinson, S.Foster.
NEXT MATCH:
Tuesday, 11th April, Moyola Park v Bangor, PIL, Fortwilliam Park, Tobermore, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 8th April 2023)
Bangor FC has submitted the Listen, Learn, Lead Plan to White Ribbon NI to help make society a safer place for women. The club has made the White Ribbon NI pledge to never commit, condone or stay silent about violence against women and girls.
During a White Ribbon NI learning event at St Andrews Presbyterian Church, Bangor FC Community Relations Officer Paul Cain said: "Making the White Ribbon NI pledge is an important first step for Bangor FC to show our support in the global movement to end male violence against women. The Bangor FC Listen, Learn, Lead Strategy, includes an action plan detailing what the club will undertake to achieve with White Ribbon in the next three years. This will involve naming White Ribbon champions, Safe Place training and the running of awareness sessions, workshops and fundraising events."
White Ribbon is a global movement to end male violence against women. Progress has been made by White Ribbon NI, encouraging groups and individuals to take action by making their personal pledge never to commit condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls. Over 40 organisations have signed the charter to date in Northern Ireland, including church leaders, local councils, schools, government departments and others.
Bangor FC Head of Women’s Football Michelle Crawford said: "I'm pleased our club is backing the White Ribbon NI campaign to end violence against women and girls and strive for equality. The board of directors and volunteers throughout the club work are encouraging as many people as possible to adopt the White Ribbon Promise, educate ourselves and others, and signpost people towards help. During the coming seasons Bangor FC will have a number of 'Days of Action', engaging with as many people as possible to drive home the message that there is never any excuse for abuse against women and girls."
White Ribbon NI Coordinator Tahnee McCorry said: " I want to extend my gratitude to Bangor FC for choosing to stand with us and use their voice to speak out against violence against women and girls. Violence against women is an issue in Northern Ireland that in the past has been hidden behind closed doors, not spoken about and in some instances accepted as inevitable. We believe creating a society which has zero tolerance to violence against women is an achievable reality, but it requires the collective effort of the entire community. Thank you, Bangor FC, for leading the way."
The White Ribbon NI Promise is - I promise to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls.
(Posted: Tuesday, 4th April 2023)
It was honours even for the top two at Clandeboye Park this afternoon as the Seasiders fought out a 1-1 draw with Queen's University.
Tom Mathieson went closest for Bangor in a scoreless first half when his 15 yard effort after 36 minutes was tipped on to the crossbar by Smyth.
Lewis Harrison finally gave Bangor the lead after 53 minutes when he rifled the ball past Smyth from the edge of the area, but Queen's were level in the 80th minute when a quick breakaway was finished off by Young.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster, R.Neale, D.Hume, J.Boyle, R.Arthur, L.Harrison, A.Harris, B.Arthurs, A.Neale, T.Mathieson(J.Glover).
Subs: M.Orbinson, G.Beattie, D.O'Kane, R.D'Sena, S.McArthur, M.Halliday.
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 8th April 2023 - PSNI V BANGOR, PIL, The Dub, 3:00PM
(Posted: Saturday, 1st April 2023)
The Seasiders are releasing a new and exciting range of fragrances later this month under the brand name GULL
The first of the series, GULL No.1 is a fragrance that embodies everything that is confident and daring about the seaside. Crafted with the finest local ingredients and expertly blended, this scent is perfect for every grooming routine. Whether dressing up for a night out or just heading to work or a match, this fragrance is bound to give you the perfect finishing touch.
A limited number of FREE GULL No.1 fragrance samples will be available at the Clandeboye Park turnstiles and from club officials at today's game.
Be sure to ask for your FREE sample of GULL No.1 today..
(Posted: Saturday, 1st April 2023)
Seasiders manager Lee Feeney has thanked Bangor fans for their incredible support this season.
Lee said: "On behalf of the players and management team, I want to acknowledge the wonderful support we have received from the Bangor fans.
”It has been noticeable that both our home and away support has been increasing steadily all season. This is great to see as it creates a positive atmosphere at matches, and the players love to hear the fans pushing us on and getting behind the team.
"No one at the club takes the support for granted and I am determined to repay our fans’ loyalty and commitment by delivering further success.”
Lee concluded: ”Everyone at the club is aware how financially tough these times are for fans. So, it means a lot when fans travel across the country to support us. It can be expensive, and we all really appreciate it.
"I want to pass on particular thanks to the group of young fans attending our matches. They are helping to make Clandeboye a fortress and creating a brilliant atmosphere and buzz at our matches."
(Posted: Wednesday, 29th March 2023)
First half goals from Ben Arthurs and captain Lewis Harrison were followed up by a well placed Gareth Beattie volley from the edge of the area in a 3-0 win over Tobermore United at Clandeboye Park this afternoon.
LIFE THROUGH A LENS NI - MATCH GALLERY
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale(J.Hughes), S.Foster(G.Beattie), J.Boyle, R.D'Sena, D.Hume, L.Harrison, A.Harris(D.O'Kane), B.Arthurs(M.Halliday), A.Neale, T.Mathieson(J.Glover).
Subs: M.Orbinson, R.Arthur
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 1st April - BANGOR v QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY, PIL, Clandeboye Park, 3:00PM
(Posted: Saturday, 25th March 2023)
The Seasiders move eight points clear at the top of the Premier Intermediate League this evening with a 4-1 win over Dollingstown at Planters Park.
Ben Arthurs opened the scoring after 9 minutes when he powered home a pinpoint Seanna Foster cross from the right. Despite creating numerous chances, Bangor failed to extend their lead in the first half.
A slow Bangor start to the second half gave Dollingstown a route back into the game and the equaliser came in the 48th minute.
Ben Arthurs grabbed his 100th goal for the Seasiders in the 57th minute when he snapped up a rebound off Buchanan to make in 2-1. Arthurs made it a hat-trick in the 75th minute when he chested against the uprght, and following some deliberation with the officials, the goal was awarded.
Adam Neale got in on the act six minutes later when he smashed in another rebound of Buchanan.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster(G.Beattie), R.Neale, J.Boyle, R.Arthur, D.Hume(R.D'Sena), L.Harrison, A.Harris(D.O'Kane), B.Arthurs(S.McArthur), A.Neale, T.Marthieson(J.Glover)
Subs: M.Halliday, M.Orbinson
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 25th March, BANGOR v TOBERMORE UNITED, PIL, Clandeboye Park, 3:00PM
(Posted: Saturday, 18th March 2023)
A special showing of 'Yer men in Spain' documentary, which recalls Northern Ireland's glory during 1982 World Cup, will be screened on 31st March at 7.30pm at Bangor FC Social Club.
The screening will be followed by a Q&A with former international stars Gerry Armstrong, Billy Hamilton and George Dunlop, hosted by author and NI screen film archivist Evan Marshall.
Bangor FC Social Club Chairman Alan Corbett said: "We are delighted to have had the support of Evan Marshall, and NI Screen to bring this truly wonderful documentary to Bangor FC. The film shows footage of the late Billy Bingham’s squad, featuring the likes of Gerry Armstrong, Pat Jennings, Martin O’Neill, Billy Hamilton and Norman Whiteside on and off the pitch. It also features interviews and footage from fans in Spain and in pubs and venues across Northern Ireland. This includes footage never seen before and presents a wonderful and unique opportunity for fans to immerse themselves in what was a monumental journey and achievement.
"We are also pleased and honoured that former Seasiders and members of that 82 squad, Gerry Armstrong and George Dunlop, along with Billy Hamilton will attend the event. A Q&A session with Evan, following the film, will provide further fascinating insight from Spain 82, and from their time as internationals under the legendary Billy Bingham. We are very much looking forward to what will be a fantastic event."
Alan concluded: "Tickets are £5 with proceeds from this special event going to Cancer Research, in memory of Bangor FC President Billy Palmer. Billy was a hugely popular figure at the club; a true gentleman, who was a lifelong supporter of Bangor FC and we’re honoured to make this gesture in his memory."
Tickets can be purchased at the following link - https://app.teamfeepay.com/s/OL7PkmG
A light supper will also be provided at the event.
(Posted: Thursday, 16th March 2023)
Five second half goals from Dylan O'Kane(2), Jordan Hughes(2) and Jamie Glover secured a 5-1 friendly win over Lisburn Distillery at Clandeboye Park this afternoon.
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 18th March 2023 - DOLLINGSTOWN v BANGOR, PIL, Planters Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 11th March 2023)
Bangor's final league fixtures before the split will take place as follows:
Saturday, 8th April - PSNI v BANGOR, PIL, The Dub, 3:00PM
Tuesday, 11th April - MOYOLA PARK v BANGOR, PIL, Fortwilliam Park, 3:00PM.
(Posted: Wednesday, 8th March 2023)
The Seasiders will take on Lisburn Distillery in a friendly at Clandeboye Park on Saturday 11th March.
Match Kick Off: 1:45pm
Banbridge Town 0-2 Bangor: Big Ben doubles up to ensure Seasiders March six clear into new month
(An article by Lewis Bennett)
Bangor added three more points to their season total on Saturday after a fifth straight victory in the Premier Intermediate League, recording a resolute 0-2 success against Banbridge Town and prising the maximum spoils away from Crystal Park to marginally increase their lead at the top of the table to six points.
Read More
(Posted: Wednesday, 8th March 2023)
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A goal in either half from Ben Arthurs secured a comfortable win for the Seasiders over Banbridge Town at Crystal Park this afternoon.
Arthurs latch on to a Reece Neale through ball to smash Bangor into a 16th minute lead. Arthurs' second came in the 81st minute when when he headed home a floated pass from Aaron Harris.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster(G.Beattie), R.Neale, J.Boyle, D.Hume, R.Arthur, L.Harrison, A.Harris, B.Arthurs, A.Neale(J.Hughes), T.Mathieson(S.McArthur)
Subs: D.Gibbons, D.O'Kane, R.D'Sena, J.Glover
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 18th March - Dollingstown v Bangor, Planters Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 4th March 2023)
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Banbridge Town vs Bangor preview: Seasiders aim to continue title surge and leave Town with three points
(An article by Lewis Bennett)
After a three-match streak where feelings of home comfort rung true, Bangor are back on their travels for a bit when they visit Banbridge Town in their latest Premier Intermediate League outing. Having struck gold in February, winning each of the last four matches without so much as one goal in reply, the Seasiders enter this fresh clash against The Town high in hope and belief that they can make it a five-star beginning to March.
Read More
Bangor 1-0 Limavady United: Nerve at the fore as Seasiders emerge from scrappy affair with full spoils
(An article by Lewis Bennett)
It wasn’t fluid and it wasn’t free-flowing but as the common football saying goes, three points are three points. That was the view all of a Bangor persuasion will have held on Tuesday night after seeing off the stern test posed to them by in-form Limavady United, claiming a third successive one-goal victory against the Roesiders to slightly extend their lead at the top of the table to five points.
Read More
(Posted: Friday, 3rd March 2023)
The Seasiders stretched their lead at the top of the PIL to five points ahead of closest rivals Queen's University tonight with a narrow 1-0 victory over Limavady United at Clandeboye Park.
Adam Neale scrambled home the 24th minute winner after good work from Ben Arthurs on the left.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, G.Beattie(S.Foster), R.Neale, J.Boyle, R.Arthur, D.Hume, L.Harrison, D.O'Kane(A.Harris), B.Arthurs, A.Neale(J.Glover), S.McArthur(T.Mathieson). Sub: D.Gibbons, M.Halliday, J.Hughes
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 4th March 2023 - BANBRIDGE TOWN v BANGOR, PIL, Crystal Park, 2:00pm
(Posted: Tuesday, 28th February 2023)
Bangor move to the top of the Premier Intermediate League following tthis afternoon's emphatic 4-0 win over Portstewart at Clandeboye Park.
Adam Neale opened the scoring for Bangor after 13 minutes when he was well found by Ben Arthurs inside the area and he blasted the ball past Oliver.
The lively Tom Mathieson latched on to a perfectly floated Aaron Harris pass in the 26th minute to make it 2-0.Ben Arthurs got in on the act and made it 3-0 early in the second half when the ball fell kindly for him inside the six yard box.
Substitute Scott McArthur rounded things off in the 86th minute when he linked well with Jordan Hughes to score past Oliver.
LIFE THROUGH A LENS - MATCH GALLERY
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale(J.Glover), G.Beattie, J.Boyle, R.Arthur, D.Hume, L.Harrison(D.O'Kane), A.Harris, B.Arthurs(S.McArthur), A.Neale(M.Halliday), T.Mathieson(J.Hughes).
Subs: D.Gibbons, S.Foster
NEXT MATCH:
Tuesday, 28th February - BANGOR v LIMAVADY UNITED, PIL, Clandeboye Park, 8:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 25th February 2023)
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Bangor vs Portstewart preview: Third straight win on the agenda as Seasiders and Seahawks duel
(An article by Lewis Bennett)
The second in a mini-catalogue of three successive home fixtures in the Premier Intermediate League, Bangor aim to bolster their promotion credentials even more this Saturday as they roll out the red carpet for Portstewart at Clandeboye Park. Knowing that only a point is required to take top spot, Lee Feeney and his charges will have their sights set on all three, aspiring to back up their victory in the Friday night bash with Ballymacash Rangers last week with full spoils here.
Read More
(Posted: Saturday, 25th February 2023)
The Seasiders move level on points with league leaders Ballymacash Rangers following tonight's 2-0 win at Clandeboye Park.
Adam Neale nipped in to nod the ball past Neeson to send Bangor on their way after just 4 minutes.
A wreckless challenge by Dylan Davidson on Seanna Foster saw Ballymacash reduced to ten men after just 12 minutes. Ballymacash were given a lifeline after 36 minutes when they were awarded a penalty for a trip, but the spot kick was well saved by James Taylor.
Bangor came close to extending their lead in the 69th minute when Karl Devine's shot from distance came back off the upright.
The second goal finally came in th 87th minute when a Reece Neale cross from the left was headed home by Ben Arthurs to the delight of the bumper Bangor crowd.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, S.Foster, J.Boyle, R.Arthur, D.Hume, L.Harrison, K.Devine(A.Harris), B.Arthurs, A.Neale(S.McArthur), J.Glover(T.Mathieson).
Subs: D.Gibbons, G.Beattie, M.Halliday, D.O'Kane.
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 25th February 2023 - BANGOR v PORTSTEWART, PIL, Clandeboye Park, 3:00PM
(Posted: Friday, 17th February 2023)
Bangor FC Ladies will compete in the Northern Ireland Women’s Football Association (NIWFA) Championship.
The Championship is the second tier of women’s football in Northern Ireland. The winner of the Championship secures promotion to the NIFL Premiership.
Bangor FC Head of Women’s football Michelle Crawford said: “Competing in the NIWFA Championship is a massive boost for Bangor FC Ladies.
"We are excited about the challenge ahead and I believe we can take the momentum from the past few months into the new season.
“We have continued to make progress over the past year and now with the appointment of Ethan Boylan as first team manager, we can look forward to the season ahead."
Bangor FC Ladies manager Ethan Boylan said: "Competing in the Championship is an exciting opportunity for the players and management at the club.
"The girls have been training for a few weeks and have been working hard in pre-season.
"I will continue to build the team over the next few months with the aim of bringing success and growth to the women's game at Clandeboye Park."
Any player interested in attending training can contact Bangor FC Ladies - BangorLadiesFC@outlook.com
(Posted: Friday, 17th February 2023)
The Premier Intermediate League leaders visit Clandeboye Park on Friday evening.
Armagh City 0-3 Bangor: Seasiders rediscover winning trail with three points in Cathedral City
(An article by Lewis Bennett)
It was no small hurdle Bangor had to jump over on Saturday, but all three points were safely shipped back to North Down with a three-goal haul away to Armagh City in the Premier Intermediate League. Not a fixture without trial, it was a welcome return to winning ways and a show of nerve in a game that always promised to ebb and flow, with the visitors in clinical mood to convert either side of half time and take home maximum spoils.
Read More
(Posted: Wednesday, 15th February 2023)
The Seasiders came out on top in today's tale of two cities at Holm Park.
Reece Neale made sure it was the best of times for Bangor as he smashed a spectacular angled volley into the roof of the Armagh net after just 14 seconds.
Reece Neale was instrumental in Bangor's second as he raced to the bye line to pull the ball back for Adam Neale to score from close range in the 63rd minute.
A mazey dribble from Karl Devine in the 66th minute saw him tripped for a penalty which striker Ben Arthurs then stroked home.
Substitute Tom Mathieson nearly rounded off the day with a fourth goal in the 88th minute, but his acrobatic overhead kick went just wide of the Armagh City upright.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster(G.Beattie), R.Neale, J.Boyle(R.D'Sena), R.Arthur, D.Hume, K.Devine(A.Harris), L.Harrison, B.Arthurs(T.Mathieson), A.Neale, S.McArthur(J.Glover)
Subs: D.Gibbons, J.Hughes
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 17th February 2023 - BANGOR v BALLYMACASH RANGERS, PIL, Clandeboye Park, 8:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 11th February 2023)
(Match Preview by Lewis Bennett)
It is a return to Premier Intermediate League action for Bangor this weekend, as an uninterrupted 15-game league sprint begins on Saturday with a trip to Armagh City. An opponent the Seasiders have already defeated once this season, a league double over the Eagles would mark a welcome return to winning ways having lost the last third-tier outing at Tobermore United two weeks ago.
Read More
(Posted: Friday, 10th February 2023)
Bangor FC has officially agreed a two-year sponsorship deal with Denman International Limited to sponsor their Girls’ Academy. The academy is open to all girls born between 2011 and 2015.
Bangor FC Chairman Graham Bailie said: “The Denroy Group has once again shown their incredible support by sponsoring our Girls’ Academy under the Denman brand. It means they will be associated with their home town football club for four years. That demonstrates not only commitment to the football club, but also to the local community that it serves.
“The sponsorship deal is a real boost for the Bangor FC Girls’ Academy. I’m pleased we have been able to partner again and team up with a renowned brand like Denman, as we continue to grow the girls section at Bangor FC.”
Head of Women’s Football at Bangor FC, Michelle Crawford said: “Denman is a forward thinking and innovative brand and I am delighted they have partnered with the Girls’ Academy.
“Their support allows the Girls' Academy to continue to improve the quality of opportunities we can offer. It will help ensure girls in Bangor, and the surrounding area, are given opportunities to play football for their local hometown club.”
Chairman of the Denroy Group Dr John Rainey said: "We are delighted to continue our sponsorship with Bangor FC and the new Girls’ Academy. It is an exciting time for girls’ football and it is fantastic to be a part of the Club's history, with their dedication to setting up a girls’ academy for the local community.
“The girls can develop their football skills under the guidance and tutelage of Michelle Crawford and her team, with opportunities to progress into the Bangor Ladies Team in the future.
“We take great pride in supporting the town’s football club and sponsoring the Girls’ Academy. We wish them good luck in the seasons ahead.”
The Bangor FC Girls’ Academy training is open to all girls born between 2011 and 2015. Anyone interested in attending should email: girlsacademy@bangorfc.com
Denman is an iconic brand that produces brushes for hairdressing. Denman is sold in over sixty countries and used by many thousands of hairdressers, barbers and beauty professionals.
(Posted: Monday, 6th February 2023)
Battling Bangor bowed out of this season's Irish Cup with a 2-1 defeat to cup holders Crusaders at Clandeboye Park this evening.
Philip Lowry put the Crues one up in the 29th minute when he found time and space in the area to slot past Taylor. Lowry was on target once again in the 47th minute when he made room to place the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
Ben Arthurs gave the Seasiders a lifeline in the 66th minute when he danced his way through the Crusaders defence to slide the ball past Tuffy.
In a late flurry, Bangor goalkeeper James Taylor met a Reece Neale corner kick, but steered his header wide of the Crusaders goal.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster(G.Beattie), R.Neale, R.D'Sena, J.Boyle(D.Hume), R.Arthur, L.Harrison, K.Devine, S.McArthur(J.Hughes), J.Glover(T.Mathieson), B.Arthurs
Subs: D.O'Kane, M.Halliday, D.Gibbons
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 11th February, Armagh City v Bangor, Holm Park, 2:00pm
(Posted: Friday, 3rd February 2023)
The Seasiders fell to their first league defeat of the season at Fortwilliam Park this afternoon, losing 2-0 to Tobermore United.
It was a frustrating day for Bangor as the Tobermoe back line repelled everything the Seasiders could throw at them. A spell of Tobermore pressure in the 70th minute saw Owen McKeown race through and lift the ball over Taylor for the opener. As Bangor pushed forward for an injury time equaliser, McKeown broke away once more to grab a second for Tobermore.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster(G.Beattie), R.Neale, J.Boyle, R.Arthur, D.Hume(M.Halliday), K.Devine, D.O'Kane(A.Harris), J.Hughes(J.Glover), B.Arthurs, S.McArthur(A.Neale). Subs: M.Orbinson, R.D'Sena
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 3rd February, Bangor v Crusaders, Irish Cup, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 28th January 2023)
Goals from Jordan Hughes, Ryan Arthur, Ben Arthurs and Ryley D'Sena gave Bangor their 10th league win of the season tonight, defeating Banbridge Town at Clandeboye Park.
Jordan Hughes opened the scoring in the 37th minute when he nodded in the rebound from a Ben Arthurs close range strike. Ten minutes into the second half, Ryan Arthur flicked in a deep throw-in from Reece Neale and a minute later Ben Arthurs bundled in the rebound from a Scott McArthur shot which had been parried out by Hunter.
Ryley D'Senna scored his first goal for Bangor in the 89th minute when he headed in a Dylan O'Kane corner from the left.
Proceeds from tonight's game will be donated to AMMF in memory of Frankie Wilson whose family were in attendance.
BANGOR SQUAD:
J.Taylor, S.Foster(G.Beattie), R.Neale, J.Boyle, R.Arthur, D.Hume(R.D'Sena), L.Harrison, K.Devine(D.O'Kane), J.Hughes, S.McArthur(J.Glover), B.Arthurs(M.Halliday)
Subs: T.Mathieson, M.Orbinson
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday's away fixture against Moyola Park has been postponed. Instead,
The Seasiders will travel to Fortwilliam Park to play Tobermore United. Match kick off: 2:00pm
(Posted: Tuesday, 24th January 2023)
Today's match against PSNI has been postponed following a 10:00am pitch inspection at the Dub.
NEXT MATCH:
Tuesday, 24th January - Bangor v Banbridge Town, PIL, Clandeboye Park, 8:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 21st January 2023)
Bangor's fixture against Crusaders in the sixth round of the Samuel Gelston's Whiskey Irish Cup has been moved to Friday,s 3rd February and will be live-streamed on the BBC iPlayer and on the BBC Sport NI Website.
The kick-off time at Clandeboye Park will be 7:45pm.
(Posted: Tuesday, 17th January 2023)
A 29th minute goal from Adam Neale saw Bangor take all three points at a bitterly cold Clandeboye Park this afternoon.
Dylan O'Kane went close for Bangor in the 27th minute with a 20 yard strike that was well saved by Findlay at full stretch. Two minutes later Scott McArthur raced through but fired his shot straight at Findlay, however Adam Neale was on hand to bundle the ball over the line.
Gareth Beattie saw his 40th minute effort from 25 yards came down off the crossbar and Adam Neale just failed to convert the rebound.
Adam Neale blasted a 74th minute chance from a Jamie Glover cross just over the bar. Moyola Park were reduced to 10 men in the closing stages when Caolan Gillan was dismissed for a studs up challenge on Seanna Foster.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, G.Beattie, S.Foster(R.Neale), J.Boyle, D.Hume, R.Arthur, D.O'Kane, K.Devine, S.McArthur(J.Glover), B.Arthurs, A.Neale(A.Harris).
Subs: M.Orbinson, M.Halliday, R.D'Sena
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 21st January - PSNI v BANGOR, PIL, The Dub, 2:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 14th January 2023)
Bangor have been drawn at home to Crusaders in round six of the Samuel Gelston's Whiskey Irish Cup. The tie will be played on Saturday, 4th February at Clandeboye Park.
(Posted: Saturday, 7th January 2023)
The Seasiders are through to the last 16 of the Samuel Gelston's Whiskey Irish Cup. A hat-trick from Ben Arthurs and a late goal from Scott McArthur secured the win for Bangor in front of a bumper Clandeboye Park crowd.
Arthurs opened the scoring with a crisp finish past Robinson in the 36th minute. Ben bagged his second in the 49th minute when he poked home a pinpoint Reece Neale cross from the left. A 78th minute header from a David Hume cross saw Arthurs complete his hat-trick and substitute Scott McArthur then rounded off the scoring in the 87th minute when he was quickest to react to Robinson's save from a Halliday shot.
BANGOR TEAM:
M.Orbinson, R.Neale(G.Beattie), S.Foster, J.Boyle, D.Hume, R.D'Sena, L.Harrison(A.Harris), K.Devine, D.O'Kane(T.Mathieson), B.Arthurs(M.Halliday), J.Hughes(S.McArthur). Subs: J.Taylor
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 14th January 2023 - Bangor v Moyola Park, PIL, Clandeboye Park, 3:00PM
(Posted: Saturday, 7th January 2023)
Ethan Boylan has been appointed the new manager at Bangor Ladies FC.
Boylan, a current Bangor player, holds a UEFA B licence and was part of Bangor’s Intermediate Cup winning side in 2013/14 and Ballymena Provincial League championship side in 2018/19.
Ethan said: “I’m delighted and honoured to get the job at Bangor and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead. I will be building the team over the next few months with the aim of bringing success and growth to the women’s game at Clandeboye Park. These are exciting times and I believe we have a great opportunity to build something special at Bangor Ladies. I would like to thank the board for this opportunity and I’m looking forward to getting started."
Bangor FC Head of Women’s Football Michelle Crawford said: “Ethan is a perfect fit for Bangor Ladies as he knows what it takes to be a success at this club. I want him to now pass on his knowledge and experience to the players and help the team progress to the next level. As a player at the club and a supporter, Ethan understands the Bangor way and is passionate about developing young players. We are excited about his appointment and believe he will help us continue the progress we have made in recent years.”
Ethan replaces Mark Duff who recently stepped down as manager.
Michelle concluded: "The Board and I would also like to thank Mark Duff for his hard work and commitment at Bangor. He has played a key role in the ongoing development of the women’s team, and we wish him well for the future."
(Posted: Friday, 6th January 2023)
(Posted: Wednesday, 4th January 2023)
Bangor kicked off the new year with a 5-0 win over Lisburn Distillery at the New Grosvenor Stadium this afternoon.
Adam Neale had already struck the Distillery upright before Reece Neale opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a shot from the left that completely deceived Carry.
Ben Arthurs extended Bangor's lead early in the second half when he raced through to roll the ball into the bottom corner of the Distillery net. Ryan Arthur swept in a Reece Neale corner-kick in the 62nd minute to make it 3-0 and then substitute Dylan O'Kane picked up a loose ball on the edge of the area and rifled it into the bottom corner to make it 4-0.
Striker Adam Neale pounced on a rebound off the keeper in the closing moments of the game to make it 5-0.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster(A.Ferguson), R.Neale, J.Boyle, R.Arthur, D.Hume(R.D'Sena), L.Harrison, K.Devine, A.Neale, B.Arthurs(D.O'Kane), M.Halliday(J.Hughes)
Subs:M.Orbinson, R.Craig
NEXT MATCH:
Sat, 7th January 2023 - Bangor v. Tandragee Rovers, Irish Cup, Clandeboye Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Monday, 2nd January 2023)