Stephen McGuinness enjoyed being part of a winning team first time round at Bangor – and having signed permanently, he wants that vein to continue in the Sports Direct Premiership.
The left-sided defender spent the first half of last campaign on loan from Cliftonville and has now signed a contract to stay at Clandeboye Park for good ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The 21-year-old impressed during his 18 appearances before he was recalled by the Reds in January and continued to play regularly under Jim Magilton in the second half of last term.
Now McGuinness is back, and he’s buzzing to help Bangor make further strides in only the club’s second top-flight season in 29 years by applying the same winning mentality that he showed during his first stint in North Down.
“Yeah, I’m happy to be here, I’m buzzing to be back. I loved coming here on loan whenever I first came in.
“I know it was only until January but it was brilliant, especially playing week in, week out and winning as well, so I can’t complain.
“Fingers crossed it continues this year. Obviously, it’s going to be tough playing Premiership football, so we just need to work hard with what we’re doing and try and do the same as what we done last year – just get as many wins as possible.”
McGuinness savoured his return to Cliftonville at the turn of the year and caught the eye with three goals in 12 appearances for the Solitude outfit.
He was part of a side that won the BetMcLean Cup, reached the Irish Cup Final and qualified for Europe via the end-of-season play-offs.
The Glengormley native says he bounced off the Reds’ top performers and is keen to apply what he learned from them back in the yellow and blue of Bangor, as a quick reunion with his former employers beckons at Clandeboye Park on the opening day.
“Yeah, definitely – the experience of being in that team as well, obviously that’s a quality team to be a part of with some really good players and we managed to win a trophy and qualify for Europe.
“You’re learning week in, week out off quality players so, hopefully, I can bring what I’ve learnt from them in here as well.
“I’ve a quick reunion, first game of the season! Tough one, tough game to start with but I’m looking forward to it, absolutely.”
McGuinness, who previously enjoyed loan stints with Annagh United and Queen’s University before arriving at Bangor last year, says the positive relationships he built up with his team-mates made it a no-brainer to seal a permanent switch this summer.
The defender scored once – against Newry City in November in the first-ever Bangor home game to be played on a Sunday – and drew acclaim from boss Lee Feeney for his consistent performances, and McGuinness was all too glad to reunite with the Kilkeel supremo when the opportunity arose.
“That’s a big reason why I wanted to come back, just whenever I came in, the lads welcomed me really well.
“Obviously when I knew Feeno was interested in getting me back, it was a no-brainer for me.
“I know everyone here, I was comfortable during my time here on loan, so I can come straight back in and get to work, hopefully.”
On what he hopes to achieve this year, McGuinness believes top-flight survival for Bangor is priority No.1, while he also wants to make Clandeboye Park as tough a venue for opposition teams to come to as possible.
He’s also keen to build up his own game-time and help the Yellows push as far up the league standings as they can.
“The main goal is to stay up first and foremost and try and make here, our home pitch, just really hard to come to, try and get as many wins, points, just to make sure we do well.
“On an individual level, most important for me is to play week in, week out and push up the league as far as we can.”
(Posted: Thursday, 3rd July 2025)
Bangor’s new goalkeeper Gareth Deane is excited to make a big impact between the sticks in the upcoming Sports Direct Premiership campaign.
The 31-year-old has signed on the dotted line at Clandeboye Park following an 18-month stint at Glenavon that was preceded by successful spells with Linfield and Coleraine.
Deane says he is looking forward to regular game-time and playing an important role in helping the Seasiders enjoy a strong return to the Premiership following 16 years away.
Lee Feeney previously got in touch with the Lisburn man to discuss a potential move in January when Deane decided then to stay with the Lurgan Blues and fight for his place.
But when the Bangor boss got back in touch in the summer, the pieces fell into place and the two-time Irish League champion spoke of his delight at making the move to North Down.
“It was an easy transition to make. I spoke to Lee in January, I thought it was maybe a possibility to come but I decided to stay and try and play Premiership football.
“When he rang me in the summer there and guaranteed I’d be playing every week, it was too hard to turn down, to be honest.
“He’s put a lot of faith in me from January and having a chat and a conversation, and he rang me in the summer and I knew it was going to be a pretty easy transition into the club.
“Game-time’s important to me – at my age now, 31, I’m not coming towards the end of my career just yet but I want to play as much football as I can.
“I’ve played a lot of football over the last six seasons, and towards the last six months at Glenavon there, I was maybe starved of football and I got that hunger back after a few months of sitting in the stands.
“Obviously when Lee rang and said you’re going to come in and be No.1 and play every week, it was too hard to turn down.”
Deane is a wise head in the dressing room and is keen to set high standards on and off the pitch that he believes will stand Bangor in good stead for the forthcoming top-flight season.
The one-time Queen’s Park Rangers Academy stopper is eagerly anticipating the Seasiders’ opening fixture at home to Cliftonville on August 9 and hopes to make a positive impression in front of a bumper crowd.
“I think I add a bit of experience into a young changing room, I think that can go a long way.
“There’s a big hunger in that changing room at the minute, and obviously having a home tie in the first game of the season, it’s a big boost and I think the ground will be packed out.
“It’ll be an exciting day and, hopefully, we can get the three points and get the season going.
“It’s up to me to do my job on a Saturday and set good standards in training, I think it’s going to go a long way.
“It’s going to be a very exciting season – it’s a new challenge for me too maybe, coming into a team that’s just been promoted.
“I sat down with my friends and my family, had a good conversation about it and everyone’s very excited about it and we’ll see how we get on.”
Having spent virtually his whole career playing Premiership football as well as Champions, Europa and Conference League qualifiers during his time with the Blues and Bannsiders, Deane is a voice of authority on what it takes to be competitive at the highest level of football in Northern Ireland.
And based on his first impressions of the squad, he reckons that environment will bring the best out of this group of players and feed off the excitement brewing in the local community.
“I think the last couple of seasons, the league’s grew stronger and stronger and for the better, I think.
“There’s no easy game in the Premiership and you see the likes of last season where Dungannon finished and the run they went on to win the Irish Cup.
“Yeah, it’s an exciting time to be involved in the league, and Bangor are coming into the league after so many years out of it – it’s a massive boost for the town and the fans and everyone associated with Bangor, and it’s exciting for the players, too.
“There’s a few boys in there who haven’t experienced Premiership football yet and I think they’ll thrive on it.
“With the experience in the changing room with the likes of myself, Robbie Garrett and a few others who’ve played at the highest level, especially at a massive club like Linfield, I think if you can add that with the youth and the legs in there, I think we’ll do okay.
“It’s a great group. I came in, straight away I know a few of the boys; Ben Cushnie, Caomhan McGuinness and I obviously know Mark Haughey, too, we’re travelling up from Lisburn.
“When you get here, there’s a lot of friendly faces and familiar faces from playing against boys in the league and it’s so far, so good.
“We’ll keep building in pre-season, the boys are doing a good bit of running so I’m sure we’ll be fit and raring to go come the season starting.”
Deane smiles when he talks about 34-year-old Haughey, a team-mate of his for several years at both Linfield and Glenavon.
The centre-back won four titles and a pair of Irish Cups at Windsor Park and played 190 times across two stints at Mourneview Park – and Deane is in no doubt about how good he can be.
“What a player. Mark, a bit like myself, he’s played at the highest level and you’re adding massive experience to the changing room.
“If you keep Mark Haughey fit, there’s not many better centre-halves in the league and I know him and the management have had good conversations about what they’re going to do.
“As I say, adding that experience and that quality into the changing room, it’s unbelievable.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 2nd July 2025)
Bangor kept pre-season preparations ticking over on Saturday afternoon with a 2-1 win against Ards Rangers at Drome Park.
Bangor drew first blood 16 minutes in as a slick interchange fed Matthew Ferguson in on goal where a familiar face in James Taylor was situated, and he picked out the bottom right corner with a cool finish having got in behind and one-on-one.
Gareth Deane featured for the first time in between the Seasiders sticks and had to be on his guard during the early knockings of the contest, while captain Lewis Harrison and Ben Cushnie – starting alongside Ferguson – also saw their first pieces of pre-season action during the first half here.
Cushnie looked to nip in ahead of Taylor to add a second but the ball was cleared, but the reprieve didn't last for Ards Rangers with returning midfielder Ross Ferguson converting low and first-time into the bottom left from Caomhan McGuinness' delectable low cross from the right just before the half-hour.
Ards Rangers pulled one back five minutes before half-time with a neat finish into the top right corner past Deane that was reflective of a competitive friendly encounter between the sides, with 2-1 to Bangor the scoreline at the interval and a plane flying low into the adjacent airfield in a late off-pitch highlight.
In the second period, the raft of half-time adjustments made by assistant manager John Douglas, who was taking charge of proceedings in Lee Feeney's place, included last season's top goalscorer Ben Arthurs coming on for his first unofficial minutes of the season and a debut for new signing Mark Haughey.
There were no further goals following the interval and it was another good workout for the Yellows contingent in the build-up to the Sports Direct Premiership season opener against Cliftonville on August 9, with the excitement continuing to build.
Bangor are next in pre-season action with a trip to Mill Meadow to face Moyola Park next Saturday, July 5. Kick-off in Castledawson is at 2pm.
(Posted: Sunday, 29th June 2025)
Bangor continue pre-season preparations on Saturday afternoon with a short trip to Drome Park to face Ards Rangers.
The Seasiders’ second game of their pre-season itinerary takes place against the respected NAFL Premier Division side who are now under the management of former Rosemount Rec and Dundonald manager Lee Cathcart.
Since Bangor’s return to action against Welsh side Llandudno last Saturday, much has been on the table for supporters to digest.
On Monday, it was revealed that the Yellows will kickstart their return to the top-flight after a 16-year hiatus with a home game against Cliftonville on August 9, while on Thursday, first-team manager Lee Feeney put pen to paper on a new three-year contract that commits his future to Clandeboye Park until 2028.
With a Supporters Information Event having taken place on Thursday night where Feeney and the Board of Directors outlined preparations on and off the pitch ahead of the new season starting in earnest, spirits are high around the club and the players will continue to build match sharpness ahead of that encounter with the Reds and an eagerly anticipated return to the top table of Northern Ireland football.
With Kyle Owens and Tom Mathieson finding the net with stunning strikes in last week’s 4-2 defeat to Llandudno at a sunny and boiling hot Clandeboye Park, Feeney’s charges are set to step things up as pre-season rolls on.
That continues with this weekend’s encounter with Ards Rangers, which has a 2pm kick-off.
(Posted: Thursday, 26th June 2025)
Bangor FC are pleased to confirm the arrival of respected central defender Mark Haughey as the club's fourth signing of the summer window.
The Newry native arrives at Clandeboye Park after departing Glenavon where he gave a decade's service at senior level across two separate stints while also spending a hugely decorated eight-year spell with Linfield in between.
The 34-year-old is a four-time Irish League champion and a two-time Irish Cup winner from his time with the Blues and established himself as one of Northern Ireland football's leading centre-backs, and he now links up with Lee Feeney at Clandeboye Park on the same day the Bangor boss signed a new three-year contract.
Boasting European pedigree having played in Champions League and Europa League qualifiers, the defender has also shown an eye for goal over the years and will aim to lend some of that to the Yellows in the 2025/26 Sports Direct Premiership.
Haughey drew the curtain on his second spell at Glenavon, whose Academy he first came through as a 14-year-old, at the end of last campaign having made 190 appearances across his two stints, netting 12 goals and providing six assists.
In between, he joined Linfield in 2013 and went on to enjoy a silverware-laden eight-year spell at Windsor Park before returning to the Lurgan Blues once again in 2021.
His testimonial clash, which features both of his former clubs, takes place at Mourneview Park on July 26 prior to making his competitive debut with his new yellow and blue outfit, with the Bangor fans looking forward to welcoming Haughey to Clandeboye Park in the meantime during the pre-season schedule.
Welcome to Bangor, Mark!
(Posted: Thursday, 26th June 2025)
Shareholders are invited to attend the Bangor Football & Athletic Club Annual General Meeting on Thursday 17th July 2025 in Bangor Social Club, 1a Hawthorne Court, Clandeboye Road at 7:30pm.
Any correspondence relating to the A.G.M. should be addressed to the Company Secretary and sent by email to company.secretary@bangorfc.com or in writing to Clandeboye Park, 1a Hawthorne Court, Bangor, County Down, BT20 3HR
(Posted: Thursday, 26th June 2025)
Bangor FC manager Lee Feeney has signed a new contract that will keep him at Clandeboye Park until the summer of 2028.
Feeney, who first took the reins at Bangor in June 2020, has overseen a remarkable period of progress for the Seasiders. Under his leadership, the club recently secured promotion to the Sports Direct Premiership, marking a return to Northern Ireland’s top-flight for the first time since 2009.
Bangor FC Manager Lee Feeney said: "It's an honour to manage this club and I’m delighted to be continuing the journey with Bangor. The support from the board, players, and supporters has been incredible, and I’m excited about what we can achieve together in the Premiership.
"As a management team, we are driven to keep progressing and improving and we are never complacent. However, we approach the season with realism. We recognise that this will be a different type of campaign for the club. A season that will provide significant challenges every week, and one where we will often be seen as the underdog.
"Since winning the Championship, my managementteam and I have been focused on preparing for this season. I have full confidence in my players and staff, and I’m certain we have what it takes to compete against every team in the league."
Bangor FC Chairman Graham Bailie said: "I'm delighted that Lee has signed a new three-year deal at Bangor. This is a key moment for the club as we enter the Premiership, and one I know our supporters will be excited about.
"Lee continues to be a great fit for the direction weare heading. He is a fantastic man-manager who brings out the best in the players. His passion, professionalism, and belief in what we are building at Bangor are exactly what we need to take the next step."
Graham continued: "What stands out most is Lee’scommitment—not just to the team, but to the Bangor FC community. He wants to bring lasting success to the club and that ambition is something we all share."As we prepare for the start of the season in the Premiership, there is a real buzz around the club and the city. With Lee at the helm, we’ve got every reason to look forward to an exciting season ahead."
(Posted: Thursday, 26th June 2025)
PLEASE NOTE: All fixtures are subject to change due to broadcast selections and clubs’ participation in European competitions.
Bangor will kickstart the new Sports Direct Premiership campaign by welcoming Cliftonville to Clandeboye Park on Saturday, August 9.
Lee Feeney's men entertain Jim Magilton's BetMcLean Cup holders in the club's first top-flight match in over 16 years, the first of five matches in August for the Seasiders.
A trip to The BetMcLean Oval to take fellow Belfast giant Glentoran comes the following weekend before a midweek encounter at home to Crusaders on Tuesday, August 19 makes it three clashes in a row against capital outfits for the Yellows.
After that, it's a visit to the Warden Street Showgrounds where Ballymena United await before a home match against Irish Cup champions Dungannon Swifts rounds off a tricky August for Feeney's charges.
A historic first top flight league match in over 30 years against Larne kickstarts September when the two-time Irish League champions visit Clandeboye Park, while a Friday night trip to Portadown on Friday, September 19 also something to look forward to.
October commences with the visit of Ruaidhri Higgins' Coleraine, while on November 22, a bumper crowd will be expected when David Healy's reigning Premiership champions Linfield come to Clandeboye Park.
Boxing Day sees Bangor travel to Co Tyrone to face Dungannon, with the year ending back on home soil when Ballymena come to town before a mouth-watering trip to Windsor Park to oppose Linfield on January 3 gets 2026 off to a flyer.
Bangor's final post-split outing is another trip to Stangmore Park to play Rodney McAree's Dungannon on Friday, March 20, with the post-split fixtures being confirmed afterwards on a start date of March 28, the following weekend.
The Bangor fans' appetites for competitive football are well and truly whetted and the build-up to that first outing against the Reds starts in earnest now.
SEASON TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW >>
(Posted: Monday, 23rd June 2025)
Bangor kicked off pre-season with a 4-2 defeat to Welsh visitors Llandudno at a boiling Clandeboye Park on Saturday.
The Seasiders' first pre-season outing saw them welcome the Cymru North outfit and their travelling fans to North Down for an entertaining contest under the sun.
Lee Feeney spread minutes across senior players and Academy products alike, with Kyle Owens and Tom Mathieson delivering stunning strikes that contributed to the spectacle from the home end.
A sizeable home support flocked to Clandeboye for the occasion, excited as the team builds up to the start of the Sports Direct Premiership season in the second week of August.
It took some time for the goalscoring to get under way, but it was the away side who broke the deadlock just before half-time when a slick passing move resulted in a well-worked shot into the net.
Llandudno doubled their lead at the start of the second period before an unfortunate ricochet played a part in making it a three-goal lead.
After that, centre-back Owens stole the show when he spotted the away goalkeeper off his line and let fly from what must've been 70 yards out, spectacularly lobbing the Llandudno stopper and finding the back of the net to unofficially open Bangor's goal account for the season in remarkable style.
A rifled finish after a corner was only half-cleared restored Llandudno's three-goal cushion, but Mathieson turned on the style once again for Bangor's second goal of the day, directing an outside-of-the-boot volley from distance beyond the visiting goalkeeper to make it 4-2.
That was how it finished when the referee signalled for full-time, with all at Bangor naturally wishing Llandudno well for their forthcoming league campaign.
The Yellows are next in friendly action on Saturday, June 28 when they make the short trip to Drome Park to face Ards Rangers for a 2pm kick-off.
Gary's Match Gallery | Jordan's Match Gallery
(Posted: Sunday, 22nd June 2025)
Kyle Owens was satisfied with a good workout at a boiling hot Clandeboye Park on Saturday afternoon as Bangor kickstarted their pre-season agenda with a 4-2 defeat to Welsh outfit Llandudno.
The towering centre-back says the priority throughout pre-season is to get minutes in legs as Lee Feeney’s men build up to their long-awaited Premiership return in August.
The Seasiders shook off some rust in the weekend friendly with the Cymru North outfit, who moved into a three-goal lead before Owens stole the show with a stunning effort from all of 70 yards that nestled in the back of the net midway through the second half to make it 3-1.
Although Llandudno restored their three-goal cushion shortly after, Tom Mathieson similarly turned on the style with a dipping outside-of-the-boot volley from outside the box, ensuring the fans weren’t sold short on entertainment.
The game saw Stephen McGuinness and Ross Ferguson feature for the first time since they completed their Clandeboye returns, with minutes spread across senior players, youngsters from the Academy and trialists on the day.
And 32-year-old defender Owens was glad to get back at it once again eight weeks on from celebrating Bangor’s Playr-Fit Championship title success.
“It’s good to be back, we had a mixture of young players and older players, players that have been here and a few new players.
“The result’s not important to us, we were out to get 45 minutes’ match fitness each and that’s all that really mattered.
“Everyone’s off the pitch, no injuries, so it was a good workout for us all things considered.
“We’ll just use pre-season to build up to the start of the season and I think we’ll need everyone.
“It’s a big ask this year playing against all the top teams in the country and that’s what you play football for. I think we’ll do alright, we’ll give it a good crack anyway.”
Elaborating on his blockbuster effort, Owens insists he always planned to have a go when he got the opportunity to let fly.
The former H&W Welders centre-back has a taste for goals having struck five of them in last term’s title glory and has warned Premiership goalkeepers he will always be inclined to have a go if he gets a good look from range.
“I was saying to Liam Hassin about five minutes into it, I said ‘look where the keeper’s standing’ and if you get a chance, hit it.
“And it just happened to be I got that chance, the space broke and it just looped over the keeper and in.
“And then I tried it again, I actually thought it was going in too!
“If I see a keeper off his line, 100 per cent you have a go – he was standing near his 18-yard line today so, obviously, you have to hit it right and get it on target, but I’ll certainly have a go if I get a chance to.”
For Owens, it will be a return to Premiership football for the first time since before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Having been a team-mate of his brother and Crusaders’ all-time record goalscorer Jordan at Seaview as well as helping Ballymena United win the BetMcLean League Cup during his time at the Warden Street Showgrounds, the Belfast man is eager to grace that stage again and is aware of the challenges that lie ahead for Bangor.
He also believes there is the fighting spirit within Feeney’s dressing room to rise to the task and quickly adapt to life back in the top-flight.
“Yes, I do (have experience at Premiership level). Lucky enough, I’ve played in it for a couple of years and it doesn’t get any easier.
“You see the teams strengthen year in, year out, but we’re a close-knit changing room.
“We fight for each other and that’s what you need in this league, and I think we’ll be alright – we’ll go out and work our socks off every week and push on as we go.
Owens has also rallied Bangor to set the bar high and push as far up the Premiership as they can throughout 2025/26.
With the release of the top-flight fixture schedule imminent, excitement is palpable in the stands and the Belfast native believes the players can deliver on that in the new campaign.
Having made 42 appearances and topped the club’s minutes played rankings on 3,661 in his first year at Bangor following his arrival from the Welders last summer, Owens is eager to play an important role once again and help the Seagulls fulfil their ambitions.
“I agree, absolutely (there’s cause for optimism). You’ve experience, you’ve youth, quality, you’ve everything.
“We’re all fighting for each other every week – as long as you’re not getting beat fours and fives every week, but I don’t see that happening, I think we’ve a very, very good changing room that will pick up results.
“Obviously Lee’s got new additions coming and they’ll help us as well and that’s just it, next year, give it a big push.
“It’s my second season at the club and I’ll be looking to push on individually as well and try to help us hopefully get into the top six, but like I say, it’ll be a big ask.
“But listen, we need to believe we can and aim high whenever we go into training and the matches, so if we have that outlook that we can push far up the league, we’ll be fine.”
(Posted: Sunday, 22nd June 2025)
Bangor FC are delighted to confirm that veteran midfielder Robbie Garrett has signed on to remain at Clandeboye Park for the 2025/26 season.
The five-times-capped Northern Ireland international will stay on for a second campaign in yellow and blue having helped the Seasiders to promotion as Playr-Fit Championship title winners last term.
The former Linfield, Portadown and Glenavon man – who celebrated his 37th birthday in May – linked up with Lee Feeney’s panel after his deal with the Lurgan Blues expired last summer and proved influential as he made 36 appearances during a victorious second-tier crusade in 2024/25, scoring twice along the way.
Boasting five Irish League crowns and a trio of Irish Cups to his name, retaining Garrett’s top-flight experience represents a major coup for Bangor with the Yellows ready to return to the Premiership for the first time in 16 years.
The Stoke City Academy graduate, who also enjoyed a brief loan stint with Canadian outfit FC Edmonton from the Blues 12 years ago, also chipped in with an assist across the 2785 minutes he played last term and stood out for his combative nature in midfield as well as quality on the ball.
Now Garrett will be back in the Sports Direct Premiership once again and will aim to play his part in delivering another successful season at Clandeboye Park in the new season.
(Posted: Friday, 20th June 2025)
Lee Feeney admits neither he nor his Bangor players can wait to get back into the thick of it again ahead of the Seasiders’ first pre-season match against Llandudno this Saturday.
The Welsh side visit Clandeboye Park in the curtain-raiser for Bangor’s pre-season agenda at the weekend, and home boss Feeney says his charges are all ready to take the pitch as they build up to the start of next season’s Sports Direct Premiership.
While the Kilkeel supremo isn’t expecting his men to be firing on all cylinders from the get-go, he feels Llandudno – of the Cymru North, the Welsh second-tier, and who competed in the Europa League qualifiers as recently as nine years ago – will pose a tricky test first up for his side and is an exciting encounter to whet the appetite of Bangor supporters once again.
“I can’t wait to get back into playing games – it feels like pre-season gets earlier every year, but I can’t wait and I’ve spoken to the players and I can see they are really hungry for it too.
“The players will come back into training and they’ll be a little bit rusty with them not having played for a couple of months, but we’ll shake off the rust and get them going again with lots of games to come, starting on Saturday.
“I say it every year – I think the first game of pre-season is the worst we’ll be, and it’s about gradually building them back up to match sharpness in time for the 7th August.
“We’ve got a good test lined up for them first, it’s maybe not one they’ll ease into – they’ll have to be up for it and they will be put under pressure.
“But pre-season for us is about getting ourselves in shape for playing competitively, and it’s an exciting time for us as players and staff and the supporters who’ll watch the club back in the Premiership.
“We’ll get the new faces out on the pitch and get them up to speed with what we’re asking of them in our system, get minutes in legs and then we’ll go from there.”
Feeney has drafted in three new signings to date – two of them familiar faces with Stephen McGuinness inking a permanent deal after spending the first half of last term on loan from Cliftonville and 18-year-old Ross Ferguson rejoining his home town club after a stint at Larne.
Experienced goalkeeper Gareth Deane, who celebrates his 31st birthday on Saturday, has also joined from Glenavon and Feeney – now five years into his Clandeboye tenure – says more arrivals can be expected this window.
“I know there’s been a lot of work going on off the pitch, the Board have been very busy and volunteers have been giving up their time to work on the ground as well.
“On the pitch, we’ve been working to look for the right kind of player to bring into the club, we’ve already got a few in and we’re looking to bring in more players across pre-season.
“We’ve brought back two players in Stephen McGuinness and Ross Ferguson who I know well from them having been at the club before, and we’ve brought in a top goalkeeper in Gareth Deane who has a lot of Premiership experience and has been successful.
“We’re always careful about the players that we bring in, and there’s a lot of work that goes in to making sure they’re the right fit for the club and what we want to build.
“It’s early in the window and we’ll be busy throughout the next couple of months looking to bring in players we feel are right for the club, which is the most important thing we look for with any player we try to sign.”
Bangor will play Premiership football for the first time in 16 years when August rolls around, and it is also former Linfield and Rangers star Feeney’s first taste of the league as a manager.
He shed light on how his men will approach next campaign and insists his players will go in confident that they can conquer any top-flight opponent.
“For the past few years and going back to playing in intermediate football, it’s been that we’ve been expected to win every game – now, I think the focus has shifted and it’s we expect ourselves to win every game.
“That’s the mentality that we’ve built up within ourselves as a group, we expect ourselves to win every game and we’ll still have that mindset in the Premiership.
“People looking from outside may not always expect us to win games every week because we are playing the best teams and we’ll be coming up against the best players every week.
“But we’ll still have that expectation of ourselves to go and win games, and no matter who we’re playing in the first game, we’ll be up for it and we’ll be going out to get three points.
“Looking back at the Irish Cup run last season, we were exceptional against Glentoran and we are capable of performances like that and we put Dungannon under pressure, and we can make teams fear us on our day.
“But it’s a big mentality shift as well – we have to do it week in, week out; this is every week for us, and that’s why the best players and the best teams are playing at the level they’re at.
“So, we’ll have to adjust to those demands and it will be tough, but I can’t wait to take it on.”
Feeney also has high hopes for his men and believes they will relish and grow from facing the best of the best in Northern Ireland football next term.
Unfazed by tackling giants of the game, Feeney has told his players they deserve to be part of the journey after their Premier Intermediate title win in 2023 and Championship glory a couple of months ago.
“I’ve had a meeting with the players and I’ve told them you deserve to be here for what you’ve achieved over the past few years.
“We’ve won two league titles in three years that’s now got us into the Premiership for next season – and the best part is I honestly think the players will only get better.
“The players that we have at this club, they are proper footballers and I think they’ll only get better by playing in the top league.
“There’s big personalities there and we’ve got a core group that’s been with us over the last few years and helped us win matches and win titles, they deserve to be at this club and I can see that they can’t wait to get back.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 18th June 2025)
Bangor FC is delighted to announce talented 18-year-old midfielder Ross Ferguson’s return to Clandeboye Park following a two-year spell with Larne.
The technically gifted teenager returns to his home town club after a couple of years with the east Antrim outfit where he was handed a first-team debut by Tiernan Lynch in October last year, starting in a BetMcLean Cup clash with Harland and Wolff Welders.
Having also been a part of the Larne Under-18 squad that claimed the NIFL U18 Academy League title this season as well as featuring regularly for the Inver Reds’ Under-20 side, Ferguson has made big strides in his career and all at the club are excited that he has now opted to rejoin Bangor to continue his development.
Ferguson, who joined the Seasiders’ youth set-up in 2020, initially impressed through the club’s Academy ranks and shone at Under-20 level under David Downes in the 2022/23 campaign with performances that brought him to manager Lee Feeney’s attention.
From there, he availed of Larne’s Scholarship programme and spent two years at Inver Park, also winning the Harry Cavan Cup in 2024 and most recently being part of their squad that participated in the Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens Tournament in Hong Kong last month.
His astute passing range and penchant for long-range strikes have caught the eye within his game and he has now agreed a deal to link back up with Feeney’s panel ahead of next term’s Sports Direct Premiership.
Welcome back to Bangor, Ross!
(Posted: Saturday, 14th June 2025)
Bangor FC wishes goalkeepers James Taylor and Ben Fry and centre-back Callum Byers well following their departures from the club.
Veteran shot-stopper James Taylor departs his home town club having made 96 appearances across all competitions since his arrival in the summer of 2022, helping the club to Premier Intermediate League and Steel and Sons Cup glory in his first season between the sticks during which he also played a significant part in setting Bangor's new clean sheet record, keeping 20 by himself and 24 alongside Marc Orbinson to achieve a historic feat.
The former Glenavon, Glentoran and Dundela netminder was named in the PIL Team of the Season that year and repeated the feat when he made the Championship's best XI in his second season, again playing an important role as Bangor kept the league's second-meanest defence on the way to an outstanding third-placed finish in the club's first season back in the senior ranks after seven years away.
Taylor was then an important part of last term's Championship-winning squad and also featured between the sticks in Bangor's first Irish Cup semi-final in 19 years against Dungannon Swifts, meaning the 41-year-old leaves having made an indelible mark and played a crucial part in a highly successful last few seasons for the side.
27-year-old centre-back Callum Byers also departs Clandeboye Park after 18 months, during which he joined Taylor in picking up the Championship title in 2024/25.
The Dundonald defender joined in January 2024 from Harland and Wolff Welders and, though he sustained a serious knee injury that meant he made only three appearances in his first half-season in a Bangor shirt, he kept a clean bill of health in the season just gone and went on to play an important part in the Seasiders' title triumph.
Former Dungannon Swifts and Ards man Byers featured 26 times in his second campaign on the seaside, including starting and playing the full match in the memorable 3-1 Irish Cup quarter-final victory over Glentoran in front of a packed-to-capacity Clandeboye – in which he also had a goal disallowed – and 2-0 reverse to eventual Irish Cup winners the Swifts at Seaview, and leaves with that Championship winners' medal under his belt as he moves on to pastures new.
Meanwhile, Ben Fry, who featured prominently for Bangor Reserves and made one senior appearance for Lee Feeney's side in a narrow BetMcLean Cup loss at home to Cliftonville back in November, moves on after a year at Clandeboye Park having previously played for Knockbreda and in Glentoran's youth set-up.
Bangor FC wishes all three players well and thanks them for their service during their time at Clandeboye Park.
(Posted: Friday, 13th June 2025)
(Posted: Friday, 13th June 2025)
Bangor FC are delighted to confirm the permanent return of Stephen McGuinness following the expiration of his contract at Cliftonville.
The 21-year-old left-sided defender, who impressed during the first half of last term on loan with the Seasiders before the Reds recalled him in January, is back on a permanent basis for Lee Feeney’s side ahead of next season’s Sports Direct Premiership.
Glengormley man McGuinness made 18 appearances for Bangor, scoring once – a peach of a strike against Newry City in November – and providing three assists before making his return to Solitude midway through the campaign.
From there, former Annagh United and Queen’s University loanee McGuinness – who drew plaudits from Feeney for his consistent performances from left wing-back where he was a mainstay in the starting side – continued to shine, scoring three more goals in 12 appearances under Jim Magilton at Cliftonville in the second half of 2024/25.
A popular member of the Bangor squad during his time on loan in North Down, he is now back with the Seasiders and ready to be part of the club’s top-flight charge.
He follows goalkeeper Gareth Deane through the door as the club’s second signing of the summer window and his return will be warmly appreciated once again by the Bangor fans.
Welcome back to Bangor, Stephen!
(Posted: Friday, 13th June 2025)
Bangor FC season tickets for the 2025/25 NIFL SPORTS DIRECT Premiership season are on sale now.
Tickets are available to purchase online using the Bangor website HERE. They will also be available to buy at all home matches until the start of the league campaign.
An adult season ticket for 2025/26, sponsored by McKeown’s Fish and Poultry shop, will be £195 and guarantees all home Premiership league matches, including those after the league split. Concession season tickets for older people (65+) and students (18+) are priced at £135 for the same games.
Junior season tickets for ages 12 to 18 are £40 and Primary School season tickets for ages 4 to 11 are £20.
Launching the Season tickets, Bangor FC Chairman Graham Bailie said: “Next season, Bangor FC will return to the top league in Northern Ireland for the first time since 2009. We will be hosting the biggest clubs from across the country on a regular basis. To guarantee your attendance at all these matches, you can buy our Premiership season ticket.
“The coming season will be a huge step forward for the club, both on and off the field. As a Bangor family, we all need to work together to ensure the season is successful and our journey continues in a positive progression. The best way fans can contribute and help Lee and the lads start the season on firm footing, is to secure the first Premiership season ticket for over 15 years.”
Graham continued: “As a community-based club we are committed to helping our fans when they buy a season ticket. Firstly, supporters will have the opportunity of using a payment plan with Adult and Concession tickets, where they can be paid in equal instalments over three months. We have also ensured season ticket holders receive healthy discounts, against NIFL gate prices, as part of their purchase.
“With that in mind, full season ticket holders receive a £90 discount on their entrance costs and concessions receive a £55 reduction. Additionally, we have continued to recognise loyalty, and both these season ticket holders will also gain automatic membership of the Bangor FC Social Club. That is a further saving for being part of the Bangor FC family.
“Junior season tickets holders (School Year 8 - 14 or ages 12 to 18) will also receive a £55 saving and Primary School ticket (School Year P1 – P7 or ages 4 to 11) will include an £18 reduction.”
Graham concluded: “Huge thanks to Sean and the team at McKeown’s Fish and Poultry shop for sponsoring our season tickets for the ninth successive season. McKeown’s have been supporting us from the Ballymena League days, and we are extremely proud of their association with the Seasiders.”
McKeown’s Fish and Poultry proprietor Sean McKeown said: “I am thrilled that Bangor FC has made it into the NIFL Premiership. I hope the support I have provided the club over the past nine years has helped in their incredible journey.
“As a long-standing business, I’m pleased to give something back to the local community and I’m proud to be associated with the football club. Next season will be tough, but it will also present opportunities for the city and local people to get involved with the Seasiders.
“I am confident Bangor FC will continue to progress again next season, and I wish the Seasiders every continued success.”
Gate prices during the 2024/25 season are: Adult £15, Concession £10 (65+ and students 18+), Youth £5 (ages 12 to 18) and Primary School pupils £2 (ages 4 to 11).
(Posted: Thursday, 12th June 2025)
Bangor FC are delighted to confirm the arrival of goalkeeper Gareth Deane from Glenavon as the club’s first signing of the summer window.
The Seasiders have signed the experienced former Linfield and Coleraine stopper to a one-year deal ahead of the club’s return to the Sports Direct Premiership next season.
The Lisburn native, who is a former Northern Ireland youth international, was a two-time Premiership champion during six seasons at Windsor Park and joins Bangor having spent an 18-month stint with the Mourneview Park outfit after joining them from Coleraine in January 2024.
Deane was also previously on Queen’s Park Rangers’ books and is a decorated performer in the Irish League and on the European stage, playing in Champions League, Europa League and Conference League qualifiers across his time with the Blues and Bannsiders.
Now the shot-stopper, who celebrates his 31st birthday on Saturday, will embark on a new challenge as part of Lee Feeney’s squad at Clandeboye Park in the 2025/26 campaign.
Welcome to Bangor, Gareth!
(Posted: Tuesday, 10th June 2025)
Bangor FC board of directors recently hosted a social event to thank volunteers for their support during the season.
Bangor FC Director Gerry Watson said: “We have had a successful season, with our senior team winning promotion to the Premiership, and a number of our academy teams winning leagues and trophies in their year groups.
“Behind the scenes there is a large group of people who have been carrying out important work to support the activities on the pitch.
“We are fortunate to have the support of many fans at the club, working in a range of areas including ground maintenance, stewarding, turnstile operation, hospitality, media, safeguarding, child welfare, mental health and wellbeing, chaplaincy, finance and administration. All these work areas are vital in ensuring that the football club continues to grow and develop.”
Gerry continued: “The Board of Directors felt it was important to recognise the work of our volunteers and thank them for their support. Some have been volunteering since our days in the Ballymena and Provincial Intermediate League.
“We are now looking forward to playing in the Premiership and understand that there will be a greater call on our time and increased administrative regulations to meet. As our club develops, we appreciate there is a greater need for additional volunteers to be part of the Bangor family.
“With that in mind, if you are interested in volunteering at the club and being part of the team, please email media@bangorfc.com for further information or speak to one of the Directors.”
(Posted: Thursday, 5th June 2025)
We bid farewell to striker Adam Neale and defender Jack Reilly who have both left the club for pastures new.
Adam Neale made an instant impact by scoring a vital equaliser against Ballymacash Rangers on his Seasiders debut in September 2022. He went on to earn PIL and Steel & Sons Cup winners medal in his time at Clandeboye. Adam will be playing for Ballymacash Rangers once again next season.
Also moving on from Bangor is defender Jack Reilly who joined us in January from Newington. Jack played a vital role for the club in closing stages of our Championship winning season.
We thank both players for their efforts and wish them well for the future.
(Posted: Saturday, 31st May 2025)
Players and officials attended a Mayoral Reception earlier this week to mark our successful Championship season.
Thank you to Mayor Alistair Cathcart for the kind invitation.
(Posted: Sunday, 25th May 2025)
For shut-outs across the season, both James Taylor and Patrick Solis Grogan can’t be separated – both recorded eight apiece in the end.
Experienced goalkeeper Taylor began the campaign as the first-choice stopper and played 22 times in all competitions, recording a clean sheet rate of 36.4% that surpasses the 28.2% he got last term having kept 11 in 39 appearances then.
Midway through the season, 21-year-old Solis Grogan arrived on loan from Dungannon Swifts and also kept eight shut-outs, with that coming across 15 appearances in total.
He made an instant impact as he didn’t concede a single goal in any of his first five features between the sticks, producing an impressive display in the iconic 3-1 Irish Cup quarter-final victory over Glentoran before maintaining another three clean sheets in the league to help Bangor to the Championship title.
One of those was in the 1-0 victory at Harland and Wolff Welders where Mick Morgan’s goal sealed the deal and while the Spanish-born stopper may have only been at Bangor for a brief time this term, he certainly endeared himself in that time.
Bangor kept 18 clean sheets in total this term, with Welshman Evan Ovendale accounting for the other two in seven appearances prior to his January departure and Ben Fry also playing in goal in the 1-0 BetMcLean Cup defeat to Cliftonville in November.
There is great pride taken in having a solid foundation at the back, and 54 clean sheets across the last three seasons is testament to the work led by goalkeeping coach Neil Gillespie in this department.
In terms of the disciplinary chart, based solely on yellow cards, three players have hit double digits for bookings this campaign.
Firstly, Caomhan McGuinness went into the referee’s notebook 10 times across the season while avoiding a red card.
He took on board two suspensions for yellows with all 10 of those cautions received in the Playr-Fit Championship, serving one in January after picking up his fifth booking in defeat to Newry City on January 17 before, on his return, picking up five yellow cards in just six league matches to sit out post-split clashes with Limavady and Annagh in April.
However, Marty Bradley was even quicker to the draw. Indeed, he missed that Newry game having taken on board his 10th yellow in the 1-0 home win over Limavady United the week before – what proved to be his last appearance for Bangor before joining St James’ Swifts.
The charismatic midfielder, often deployed at right wing-back, made himself a fan favourite for his all-action style of play and totted up 24 appearances in all during the first half of the season in which he played a big part in Bangor’s eventual success – an extra-time winner in the Irish Cup Fifth Round against Newington also setting up that historic run to the last-four.
And veteran midfielder Robert Garrett also ended up with 10 yellow cards, as well as two reds – a yellow-red against the Welders on November 23 and a straight red in the Boxing Day North Down Derby against Ards.
He was high-ranking for bookings alongside fellow midfielders Lewis Harrison and Tiarnan Mulvenna (nine each), with Harrison receiving a straight red card against Annagh United in the Irish Cup and sitting out three matches while Mulvenna avoided that fate.
It’s quite a distance to those next on the list – forwards Arthurs and Cushnie, who received five each across all competitions – and Owens received a straight red against Annagh in the league having also received four cautions across the campaign.
Curiously in Arthurs’ case, the Kircubbin man had received just four yellow cards in his entire Bangor career prior to this campaign and more than doubled that tally by the end of it!
Among the management, Lee Feeney was the worst offender in this respect, picking up five yellow cards – enough for one ban, served during the 2-0 away victory over Newington back in December.
Kitman Bradley Ferguson took on board two yellow cards this term just as he did last season but he avoided seeing red having been dismissed in each of the last two campaigns.
Assistants John Douglas, Dean Gordon, Michael McClelland and goalkeeping coach Neil Gillespie were on their best behaviour by contrast, all receiving zero cautions.
(Posted: Wednesday, 21st May 2025)
Just as Ben Arthurs leads the way in goals, he also tops the appearance chart this term having featured in 43 of Bangor’s 45 outings across all competitions in the 2024/25 season.
The Kircubbin man is also the only player to have featured in every single league game this term, only missing the 4-0 County Antrim Shield defeat at home to Carrick Rangers and the 4-0 victory over Warrenpoint Town in the BetMcLean Cup.
Indeed, he missed only one game last season too – a 3-0 Shield defeat away to Larne – and his durability for a striker is as impressive as his goalscoring feats.
Last season’s appearance kingpin Reece Neale, who pipped Arthurs by virtue of playing in all 43 of Bangor’s games in 2023/24 and missing just 59 minutes of action, is just one shy of the frontman in a role reversal this time around having played in 42 games across the campaign.
Every single one of those 42 features came from the start – an unsurprising squad high – and he missed just two games in the league while, like Arthurs, being ever-present throughout the Seasiders’ run to the Irish Cup semi-finals.
Also racking up 42 appearances this term was Kyle Owens – 41 from the start – in a colossal debut season in yellow and blue at the heart of defence.
The big Belfast man was assured both at the back and the sharp end of the pitch, registering five goals (732.2 minutes per goal) and three assists (1220.3 minutes per assist) this term as he played a key part in Bangor’s title charge.
A fan favourite amongst the Clandeboye faithful, the 32-year-old centre-back has pedigree at the top-tier of the domestic game with Crusaders and Ballymena United in recent years.
After completing the move from Harland and Wolff Welders to Bangor last summer, Owens’ arrival was greeted with excitement and he has more than lived up to the billing in that time.
Owens’ former Welders team-mate Matthew Ferguson has too, and he struck his season-total 21 goals across 41 appearances in all competitions.
In fact, in his case, he played in every single game up until March 18, showing the kind of durability and availability up top that managers crave in their goalscorers.
And the fifth player in the squad to hit 40 appearances or more was captain Lewis Harrison, whose career-best season saw him have a near ever-present status within the Bangor panel.
Midfield partner Tiarnan Mulvenna was just short of him on 39, with Cushnie (38), Caomhan McGuinness (36), Robbie Garrett (36) and Mathieson (34) also ranking highly and playing complete parts in this season’s success.
There are just 10 minutes separating Neale and Owens to be crowned this term’s minutes king – and it’s the latter who prevails.
Despite Neale having started a game more than the centre-back, Owens takes the crown having racked up 3,661 minutes’ worth of action this term, just shading the Ballynahinch man’s equally impressive 3,651 minutes.
Indeed, Neale’s monstrous 3,831 from last season when he missed less than an hour’s worth of the maximum possible game-time he could’ve played will take some beating, but it shows Owens’ and Neale’s importance that they have come away with these squad-leading totals.
Arthurs’ 3,647 put him in second-place behind Neale last term and he once again is well north of the 3,000-minute mark, coming in third with 3,192 minutes played this campaign.
And there’s one other player who cracked that mark, with Mulvenna notching up 3,059 total minutes in his first full campaign in yellow and blue.
Harrison came just six minutes short of joining the club, with the captain racking up 2,994 minutes, while two summer arrivals in McGuinness (2,930) and Garrett (2,785) also aren’t far away in this respect.
(THE FINAL PART WILL BE PUBLISHED TOMORROW)
(Posted: Tuesday, 20th May 2025)
There’s little to separate Mick Morgan, Ben Arthurs and Matthew Ferguson in this respect, but it is 19-year-old Morgan who prevails for minutes per goal between the three.
The mid-season arrival – whose senior debut for Cliftonville shortly after his 16th birthday actually came against Bangor in the County Antrim Shield in October 2021 – was at the centre of Seasiders celebrations when his 33rd-minute header against the Welders cemented the club’s status as Championship champions.
Given he also scored for Ballyclare Comrades in Bangor’s very first game back in the second-tier, it was a full-circle moment for the teenager who scored the Comrades’ equaliser in an eventual 3-2 home win at Dixon Park back in August 2023.
But seven goals for the Glenavy native since arriving on the seaside – coming across 17 games, nine from the start and eight as a substitute and amounting to 813 minutes as a whole – proved influential to this term’s title success.
That works out at 116.1 minutes per goal for Morgan’s time in a Bangor shirt, with 16 finishes in total for the season clearly highlighting him as one of the Irish League’s best young attacking talents right now.
Meanwhile, Arthurs enters his eighth year in a Bangor shirt having posted a rate of 122.8 minutes per goal – that’s up on his rate of 145.9 last season – while Ferguson ends up just half a minute behind him on 123.3 for his first season at Clandeboye Park.
And although not quite with the same sample size, an honourable mention must go to the evergreen Michael Halliday.
His goal in a BetMcLean Cup First Round success over would-be PIL champions Warrenpoint Town back in October made sure it was yet another goalscoring season for the Irish League legend, who played 59 minutes in all across five appearances at the age of 45 and is set to enter his seventh year in a Bangor shirt next term.
For assists, Mulvenna’s 14 came at a rate of 213.9 minutes for each one – good enough for the midfielder to finish top of the pile here and highlight how consistent he’s been during the course of the campaign.
Neale’s 304.3 is the next highest, shading January arrival Jack O’Mahony who is only just behind the defender on 310.7 with his three set-ups in 932 minutes.
Randalstown native O’Mahony barely put a foot wrong in the second half of the season after joining from Ballymena United with his creativity and bravery earning him deserved acclaim.
Making 16 appearances – 10 as a substitute and six from the starting line-up – the 25-year-old playmaker catches the eye when running with the ball or showing off his impressive passing range, bringing about three set-ups during the back end of the campaign.
He knows what the Premiership is like and, like Morgan, has supporters intrigued to see what he can do with a full season under his belt.
There were several others who managed to squeeze under the 500-minutes-per-assist mark too, including Harrison (437.0), Tom Mathieson (441.0), Arthurs (456.6) and Cushnie (493.3).
In terms of the overall minutes per goal contribution, Arthurs (96.7) and Ferguson (99.6) are both underneath the 100-minute threshold and not far off a goal involvement every game – an impressive feat from both frontmen.
Morgan’s 116.1 stacks up here as well, while Cushnie finishes on 164.4 having bagged four assists to go with his eight goals that were spread out across 38 appearances this campaign.
In midfield, Mulvenna (187.1) just edges out Harrison (191.2) with both having contributed 16 direct goal involvements this season, while an injury-disrupted season for Championship Player of the Year nominee in 2023/24 Scott McArthur doesn’t take away from a promising rate of 233.0 minutes per goal involvement – three goals and an assist in 932 minutes – for another of the home town favourites.
(Posted: Monday, 19th May 2025)
The 2024/25 season was a memorable one in every sense for Bangor, with the Playr-Fit Championship title secured and a long-awaited return to the Premiership confirmed to complete the journey back having been in the Ballymena League as recently as 2019.
This campaign also featured an Irish Cup semi-final appearance for the first time in nearly two decades that served as a nice subplot to yet another successful campaign under Lee Feeney’s tutelage, ending up with 76 points in the league and never ceding top spot in the table from October onwards.
Supporters are excited at the prospect of seeing Bangor back in the big time and rubbing shoulders with the best of the best in 2025/26, and hopes are high that there will be many more happy memories to savour in the months and years ahead.
But first, let’s take a look back at the season just passed and the stats that have underpinned the Yellows’ triumphant third league title. It was, of course, a collective effort on and off the pitch, but just how did the big players’ numbers stack up across the course of the campaign?
The last season that a player other than Ben Arthurs finished as Bangor’s top goalscorer was 2017/18 – and the Kircubbin marksman’s proud record of having top-scored in every season since he joined the club continues this term.
In all, Arthurs’ 26 goals in all competitions marks the third consecutive season he has hit 25 finishes or more and his fourth overall, reaching that mark in all three of Bangor’s league-winning seasons.
With 24 of those coming in league play to come out second overall in the Championship top scorer’s list, that’s his highest league tally since 2018/19 when he scored 27 in the Ballymena League.
He also enjoyed possibly the greatest month of February a Bangor player is ever likely to enjoy in amongst all that.
Back-to-back hat-tricks against Ballinamallard United – as a substitute – and Armagh City stand out as highlights, while he also broke the deadlock in the famous Irish Cup quarter-final victory over Glentoran which helped him on his way to the NI Football Writers’ Championship Player of the Month award.
The highlight, though, was the first of his eight goals that month – the close-range finish in the 3-0 Irish Cup last-16 triumph over Annagh United that moved him above Andy Morrow into second spot on the all-time Bangor top scorers list.
It always seemed only a matter of time before Arthurs would surpass Morrow’s modern-record 143 Bangor finishes, and he duly did so in a season when he also made his 200th appearance in yellow and blue against Newington back in December.
He’s on 157 goals in a Bangor shirt at the time of writing and now the club’s longest-serving player heading into the Premiership next term – and given he’s only just celebrated his 27th birthday, you would hardly back against him making a mark in the top-flight.
That said, Arthurs did have to fight to keep his top scorer’s crown this season, with Matthew Ferguson providing the chief competition.
He struck 21 in his first campaign on the seaside having joined Bangor from H&W Welders last summer, finding the net at a rate of 123.3 minutes per goal – just half a minute short of Arthurs’ 122.8 per goal – and also recording a flying start that saw him notch up 12 goals in his first dozen appearances.
The partnership between Ferguson and Arthurs, who enjoy a sparkling relationship up top and are willing to push each other to hit the target, has undeniably proved key behind this term’s title success.
Meanwhile, honourable mentions must go to captain and midfield maestro Lewis Harrison, whose nine goals this season account for more than half his Bangor total in five and a half years with the club.
Ben Cushnie – who hit eight in his second season with Bangor and first since his permanent acquisition last summer – also set a new career high, as did Mick Morgan (7), who of course scored the league-clinching goal at the Welders in the penultimate matchday and shone in the second half of the season following his mid-term arrival from Ballyclare Comrades.
Morgan (19) – who scored at a rate of 116.1 minutes per goal for Bangor – also consolidates himself as the top-scoring teenager in the Irish League with 16 overall, with supporters excited to see a full season of him in action at Clandeboye Park next campaign.
The title for top assister this season goes to Tiarnan Mulvenna, with the midfielder notching up 14 in his first full campaign in a Bangor shirt.
The highlight of those is the hat-trick of set-ups he registered in a 3-1 victory over Institute in October that paved the way for Ferguson (2) and Arthurs to do the business, with Mulvenna continuing to prove a fan favourite in the middle of the park.
Highly coveted by Lee Feeney, Mulvenna’s creativity both from open play and set-pieces has proved a difference-maker going forward, while his first two Bangor goals this season were both eye-catching strikes against firstly Dundela and then Limavady United in the post-split.
The Belfast man assisted at a rate of 213.9 minutes per set-up this campaign, with his all-action and committed style of play drawing plenty of admirers throughout his time in the yellow and blue shirt.
Having reached 50 appearances for the club in March, more beckon for a player who joined Harrison and Reece Neale in January in extending his contract until the end of next season.
Speaking of Neale, he tends to figure highly on this particular list and unsurprisingly does so again.
The vice-captain finishes runner-up to Mulvenna on 12 – the same as last season when Arthurs’ 13 set-ups were just ahead of his 10 from a mostly centre-back position – and continues his streak of double-digit assist campaigns into a third consecutive season.
The fan favourite from Ballynahinch tops out at 304.3 minutes per assist, added to by a well-struck goal in an away victory over Ballyclare Comrades, and has 37 in the past three seasons overall, also passed 150 Bangor appearances this term having signed from Carrick Rangers in the summer of 2021.
In keeping with players to pass that 150 mark, skipper Harrison also achieved that feat this term and accompanied a career-high nine goals in a season with a career-high seven assists.
His attacking impetus has been something of a surprise development this season, but 16 direct goal involvements from midfield showcase his development here and Bangor have undeniably reaped the rewards of it.
Arthurs also joined him on seven assists to make it 33 direct goal involvements for him as a whole this term, including the cross that teed up Morgan to head home the winner against the Welders that ultimately clinched the Championship title.
(Posted: Sunday, 18th May 2025)
It was yet another day of celebration for the Bangor players at the end-of-season Awards Dinner at the Clandeboye Lodge on Saturday night.
On the back of this season’s Playr-Fit Championship success, there were individual prizes up for grabs to further toast the whole squad’s achievement throughout the campaign.
Reece Neale was the big winner on the night, with the defender picking up the Directors’, Manager’s and Clandeboye Bangor Supporters Club Player of the Year accolades.
Left-sided defender Neale ended the season with 12 assists and a goal in 42 games across all competitions, with the Ballynahinch man also passing the 150-appearance marker in yellow and blue this term and clinching his third piece of team silverware with the glistening Championship trophy there for all to see.
This year’s Young Player of the Year award went to Mick Morgan, with the teenage frontman bagging seven goals following his January arrival from Ballyclare Comrades including the goal at Harland and Wolff Welders that mathematically confirmed Bangor’s status as second-tier champions this term.
The gifted 19-year-old ended the season as the top-scoring teenager in Irish League football, leaving an indelible mark across his 17 appearances for the club in 2025 so far.
And Ben Arthurs – who has already been named NI Football Writers’, NI Football League and NI PFA Championship Player of the Season – picked up two more awards as he collected his sixth consecutive Top Goalscorer prize after 26 finishes across all competitions this season.
He was also named Players’ Player of the Year to round off yet another impressive individual season where he also notched seven assists having played a squad-high 43 games this term.
The 2024/25 campaign will forever be remembered as the one in which the Kircubbin striker surpassed Andy Morrow as Bangor’s second-highest all-time leading goalscorer.
Now the club’s longest-serving current player, he sits on 157 at present and also rose above the 200-appearance marker during a term that saw him clinch his third league title and fifth trophy overall in a Bangor shirt.
Captain Lewis Harrison picked up those awards on his behalf on Saturday, while Lee Feeney was in receipt of a memento in recognition of being the manager to guide Bangor back into the Premiership for the first time in 16 years.
The club wishes to thank Denman for sponsoring the Awards evening and everyone who attended and supported the event.
(Posted: Tuesday, 13th May 2025)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S GALLERY 1 | JORDAN'S GALLERY 2
Bangor rounded off the 2024/25 Playr-Fit Championship season with a win, lifting the league winner’s trophy on the back of a 3-1 victory over Dundela at a sunny Clandeboye Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Seasiders had signalled their intent to finish the campaign on a high in front of a packed crowd – and that’s just what they did ahead of a day of celebration that lasted long after the final whistle.
Matthew Ferguson’s strike – his 21st across all competitions in an impressive debut season in yellow and blue – on 31 minutes kicked things off before Kielan Reid’s first competitive senior goal and Scott McArthur’s finish consolidated Bangor’s advantage in the second half. David McMaster bagged a late consolation for Dundela, who also saw goalkeeper Ryan Kerr sent off in the first half with Aaron Hogg coming on to replace him, as Bangor ended this term with a second victory in the split and 76 points – eight more than last season’s tally.
It was also a 23rd victory with 82 goals scored – also league highs – and good enough to end up five points clear of Annagh United, who clinched second spot and the promotion play-off.
But the champagne flowed and the jubilation continued after Bangor’s third title win in six years ahead of their promotion to the Sports Direct Premiership with the watching crowd treated to a strong Championship send-off.
Ferguson hit the net initially after Tom Mathieson had laid the groundwork to set him up just a minute before Kerr’s dismissal when he rushed off his goalline and fouled Ferguson, with the young stopper shown a red card and experienced Hogg coming on in his place for Stephen Gourley’s side.
Lee Feeney also made a change at half-time when Reid was introduced for Jack O’Mahony, and the young centre-back almost made an instant impact on 50 minutes when Ferguson couldn’t quite guide his header on target from the defender’s cross.
But two former Linfield Swifts captains did make a decisive impact on 74 minutes, with Reid on the end of Caomhan McGuinness’ fine cross to bullet past Hogg into the net.
Five minutes later, home town hero and three-time league champion McArthur, who had been sprung from the bench extended the cushion when he found himself in a one-on-one situation with Hogg – his third goal of the season – and it all but wrapped up the points for Bangor as they looked to see it out.
McMaster pulled one back on 86 minutes that at least denied Patrick Solis Grogan a clean sheet, but party plans had long since been made and Bangor made sure of three points to end the campaign – 45 matches in all across all competitions – on a phenomenal high with the trophy lift that followed.
BANGOR TEAM:
P.S.Grogan, R.Neale, C.McGuinness, K.Owens, R.Garrett, L.Harrison, J.O'Mahony(K.Reid), B.Cushnie(B.Arthurs), M.Ferguson(M.Halliday), M.Morgan(S.McArthur), T.Mathieson(C.Byers).
Subs: J.Taylor, J.Reilly
NEXT MATCH:
2025/26 - Pre-season friendly - tbc
(Posted: Saturday, 26th April 2025)
Bangor will be presented with the Playr-Fit Championship trophy after Saturday’s final game of the season at home to Dundela – and Michael Morgan wants to lift it on a high.
The 19-year-old’s header against Harland and Wolff Welders last weekend was enough to confirm the Seasiders’ status as second-tier champions and assure them of a Sports Direct Premiership place for the 2025/26 campaign.
But the young striker insists it’s not job done yet for him or any of his team-mates because they want to hold the trophy aloft on the back of a victory against the Duns in front of the home fans at Clandeboye Park.
Morgan’s close-range header on 33 minutes from Ben Arthurs’ looping cross sparked celebrations among the travelling fans at Blanchflower Park – and he wants more of the same against the Welders’ east Belfast neighbours before truly getting the party started.
“One hundred per cent, we want to lift the trophy on a high. That’s what I was saying there in the changing room (after the Welders win) – we want to go and win the game.
“We’ll be going in there, they’ll be coming to us and we’ll be looking to win the game and finish the season strong.
“It’ll make lifting the trophy that bit sweeter – for me anyway, I’ll definitely be looking to win the game and that would just be the best feeling, to lift the trophy on the back of a win.”
(Posted: Thursday, 24th April 2025)
Scott McArthur is now on his third league title in a Bangor shirt – and he says that even in the Ballymena League days, there was always a sense that the Seasiders had a Premiership feel about them.
That’s where the club will be next campaign after Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Harland and Wolff Welders at Blanchflower Park confirmed Lee Feeney’s side as Playr-Fit Championship champions.
It also means McArthur joins Ben Arthurs and Michael Halliday in having won all three of the Ballymena and Provincial League, Premier Intermediate League and Championship crowns – and the home town hero reflected on his time with the Seasiders in the regional ranks and says he always believed the club would be headed to the top again, even during those days.
He’s been proven right after Michael Morgan’s header was enough to see Bangor past the Welders and spark celebratory scenes at the final whistle in east Belfast, a battling display that ensures a top-flight place for the 2025/26 campaign.
“Do you know what, even when we were in the Ballymena League when we near enough went the season unbeaten, it always felt like we were a Premiership team.
“I was at Ards at the time on an unofficial loan when Ards were in the Premiership and I just knew there was a wee factor about Bangor that it seemed like a Premiership team.
“What was that, five, six years ago, now we’re in the Premiership, so it’s unbelievable.
“It has been a lot of hard work. Even this season, it hasn’t been a walk in the park. Every game’s been tough – I think it’s thoroughly deserved.
“Even today, we had to dig in to get the win. The Welders had the majority of the ball, but that’s what we’ve been doing all season when it hasn’t been going our way or we’ve come in like today where we haven’t won in maybe five or six games before today.
“So, maybe the confidence was a wee bit low and it was a bit more nervy at times, but I think we dealt with the pressure really well and we deserved the win.”
McArthur, a three-time league champion at the age of 25, admits he is glad to have averted the final-day stress following Saturday’s victory.
Three points was what the Seasiders needed to clinch the title and that’s just what they did having not won any of their first three post-split outings – and 2023/24 Championship Player of the Season nominee McArthur is already setting the bar high for Bangor’s first season of Premiership football in 16 years next term.
“Yeah, 100 per cent. I think if we didn’t win today, my head would’ve been all over the place!
“Especially after that Limavady game when they equalised with the last kick of the game, I couldn’t even watch the corner – I could sort of sense it was going in.
“We’re just thankful that we’ve got the job done, but I think now, we can push on – especially next season.
“I think if we keep the squad, add a few more faces, you know, we could compete next year and even push for the top half.”
McArthur also shed light on a pre-game conversation between himself, Arthurs and Halliday that sparked a fond memory of those Ballymena League days.
The former Ards Academy player, who also enjoyed a stint in the Scottish Lowland League while he studied at Stirling University, was a teenager when Hugh Sinclair brought him to Bangor in January 2019.
And almost six years ago to the day, on April 11, 2019, McArthur scored a bullet header from a Gerard McMullan cross in a 5-1 victory over Ballymoney United at the Riada Stadium – one of 10 he scored in total in a game that came right in the midst of the 2018/19 title run-in.
A then-20-year-old Arthurs – crowned this campaign’s Championship Player of the Year by both the NI Football League and Professional Footballers Association NI last week – scored two of his 38 goals that season in that game, while Halliday, who turns 46 next month and arrived just a few weeks after Arthurs in the summer of 2018, contributed 28 finishes.
All three men now hold a special and unique place in Bangor folklore as three-time league champions, but McArthur reiterated that there was never any doubt the side could cut it.
“It’s been a mad journey. We were actually saying, me, Michael and Ben were talking in the changing room earlier.
“I was saying I’d scored a few headers for Bangor which brought it back to, I think it was Ballymoney away where I scored a header and I got the video up – you know, back in the Ballymena League, we’ve come a long way.
“But even Ben getting Player of the Year, he was in the Ballymena League, he was actually at Ards Under-20s with me as well, so it’s been a good experience.
“But we always thought we were good enough – me personally, and I’m sure Ben and the rest of the boys thought when they were in the Ballymena League, they should be playing higher up.
“And even in the intermediate league, we always sort of thought we were capable of better than this and the club’s better than this, but it’s been a brilliant journey, it really has.”
McArthur adds that the squad will enjoy the moment but, after a good rest following next week’s title coronation at home to Dundela in the last game of the season, expects Feeney and Co to immediately look at how Bangor can make a splash in next term’s Premiership.
But now with over 120 appearances under his belt in a Bangor shirt, McArthur is relishing the challenge and hungry to mix it with the best of the best in Northern Ireland football.
“You enjoy the moment now, but I suppose – and I know we have one more game left – but after that game, I’m sure Feeno, Dougie (John Douglas) and others will be thinking ahead to next season.
“But it’s an exciting time and we’re all buzzing for it.”
(Posted: Monday, 21st April 2025)
Congratulations to the players, Lee, John and the rest of the management team for winning the NIFL Playr-Fit Championship and sending Bangor FC to the Sports Direct Premiership. It is a remarkable achievement for the club and the city.
When our journey began in 2017, we had a three key objectives, one of which was to reach the Premiership in five years. Disregarding the Covid spells, we did it in six full seasons.
Eight years ago, at the beginning of the journey, we had been relegated to the Ballymena and Provincial Football League, we had had no players, no manager, no control over the pitch and social club and increasing debt. Supporters were disenfranchised, season ticket sales were non-existent and Clandeboye Park was in a state of disrepair.
We are now heading to the NIFL Premier League with a talented squad, a manager who was nominated for manager of the year, a new academy using our pitch on a daily basis, a revamped social club, record season ticket sales, record attendances, and a revitalised Clandeboye Park that includes plans for a new community hub and grandstand.
The club has come a long way in a very short period of time.
We need to remind everyone that this success has only been possible because of our supporters, volunteers, friends and support from the local community. We are a family, and we are very lucky at Bangor to have people around that care so much and are so passionate about the club. We thank them once again as the success is as much theirs, as it is the players, management team and board.
When we took charge at Bangor FC, our main aim was simple – leave the club in a better place than we found it.
Phase one of this work has now finished and phase two will start soon. Who wants to be a part of the next stage of the journey?
(Posted: Sunday, 20th April 2025)
Bangor’s match-winning hero Michael Morgan paid tribute to a full squad effort and a legacy of hard work to seal the Playr-Fit Championship title in the penultimate game of the season at Harland and Wolff Welders on Saturday.
The teenage striker’s 33rd-minute header from Ben Arthurs’ looping cross proved enough to settle the game and he reflected on an all-round battling display to get it over the line at last.
Players put their bodies on the line from the start, with makeshift centre-backs Liam Hassin and Caomhan McGuinness delivering particularly outstanding performances at the back as they made last-ditch interventions and decisive tackles that helped keep the Welders at bay.
After not winning any of the first three post-split fixtures and dropping points from leading positions against Ards (2-2), Limavady United (2-2) and Annagh United (3-2), while Morgan admits that while Bangor made life harder than it needed to be, this was a chance for men to step up when it mattered most – and how they did.
“It’s been a long time coming – we were flying going into the split; we just needed one win, really, but we made it difficult for ourselves.
“But I thought it was a brilliant team performance. We dug in when we had to dig in, people were throwing themselves at everything and I think we deserved the clean sheet.
“We always know if we keep a clean sheet, we’re going to score goals – we always score, so I’m happy to be the one who gets the goal that wins us the game and wins us the league.
“But listen, it’s been so much hard work from everyone, the whole team.
“From before I came here in January, everyone has put in such a shift to get here and we’ll enjoy it now that we’re over the line.”
The 19-year-old added that there was an extra sense of satisfaction to finish the job against a Welders side who have been Bangor’s closest competitors for the title for much of this term.
As a young player, Morgan – who showed his strength to notch up his seventh goal since his mid-season arrival from Ballyclare Comrades – also touched on just what an “unbelievable” feeling it is for him personally to be a league champion.
He felt there was no better way or place to win it and was proud to be the difference-maker.
“Yeah, some people were saying, it would’ve been great if we’d won it even last week and we were going here already with the league in the bag.
“But if I’m being honest, I think it’s a bit better winning the league here.
“I think it’s better to win it here – the Welders have been pushing us the whole season, they’ve probably been the closest challengers, so it’s brilliant just to get it over the line.
“It’s unbelievable, it’s an unreal feeling. Obviously, I’m still very young, but to have a league won already, it’s superb.
“It’s unbelievable, everybody was brilliant. The subs came on, Jack Reilly came on and absolutely smashed someone – it just shows what everyone was wanting today.
“I thought it was just superb, it’s the only word for it.”
Morgan said the players felt like they owed themselves a performance on Saturday with fine margins having worked against Bangor in those first three fixtures.
He lamented lapses in concentration and simple mistakes which were pounced upon by opponents in those games but felt the players hit back in style at Blanchflower Park.
It was a laser-focused display that the frontman says was clear from the warm-up, giving him a feeling before kick-off that the Seasiders would pick up the three points in east Belfast, and he was proved right by the end as the champagne flowed.
“We 100 per cent owed ourselves a performance today.
“Even if you look at the three games, I thought for seven minutes of games, we were so poor but then there were those 15, 20 minutes that we were just having lapses in concentration and it’s just not good enough.
“But I thought today, from minute one to 94, however much added time was played, everyone was just fully focused.
“You could even see it in the warm-up – straight out, I just had a feeling that we were going to win today. Everyone was so focused and ready for it, just to get it over the line.”
(Posted: Sunday, 20th April 2025)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Bangor beat Harland and Wolff Welders 1-0 at Blanchflower Park and crowned themselves as Playr-Fit Championship champions, achieving promotion to the Sports Direct Premiership in the process on a special day in east Belfast.
The Welders threatened first on three minutes when Michael McLellan reached at the back post but headed wide of Patrick Solis Grogan's right-hand upright, while Bangor's first opportunity emerged on 10 minutes when Ben Arthurs got in behind but saw his low shot caught and held by an off-his-line Welders keeper Jack Mills.
The Welders had a great opening on 13 minutes as Caomhan McGuinness put his body on the line to deny Josh Kee after McLellan laid him off with the Bangor defence opened up, with makeshift centre-back partner Liam Hassin's subsequent clearance diverting it around the post for a corner – it was cleared by Arthurs as it came to nothing.
Bangor were forced into an early change with the injured Tiarnan Mulvenna replaced by Jack O'Mahony in midfield, with Arthurs forcing another low save by Mills as the ball bobbled around the box following a 21st-minute corner.
On 28 minutes, the Welders enjoyed perhaps their best opening yet as, after Solis Grogan got out bravely to clear ahead of McLellan, Steven Ball forced a fine saw out of the goalkeeper when he denied the forward with his foot before last-ditch defending on the goalline cleared Ball's subsequent attempt.
Half an hour in and it was goalless but an open contest – goalless up until the 33 minutes, that was, when the away fans were sent into bedlam. A superb recovery from Arthurs by the left byline turned into an even better cross that Michael Morgan got his head on the end of, and he placed past Mills to open the scoring at Blanchflower Park.
On 39 minutes, Ball's low cross flashed past the past as the Welders looked for a response after going behind, with the Dubliner subsequently shaping a curling effort considerably over the crossbar. Ball was leading the threat and he drew another save out of Solis Grogan, who held confidently from Kee's cross as Bangor kept their one-goal intact lead up until half-time.
On 50 minutes, Bangor had the first shot on target when Morgan raced in behind and drew a strong boot from Mills as he got the shot away, with the Championship's top scorer McLellan turning wide on the Welders' next foray forward a minute later. Ball then saw a free-kick deflected away, with McLellan lofting his header from the cross that followed over the upright.
On 62 minutes, Ben Cushnie floated a header past the post from Tom Mathieson's cross as Bangor looked to add to their tally, while Hassin lunged in fantastically on Parkhouse with a tackle he just had to get right – it stopped the Welders in their tracks.
Up the other end on 68 minutes, Arthurs laid off for substitute Scott McArthur to fire at goal after skipping by two Welders challenges. His shot deflected over the bar, while from the resulting corner, McArthur's hook back towards goal edged agonisingly past the post as Bangor searched the second.
The game petered out for a spell with Jack Reilly drafted on alongside McArthur, with pressure on the Welders to get back in the game. McLellan led the charge and got a shot away that was off target, while Kee just couldn't get the connection on 81 minutes as a low cross was driven in from the right-hand side. The lively McArthur saw a similar attempt hooked away up the other end.
It ultimately turned out to be a somewhat low-key climax – and when the final whistle blew, Bangor were crowned champions of the 2024/25 Playr-Fit Championship.
BANGOR TEAM:
P.S.Grogan, R.Neale, L.Hassin, C.McGuinness, L.Harrison, R.Garrett, T.Mathieson, T.Mulvenna(J.O'Mahony), B.Arthurs, B.Cushnie(J.Reilly), M.Morgan(S.McArthur). Subs: J.Taylor, M.Ferguson, K.Reid, J.McDonagh
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 26th April 2025 - BANGOR v DUNDELA, Playr-Fit Championship Finale, Clandeboye Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 19th April 2025)
Bangor boss Lee Feeney feels his players are putting the work in but being punished in the fine margins as he looks ahead to Saturday’s important trip to Harland and Wolff Welders.
It’s been a tale of frustration in the post-split for the Seasiders having dropped points from winning positions in all three games to date, with Ards and Limavady United each coming from two goals down to draw 2-2 before Annagh United’s 3-2 win at Clandeboye Park last weekend having been 2-1 down with a quarter of an hour to go in that one.
Bangor head to Blanchflower Park on Saturday knowing once again that a win will clinch the Playr-Fit Championship title – but the second-placed Welders are themselves merely four points behind and have a spring in their step after a last-gasp 2-1 East Belfast Derby victory over Dundela last time out. Feeney knows his men will have to battle hard but is confident Bangor’s luck will turn and that his charges have not lost any hunger or determination from what he’s seeing in training.
“I think we’ve been unlucky throughout the course of the split, we’ve been hard done by in the fine margins and every mistake we’re making, we’re getting punished for them.
“You need a little bit of luck to win a title and we’ve not really had any in the split so far – you know, performances have been okay, I don’t think we’ve got our just rewards at times.
“We’re certainly not relying on luck, you need a wee bit of quality as well, but we’ve not had luck on our side and the teams we’ve played have pounced on that a bit.
“But that’s been and gone now. I’m confident we’ll turn it around – at the same time, luck runs out and it doesn’t last forever, and I feel we’re due a bit of luck, we’re due a big win over someone.
“The players have had a really good training session on Tuesday night – they’re putting the work in, they’re working hard, rolling their sleeves up and they want to get back to winning games again.
“And there’s no hiding it, this next couple of weeks are huge, but the players are showing the hunger and I think they’re ready to rise to the pressure, starting this Saturday.”
In the last meeting of the sides on March 18, Bangor lost 4-1 at home to the Welders, who counted on goals from Josh Kee, Lewis Patterson, David Parkhouse and Championship top scorer Michael McLellan to see them over the line.
Larne-bound Kee – the son of Welders manager Paul – got his side rolling before the break, with Ben Cushnie’s late penalty unable to spark a fightback, but Feeney has watched that game back and felt a lack of quality in the first period was all Bangor missed.
He will demand an improvement from then but is confident he knows how to get through Saturday’s hosts this time around.
“I’ve watched the game back where they beat us 4-1 and it was frustrating, particularly in the first half.
“Not even the chances we had, and we had some really good ones, but we missed chances to play the ball, run into space, things like that which cost us in the end.
“We were so dominant for long stretches of the first half but the quality was so poor, and we need to fix that for when we play them this time around.
“But we have been scoring goals and, hopefully, with a bit more luck, we can turn it around and be more clinical, which will make a big difference for us.”
Feeney, who was nominated for Manager of the Year at last weekend’s NIFL Awards, also took a moment to reflect on the progress the club has made as he rallies ahead to a final flourish this campaign.
The manager also watched proudly as Ben Arthurs – who will mark seven years at Bangor in the summer, making over 200 appearances and scoring over 150 goals in the process – win both the NI Football League and Professional Footballers Association Championship Player of the Year awards, yet more individual accolades for one of the greatest players in the club’s modern history.
Feeney is focused on the team award to go with that, however, in the form of promotion and the Championship title and has backed the players to roll their sleeves up and get it done.
“The club’s made real strides forward, constant progress, and that’s a hard thing to do over the course of five, six years – we were making progress before, too.
“From starting off in the Ballymena League before I came in, finishing second in the PIL then beat in the play-off, winning the league and the Steel and Sons Cup the season after, having a brilliant season last year and narrowly missing out on a play-off and to be in the position we’re in now having reached an Irish Cup semi-final, it has been a great journey for us.
“Hopefully, the best is yet to come from this season – and personally, I think the players would deserve the title, they’ve been brilliant and we know how tough this league is.
“But we also know nothing’s going to be handed to us, so now is the time to roll our sleeves up and get over the line.
“The Welders are going to be really up for it and with the nature of their win on Saturday (against Dundela), they’re going to be highly motivated and we have to respond to that.
“We’re still in a really good position – it’s all in our own hands, we’re four points clear and, considering the start we had when we had one point from two games, this is where we’ve wanted to be.
“There’s pressure on other teams because they have to win games, we put the pressure on ourselves and that’ll be the case on Saturday – it’ll be a great game.”
(Posted: Thursday, 16th April 2025)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Bangor’s lead at the Playr-Fit Championship summit is down to five points after a 3-2 defeat to Annagh United at Clandeboye Park on Friday night. For all the talk of potential title permutations – three points would have signed and sealed it regardless of Saturday’s results – Annagh struck the first blow of the contest on 13 minutes with the deadlock-breaker at Clandeboye Park.
A run from the prolific Ryan Swan saw him collect the ball and fire past Patrick Solis Grogan to put the Seasiders on the back foot early doors. But Bangor had their response just before the half-hour – Michael Morgan burying home at the second time of asking following a goalmouth scramble that restored parity and gave the home side a foothold back into the contest.
A change for Annagh on 34 minutes saw former Bangor goalkeeper Jason Craughwell drafted in for starting keeper Joel Little – and four minutes later, he was picking the ball out of his net after Ben Arthurs converted Tom Mathieson’s astute cut-back to put Bangor in front.
It remained that way and for much of a hitherto uneventful second half before Annagh turned the tide with two goals in the final quarter of an hour. Firstly, on 75 minutes, Swan won a penalty for the Portadown outfit with Kyle Owens duly red-carded in the aftermath, with Nathan Kerr stepping up a minute later to convert past Patrick Solis Grogan and level the scores once again.
A handful of minutes later, a direct free-kick was the route from which Annagh retook the lead – Ruairi McDonald scoring as Ciaran McGurgan’s men led 3-2 with eight minutes to go.
That proved enough to secure the three points for the away side who provisionally move up to second-place in the standings, with Bangor headed for Blanchflower Park to take on H&W Welders next Saturday.
BANGOR TEAM:
P.S.Grogan, R.Neale, K.Owens, T.Mathieson, L.Hassin, R.Garrett(M.Ferguson), T.Mulvenna, L.Harrison, B.Cushnie(J.O'Mahony), B.Arthurs, M.Morgan(M.Halliday).
Subs: B.Fry, J.McDonagh, S.McArthur, J.Reilly
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 19th April 2025 - H&W WELDERS v BANGOR, Championship, Blanchflower Stadium, 3:00pm
(Posted: Friday, 11th April 2025)
Seasiders manager Lee Feeney has thanked Bangor supporters for their incredible support throughout their NIFL Championship campaign.
Lee said: “The support from the Bangor fans throughout this season has been nothing short of incredible. Like every year, we have our ups and downs, but our supporters have been positive and committed game after game.
“The players and management team have given the fans a lot to be happy about and I know they understand the squad is giving absolutely everything on the pitch for this football club.
“It is evident that the supporters are proud of the team. We are always applauded off the pitch, with fans shouting words of encouragement, and I know this really helps push the team on. It feels like we are as close as family.”
Bangor play Annagh Utd on Friday night at Clandeboye Park in a Player Fit Championship match, kick-off at 19:45.
Lee continued: “We have another huge challenge on Friday night against tough opposition. I know our supporters will come out in numbers and will make some noise as we aim to get over the line. Our home support is second to none in this league and it is growing match by match. We all really appreciate the support and certainly don’t take it for granted.
“The energy, verbal support and positivity from our fans makes a huge difference to the team. We feed off the backing and will do so again on Friday night, to make this a season to remember.”
(Posted: Thursday, 10th April 2025)
.jpg)
Lewis Harrison expects Bangor to face a fired-up Annagh United at Clandeboye Park on Friday night and insists his team-mates must meet the challenge head-on.
Once again, the Seasiders have the chance to clinch the Playr-Fit Championship title once and for all – but talk of that has been kept to a minimum, with the captain declaring that ending a three-game winless run across all competitions is the side’s focus above all else.
Annagh United are third-place and eight points behind Bangor, and just as three points will secure the league crown for the Yellows, victory for the Portadown outfit helmed by Ciaran McGurgan will at least provisionally lift them above H&W Welders into second spot and a promotion play-off against Carrick Rangers.
What’s more, Limavady United only trail Annagh on goal difference ahead of their own trip to Clandeboye Park to face Ards the following day so it’s high stakes across the board, but Harrison says that should only fuel Bangor’s motivation further for Friday night’s encounter.
“The split’s mad, and it’s meant to be tough and that’s how it should be – everyone’s going to drop points, they’re all playing each other.
“Look how tight it is with the three teams below us. There’s only a one-point difference with Annagh, the Welders and Limavady, and there’s no doubt about it – Annagh will be up for it on Friday night, definitely.
“We’ll get two good training sessions in this week, work hard, knuckle down and we’ll put it right again. We just want to get back to winning games again, put right the things we’ve got wrong and we need to be as hungry as they’ll be.
“It’s going to be another tough game, but at the same time, we have confidence in ourselves and we want to go out and win the game.”
(Posted: Thursday, 10th April 2025)
Captain Lewis Harrison admits Bangor have to be better at closing out games after the Seasiders let slip a two-goal lead for the second time in a row. Limavady United struck two late goals – including a last-gasp equaliser from a corner – at the Rathmore Road Showgrounds on Saturday to grab a 2-2 draw and a share of the spoils when Bangor had earlier looked comfortable at 2-0 up.
It followed on from Ards’ late equaliser in midweek that grabbed them a draw by the same scoreline in the last North Down Derby of the season, and Harrison says the Yellows have to hit back after those two stalemates.
“I’m sure the fans were raging – our heads were melted.
“For their first goal, the wind definitely caught it (the cross), it looked like it was heading away and then it swung back in and caught us out a bit and they got a goal out of it.
“After that, they had a bit of belief and they threw everything at us and we didn’t throw everything back.
“It’s twice in a row we’ve had two-goal leads and let them slip. That can’t be happening, it’s not good enough. That’s probably the most frustrating thing about it.
“I thought for 75 minutes, we were brilliant. They couldn’t lay a hand on us, and then the first goal went in and our heads just dropped, we have to be better than that.”
Harrison also addressed Bangor’s recent wobbles in defending set-pieces, with four of the last five goals the Seasiders have conceded coming from a corner or throw-in.
While the 25-year-old says the players have generally taken pride from how they have dealt with these scenarios across the season but insists they will be working hard to set the record straight for the final three matches of the campaign.
As a result of Emmett McGuckin’s leveller in the seventh minute of stoppage-time, Bangor’s lead at the Playr-Fit Championship summit is down from eight points to seven with Harland and Wolff Welders moving into second spot – and Harrison has rallied for a big response.
“We have to fix it (conceding set-piece goals) for the last few games. We’ve been defending well from those situations all season and now we’re in the middle of a run where we’re not and we’ve conceded a few goals because of that.
“It’s just one of those things – you have wee runs in the season where things that work for you suddenly don’t, and that’s what’s happening with us at the minute with set-pieces.
“I don’t really know what’s going wrong with that but we’ll be working hard at them during training and hopefully put that right because it’s costing us points.”
On a positive note, midfielder Harrison fired home his ninth goal of the season to double his side’s lead three minutes before half-time and it was perhaps his best yet – a fine first-time volley that rocketed into the net.
He also reserved praise for fellow goalscorer Tiarnan Mulvenna – comparatively a much rarer presence on the scoresheet having netted his second finish this term to open the scoring – after an energetic performance in the middle of the park that helped Bangor produce an assertive display for the bulk of the game. Mulvenna, who is also Bangor’s top assister on 14 this term, converted after taking Reece Neale’s ball over the top in his stride and lofting over the onrushing Martin Gallagher into the back of the net on 32 minutes.
“It was like Portadown last season, only this time it was with my left foot. It fell nicely for me and I put my boot through it, it was a sweet strike and it gave us the 2-0 lead at half-time.
“I’ve always been getting into those positions but haven’t been clinical from them in the past and, thankfully, that’s changed this season – and long may that continue.
“I thought Tiarnan as well, he was unbelievable. The energy he has, I don’t know how he does it, he just never stops.
“He’s a big player for us in midfield as someone who just gets the ball down and plays with it, and the creativity he has and all the assists he’s got this season have been massive.
“He’ll be happy with the goal as well. That’s the one thing he’ll probably say himself, he doesn’t score enough goals and it was a great finish, just lobbed it over the keeper and it made sure we were in a good position early in the game.”
(Posted: Monday, 7th April 2025)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Bangor still have work to do to secure the Playr-Fit Championship title after a last-minute Limavady United equaliser on Saturday saw their lead cut to seven points with just three matches to play.
The Seasiders held a two-goal lead courtesy of Tiarnan Mulvenna and Lewis Harrison goals in the first half but saw the deficit halved through Adam Mullan seven minutes from time before veteran striker Emmett McGuckin secured a share of the spoils for the Roesiders with the game’s last meaningful kick – seven minutes into stoppage-time.
It means that while Bangor do move into 70-point territory, their lead is down from nine points to seven with Harland and Wolff Welders their closest challengers again following their own 5-2 victory over Ards at Clandeboye Park.
Annagh United – who are Bangor’s next opponents on Friday night – move into third having overcome Dundela 2-0 and stay a point off the Welders, while Limavady drop to fourth but only trail the Portadown outfit on goal difference.
The game at the Rathmore Road Showgrounds started well for the visitors and they broke the deadlock with 32 minutes gone through Mulvenna, who notched his second goal of the season when he delicately lobbed a well-placed Reece Neale ball over the top beyond the onrushing Martin Gallagher and into the net.
Just 10 minutes later, the lead was two with captain Harrison converting his ninth goal of the campaign – and this was probably his best yet. After a ball into the box was only half-cleared, the midfielder proceeded to lash a gorgeous volley beyond Gallagher and into the back of the net to ensure Lee Feeney’s men had a firm grip on the contest before the interval.
It stayed that way until 83 minutes when former Coleraine defender Mullan picked out the bottom corner when Michael McCrudden’s inswinging cross was caught by the wind and appeared to catch out Patrick Solis Grogan, who couldn’t get a firm grip on the ball, and Mullan was first to react to give Limavady hope.
And Paul Owens’ side duly made that momentum count seven minutes into stoppage-time when a corner from the left was powered in by McGuckin, who bulleted a header into the back of the net to salvage a point for the hosts.
BANGOR TEAM:
P.S.Grogan, R.Neale, K.Owens, C.Byers, L.Hassin, T.Mathieson, R.Garrett(J.Reilly), L.Harrison, T.Mulvenna, M.Morgan(J.O'Mahony), B.Arthurs(M.Ferguson).
Subs: B.Fry, S.McArthur, J.McDonagh, B.Cushnie
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 11.04.2025 - BANGOR v ANNAGH UNITED, Clandeboye Park, Championship, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 5th April 2025)
There’s a mathematical chance Bangor can officially become champions of the Playr-Fit Championship this weekend – but you certainly won’t be hearing that from Lee Feeney.
If the Seasiders defeat Limavady United at the Rathmore Road Showgrounds on Saturday and Ards simultaneously pick up at least a point off H&W Welders at Clandeboye Park, then
Feeney’s men will be competing in the Sports Direct Premiership in the 2025/26 campaign.
But the Bangor boss isn’t interested in title talk – he’s purely focused on making sure his players heed the warnings following Tuesday night’s 2-2 derby draw with Ards and put a performance in against Paul Owens’ impressive second-placed Roesiders, who are eight points behind their weekend visitors but also dropped points in midweek by drawing 1-1 away to Dundela.
The Kilkeel supremo, who will be without the suspended Caomhan McGuinness but has a full deck to choose from otherwise, wants an improved display and a victory above all else.
“Limavady are dangerous and they have a lot of threats in their side, they’ve beaten us before (3-1 at Clandeboye in August). They have a lot of players who can cause us problems.
“There’s areas where we have to show improvement, particularly in how we’ve defended set-pieces in the past couple of games.
“It’s another really, really tough game for us, that’s how it’s going to be for every game in the split and there’s still a lot we have to do – things aren’t going to be settled in the first couple of games because everyone will be up for it.
“We certainly won’t take Limavady lightly and we know they’re still fighting hard, so it’s up to us to match their intensity and pick up three points.”
(Posted: Thursday, 3rd April 2025)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney was disappointed with Tuesday night’s North Down Derby draw with Ards but insists it is all part of the challenge the post-split schedule is meant to pose.
The Seasiders were 2-0 up courtesy of Ben Arthurs’ brace inside the opening half-hour, with the Kircubbin marksman’s two goals coming on 23 and 28 minutes. But Darius Roohi replied for Ards just a minute after Arthurs’ second and Zach Barr – recently back from a long-term injury layoff – notched up an equaliser one minute from time to ensure it finished all square.
Feeney felt John Bailie’s Red and Blues were good value for their point and admitted his side weren’t at their best, but he wants that to serve as a reminder that the going is meant to be tough at this stage of the season.
He added that a fixture slate that saw only Annagh United pick up three points in Section A of the split – they conquered H&W Welders 4-2 at the BMG Arena, while Limavady United who leapfrogged the Welders into second spot also only did so with one point after a 1-1 draw at Dundela – is proof of that and will reinforce that message going into Saturday afternoon’s trip to Limavady.
“I think with the way the game ended, we were obviously disappointed, but I thought Ards played well. to be fair – I thought they deserved something from the game.
“I thought we were far from our best, we weren’t as good as we can be, but that’s also the split for you. There’s no teams that are going to lie down like they’ve nothing to play for.
“I think that’s shown with the results; if you look at them, five of the six teams have dropped points and only one team is sitting on maximum points going into Saturday.
“It’s hard, you can’t go into the split expecting to win five games in a row – you’re not going to have things settled in the first or second game, it’s meant to be hard and it’s meant to be challenging for teams, and it’s up to us to respond to that.
“We’ve got a big game on Saturday now and we certainly won’t be taking Limavady lightly.”
Feeney lamented two set-piece goal concessions to add to Dean Curry’s clinching header from a corner in Bangor’s 2-0 Irish Cup semi-final defeat to Dungannon Swifts on Saturday.
Roohi picked out the bottom right corner past Patrick Solis Grogan when Connor Maxwell’s corner wasn’t sufficiently cleared before Barr slammed home on 89 minutes from a long throw-in down the right to level for Ards.
The Kilkeel supremo insists he will watch the footage back and says that is something he will strive to put right in the Yellows’ remaining four encounters.
“We take pride in our defending, we take pride in defending set-pieces, and to concede from two of them in the same game is very, very disappointing, and Ards took advantage.
“That’s now three goals in two games that we’ve conceded from a set-piece, and we have to put that right.
“We’ll get a good look at them this week, I’ll probably watch the game back on Thursday and the highlights to look back at where we should’ve done better because for us, those are really frustrating goals to concede.
“On the plus side, we have got a few bodies back who weren’t available for us on Saturday and we’re going to need every one of them going into these last few games.
“As I say, every team is going to take points off each other in the split and every game will be important. The results have worked out for us if we’re being honest, but we need everybody pulling together going into these last four games.”
On that last point, Feeney drafted Robbie Garrett and Tiarnan Mulvenna back into midfield after the duo sat out Saturday’s reverse due to suspension, while Solis Grogan came back in between the sticks as did the cup-tied Jack Reilly at left-back with Michael Morgan elevated from the bench in the fifth Bangor alteration.
Lewis Harrison, Kyle Owens and Ben Cushnie were all named on the bench, while Matthew Ferguson was also back among the replacements after missing Bangor’s last two through illness and Liam Hassin was rested entirely as Feeney looks to manage his squad.
He has a full contingent available but must go without Caomhan McGuinness for the next two games after the defender picked up his 10th yellow card in this Championship season.
“The players that came back in, Tiarnan, Ribsy, Pat, we were obviously glad to have them back in the side and we’re going to need everybody pulling their weight.
“Lewis got 45 minutes, Kyle got 45 minutes in the second half, Liam was rested. It was good to have Spike back on the bench, too, he’s back with us now after he was sick.
“We’ve a full squad available, I believe – except Ceevo, he’s now suspended for two games.
“There were quite a lot of cards in the game and we’re going to have to manage that, even I got booked! We’d like to avoid any more suspensions if we can as we will need everybody.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 2nd April 2025)
Football is tackling hunger – and Bangor Football Club is leading the charge.
As a club, we are rooted in our community and care about our fans which is why we believe that hunger has no place in Bangor or in the UK as a whole. Yet 1 in 7 people are experiencing hunger and hardship and it’s likely that many of our community are struggling to afford the essentials. It is not right that some of our fans will be skipping meals in order to be able to feed their kids, or having to choose between putting on the heating or the bus fare to work.
That’s why Bangor FC is supporting ‘Football vs Hunger’, a campaign led by anti-poverty charity Trussell who work alongside a community of more than 1,400 food banks across the UK. Bangor Foodbank & Community Support is one such foodbank whose chairman is our Club Chaplain Gary Faulkner.
The campaign aims to unite the football community and call for urgent action to relegate hunger to history.
Hunger in the UK isn’t a food problem – it’s a money problem. If everyone has enough money to for the essentials, we’ll end hunger for good. We know what needs to change to make this future possible, but we can only get there with everyone playing their part.
Football has a proud history of leading the way in shaping a better society, by uniting as one voice. 82% of football fans believe that food banks shouldn’t exist, and you do us proud each and every day across our community putting this belief into action – from charity fundraisers to food drives for our local food bank. But food alone is not the answer, and that is why we have committed to helping to end hunger by signing the Football vs Hunger charter and we hope you will join us. All of us at the club encourage you to Click below and join football’s fight against hunger, and sign for Trussell FC – the only other team we’ll wholeheartedly encourage you to support.
By joining this campaign, Bangor FC and our fans will again stand together to say that it’s simply not acceptable that anybody should experience hunger in the UK.
Together we can create a better future, and make hunger history.
(Posted: Wednesday, 2nd April 2025)
Bangor avoided defeat for a seventh successive North Down Derby but this one had a feeling of two points dropped rather than one gained in a 2-2 draw with Ards at Clandeboye Park.
The Seasiders led 2-0 through Ben Arthurs, but Darius Roohi replied to the Kircubbin striker’s second goal almost immediately on the half-hour mark before Zach Barr snatched a point for the ‘visitors’ one minute from time.
With Annagh United beating H&W Welders 4-2 at the BMG Arena and Limavady United forced to settle for a 1-1 draw away to Dundela, results at least went Bangor’s way and it means there is still a chance of Lee Feeney’s men wrapping up the Playr-Fit Championship title mathematically on Saturday when they visit the Limavady Showgrounds.
Things started well for a Bangor side that featured five changes from the Irish Cup semi-final defeat to Dungannon Swifts three days earlier – suspended duo Robbie Garrett and Tiarnan Mulvenna, the cup-tied Jack Reilly and loan-ineligible Patrick Solis Grogan all re-entered the side while Michael Morgan was elevated from the bench – with Arthurs breaking the deadlock on 23 minutes from Caomhan McGuinness’ through-ball.
Arthurs doubled the hosts’ advantage five minutes later after Ross Hunter spurned a gilt-edged opportunity immediately beforehand, deftly flicking over the onrushing Alex Moore from Jack O'Mahony's sublime floated ball over the top, but Roohi required merely a minute to offer a reply for Ards when he slotted past Solis Grogan after the ball pinballed around from a corner to halve the deficit.
From there, chances came and went at both ends before, on 89 minutes, former Newington and Portadown striker Barr capitalised after a long throw-in from the right and rescued a point for Ards that also confirmed a third successive draw between the two sides.
It also maintains Bangor’s eight-point lead at the Championship summit, moving up to 69 points – exceeding last term’s whole-season tally –ahead of new second-placed outfit Limavady on 61 ahead of the weekend’s meeting.
BANGOR TEAM:
P.S.Grogan, R.Neale, C.McGuinness, C.Byers, R.Garrett, J.Reilly(K.Owens), T.Mulvenna, J.O'Mahony(L.Harrison), M.Morgan(J.McDonagh),B.Arthurs, S.McArthur(B.Cushnie).
Subs: J.Taylor, T.Mathieson, M.Ferguson
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 5th April 2025 - LIMAVADY UNITED v BANGOR, Limavady Showgrounds, Championship, 3:00pm
(Posted: Tuesday, 1st April 2025)
If you’re a regular at Clandeboye Park, then why not purchase this new multi-purpose reversible Bangor / Ards scarf?
This new collaborative design goes on sale tonight and will be available on both sides of the ground!
Price: £15
(Posted: Tuesday, 1st April 2025)
Bangor boss Lee Feeney is demanding a speedy response to Saturday’s Irish Cup semi-final defeat when the Seasiders face Ards at Clandeboye Park in the first of the post-split fixtures in the Playr-Fit Championship.
In a clash of losing semi-finalists at the weekend – Bangor’s 2-0 defeat to Dungannon Swifts at Seaview followed their North Down neighbours’ 3-0 reverse at the hands of Cliftonville at Windsor Park on Friday – both sides will aim to hit back with a win to kickstart the final five games in the second-tier this season. Bangor hold an eight-point lead over H&W Welders and Limavady United at the summit and will look to extend that advantage if possible to close out the title and a place in next term’s Sports Direct Premiership.
And Feeney insists his side will have no issues motivating themselves for a derby showdown where the Yellows will look to extend their unbeaten run in the fixture to seven matches.
“It’s a big week for us. Thankfully, we’ve a big match on Tuesday night against Ards – we’ll have no problem picking ourselves up for that.
“It’s something to look forward to because we’re feeling a wee bit of pain and hurt, and there’s nothing better than getting a game as soon as you can to go and try and fix that, make it right.
“So, it’s a lovely game for us on Tuesday night.”
Feeney is also delighted to welcome back some players who missed the semi-final defeat to Dungannon, where Dean Curry’s second-half header followed up an earlier Kyle Owens own goal in north Belfast.
Suspended midfielders Tiarnan Mulvenna and Robbie Garrett are in line to return as is Patrick Solis Grogan, with the goalkeeper ineligible to face the club he is on loan from. Matthew Ferguson has missed Bangor’s last two games through illness while the cup-tied Jack Reilly could also feature, and the Kilkeel supremo would be pleased to have them fit and firing for Tuesday’s derby.
“There’s three players (Mulvenna, Garrett and Solis Grogan) who will probably start for us on Tuesday night who would probably have been very important for us, and then obviously Spike’s sick at the minute – I think that game on Saturday would probably have suited him.
“On the positive side – and then you have a few who were cup-tied – they’re now fresh for Tuesday.”
(Posted: Monday, 31st March 2025)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney admitted Dungannon Swifts’ clinical edge was a difference-maker following the Seasiders’ Irish Cup semi-final defeat at Seaview on Saturday evening.
It was a spirited performance on the night but an own goal from the backpedalling Kyle Owens in the first half was added to by Swifts captain Dean Curry’s bullet header seven minutes from time that ultimately clinched a spot in the decider for the Co Tyrone side.
Feeney praised the defensive performance from his charges but lamented a “killer” second goal from the Sports Direct Premiership side when Bangor had applied most of the attacking pressure during the second period.
He also added that “hurt” and “regret” were the overriding emotions in the changing room after the game but took positives from the fact that his men caused Rodney McAree’s Swifts problems in north Belfast and had a launchpad from which they could’ve got a result from.
“I think Dungannon were clinical in both boxes, I thought we defended really, really well.
“The second goal was a killer for us. I think had we got the second goal in the game, it would have changed things; I felt if there was one team that was going to get it, it was going to be us, and I think most of the crowd felt it.
“But they’re a quality side. Their mentality was probably better than ours tonight, they dealt with anything and they were confident and they believed they were going to get the second goal, which they did.
“I think we should’ve been a wee bit better, our mentality should’ve been a wee bit better. But I think we’re all hurt and we all have a bit of regret.
“If we want to go and compete in the Premiership, we need to be better than that if we want to compete consistently, but I do think we caused them problems and perhaps they feared us a wee bit at times in that second half.
“But we need to be better if we want to play in the Premiership week in, week out. We know that, the boys are disappointed, but we’ve something to bounce back to on Tuesday night and we can hit back quickly (against Ards at Clandeboye Park in the first of five Playr-Fit Championship post-split fixtures).”
Feeney was disappointed at what he felt were two cheap goals to concede across each half.
The opener saw Swifts frontman Andy Mitchell collect Guinea-Bissau international Leo Alves’ floated ball over the top before lifting it over James Taylor, with Owens miscuing a headed clearance that ended up in the back of the net.
Curry’s header from Kealan Dillon’s left-sided corner that ultimately wrapped up the Swifts’ spot in the decider was another Feeney felt could’ve been handled better – but the Kilkeel supremo admits it could’ve been better at the top end too, particularly after the restart when long-distance Owens and Reece Neale efforts stung the palms of Swifts stopper Declan Dunne and Michael Morgan and Lewis Harrison also went close with headers inside the box.
“I thought the two goals we conceded in the game were poor. On our behalf, we should be dealing with that better.
“We take pride in our defending and I felt we could’ve done better there, and when you concede goals, you’re giving the other team an advantage.
“I do think we should’ve been better in the final third as well and you’ve got to sometimes bail each other out – if the defence don’t keep their clean sheet, then you need the forwards there to try and overcome it and do better, but we didn’t do it today.
“I felt in both boxes, we maybe weren’t quite ourselves.
“I’d need to look back at the second goal too, it was poor on our behalf, but the second goal was a killer. We needed to get that to give ourselves hope.”
Although fine margins worked against the Championship table-toppers in the end, Feeney was in no doubt as to just how much his players put into the game.
A decisive final touch was just lacking, the Bangor boss expected a strong effort from his side and duly got one that can spur the Seasiders on in the final five games of the league.
“We’ll always give everything, always. We’ll always give everything – we might not always have the quality, but one thing is we’ll compete and try our best.
“That’s all you can ask for, and they did do that. So I’m proud of them in that way, I always am, but we just lacked that quality where we expect a bit better.”
Feeney also believes his men will be stronger for the experience and, 19 years on from Bangor’s previous Irish Cup semi-final experience when his assistant John Douglas and brother Cullen featured on the pitch that day, reckons it won’t be as long a wait for the Seasiders’ next time featuring in the last-four.
“Well, hopefully it’s not our last time – and I don’t think it will be, to be honest. We’ll push on from this and we’ll be better, I’m sure of it.”
(Posted: Sunday, 30th March 2025)
FINAL SCORE - BANGOR 0-2 DUNGANNON SWIFTS
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Bangor's Irish Cup journey ended at the semi-final stage on Saturday night with a 2-0 defeat to Sports Direct Premiership opponents Dungannon Swifts at a packed Seaview.
Bangor threatened early doors when a ball in behind from Caomhan McGuinness on five minutes was latched onto by Ben Arthurs, who outpaced Danny Wallace to square across the face of goal, but the Kircubbin marksman just couldn't find a team-mate in the box with his low cross.
Dungannon's first look at goal came courtesy of James Knowles, with the playmaker's curled shot from the edge of the area on target but safely held by Taylor on 10 minutes.
But on their second look, they made no mistake at Bangor's expense. A ball in behind found Andrew Mitchell, who lofted over James Taylor, and the backpeddaling Kyle Owens couldn't clear off the line as John McGovern lurked and it ended up in the net to put the Premiership ahead with 16 minutes gone.
A wayward Adam Glenny attempt was almost rescued by McGovern, only for Liam Hassin's fine tackle to stop the young striker – but Bangor still needed more in the attacking department with that Arthurs opportunity the only time Dunne had been troubled in the first half-hour.
The Swifts stopper had to be on his guard on 37 minutes when Bangor captain Lewis Harrison lofted a delicate ball for Arthurs to chase, but Dunne got out and won a free-kick off the striker in a nervy moment for the keeper off his line. Five minutes later, Arthurs forced a corner off Dungannon skipper Dean Curry having put him under pressure from Scott McArthur's enticing cross – but Callum Byers got the ball caught under his feet as he tried to convert from the resulting delivery from the right.
Bangor ended the first half the stronger but still trailed at the interval and knew a big response was needed in the second period.
Dungannon's Curry had the first of the half, though – a header from Knowles' looping free-kick from the right that hung in the air before trickling wide of Taylor's goal. Bangor's first chance up the other end, also from a free-kick, was a direct effort from the guts of 35 yards by Reece Neale that stung Dunne's palms on 48 minutes.
Kealan Dillon blazed one over up the other way when he was in a position to shoot, while former Newcastle midfielder Gael Birigimana missed the target shortly after for the Co Tyrone men. Up the other end on 56 minutes, Neale saw an inswinging corner land straight in Dunne's gloves as Bangor threatened.
The nippy McGovern then drew a low stop from Taylor's feet when he fizzed a shot low towards the bottom left on the stroke of the hour, while McArthur's cross after skipping by Knowles found O'Mahony whose shot was deflected behind by Bigirimana on 62.
A succession of long Bangor throws then caused issues for Dungannon as the Seasiders began to turn the heat up. A free-kick then presented itself after Bigirimana fouled O'Mahony which Neale looped in and Dunne punched behind – O'Mahony's corner was deep and came to no avail.
Michael Morgan replaced Ben Cushnie in an attack-minded change from Lee Feeney midway through the half – but Kyle Owens was next to have a go audaciously from long range and called on Dunne to be on his guard to save with his body on 72 minutes. Bangor had most of the chances in the second half but struggled to force a breakthrough up to here.
Another opportunity came and went when Harrison headed over McArthur's ball after O'Mahony's corner was played short on 75. Jordan Hughes replaced McArthur in a switch of Bangor natives as the Seasiders kept up the pressure – and he only just miscued from Arthurs' headed layoff as he eyed an instant impact.
Morgan's header from another Arthurs flick was held by Dunne on 81 minutes, with Neale's long throws a constant source of attacks for Bangor in the second period. But the next effort was to result in a goal – though not at the end Bangor wanted as Curry's downward header from a left-sided corner doubled Dungannon's advantage with 82 minutes gone.
Still with time to go but a greater mountain to climb, Bangor searched for a response – but Dungannon were within a woodwork and fortunate bounce of a third with four minutes to go as Swifts substitute Tomas Galvin's low strike rattled off the inside the post or Taylor before the goalkeeper recovered to hold.
The game petered out thereafter with the Swifts looking to close it out and book their Final slot and the substantial Seasiders following continuing to cheer, which was confirmed when referee Tony Clarke's final whistle blew.
Bangor's focus now turns to Championship only for the rest of the season – but such a cup run can surely provide inspiration going forward and it was a night when the players really did do the club and North Down football proud.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, K.Owens, C.Byers, C.McGuinness, L.Hassin, L.Harrison, S.McArthur(J.Hughes), B.Arthurs, B.Cushnie(M.Morgan), J.O'Mahony(J.McDonagh).
Subs: B.Fry, K.Reid, M.Halliday, T.Mathieson
NEXT MATCH: 01.04.2025 - (TUESDAY NIGHT) - BANGOR v ARDS, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 29th March 2025)
Due to incredible demand we have now secured additional Bangor tickets for Saturday‘s Irish Cup semi final.
Buy tickets for the fonaCAB Stand and help turn Seaview yellow and blue.
(Posted: Friday, 28th March 2025)
John Douglas knows a thing or two about representing Bangor in an Irish Cup semi-final – and he’s hoping to go one better as an assistant manager 19 years on from wearing the yellow and blue shirt in it as a player.
Douglas is one of a few parallels among the Seasiders contingent between past and present given Lee Feeney’s brother Cullen was his team-mate then and striker Matthew Ferguson’s renowned goalscoring father Glenn was in the Linfield side that ultimately came out on top.
And they don’t stop there – after David Jeffrey’s Blues beat their Championship opponents 3-1 at Seaview, the same venue Bangor are bound for to face Dungannon Swifts in 2025, a certain Michael Halliday scored in the Final for Glentoran before Peter Thompson’s brace marked a comeback 2-1 triumph and Linfield Clean Sweep that year.
Reflecting on the occasion 19 years on and what he learned as a player, Douglas says that his own perspective playing in such a prestigious fixture will influence pre-match preparations for a current crop of Bangor heroes.
“I remember that season, we had a very good season. We went, I think it was something like 14 games unbeaten in the league prior to the semi-final.
“We had a couple of good results in the Irish Cup and obviously a good cup run. It was a nice distraction from the league, but we missed out on promotion – that was probably the main goal at the start of the season.
“We were going in against Linfield at Seaview and find ourselves down to 10 men after about 10, 15 minutes of the game which obviously made it difficult.
“But we gave a good account of ourselves in the end and it was a good experience for us as players.
“As an assistant manager, you take more responsibility. When you’re in the coaching staff or you’re the assistant manager, you’ve a squad to manage, you’ve to look after every player.
“When you’re a player, you’re sort of making sure you’re ready and you’re right and you’re mentally right and you prepare right.
“But it’s one of them occasions that players love to be a part of, and when I was part of it, I probably didn’t realise that would be my last opportunity to play in such a prestigious game.
“That’s probably the message we’ll be giving our players going into Saturday – ensure that, first and foremost, they prepare properly for it, and secondly, they don’t let the occasion get to them, that they go and actually embrace the challenge and enjoy it and show the capabilities that they have.
“We know the quality’s there within the squad to go and give a good account of ourselves.”
It’s quite the setting for the first-ever meeting of Dungannon and Bangor in the Irish Cup – and Douglas has full respect for the job Rodney McAree has done in Co Tyrone this term.
The Swifts have broken into the Premiership top six this term and are targeting an all-time great campaign by qualifying for Europe, not even mentioning their own ambitions in the blue-riband knock-out tournament.
But Douglas has backed the Bangor players to relish the challenge this weekend of facing a top Premiership opponent and targeting a famous upset, just like in the quarter-finals with that awe-inspiring 3-1 victory over Glentoran at Clandeboye Park.
“Dungannon’s had a fantastic season. They’ve been absolutely fantastic and, in my opinion, they’re probably the team of the year.
“Nobody expected Dungannon to be sitting where they are at this stage of the season and deservedly so – they’ve had some fantastic results.
“They have some fantastic players, a good mix of experience and youth coming through.
“They’ve a well-documented great youth set-up there and they give players opportunities. Over the years they’ve done that and it’s starting to take fruition now where they have that good mix.
“Where Dungannon are isn’t a lie – they’ve deserved it, they’ve deserved all the accolades they’ve got this season.
“We’re under no illusions, we know exactly what we’re going in to face – we’re facing a top-quality team that’s fighting for Europe and probably at this stage of the season, they expect to get into Europe, so that’s what we’re up against.
“But it’ll be a good challenge for our players. Our players have had a good season themselves in the Championship and this is another step up.
“Everybody’s expecting Dungannon to win the game, but we’ll be going in with a game-plan and hoping that if we get opportunities, we can take them and hope they have an off day.”
Douglas went on to praise the supporters for backing the players through all the highs and lows of this term and stressed how the players have bounced off the fans’ cheer.
After the initial 1,500 allocation at Seaview was sold out a week before the big game, extra Bangor tickets were made available such has been the demand within the local area.
For the dressing room’s part, excitement has been palpably growing and cup fever is starting to grip the squad – and the assistant manager commented that it has been a weight off the Bangor players’ shoulders in the last few weeks.
“The supporters have been superb all season and, obviously, with the success we’re having on the pitch, you can see the excitement off the pitch with the supporters.
“Over the last two, three years, you know, you’ve seen it gradually get bigger and bigger, the town’s getting behind us and supporting the boys.
“There’s been some tough games this season, some tough results this season, and they’ve stuck by the players and the players have come out and reacted in the right manner and really made the supporters proud.
“When we’re successful on the pitch, then we know we’ll get a good support off the pitch.
“It’s a super occasion for us – I know the league’s been our priority, and there are other cup competitions where you find yourself playing on Tuesday evenings and for part-time players, it’s difficult to play three games in a week and give it 100 per cent energy.
“So, there are times when we have to make decisions and use the squad, but we trust the squad – against Cliftonville earlier in the season (a 1-0 home defeat in the BetMcLean Cup on November 5), it was a Tuesday evening and we made lots of changes and the players still gave a really good account of ourselves.
“With the Irish Cup, it normally falls on a Saturday and you have a week’s rest between games, so it gives you the opportunity to go with what you’d see as a full-strength team.
“Obviously, we try and make competition for places, and there is competition for places within our squad, but this game here, it’s been a good distraction from the league.
“Sometimes mentally, it can weigh you down, but over the last few weeks, we’ve seen with the players, the excitement’s been growing in the dressing room with such a prestigious game coming up for the club.
“For that reason, in my opinion, it’s been a positive that we’ve had a good Irish Cup run.”
As regards the mentality Bangor will approach the encounter with, Douglas says it will just be the same as usual – the players will never enter a game believing they can’t win it.
Although on-loan goalkeeper Patrick Solis Grogan is ineligible to face his parent club and midfield duo Robbie Garrett and Tiarnan Mulvenna are suspended on Saturday due to an accumulation of bookings, that won’t deter the squad with Douglas encouraging all the players to stand up and be counted on the day.
“There’s not a game we’ll play where we won’t believe we can go and win it.
“It’s a mentality that we’ve tried to instil within the dressing room from the day and hour we came to the club that we can go out and, first and foremost, the players believe that we can go out and beat anybody.
“There’s no point turning up if you don’t believe you can get something out of the game, if you don’t believe you can win the game.
“Every game we go into now, we have the expectation of ourselves to win – and that’ll be the same on Saturday.
“We’ll be going in with a game-plan and we’ll be expecting within our dressing room to create an upset. We have big characters in our dressing room who can help with that.
“They can help the younger and less experienced players on the day to produce the quality that we know they have.
“There’s the experience that the likes of Robert Garrett brings, he’s been there, done it, wore the T-shirt, and with him missing, it is a blow.
“But we’ve no doubt the players will go and give a good account of ourselves and, hopefully, we can go and create an upset and go into the Final of the Irish Cup.”
(Posted: Thursday, 27th March 2025)
Due to incredible demand we have now secured additional Bangor tickets for Saturday‘s Irish Cup semi final.
Buy tickets for the fonaCAB Stand and help turn Seaview yellow and blue.
(Posted: Tuesday, 25th March 2025)
Hard work is the key to success for Jack O’Mahony and the Bangor midfielder felt that shone through in the best possible way in the Seasiders’ 2-0 Playr-Fit Championship victory away to Dundela on Saturday.
An eye-catching performance from the 25-year-old in the middle of the park was rewarded with a superb assist for Ben Arthurs’ deadlock-breaker before Michael Morgan clinched the three points deep into stoppage-time after Scott McArthur did fine work to set him up.
Overall, while there were moments of frustration as chances were missed prior to Arthurs’ opener on 69 minutes at Wilgar Park, it was a resilient display from the visitors in difficult weather conditions that O’Mahony was glad to be a part of.
The Randalstown man also felt he owed himself a performance after feeling he fell short of his own standards on his last start in the previous Friday night’s 4-1 victory over Newington, but a standing ovation when he was substituted off for Liam Hassin four minutes from time in this one showed he more than rose to the occasion here.
“It’s one of those ones where last Friday, I wasn’t too good on the pitch so I thought I had to do more for the team.
“I felt I had to work hard, and that’s the way the team is. As long as we work hard, then we all bounce off each other and that’s the best way we can play.
“Obviously today, we just kept digging in. We probably should’ve scored a few goals before we did, but we kept digging in and then that sort of happens.
“We get the goal, and then that’s the game for us.
“It’s a hard pitch to play on, you know, it’s very small and we knew that going in even from the warm-up, it was bobbly.
“We knew it was going to be one of those games that we would have to grind it out and, to be fair, to a man, I thought everyone – even though we had points where we were missing chances and we were getting a bit annoyed – I think we always worked hard for each other.
“And it’s a great team to be at when you’ve got those qualities, and that’s what gets us through games and that’s just what we have to do from now to the end of the season.”
O’Mahony came on as a second-half substitute in Tuesday night’s disappointing 4-1 defeat to H&W Welders in what was first-versus-second joust at Clandeboye Park and offered a candid insight into Bangor’s mentality on the back of that loss.
He said the Seasiders aimed to use their hurt as motivation for the rest of the campaign and that it would not define the rest of their season – and how they responded at the Hen Run.
As a result, Bangor’s lead is back up to eight points going into the split after the Welders lost 2-0 at Newington, while Limavady United are also among the chasing pack having clawed to level terms on 60 points with the east Belfast side following their 3-1 win over Newry City.
O’Mahony saluted the “unbelievable togetherness” of Lee Feeney’s squad and insists it is all systems go from now on.
“Tuesday night was one of those ones where we’ve been going so well up to that point and I think it was just… we just didn’t show up and we know everyone can do better than that.
“It was one of those games where it just happens, we didn’t show up but we said that’s not going to define the rest of our season.
“We’re going to put that on the back burner, we’re going to use that as motivation for the rest of the season, and that’s what we did today.
“Even when it wasn’t going right, the thing is we have the fire in the belly, ice in the head as Feeno would always say, and that’s what we went out and did today.
“Even at the start, probably should’ve had a goal or two, even Ben – but that doesn’t affect Ben because you see at the end there, he comes back and he gets a goal.
“You’ve got the subs coming on, Scotty did unbelievable to set up the second goal, Mick scoring, Liam, everyone put a shift in when we needed to.
“And that’s a great way to be as a team, the togetherness is unbelievable.
“We haven’t conceded too many either. Obviously Tuesday night blew that up a bit, but even near the end, they’re running through and Big Kyle (Owens) makes a last-ditch tackle.
“And that’s what you need sometimes, teams are going to get chances but you can limit them to very little and you’ve got a very good chance of winning games.”
On his time at Bangor so far since joining from Ballymena United in January, O’Mahony – who has played 10 times in yellow and blue to date – insists he is loving life by the seaside.
The versatile playmaker, who also enjoyed a two-year spell with Coleraine prior to linking up with the Sky Blues and also rose through the ranks at Glenavon, is enjoying his football and took double-quick time to settle in thanks to the coaching staff and players’ welcome.
“I’ve loved it since I’ve came. The past few clubs I’ve been at haven’t went as well for me and my confidence was a wee bit low.
“But as soon as I came in here, Feeno and the rest of the coaching staff and the players, they’ve welcomed me from the very start.
“It’s made it a lot easier to settle in, and Feeno, any time I’m playing, he just tells me to go out and express myself.
“As long as I put the hard work in, you’ll get your chances so that’s what I’ll keep on doing.”
(Posted: Monday, 24th March 2025)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY |
JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Michael Morgan was pleased to play his part in a bounce-back win for Bangor as Saturday’s 2-0 victory at Dundela reopened an eight-point lead at the Playr-Fit Championship summit.
Morgan’s fifth goal for the Seasiders since his January arrival from Ballyclare Comrades in the fourth minute of stoppage-time rubber-stamped the three points after Ben Arthurs’ header from Jack O’Mahony’s fine cross powered the visitors in front on 69 minutes at Wilgar Park.
It was a win that required patience and resilience in inclement weather in east Belfast, but a battling success lifts Bangor up to 68 points and offers a momentum boost heading into both the split and Saturday’s Irish Cup semi-final versus Dungannon Swifts.
Teenage frontman Morgan admits the Hen Run’s tight pitch always makes it a challenge but lauded a second half that saw the Yellows pick out spaces and make the most of them to hit back after Tuesday night’s disappointing 4-1 home defeat to Harland and Wolff Welders.
“Yeah, it was important for us to bounce back after obviously such a bad defeat on Tuesday night.
“I thought the first half was very scrappy, there was probably not a lot of quality, but I just thought the second half, the likes of Jack, Ben, Cush (Ben Cushnie), they all stepped their game up and started to bring it in the final third.
“Ben finally got his goal, he had a few chances today. It was just important to get to winning ways and, hopefully, we can continue it.
“It’s always unbelievably hard to come here – it’s a small pitch, it’s a tight pitch, Dundela defend really well.
“It’s a tight pitch so it’s hard to actually get the ball down and play, but I thought we managed to pick up wee spaces, especially from Jack in the No.10 position today.
“He managed to drop in, take wee spaces and create things, so listen, it’s a great win, a tough place to come and we’ll move on to next week.”
Elaborating on his fellow January arrival O’Mahony’s impressive performance, Morgan felt the 25-year-old showcased all of his strengths in the build-up to Arthurs’ deadlock-breaker.
O’Mahony scooped up the ball in midfield and charged forward before lofting in a fantastic delivery from the left that picked out the Kircubbin marksman, who headed past Ryan Kerr in the Dundela goal for a crucial opener.
Bangor boss Lee Feeney previously said he had been keeping tabs on the versatile O’Mahony for over a year prior to his mid-season arrival from Ballymena United – and Morgan was full of praise for him after this one.
“He was unbelievable. I thought he was very good even on Tuesday night when he came on – obviously, the manner of the defeat isn’t going to reflect that, but when he came on, he was getting the ball, he was driving at people.
“And you seen that again today for the first goal, he’s managed to get the ball and drove from the halfway line and put in an unbelievable ball to Big Ben.
“So, hopefully he continues that form into next week and the rest of the league.
“I think that’s what this team’s about, being aggressive and getting at people – and you seen it today, the midfield was straight on top of every single person.
“And then the defence was solid as a rock, I think they had a couple of chances but nothing too serious, we’ve dealt with it, we’ve kept a clean sheet and we deserved the win.”
On his own finish – his 14th of the season across all competitions that makes him by far and away the top-scoring teenager in the Irish League this term – Morgan (19) says his striker’s instinct kicked in after great work by his fellow substitute Scott McArthur in the corner.
Deep in added-time, McArthur did impressive work to keep possession before nutmegging Duns defender Scott Adams to supply Morgan, and the former Cliftonville Academy player deftly used the outside of his right boot to poke beyond Kerr and into the bottom left.
He was glad to find the net as he felt the scoreline reflected the performance and could have been even greater.
“Scotty’s done unbelievably well in the corner to keep the ball and get it past the defender.
“I just thought ‘why not?’, I’m in the box, I just swung my foot at it and it went in thankfully and it’s 2-0.
“I just think our performance reflects the 2-0 win, you know, we probably could’ve won three or four, to be honest – but you take the 2-0.”
With Bangor’s lead back up to eight points after the Welders were beaten 2-0 by Newington on Saturday, with the Duns’ east Belfast rivals also level on 60 points with Limavady United following their 3-1 triumph over Newry City, Morgan said things went the Seasiders’ way but insists they are purely focused on themselves heading into a crunch final five league outings.
“I think we probably got away with one, with the Welders beating us on Tuesday night, they’re probably thinking they can bring it to two points today if things go their way.
“But it’s went our way today and all we can do is manage ourselves. We don’t rely on other people’s performances and other results.
“As long as we keep winning, no one’s going to catch us and we’re going to be in the Premiership next year.”
(Posted: Sunday, 23rd March 2025)
Bangor returned to winning ways and battled to a 2-0 victory over Dundela, restoring the lead at the Playr-Fit Championship summit to eight points ahead of the first game of the post-split schedule thanks to two decisive second-half strikes at Wilgar Park.
Jack O'Mahony kicked Bangor off and a scrappy start saw little by way of goal-bound looks, but an incisive Ben Arthurs cross from the left was just out of reach of Ben Cushnie as he aimed to bullet a header in from inside the six-yard area.
On 18 minutes, Cushnie did get on the end of one after Arthurs' flick-on from Reece Neale's looping throw played his strike partner in by the left post – but he flashed it low across the face of Duns keeper Ryan Kerr's goal rather than on target, with the resulting corner ultimately coming to nothing. Four minutes later, though, Cushnie so nearly did when he looped an effort from an Arthurs flick mere inches over Kerr's bar as he eyed the top left.
Dundela enjoyed their first look at goal as Jack Smith floated a header rover Patrick Solis Grogan's crossbar from Oisin Barr's well-worked inswinging cross before O'Mahony tried a similar style of effort up the other way from further out that proved an easy claim for Kerr.
On the stroke of the half-hour, Solis Grogan hit a low free-kick that Harrison directed into Mulvenna who duly played in Arthurs, but he appeared to lose his footing when he shaped his shot at goal and the chance ultimately went begging. The Duns' next opportunity saw McMaster volley a first-time attempt well over Solis Grogan's upright.
On 34 minutes, Arthurs came the closest yet when his venomous back-post drive was met by an equally strong boot by Kerr that denied the Kircubbin man practically on his own goalline – with appeals that it had gone over waved away. Former Bangor defender Howard Beverland was then the first name to go in the referee's notebook shortly after when he saw a yellow card.
Arthurs had another chance from a right-sided corner when he skewed Neale's delivery away from goal on 39 minutes, while Harrison drew a good near-post stop by Kerr a minute later that he palmed away before several blocks. An inswinging Garrett ball was then claimed by Kerr and Solis Grogan did similar from Beverland's cross as the first period ended goalless.
Dundela threatened almost instantly from a free-kick as Solis Grogan got down low to parry Storey's low free-kick directed towards the bottom right. Straight up the other way, O'Mahony's cross was floated over by Cushnie with a header as Bangor won the aerial duel, while on 54 minutes, Arthurs curled one towards the top right but guided over.
A last-ditch challenge by former Duns man Owens stopped Barr in his track before an attacking change saw Michael Morgan replace Tiarnan Mulvenna for an extra body in the frontline with Arthurs and Cushnie before the hour. O'Mahony then pierced one well wide just after, but an enticing free-kick found Callum Byers who couldn't turn in as Kerr closed the angle.
On 68 minutes, Reece Neale charged up the pitch after winning possession on the halfway line and got deep in the final third before sending in an enticing ball that Cushnie headed inches over. Two minutes later, though, Arthurs made no mistake – O'Mahony with the ball and the top marksman headed past a rooted Kerr and low into the bottom right. A perfect knee slide and raucous celebrations followed in front of the Bangor fans.
With 10 minutes to go, Bangor had a lead to defend and the contest grew more sparse in chance-creating opportunities for a while – but there was no dampening in the voices from the away end as the yellow and blue faithful cheered the players on before Arthurs headed a free-kick straight at Kerr.
Jack Smith then let fly from distance on 85 minutes but it bore down the throat of Solis Grogan who made the save, while McMaster's free-kick delivery came to nothing as the Duns looked to apply a bit of late pressure. The exceptional O'Mahony was then subbed for Liam Hassin to shore things up in the Seasiders midfield before Glenn Vance fired over Solis Grogan's goal after good work by Caomhan McGuinness to close the angle.
It was a tense finish with a goal in it, but it soon wasn't – Scott McArthur's intuition played in Morgan, whose deft finish low into the bottom left corner past Kerr proved enough to make it two as the full-time whistle blew with the three points pocketed.
BANGOR TEAM:
P.S.Grogan, R.Neale, K.Owens, C.McGuinness, C.Byers, L.Harrison, T.Mulvenna(M.Morgan), R.Garrett, J.O'Mahony(L.Hassin), B.Arthurs, B.Cushnie(S.McArthur),
Subs: B.Fry, J.Reilly, T.Mathieson, J.McDonagh
CONFIRMED FIXTURES:
(Posted: Saturday, 22nd March 2025)
Callum Byers admits Bangor’s trip to Dundela can’t come soon enough as the Seasiders look to return to winning ways at Wilgar Park on Saturday.
It’s the final game before the split in the Playr-Fit Championship with Lee Feeney’s men already guaranteed top spot going into the last five matches of this term, but the players are determined to hit back following a bruising 4-1 home loss to second-placed Harland and Wolff Welders on Tuesday night.
An east Belfast double-header this week is rounded off with a visit to face the Welders’ local rivals where first-half strikes by Ben Arthurs, Matthew Ferguson and Tiarnan Mulvenna set up a 3-1 victory on Bangor’s last visit back in November.
That was a third successive win for the Yellows over Stephen Gourley’s fifth-placed Duns – and all by the same scoreline – but no two games are the same and defender Byers is keen for minds to refocus ahead of this weekend’s clash against a side who are also aiming for a bounce-back win having lost 1-0 at home to Annagh United in midweek.
“Definitely – after a tough defeat like that, it can’t come about quick enough. We have a quick chance to make amends.
“As I say, we’ll take our hurt from Tuesday night and we’ll hopefully put it right on Saturday and get ourselves back on track for a big finish in the last few games of the season.”
(Posted: Friday, 21st March 2025)
Callum Byers admits Bangor fell short of the high standards set throughout the course of the campaign in Tuesday night’s 4-1 home defeat to Harland and Wolff Welders, but the centre-back says the squad won’t wallow in it with six crunch Playr-Fit Championship outings to go.
Facing his former side, Byers adds the prospect of going 11 points clear of the second-placed Welders with a victory was a big missed opportunity but is refocusing himself for the run-in rather than dwelling on the past.
“It was disappointing. We didn’t come out of the blocks and we know ourselves, we’ve let ourselves down there – we let the fans down who come out every week to support us, it’s not good enough.
“It was a massive opportunity there for us tonight and sadly one that we’ve let pass us by and we were just off it all night. It’s one we’re going to have to take on the chin and learn from.
“There’s still a lot of games left, so we’ll just kick on from here.”
Bangor fell behind a minute before half-time when Josh Kee placed past Patrick Solis Grogan into the bottom right corner.
It put the Welders in front at the halfway stage following a scrappy first period where both sides threw caution to the wind, but the east Belfast side started the second half hot with Lewis Patterson doubling the lead on 53 minutes after a corner was flicked into his path.
David Parkhouse extended the advantage to three just on the hour mark before his strike partner Michael McLellan tightened his grip on the Championship top scorer’s prize with a 71st-minute free-kick that fizzed past Solis Grogan for his 29th league goal this campaign.
Substitute Ben Cushnie pulled one back from the penalty spot two minutes later but it was merely a consolation as Byers admits the Seasiders didn’t steady the ship after Kee’s opener.
“I think even in the first half, it was just very scrappy. We created a few chances, a few offsides, things like that, but they had a few half-chances themselves.
“I thought we were maybe on top in the first half, but then the first goal went in, we probably should’ve defended it better.
“Second half, we just weren’t good enough defensively. There was a period there, as I say, once one went in, we sort of had to steady the ship and that just didn’t happen.
“But as I say, we just need to go again, there’s still a good few games to go and we just have to look on to Dundela on Saturday.
“We’re disappointed with ourselves in there. We’ve been very good defensively recently but again, as I say, we let ourselves down tonight and we weren’t our usual selves. But we have to take it on the chin and learn from it.”
Byers (27), who swapped the Blanchflower for the seaside in January 2024, points out that a five-point lead and a guarantee of top spot for the split is still a feat Bangor would’ve gladly accepted at the start of the season.
The Seasiders sit on 65 points at the summit and the defender wants to use Tuesday’s loss as fuel going into what remains of the season – the squad is hurting and are hoping to hit back quickly at Wilgar Park against the Duns on Saturday.
“We started to show a bit of urgency, but 4-0, the game’s gone… it’s easy to play when you’re 4-0 down.
“But we just have to look on now, we learn from this one and, hopefully, it’s all forgotten about by the time the next game’s over and done with.
“We’re five points clear, and yeah, definitely, we’re in a good position. We’ve had a good season – one blip tonight doesn’t define that.
“But we’ll take our disappointment tonight, we’re all hurting in there, we’ll learn from it and we’ll go again.
“There’s still a bit of a gap, everything’s still there to play for. We’ll not be taking our foot off the gas.
“We know what this league’s like, we know everyone’s competitive, everyone can take points off each other, so we’ll definitely not be taking the foot off the gas and kick on hopefully from here.”
(Posted: Thursday, 20th March 2025)
It was a Tuesday night to forget for Bangor as second-placed Harland and Wolff Welders took the spoils in a 4-1 defeat for Lee Feeney's men at Clandeboye Park, leaving five points between the Playr-Fit Championship's top two heading into the final game before the split.
A cagey opening saw the Welders shape up with a bustling front pair of Michael McLellan and David Parkhouse, and the Championship's top scorer McLellan thought he'd scored his 29th league goal of the season when he directed a header past Patrick Solis Grogan into the bottom left – but the linesman's offside flag raised to cut his celebrations short.
It was Bangor's turn to threaten on the next attack and Ben Arthurs got the shot away, but Welders captain Craig Harris hooked the danger away from inside his own six-yard area with Jack Mills bracing himself to be called into action. Arthurs then found himself bearing down on goal on 12 minutes and in behind but got the ball caught under feet and Mills came out to smother the attempt.
Bangor started to assert themselves after and Mills tipped away a perilous delivery from Jack Reilly's corner that looked like it was about to dip under the bar, with the Welders deploying a high line that Arthurs and Matthew Ferguson – both playing against their former clubs – were regularly looking to exploit.
But it was the the east Belfast side's turn to offer a scare on 25 minutes. Firstly, Liam Hassin came up with a huge sliding block to deny Daylen Farren from about 15 yards out after Josh Kee's surging run before Solis Grogan pulled off a fine point-blank save to deny McLellan after a scuffed clearance from Byers offered him a shot inside the six-yard area. On the following attack the other way, Ferguson's looping header was just over Mills' bar.
Ferguson slipped another one just wide of Mills' upright after Arthurs' lay-off offered him a snapshot from the inside left just after the half-hour. Five minutes later, on 35 minutes, both sides had scares as a missed punch by Solis Grogan almost let a plethora of Welders bodies in at goal that was missed by all of them and hurriedly hooked clear, while Lewis Harrison got a back-post header beyond Mills' reach but not past a recovering Welders defender who launched desperately off the line.
But it was a game that looked like it had goals in it and the Welders duly opened the scoring on 44 minutes. Kee – Larne-bound next season and son of Welders boss Paul – picked the ball up around 40 yards from goal and had time and space to shape a shot, and when invited to shoot, he made no mistake, placing low into the bottom right corner and beyond Solis Grogan's reach that ultimately gave the Welders the lead at half-time.
Bangor needed fresh impetus going into an important second half and made an attacking double change at half-time with Michael Morgan and Ben Cushnie both entering the fray with Ferguson and Garrett withdrawn.
It didn't have the desired immediate impact. On 52 minutes, a right-sided corner was won and it was flicked on by Daniel Kearns into the path of Welders captain Lewis Patterson, who slotted into the bottom left corner amid a crowd of Bangor bodies in the area.
The Seasiders' first chance of the half was from a corner swung in from the right by Reilly, with Mills punching away from underneath his own crossbar under pressure from Cushnie on 57 minutes following a good piece of hustle by the substitute – but the Welders only served to pile on the pain on their next attack. Parkhouse raced clear down the right and powered a rocket past Solis Grogan without breaking stride on 60 minutes.
From there, and with Arthurs and Mulvenna subbed off in favour of Scott McArthur and Jack O'Mahony, Bangor continued struggling for momentum and fell further behind when McLellan's powered free-kick caught Solis Grogan out and nestled in the bottom right on 71 minutes. But Bangor got a break just moments later – a handball called in the Welders box and a penalty awarded that Cushnie duly despatched by sending Mills the wrong way to reduce the arrears to three on 73 minutes.
Bangor showed a bit of impetus and got a corner after Mills tipped Morgan's deflected cross from the left was tipped over the Wall End crossbar by Mills, with the resulting delivery headed away by Parkhouse at the far post from Reilly's left-sided supply. Up the other end on 85 minutes, the lively Farren tried to send a low ball across the goal-face after dispossessing Caomhan McGuinness on the left, but it couldn't find a defining touch as it trickled away from danger.
Substitute Jamie McDonagh floated a free-kick in from the left that nestled on the top of Mills' net after Morgan was fouled on 87 minutes, while the teenage frontman himself threatened a minute later when Mills came out to close as he got in on goal, parrying behind. It proved the last meaningful action, with Bangor also suffering their first league defeat at home since August in the process.
BANGOR TEAM:
P.S.Grogan, J.Reilly, K.Owens, C.Byers, C.McGuinness, R.Garrett(B.Cushnie), L.Harrison(J.McDonagh), L.Hassin, T.Mulvenna(J.O'Mahony), B.Arthurs(S.McArthur), M.Ferguson(M.Morgan).
Subs: B.Fry, K.Reid
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 22nd March - DUNDELA v BANGOR, Championship, Wilgar Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Tuesday, 18th March 2025)
Lee Feeney is hoping his Bangor side can build on the momentum of their recent unbeaten run and translate that into a giant leap towards consolidating their position at the top of the Playr-Fit Championship.
The Seasiders had already banked a 4-1 triumph over Newington to move eight points clear of H&W Welders before the second-placed east Belfast side saw their 12-match unbeaten run in the second-tier halted following Ards’ 1-0 victory at Blanchflower Park on Saturday.
Now, Paul Kee takes his Welders to Clandeboye Park in a rearranged encounter and Feeney insists his Yellows must knuckle down if they want to extend their cushion to 11 points just one game out from the split.
Ben Arthurs’ brace off the bench was sandwiched by finishes from Matthew Ferguson and Kyle Owens all in the second period to defeat the 10-man Swans on Friday night, and the Bangor boss – who is wary of the threat of Championship top scorer Michael McLellan, who has 28 league goals to his name this term – has his men quickly refocused for this dust-up.
“The Welders are a threat, they’re a team that I’ve been impressed by across the season and they’ve been on a long unbeaten run (prior to Saturday).
“They have positive momentum and they’ve obviously got the league’s top scorer in Michael McLellan in their side, but they have threats from all over the pitch who we’re going to have to pay close attention to.
“So, make no mistake about it, it’s going to be a really tough game – you can’t afford to lose games going into the split, so we’ll be ready.”
(Posted: Monday, 17th March 2025)
(Posted: Sunday, 16th March 2025)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Bangor recorded a fourth victory of the season against Newington across all competitions to remain on top of the Playr-Fit Championship two matches out from the split.
The in-form Ben Arthurs was sprung from the bench as a half-time substitute and scored a brace that was sandwiched by Matthew Ferguson’s deadlock-breaker and Kyle Owens’ late clinching header in a 4-1 success at Clandeboye Park.
Newington’s Bangor-born midfielder Jackson Reid halved the deficit at 2-1 in a game where all five goals came in the second period, with Swans defender Conall McGrandles sent off in the lead-up to the penalty which Arthurs converted for his 22nd goal of the season five minutes from time.
Lee Feeney’s starting line-up featured five changes from the side that drew 0-0 at Institute last weekend, with notable storylines including Jack Reilly – whose last game for Newington was Bangor’s 2-1 after-extra-time Irish Cup Fifth Round victory in January – playing against his former club for the first time since that switch.
Former Ton loanee Michael Morgan was also drafted in alongside Matthew Ferguson up top, with Jack O’Mahony and Tom Mathieson handed starts and Arthurs, Tiarnan Mulvenna and Robbie Garrett dropping to the bench.
With the score goalless at half-time, Arthurs replaced Morgan at the break and, only three minutes after the restart, Ferguson joined the Kircubbin man on 20 goals for the season by converting the opener after Reece Neale’s shot at goal was parried by Newington stopper Dean Smyth.
On 53 minutes, Ferguson turned provider and teed up Arthurs to double the advantage – but the bottom-placed visitors weren’t going down without a fight and levelled direct from Reid’s free-kick midway through the half to set up a nervy finale.
It was also the first league goal that Patrick Solis Grogan has conceded since joining from Dungannon Swifts on loan in January – a streak lasting 518 minutes of normal time.
With 83 minutes gone, there was high drama as Aodhfionn Casey hooked substitute Scott McArthur’s goal-bound effort off the line but, two minutes later, Arthurs made no mistake from the spot with former Ards and Ballyclare Comrades defender McGrandles dismissed.
From there, Bangor saw it out and clinched it through Owens when he headed in Neale’s delivery in the fourth minute of stoppage-time that wrapped up all three points under the floodlights.
GOALS: M.Ferguson, B.Arthurs(2), K.Owens
BANGOR TEAM:
P.S.Grogan, R.Neale, K.Owens, C.McGuinness, T.Mathieson, J.Reilly(T.Mulvenna), J.O'Mahony(S.McArthur), L.Harrison(J.McDonagh), L.Hassin(R.Garrett), M.Morgan(B.Arthurs), M.Ferguson.
Subs: J.Taylor, J.Haughey
NEXT MATCH:
Tuesday, 18th March 2025 - BANGOR v H&W WELDERS, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Friday, 14th March 2025)
Tickets for the BANGOR v DUNGANNON SWIFTS Clearer Water Irish Cup Sem-Final are on sale now:
(Posted: Friday, 14th March 2025)
.jpg)
Lee Feeney is wary of the threats Newington pose and believes his Bangor players can’t afford to drop their guard in Friday night’s top-versus-bottom battle at Clandeboye Park.
The Seasiders’ lead at the top of the Playr-Fit Championship has been cut to five points after second-placed H&W Welders won their game in hand away to Ballinamallard United 1-0, but a win against the division’s bottom side would open that back up to eight points on a night featuring four second-tier fixtures.
Newington are entering on the back of a 3-1 home win over Ballyclare Comrades last time out and being inspired by the form of Glentoran loanee Jay Donnelly, who has scored in all five of his appearances to date for the Swans since joining late in the January window.
Bangor have won the previous two league meetings of the sides 4-0 at home in August and 2-0 away in December, while they also claimed a 2-1 after extra-time victory over the ‘Ton in the Irish Cup Fifth Round – but Feeney is adamant Friday’s visitors, who will themselves leapfrog Newry City into the relegation play-off spot if they win and City fail to, pack more punch than their position in the table suggests.
“I think it’s fair to say the two times before that we played them in the league, we won the games but the scorelines flattered us, so definitely not, you can’t afford to look past them – you can’t get ahead of yourself.
“They’re fighting hard to stay up and they’ve hit a wee run of form, they won their last game (against Ballyclare) so they have momentum.
“They’ve brought in Jay Donnelly since the last time we played them, too; I think he’s scored in every game since he joined them, so he’s an extra threat in attack we haven’t come across before.
“So, no doubt about it, Friday night’s going to be a really tough game, especially in the middle part of the pitch which is an area they’re really strong in. It’s going to be a tough game.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 12th March 2025)
Tickets for the semi-final of this season’s Clearer Water Irish Cup will go on sale later this week.
THIS IS AN ALL TICKET MATCH
The Seasiders take on Dungannon Swifts at Seaview on Saturday 29 March, with a 5.30pm kick-off.
Bangor fans will be in the North Stand, North Terrace and Riteprice Stand, while Dungannon Swifts fans will be in the South Stand and FonaCab Stand.
Tickets (£15 Adult, £10 Concession) are scheduled to go on general sale via Ticketmaster this Friday at 10am.
#FLOCK2SEAVIEW
(Posted: Tuesday, 11th March 2025)
Lee Feeney felt Bangor would’ve been worth all three points and was pleased with how the Seasiders acquitted themselves on Saturday afternoon but lamented a lack of cutting edge up top in the goalless draw at Institute.
The Ryan McBride Brandywell has proved Bangor’s bogey venue since returning to the Playr-Fit Championship, remaining winless in four trips there since the start of last season.
A point was nevertheless a better outcome than the off-colour 3-1 defeat to the north west side in December as the Yellows remain in a strong position at the Championship summit. Feeney afterwards expressed pride in his players’ performance and felt Bangor had enjoyed the bulk of the possession and territory to go on and win it, but a goal at either end wasn’t forthcoming as the league leaders move to 62 points after a fifth league stalemate this term.
“I thought we deserved to win it, we dominated the game. I think we were just missing a bit in the final third.
“I told the players afterwards I was proud of their performance. I thought we played well, we dominated possession, we didn’t give up many chances in the game, but we just lacked a bit in that final area.
“It’s a bit frustrating, it’s a tough ground to go to and we’ve always found it tough up here, I thought we did enough to win the game.”
The first meeting of the sides this season, a 3-1 home victory at Clandeboye Park when Ben Arthurs and a Matthew Ferguson brace proved the difference, is Bangor’s only triumph over Kevin Deery’s Stute in seven meetings since September 2023.
Often coming up against a stiff defence and organised shape when facing the Drumahoe outfit, Feeney wants Bangor to be better at breaking down those types of set-ups.
Having opted for an unchanged starting line-up for a third consecutive outing following the 3-0 league win at Armagh City and the upset 3-1 Irish Cup triumph over Glentoran, the Clandeboye chief admits he saw a few tired legs that he may look to refresh as well.
“We have to do better against those sorts of teams, when we play teams that set up like that to sit behind the ball.
“I thought we maybe tired a wee bit – I think that’s three games in a row that I’ve named the same starting 11, but I didn’t want to change a winning team that’s went out and put a run of really good performances together.
“I made a few substitutions to put in some fresh legs, which was needed in the game – Spike and Michael Morgan came on in the second half and made an impact, they gave us a bit of energy, and Jack O’Mahony too.
“We’ve been strong in both boxes recently, but in this one, we just weren’t as strong in the opposition box as we would’ve liked.”
Yet another clean sheet came as a major positive for Feeney, too – Bangor’s sixth clean sheet in the last seven in all competitions and 13th in the last 22 games dating back to November 1.
It’s testament to goalkeeper Patrick Solis Grogan’s continued excellence since his loan arrival between the sticks and a solid defensive line in front of him, with Reece Neale, Kyle Owens, Callum Byers and Caomhan McGuinness reprised against Stute and again keeping it tight.
The Bangor boss wants to see that trend continue as he praised his rearguard once more.
“We’ve been really good defensively. That’s six clean sheets in the last seven games and the goal we conceded in the Irish Cup was just unfortunate, it was a deflection and you can’t do too much about those.
“I can’t remember Institute getting in behind and threatening us. I think they got in once, but it was from a narrow angle and it wasn’t really a threat to our goal.
“The defenders have just been mopping things up and kept organised, and when the other team has got in at goal, Patrick’s been the commanding presence that he is and he’s been able to make saves when called upon.
“We’ve looked really strong in that part of the pitch and that’s something we want to see continuing going forward.”
With the crunch clash between third-position Limavady United and second-placed H&W Welders also ending goalless at the Rathmore Road Showgrounds, Feeney was glad that Bangor didn’t lose ground if not take full advantage by clinching the three points.
The Welders remain eight points behind with a game in hand – that coming on Tuesday night against Ballinamallard United at Ferney Park – and the Kilkeel supremo pointed to the value of not losing games in the build-up to the split.
“We’ll always set the target of going to win every game and we want to take advantage, but if you can’t do that – do not lose the game.
“Especially at this stage in the season, just before the split, it is so important you do not lose games.
“If you said to me at the start of the season, let’s look at it as five points clear at the top of the table at this point, I’d absolutely have taken it especially after the start we had.
“We’re in a strong position and we haven’t lost any ground, we’re still the same number of points clear, so we have to look at that as a positive.”
(Posted: Monday, 10th March 2025)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Bangor kept a sixth successive clean sheet in the Playr-Fit Championship but couldn’t mark it with three points at Institute – however, as Limavady United and H&W Welders also played out a scoreless stalemate in a clash of second and third nearby, it means no ground was lost and the advantage at the summit remains eight points for the Seasiders.
A fairly uneventful first half at the Ryan McBride Brandywell saw Callum Byers come closest around midway through, with an effort that inched not far wide of the post as Lee Feeney deployed an unchanged starting line-up from the side that overcame Glentoran in last week’s Irish Cup quarter-final showdown.
The opening 45 minutes ended goalless, with Ben Cushnie shown a yellow card right on the stroke of half-time in what in truth was one of the highlights of the first period. Stute defender Brandon Diau also skewed a clearance past his own post in a nervy moment, while appeals for a penalty against Seasiders stopper Patrick Solis Grogan were waved away.
Further chances fell for Bangor in the second half when, on 56 minutes, Ben Arthurs’ header from close range was repelled by home goalkeeper Fintan Doherty, while the stopper also kept substitute Michael Morgan at bay as neither side ultimately broke the deadlock.
It is an improvement on the 3-1 defeat Bangor suffered at the Brandywell before Christmas, though, and it sees the Seasiders move up to 62 points with just three matchdays to go until the post-split.
BANGOR TEAM:
P.S.Grogan, R.Neale, C.McGuinness, K.Owens, C.Byers, L.Hassin(J.O'Mahony), R.Garrett, L.Harrison, T.Mulvenna, B.Arthurs(M.Ferguson), B.Cushnie(M.Morgan).
Subs: B.Fry, J.Reilly, J.Haughey, S.McArthur
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 14th March, BANGOR v NEWINGTON, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 8th March 2025)
It’s back to business in the Playr-Fit Championship for Bangor as the Seasiders’ first outing in March takes place in the north west against Institute on Saturday.
After the high of last Friday night’s 3-1 Irish Cup quarter-final success over Glentoran, Lee Feeney’s men will now hope to take the momentum of that victory into what has become something of a bogey fixture since returning to the second-tier.
Three times Bangor have travelled to the Ryan McBride Brandywell and three times they’ve failed to win – a draw in last season’s post-split sandwiched by a 4-0 reverse in October 2023 and a 3-1 loss on the most recent visit in December.
Ben Cushnie scored a late consolation, but earlier finishes from Caoimhin Porter, Mikhail Kennedy and Brendan McLaughlin had long since settled the contest – although Bangor’s previous 3-1 victory over Stute at Clandeboye Park should provide hope as a hat-trick of assists by Tiarnan Mulvenna set up Ben Arthurs (2) and Matthew Ferguson strikes in the Yellows’ only victory the last six meetings against Kevin Deery’s side.
That said, Bangor have kept clean sheets in five successive league matches since the start of February and won four of them, with the in-form Arthurs netting seven goals in his last three games including back-to-back hat-tricks against Ballinamallard United and Armagh City.
Cushnie, who himself has hit a purple patch with two goals and two assists in five matches, and Lewis Harrison – on eight finishes for the season, albeit his goal last Friday was his first of the calendar year – joined Arthurs on the scoresheet against Glentoran and will hope to continue their good form in the league too.
With Stute in eighth place and fighting for a place in the top six – just five points separate Ards in sixth and Ballinamallard in 10th – it promises to be a closely fought encounter and will require Bangor to be fully switched on to pick up the three points.
(Posted: Friday, 7th March 2025)
It has now been confirmed that Bangor will travel to Seaview to play Dungannon Swifts in the Clearer Water Irish Cup semi final.
The tie will be played on Saturday, 29th March 2025 with a 5:30pm kick off.
Ticket information will be published in due course.
#Flock2Seaview
(Posted: Tuesday, 4th March 2025)
For Ben Arthurs, it’s a case of the bigger the occasion, the more he rises to it – and how he did in Bangor’s stunning Irish Cup quarter-final victory over Glentoran on Friday night.
The Kircubbin striker broke the deadlock on the quarter-hour mark at a packed Clandeboye Park, with Ben Cushnie doubling the lead and Lewis Harrison making it three on the stroke of half-time to send a huge home faithful into dreamland.
Arthurs’ 20th goal of the season saw him collect Tiarnan Mulvenna’s astute ball to send him bearing down on Daniel Gyollai’s goal, with none of Danny Amos, Frankie Hvid or Kodi Lyons-Foster in the Glens defence able to stop him from slotting in after his rebound was blocked.
With Cushnie striking the inside of the post shortly beforehand, imperious defender Callum Byers seeing a contentious offside ruling deny him a goal not long after and Arthurs himself having his hands on his head after Hvid cleared his effort off the line, it could’ve been even more – but for Bangor’s longest-serving player, it satisfied him most purely that the home side seized the game by the scruff of the neck.
“I don’t know if it’s my best night off the top of my head with Bangor, it’s certainly up there.
“I haven’t seen an atmosphere like that, maybe the Steel and Sons Final, but tonight there were plenty of Glens fans and even more Bangor fans, and the roar of the crowd and the home support, it just gives us that bit extra.
“I don’t know about everyone else but see to be honest, the bigger the crowd, the more I enjoy it.
“It didn’t look like anyone was starstruck there tonight, everybody just turned up and it was business as usual.
“Again, I think everyone loved how many people were there, and yeah, it was just a great performance. I don’t think anyone could have dreamed of going in 3-0 up at half-time and, to be honest, it was well-deserved.
“I don’t remember them having too many chances in the first half, I’m not even sure Callum Byers’ goal was offside, it could’ve been four.
“It was a great night, we backed ourselves and we turned up and done it, and that’s what it’s all about at the end of the day.”
Coming off back-to-back hat-tricks against Ballinamallard United and Armagh City in the Playr-Fit Championship, Arthurs naturally would’ve entered the game in high spirits. But he added that previous times this season when Bangor have been dealt harsh lessons – citing October’s 4-0 reverse to the Mallards at Ferney Park and the 2-1 defeat to Newry City back in January as examples – showed why the Seasiders had to take a grounded approach.
The frontman, now up to 151 goals in yellow and blue overall of which 20 have come in the Irish Cup, says a “locked in” mentality was required and was delighted it paid off in practice.
“We were ruthless and clinical in the first half, and I suppose that all comes down to preparation.
“There’s been a few games this year where we’ve went down maybe as the top team in the league and then we play someone at the bottom and we’ve got turned over.
“Ballinamallard beat us four, Newry beat us comfortably 2-1, and that can happen – if you don’t turn up and you’re not on it, there’s not that much of a difference in quality between clubs in this country.
“Anyone can turn you over and we prepared right, we were locked in and we were focused.
“We all played brilliant, every man, anyone that came off the bench, we were just superb all over the pitch.”
Glentoran pulled one back on 70 minutes when substitute Charlie Lindsay’s effort from just outside the box took a wicked deflection off Caomhan McGuinness into the top right corner.
But by no means was it panic stations. With a healthy lead at half-time, Arthurs says Bangor had to be somewhat cautious but insisted it wasn’t going to be a case of parking the bus.
Mulvenna probably enjoyed the pick of the Seasiders’ second-half opportunities at 3-1 when he fired over the bar while one-on-one with Gyollai, while Byers and Kyle Owens continued to mop up in defence and Patrick Solis Grogan pulled off a number of eye-catching saves.
Lee Feeney’s Yellows had to stay cool and duly did, which Arthurs felt was reflected in the chances created in more of a counter-attacking second period for Bangor.
“I wouldn’t say the second half was that one-sided, I still think we had a few chances ourselves and we could’ve added another one or two to the half-time lead as well.
“With a three-goal lead, we probably did make sure we were wanting to protect that – we weren’t chasing the game, obviously we didn’t have to go all-out attack.
“But I still think we gave a good account of ourselves in the second half.
“Towards the end, we maybe tired a wee bit, we changed shape and decided to maybe suck up the pressure.
“But I’m relatively happy with the second half, we were disappointed to concede the goal although it had a wee bit of luck in it with the deflection – you couldn’t do much about it.”
(Posted: Sunday, 2nd March 2025)
Lewis Harrison reflected on the best night of his Bangor career after the Seasiders recorded a stunning Irish Cup upset victory over Glentoran to secure their spot in the semi-finals.
Bangor are into the last-four courtesy of Friday night’s spectacular 3-1 quarter-final success over the Glens at a Clandeboye Park that was packed to capacity across every corner.
Harrison’s strike to make it 3-0 shortly before half-time followed up Ben Arthurs’ opener and a scorcher from Ben Cushnie against his former club and put the home faithful in dreamland.
And the captain, who has been an inspirational force in midfield ever since his January 2020 arrival from H&W Welders, admits it’s a night he’ll never forget and expects the semi-finals to be even more special.
“That’s what I said to Ben (Arthurs), it doesn’t beat Desertmartin away, does it!
“My best night with Bangor? No, it has to be the best so far, and the next game (the semi-final) is even going to top it.
“If we can get to Windsor Park, it’s unbelievable. But as I said before the game, we’ve nothing to fear, it’s all in the moments.”
Bangor’s three-goal lead hardly flattered them, and they could’ve been further in front at the break given Callum Byers saw a goal chalked off for a contentious offside and Arthurs saw his low attempt cleared off the line by recovering Glens defender Frankie Hvid with goalkeeper Daniel Gyollai taken out of the equation.
While Charlie Lindsay pulled one back for Glentoran on 70 minutes – an unfortunate goal to concede for the hosts given it took a wicked deflection off Caomhan McGuinness on its way to the top right corner – Harrison praised how Lee Feeney’s Seasiders held their nerve and saw it out.
“We were on the front foot, we didn’t just sit off and we got in their faces and they couldn’t handle it.
“The whole team played well. The first half an hour, we were brilliant, and then as Dougie (John Douglas) said, we dropped off a wee bit going into half-time – I think that was just the energy went a wee bit.
“And then we freshened up at half-time, we got back at it. The second half, we just knew we had to dig in, 3-0 lead, you know, you can’t slip up there. “When that first one went in, I thought ‘oh dear’! Paddy (Patrick Solis Grogan) made a few good saves in the second half – the one he made from David Fisher towards the end there, the reaction of it, it was unbelievable.
“And then we still had our chances in the second half as well. Tiarnan (Mulvenna) was just unlucky when he got one-on-one and he shot over the bar, it was just tired legs I suppose.
“And Ben (Arthurs) as well, the one he had cleared off the line, there was a couple of other half-chances, but we saw it out and got it over the line.”
Harrison’s personal goal count continues to rise, with the 26-year-old bagging his eighth of the season with a classy finish. Arthurs nodded on from Reece Neale’s long throw on the left and the skipper swivelled and let rip amid a crowd of Glentoran bodies, picking out the bottom left past a rooted Gyollai.
He went on to praise his fellow midfielders Mulvenna, Liam Hassin and Robbie Garrett – all of whom were simply imperious on a night when everybody in the Bangor line-up shone.
“It fell nicely for me, it just turned lovely for me and I said I’ll hit this. I don’t know what’s happening with me this year, that’s eight for the season now for me.
“Cush is trying to claim it, he says it nicked him, but I’m not having that!
“Wee Tiarnan was super tonight, he runs around and covers every blade of grass – and that’s what me and him do to be fair.
“Even Liam coming in, and Lee changes it so he’s at left wing-back, left centre-back, he can play anywhere, and then Ribsy obviously does what Ribsy does.
“It was brilliant. Lee, Dougie and all were saying before the game, just go out and enjoy it. There’s nothing to fear here.
“We just go out and we know we can go in with a game-plan and we can take it to anybody, and that’s what we done.”
Harrison, who is closing in on 150 Bangor appearances and could hit that milestone later this month, added he doesn’t have a preference for who he would like to face in the last-four.
Having joined midway through the Covid-curtailed 2019/20 season – Bangor’s first back in the Premier Intermediate League – he also took the chance to reflect on a journey for the club that he feels is only going to result in even greater highs.
“I’ll take any of them. I’ll take any of them, you know what I mean? Aim for the Final.
“Six or seven years ago, we were in the Ballymena League, we’ve come a long way. It’s mad to think you can go from there to having nights like this.
“But there’s only good things to come from this club from now on in – that starts with the league, that’s the next one, we have to keep our eyes on the league and that’s the most important thing.
“If we win the Irish Cup, we’d love that as well, but winning the league, we want to win the league and get up.”
(Posted: Sunday, 2nd March 2025)
Bangor cemented a colossal Irish Cup night the fans will forever remember and an upset for the ages after a first-half blitz put the seal on a 3-1 quarter-final victory over Glentoran at Clandeboye Park.
Two chances in quick succession broke, with Glentoran winger Christie Pattisson getting past Reece Neale and Patrick Solis Grogan more than equal to the English forward's effort when he palmed clear of danger, while Bangor broke up the other way with a delicate attempt beyond the Glens' Hungarian stopper Daniel Gyollai but across the face of goal instead of into the back of the net.
That all happened inside the opening five minutes, with Glentoran captain Marcus Kane also subbed off in an early injury-enforced change and Frankie Hvid replacing him.
Bangor broke up the pitch and broke the deadlock on 15 minutes. A ball by Ben Cushnie was nodded into Tiarnan Mulvenna, he controlled the ball under pressure and played in Arthurs to his right – his first shot was halted by a combination of Gyollai and a sliding block by Hvid, but the rebound fell kindly for the Kircubbin marksman to slot home his 20th goal of the campaign.
And the lead was spectacularly doubled. It was Arthurs strike partner Ben Cushnie who took the lead this time seven minutes later, with the Glentoran Academy product seizing the initiative from Mulvenna's layoff with a perfectly weighted 30-yard shot low past Gyollai into the bottom left corner to send Clandeboye Park into absolute delirium.
Another sub for the Glens saw Joe Thomson replaced by their quarter-final match-winner Finley Thorndike – yet it so nearly preceded another Bangor goal. Arthurs caught Gyollai out and dribbled around him with the goal gaping, but Hvid came to the flustered visitors' rescue on the stroke of the half-hour when the centre-back slid in to deny the 26-year-old his second goal of the game.
Danny Amos got a free-kick on target from 20 yards that Solis Grogan dealt with well after Reece Neale was adjudged to have handled, with Bangor looking to manage the game for the rest of the half. But they did better than that on 44 minutes – Reece Neale's long throw was flicked into Arthurs, Harrison received and he swivelled and fired low into the bottom left to make it three.
It stayed that way until the interval and the Glens made more changes – a double sub at half-time – as Declan Devine's visitors looked to fight back in the second period. They offered the first sight of the half on 48 minutes when Jenkins floated a header wide of the right-hand post before Solis Grogan got down to save a low attempt from distance shortly after.
Glentoran again threatened with a low Cammy Palmer shot parried by Solis Grogan into the path of Jenkins on 52 minutes, but the bounce didn't suit the striker and his header rested on the roof of the net, just over the bar.
From there, the game became scrappy as Bangor sought to protect their own penalty box and hit Glentoran on the break, with Arthurs leading one such counter on 64 minutes and just failing to pick out Cushnie's run beyond him – the Hillsborough man's substitution off for Jack O'Mahony was greeted with rapture by the home fans.
On 68 minutes, Thorndike's swerving shot drew a smart parry by Solis Grogan away from danger as the chasm remained three for the Premiership side to peg back, but Glentoran did get one back in fortuitous circumstances – substitute Charlie Lindsay's shot from distance taking a wicked deflection past Solis Grogan and into the top right with 20 minutes to play.
Bangor kept holding firm and they almost settled it on 77 minutes with Mulvenna put one-on-one, but Gyollai got big and the irrepressible midfielder's shot was high over the Wall End crossbar. A two-goal lead is always a nervous one in football and the tension was palpable in the latter stages from both ends, with Matthew Ferguson entering the fray for Arthurs as fresh legs up top.
As the game ticked into added-time, a Solis Grogan wonder save denied David Fisher's header from a right-sided corner, with Glentoran piling the pressure in the latter stages and Mulvenna lobbing over on the break in the first of four minutes of stoppage-time.
What followed was absolute jubilation on the full-time whistle.
BANGOR TEAM:
P.S.Grogan, R.Neale(T.Mathieson), K.Owens, C.Byers, C.McGuinness, R.Garrett, L.Hassin, L.Harrison, B.Cushnie(J.O'Mahony), B.Arthurs(M.Ferguson), T.Mulvenna.
Subs: S.McArthur, M.Halliday, M.Morgan, J.McDonagh
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 8th March 2025 - INSTITUTE v BANGOR, Championship, Brandywell, 3:00pm
(Posted: Friday, 28th February 2025)
Lee Feeney accepts Bangor will need “colossal performances” all across the pitch to upset Glentoran in Friday night’s blockbuster Clearer Water Irish Cup quarter-final but believes the Seasiders can fancy their chances.
Clandeboye Park will see its biggest crowd since the 1990s and a crowd of over 2,000 home and away fans will flock into the ground to watch this last-eight battle – Bangor’s first Irish Cup quarter-final in 11 years – for what promises to be a special occasion and lifelong memory to savour.
Feeney, who outlined his friendship with Glentoran first-team coach Paddy McCourt going back to their playing days at Shamrock Rovers, says there will be some friendly banter, with the second-placed side in the Sports Direct Premiership looking to maintain an unbeaten record in cup competitions this term that includes County Antrim Shield success as the Playr-Fit Championship leaders stand in their way.
The Bangor boss – whose cousin Warren was incumbent Glens supremo Declan Devine’s predecessor in the hotseat at The Oval – has lots of respect for his opposite numbers but reckons a full squad effort from his Yellows can help book their spot in the semi-finals.
“Yeah, listen, it’s a big day for the club, there’s going to be a massive crowd and I think it really does show how far we’ve come in such a short space of time.
“I know Paddy McCourt well, he’s a good friend of mine – we’ll have a bit of a laugh and joke on the touchline, there’ll be a bit of banter, but obviously I want us to go out and try and win the game as well, as he will with Glentoran.
“We know what it’s going to take – Glentoran are a quality side, they’re a massive club and we’re going into the game as the underdogs.
“But we believe we’ve got a good chance. We’re going to need 10 or 11 absolutely colossal performances, nines and 10s out of 10 all over the pitch, and we’ll need them to obviously be a wee bit off it as well and maybe a bit of luck, but we’re not just treating these games like they’re one-offs.
“We’ll be set up to win the game and we’ll enjoy it, we’ll play with the shackles off and we’ll give it a go, and far stranger things have happened in football – so why not? We’ll relish it.”
MATCH INFORMATION:
(Posted: Thursday, 27th February 2025)
Thank you to everyone who has bought a ticket our Irish Cup quarter final.
(Posted: Tuesday, 25th February 2025)
Lee Feeney praised a professional performance from his Bangor side to overcome Armagh City but admitted he wasn’t satisfied at half-time despite the Seasiders’ three-goal lead. Bangor went into the interval 3-0 up courtesy of Ben Arthurs’ second hat-trick in as many games, but Feeney warned his players against taking their foot off the pedal at Holm Park.
He felt the Yellows could’ve had an even greater advantage and stressed to his men that they couldn’t drop their guard against an Armagh side with a knack of finding the net and snatching points late in games.
Feeney felt they kept their grip on the contest in the second half, with Patrick Solis Grogan still yet to concede a goal in five matches since his loan arrival from Dungannon Swifts and the defence doing their job to keep another clean sheet.
“We were 3-0 up at half-time and I still went into the changing room at half-time and had a go at them because we should’ve been further in front.
“I told them that we couldn’t be wasteful with our chances and if you come out at the start of the second half and ease off, you’ll be taken off.
“We know what Armagh are like; they’re resilient and if they got back into the game, they’re a good side and they’ll fight until the end, so I told the players to keep the levels high.
“To be fair, Patrick didn’t have too many saves to make, but he was really good coming for crosses, he was commanding and he’s been an absolute pleasure to work with since he joined us.
“We controlled a lot of the game in the second half without really creating many chances, so it was a professional performance and we went away happy with the three points.”
A big case in point for Feeney was Arthurs, who backed up his treble off the bench in the 4-0 home win over Ballinamallard United with another three goals to bring his total up to 150 in the yellow and blue shirt and 19 this term.
Despite this, the Bangor boss felt the Kircubbin striker could’ve been even more ruthless.
“He scored a first-half hat-trick and I went in at half-time and challenged him because he should’ve had about five.
“I actually think he missed two easier chances – the three that he did score were well-taken but he could’ve had a few more.
“We’re hard on Ben because we know how good he is and the levels he can reach, and he’s hard on himself as well – he said that he feels he should’ve scored more this season, and he has the quality to do that and get even closer to the top of the scoring charts in the league.
“But he scored a hat-trick last week and scored another one this week, and that’s still the signs of a striker in form with a lot of quality and he made the difference for us again.
“Ben Cushnie fed him in for the second, he’s a lot of quality as we know as well, and Ben finished well between the goalkeeper’s legs.
“We’ve Spike (Matthew Ferguson) as well and Mick (Morgan), we’re hoping to have him back this week after his injury, so we’ve got a good set of strikers and options who can influence games for us.”
Feeney went on to sing the praises of midfielder Liam Hassin (23), who he described as an ‘absolute pleasure to work with’ since his arrival from Ballyclare Comrades last month.
“I’ve not seen Liam mentioned too much, but he’s been an absolute pleasure to work with from the day he came in.
“He’s brilliant to work with, he’s humble, hardworking and if you ask any of his team-mates, they absolutely love playing alongside him.
“He loves football, loves being out on the pitch and he has the ability to grab a game by the scruff of the neck, and I’d like to actually see him do that more often because he is capable of doing that.
“He has the ability to be the best player on the pitch and I said to him to come out, and to be fair, I would say he was a contender for the best player on the pitch in the second half.
“The way he is on the ball, he has the ability to control the game with how he passes the ball and he makes the players around him better – and they’ll tell you that too.
“He’s been an absolute pleasure, and he can play in different positions and he’ll still perform.
“It was great having Lewis Harrison back from his ban; he threaded in a lovely ball for Ben for his first and showed his quality and leadership throughout, that’s why he’s the captain.
“Tiarnan Mulvenna and Robbie Garrett as well, we have a really strong set of options there.”
A talking point amongst Bangor supporters this month has been a greater variety of shapes and formations, which has coincided with an upturn in results and performances following an up-and-down spell of form.
Feeney elaborated on this and insisted it’s a mix of those on the pitch and the opposition set-up that is informing these calls, also crediting the January signings for raising the bar and lifting overall levels.
“I think there’s a couple of reasons – firstly, personnel, who we have and the players we start in a game; we have a big squad and players who can play different roles within the team.
“Then the opposition as well, how they set up and the formations they use, and then they can change the shape midway through a game so we can respond to that. “The new signings have all been brilliant. There’s a few we’re obviously looking forward to getting out on the pitch as well.
“James Haughey, who joined from Immaculata on deadline day, he’s coming back from injury and played a couple of games for the Reserves, and the way he’s been training with the first-team has been absolutely phenomenal.
“We’re excited to get him out soon because he’s been training really well, and the new boys in general have come in and made the players around them better as well.”
(Posted: Monday, 24th February 2025)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Ben Arthurs hit a second hat-trick in as many days as well as his 150th goal as Bangor ended a recent away blip with a convincing 3-0 victory at Armagh City on Saturday afternoon.
The Seasiders had went four away games without a win – drawing one and losing three – since a 2-0 win at Newington on December 6 but emphatically put that right at Holm Park.
Arthurs struck his seventh treble for the Seasiders off the bench against Ballinamallard United seven days earlier and added another three by half-time against the Eagles, with goals on 11, 18 and in the second minute of stoppage-time bringing his tally up to 19 for the campaign.
And although Bangor had hit the rocks on the road of late, Armagh away remains a happy hunting ground with three-goal margins of victory in the past four visits to Holm Park, and that run was also extended with a fifth clean sheet in a row accompanying the success
Arthurs struck first on 11 minutes when captain Lewis Harrison – back in the side following his three-game ban for his red card in the Irish Cup last-16 win over Annagh United – put the Kircubbin man in to slot home.
He added his second from Ben Cushnie’s supply, slotting through the legs of Armagh stopper Conner Byrne, and the 26-year-old’s third and seventh hat-trick for the club came courtesy of a header from Tiarnan Mulvenna’s cross.
That proved enough to wrap up all three points and maintain the Seasiders’ eight-point cushion over second-placed Harland and Wolff Welders at the Championship summit.
BANGOR TEAM:
P.S.Grogan, R.Neale(J.Reilly), K.Owens, C.McGuinness, C.Byers, L.Harrison(J.McDonagh), R.Garrett(J.O'Mahony), T.Mulvenna, B.Arthurs(S.McArthur), B.Cushnie(M.Ferguson)
Subs: J.Taylor, K.Reid.
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 28th February 2025 - BANGOR v GLENTORAN, Clandeboye Park, Irish Cup, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 22nd February 2025)
Remaining Bangor tickets for our Irish Cup quarter final against Glentoran on Friday 28th February are now available to purchase online.
When they’re gone, they’re gone o get yours now.
(Posted: Friday, 21st February 2025)
After scoring his sixth hat-trick for Bangor in last week’s 4-0 victory over Ballinamallard United, Ben Arthurs is eyeing more of the same in this Saturday’s visit to Armagh City.
The striker was initially named on the bench against the Mallards but was sprung on early after Michael Morgan was forced off through injury, and he made no mistake with his first treble in the Playr-Fit Championship that helped secure a crucial three points.
In turn, the Kircubbin marksman elevated his goal count for the 2024/25 season to 15 in the league and 16 across all competitions, admitting he was determined to improve on his pre-match totals in the build-up to the game.
Arthurs – whose three-goal effort was sandwiched by a first Bangor finish for defender Jack Reilly – was ultimately delighted both to hit the goal trail and contribute to a winning result accompanied by a strong performance.
“I was thinking that, that’s probably a first for me, scoring a hat-trick off the bench – though in saying that, I came on early enough for Mick, I think I’d 60 or 70 minutes on in the end.
“It’s my first hat-trick in the Championship as well, and it is my first in a while – I scored four against Ballyclare but that was in the County Antrim Shield, and I’d one against Dollingstown before that in the PIL, so I’m glad to add another one.
“To be honest, going into the game, I was a bit disappointed to be sitting on 13 goals, I felt I should’ve had more at this stage of the season.
“I’ve missed a few chances that I should’ve been putting away throughout the course of the season, so I was glad in the end to come out with three goals and sort of kick on a bit.
“In saying that, it’s not that I think I’ve not been playing well, I think I have, but as a striker, goals always give you a boost.
“A hat-trick’s not make-or-break – the most important thing is the three points and, for me, that I’m contributing and playing my part to help us get the three points, and we put in a really strong performance to go and do that.”
Looking ahead to this weekend’s trip to Holm Park to face Armagh, Arthurs insists Bangor must be prepared to go the distance against a familiar and well-drilled opponent. Sitting sixth in their first season back in the Championship after their promotion via the play-off from the PIL last term, the 26-year-old expects Shea Campbell’s men to make it tough.
“We obviously know Armagh City well from playing them in the PIL, and one thing I think you can say about them is they take it the distance, they always go down to the last kick.
“They don’t lie down, especially looking back at the last time we played them at Clandeboye when they scored a last-minute equaliser (a 1-1 draw on November 30), so we need to be fully focused and obviously build on the momentum that we’re starting to build up.
“It’ll be another difficult game, but we’re confident coming off the back of a good run lately.”
(Posted: Thursday, 20th February 2025)
JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY | GARY'S MATCH GALLERY
In a complete reverse of the opening meeting of the sides this term, Bangor counted on a Ben Arthurs hat-trick and Jack Reilly’s first goal for the club to overcome Ballinamallard United 4-0 at Clandeboye Park on Saturday.
The Seasiders capitalised on a loss for Limavady United, who were defeated by 1-0 Ards at the Rathmore Road Showgrounds, to extend the lead from six to eight points over new second-placed side Harland and Wolff Welders, who have played a game fewer.
The Welders overcame Dundela 2-1 at Wilgar Park to keep the pressure, but Bangor were focused purely on themselves and secured both a fourth successive clean sheet and game unbeaten with a comprehensive victory over the Mallards.
Despite the emphatic nature of the scoreline, it took until two minutes before half-time for the deadlock to be broken after Arthurs slotted home from Ben Cushnie’s layoff – with the 25-year-old coming on as a substitute after Michael Morgan pulled up just before the half-hour mark.
Impressive left-back Reilly added his name to the scoresheet with Bangor’s second on 52 minutes, powering a shot from first-time starter Jack O’Mahony’s ball, before Arthurs hit home his second of the game three minutes later when he converted a penalty after Liam Hassin was upended.
The clincher came when Arthurs completed his sixth hat-trick in a Bangor shirt 15 minutes from time. Fellow substitute Matthew Ferguson played the Kircubbin man in, he rounded Gareth Muldoon in the Mallards goal and wrapped up the match ball and the three points.
BANGOR TEAM:
P.S.Grogan, R.Neale, C.McGuinness, K.Owens, J.Reilly, L.Hassin, R.Garrett, J.O'Mahony(T.Mathieson), T.Mulvenna(J.McDonagh), M.Norgan(B.Arthurs), B.Cushnie(M.Ferguson).
Subs: J.Taylor, C.Byers, S.McArthur
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 22nd February, ARMAGH CITY v BANGOR, Championship, Holm Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 15th February 2025)
Assistant boss John Douglas has urged the Bangor players to adopt a “cup final mentality” between now and the end of the season.
The Seasiders welcome Ballinamallard United to Clandeboye Park on Saturday with a six-point lead to maintain at the top of the Playr-Fit Championship.
With Limavady United and H&W Welders in second and third respectively having to settle for draws in midweek, Bangor are themselves looking to return to winning ways following last week’s scoreless North Down Derby stalemate.
Mark Stafford’s Mallards, who are 10th, inflicted a heaviest defeat of the season on the Yellows with a 4-0 victory at Ferney Park back in October before Kyle Owens’ last-minute winner helped Bangor to all three points in a 3-2 success at Clandeboye Park just before Christmas, so Douglas is taking nothing for granted and has backed the players to rise up when opposition sides lift their games.
“We need to approach every game with almost like a cup final mentality.
“I believe teams are coming here or we're coming to play them and they’re lifting their game against us, so it's up to us to match that.
“We’re the team that’s top of the table, and teams are coming here and they're lifting their game against us and they're finding another gear, and we can show that we can do that too.
“If we can approach games with that cup final mentality, that every game's almost like a must-win, then I believe we've got the squad and the quality to put us in a very good position for the rest of the season.”
Bangor are also hoping to extend a proud record on home soil, with the Seasiders unbeaten at Clandeboye Park in the league since a 3-1 loss to Limavady all the way back on August 31.
Douglas also wants the side to use that to their advantage, with this being a fourth straight match at Clandeboye for Saturday’s hosts.
“We’ve been very good at home, I think we’ve only lost once at home in the league this season.
“I think Limavady beat us in August, Cliftonville beat us in the League Cup as well but apart from that, our home form’s been strong, we’ve been picking up points at home and long may that continue, we need to make this run of home games count.
“We need to be better in both boxes compared to Saturday (against Ards) and that’s what we’ll be setting out to achieve.”
(Posted: Friday, 14th February 2025)
Bangor FC fans can purchase tickets for our Clearer Water Irish Cup quarter final match at a pre-sale event on Saturday 15 February.
Seasider supporters can purchase pre-sale tickets before the team’s next home game versus Ballinamallard United.
Tickets, for Bangor fans only, will be available to buy using card only at the media room between 1.30pm and 2.45pm .
Ticket prices have been agreed by the two clubs at:
All price bands have a limited number of tickets available.
The Irish Cup quarter final match will be a sell-out, so Bangor fans are encouraged to buy their tickets at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappoinment.
General sale tickets for both Bangor and Glentoran supporters will be released in due course. Please follow Bangor and Glentoran social media sites for further details.
(Posted: Thursday, 13th February 2025)
Bangor assistant manager John Douglas admits the Seasiders were disappointed not to claim all three points in Saturday’s North Down Derby against Ards but also believes that mindset shows how far the Seasiders have come.
The Playr-Fit Championship leaders – albeit with the lead cut from nine points to seven from second-placed Limavady United – are six games unbeaten against the Red and Blues since their return to the second-tier after a 0-0 draw at Clandeboye Park this weekend.
It’s the second successive scoreless stalemate between the sides after Boxing Day also ended with an unbroken deadlock, but Douglas believes the fact the Bangor players weren’t happy to settle for just one point reinforced the character of the side.
He also felt the nominal visitors could’ve been more ruthless on the day – an argument also levelled following the festive derby – with John Bailie’s Ards having their backs against it in the final 20 minutes in particular.
“Obviously, we were disappointed that we couldn’t go and get all three points.
“I think it shows how far we’ve come, too – we’ve spent a lot of years playing second fiddle to Ards, we’re now on a long unbeaten run against them and we’re still disappointed we couldn’t get the three points.
“Ards sat off us with bodies behind the ball and I think they looked to slow the game down a bit – which they’re entitled to do, and we have to find the answers to break that down.
“Against that sort of approach, you need to be clinical when you get your opportunities in front of goal, and looking back, we’re disappointed that we weren’t more clinical.
“I think that meant the game suffered as a spectacle, it wasn’t one that will live long in the memory from that point of view and I felt for the supporters a bit, it was a hard watch.
“Ards were delighted with the point, which I think they set up for and they defended well; we’re probably walking away a bit more disappointed that we didn’t win the game.”
Douglas paid tribute, however, to a third successive clean sheet, with goalkeeper Patrick Solis Grogan yet to concede a goal since his loan move from Dungannon Swifts last month.
The Spanish-born stopper tipped a cross-come-shot from Ards striker Darius Roohi onto the underside of the bar just before the hour but wasn’t overly tested otherwise.
At the other end, Kyle Owens and Tiarnan Mulvenna both had shots cleared off the line and an earlier Matthew Ferguson chance from close range went begging, with Marc Matthews’ performance between Ards’ sticks earning him their club Man of the Match award.
“Three clean sheets in a row is a big positive, I thought we were very good defensively.
“I thought we did well to restrict Ards’ chances in the game. There was the one that Roohi had where Patrick makes a really good save to tip it onto the bar, but apart from that, I thought we defended our box really well and they didn’t really trouble the goalkeeper.
“Kyle had his header cleared off the line, he got his head on it at the far post from the corner and got a good connection.
“Spike had a really good chance in the first half from six, eight yards out and it’s one he’ll feel he should’ve scored. We were just a bit off it there, we weren’t clinical enough in those sorts of situations.
“We put the pressure on in the last 15 or 20 minutes, and I think if we scored one of those chances, we would’ve pushed on from that and the game would’ve become more open. “We’ve talked about it before, about being good in both boxes – and whatever happens in the middle part of the pitch, it’s the two penalty boxes where there’ll be the biggest impact.
“We were very good in one but felt we could’ve done better in the other with the chances that we created.”
After a patchy recent run of form, Douglas saluted the mentality of the Bangor players, with a three-match unbeaten run since the start of February highlighting signs of improvement.
“I think that speaks to the mentality of the group, there was never a point during that run of inconsistent results when we thought the players were just going to lie down.
“We’ve shown improvement since then, and it’s those sorts of runs where you really see the character and the mentality of the players to come out and produce a response.
“I think with the business we were able to do in January as well, I think that’s helped us and we’re really pleased with the window we’ve just had.” Douglas then elaborated on two of those January new boys – midfielders Aaron Boyd (21) and Jack O’Mahony (25), both of whom are building up towards full match sharpness.
“With Aaron Boyd, he hasn’t played a competitive game since September, so he’ll be playing a few games with the Under-20s to get up to speed and we’ll be keeping a close eye on how he does with them.
“We want him to be a standout performer in those games and we’re encouraged that he was able to stand out (against Institute).
“With Jack O’Mahony, he came into us from Ballymena carrying a bit of an injury and he’s a player who’s still getting up to speed in terms of game time.
“We’re managing his minutes and he’s been coming off the bench in games and impressed; he made an impact against Ards, he’s been brave with the ball and he’s created chances.
“He’s another talented player who excites us, and it’s just a matter of getting the likes of him and Aaron up to speed because I believe they can both make a real difference for us.
“And we’re going to need that as the season progresses, I think we’ve got the depth of talent to push on at the top end of the table and when everyone’s fit and firing, we have enough at our disposal that we can win any game.”
(Posted: Sunday, 9th February 2025)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Bangor’s unbeaten run in North Down Derbies was extended to six games on Saturday but the Seasiders had to settle for a second sharing of the spoils in succession after a goalless draw against Ards in the Playr-Fit Championship.
As on Boxing Day, Bangor enjoyed a number of chances to break the deadlock and twice saw efforts cleared off the line but could not break the deadlock, while Ards’ closest opportunity came when Patrick Solis Grogan dramatically tipped Darius Roohi’s deflected cross-come-shot onto the underside of the bar in the second half. Lee Feeney’s side move up to 55 points in the standings, seven clear at the top of second-placed Limavady United who have played a game fewer, and kept a third successive clean sheet in only the fourth draw of the Seasiders’ season.
The second half in particular saw both goalkeepers called into action, with Solis Grogan’s alert reflexes denying Roohi by inches on 58 minutes before Bangor piled the pressure on Marc Matthews during the final 20 minutes of the encounter.
The Ards goalkeeper tipped a Reece Neale free-kick over the crossbar, while the resulting corner saw Kyle Owens’ goalbound header beat Matthews but not Red and Blues captain Michael Ruddy who cleared off the line.
It was Max Greer’s turn to foil the Seasiders on his own goalline as an incisive counter from the nominal visitors in this derby ended up with Jack O’Mahony laying off Tiarnan Mulvenna to have a shot at goal – but the Ards defender came to his side’s rescue.
Matthews tipped O’Mahony’s fellow substitute Michael Morgan’s stoppage-time header over the crossbar after the teenage striker connected to Neale’s inswinging delivery down the left, and that was that as both sides settled for a point in the end to make it three wins and three draws for Bangor in the six North Down Derbies since returning to the second-tier.
BANGOR TEAM:
P.S.Grogan, R.Neale, K.Owens, C.Byers(C.McGuinness), T.Mathieson(J.O'Mahony), R.Garrett, L.Hassin, T.Mulvenna, B.Cushnie(J.Reilly), B.Arthurs, M.Ferguson(M.Morgan)
Subs: B.Fry, S.McArthur, J.McDonagh
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 15th February 2025 - BANGOR v BALLINAMALLARD UNITED, CHampionship, CLandeboye Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 8th February 2025)
Three points are the priority for Michael Morgan when Bangor tackle Ards in the third North Down Derby of the campaign on Saturday afternoon – but chipping in with another goal in a winning effort would really be the dream scenario for the January arrival.
The 19-year-old scored his fourth goal in five matches since joining the Seasiders in Tuesday night’s 4-0 victory over his former club Ballyclare Comrades, scoring the second goal of the game at Clandeboye Park on seven minutes with a superb long-range lob over Lewis Deane.
The striker is delighted with his hot start to life at Bangor and marking a derby day win with another goal would be a high point.
“Another goal’s a target for me, but obviously I’d rather just have the three points.
“You know, it’s nice to score like on Tuesday night in a 4-0 win, but hopefully I can just continue that.
“I’ve got four goals (for Bangor) and two in my last two, so if I make it three in three or four in three, I can’t really complain.” Jack Reilly, meanwhile, has backed Morgan to produce the goods while also looking to help the Yellows rearguard keep a third consecutive clean sheet, with the shut-out against the
Comrades adding to last Saturday’s 3-0 win over Annagh United in the Irish Cup Sixth Round. Bangor are also unbeaten in North Down Derbies since the Seasiders got back into the Playr-Fit Championship, and left-back Reilly (23) hopes that run can be extended to six games on Saturday.
“Yeah, hopefully we can keep that record up.
“Another three points, clean sheet, hopefully Michael can score again and get the tally up even more.”
(Posted: Thursday, 6th February 2025)
New Bangor goalkeeper Patrick Solis Grogan has one of the most eye-catching backstories of anyone to play for the club and insists he is determined to play a leading role in a successful season for the Seasiders.
Born in Llanera, Spain to a Northern Irish father and a Spanish mother, the 20-year-old is an amicable addition on loan from Dungannon Swifts in the January transfer window and has already played across all three divisions of the Irish League.
He lined out for Coagh United in the Premier Intermediate League on loan from Larne in the 2023/24 season before joining Rodney McAree’s Dungannon on a permanent deal where he made 10 appearances in the Premiership in the first half of this season prior to his loan switch to Clandeboye Park.
And with two clean sheets in his first two appearances between the Bangor sticks – he shut Ballyclare Comrades out in a 4-0 win that came after his debut in Saturday’s 3-0 Irish Cup Sixth Round success over Annagh United when his post-match celebrations went viral on social media – Solis Grogan is already becoming a fan favourite amongst the Seasiders faithful and the shot-stopper has opened up on his fascinating journey in football so far.
“My dad is from Glengormley and my mum is from Spain, so I was born in Spain, they met through the Erasmus programme, and when I was five, we moved to France and my parents work in Switzerland, just next to France.
“After starting in the US, I came here and went to the Glens, Carrick, Larne and Coagh in the PIL, signed for Dungannon this summer and I was offered this opportunity and it felt good.
“To come to Bangor, win some games, touch wood we win the Championship and get us up.”
Solis Grogan paid tribute to Bangor boss Lee Feeney and goalkeeping coach Neil Gillespie for their roles in what has been a double-quick settling-in period for him.
Having thoroughly enjoyed his time at Hagan Park with Coagh when he was an ever-present during a half-season loan in the second half of last campaign, he’s eager once again to seize this opportunity in the Championship and help Bangor in the club’s promotion push.
Catching the eye as a vocal and commanding presence in his early time between the sticks for Bangor, Solis Grogan went on praise the Seasiders squad for their hospitality and role in his fast start at the club.
“I want to thank Lee, the manager, and also Neil, the goalkeeping coach. In the week I’ve been here, they’ve shown a lot of professionalism.
“I was given this opportunity by Lee and Neil to play and I’m trying to seize it.
“It’s funny because people always say that I don’t talk enough, and I find that funny because if you ask any centre-half that’s played with me, they know I don’t shut up!
“But I think people get tired of me talking too much and I think, oh, it’s not new! But as long as the centre-halves here listen to me, that’s all that counts.
“The lads have been very welcoming since the beginning, since Saturday, they’ve welcomed me a lot and on the pitch, they’re always helping me out.
“When I do something well, they’re the first ones to say something good, and when I do something bad, and I’ve had some mistakes, they’re always there to say ‘come on, next one’.
“And you can only appreciate that, especially the centre-halves, Byersy (Callum Byers) and Kyle (Owens), they’ve been really welcoming and that’s the only thing I can ask for.
“Honestly, if we were promoted, I would be the happiest at the club, it’s a goal to look forward to.
“They have done a lot of work before me; I’m just trying to build on what they’ve done.”
Next on Bangor’s agenda is the North Down Derby against Ards – a fixture Solis Grogan is eagerly anticipating with the sense of occasion and size of the crowd that comes with it.
What’s more, with some past connections and friends in the Ards squad, the goalkeeper admits it will be a new sensation lining up against them with local bragging rights at stake.
“It’s something definitely to look forward to, especially the crowd and everything.
“I know some of the lads that play for Ards, I play Futsal with one of them and when I was at Larne last year, I played with two of them.
“So, it will definitely be funny for me to play against them.”
(Posted: Thursday, 6th February 2025)
Bangor duo Michael Morgan and Jack Reilly made their marks at different ends of the pitch on Tuesday night but were as satisfied as each other with the impressive overall end result.
The Seasiders overcame Ballyclare Comrades 4-0 at a wet and windy Clandeboye Park to move nine points clear at the top of the Playr-Fit Championship, with Morgan scoring the hosts’ second goal on seven minutes while Reilly helped preserve a second straight clean sheet having been brought on as a half-time substitute. Morgan, who lined up alongside Ben Arthurs and Matthew Ferguson in a three-pronged strikeforce, was facing his former club for the first time since joining Bangor at the start of last month.
And the gifted 19-year-old didn’t delay in making his presence felt with an eye-catching lob over Comrades goalkeeper Lewis Deane from some 30 yards out – his fourth goal in five Yellows appearances – that added to Ferguson’s deadlock-breaker after just three minutes.
“Yeah, I’ve made a good start, I’ve got four in five so, yeah, it’s a good start and it’s another three points on the board and that’s all that really matters at the end of the day.
“We’re nine clear now going into the weekend so we want to keep the winning streak going, we’ve two wins on the bounce so just continue that going into Saturday (against Ards).”
Morgan has the distinction of being the highest-scoring teenager across all three tiers of the Irish League at present, with the Cliftonville Academy product now on 11 league goals.
He’s happy to maintain that form having also netted against Newington, Newry City and Annagh United, but winning games is top of the order for Morgan and he wants to play his part in making sure Bangor stay at the second-tier summit.
“Yeah, I was on good goalscoring form before I joined. I think I had three in my last three at Ballyclare, so I think I’ve just continued that.
“I’m getting chances and taking them well so, hopefully, it continues.
“At the end of the day, it’s about getting three points on the board and obviously you want performances to be good, but you’re not going to complain about three points and a bad performance – you can improve that in training.
“As long as we keep getting points on the board and just keep extending that lead and don’t give Limavady, the Welders or anyone else hope.”
Morgan’s goals in the 2-1 league defeat at Newry and 3-0 Irish Cup Sixth Round victory over Annagh both came as a substitute, with Tuesday night his first start in yellow and blue since his goalscoring debut in the 2-1 Irish Cup Fifth Round win against former loan club Newington on January 4 – Reilly was in the opposing starting line-up on that occasion. Morgan feels he’s gelling in well with the squad and is keen to build up his relationships as his minutes increase.
“It’s good, I haven’t really been starting, I’ve been coming off the bench and doing my bit that way.
“For me, I’m just building my relationships with them, you know, the two of them (Arthurs and Ferguson), Cush (Ben Cushnie), Scotty (McArthur), even the midfielders, the likes of Jack off the left.
“I’m going to continue to build relationships with them and, hopefully, the football side of things just continues to get better and we can continue to link up.”
Cushnie added Bangor’s third on 55 minutes before Kyle Owens popped up from a corner to ram home the fourth two minutes later, with Reilly having been introduced at the interval on the left side of defence to help maintain a clean sheet.
That’s exactly what happened and, while he takes pride in providing attacking impetus, the 23-year-old former Newington man loves a shut-out too and was pleased to contribute on both ends having settled in well since joining the club.
“Yeah, to be honest, it’s been quite easy (settling in). I know most of the boys anyway from playing against them and they’ve all made it very easy to settle in.
“It made it easier playing well against Limavady on my debut so, yeah, it’s been easy enough.
“I’m a player that likes to attack down the left, but at the end of the day, it’s clean sheets, clean sheets as a defender.
“Yeah, as a full-back, you love to get forward, but at the end of the day, the clean sheet is first and foremost, so I do the defending job first before I get forward and, lucky enough, another clean sheet tonight.
“It’s good to be here, it’s good to get going and, hopefully, we’ll push on and get over the line at the end of the season.”
Reilly, who made over 100 appearances in three and a half years at Newington where he was a Premier Intermediate League and Steel and Sons Cup champion, hailed a complete Bangor performance against Ballyclare and says that is the standard the Seasiders should look to maintain ahead of Saturday’s North Down Derby against Ards.
“They’ve all made it quite easy (to settle), I knew Michael before and knowing someone close to you makes it really easy to settle in anywhere you go.
“Listen, the boys have made it really easy and hopefully they keep making it easy because of performances like that and in training and whatnot.
“Tonight, I think all over the pitch, everyone was up for it. It was the same as the Limavady game, everyone across the pitch played their part.
“We went down to Newry and sort of switched off, but we’re back on track, two good wins, two clean sheets at home and hopefully another one going into the derby on Saturday.”
(Posted: Thursday, 6th February 2025)
Bangor moved nine points clear at the top of the Playr-Fit Championship on Tuesday night with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Ballyclare Comrades at a wet and windy Clandeboye Park.
The hosts took the lead on three minutes as an inch-perfect through ball from Robbie Garrett set Ben Arthurs away. The Kircubbin marksman had Matthew Ferguson in tow and used his strike partner, drawing Lewis Deane out of his goal and playing Ferguson who bundled the ball home from close in.
Ballyclare – featuring former Seasider Max Davidson from the start and ex-Bangor duo Seanna Foster and Dylan Snoddon on the bench – almost instantly responded and came within inches on six minutes, with Brandon Doyle rattling the base of Patrick Solis Grogan's right-hand post – but Bangor settled nerves just a minute later. Michael Morgan did it in some style, too, and lobbed Deane from some 30 yards into the top left corner to double the Seasiders' early initiative.
On 22 minutes, Bangor got out of jail as Garrett lost possession on the edge of his own six-yard box, with Doyle denied by Solis Grogan's outstretched boot and sparing the experienced midfielder's blushes. Deane, meanwhile, denied Arthurs after Liam Hassin played an eye-of-the-needle pass just before the half-hour mark.
Arthurs then headed over the bar at the far post from Reece Neale's cross following a short corner on 38 minutes as the half ended with no further opportunities and both sides trading possession in the middle of the park. Ben Cushnie and Jack Reilly came on for Arthurs and Garrett during the interval.
And Cushnie made his presence felt just 10 minutes into the second half. After a shot from the striker was saved after Ferguson laid him off, Hassin won back the ball and supplied Tom Mathieson, who in turn threaded into Cushnie as he engaged a run behind the line, and the 23-year-old made no mistake at the second attempt despite Deane getting a substantial contact on the ball.
A hairy moment for Deane followed almost immediately when Cushnie pressed his kick such that it almost ended up in the Ballyclare goalkeeper's own net.
But the Seasiders extended the cushion on 57 minutes with a fourth finish. It came from a Reece Neale corner that Deane failed to grasp, and there was Kyle Owens to thump home from two yards out into the roof of the net in what was another KO-blow for the visitors.
In between, Ballyclare had a chance from an indirect free-kick after a backpass by Mathieson was adjudged to have been collected by Solis Grogan, with Comrades captain Cillin Gilmour blasting wide of the left-hand side.
Cushnie almost added his second goal for Bangor 20 minutes from time but slipped at the decisive moment when bearing down on Deane, with the Yellows managing the remainder to see out three more precious points to move further clear at the top of the table.
BANGOR TEAM:
P.S.Grogan, R.Neale, K.Owens, C.Byers, R.Garrett(J.Reilly), T.Mulvenna(J.O'Mahony), L.Hassin, T.Mathieson, B.Arthurs(B.Cushnie), M.Ferguson(M.Halliday), M.Morgan(S.McArthur)
Subs: J.Taylor, K.Reid
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 8th February 2025 - Ards v Bangor, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Tuesday, 4th February 2025)
Consistency is the name of the game for Lee Feeney as Bangor return to action in the Playr-Fit Championship with a home clash against Ballyclare Comrades on Tuesday night.
The Seasiders supremo was keen for his side to enjoy the moment after a fully professional performance during Saturday’s 3-0 win over Annagh United in the Irish Cup Sixth Round.
He was encouraged to see strikers Matthew Ferguson, Ben Arthurs and Michael Morgan on target, with the latter – along with midfielder Liam Hassin, who came off the bench at the weekend – set to face their former club for the first time since swapping Dixon Park for Clandeboye last month.
For their part, Ballyclare have signed five former Seasiders – defenders Max Davidson, Dylan Snoddon and Seanna Foster and young midfielders CJ Sullivan and Mitchel Watterson – with no fewer than 18 players drafted in by new manager Barry Baggley in the winter window.
The east Antrim side, who are eighth in the Championship, have a new-look air about them, but Feeney expects his charges not to drop their guard as focus turns back to the league.
“I told the players immediately after the game I wanted them to enjoy the win – not think about Ballyclare or Ards, I wanted them to enjoy it for a moment (against Annagh) because they put in a really good performance and we got through to the next round where we’ve got a great occasion to look forward to against Glentoran.
“After that, we’ll go into the Ballyclare game on Tuesday night and that’s the standards I want to see us maintain.
“We need consistency, that’s the target. We need to consistently be putting together results and performances and we’ve got the squad to go and do that for the rest of the season.”
On the topic of transfers, Feeney says he’s hugely satisfied with Bangor’s mid-season transfer business and paid tribute to the Board for backing him in the market. Morgan and Hassin have been joined by goalkeeper Patrick Solis Grogan (Dungannon Swifts on loan), defenders Jack Reilly (Newington) and James Haughey (Immaculata), midfielders Jack O’Mahony (Ballymena United) and Aaron Boyd (Crewe United) and wide-man Jamie McDonagh (Portadown on loan) through the entrance door in a busy winter window.
The Kilkeel chief is confident his panel can push on throughout the remainder of the season.
“I’m very pleased with the business we’ve done this window and the players we’ve signed.
“People forget that we’ve had five or six players leave the club, too; Stephen McGuinness’ loan was cut short, Evan Ovendale, Marty Bradley, Bev (Howard Beverland), Sonny (Redford) Max Davidson, so we’ve had to bring in players to fill their voids.
“The board have been super, they’ve backed me in the transfer market and I’m happy with the squad we have that it can go and push on.”
(Posted: Monday, 3rd February 2025)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Lee Feeney paid tribute to Ben Arthurs after the Kircubbin marksman’s goal in the 3-0 Irish Cup Sixth Round victory over Annagh United propped him into outright second place in the Bangor all-time goalscoring charts.
The striker netted the Seasiders’ second on 56 minutes and his 144th in total in yellow and blue to help the 10-man Seasiders into the quarter-finals of the Irish Cup for the first time in 11 years.
Matthew Ferguson – who was substituted off early after Lewis Harrison’s harsh 32nd-minute red card following a lunge on Annagh winger Craig Taylor forced a rejig – and replacement Michael Morgan netted either side of Arthurs’ finish to complete the job against their Playr-Fit Championship rivals.
Feeney paid tribute to Arthurs’ character and loyalty to the Bangor cause after the milestone moment in his 208th appearance for the club.
“Congratulations to Big Ben, I’m absolutely delighted for him.
“He’s shown incredible loyalty and commitment over the years. We’ve had clubs come in and ask about him over the years and he’s always said he wants to play for Bangor.
“He’s been unbelievable in the time I’ve been here, he’s a pleasure to work with and his personality is exactly what I want in my squad.
“He comes in, he works hard and he sets the standards, he’s an unbelievable character to have in the dressing room and he’s been a massive part of our success.
“The other thing is that he’s still so, so young… how old is he, 26? I think he could play at this level for another 10 years, he’s got at least another 10 years in him and he’s still arguably not at his peak level yet.
“So, I’m absolutely delighted for him and he deserves all the praise and plaudits he gets.”
On the game itself, Feeney was in no doubt Bangor deserved the win and lauded the display of debutant goalkeeper Patrick Solis Grogan (20) – drafted in on loan from Dungannon Swifts – but disagreed with the call to send captain Harrison off.
Ciaran McGurgan’s Annagh were also reduced a man 10 minutes into the second half when defender Lee Upton was dismissed for a last-man tackle on Arthurs – the resulting free-kick from which the frontman doubled the Seasiders’ lead.
“There’s no question about it, the better team won.
“I thought we managed it really, really well, and Patrick, the new goalkeeper, he was huge for us – big saves, he was coming for crosses, being commanding, I thought he was super.
“He had a really strong debut and he was rewarded with the clean sheet at the end.
“The red card for Lewis was really disappointing, I didn’t agree with the ref’s decision at all.
“I thought it was a strong yellow, he went in to tackle him (Taylor) and he just got his body across in front of the ball, Lewis was going for the ball but he was given the red and now he’ll miss the next three matches.
“He’s our captain and an important player for us and it’s frustrating that he’ll be out for what I thought was a really harsh decision.
“But I thought we responded really well, we saw out the half comfortably and went back to two up top and then Ben was through, Upton brought him down and, to be fair, I thought that challenge was more a red than the one on Lewis but he was going for the ball too.
“That said, we picked ourselves up and Ben scored from the rebound on the resulting free-kick and we just continued to go through the gears.
“That shows the mentality of the players, the characters that we have – we had a lot of boys with injuries, knocks and they continued to play through that, there was no one lying down.
“We got the third goal that wrapped the game up and we’re delighted to get through to the next round where we’ve got a great tie against Glentoran.” Feeney again sang the praises of teenage striker Morgan, who netted his third goal in four appearances since signing from Ballyclare Comrades at the start of January. He also revealed another debutant – off the bench – in former Ballymena United man Jack O’Mahony (25) was on the Seasiders’ radar for over a year.
“To be honest with you, Mick’s not even fully fit yet – and that’s scary.
“The first game against Newington when he picked up an injury to his hamstring after 60 or 70 minutes, we’ve been managing that and when he gets to full fitness, there’s no doubt about it, he’s going to be a really, really top player for us.
“How old is he, 19? He’s one of the best players for his age in this country and we’ll just keep working away with him to get him fully fit, and there’s no limit to the levels he can get to. He can be a really, really top striker.
“And Jack O’Mahony, he’s a player we’ve been after for over a year, we’ve been tracking him for a long time and we’re thrilled to bring him into the club.”
Bangor were drawn against Sports Direct Premiership high flyers Glentoran in the quarter-finals, with Declan Devine bringing his charges to Clandeboye Park in four weeks’ time. Feeney is looking forward to seeing his side test their mettle against the east Belfast giants but has warned the County Antrim Shield champions they should not expect to breeze past the Seasiders into the last-four.
“It’s going to be a great occasion, we’re really looking forward to it and the opportunity to test ourselves against Glentoran, who are going really well at the moment.
“Seeing the look on Graham’s (Bailie) face when we drew the Glens, we’re really excited for it, and it’s not just going to be a day out for us – we believe we can win the game when it does come around.
“It’s something to look forward to, like a carrot in front of us both for building up a bit of momentum in the league and the chance to push for a spot in an Irish Cup semi-final.
“In the last few years, we’ve been making progress in the cups, we’ve won ties in the County Antrim Shield, in the League Cup, in the Irish Cup.
“We’ve played Cliftonville earlier this season (in the League Cup), they beat us with a last-minute winner and we were competitive in the game, we took Coleraine to extra-time (in October 2023), we went to Larne (in the Shield) and gave a good account of ourselves.
“We’re not here to make up the numbers anymore, we’re here to compete and I believe we have a squad that can cause an upset.
“But it’s great for us and we want to test ourselves against a big club, that’s what we want.”
(Posted: Sunday, 2nd February 2025)
Bangor have booked a quarter-final spot in the Irish Cup for the first time in 11 years after a 3-0 home victory over Annagh United in the Sixth Round at Clandeboye Park.
Goals from strikers Matthew Ferguson, Ben Arthurs – a particularly historic one for him – and Michael Morgan helped the Seasiders into the last-eight.
Both sides also ended the game with 10 men, with captain Lewis Harrison shown a straight red card in the first half – by which point Ferguson had put the hosts in front – and
Lee Upton was subsequently dismissed for Annagh with Arthurs converting his 144th finish in yellow and blue to move into second-place on the all-time club goalscoring charts.
Substitute Morgan sealed the deal with his third goal in four matches, marking a successful month for the teenage forward following his arrival from Ballyclare Comrades.
Bangor moved in front through Ferguson on 14 minutes when Ferguson converted from Tiarnan Mulvenna’s corner and smashed home from close range for his 17th goal of the season in all competitions.
In between came Harrison’s dismissal, with referee Steven Gregg sending the Yellows skipper straight off on 32 minutes – but despite the numerical advantage, Annagh failed to make it count until Upton was dismissed for a professional last-man foul on Arthurs nine minutes into the second period.
With 10 men apiece, Arthurs doubled the lead straight away and prodded home after Reece Neale’s free-kick could only be parried to the striker by former Bangor goalkeeper Jason Craughwell.
And having replaced Ben Cushnie, who was making his 50th Bangor appearance, Morgan put the cherry on top on 77 minutes and made it a second assist of the day for Mulvenna when he slotted the third coolly past Craughwell.
From there, Bangor managed proceedings and ensured they will be in the hat for the Irish Cup quarter-finals.
Bangor will be at home to Glentoran in the next round. The tie will be played on either Friday, 28th February or Saturday, 1st March.
BANGOR TEAM
P.S.Grogan, R.Neale, C.Byers, K.Owens, T.Mathieson, R.Garrett(J.O'Mahony), L.Harrison, T.Mulvenna(J.McDonagh), B.Arthurs, M.Ferguson(L.Hassin), B.Cushnie(M.Morgan).
Subs: B.Fry, S.McArthur, S.Millar
NEXT MATCH
Tuesday, 4th February 2025 - BANGOR v BALLYCLARE COMRADES, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
OTHER NEWS - TWO DEPARTURES
We can confirm that both Evan Ovendale and Marty Bradley have left the club.
We wish both players well and thank them for all of their efforts while representing the Seasiders.
(Posted: Saturday, 1st February 2025)
Welcome to Bangor, Jack O’Mahony.
The 24 year old has completed a transfer to the Seasiders from Ballymena United.
O’Mahony, who can play wing back or in midfield, has over 150 senior appearances to his name having previously enjoyed spells with Coleraine and Glenavon.
Great to have you onboard Jack!
We are also delighted to welcome Patrick Solis Grogan to Clandeboye Park.
The 20 year old goalkeeper, who has made 15 appearances and kept 6 clean sheets this season, joins the Seasiders on loan for the remainder of the season from Dungannon Swifts.
We thank Dungannon Swifts and Rodney McAree for their assistance in this deal.
(Posted: Friday, 31st January 2025)
.jpg)
After last Friday night’s game against Ballyclare Comrades was postponed, Bangor are back in action for the first time in a fortnight when Annagh United visit Clandeboye Park in the Sixth Round of the Irish Cup on Saturday.
The Seasiders have reached the last-16 of one of the world’s oldest cup competitions for the third time in a row but are aiming to progress to the quarter-finals for the first time since the 2013/14 season, losing by 2-1 scorelines to Crusaders and Portadown at this stage in the previous two campaigns before this year’s edition. As with the clash against the Ports last year, it’s an all-Playr-Fit Championship encounter for Lee Feeney’s charges – the only one in the Sixth Round – with Ciaran McGurgan taking his Annagh side to North Down for this knock-out clash.
The sides have already met three times in the league this term with Annagh winning the pre-split head-to-head, triumphant in both meetings at the BMG Arena 1-0 in August and 4-3 at the end of December, but Bangor roared back from behind to claim a 2-1 victory at Clandeboye Park in October thanks to captain Lewis Harrison’s brace.
The loss on the Tandragee Road on December 30 stung given Bangor were 3-1 up with a quarter of an hour remaining only for their hosts to storm back and claim the points. But Feeney, speaking after the Sixth Round draw was made after the Yellows overcame Newington 2-1 after extra-time in Round Five, sees it as a good opportunity to progress.
“From our perspective, it’s a home tie and it’s winnable, it could’ve been worse – and he thinks the same, it could’ve been worse.
“From my point of view, it’s a great opportunity to get through to the next round and it’s shaping up to be a really good cup tie when it does come around.
“It’ll be a tough game, as we know from Monday night (a 4-3 win for Annagh, who came back from 3-1 down) and from every time we’ve played Annagh, we have to work hard to get through to the next round against a really good side.”
Bangor will be without the cup-tied Jack Reilly and Aaron Boyd on Saturday, however Marty Bradley and Caomhan McGuinness are available as their active suspensions in the league do not count in the Irish Cup.
(Posted: Thursday, 30th January 2025)
Welcome to Clandeboye Park, Aaron Boyd.
Joining from Crewe United, the 21 year old attacking midfielder previously progressed through the youth ranks at Glentoran before going on to captain Linfield Swifts.
While Boyd is cup tied for this weekend, we look forward to seeing him in yellow and blue soon.
(Posted: Wednesday, 29th January 2025)
Bangor FC has been a central part of the community for many years, enabling local people to share their passion for the game and the club. As we look toward the future, we are exploring an opportunity to improve Clandeboye Park into a state-of-the-art facility that enhances the experience for fans, improves amenities, and serves as a vibrant community hub for generations to come.
Bangor FC is committed to engage with fans, local residents, and stakeholders to envision a stadium that reflects the needs, aspirations, and pride of the Bangor community.
This online survey is a chance for you to share your insights and help shape the future of Clandeboye Park. Your responses will guide our planning and ensure that this project benefits our club, our fans, and our city as a whole. This survey will close at midnight Sunday 9th February and will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
(Posted: Sunday, 26th January 2025)
Bangor FC has officially announced a new two-year extension deal with McGimpsey Removals to sponsor their boys Academy.
Bangor FC Academy Director Neil Watson said: "The sponsorship deal with McGimpsey Removals has been instrumental in helping Bangor FC successfully set up our Academy. Their sponsorship extension is invaluable as we continue to nurture and develop local talent at the club.
“McGimpsey Removals share our community ethos, and we are proud to be working with them again over the next two seasons. Their sponsorship will help support the development of, and provide opportunities for, over 250 players in the local area. We want to continue to help our academy players thrive both on and off the pitch while they are part of our footballing community. This sponsorship deal will be an important catalyst in ensuring we are successful.”
Managing Director of McGimpsey Removals Melissa Gibbons said: “We are delighted to continue to be the official sponsor of the Bangor FC boys Academy over the next two seasons. It’s great to be so closely involved with the local community.
“We have built a fantastic partnership with the club over the past few years and have been impressed by what the Academy has achieved. Making a difference for people in the local area is a key ethos of our business and this dovetails with the work of the Academy at Bangor FC.
“Partnership and community involvement are extremely important to McGimpsey Removals and we are really pleased to continue working with Bangor FC and seeing them succeed both on and off the pitch.”
McGimpsey Removals provide local and international moving services and secure storage within Northern Ireland to the UK, Europe and Worldwide.
(Posted: Sunday, 26th January 2025)
Our Playr-Fit Championship fixture against Ballyclare Comrades, scheduled for tomorrow night, has been postponed.
This fixture will now be played on Tuesday 4th February, 7.45pm.
(Posted: Thursday, 23rd January 2025)
Marc Wilson has been appointed as Bangor FC’s Head of Academy Performance Phase.
Marc has a degree in Sports Coaching, holds a UEFA A Licence and has over 20 coaching experience in local football. This includes spells with the County Down Premier Milk team squad and over 13 years as first-team coach with Crusaders FC.
Director of Bangor FC Academy Neil Watson said: “Marc is passionate about youth football and this appointment will help to progress our young talent at Bangor FC. He has significant coaching experience in senior football, which will enhance the development of senior youth players in our Academy.
“Marc and his group of coaches are determined to attract, work with and develop the best young players from the Bangor and North Down area. We want to see local footballers fulfil their potential and play senior football for their hometown club.”
Neil continued: “The appointment of Marc is another positive step forward for the club. He will be crucial in the delivery of our coaching programme for players in the Youth Performance Phase at the club.”
The Head of Performance Phase role oversees senior academy players at Bangor FC.
Marc Wilson said: “Bangor FC is a progressive club and is the perfect fit for what I want to achieve in coaching. Youth development is key at Bangor FC, and we want to see talented local players progressing into the first team.
“I want to provide an environment that will engage, inspire, challenge and develop players at every opportunity. We will deliver a clear pathway where young players can reach their potential on the pitch and progress to the senior squad. This is a key objective of the Board.”
Marc concluded: “In the past few seasons, there has been an increase in academy players who have played for the Bangor FC senior team. This success demonstrates the effectiveness of our Academy programme. I want to build on this and help ensure more local talented players are called up by Lee and his team.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 22nd January 2025)
New signing Jamie McDonagh insists he is keen to bring his extensive football pedigree at home and abroad to the table and give Bangor an extra push for the rest of the season. McDonagh has joined the Seasiders on loan from Portadown for the remainder of 2024/25, made a promising debut off the bench in the defeat to Newry City on Friday night and is excited to play his part in the Playr-Fit Championship leaders’ title charge. The 28-year-old winger counts Glentoran, Cliftonville, Glenavon and Newry City – the latter two on loan from the Reds – among his former clubs in the Premiership while also playing
for Derry City and Sligo Rovers in the League of Ireland, Greenock Morton in the Scottish Championship and Matlock Town, Alfreton and Chester in the English National League. Formerly in Sheffield United’s Academy ranks, the Lisburn man has been there and done it and believes that experience in the game will be a major asset in Lee Feeney’s panel.
“It feels good, I’m coming into a team that’s doing very well, so I’m delighted to be on board and can’t wait to push on for the rest of the season and help as much as I can.
“I’m a bit older now, a bit more experienced, I’ve played a lot of games in the Irish League as well as down south, England and Scotland.
“So, I’ve come in here and I’ll try and use my experience to help the team as much as I can.
“There’s definitely a chance to push on and compete for winning the league, but we’ll take each game as it comes and see how we go. We can’t look too far ahead."
The Championship, however, is new to McDonagh. It’s his first time playing in the Northern Irish second-tier and it’s a new challenge he is thoroughly looking forward to.
A BetMcLean Cup winner with Cliftonville in 2022, the winning environment at Bangor is one he believes suits his game and where the wide man feels he can make a telling contribution.
“Playing in the Championship, it was definitely something that appealed to me.
“I’ve played a lot of games in the Premiership and been in good teams and won trophies at Cliftonville, so it’s a different test for me but it’s a test I’m looking forward to.
“I’ve experience of competing for leagues and cups, and I went on loan last year and was fighting relegation with Newry, so I’ve had both sides of the coin – relegation and competing for leagues.
“I thought it was probably a better opportunity for me and definitely a lot better for the type of player that I am to come into a team that’s doing well, even though it’s a different league.
“It would be good to test myself. I thought I would rather come here than go to a team fighting relegation; coming here, it’s a completely different environment.
“The lads are doing well, it’s a good environment to be in, there’s a lot of good players here.
“There’s the chance there for us to compete for the league and we’ve got players there who are definitely capable of it.
“So, I’m excited to join and give it a go in the Championship and hopefully use my experience to help the team as much as I can.”
McDonagh adds that Feeney was the driving force that convinced him to Clandeboye Park, candidly pointing out that he is looking to rediscover his enjoyment for football and feeling Bangor is the right place for him to do just that.
“The environment around the club (appealed to me). I spoke to Feeno – very, very positive person who knows football inside out.
“So, it’s not like he doesn’t know what he’s talking about, he does and you can see that by the performances and results the team were getting and it’s rubbing off on the players.
“He’s got in a good group of players. The likes of Spike (Matthew Ferguson), who’s obviously scored a lot of goals, Ribsy’s (Robbie Garrett) Premiership experience, Tiarnan Mulvenna – he’s enticed a lot of good players here.
“He’s a good football person and knows football inside out, so it’s just a challenge that I thought I was probably ready for.
“I’m at the right age where I want to go into a team that’s doing well and actually enjoy my football because I haven’t enjoyed it the last couple of years, it’s been difficult.
“So, it’s something new and something I’m looking forward to and I’m happy to be here.
“It’s definitely going to be good for me because, even though I haven’t played in the Championship before, the squad here is definitely capable of playing in the Premiership.
“Feeno was the person who enticed me here, and obviously the team’s doing well which was a big factor as well.”
In terms of his style of play, McDonagh thrives off getting crosses into the box and, with two frontmen in Ferguson and Ben Arthurs who can do the business in the air, is determined to pepper the opposition 18-yard area with dangerous deliveries.
An astronomical 27 assists in all competitions in his debut season at Cliftonville in 2021/22 – coupled with a few scorching goals – stand to his quality and ability to do exactly that.
He was named in the Premiership Team of the Season that year when the Reds were within a point of league glory, and while he is still working his way to full match fitness, his set-pieces and enticing crosses caught the eye against Newry and he is keen to continue on that path.
“You’ve got two good strikers, it’s a formation that if you get the ball wide and get balls into the box, the players in the box are going to score goals.
“So, it suits me down to a tee. That’s what I do as a winger, and all I want to do is get crosses into the box and give the opportunities for the strikers to get on the end of things.
“The strikers thrive off crosses into the box, you can see that through the performances and where we’re sitting in the league and the goals they’ve scored.
“So, it definitely suits me more than how other teams might’ve suited me, which is also a factor for me coming here.
“It’s a style of play that I like and I think I would thrive in, so it’s just down to really getting in and getting fit and, from there, it’s down to me to do the business on the pitch.”
(Posted: Monday, 20th January 2025)
Bangor boss Lee Feeney admitted Friday’s performance in the 2-1 defeat at Newry City on Friday night was below par in every department.
The Seasiders boss said culpability rested across the board after a bad day at the office in the Playr-Fit Championship when the away side were two goals down at the interval.
Ryan McNickle’s brace for City had them in the driving seat – both as a result of mistakes in the Bangor ranks that the striker punished with a pair of clinical finishes while bearing down on goalkeeper Evan Ovendale’s goal.
By contrast, Newry stopper Lorcan Donnelly was largely untested throughout a first period that fell considerably below the standards Bangor have set themselves – and while a fine curling effort from Michael Morgan on 54 minutes reduced the arrears to reward a strong start to the second half, the hosts held firm to claim the three points.
“That’s football – that’s life in general, there’ll be ups and downs, and that was a real low point for us, a real bad, bad, bad day for us.
“Give credit to Newry, they were up for the game, they were hungry, they did a job on us. They were aggressive and we didn’t have an answer for it.
“We were really, really, really poor across every single department – goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders, forwards. We were nowhere near good enough.
“The goals we conceded were scandalous and we’ve spoken in the dressing room that that performance isn’t acceptable in the first half in particular.
“Even in the second half when we were dominant, we didn’t win our duels, we didn’t have players stepping up and scoring at the right times, we didn’t fight hard enough and we got what we deserved.
“The players were hurting after the game. They were hurting as much as the coaches were and the supporters were, we brought a big crowd with us and we know we let a lot of people down with our performance.
“We have a lot to answer for, and we can’t wait to get back on the training pitch because we need to put this right.”
Feeney reserved praise for forward Morgan – who was sprung from the bench at half-time and netted his second strike in three outings since joining from Ballyclare Comrades – and fellow interval replacement Ben Cushnie for adding energy at the start of the second half.
But he reiterated that as a collective, hurt is the overwhelming emotion and no stone will be unturned on the training pitch in a bid to return to winning ways against Ballyclare on Friday.
“I was happy to see Michael Morgan scoring, he’s a really exciting young player and he took his goal really well.
“He was lively and got into positions where we could create chances in the second half.
“And before that, Cush drove at the defence and played one across the face of goal that gave us a bit of a spark, so we got a bit of impact off the bench.
“But overall, we’re sat there disappointed at the end and the bottom line is that we need to be better as a collective.
“When we’re in the position we’re in and we’re fighting for titles, we’ve been in this league long enough to know that if you turn up any less than your best, you can get turned over.
“Every team on their day can beat us and I always let the players know that.
“That’s a harsh lesson for us from that point of view, and you have to deal with emotions – and we’ve already had a lot of emotions to deal with this season.
“Hurt is certainly one of them, we have been hurting after games, and it’s how you respond to those setbacks that’s the making of you as a team. “After the Annagh game, we put two good performances in a row (against Newington and Limavady) and those same questions will be asked of us now.
“We’ll be knuckling down in training this week and we have to come out and respond.”
(Posted: Sunday, 19th January 2025)
Bangor missed the chance to make it three wins in a row and extend the lead at the top of the Playr-Fit Championship standings following a disappointing 2-1 reverse at the hands of Newry City at The Showgrounds on Friday night – the Seasiders' first defeat of 2025.
The game got off to a bad start as far as Lee Feeney's men were concerned as Newry broke the deadlock six minutes in. Striker Ryan McNickle got behind Caomhan McGuinness and raced down the Bangor right, clinically placing his shot past Evan Ovendale and into the bottom right to put the home side in front early on.
The Seasiders thereafter struggled to play their way through an aggressive Newry press and, as the visitors attacked on 25 minutes, it was instead the source of Newry's second goal. Ben Arthurs' layoff couldn't be settled on by either Robbie Garrett – back from suspension to replace Lewis Harrison, who left the action early – or Liam Hassin and McNickle instead raced the length of the pitch to slot in City's second on the counter.
A Tiarnan Mulvenna shot that drifted just wide followed immediately after to spark some inspiration, but Bangor still found it tough to string passes together and Newry goalkeeper Lorcan Donnelly was otherwise dealing with everything he faced – including Bangor's first shot on target on 40 minutes when Kyle Owens' powered header from Reece Neale's corner was stopped on the goalline.
A double sub at the half saw Ben Cushnie and Michael Morgan introduced – and both impacted early on as Cushnie's layoff found Arthurs for a close-range shot that was blocked by Noel Healy before Morgan's header was safely handled by Donnelly on 48 minutes.
Jack Reilly's low cross found Morgan on 51 and he was denied by Gavin Smith's last-ditch intervention as Bangor remained lively, but the former Ballyclare Comrades man did make Donnelly pay just three minutes later when he curled a beauty past the Newry stopper, who got fingertips to it but couldn't stop Morgan's shot from finding the top right.
On 71 minutes, with Jamie McDonagh on for his debut, he was almost the architect of a Bangor equaliser as he found Owens at the back post from a free-kick. His shot was blocked and fell for McGuinness, who couldn't get the direction as Donnelly grabbed the ball graciously.
With the subs continuing to make a good impact, Scott McArthur kept up the trend with a fizzing cross that Donnelly fingertipped away from danger, while Mulvenna came close with five minutes to go when his rising shot arrowed just past the upright – but in the end, it just wasn't to be Bangor's night.
BANGOR TEAM:
E.Ovendale, R.Neale, K.Owens, C.McGuinness, J.Reilly, T.Mulvenna(S.McArthur), L.Hassin(J.McDonagh), L.Harrison(R.Garrett),B.Arthurs, M.Ferguson(M.Morgan), T.Mathieson(B.Cushnie)
Subs: J.Taylor, C.Byers
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 24th January 2025 - Bangor v Ballyclare Comrades, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Friday, 17th January 2025)
Ben Arthurs says Bangor’s focus should be about keeping up the momentum of a positive winning performance against Limavady United last week as the Seasiders travel to Newry City tonight.
The Seasiders travel to The Showgrounds hopeful of recording a third win in a row in all competitions against the side second from bottom in the Playr-Fit Championship table – though Arthurs is taking nothing for granted against Darren Mullen’s team.
The Kircubbin striker scored the winner in the 1-0 victory against the Roesiders and will aim to play his part once again when Lee Feeney’s men travel to the Newry Marshes where they won 5-4 in a madcap first encounter in September.
Citing recent improvements in performances after a sticky December, Arthurs doesn’t want Bangor to rest on their laurels given a nine-point lead can still be a precarious position in a league like the Championship.
“The target for us now has to be to keep it going. It was a good win (against Limavady), and now our focus turns straight to Newry and getting another win.
“We’ll be fully focused in training on trying to get the result, and it’s as we say, we have to take each game as it comes and continue to put performances in to get the results.
“So, we want to keep that going and, hopefully, we can build on that by getting another win on Friday night.”
(Posted: Friday, 17th January 2025)
Bangor have completed a fourth signing of the January transfer window with the loan arrival of fleet-footed winger Jamie McDonagh.
The 28-year-old Lisburn native, who joins the Seasiders on loan from Portadown this month, has extensive Premiership pedigree having represented Glentoran, Cliftonville, Glenavon, Newry City and the Ports in the top-flight.
It’s not just in the Irish League where McDonagh has shone, though, featuring prominently for Greenock Morton in the Scottish Championship and in the League of Ireland for Sligo Rovers and Derry City as well as in the English National League for Chester and Alfreton Town. He has also played in European competition and was a BetMcLean Cup winner in his time with Paddy McLaughlin’s Cliftonville.
In 2021/22, McDonagh was an assist machine, enjoying the best season of his career as the Reds finished in second place and within a point of Linfield in the Premiership standings. The right-sided wide man was subsequently rewarded for his displays with a spot in that season’s Premiership Team of the Year.
In 2025, he will now play in the Championship for the first time in his career with the table-topping Seasiders, with supporters sure to be excited to see McDonagh take the field in the yellow and blue shirt.
Welcome to Bangor, Jamie!
Bangor wishes Sonny Redford well, meanwhile, as the Academy striker makes the move to Premier Intermediate League side Lisburn Distillery for the remainder of the season.
The 18-year-old, who netted his first senior goal for the Seasiders against Warrenpoint Town in the BetMcLean Cup back in October, is in his first season of regular senior football and will continue to build experience with the Whites during the second half of the campaign.
Redford made his senior debut aged 16 in a PIL clash with Limavady United in April 2023 and has featured 12 times this term, and the club look forward to seeing him back at Clandeboye Park following his time in Ballyskeagh.
Good luck, Sonny!
(Posted: Thursday, 16th January 2025)
If Ben Arthurs was worried the cold weather would put pains to Bangor’s meeting with Limavady United even going ahead, he was as happy as anyone having scored the match-winning goal that put the Seasiders nine points clear at the Playr-Fit Championship summit.
The Kircubbin striker’s bullet header on 12 minutes, standing unmarked to power home Tiarnan Mulvenna’s delectable cross from the left, was a crucial finish in the context of it being a battle of the top two at Clandeboye Park.
Had the Roesiders won, it would’ve cut Bangor’s lead to just three points, but that didn’t come to pass as Arthurs’ contribution extended the Seasiders’ lead at the summit.
It was also probably Lee Feeney’s side’s best performance in some time, with Arthurs lauding the win and an improved start to January that came after a sticky December compounded by the 4-3 loss at Annagh United on December 30 from being 3-1 up with 75 minutes gone.
“Yeah, I was a bit worried about the game going ahead, to be honest. The way the pitch was at training on Thursday, there’s no way the game would’ve been played on that.
“I was checking the forecast, and it was great the game got the go-ahead in the end – we’re glad to get it out of the way.
“It’s a top-of-the-table game, we want a performance but the main thing was the three points and thankfully we got that.
“In the past six weeks, there has been a wee bit of a dip. We have lacked a bit of clinical edge and even going back to the Armagh game five or six weeks ago (1-1 on November 30), that has been the case.
“Against Annagh, it was the same. We were excellent for 75 minutes, we created loads of chances but didn’t take them, and then the last 15 minutes, as a player, it was almost like, ‘What’s happened here?’ It was a bit of a freak spell.
“But we have improved and we have looked closer to ourselves. Against Newington, we created loads and should’ve had the game won in normal time; against Limavady, we improved again.
“Even against Limavady, I was happy to score but we had other chances to score in the game, I had other chances – that one I hit the bar, I was disappointed it didn’t go in.
“Their goalkeeper made a few really good saves in the first half and we would’ve liked to have made the game safe.
“But after that, we managed the game. I don’t really remember them troubling our keeper, our defence was really good at keeping their forwards quiet.
“So, overall, it was a really good performance and we’re really happy with the three points.
“It was great to do it in front of the Bangor fans, and we were glad to win the game for them and lift our own game to get a big result.”
The game was also notable as midfielder Liam Hassin and left-back Jack Reilly made their Bangor debuts, with both players impressing and Reilly named Man of the Match.
Michael Morgan, who scored on his bow the previous week in the 2-1 Irish Cup triumph over Newington, came off the bench here and Arthurs (26) has been happy to welcome all three January arrivals to date through the door.
“What I’ll say there is that we have a good dressing room, and when a new player comes in, you always do your best to welcome them.
“The three new players that have come in, Mick, Liam and Jack, they’re players that I’ve played against as an opposition player and that I’ve admired.
“I’ve known about Jack from playing against him when he was playing for Newington in the PIL and in the Championship for the last 18 months. Obviously, Mick and Liam, I’ve played against them when they were at Ballyclare.
“Liam and Jack made their debuts and I thought they were both superb.
“Mick was really good on his debut against Newington in the Irish Cup and scored, I’ve had a couple of training sessions training with the three of them and they’re all really good guys.
“You have to credit Feeno and the management team as they have a track record of bringing really good characters to the club.
“We as a group of players, and the culture that’s in this club, we’ll always make a new player feel welcome and we’re happy to play alongside them, and they helped us get the result on Friday night.”
On Friday, Reilly took up the left-sided berth normally occupied by Stephen McGuinness before the turn of the year, who has now been recalled from his loan spell by Cliftonville. Centre-back Howard Beverland has also moved on to Dundela, and as Arthurs saluted the defensive pair, he backs Morgan, Hassin and Reilly to shine in much the same way.
“That’s a sad reality about football I think, players come and go. You’ve built up a friendship with a player and the next thing is they’re gone.
“Stephen McGuinness is back with Cliftonville and he’s a really good lad, a great character who was very popular with the group. Howard Beverland’s the same, he’s an experienced player and a great character who’s done everything in the game. They’re two great lads.
“It’s the case all over the world, I’ve been here six and a half years now and had I don’t know how many team-mates, I’m going to guess it’s in the hundreds now!
“But with players leaving, new players are coming in and you always want to have good relationships with your team-mates on and off the pitch, and that’s something I think is really good at Bangor that players come in and are made to feel welcome straightaway.
“We look to hit the ground running and win games, that’s the culture we’ve built up here and, hopefully, the likes of Mick, Liam and Jack can help us be successful as well.”
(Posted: Monday, 13th January 2025)
We thank Max Davidson for his time at Clandeboye Park as he transfers to Ballyclare Comrades.
Davidson made 13 appearances for the Seasiders across all competitions during his second spell at the club, and we wish him well for the future.
(Posted: Sunday, 12th January 2025)
After a strong opening bow in a Bangor shirt, Liam Hassin has promised relentless energy and intensity and insists he is eager to please the Seasiders faithful having completed his move to the seaside from Ballyclare Comrades last week.
The midfielder, who made a winning debut from the start in last Friday night’s crucial 1-0 victory over Limavady United, takes pride in his all-action game and is confident that will translate into individual and collective success in yellow and blue.
Hassin says he’s settled in quickly and his all-action display against the Roesiders was proof of that, with the 23-year-old adding that he was won over by a strong dressing room culture at Clandeboye Park and Bangor’s current nine-point lead at the top of the Playr-Fit Championship which he is eager to help maintain.
The Larne man has made his ambitions known to Seasiders boss Lee Feeney and pledges maximum effort and commitment to the cause to help the Yellows progress on all fronts.
“I had my first training session there last Tuesday night, I’ve signed pretty sharp into the window.
“Obviously, I’d been at Ballyclare for a couple of years, made a lot of appearances there but I just felt it was the right time to move on.
“Bangor’s a massive club and doing very well this season so, hopefully, myself and the boys can push on in the coming months.
“I’ve said this to Feeno when I was coming in, it’s a great group, it makes it that bit easier coming into the changing room.
“I feel like I’ve known a lot of these players from playing against them, so it’s good to get in through the door and meet everyone else that I maybe didn’t know as well, and I feel like I’m fitting in alright.”
Hassin, who won the Championship as a teenager when he was part of a dominant Larne side under Tiernan Lynch in 2019, is well aware of the demands of playing in the second-tier. With over 150 games under his belt at the Comrades and having wore the captain’s armband at Dixon Park, he strives for consistency and feels Bangor have set the standard in that sense this season.
Describing himself as a “busy midfielder” who keeps play ticking over, Hassin has also played in the heart of defence for the Comrades and says his versatility is another string in the bow for the Seasiders’ charge.
“It’s a different league because, as you know yourself from watching it, anybody can beat anybody on their day, so it’s about being consistently good week in, week out and Bangor’s been that this season.
“My game’s probably matured over my time at Ballyclare, I’ve probably come on in terms of reading the game.
“I’d describe myself as a busy player who gets around the pitch and tries to make things tick.
“I’ve actually played a bit of centre-half for Ballyclare filling in, so it’s maybe another part I’ve added to my game. “So yeah, busy midfielder, gets around and plenty of energy.”
Outlining what enticed him to join Bangor, former Larne and Carrick Rangers man Hassin – who played Premiership football for both – says the move was a “no-brainer” due to the Seasiders’ rate of progression and potential as a club.
An ambitious and amicable character, he’s determined to work hard to make the most of any chances he gets to shine and has high hopes of producing the goods. Friday’s win over Limavady was a good start, with Bangor moving north of 50 points after the 1-0 victory at a chilly Clandeboye Park courtesy of Ben Arthurs’ bullet header in the first half.
But Hassin is by no means content to rest on his laurels. He says it will be blood and thunder every time he takes the field and won’t settle for any less than 100 per cent effort to make sure the Yellows keep setting the pace.
“Obviously, there’s been a bit of upheaval at Ballyclare with the manager leaving and a couple of players have decided it’s time to move on, and I was sort of in that situation.
“As I said, I just felt like I was ready for a new challenge, Feeno was interested and with the way things are going and the size of this club, it was a no-brainer.
“If I get any minutes or whenever I’m starting, it’s going to be full-blooded, great work-rate and I’m excited to be getting in front of the fans and performing.”
(Posted: Sunday, 12th January 2025)
Bangor bagged a potentially pivotal three points in the Playr-Fit Championship title race on Friday night when the Seasiders conquered Limavady United 1-0 at a chilly Clandeboye Park.
A solitary Ben Arthurs strike on 12 minutes proved enough to get the win and move nine points clear of the second-placed Roesiders and, in turn, the top of the second-tier table. Bangor drew first blood, and it was history made for Arthurs when he equalled Andy Morrow’s modern-record 143 goals in a Bangor shirt with the deadlock-breaker from a Tiarnan Mulvenna cross.
It came after Arthurs drew a fantastic stop from Limavady goalkeeper Marty Gallagher that forced the corner, but the Kircubbin man was not denied twice as he powered a header past the stopper from Mulvenna’s delivery.
On a night when Liam Hassin and Jack Reilly, signed in the week from Ballyclare Comrades and Newington respectively, both made their full debuts – the third January recruit to date, Michael Morgan, was on the bench – Bangor enjoyed the better of the first half with Mulvenna and Kyle Owens also bringing Gallagher into action going into the interval.
The second half featured comparatively less by way of goalmouth action, with Limavady opting to change tack between the sticks as Gallagher was hauled off for Richard Purcell. Arthurs came close to doubling his personal tally and moving into second place on the all-time scorers’ list when he lobbed Purcell only to see his strike rattle back off the crossbar.
One goal proved enough, however, and it could go down as a hugely significant triumph come the end of the campaign.
BANGOR TEAM:
E.Ovendale, R.Neale, C.McGuinness, K.Owens, J.Reilly, L.Harrison(M.Morgan), T.Mulvenna, L.Hassin, B.Arthurs, M.Ferguson(B.Cushnie), M.Bradley(T.Mathieson)
Subs: J.Taylor, C.Byers, S.McArthur, K.Reid
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 17th January 2025, NEWRY CITY v BANGOR, Newry Showgrounds, Championship, 7:45pm
(Posted: Friday, 10th January 2025)
Lee Feeney expects Friday night’s top-of-the-table blockbuster between his Bangor side and Limavady United to be a stern test of the Seasiders’ credentials.
The Playr-Fit Championship leaders host the second-placed side, with the teams split by just six points in a game Feeney is understandably determined not to lose.
Extending the margin at the top to nine points and following up a 2-1 victory after extra-time over Newington in the Irish Cup last Saturday is an incredible carrot for Bangor, but Limavady are also high in spirit after stunning Irish League champions Larne 1-0 in the shock of the last round thanks to Tiarnan Boorman’s 114th-minute winner.
Paul Owens’ Roesiders are also unbeaten in six in the league, winning four, but Bangor’s best performance was arguably in the recent meeting of the sides when Robbie Garrett, Matthew Ferguson and a Tiarnan Boorman own goal helped them to a 3-0 win at the Rathmore Road Showgrounds on a cold, foggy Tuesday night in mid-November.
Feeney knows his charges must be at their best once again if they are to claim the maximum spoils in this encounter.
“It’s a big game, and it’s up to us now to carry the momentum from the Irish Cup back into the league.
“The Irish Cup will be at the back of our minds of a while now – there’s a lot of football to be played between now and then, and it’s important we don’t lose games, certainly.
“It’s also about having a bit more clinical edge, starting with Friday night. We’re expecting to face quality opposition who’ve got good players all across their team who can hurt you.
“They’ll be on a high after beating Larne in the Irish Cup too, so they’ll definitely have their confidence up and it’ll be a tough game.”
(Posted: Thursday, 9th January 2025)
Bangor have made a third signing of the winter window, with Jack Reilly’s arrival from Newington following Ballyclare Comrades duo Michael Morgan and Liam Hassin. Reilly is a Premier Intermediate League and Steel and Sons Cup champion with the Swans and started in the recent Irish Cup Fifth Round meeting against the Seasiders on Saturday.
The Belfast-based 23-year-old is a left-sided defender who can operate both at centre-back and left-back and has been a regular at the ‘Ton in both the Playr-Fit Championship and the third-tier, scoring against Bangor in a 5-0 win for his side at Clandeboye Park in April 2022.
In addition to that, he featured in both league meetings to date between the sides this term and was regularly called upon by Conor Crossan and Paul Hamilton to produce the goods, doing so to a consistent standard.
And with over 100 appearances under his belt for Newington since joining from Rosario in the summer of 2021, Reilly has impressive experience for his age and now makes the move to the seaside to link up with Lee Feeney’s panel.
Welcome to Bangor, Jack!
(Posted: Thursday, 9th January 2025)
Bangor have confirmed the arrival of Liam Hassin to Clandeboye Park as the club’s second signing of the January transfer window, signing an 18-month contract. The 23-year-old, a central midfielder by trade but also able to play in the defensive line, joins from Ballyclare Comrades and follows frontman Michael Morgan in making the move from Dixon Park to the seaside this January.
The Larne man counts the Invermen and Carrick Rangers among his former employers prior to joining Ballyclare in 2020, previously being part of Tiernan Lynch’s Championship-winning Larne side as a teenager in 2019 having come through their Academy ranks.
After joining Ballyclare, Hassin went on to make over 100 appearances for the club, only failing to play in the full 90 minutes in one game for the Comrades this season. He scored against Newry City in a 3-1 victory in October, his one goal to date this season of 15 he netted in his time at the club, and drew acclaim for his performances while forging a reputation as a hardworking and all-rounded midfielder.
Now, he has signed a contract until June 2026 to become the latest addition to Lee Feeney’s panel at Bangor, with hopes high among management and fans alike that he can help the Yellows make further strides in the coming months.
Welcome to Bangor, Liam!
(Posted: Wednesday, 8th January 2025)
Lee Feeney piled the praise on debutant Michael Morgan and believes he will only get better after the teenage striker marked his Bangor debut with a superbly taken goal in the 2-1 Irish Cup Fifth Round victory over Newington on Saturday.
The 19-year-old signed from Ballyclare Comrades in midweek and required just 10 minutes to open his account for the Seasiders with the opener against the Swans, where the former Cliftonville youth player previously played on loan.
He latched onto a loose ball and drove towards goal, trapping the ball under his spell before picking out the bottom left with a clever strike to break the deadlock at Clandeboye Park.
Although Robbie Morrow put the ‘Ton back on level terms just six minutes later and extra-time was forced, Marty Bradley finished the job for Bangor and Feeney waxed lyrical about his new frontman Morgan in the aftermath.
“He took his goal really well, it was a great finish. He took the loose ball in his stride and just kept running with it.
“He showed brilliant control, he was brave, got in at the goalkeeper and finished really well.
“I moved him a bit deeper into midfield in the second half and I had no issues over that, he kept running and closing people down and he was heavily involved in the play.
“I took him off as I felt he was tiring a bit – he said to me he felt a bit of an injury, too, so that was a precautionary change, but I was really pleased with how he did.
“His performance fully deserved a goal and he got what he deserved. He was hardworking, his attitude, the runs he was making and his link-up play was fantastic.
“The growth in him… there’s so much growth, he has so much room to grow. He’s only going to get better, he has so much potential.
“He’s only 19 years old and he has bucketloads of ability, I rate him as one of the best players for his age in this country and there’s loads in his game that he can work on and improve, too, so he’s only going to get better.”
On a day when Ards, Annagh United and Limavady United all toppled top-flight opposition in Ballymena United, Portadown and Larne respectively, Feeney says he warned his charges of the possibility of defeat as soon as Newington’s name came out of the hat.
Conor Crossan brought former Bangor striker Daire Rooney back to his ranks this week and sprung him from the bench in this encounter, but Feeney was pleased with a professional rearguard effort that restricted their visitors’ opportunities.
In saying that, he wants a greater clinical edge – shown in recent displays and on Saturday as the Seagulls enjoyed the greater of the chances as Evan Ovendale was relatively untested by comparison.
“When the draw came out, that was the first thing I said to the players – they can beat us, they can quite easily beat us.
“They’re a good side, they’re in the same league as us, they’d been on a bit of a run in the league and they would have come in believing they can beat us – and rightly so.
“In the cup, there’s always going to be shocks. We’ve seen it there with Annagh, Ards and obviously Limavady, they all beat opposition from the league above, so I knew that there was always a chance we could be beaten.
“For me, it’s about winning the game, and I felt we were deserved winners. We had enough chances to win it in normal time, but we showed good character to go right to the end.
“I didn’t think they had many chances in the game. There was one in the second half when Daire Rooney, he’d come off the bench and he had a chance at the far post that he maybe should’ve scored.
“Even the goal, I would put that down more to poor defending from us, they made the run down the left and got the cross in and we should’ve dealt with it better in my eyes.
“But we created more than enough to win the game and we tested their goalkeeper on a lot of occasions, we’ve just lacked clinical edge recently – it’s the same as Annagh, the same as Ards and even going back to the Armagh game, we’ve created lots of chances and we’ve not been putting games to bed.
“But I’m not worried because we are creating the chances, we are dominating games and I can see we’re looking a bit closer to what we were when we had that winning run.
“We dug deep, kept going and we’re glad to get our names in the hat for the next round.”
Bangor are at home to Annagh, who beat Portadown 3-2 in a local derby on Saturday, and Feeney says he and Annagh boss and close friend Ciaran McGurgan are expecting a tricky tie.
“I was actually speaking to the Annagh manager, we’re both happy enough with the draw.
“From our perspective, it’s a home tie and it’s winnable, it could’ve been worse – and he thinks the same, it could’ve been worse.
“From my point of view, it’s a great opportunity to get through to the next round and it’s shaping up to be a really good cup tie when it does come around.
“It’ll be a tough game, as we know from Monday night (a 4-3 win for Annagh, who came back from 3-1 down) and from every time we’ve played Annagh, we have to work hard to get through to the next round against a really good side.
“But that’ll be in the back of our minds for a while, there’s still a lot of football to be played between now and then.”
(Posted: Monday, 6th January 2025)
The Seasiders will play Annagh United at Clandeboye Park in the next round of the Irish Cup.
(Posted: Saturday, 4th January 2025)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Bangor made it through to the Sixth Round of the Irish Cup with a 2-1 after extra-time victory over Newington at Clandeboye Park.
The Seasiders were forced into an additional half an hour by their Playr-Fit Championship rivals but sealed the deal when Marty Bradley handed the hosts a slot in the last-16 for a third consecutive season.
This came after Michael Morgan – signed in the week from Ballyclare Comrades – marked his debut with a goal from the start against a side he was previously on loan at from Cliftonville, with that being cancelled out by the Swans’ Robbie Morrow in the first half with it staying 1-1 right until the end of the 90 minutes.
But Bradley ensured there was no upset in this clash of top against bottom in the second-tier and Lee Feeney’s men go on to face Annagh United in Round Six, who despatched their local rivals Portadown 3-2 at the BMG Arena.
Livewire Morgan took just 10 minutes to open his account in yellow and blue, connecting to a loose pass by the ‘Ton and racing in at Dean Smyth, coolly converting into the bottom left corner to put the home side in front.
But Newington were level just six minutes later. An attack down the left ended in a cross that picked out Morrow at the far post, and he picked out the bottom right past Evan Ovendale’s dive that restored parity – as it would remain until the end of normal time.
Bangor had piled the pressure for much of the second half, though, and their perseverance paid in the additional period. Reece Neale’s cross-field pass found Bradley, who controlled the ball and slid under Smyth right on the stroke of half-time of extra-time to give the Seasiders the initiative once more.
Despite controversy as it appeared the midfielder had used his arm to trap the ball under his spell, the goal stood and Bangor saw out their lead to book their passage into Round Six.
BANGOR TEAM:
E.Ovendale, R.Neale, K.Owens, C.Byers, K.Reid(M.Davidson), T.Mulvenna, M.Bradley, L.Harrison(T.Mathieson), B.Cushnie(B.Arthurs), M.Ferguson(S.Redford), M.Morgan(S.McArthur).
Subs: B.Fry, M.Halliday
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 10th January 2025 - BANGOR v LIMAVADY UNITED, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 8:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 4th January 2025)
NOTE: SEASON TICKETS ARE NOT VALID IN THE IRISH CUP
Lee Feeney is taking nothing for granted when Bangor face fellow Playr-Fit Championship side Newington in the Fifth Round of the Clearer Water Irish Cup this weekend. Feeney has great respect for the Swans and feels their position at the bottom of the second-tier is a false reflection of the quality they have at their disposal.
Conor Crossan’s side also have previous in terms of getting the better of Bangor in the cups, with the ‘Ton eliminating Feeney’s Seagulls from both the Steel and Sons Cup (5-3) and Intermediate Cup (3-0) in 2021/22 on their way to winning the Premier Intermediate League.
Insisting that going far in the Irish Cup is a stated aim for Bangor, who have reached the Sixth Round in each of the past two seasons, Feeney is further driven by the desire to make amends for Monday night’s chastening 4-3 reverse at Annagh United and hopes this is the game where his side find their rhythm again.
“We always take the Irish Cup seriously, no matter who we’re playing. It’s a prestigious competition to be involved in and it’s always an objective of the club to go far in it.
“We’re happy with the draw. We’ve had good draws at this stage in the last couple of years in terms of them being home draws and against so-called winnable opposition.
“But we’re expecting a tough game. Newington are in their position falsely in my eyes; they are a good side and in a position in the table that doesn’t reflect the quality that they have.
“We beat them before (2-0 on December 6) and we had to work really hard for it, it’s been a tough battle whenever we’ve played them.
“It’s also obviously a chance to make amends (from Monday night) and we need to be really up for it this weekend to get through to the next round and get ourselves back on track.
“Every setback we’ve had, we’ve come back stronger out the other side, and I fully believe we will get back into our rhythm again, and this is the first opportunity to go and do that.”
(Posted: Friday, 3rd January 2025)
Lewis Harrison, Reece Neale and Tiarnan Mulvenna have all signed 18-month contract extensions with Bangor FC.
Bangor FC Chairman Graham Bailie said: “The board of directors are delighted that Lewis, Reece and Tiarnan have committed their future to Bangor until June 2026. This is a further statement from the club that we are trying to deliver success on the field and take the club back to the highest level of football in Northern Ireland.
“We have a talented and committed squad that is pushing to achieve on the field. All these players want to play a key role in bringing success to Bangor FC.”
Bangor FC manager Lee Feeney said: “Getting these contact extensions signed represents an important boost for the club at this stage of the season.
“All of these players are highly influential at Bangor and I believe they will all continue to get stronger and improve with the Seasiders.”
Lee continued: “All three players have played consistently well this term, and it was important to get these contracts settled quickly. We are really pleased that all three players have committed their future to the club.”
Lee concluded: “I’m trying to build a squad to push on in the Championship and beyond. The management team and players want to keep improving and build on what we do each week. All the lads are feeling positive, which is good, but we need to keep focussed as we want to make this a special season."
OTHER TRANSFER NEWS - HOWARD BEVERLAND
Howard Beverland has left Bangor and completed a transfer to Dundela.
We thank Howard for everything since he joined the Seasiders in January 2024 and wish him well for the future.
(Posted: Friday, 3rd January 2025)
Lee Feeney snapped up a long-term target in Michael Morgan and believes the teenage striker is someone who will bring excitement and an extra dimension to the Bangor squad.
The Seasiders boss has drafted in the 19-year-old from Ballyclare Comrades and says he is impressed by Morgan’s energy and endeavour in his viewings of him.
As fate would have it, Morgan scored the very first goal Bangor conceded on their return to the Playr-Fit Championship – a fine finish for the Comrades in a 3-2 win for the Dixon Park club – and Feeney tips the Cliftonville Academy product to weave magic in yellow and blue.
He is eligible to face Newington – where he also spent time on loan earlier in his career – in the Irish Cup Fifth Round meeting at Clandeboye Park this weekend, and Feeney believes Bangor fans will be brought off their seats by what Morgan has to offer.
“Michael’s a player I’ve wanted to bring in for a long time, we’ve been watching him for a long time.
“I wanted to give a bit of freshness into the squad in this transfer window and Michael’s a player who’ll give us that.
“He gives us something a bit different to what we already have. He’s hardworking, he’s got a great work ethic, tenacious, great attitude, he’s somebody who can get you off your seat.
“I think the Bangor fans will really warm to him, I think he’ll excite them and I’m looking forward to seeing him on the pitch in a Bangor shirt.”
Welcome to Bangor, Michael!
(Posted: Thursday, 2nd January 2025)
Stephen McGuinness has returned to Cliftonville after the Premiership side recalled the 21 year old from his loan spell.
McGuinness made 18 appearances for the Seasiders, scoring one goal.
We thank Stephen for his efforts and wish him well for the rest of the season.
(Posted: Thursday, 2nd January 2025)
New Year cheer was in understandably short supply for Bangor boss Lee Feeney after Monday night’s 4-3 defeat at Annagh United as the Seasiders supremo reflected on a December that arguably flattered to deceive.
The Yellows picked up seven points out of 15 thanks to two wins, two losses and a draw in the Playr-Fit Championship and a common buzz phrase of Feeney’s came to the fore in his assessment of the month.
He feels his side haven’t been as “strong in both boxes” as they should’ve been, following on from an unbeaten November which saw 16 points accumulated out of a possible 18, and was left to rue the individual mistakes that dogged Bangor’s reverse at the BMG Arena.
It especially stung for Feeney because he had no qualms with how the Championship leaders – albeit with a reduced lead of six points to second-placed Limavady United – were handling things up until Stephen Murray netted Annagh’s second goal on 78 minutes that sparked Annagh’s revival.
A Matthew Ferguson brace sandwiched Ben Arthurs’ bullet header midway through the first half, with Ryan Swan reducing the arrears to 2-1 at half-time only for Ferguson to restore the two-goal margin with 16 minutes to go.
But after substitute Murray’s first, Swan levelled it with his second goal shortly after before a mistake at the back as James Taylor kicked out provided Murray with a chance to win it that he duly seized – and Feeney counted the cost of it afterwards.
“It’s about being strong in both boxes, and we’ve been really lacking in both boxes lately. My head’s in a spin thinking about how we get out of this rut that we’re on at the moment.
“Looking back at last month, we weren’t as good as we could’ve been, and that’s where we’ve been really falling short.
“We’ve now only won one of the last four, and if you look back at all the games going back to Armagh (a 1-1 draw on November 30) – barring Institute when we were just poor all round – we’ve put in a decent performance but been poor in both boxes and it’s made a difference.
“Newington, it was a hard game, we battled well but weren’t at our best. Obviously, we were just poor against Institute. Ballinamallard, again, we won but we made it hard for ourselves and we made silly mistakes.
“Against Ards, I was really pleased with the way we came out after going down to 10 men, but with the chances we had, we still had enough to win the game and were disappointed not to come away with three points.
“And Annagh, we could’ve been four or five up at half-time and I thought we gave them very little, and then we were punished in the last 15 minutes for individual mistakes.
“We were in a really good position early on, 2-0 up, and then they got one back, there was a bit of luck with the way it fell and we made our own mistakes in the build-up to it, too.
“But I thought the second half, we came out and I felt we controlled the play, we created the chances, we got the third goal with 15 minutes to go and if any team looked like they were going to get the next goal, I thought it was us.
“We came out focused, we showed a good mentality coming out and I was pleased with how we approached the second half coming out at half-time and were in a great position heading into the closing stages.
“But they got one back and we just didn’t deal with it. You can put it down to game management, individual mistakes – whatever it was, we just didn’t see it out.”
Despite this, the Seasiders chief was pleased with how his side acquitted themselves for the majority of the contest before that Annagh late show. He hailed Ferguson and Arthurs’ link-up and felt the defence had largely restricted Annagh’s chance creation, and the boss hopes that this is the fuel that drives Bangor’s improvement and growth going forward.
“You know what, though, there were so many positives in our performance.
“Spike scored a couple of goals in the game and looked back to his best, the way him and Ben were linking up was really good.
“Ben was holding the ball up and creating chances, we were putting them under pressure and I thought we were the better side in the game.
“Defensively, they weren’t creating chances… it was more off our mistakes that they were getting at us.
“The third goal, it’s a good run from Ryan Swan and he cut inside, that was a chance they created but he shouldn’t be scoring from that angle.
“They had another one where they won the ball, laid it off to Philly Donnelly and his shot was over the crossbar, but barring that, I thought we defended well – it was off individual mistakes that they were causing us problems.
“I thought we controlled large parts of the game, we had good territory and that’s what we need to take into our games going forward if we want to get back to winning ways.
“Afterwards, I know we’ve a team of winners, the way our changing room was, I hadn’t seen our changing room like that in a long, long time.
“They went home and they were hurting, and I know they’re still hurting, I’m still hurting, I can’t wait to get back on the training pitch.
“But make no mistake about it, we will bounce back from this. It’s all part of the learning curve, too, we have to deal with setbacks and I have no doubt we will bounce back.
“Hopefully, we’ll hit back, and if we achieve what we want to achieve, then this game will be forgotten about in the wider scheme of things. That’s what I’m hoping.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 1st January 2025)
As we say goodbye to 2024, the Bangor FC Board thanks everyone who has been part of our journey since 2017. We hope that 2025 brings great joy to all, both on and off-the-field and to your families.
2024 was a positive year for the Club as we narrowly missed out on a Premiership play-off in only our first year back in the Championship. Now on the eve of the new year, we are sitting aloft in the Championship and pushing ahead for Premiership status.
With that in mind, we firstly thank our senior footballers and their management team, headed up by manager Lee.
We must also acknowledge the great off-the-field work that happens throughout the year. This includes our senior and junior academies, their family support and their dedicated coaches. We also thank our matchday volunteers, including the turnstiles operators, matchday stewards, security team, media team, hospitality teams (managing the tuckshops and matchday boardroom), ground maintenance team and medical team. Without them, we don’t have a quality matchday experience that we all receive, and we don’t have a football club that can push for promotion. Our volunteers are the heartbeat of the club and people that we don’t take for granted. We appreciate all their efforts, no matter how big or small.
The Bangor FC Social Club continues to thrive, due to the dedication of our manager, his excellent staff, and the Social Club Chairman. The Social Club now has three top class lounges – the members sports bar, the front function room and the new VIP/players lounge, which doubles up as a small function room.
We also thank our club and team sponsors and advertisers and wish them all a successful 2025 in their business ventures. With the help of our commercial and advertising team, more and more businesses are supporting the club and have bought into the community ethos at Clandeboye and where we want to go. We look forward to working with them throughout 2025 and seeing how we can strengthen our relationship.
Finally, hoping not to have left anyone out, we thank our supporters, the life blood of any football club. The support from the Bangor fans this season has been superb, yet again. We have had a year with some ups and downs, but the constant has been the positive atmosphere created by our supporters at the matches. Our supporters are travelling in numbers across Northern Ireland to watch the team and, on many occasions, we are outnumbering the home fans. We had over 900 Bangor fans attending our Boxing Day derby. This is an incredible achievement, considering where we were in 2017. Our supporter base has grown year on year and is now averaging over 600 per home match. It is double what it was just 3 years ago and will continue to grow, as we all will at Bangor FC.
Happy and Prosperous New Year to you all.
The Bangor FC Board
(Posted: Tuesday, 31st December 2024)
Bangor’s 2024 ended on a frustrating note after letting slip a two-goal lead with 15 minutes to go to lose 4-3 at Annagh United at the BMG Arena on Monday.
The Seasiders looked in command, with a Ben Arthurs strike midway through the first half sandwiching Matthew Ferguson’s brace – his second on 74 minutes putting the visitors 3-1 up – but Annagh battled back in what remained to take all three points on a sobering night.
Bangor had the deadlock broken inside two minutes when Arthurs drew former Seasider Jason Craughwell off his line in the Annagh goal, squaring for strike partner Ferguson to convert the opener from close range.
It got better on 22 minutes when Arthurs himself applied the finishing touch, bulleting home a perfectly weighted Tiarnan Mulvenna corner to put Lee Feeney’s men two to the good.
Annagh, however, pulled one back before the interval when the ball hung in the air and fell kindly for Ryan Swan to bear down on goal, rounding James Taylor and slotting home with Stephen McGuinness and Kyle Owens unable to stop the ball from going over the line.
Bangor kept their cool going into the second half and looked to have all but rubber-stamped victory when Callum Byers – introduced at half-time for Caomhan McGuinness – floated one forward into Ferguson, who picked out the bottom left with unerring accuracy on 74 minutes.
But from here came the Annagh resurgence. Four minutes later, Stephen Murray’s cross-come-shot had the beating of Taylor before Swan completed his brace on 84 minutes, a placed effort across goal picking out the bottom right to haul Ciaran McGurgan’s side level.
What followed was Annagh’s coup de grace – an unwanted one for the Seasiders. Taylor’s kick-out was intercepted by Swan, who played in Murray, and he placed into an open net with just minutes remaining for what proved to be the winner on the Tandragee Road.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, C.McGuinness(C.Byers), K.Owens, S.McGuinness, L.Harrison, T.Mulvenna, M.Ferguson, B.Cushnie, B.Arthurs(S.McArthur), M.Bradley(T.Mathieson).
Subs: E.Ovendale, K.Reid, M.Halliday, M.Davidson.
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 4th January 2025 - BANGOR v NEWINGTON, Irish Cup, Clandeboye Park, 3:00PM.
(Posted: Monday, 30th December 2024)
Reece Neale says Bangor travel to Annagh United in their final match of 2024 in a much different place from their last trip to face the Portadown club in August.
Back then, the Seasiders were defeated in controversial circumstances when Kenny Ximenes struck a late breakaway winner for Annagh after an apparent foul on Ben Cushnie was waved away in the build-up.
Lee Feeney’s men since overcame Annagh – who they also drew 0-0 with at the BMG Arena on the final day of last season as both sides missed out on a promotion play-off – with a 2-1 comeback success at Clandeboye Park back in October, with Ciaran McGurgan’s men hoping to respond with a victory of their own here.
But as vice-captain Neale looked back on that last trip to the Tandragee Road, he insists that plenty has changed as the Bangor squad is more gelled than before and is confident of three points to send the Yellows faithful into 2025 happy.
“I think it’s different circumstances now. Back then, it was the second game of the season, we had three, four, five new bodies in the team and a couple of boys out of position.
“We were still trying to figure out where we were as a team and what way we were going to play as a team.
“So now, we’re obviously more of a complete team than we were before, so I’m expecting a different game this time around and, hopefully, we can pick up the three points.”
(Posted: Sunday, 29th December 2024)
Reece Neale admits despite Bangor playing over an hour with 10 men on Boxing Day, a 0-0 draw in the traditional North Down Derby against Ards still felt like a defeat.
Despite Robbie Garrett’s 27th-minute sending-off leaving the Seasiders down a man for the majority of the match, Lee Feeney’s men still came out on the front foot and routinely tested Alex Moore’s goal, with the Ards goalkeeper making several big stops to keep the score level.
Moore batted away Scott McArthur’s low attempt with his legs as Bangor countered almost immediately after midfielder Garrett’s dismissal, also denying Ben Arthurs on a handful of occasions and tipping a Matthew Ferguson effort past the post just after the hour mark.
Perhaps he saved his best for last when he plucked Arthurs’ header effectively on his own goalline in second-half stoppage-time, and while vice-captain Neale was left frustrated as Bangor had to settle for a share of the spoils, it was that attacking intent which made him so.
With two-thirds of the Playr-Fit Championship’s pre-split done, Bangor are still in a healthy place after 22 matches at the top of the table – nine points clear of second-place Limavady United, a gap that will be reduced to eight should Dundela beat H&W Welders on the 27th. A slight dip in results and performances in the last month following an imperious run of 11 wins in 12 league matches hasn’t gone unnoticed, but the Seasiders have still lost only one of the last five since the 1-1 home draw with Armagh City on November 30. Eight points in 15 in spite of that isn’t a bad return, and defender Neale is counting on this resilient performance in tough circumstances to inspire an upturn in form going forward.“It’s still frustrating for us (not winning). You saw Ards there, they were all cheering, all high-fiving; we’re walking in there as if we’ve just been beat.
“That says everything you need to know about us as a club, as a team.
“Still with 10 men, watching that game, you wouldn’t have thought we only had 10 men, but it is what it is; if you play an hour of the game with 10 men, a point’s better than no points at the end of the day. But three would’ve been ideal.
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t remember James Taylor actually making any saves, a couple of corners in the first half was as busy as he was.
“Second half, they caused us very little problems but, as I say, a point’s better than no points, especially when you’re down to 10 men.
“But we’re going through a wee bit of a blip, we’ve dropped points, we haven’t had this for a little while so, hopefully, we’ll turn it round.”
“When we were down to 10 men, I thought to a man, we were very decent.
“We still could’ve been better in the final third but, when you’re down to 10 men, it’s hard to commit bodies at times.
“But I keep going back to a point’s a point with 10 men with over an hour to go, but we’ll move on; the games come thick and fast from here.
“That’s the thing, too. We haven’t really been playing well, but we’ve still been picking up wins – obviously, we’ve dropped a few points, but that’s going to happen.
“Every team goes through those stages throughout the season, but the good thing is we’re still keeping clean sheets, we’re still picking up points.
“It could be worse, you could come away from here with nothing and then the next thing, it’s doom and gloom.
“We’re still down about not winning today, don’t get me wrong, but we can be upbeat about the performance with 10 men, so we’ll kick on.
“There’s still a long way to go, we can’t get too ahead of ourselves, feet on the ground and we’ll see what happens, we’ll keep battling right to the end and, hopefully, we’ll end up where we need to be.”
In terms of the approach after going down to 10 men, 26-year-old Neale insisted it’s not in the players’ nature to assume an all-out defensive approach.
While he pointed to the 1-0 win at H&W Welders on November 23 – Garrett was sent off for a second yellow and Bangor put everyone behind the ball thereafter to defend the lead – as an example of where they did have to sit in, it was a different situation this time around and the players kept on the front foot throughout.
Neale added that the least those on the pitch could do for the fans was show their bottle and fight for every ball – and he hopes the near-1000 Bangor supporters packed inside Clandeboye Park were fulfilled in that respect.
“It’s not in our nature, we’ll never sit back and not go for the game.
“The only time that happened was when we played the Welders with 10 men, but it was completely different circumstances today.
“I think it showed that we are a top side, even with 10 men, and we’re probably a bit unlucky not to come away with three points in the end.
“But for the fans, as a fan, all you want is hard work, for the boys to be putting a shift in because sometimes the quality isn’t always there and it’s not going to be all the time.
“But as long as you’re giving your all and putting your tackles in and you’re winning your balls, that’s all you can ask as a fan, and hopefully we made them proud with what we put into the game.
“Us at the back did our job okay, we got our clean sheet and hopefully they keep coming, we’re happy with that.”
(Posted: Friday, 27th December 2024)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Bangor battled to a 0-0 stalemate in the Boxing Day North Down Derby with Ards and remain in a good position at the top of the Playr-Fit Championship having played over an hour with 10 men on the pitch at Clandeboye Park
The main flashpoint in the first half was that red card that was dished out to Robbie Garrett just before the half-hour. An altercation in the middle of the park saw Aidan Steele go down and the referee Mark McKenna was quick to brandish the red card to show the veteran midfielder his marching orders.
Unperturbed, a direct Seasiders counter resulted in a low Scott McArthur shot having been played in by Ben Arthurs which Ards stopper Moore got down to bat away with his feet. Ards' chances sourced mainly from Eamon Scannell corners of varying degrees of danger that the Seasiders rearguard managed to handle going into the interval.
A couple of Ben Arthurs headers that looped not far over Moore's crossbar likewise counted among the Bangor chances, with Stephen McGuinness drawing a low stop from Moore right at the start of the second period.
Arthurs almost pounced on a moment of Moore indecision on 53 minutes when the Ards keeper just got in to punch a bouncing ball behind for a corner and Marty Bradley drew a routine save with a header four minutes later.
Matthew Ferguson was drafted on and almost made an instant impact, with Moore parrying a low shot wide from Arthurs' layoff on 62 minutes, with Ards captain Patrick Cafolla then racing up the other way before dragging wide of James Taylor's goal with the midfield area of the pitch opened up.
Bangor thought they won it at the death when Arthurs headed Bradley's cross in injury-time and, although it looked over the line from some angles, the ruling on the pitch was that Moore just about dealt with it effectively on his goalline and it was the last meaningful action of this latest derby.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, K.Owens, C.McGuinness, S.McGuinness(T.Mathieson), L.Harrison, R.Garrett[SENT OFF], M.Bradley, B.Cushnie(M.Ferguson), B.Arthurs, S.McArthur(T.Mulvenna)
Subs: E.Ovendale, C.Byers, M.Halliday, K.Reid
NEXT MATCH
Monday, 30th December 2024 - Annagh United v Bangor, BMG Arena, Championship, 7:45pm
(Posted: Thursday, 26th December 2024)
If festive cheer was guaranteed for Christmas with Bangor’s 3-2 victory over Ballinamallard United on Saturday, keeping the North Down bragging rights in the traditional Boxing Day derby with Ards on Thursday would only add to the season’s greetings.
The Seasiders guaranteed they will be in top spot in the Playr-Fit Championship going into the New Year but, with Ards and a trip to Annagh United to follow next Monday, the players won’t want to relent with more valuable points on the line.
Bangor have also picked up 10 points out of the four derbies played since coming back to the Championship last season, but derbies are always one-off affairs where form tends to go out the window and the memorable 4-0 victory for the Yellows in the first game in August will be at the back of both teams’ minds going into this clash.
Either way, in what is a Bangor home game this Boxing Day, a win for Lee Feeney’s yellow and blue over John Bailie’s blue and red counterparts would see them move onto 50 points at the summit, and a big crowd is sure to flock to Clandeboye Park for what promises to be another great occasion for North Down football.
(Posted: Tuesday, 24th December 2024)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Bangor returned to winning ways on Saturday and gave supporters some festive cheer before Christmas with an injury-time winner to overcome Ballinamallard United 3-2 at Clandeboye Park.
Having twice been pegged back after initially taking the lead, the Seasiders clinched an important three points and hit stride again after the previous week’s disappointing 3-1 loss against Institute, moving up to 47 points at the top of the Playr-Fit Championship.
It also now means that, following the humbling 4-0 reverse in the first meeting of the sides at Ferney Park back in October, Bangor have beaten all of their league opponents at least once already this season.
The Yellows opened the scoring on 10 minutes when a short corner was worked into the feet of Robbie Garrett – the experienced midfielder back in the side after missing the Stute defeat through suspension – and he fired in through a crowd from just outside the box to put Lee Feeney’s men in the driving seat.
That lead lasted just 12 minutes, however, after finding the net from a corner in what was later credited as an own goal for Bangor goalkeeper Evan Ovendale.
Bangor seized back the lead on 39 minutes and ensured they had a lead to defend at half-time after Marty Bradley rose tall to head Reece Neale’s free-kick past Mallards goalkeeper Joel Little for the versatile midfielder’s first goal for the club.
But again, that lead didn’t last; Mark Stafford’s side grabbing their second goal 18 minutes from time with Darragh Stewart plundering home for the Fermanagh side and seemingly putting them on course for a share of the spoils.
But as the clock ticked into the net, there was a final twist in the tale when Kyle Owens rifled in after an initial Neale free-kick had bobbled in the area, bagging a potentially priceless three points for the hosts.
BANGOR TEAM:
E.Ovendale, R.Neale, K.Owens, C.McGuinness, K.Reid(C.Byers), R.Garrett, L.Harrison, M.Bradley, B.Cushnie, M.Ferguson(M.Halliday), S.McArthur(B.Arthurs).
Subs: J.Taylor, H.Beverland, R.Nixon, J.Hughes
NEXT MATCH
Thursday, 26th December - BANGOR v ARDS, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 21st December 2024)
Bangor look to return to winning ways this weekend when Ballinamallard United are the visitors to Clandeboye Park in the Playr-Fit Championship this weekend.
The Seasiders’ eight-game unbeaten run in the second-tier was cut last Saturday following the 3-1 reverse at Institute, but it’s an opportunity to make swift amends in front of the home fans and set up a strong end to 2024.
With Ards to come in the Boxing Day derby before a trip to Annagh United on December 30 rounds off the year, Lee Feeney’s men will guarantee their place on top of the pile on New Year’s Day should they defeat the Fermanagh outfit this Saturday.
It would also go some way to putting right the 4-0 defeat to Mark Stafford’s Mallards back in October, with that heavy reverse at Ferney Park sparking the two-month-long unbeaten run in the league that continued through November and ended with the defeat to Stute last week; Ben Cushnie’s late goal a consolation after earlier Caoimhin Porter, Mikhail Kennedy and Brendan McLaughlin finishes.
The motivation is high for the Yellows, who will look to gift-wrap three points as a welcome present for the fans in the last game before Christmas Day.
(Posted: Friday, 20th December 2024)
Ben Cushnie is counting on Bangor’s bouncebackability from losses to work in their favour again after Saturday’s disappointing 3-1 defeat to Institute.
Following a run of seven wins and a draw in the eight matches beforehand, there was reason for Lee Feeney’s men to be confident going into the game, but trips to the Brandywell have a stumbling block for the Yellows since their promotion back to the Playr-Fit Championship.
A flat display ended in defeat here, with Cushnie’s consolation eight minutes from time coming after Stute goals by Caoimhin Porter, Mikhail Kennedy and Brendan McLaughlin.
The forward, who netted his fifth strike of the season, feels the reverse should be a cue for Bangor to lift their game once more after a drop in performance levels in recent outings and added that the players will work hard to do just that.
“I think we were nowhere near our best today, and to be honest, the last few performances have been a step down for us from where we should be.
“We’ve been getting results, but we’ve not been where we should’ve been (performance-wise); maybe this result was coming. It’s a bit of a wake-up call, and maybe that’s what we needed.
“But we have to take it on the chin, and every time we’ve lost a game this season, we’ve come back better, so that’s what we need to work hard to do again in the next game.”
The first half-hour resembled something of a chess match, with Stute sat in a compact defensive shape while Bangor looked for ways to play around them to no real avail.
The hosts then turned the screw and Porter broke the deadlock on 32 minutes with a cushioned strike that nicked the underside of the bar on its way in – Dean Brown had cracked the post a couple of minutes earlier, too.
Kennedy’s header shortly after the restart doubled Stute’s advantage before substitute McLaughlin all but wrapped up the points with a quarter of an hour to go, with Institute countering rapidly and James Taylor initially superbly denying McLaughlin before he scrambled his own rebound over the line.
Cushnie’s placed half-volley gave Bangor an inroad, with Scott McArthur and Sonny Redford asking questions off the bench in the latter stages, but the former Glentoran man admitted Stute’s game-plan was hard to play through while adding Bangor didn’t find enough ways to carve them up.
“They’re well set up, they’re well-organised; it’s a big pitch, but they have a compact shape and it feels like a much smaller pitch when you’re playing against it.
“In saying that, it’s our responsibility to find the ways to get in and around them, and we weren’t able to do that, we didn’t play through them enough. We were trying to use the width but we weren’t able to break them down and they kind of slowed us down early.
“It’s frustrating, and you look back at the goals we conceded, especially the third goal… it’s from our own free-kick, we got hit on the counter-attack and we shouldn’t be conceding goals like that.
“We didn’t start the game well, they made themselves hard to play against and we were struggling to find a way through them, we weren’t creating the chances we needed to.
“Second half, again, they got the second goal and that put us on the back foot straight away, it’s obviously not the start to the half you want; it made it a lot harder for us coming out.
“But we didn’t give up, I don’t think you can say that we didn’t go to the final whistle.
“We got the late goal and I thought we gave it a go towards the end, the subs came on and offered us something different and we created one or two chances, but it just wasn’t to be.”
Cushnie insisted extenuating factors like injuries and bans are beyond people’s control and it’s only about what those on the pitch can do – and Bangor ultimately didn’t do enough to get anything from the game.
Bangor were missing Robbie Garrett (suspended) and Stephen McGuinness (thigh) on the day but, on a positive note, Tiarnan Mulvenna came on at half-time to make his first appearance since the worrying injury he sustained after the collision with H&W Welders goalkeeper Jack Mills three weeks ago.
23-year-old Cushnie, who started the game just behind Ben Arthurs and Matthew Ferguson up top, is now determined to knuckle down and put things right when Ballinamallard United – 4-0 winners over the Seasiders at Ferney Park back on October 12 – are the visitors to Clandeboye Park next Saturday.
“No, you can’t put the blame for any result or any performance on players who don’t play.
“You’ve players missing, but that’s an opportunity for other players to come in and make their claim for the shirt; it’s obviously down to those coming in to make the most of it.
“That’s football, injuries and suspensions are part and parcel of it, it’s as simple as we weren’t good enough collectively to get anything out of the game today.
“We’ve Ballinamallard next week and they were the last team to beat us, and they beat us badly that day, so I think it works both ways, we owe ourselves one from then and we owe ourselves one from today.
“We’ll get into our training sessions next week, heads down, fully focused on putting things right – as I said, every time we’ve been beaten this season, we’ve come back stronger, and we’ll just try and do that again next week.”
(Posted: Monday, 16th December 2024)
It proved a disappointing day in the North West for Bangor after a 3-1 defeat to Institute at the Ryan McBride Brandywell saw the Seasiders eight-game unbeaten run in the Playr-Fit Championship come to a frustrating end.
After a start to the game that saw neither team throw any real caution to the wind, it was Stute who turned the screw and upped the pace first and they tested the Bangor goal when Mikhail Kennedy headed straight at James Taylor on 20 minutes with a placed effort and it proved a sign of things to come.
Just before the half-hour, Dean Brown hit the right-hand post out of Taylor's reach and, immediately after, the hosts took the lead. A flighted ball in from the left was punched by Taylor only as far as advanced full-back Caoimhin Porter, who controlled and volleyed in off the underside of the bar on 32 minutes.
Bangor struggled to create chances but did threaten in first-half stoppage-time as Ben Cushnie placed one just past the post, and it gave hope to the supporters that better was on the horizon. But the second half didn't offer it initially; Kennedy heading home Stute's second and nipping in ahead of Kyle Owens to put past Taylor and increase the Seasiders' mountain to climb.
Lee Feeney had sprung Tiarnan Mulvenna from the bench and made a triple-sub as Sonny Redford, Scott McArthur and Callum Byers entered the fray, with the former two offering a bit more injection but still struggling to test Fintan Doherty in the Institute goal. Padraig Lynch forced a fingertip save from Taylor midway through the half to keep it at two.
But the resistance was broken again. On 76 minutes, a Reece Neale free-kick was hooked clear and Brendan McLaughlin led the charge, firstly forcing the save from Taylor but then trickling his own rebound home to compound a fairly miserable second period for the visitors. On 82 minutes, Cushnie placed well beyond Doherty to bring about hopes of a revival, but it only proved a consolation in the end.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale(K.Reid), K.Owens, C.McGuinness, T.Mathieson(T.Mulvenna), L.Harrison, M.Bradley, M.Davidson(C.Byers), B.Arthurs(S.McArthur), M.Ferguson(S.Redford), B.Cushnie.
Subs: E.Ovendale, H.Beverland
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 21st December 2024 - BANGOR v BALLINAMALLARD UNITED, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Sunday, 15th December 2024)
Bangor assistant boss John Douglas says the chance to claim a first victory at the Brandywell since the Seasiders’ return to the Championship should be motivation to pick up three more points on Saturday afternoon.
It’s a long trip to the north west for the Yellows when they face Institute, with a 1-1 draw in the post-split last season following an earlier 4-0 reverse on the road.
With Bangor having got back to winning ways with a 2-0 triumph at Newington last Friday night, back-to-back away victories are the target this week and Douglas expects his players to be driven in the pursuit of three points against Stute, who are ninth in the second-tier and reached the promotion play-off under Kevin Deery last term.
“Yeah, we haven’t beaten Institute up at their place since we’ve come back into the league. We drew in the split there last season, and then, obviously, we had a heavy defeat the first time that was a disappointing day for us.
“It’s not an easy place to go to and get a result and they’d obviously a very good season last year, we found it tough every time we went up there.
“I know it was satisfying for our players beating them at home earlier in the season because we did struggle against them last year.
“But we take each game as it comes, that’s always the way it is. Take it game by game, we have a good run of form behind us and the focus is just about winning the next one.”
It’s common knowledge now that the Championship throws up surprises every week, and underestimating any opponent could leave you with egg on your face.
But with Bangor on an eight-game unbeaten run in the league, winning seven of them, Douglas has no doubts over whether the Seasiders will be up for the fight this weekend.
“Absolutely you cannot (underestimate any team). Even on Friday night, I think Newington and the talent they have at their disposal belies where they are in the league.
“But the mentality of our players, they love winning, and you’ve seen in games when they’ve drawn, they’re not happy and come out of the dressing room feeling like it’s a defeat.
“That’s a good mentality to have, I think it’s something that really drives them on and, as I say, we’ve got back to winning ways and the challenge for us is just to keep that going.”
(Posted: Friday, 13th December 2024)
Bangor assistant manager John Douglas saluted a professional job from the players in testing conditions to pick up three points away to Newington last Friday night.
The 2-0 win came amid Storm Darragh’s wind and rain that swept through Northern Ireland over the weekend, and Douglas – leading the team as Lee Feeney served a touchline ban for an accumulation of yellow cards – said the three points were the most important thing. The bottom-placed Swans also braved the elements, putting up a fight and kept Seasiders stopper James Taylor on alert, but Matthew Ferguson’s opener just before the interval was followed by substitute Scott McArthur’s cherry on top in second-half stoppage-time to seal the three points.
It means that, accounting for Saturday’s results, Bangor retain a 10-point lead at the Playr-Fit Championship summit and sit on 44 points from 19 matches – exactly halfway through the league season – which is more than enough to satisfy Douglas.
“It definitely wasn’t the ideal conditions, it was stormy weather and it’s never the easiest to play in.
“I thought we handled things well; give credit to Newington, I thought they were very good, they battled and made it hard for us and we were made to work for it.
“It was a competitive game, and from our point of view, we’re just happy to go back up the road with the three points on the night.
“I thought our players did a professional job in tough conditions with the wind and rain and we’re up the road again looking back on a job well done.”
Feeney has stated in the past that results supersede the performances at this time of year in particular, and his No.2 Douglas is well aware of the challenges that come during the winter.
Aside from the weather, suspensions and injuries are also factors to account for. Bangor trio Marty Bradley, Lewis Harrison and Robbie Garrett have all recently served bans, while fellow midfielder Tiarnan Mulvenna is on the road to recovery, McArthur isn’t long back from a knee issue while Caomhan McGuinness also returned to the squad after being ruled out of the 1-1 draw with Armagh City through illness.
Douglas certainly doesn’t use this as an excuse, saying that it’s a dilemma every team in the league is likely to face while praising the mental fortitude of the squad to grind out results.
“Yeah, it’s always a wee bit trickier this time of year. You’re going to games and the weather can have an impact, it’s colder, there’s rain and ice and it does have an impact.
“We’ve a few things on our minds ourselves in terms of managing the injury front and suspensions, we’ve good options at our disposal but we’ve had a few bodies ruled out recently and we’ve had to chop and change at times.
“That’s why it’s important at this time of year, it’s about the three points more than anything because every team has to deal with those sorts of issues.
“Every team’s not going to be full-strength with the likes of suspensions kicking in or players getting injured, small niggly ones, and there’s nothing you can really do about that – you’ve just got to mentally approach each game the right way.
“It can be hard to get a consistent run of performances, but if we keep winning games – and we’ve won seven of the last eight now in the league, which is a nice run of form to be on around this time of year – and we keep consolidating where we are at the top of the league, then we can have no complaints.”
The festive season is a time of celebration, and Douglas added that he is keen for the players to continue winning games on the pitch while also allowing time to enjoy the festivities off it.
It’s a visit to the Ryan McBride Brandywell on Saturday when the Seasiders face Institute, and Douglas – approaching his fifth Christmas at Bangor since arriving with Feeney in June 2020 – is targeting more cheer for the players and supporters by picking up another three points in the north west.
“I’d say a lot goes through players’ minds at this time of year as well, you know, they’ve the Christmas shopping and maybe a few nights out where they can enjoy themselves, it’s the festive season and there’s a lot to like about it.
“As I say, on the pitch, for us, it’s about picking up three points and taking each game as it comes, and we’ve a nice, short trip next week to Institute where we want to do the same.”
(Posted: Monday, 9th December 2024)
Bangor got December off to a flyer with a return to winning ways in the Playr-Fit Championship, braving the wet and windy conditions to defeat Newington 2-0 at Inver Park.
Goals on the stroke of the half-time and full-time whistles by Matthew Ferguson and Scott McArthur secured the three points in a top-versus-bottom battle and provisionally puts the Seasiders 13 points clear at the second-tier summit.
With Lee Feeney touchline-banned due to an accumulation of bookings, John Douglas was in charge for this one, with Bangor moving ahead on 45 minutes after Ben Arthurs – making his 200th appearance for the club – laid off strike partner Ferguson to convert, sliding in front of several recovering Swans defenders to prod home while stopper Dean Smyth was off his line.
It was Ferguson’s 15th of the campaign and ended a mini dry spell of four games without a goal that put the Yellows in front at the interval.
From there, Bangor continued to probe for the second goal, with Reece Neale drawing the save from Smyth four minutes after the restart before Gerard Storey brought a good palm from James Taylor just before the hour mark.
Smyth then denied Ben Cushnie, but substitute McArthur – recently back from injury and easing his way into the side again – did apply the finishing touch three minutes into added-time after fellow replacement Max Davidson did good work to lay him off.
He shot high into the net after the defender had put it on a plate to convert and ultimately made it an eighth game unbeaten in the Championship for Feeney’s men, lifting up to 44 points in the standings.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, K.Owens, C.Byers, S.McGuinness(M.Davidson), L.Harrison, R.Garrett, B.Cushnie(C.McGuinness), M.Ferguson, B.Arthurs(S.McArthur), T.Mathieson.
Subs: E.Ovendale, M.Bradley, S.Redford, K.Reid
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 14th December 2024 - INSTITUTE v BANGOR, Championship, Brandywell, 3:00pm
(Posted: Friday, 6th December 2024)
Marty Bradley lamented a frustrating end to proceedings for Bangor as Armagh City rescued a point at the death at Clandeboye Park but has vowed the focus has turned straight away to making a winning return at Newington on Friday night.
The Seasiders were leading 1-0 thanks to Lewis Harrison’s deadlock-breaker on 74 minutes and looked like they would see out a sixth league win from six for November, but Armagh had other ideas and Conor Mullen bagged a last-gasp leveller four minutes into added-time.
It always has a feeling of two points dropped in those situations and, although versatile fan favourite Bradley is pleased with the Yellows’ 10-point cushion – reduced from 12 on Saturday – at the top of the Playr-Fit Championship, he wants to savour the sweet taste of victory again as soon as possible.
“My heart’s broke, we didn’t play well; didn’t even deserve to win, to be fair.
“But when you’re 1-0 up with 20 seconds left, it’s a bit of a kick up the backside, so we’re disappointed.
“But we’re back next week, Newington next week and we’ll get back on track.
“Thankfully, the results we’ve got earlier in the month have put us in a strong position, and being 10 points clear coming into Christmas is brilliant.
“But it’s still a long way to go. This league, you know what it’s like by now, bottom beats top randomly every other week, so we just have to keep going, just keep going the way we have been going – get back to winning ways again next week.”
Lee Feeney had to adjust the Bangor line-up from the hard-fought 1-0 triumph at Harland and Wolff Welders the previous week.
While goalscorer Harrison was back from suspension after five yellow cards ruled him out of the Welders win, Robbie Garrett’s sending-off in that game plus Tiarnan Mulvenna’s injury-enforced absence following his well-documented early collision with shot-stopper Jack Mills forced the Seasiders supremo’s hand in midfield.
The dynamic Bradley has been deployed both in his more natural position in the centre of the park and, more commonly of late, right wing-back, covering most of Clandeboye Park’s artificial blades of glass on Saturday as it were.
The in-form Caomhan McGuinness was also out of action in defence due to illness with Callum Byers coming in for him and, although it was not to result in three points, Belfast man Bradley – who is closing in on a year with the club – still picked out positives in the performance.
“We had to adapt, obviously in the midfield with Tiarnan being out last week and Ribs (Garrett) being suspended, but I still thought we were solid enough.
“I’ve had to play a few different positions myself, playing as a wing-back or in midfield this season, a few new experiences for me, but you’ve still got to find ways to get results.
“They didn’t have many chances in the game, I thought we had the better chances and we had more of them as well.
“We could’ve won by three or four on another day with the chances we created, to be fair – give credit to their keeper as well, he had a good game, but that’s just the way football goes, isn’t it?
“But, saying that, we’ve become used to winning, and for us, it’s about getting straight back to winning ways – that’s the plan.”
(Posted: Monday, 2nd December 2024)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Tom Mathieson feels Bangor’s agonising 1-1 draw with Armagh City should be a springboard to take it up a level, despite ending a fantastic November with 16 points from 18 in the Playr-Fit Championship and a 10-point lead at the top of the table.
The home town favourite admitted that the Yellows have “maybe got a bit too comfortable” at the top in the past few weeks and insisted the 94th-minute equaliser converted by Conor Mullen for the visitors can be a cue for Lee Feeney’s men to step it up another gear, starting with the trip to Newington on Friday night.
“Yeah, it does feel more like two points dropped; almost feels like a defeat.
“I think the positive thing is that we still created loads of chances, you know, we had enough chances to win maybe three or four games.
“That’s probably the only positive you can really take away from it, but we just need to put it behind us and go again for next week against Newington.
“I would say a draw probably is a fair result; we probably weren’t at it, but it probably gives us a kick up the backside to sort of step it up again and lift our levels again.
“I think in the last couple of weeks, the levels have maybe dropped a wee bit, you know, we maybe got a bit too comfortable.
“This game will just show us that we need to be at it every week.”
The versatile Mathieson, who joined the Seasiders in the summer of 2022, picked up the Man of the Match award for a display full of hard running and energy against Armagh.
He praised the squad’s defensive application in recent weeks, with Bangor having shipped just three goals in seven matches across all competitions last month and going over 400 minutes without conceding prior to Mullen’s last-gasp leveller.
Lewis Harrison’s opener to take him to seven goals for the season was also a plus point and, although Ben Arthurs was left disappointed after Armagh goalkeeper Conner Byrne palmed away his penalty five minutes into the second half, his four goals in November mean he is a man in form – and Mathieson (24) is confident the players will rise to the task once again.
“Yeah, I just try and do my best and work hard for the team, it’s all you really can do.
“Feeno wants us to work hard, 100 per cent every week, and that’s what I try to do.
“I think the last few weeks, as a collective, we’ve been brilliant defensively; just in possession, we haven’t been at our best, but defensively, we have been really solid.
“We’d had a few clean sheets in a row there so, with that in mind, we just need to go again, it’s not panic stations or anything.
“We just need to lift ourselves again for next week as I think there’s still another gear or two we can move up to.”
(Posted: Sunday, 1st December 2024)
It wasn’t quite the perfect month, but Bangor still finished November unbeaten and with 16 points from a possible 18 in the Playr-Fit Championship after a 1-1 draw with Armagh City at Clandeboye Park.
The Seasiders were headed towards six wins from six, but an agonising last-gasp equaliser by Armagh substitute Conor Mullen cancelled out Lewis Harrison’s deadlock-breaker 16 minutes from time to ensure the spoils were shared.
Impressive Eagles stopper Conner Byrne also denied Ben Arthurs from the penalty spot after Stephen McGuinness had been upended in the box five minutes into the second half, with a point apiece probably a fair reflection of a scrappy enough game.
In mild and fairly windy conditions, Matthew Ferguson forced a good parry from Byrne eight minutes in before, up the other end, James McCormack laced a venomous attempt narrowly over James Taylor’s crossbar for Armagh’s first opportunity two minutes later.
After that, clear-cut chances were at a premium in an even first period but, in a fast-paced start to the second with Arthurs and Stefan Lavery both trading shots at goal at either end, McGuinness was brought down and referee Niall Devlin pointed to the spot straight away. It was Bangor’s first penalty of the season, but Arthurs was unable to make the most of it as Byrne dived low to his left to push the ball clear of danger.
Lee Feeney’s men did make their say on 74 minutes, though. After Tom Mathieson’s shot from the edge of the area was tipped over by Byrne, Reece Neale swung in the resulting corner from the left and captain Harrison – who was back in the side following suspension – converted from close range at the far post for his seventh goal of an impressive campaign.
Bangor continued to probe, and Byrne was on full alert to tip substitute Sonny Redford’s shot onto the top of the bar on 79 minutes after Arthurs laid the teenager off.
But Mullen had the final say at the other end in the fourth minute of stoppage-time as he smashed in from a few yards out from his own rebound having initially been denied by a Bangor block, rescuing a point for Shea Campbell’s visitors.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, K.OWwns, C.Byers, L.Harrison, M.Bradley, B.Cushnie(S.McArthur), S.McGuinness, B.Arthurs, M.Ferguson(S.Redford)
Subs: E.Ovendale, K.Reid, M.Halliday, J.Hughes, M.Davidson
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 6th November 2024 - Newington v Bangor, Inver Park, Championship, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 30th November 2024)
Ben Arthurs has insisted that Bangor will pull out all the stops to make it a perfect November in the Playr-Fit Championship when Armagh City visit Clandeboye Park on Saturday.
The Seasiders have sealed five wins out of five so far this month to sit 12 points clear at the second-tier summit, but there is no desire to rest on that cushion as Shea Campbell’s Eagles look to spread their wings this weekend.
Arthurs bagged the only goal of the game to clinch victory at Harland and Wolff Welders last time out – his fourth of the month making him Bangor’s top scorer in November to date – that adds to prior away wins over Limavady United (3-0) and Dundela (3-1), meaning the Yellows have taken nine points out of nine against the sides placed second, third and fourth in the table.
Having also triumphed over Ballyclare Comrades (1-0) and Newry City (3-0) at home with a spirited effort in defeat to Cliftonville in the BetMcLean Cup sprinkled in for good measure, the Kircubbin marksman says promoted Armagh –who are seventh and unbeaten in their last five in all competitions – will not be shown any less than their due respect on Saturday.
“Yeah, Armagh City have been going well since they came into the league this season.
“We’ve had a tough month, I think we’ve played the teams in second, third and fourth place and it’s been a quicker turnaround between games than we maybe first expected, so we’ve had some hard games to get through this month.
“Make no mistake, we’ll be preparing for Armagh exactly the same as we did for those sides, and we’ll be going out obviously to make it six wins out of six in the league for this month.
“We’ll go into training this week and our full focus is on picking up three more points and getting another win on the board.”
(Posted: Thursday, 28th November 2024)
The Seasiders have landed a home draw against Newington in the 5th Round of the Clearer Water Irish Cup.
The tie will be played on Saturday, 4th January at Clandeboye Park.
(Posted: Tuesday, 26th November 2024)
Ben Arthurs has seen a lot in the six and a half years he’s been with Bangor, but the striker admitted the gritty 1-0 win over H&W Welders on Saturday was something of a first for him.
With the Seasiders defending a slender lead built by Arthurs’ 10th goal of the season shortly before half-time, midfielder Robbie Garrett was sent off early in the second half for a second bookable offence, with the visitors having their backs to the wall for the last 40 minutes at Blanchflower Park against hungry hosts.
Lee Feeney’s men were forced to dig deep and, while still enjoying the odd chance at the other end – only the upright denied Stephen McGuinness a second goal in as many games after Arthurs teed him up – it was Paul Kee’s Welders who dominated territory after the interval, themselves grazing the crossbar with James Taylor also coming up trumps late on.
But a heroic defensive effort from the 10 men ensured victory and means the Yellows sit 12 points clear at the Playr-Fit Championship summit.
“To be honest, that’s the first time probably since I joined the club I’ve been involved in a game like that where we’ve been down to 10 men and really had to dig in to get the three points.
“I felt like I was playing left wing-back at times… we had to get men behind the ball, sit deep, dig in and just grind it out, especially in the second half.
“We still had our chances, I had a good chance to make it 2-0 after I scored and then I played in Stephen (McGuinness) and he was unlucky, but going down to 10 men, we had to spend a lot of the second half behind the ball and it was going to take a big push to come through it.
“At the end, it was a satisfying win, and everyone involved with Bangor, players, coaching staff, fans – you heard the roar from the stands – would’ve went up the road very happy.”
With Tiarnan Mulvenna also leaving the fray bloodied midway through the first half after a collision with Welders stopper Jack Mills – who was perhaps fortunate to only see yellow – and captain Lewis Harrison banned after his fifth booking of the season in the win over Newry City the previous week, the grit and determination to weather that midfield shortage delighted Arthurs as Bangor battled adversity.
“I was thinking that. We had our three main starting midfielders out of action for most of the game and we were still able to come through and get the win.
“We knew we were going to be without Lewis with him being suspended, so we were able to prepare for that in a way, but with Tiarnan going down and Ribsy being sent off, it was a big ask for the boys and we had to dig in.
“But you still have to get on with it. Probably the last dozen or so games, they’ve not always been pretty and we’ve had wins where we’ve not been at our best – but at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter how you get the wins, it’s just that you do.
“I think Ballinamallard’s the only team to take points off us over the last dozen games in the league, and it’s not always been pretty.
“Yes, as much as we’d love to have seven, eight or nine out of 10 performances every week, that’s realistically not going to happen. It’s a competitive league and you know that every team can take points off you.
“We faced real adversity against a good side who are fighting at the top end of the league.
“You hear managers in the Premier League say it’s one game at a time and think it sounds so cliché, but probably since we’ve come up to the Championship, I’ve realised they’re right – that’s exactly the way it has to be, and we as players in the dressing room all recognise that.
“So, in the next game, we’ll have Lewis back but we’ll not have Ribsy with his suspension and hopefully Tiarnan isn’t out for too long, but we’ve shown we can deal with adversity when it’s thrown our way and we can dig in when we need to, so we’ll be ready to handle that.”
Indeed, Mulvenna’s replacement Ben Cushnie teed up Kircubbin marksman Arthurs to slot past Mills on 39 minutes – a real show of the quality at Feeney’s disposal.
The 26-year-old, now up to 141 Bangor goals, looked back at the 1-0 BetMcLean Cup defeat to a near-full-strength Cliftonville as a show of the squad’s depth, with the Reds taking until the 90th minute to penetrate a heavily rotated Seasiders line-up at Clandeboye Park.
“We’ve got a lot of ability in our dressing room, there’s no doubt about it; we get along well as a squad and we all trust in each other whoever’s on the pitch.
“I think if you look back, the Cliftonville game is an obvious example of that. Yes, we lost the game in the last minute, but to make a whole load of changes for that game and still push a very strong Cliftonville side to the last minute shows the quality we have in our whole squad.
“You seen there we had a run of games for a while where we were playing the same starting 11, but it’s games like the Cliftonville one where you see the ability we have that we’re able to rotate and still push the likes of Premiership sides hard, so that’s gave us motivation and belief going back into the league.
“Now, we’re in a situation in midfield where maybe the first-choice options won’t always be available, but we’ve got a good squad and whoever’s playing, they’ll come in and they’ll help us win games.
“As I say, it’s not always been pretty, but we’re getting results – sometimes we’ve had things thrown at us, we’ve had to dig in and we’re still coming through, and that’s the main thing.”
(Posted: Monday, 25th November 2024)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Bangor wrapped up a priceless sixth victory on the spin in the Playr-Fit Championship when overcoming Harland and Wolff Welders 1-0 on Saturday afternoon.
Despite Tiarnan Mulvenna departing bloodied midway through the first half following a nasty collision with Welders stopper Jack Mills and his fellow midfielder Robbie Garrett being shown a red card early in the second, Ben Arthurs’ strike in between those two flashpoints wrapped up a crucial three points for the visitors at Blanchflower Park that ensures Lee Feeney’s men sit 12 points clear at the top of the table.
Mulvenna was left requiring stitches and with a broken nose after coming off worse for wear when Mills – who saw a yellow card, much to the dismay of the travelling supporters who felt a red for the stopper was in order – rose high and clattered into the midfield dynamo on the edge of the penalty area.
He went off to be replaced by Ben Cushnie, who showed good feet and duly teed up Arthurs who slotted low to Mills’ right to put the Seasiders in the driving seat before half-time.
After the interval, Lee Feeney’s men had their backs placed further to the wall when Garrett received his second yellow and subsequent red. Not since Lewis Harrison – suspended here after picking up his fifth booking of the season in the previous weekend’s victory over Newry City – in September 2023 at this same venue had Bangor ended a game a man down, but Feeney’s charges had to weather 40 minutes of a potential Welders storm to see out victory.
Stephen McGuinness came close to doubling the Yellows’ lead when he cracked one off the woodwork, while the Welders themselves skimmed James Taylor’s crossbar with a shot eight minutes from time before the veteran goalkeeper denied the hosts at close quarters in stoppage-time, but Bangor had enough in the tank to see out their first-half advantage and elevate to 40 points at the top.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, K.Owens, C.McGuinness, S.McGuinness, T.Mulvenna(B.Cushnie)(S.McArthur), R.Garrett, M.Bradley, T.Mathieson, M.Ferguson(C.Byers), B.Arthurs.
Subs: E.Ovendale, K.Reid, M.Davidson, S.Redford
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 30th November 2024 - BANGOR v ARMAGH CITY, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 23rd November 2024)
Lee Feeney is wary of the threat Harland and Wolff Welders are likely to pose to his Bangor side and insists the players will need to work hard to continue the recent fine run of form.
A fifth victory in a row and 10th in 11 Playr-Fit Championship outings was secured on Sunday with a professional 3-0 victory over Newry City at Clandeboye Park, but it’s never in Feeney’s nature to dwell on successes as he looks ahead to Saturday’s trip to Blanchflower Park. P
aul Kee’s Welders have enjoyed a strong start and are in third-place in the table at the time of writing, but a 3-0 reverse at Armagh City last weekend means they are hungry to return to winning ways as quickly as possible.
The first meeting, an evenly matched 2-2 draw on the opening day in August, showcased a young, energetic Welders outfit who like to get the ball into advanced positions and have a wealth of talent that are able to do damage – and Feeney insists his Seasiders, who are nine points clear at the summit, can’t afford to let down their guard.
“Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what day of the week you play on, the three points is the main target and you have to be prepared to work hard to go and get them.
“We’re fully focused on the Welders now. Paul Kee’s done a great job there as manager, he has a style of play that I admire.
“It’s always a tough place to go, and I suppose after the schedule being a bit hectic and a lot of games in a short space of time, it is nice to have a week’s break to prepare for this game.
“But we can expect the Welders to be up for it after they lost their game at the weekend, they’ll see this as an opportunity to respond quickly and they’ve got a good squad, some very good young players.
“We’ve been on a good run recently and the players have been delivering, so long may that continue from our point of view.
(Posted: Wednesday, 20th November 2024)
Having managed on Friday evening, two Tuesday nights and Saturday and Sunday afternoons over a 15-day period, Lee Feeney is as well-placed as anyone to comment on what he thinks of football on the seventh day of the week – and after the 3-0 victory over Newry City at Clandeboye Park, the Bangor boss is naturally satisfied with it.
While admitting the quick turnaround between matches over the past fortnight was a tricky assignment, Feeney praised the players for how they have acquitted to the challenge as the Seasiders sit nine points clear at the top of the Playr-Fit Championship table.
Striker Ben Arthurs, left wing-back Stephen McGuinness and midfield general Lewis Harrison grabbed the goals to make it a Sunday special, with 12 points out of 12 in November so far.
“Personally, I don’t mind it. To be honest, I like the way it’s spread over the weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, I think it’s good what the league (NIFL) have done with that.
“I’m not sure what the players think of it because, obviously, they like to enjoy themselves on Saturday nights, they’ve had a busy week at work and young men, human beings, they like having time to relax and they can’t really do that (with a game on Sunday).
“It’s a tough run for them, too; four (league) games in two weeks, it’s put a lot of physical demands on the players that they’ve had to come through.
“So, I feel for them in a way maybe with that, but credit to them – there was no complaining, they came in with a professional attitude, and credit to them for that to get the job done.”
With three clean sheets and just two goals across that five-game span – accounting for the slender 1-0 loss to Cliftonville in the BetMcLean Cup as well – Feeney saluted the Seagulls’ improvement at the back while also recognising a clinical edge evidenced by nine goals in the previous three outings.
Indeed, the 5-4 victory over Newry, then under Barry Gray’s stewardship, in September at the Showgrounds was a source of concern for the Bangor boss, but that madcap affair was not repeated against Darren Mullen’s side this time around.
“We were a bit concerned earlier in the season about some of the goals we were conceding, but there’s been a big improvement recently, we’re keeping clean sheets and you saw that against Newry and in our other games, too.
“We didn’t give much away; it’s a solid foundation having a strong defence and we’ve looked really solid at the back in the last few games.
“In the first game against Newry, we conceded four goals and we weren’t happy with that, it maybe overshadowed the result a bit.
“We had one of the best defensive records in the league last season, that’s an area we pride ourselves in and it was disappointing that we were probably giving away cheap goals earlier on, but we’ve looked much better in that area since then.
“Up at the other end, everyone’s chipping in. That’s Lewis’ sixth goal of the season – he has six goals and five assists, that means he’s been involved in 11 goals; I’ve wanted him to get up the pitch more when he can in previous years, and he has been doing it to great effect.
“We talk about it obviously with Ben and Spike (Matthew Ferguson), we know what we can expect from them, but we talk about other players getting involved too, everybody contributing – Stephen’s come in with his first goal of the season there. We want the full team to chip in as much as they can and we encourage players to get forward.
“At the start of the season, we were creating chances in games but we weren’t being clinical enough with them, but with this run (10 wins in 11 league matches), we have been clinical and we’re winning games because of that.”
Feeney went on to praise midfield maestro Robbie Garrett and goalscorer McGuinness, with the somewhat underrated Cliftonville loanee (21) scooping up the Man of the Match award for his efforts.
“I thought Ribsy was brilliant; he’s a top pro, an absolute pleasure to work with, and he’s thought really highly of the dressing room.
“He’s added a lot to our midfield this season, lots of experience, he’s done it at the highest level and he’s been brilliant since he came in.
“Stephen as well, I’m delighted for him that he scored and got Man of the Match – he’s went a little under the radar, but he’s been really consistent, putting up seven and eights out of 10 every week, and he’s a pleasure to work with too.
“Hopefully that goal gives him a bit of momentum to go and grab a few more, it was a really good finish, but I’m delighted he’s getting the recognition, to be honest.”
And the manager feels colossal performances across the park are driving momentum, with Bangor perched neatly on 37 points ahead of the trip to Paul Kee’s H&W Welders next up.
“This season, we’re getting maybe four or five colossal performances in each of our wins and individuals we can single out who are putting in really big shifts every week.
“Last season, we had a really good team, we were winning games as a team – and it’s the same this season, though I think we’re getting more of those colossal performances now.
“That’s driving this winning run; right now, there are players who are pulling their weight all over the pitch, we’ve got some big wins and we’re matching those with big performances – and long may that continue.”
(Posted: Monday, 18th November 2024)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Bangor marked a historic Sunday outing with three points and a 10th victory in the last 11 Playr-Fit Championship matches, extending the lead at the top of the table to nine points with a professional 3-0 victory over Newry City at Clandeboye Park.
The Seasiders hoped to build on the midweek success by the same scoreline against second-positioned Limavady United and duly did so thanks to Ben Arthurs and Stephen McGuinness strikes within three first-half minutes of each other and a Lewis Harrison finish in second-half stoppage-time. Arthurs broke the deadlock on 15 minutes when, after Marty Bradley’s low cross along the byline was blocked by a Newry defender, the Kircubbin man was quickest to respond and stroked past Conor Mitchell from six yards for his 140th goal in a Bangor shirt and ninth of the season so far.
McGuinness, a far more unlikely goalscorer given he hadn’t found the net in senior football before kick-off here, belied that three minutes later with a sweet outside-of-the-boot finish that Mitchell’s sprawling dive was unable to keep out. The Cliftonville loanee was set up by Tiarnan Mulvenna, who notched up his eighth assist of the season in the process, and set Lee Feeney’s men well on their way.
Although not at top gear, James Taylor was relatively untroubled between the sticks across the remainder of the contest, and Bangor were denied a third on a handful of occasions – Mitchell dived at Arthurs’ feet to deny him a second, while Bradley and top scorer Matthew Ferguson were also denied by the Newry stopper at close quarters.
A third goal did arrive, however, from the boot of Harrison in the first minute of added-time. Substitute Tom Mathieson cleverly laid the ball off and the captain drilled an insurance goal low to Mitchell’s right that wrapped up the three points in front of a 746-strong crowd on the day, with Bangor up to 37 points ahead of the trip to Harland and Wolff Welders next up.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, C.McGuinness, K.Owens, S.McGuinness, T.Mulvenna, R.Garrett(M.Davidson), L.Harrison, B.Arthurs, M.Ferguson(B.Cushnie), M.Bradley(T.Mathieson).
Subs: B.Fry, C.Byers, K.Reid, S.Redford
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 23rd November 2024 - H&W WELDERS v BANGOR, Championship, Blanchflower Park, 3:00pm.
(Posted: Sunday, 17th November 2024)
Bangor FC will host their first competitive Sunday football match at Clandeboye Park versus Newry on 17 November.
Chairman of Bangor FC Graham Bailie said:
“As a traditionalist, I enjoy watching football at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon. However, as the Chairman of Bangor FC, the Board and I are constantly looking at ways to increase attendance at our matches and introducing new fans to our community club.
“With that in mind, we have been holding many of our home matches on Friday nights, with an aim of attracting people to Clandeboye who might play football on a Saturday or watch other local teams.
“As the ban on Sunday football was lifted in recent years, many NIFL Premiership teams have started to play matches on that day and have achieved good attendance figures. So as a club, we have decided to trial a Sunday match this week.”
It has been over 15 years since Glentoran defeated Bangor 1-0 at The Oval in the Irish League’s first ever Sunday fixture.
Graham continued:
“Throughout this season we want to explore which match days and times are best suited to our fanbase and people in the City. We still haven’t held any matches with a kick-off off time of 5.30pm on a Saturday, so that will be another time that we will want to try out.”
He concluded: “The Sunday match will be a historic occasion for the club and we would love to see as many supporters, families and friends come down to Clandeboye at 2.00pm on Sunday and cheer on the Seasiders.”
(Posted: Thursday, 14th November 2024)
Kyle Owens saluted Bangor’s increased rigidity at the heart of defence that coupled clinical edge up top in the Seasiders’ sublime 3-0 success at Limavady United on Tuesday night.
A long, cold and foggy away day was made very rewarding for the players, management and travelling supporters alike thanks to a highly convincing performance from top to bottom at the Rathmore Road Showgrounds.
Robbie Garrett and Matthew Ferguson hit the target either side of half-time and either side of Tiarnan Boorman’s 53rd-minute own goal that Owens had a big hand in forcing, applying pressure on his Roesiders counterpart from Reece Neale’s inviting corner that left Boorman with no choice but to head past stopper Richard Purcell into his own net.
The experienced defender was exceptional alongside Neale and Caomhan McGuinness in the back-three, too, and was quick to praise a rearguard that has let in just two goals across four victories on the spin to move eight points clear at the top of the Playr-Fit Championship standings.
“Yeah, I thought we dug deep; from James (Taylor) right to Spike and Ben (Arthurs), we dug really deep.
“We defended really well, we kept our shape, they had a lot of the ball but they didn’t create much; they had the ball in our half and, thankfully, we kept the ball out of the danger zones.
“We’re building on that, we’re trying to keep more clean sheets, and I think as a unit, we’re defending better as a unit.
“It’s not just the back-three and James, I think it’s the whole team that are defending better now from top to bottom.”
Having not kept a clean sheet in the league in over two months prior to the 1-0 triumph over Ballyclare Comrades on November 1, it’s now two in three Championship games for Bangor with clear-cut chances kept at a premium for opponents in that time.
Up top, with 38 goals in 15 second-tier games to date, the attack has stayed sharp all season long and Boorman’s own goal was another sign of the Yellows’ set-piece threat.
Owens (32), who scored from one in the 3-1 home defeat to Paul Owens’ Lims on August 31, says it is a documented danger area but still feels Bangor can hit the target even more from these types of scenarios going forward.
“I think teams know how much of a threat we are from set-pieces, obviously with the size and power that we have in the team.
“To be honest with you, I’m a bit disappointed that we don’t score more from set-pieces; there was a couple tonight there and maybe last week (when Ferguson headed home a Neale throw-in during Bangor’s 3-1 victory at Dundela), it could’ve been more, but as long as we’re getting the result, it doesn’t really matter how they come about.
“I don’t know if I can claim that one tonight, but if anyone asks, yes, I scored it!
“We’ve players all over the pitch who are creating chances, and I think that’s what you need. The mentality in the team… the quality in the team alone is frightening.
“I’d like to think with the quality that we have, where we are at the moment, we’re in a good position at the top of the table and we’re capable of building on that even more.”
With nine points out of nine and a competitive performance in defeat to Cliftonville in the BetMcLean Cup to account for so far this month, former Crusaders, Ballymena and H&W Welders centre-back Owens has challenged Bangor to end a pivotal November unbeaten in the league and take an even healthier position at the summit.
Newry City are next up in a Sunday special this weekend, with a first-versus-second clash at the Welders following on November 23 before a home encounter with Armagh City rounds off the month seven days later.
“Yep, I couldn’t agree more – I think at this time in the season, you need to get performances in and keep picking up results.
“Especially this month, it’s a big month, I think we play four teams in the top six of the table, and if you’re coming out and the end of this month unbeaten, it would be a really big boost for us.”
(Posted: Thursday, 14th November 2024)
Bangor braved fog, cold temperatures and a 160-mile-round away day in midweek to move eight points clear at the top of the Playr-Fit Championship thanks to a convincing 3-0 victory over third-placed Limavady United at the Rathmore Road Showgrounds on Tuesday night.
After a scrappy start that saw Limavady's Lewis Tosh blaze over from an inviting position and Ben Arthurs power a excellent left-sided Tiarnan Mulvenna corner straight at Richard Purcell, Bangor made no mistake on 19 minutes to open the scoring. After a Reece Neale throw-in was deflected away only as far as Robbie Garrett, the midfielder laced one low and precisely into the bottom left corner for his first goal since arriving in the summer.
From there, Paul Owens' Limavady side threatened a leveller when John Butcher's shot was well-held by James Taylor on 37 minutes while, moments later, Matthew Ferguson collected Arthurs' headed flick-on and drew a fine tip around the post from Lims stopper Purcell as the Seasiders looked to double the advantage.
Lee Feeney's men weren't able to do that before half-time but, eight minutes into the second period, they found a second as Kyle Owens' presence forced an own goal from his Limavady counterpart as Neale swung a corner in from the right, with Purcell unable to do anything as the ball nestled in the top right. It's not the centre-back's goal on this occasion but he was colossal throughout and did superbly to force the issue.
Then on 76 minutes, the matter was all but signed and sealed when the equally impressive Caomhan McGuinness played one over the top, with Ferguson latching onto it and outmuscling Roesiders defender Matthew Walker before cutting inside and powering past Purcell. He turned towards the travelling fans to celebrate having had the time and space to arrow his 14th goal of the season into the net and rubber-stamp the points, keeping the clean sheet to boot on what was a hugely satisfying night at the office.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, K.Owens, C.McGuinness, S.McGuinness, R.Garrett, L.Harrison, T.Mulvenna(T.Mathieson), B.Arthurs(B.Cushnie), M.Ferguson(S.Redford), M.Bradley.
Subs: B.Fry, H.Beverland, M.Davidson
NEXT MATCH:
Sunday, 17th November 2024 - BANGOR v NEWRY CITY, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 2:00pm
(Posted: Tuesday, 12th November 2024)
John Douglas insists Bangor have nothing to fear as a 160-mile-round trip to the Limavady Showgrounds beckons on Tuesday night with three more points up for grabs.
The Seasiders are five points clear at the top of the Playr-Fit Championship, but third-placed Limavady United – who trail second-position Harland and Wolff Welders, also in action at Ballinamallard United on Tuesday, by a point having achieved promotion this term – have designs on cutting the gap at the top having won their last two, including at the Mallards in a comeback 2-1 triumph on Saturday.
With Lee Feeney’s men overcoming Dundela 3-1 at Wilgar Park, with Matthew Ferguson, Tiarnan Mulvenna and Ben Arthurs on the scoresheet, a ninth win in 10 league outings ensures spirits are high ahead of this rescheduled midweek trip to the Rathmore Road.
Douglas says the focus is purely on tasting that winning feeling again, but Paul Owens’ Roesiders – who were clinical on the counter-attack to win the first meeting 3-1 at Clandeboye Park back in August – are not to be taken lightly.
“We’ll get the players in for a recovery session and it’s a quick turnaround from there up the road to Limavady on Tuesday night, which is another really tough game.
“They’re a good side who are also up at the top end of the league, and our full focus in on continuing our momentum and picking up another three points.
“We’ll show Limavady the full respect that they deserve, but we fear nobody and we’re confident in ourselves, and there’s no reason why we can’t go into any game and get a positive result, regardless of the travel on this occasion and the late night.
“We’ve seen over the course of the last week, the squad is pushing themselves and there’s a real healthy competition in there, so we’ll take every game as it comes and, hopefully, we’ll get back down the road with another win.”
(Posted: Monday, 11th November 2024)
Bangor assistant manager John Douglas says the players were challenged before kick-off at Wilgar Park to hit the ground running and was delighted to see that demand reciprocated with a three-goal half-time lead.
Matthew Ferguson, Tiarnan Mulvenna and Ben Arthurs put Dundela to the sword and meant that, despite Ewan Kelly’s second-half reply for the hosts just before the hour, the points had already looked home and hosed by the time the players returned for the start of the second period.
It lifts the Seasiders up to 31 points in the Playr-Fit Championship table, maintaining their five-point lead after Harland and Wolff Welders and Limavady United also picked up maximum spoils on a busy Saturday of second-tier action.
Following a recent run of slow starts in league games against Ballinamallard United – a 4-0 defeat that is the only one of the last 10 Championship outings Bangor failed to win – and the narrow home wins over Annagh United (2-1) and Ballyclare Comrades (1-0), Douglas admits he was thrilled to see Lee Feeney’s charges race straight out of the traps in this one.
“I thought the way we started the game was very good, we were on the front foot from the first kick-off and we kept up the intensity to go in 3-0 up at half-time.
“We made that point to the players before kick-off, actually, that in the last few weeks, we’ve not been starting games quickly.
“The Annagh game is a great example; I thought we were poor in the first half of that game, we were behind at half-time, but we came out in the second half and we lifted our game.
“That shows the players can lift their game if needs be, but we challenged the players before playing Dundela to make a fast start – and all credit to them, they did that.
“Credit to Dundela, we went in at half-time and we expected them to come out and give a response and they made it a really awkward second half for us, but we’ve a resilient group here and I’m pleased we were able to weather the storm and take home the three points.”
Douglas went on to salute the mentality of the Bangor players, revealing that the focus in the dressing room had shifted to Tuesday night’s rescheduled trip to the Limavady Showgrounds no sooner than the referee’s whistle blew at the Hen Run.
It was a proud moment for Mulvenna, who bagged his first competitive goal for the club with a thunderous hit that rattled the bottom left corner, coming either side of Ferguson’s deft header from Reece Neale’s throw and Arthurs’ slick one-on-one finish after Robbie Garrett’s through ball set him off.
“The group of players we have, we know that we’ll get nothing less than 100 per cent effort from them every week, and that’s what you need to pick up results in this league.
“When the full-time whistle blew and the players went into the changing room, even some of the conversations in the changing room, the full focus was on Limavady on Tuesday night.
“That’s the sort of mentalities we have here; it’s straight onto the next one.
“Maybe there used to be a perception that you could go into the game and have an off day and still pick up a result, but that’s certainly not the case now. If you have an off day in this league, you’ll get found out.
“Thankfully, we turned up here, it’s always a tough battle at Wilgar Park and we turned up and showed the right attitude from the start to get three more important points.”
The assistant boss also took time to reflect on Tuesday night, when a Bangor side featuring eight changes took a near-full-strength Cliftonville outfit all the way before Reds substitute Ryan Corrigan won it in the last minute of the BetMcLean Cup last-16 tie. Douglas was keen to stress the heavy rotation was no admission of defeat, insisting that the battling performance before reverting to a yellow and blue line-up fans would more expect to see against Dundela is a positive reflection of the depth and quality at Feeney’s disposal.
“People probably thought looking at the line-up that we played on Tuesday night that we were going to, you know, let the result go – but that was the last thing on our minds.
“We have confidence in every player; we have 22 players in our first-team squad and we believe in every one of them, there are a lot of great characters in our dressing room.
“I think Tuesday night showed that and I think here showed that as well. We have a group of players who are supporting each other, whether they’re on the pitch, whether they’re on the bench, whether they’re in the stands, they’re supporting each other.
“There’s a really healthy competition in the squad – the players are pushing each other and, if they’re not playing, they’re waiting for their opportunity and they want to keep a hold of the shirt when they get the chance.
“We knew after the Cliftonville match that we have a big run of games in the league that are coming up, and that competition is crucial if you want to be challenging at the top end of the league or challenging for titles.
“It’s not individuals that win titles – it’s squads, and we’ve been keen to stress that since we first came into the club that everyone has their part to play.
“I think this week’s been a great reflection of the attitude of the players that we can change the team between two games and still get a high-level performance on both occasions.”
(Posted: Sunday, 10th November 2024)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY
|
JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Bangor made it nine wins in 10 in the Playr-Fit Championship and remain five points clear at the summit having overcame Stephen Gourley’s Dundela 3-1 at Wilgar Park on Saturday.
If watching supporters in east Belfast had a sense of déjà vu at half-time, you couldn’t have blamed them as Bangor went in 3-0 up at the break just as in the first meeting of the sides.
Matthew Ferguson scored the opener on that occasion and did so again at the Hen Run as he powered the Seasiders ahead when he connected to Reece Neale’s dangerous throw on 20 minutes.
Tiarnan Mulvenna was then the hero three minutes out from the interval as he struck his long-awaited first competitive goal for the club before Ben Arthurs added to his goal tally right on the stroke of half-time – his sixth goal against the Duns having failed to score in just one of the six outings he has faced them and, significantly, a strike that puts him just one away from equalling Andy Morrow’s modern-record 140 goals in the yellow and blue shirt.
That’s where the scoring ended for Bangor, but although Ewan Kelly pulled one back for the Duns after James Taylor had initially repelled a free-kick attempt only into his path, there were no further hiccups for Lee Feeney’s charges in the remaining half-hour to take home another three precious points.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, K.Owens, C.McGuinness, S.McGuinness(M.Davidson), L.Harrison(B.Cushnie), R.Garrett, T.Mulvenna, B.Arthurs(T.Mathieson), M.Ferguson(S.Redford), M.Bradley.
Subs: B.Fry, C.Byers, K.Reid
NEXT MATCH:
Tuesday, 12th November 2024 - LIMAVADY UNITED v BANGOR, Championship, Limavady Showgrounds, 8:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 9th November 2024)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney says clashes with Dundela have a derby feel to them as he looks ahead to the Seasiders’ short trip to Wilgar Park in the Playr-Fit Championship on Saturday.
Following a battling performance in defeat to Cliftonville in the BetMcLean Cup on Tuesday night, the focus no sooner turns back to the league with the fourth-placed Duns in waiting.
Stephen Gourley’s men are themselves aiming to return to winning ways, with the Duns letting slip a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at Limavady United last Saturday, and Feeney is expecting a response from the east Belfast side as Bangor target their ninth victory in 10 Championship matches.
With visits to Limavady and H&W Welders to come in an important fortnight for the league-leading Yellows, the Kilkeel supremo just wants his charges to keep picking up points and be ready for any challenge that is thrown their way – starting with this weekend.
“The full focus now turns to Saturday, we’ll have the players in for a recovery session and then training and the full focus is on getting three points against a good side.
“I had people up there watching their game against Limavady last week and they came back and said to me that Dundela didn’t deserve to lose that game.
“It’s always stinging to lose a game or drop points when you’re two goals up, so they’re a bit of a wounded animal and we can expect a reaction on Saturday, they’ll be really up for it.
“It’s a wee bit of a derby, if you like; there’s a lot of history between the clubs over the years, connections between the clubs, and the games have always been competitive, passionate, hard-fought.
“For us, it’s just about ticking the games off… it’s really important that we don’t lose games, pick up all the points we can and just continue to build momentum.”
(Posted: Friday, 8th November 2024)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney played the squad game against Cliftonville in the BetMcLean Cup and saluted the application of his rotated side in Tuesday night’s battling 1-0 defeat.
The Seasiders pushed the Reds to the pin of their collar until the 90th minute when young striker Ryan Corrigan popped up off the bench and slotted low into the bottom left to send Jim Magilton’s side to the quarter-finals where they face fellow second-tier side Armagh City. Feeney made eight changes to the line-up that secured an eighth win in the last nine Playr-Fit Championship matches against Ballyclare Comrades on Friday, with Kyle Owens, Tiarnan Mulvenna and Tom Mathieson the only ones to keep their places, but they certainly didn’t lie down and fought to the end at Clandeboye Park.
The Kilkeel supremo hailed the attitude his players showed and added that he doesn’t want anyone in the Bangor panel, from the start or bench, to get comfortable where they are.
Cliftonville didn’t mess about in their selection, making just three changes in total and two outfield tweaks from their North Belfast Derby success over Crusaders last week. That meant big guns like strikers Joe Gormley and Ryan Curran and top-rated midfielder Rory Hale were in from the start, while Ruaidhri Donnelly, Jonny Addis, 18-year-old match-winner Corrigan and Axel Piesold – who was on Luton Town’s bench nine times in the Premier League last season – were also at Magilton’s disposal from the bench. Feeney felt that showed the respect the former Northern Ireland midfielder and his assistant Gerard Lyttle had for Bangor, adding that home chances either side of half-time for teenager Sonny Redford and substitute Matthew Ferguson could well have swung the game in the Seasiders’ favour too.“We’re keen to use the squad, and it’s about competition for places – these cup games are a good chance for our players to show what they can do and stake a claim to be in the team.
“You need depth in your squad to compete, we brought in players who were maybe working their way back from injuries or needed a bit of game-time with a big run of games coming up so I’m really pleased with the performance.
“I wouldn’t want to be in a position where… say, I’m a midfielder, I know I wouldn’t want to be sitting there knowing I’m guaranteed my place in the team.
“That’s what you want it to be, you want everybody in your team to be competing and when you get your chance to play, you want to make the most of it.
“We knew going into the game we would expect to be sitting behind the ball and defending a lot of the time given who we were playing, a top level of opposition, but I felt the players approached it in a good attitude and put in a shift.”
“I think that showed the respect that Jim Magilton and Gerard Lyttle and Cliftonville had for us, how they approached the game and the team they put out.
“You know, to come to Bangor in the cup in midweek and play a strong team that you would expect to see play in a Premiership game, it showed they took us seriously and it was a really good test for our boys.
“It’s a quality side and one of the top teams in the country, and yes, they dominated in terms of possession, but I felt we also had the two best chances in the game.
“There was the one that fell to Sonny in the first half, the goalkeeper made a good save, and then Spike, his overhead kick in the second half – maybe if they go in, it’s a different game.
“We’ve found that every time we’ve played top-level Premiership opposition in the cups – we usually give a really good account of ourselves; they maybe just have a little bit extra which they can bring in off the bench, and that was probably the case in this game as well.
“So, I’m pleased we had our chances in the game as well and we were able to push them right until the end, but it just wasn’t quite to be.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 6th November 2024)
Bangor exited the BetMcLean Cup in agonising fashion on Tuesday night when, following a valiant effort from a heavily rotated starting XI under the Clandeboye Park floodlights, a 90th-minute winner sent Cliftonville into the quarter-finals after a well-contested affair.
It was an evenly matched start at Clandeboye Park, with young striker Sonny Redford forcing a good save a quarter of an hour in from Reds stopper Lewis Ridd before, on 21 minutes, the veteran striker Joe Gormley – making his 500th Cliftonville appearance – came within inches of giving his side the lead when he rattled one off the post, with Ben Fry making his first senior appearance between the Yellows’ sticks.
With Kyle Owens, Tiarnan Mulvenna and Tom Mathieson the sole survivors in the line-up from Friday night’s 1-0 victory over Ballyclare Comrades, it was a big ask for the rotated Seasiders selection to keep the pace against a near-full-strength Cliftonville outfit, but they did so admirably as both sides traded blows, and Ridd came under extensive pressure for spells as Lee Feeney’s charges went on the offensive.
That was reflected as big guns like Ben Arthurs, Matthew Ferguson, Robbie Garrett and Caomhan McGuinness were introduced from the bench – Ferguson seeing an acrobatic overhead kick denied by Ridd in one particularly eye-catching move, while Arthurs and McGuinness also came close – but it was a replacement of Cliftonville’s own who decided the tie with teenage forward Ryan Corrigan nipping in for a last-minute winner that sends the Irish Cup holders into the last-eight.
BANGOR TEAM:
B.Fry, H.Beverland, K.Owens, K.Reid (J.Hughes), C.Byers, M.Bradley(C.McGuinness), T.Mulvenna, T.Mathieson, B.Cushnie(B.Arthurs), S.Redford(M.Ferguson), M.Davidson(R.Garrett).
Subs: J.Taylor, C.McKee
ALFIE WRIGHT
There was a minute silence before tonight's game for former Bangor goalkeeper Alfie Wright who passed away on Monday.
Alfie was the regular first choice 'keeper for the Seasiders between 1966 and 1969.
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 9th November 2024 - DUNDELA v BANGOR, Championship, Wilgar Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Tuesday, 5th November 2024)
Midfielder Robbie Garrett admitted he was “delighted” with the nature of Bangor’s victory over Ballyclare Comrades to maintain a firm grip on top spot in the Playr-Fit Championship.
The 1-0 scoreline on Friday night reflected a hard-fought and battling affair at Clandeboye Park that was decided by Ben Arthurs’ placed 33rd-minute goal which moves Lee Feeney’s men up to 28 points after 13 matches.
The Seasiders knew they’d have to be sharp given Stephen Small’s Comrades had won three in a row leading into Friday night, a run that included eye-catching triumphs away to H&W Welders and Limavady United, and they kept their focus and solidity at the back to see out a precious three points in a game that’s unlikely to live long in the memory.
That’s no matter to five-times-capped Northern Ireland international Garrett, though, who said afterwards that those kinds of close wins are some of the sweetest for him to savour.
“Absolutely, I didn’t think we were anywhere near our best tonight, but we dug in deep and ground the result out.
“It was more of a battling performance tonight than anything. Ballyclare were coming in off a good bit of form, they’d won their last three games, they’d a couple of tough games away to Limavady and the Welders, so we knew it wasn’t going to be easy.
“I think we made hard work of it at times, but three points is three points. It’s crucial at this point in the season.
“You can’t play your best every game, but when you’re not at your best, it’s important that you do grind results out, especially if you want to challenge at the top end of the league.
“So, it was important that we got the three points and I’m delighted with the win, to be honest.”
At 36, Garrett knows a thing or two about challenging for titles – he’s a five-time Irish League champion at Linfield, after all – and his experience and quality has added a fresh layer to the Bangor line-up this term.
That showed as the Belfast man scooped up the Man of the Match award for another high-class display in the centre of the park, and the former Glenavon, Portadown and Stoke City man added that being part of a panel full of winning mentalities and hard grafters on the seaside is just the kind of environment he relishes being part of.
“I’d like to think I’m experienced now; some of the decisions I made tonight at times, you wouldn’t think so! But I think I bring a wee bit of experience to the team.
“But we’ve winners in the team, we’ve got winners all over the pitch that want to win, that want to put their bodies on the line, so it’s good; it’s good for me to be involved in.
“It was a team performance, and yes, as I say, I don’t think we were at our best today – far from it – but at the same time, I don’t think we gave up many chances. I think we were strong at the back.
“There was a lot of fight; it was a scrappy game but we fought all over the pitch, and when it’s like that and when games aren’t going your way, it’s important you fight all over the pitch, and we did that and we got the three points.”
(Posted: Sunday, 3rd November 2024)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Bangor secured a priceless, hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ballyclare Comrades under the Friday night lights at Clandeboye Park to make it eight wins from nine and provisionally extend their lead at the top of the Playr-Fit Championship to six points.
After an opening period that struggled to really catch fire, Bangor took flight with the opener on 33 minutes. Ben Arthurs controlled the ball astutely under a crowd of Ballyclare defenders before trapping it under his spell to power home beyond Gerard Walker, picking his spot and shrugging off his marker to put the Seasiders in the driving seat on their return to competitive action after two weeks out.
A Michael Morgan shot fizzed the palms of James Taylor but the Yellows largely enjoyed the better of the goalmouth action, with Matthew Ferguson guiding a long-distance attempt just past the post and Arthurs seeing another effort hooked away off the line by Lewis Tennant with Walker seemingly beaten.
The second period was fairly attritional to start as the Comrades fought for a way back into the game, with attackers Marcus Murphy and Brian Healy introduced in an attacking double-sub by visiting boss Stephen Small, with Bangor looking to keep the ball at the top end and fashioning moves – an Arthurs effort that was saved by Walker's feet from six yards after a sublime Lewis Harrison cross as close as the hosts had got.
Bangor replacement Ben Cushnie marginally miscontrolled when trying to race clean through before Sonny Redford's first action was to force a corner with a shot that was turned behind. Healy shot straight at Taylor in Ballyclare's first shot on target of the half on 73 minutes, but despite nerves jangling in the stands, Lee Feeney's men kept their cool on the pitch for a gritty but highly satisfying triumph.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, K.Owens, C.McGuinness, R.Garrett, S.McGuinness, T.Mulvenna(B.Cushnie), L.Harrison, B.Arthurs, M.Ferguson(S.Redford), T.Mathieson.
Subs: E.Ovendale, K.Reid, H.Beverland, M.Davidson, C.Byers
NEXT MATCH:
Tuesday, 5th November 2024 - BANGOR v CLIFTONVILLE, Bet McLean Cup, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Friday, 1st November 2024)
Saturday, November 2 – Bangor Reserves vs Belfast Celtic YM, ToalsBet.Com Junior Shield, Clandeboye Park, 1:30pm
Bangor Reserves face a tough test in the ToalsBet.Com Junior Shield on Saturday afternoon when Belfast Celtic YM are the visitors to Clandeboye Park in the competition’s Third Round.
Flying high in Division 2A of the Amateur League, the west Belfast side are stern opposition for the young Seasiders, who kept up their unbeaten record in the NIFL Championship U21 Development League with a 2-2 draw away to their Newry City counterparts on Monday.
Belfast Celtic are second in Division 2A with an identical league record to their hosts – three wins and two draws in five matches to date – with local side Bangor Swifts leading the way, and they edged out north Antrim club Connor on penalties after a 2-2 stalemate in the last round while Ian Boal’s Yellows overcame Wellington Rec Swifts 2-0 to set up this clash.
The Reserves are keen to progress in knock-out competition as well as make progress in the league this season, with all support appreciated for this weekend’s encounter.
(Posted: Friday, 1st November 2024)
MATCH SPONSOR: GEOFF SPENCE HAIRDRESSING
Lewis Harrison says Bangor can’t afford to approach games with any less than the maximum focus given the topsy-turvy nature of the Playr-Fit Championship.
The Seasiders return to action at Clandeboye Park on Friday night after a two-week break from competitive action and will hope to start November with a bang as in-form Ballyclare Comrades check in.
The east Antrim side are a case in point of what the skipper refers to – since Bangor won 3-2 at Dixon Park in late September in what was the second of a four-match losing run for their hosts, the Comrades enter having hit a purple patch of three straight victories, including away wins over Limavady United and H&W Welders who are at the sharp end of the league.
Most recently, they defeated Newry City 3-1 last weekend to move into fifth-place. So, if Lee Feeney’s men are to retain their grip on top spot which they achieved courtesy of Harrison’s brace in the 2-1 triumph over Annagh United a fortnight ago, they must be at it from the start.
“It’s going to be another tough game, we did well when we were up there to get the three points and we had to work hard for them after chasing the game at half-time.
“They’ve got a bit of form as well, they’ve done well the last few weeks and they’ve got good players who can hurt us.
“It’s such a competitive league, every team can beat each other and everyone’s been taking points off each other this season.
“You know what it’s like, if you turn up and you’re not 100 per cent focused, you get turned over – and we lifted ourselves in the second half to get the three points last time.
“Every team will have good runs and bad runs, we’ve been turning up and playing well but losing to Ballinamallard was a kick up the backside for us, so it’s nice to get a win (against Annagh) under our belts, we’ll go into training and it’s all about focusing on the next game."
Bangor versus Ballyclare clashes have ranked as some of the most entertaining in the league since the start of last season, with 25 goals scored in five meetings between the sides.
With the Seasiders winning four in a row since the 3-2 reverse on the opening day of last campaign, it’s also been a fruitful fixture on the calendar that Feeney’s players will hope stays that way.
Harrison adds that there is no real attention being cast around the squad to the Championship standings, with Friday night being the immediate focus as the league continues to take shape.
“Now’s not really the time to be focusing on the league table, it’s early on and we’re top of the league, which is good, but as I say, everyone’s beating everyone at the moment.
“Maybe we’ll assess ourselves in January when the league’s taken a bit of shape, but for now, it’s just about ticking the games off, we’re only focused on the game in front of us.
“We’re not looking at anything beyond Ballyclare – we want to win again, and we’ll just keep on going from there.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 30th October 2024)
LEE REA JOINS KELVIN OB
We wish Lee Rea well after the forward completed a transfer to Amateur League side Kelvin OB.
The 22 year old joined the Seasiders from Dundela in August, and went on to make five appearances for the club.
FRIDAY FRIENDLY
With no competitive game this weekend, the Seasiders instead head to New Grosvenor tomorrow night for a friendly with Lisburn Distillery.
Match Kick off is 7.30pm.
(Posted: Thursday, 24th October 2024)
A sizzling second half under the sun helped Bangor Reserves account for Harland and Wolff Welders U21 on Saturday morning, and versatile forward Jay Boyd reflected on a satisfying day’s work as the Seasiders maintained their unbeaten start to the Championship U21 Development League.
Those in attendance at Clandeboye Park were promised entertainment and that’s exactly what they got – a nine-goal thriller that ended in a 6-3 triumph for the hosts, who pulled away in the second period after the sides could not be separated at half-time.
Max Davidson and Boyd replied with equalisers after the Welders had nudged ahead on two occasions in the first half – the latter thundering home from a slick cut-back on the half-hour mark after left-back Davidson headed in on 21 minutes – before Bangor hit the front early in the second half courtesy of a Sonny Redford penalty after Tom Mathieson was upended.
That was on 47 minutes, with Redford doubling up to head in a fourth for an extra cushion before Ryan Nixon turned in on the hour from a well-worked free-kick routine initially from the right. A placed finish from Carter Maxwell on 70 minutes meant the Welders had been hit for six before they struck a sublime consolation three minutes from time, and Boyd was pleased with the application of his side.
“We started off quicker than them in the second half, we got the quick goal and we were able to punish them afterwards.
“Getting that first goal in the second half was absolutely vital, it changed the game for us.
“I would actually say they probably had the better of us in the first half, obviously it was 2-2 going in at half-time but I think they were a lot quicker than us, a lot faster than us, sharper to everything, first balls.
“The second half, I think it was just flipped on its head. Getting those early couple of goals and then we stayed on top for the rest of the game.
“It was brilliant football, some lovely flowing pieces of play, and then going three goals up and it’s 5-2, it’s just about seeing the game out.
“Sit in, no mistakes like we did in the first half – their two goals came from mistakes, so I think in the second half, as soon as we went three goals up, the game’s in the bag, so it’s about just making sure of the three points.”
With Bangor also staying firm in defence and keeping the action at the Welders end as much as they could, a well-rounded approach that blended attacking flair with pragmatism saw the three points out and kept up a strong start that’s seen them pick up 10 points out of 12.
Having also beaten Wellington Rec Swifts 2-0 – Boyd also scored in that encounter – to move into the next round of the Junior Shield, it’s been a good run of results of late with the spirits understandably high in the camp that Boyd, who operated both in the frontline and from the right-hand side on Saturday, hopes will long continue.
“We weren’t tested too much defensively in the second half, getting those three early goals, Davy (Downes) just asked us to sit back, obviously I moved up top and then that gave Daniel (Hannan) a chance to drop in and, yeah, see the game out.
“It’s been a good couple of weeks. We’re still unbeaten in the league and we’re through to the next round of the Junior Shield, which is great, and we’ve got a good consistent run of league games coming up.
“We’d players out today, too, so it was about adapting, you know? Coisty (McCoist Davidson) was out for example, and the manager’s (Ian Boal) away on his honeymoon as well! So it was about adapting and I think we did it exceptionally today.”
(Posted: Monday, 21st October 2024)
Lewis Harrison’s unexpected goal glut has been one of the major talking points amongst the Bangor faithful this season, with the captain admitting that he’s even surprised himself with his contributions in the penalty area.
The 25-year-old’s instincts up top rose to the fore again with a second-half double in Friday night’s 2-1 comeback win over Annagh United that brought his goal count to five across all competitions – already a career-high season total in the month of October and surpassing the four he notched up last campaign.
What’s more, after Annagh skipper Paul Finnegan put his side into a half-time lead and Jack Hastings saw a finish that would have doubled their lead disallowed on the referee’s blow, the midfielder spearheaded a return to winning ways as the Seasiders’ performance noticeably improved after the break. After bundling home from Matthew Ferguson’s headed lay-off to equalise on 52 minutes, his spectacular overhead kick six minutes later turned the tide completely, and Harrison – who made sure to praise his comrades in the middle of the park Robbie Garrett and Tiarnan Mulvenna in his post-match assessment – hopes his surprise form in front of goal continues.
“Your guess is as good as mine, I’m shocked myself at the number of goals I’m getting at the moment!
“I think a lot of it’s down to Ribsy; with him being at the base of midfield, that’s taken some of the defensive responsibilities off me and Tiarnan and freed us to get up and support the likes of Spike and Ben (Arthurs) up top.
“To be fair, you have to give credit to Tiarnan, he’s getting up and chipping in with assists this season. I’m glad to be getting into the box as well, and from midfield, we’re able to share the load with the likes of Spike and Ben as it can’t just be your strikers scoring goals – it has to be all over the team.
“I’m happy to do my bit and be scoring goals, and long may that continue and hopefully I can get a few more this season.”
As he approaches five years in the yellow and blue shirt, Harrison – who also has five assists this term – has seen many highs and a few lows, too.
The previous weekend’s 4-0 loss at Ballinamallard United that manager Lee Feeney admitted was probably the worst performance of his Bangor tenure meant a response was expected – and after a slow start against Annagh, that’s just what the players produced.
The Seasiders boss is on the record as having wanted to see the man he gave the captain’s armband to at just 21 years old chip in with goals and set-ups more often for some time, with Belfast maestro Harrison pleased to do his bit to help the main marksmen in the side.
“The second half, I thought we were very good, we got on the front foot and created a lot of chances.
“We had to be better after last weekend – and listen, that wasn’t acceptable, we were miles off it and we’d no excuses, we had to respond.
“The first half (against Annagh), to be fair, we weren’t really at it either, not at the standards that we’ve set ourselves this season.
“Then it sort of kicked in for us at half-time. We just had to lift our game and we were much more like ourselves in the second half, we lifted standards across the board as a collective.
“We came straight out of the blocks at half-time and I was happy to be on the end of two chances and put them in the back of the net.
“I’ve been trying to get into those areas more, I know Feeno’s wanted me to get up the pitch and be more of a threat.
“Spike and Ben are probably raging they didn’t score, they’ll want to get back in among the goals, but as I say, we all need to chip in from all over the pitch game in, game out, so we’re glad we’ve got the three points and we’re back on track.”
It’s now a two-week hiatus for the first-team, with next Saturday’s trip to Limavady United put back to next month due to the Roesiders having three players called up to feature for Northern Ireland in the Regions Cup in Switzerland.
That means Bangor are next in competitive action on Friday, November 1 when Ballyclare Comrades visit Clandeboye Park, with Stephen Small’s charges ironically assuring the Seasiders of top spot in the Playr-Fit Championship with a 2-0 victory at Harland and Wolff Welders on Saturday.
With the Yellows having picked up 25 points from 12 matches – five more than at this stage last season – and with seven wins in the last eight outings, Harrison admits the mini-break isn’t ideal but says it’s better to approach it on the back of a victory and top of the pile.
“The wee break’s not really ideal, we do want to be playing every week, but we’re top of the table and we’re not having to look upwards at anyone, we’re not chasing anyone and that’s a good place to be.
“If we’d had two defeats going into it, it wouldn’t have been a good look – three points is what we set out for, and that’s the most important thing.
“There’s probably a wee bit more confidence around the club and the fans with going and winning there, and we’ll turn our attentions now to try and build on it against Ballyclare in the next game.”
(Posted: Sunday, 20th October 2024)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Bangor returned to winning ways in the Playr-Fit Championship with a comeback 2-1 victory over Annagh United that sends the Seasiders at least provisionally top of the pile again.
After a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Ballinamallard United six days earlier, a response was promised and that’s exactly what the Friday night crowd at Clandeboye Park got as Lewis Harrison brought his goal tally for the season up to five with a second-half brace that turned the tide back in the hosts’ favourafter Paul Finnegan had put Annagh ahead five minutes before the break.
It's also the captain’s highest standalone goalscoring campaign having firstly slotted beyond former Bangor player Jason Craughwell for the leveller seven minutes after the interval and then produced perhaps his best goal in almost five years in yellow and blue with a fantastic overhead kick on the stroke of the hour that turned the tide.
It was a lead Lee Feeney’s men saw out until the finish for a seventh win in eight outings and continued a flawless record at home to Annagh since Bangor’s return to the Championship – three played, three won. With a two-week break until the home meeting with Ballyclare Comrades that gets November up and running, the Seasiders can at least rest easy knowing three points are the note that it starts on.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, K.Owens, C.McGuinness, L.Harrison, T.Mulvenna, R.Garrett, M.Bradley, S.McGuinness, B.Arthurs(S.Redford), M.Ferguson.
Subs: E.Ovendale, H.Beverland, T.Mathieson, M.Davidson, L.Rea, C.Byers
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 1st November - BANGOR v BALLYCLARE COMRADES, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Friday, 18th October 2024)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney has rallied his players to produce a response to last week’s chastening defeat to Ballinamallard United in Friday night’s clash with Annagh United at Clandeboye Park.
The Yellows were beaten 4-0 at Ferney Park last Saturday to cede top spot to H&W Welders in the Playr-Fit Championship, but Feeney’s men can at least provisionally return to the summit if that flat performance in Co Fermanagh can be atoned against the Portadown side.
Ciaran McGurgan’s Annagh, who are fifth in the standings, make their second visit to north Down in six days having drawn 1-1 with Ards last week that extended their overall unbeaten streak to four matches.
They also have the second-tier’s meanest defence having shipped just 11 goals and can themselves lift into third if they repeat their 1-0 home victory over the Seasiders back in August, but Feeney has been busy channelling a reaction from his charges this week and hopes they look more like the team that went on a six-game winning run across all competitions prior to that Mallards drubbing.
“Listen, Annagh are a good side; experienced manager, good players. It’s been a battle any time we’ve played them at this level, and that’ll be no different on Friday night.
“They’ve been in and around the top of the table and they’ve been in promotion play-offs, they’re not going to make life easy for us.
“For us, we have a chance to make amends in front of our own fans, and the players have to be resilient and get the last game out of the system and hopefully return to winning ways.”
(Posted: Thursday, 17th October 2024)
Heavy defeats have felt like watershed moments for Bangor since achieving promotion to the Playr-Fit Championship – and Lee Feeney is confident the latest one at Ballinamallard United on Saturday can prove a silver lining going forward.
The Seasiders supremo admits he “enjoyed” elements of the painful 4-0 drubbing at Ferney Park that abruptly ended a six-game winning streak because it will ram the point home for his side to come back even stronger than before.
He reflected on a reversal by the same scoreline at Institute a week shy of a year ago – that was coincidentally followed by a 3-0 home loss to the Mallards with Mark Stafford on the touchline – which preceded a three-month unbeaten run that shot Bangor into promotion contention, and after the former Linfield centre-back got one over the Yellows once again, Feeney is sure his charges will strength as a collective.
A positive start was dented by Daniel Barker’s eighth-minute opener for the Ducks before Barker’s second prior to half-time and Josh McIlwaine and Darragh Stewart finishes in the second half compounded the misery in Co Fermanagh, but it’s only a third of the way through the pre-split and with the Seagulls level at the summit, it’s no cause for alarm.
“To be fair, I actually thought the first 10 minutes, we started really well and we were on the front foot, but then the first goal went in and it was like a light had been switched off.
“Our standards dropped all over the pitch and it was probably as bad as I’ve seen us play.
“Give credit to Ballinamallard because they did a job on us, they shut us down and they were very good and they fully deserved the win, but we were so, so bad.
“But I’ll be honest – I enjoyed it in a way, I enjoyed the hurt and the pain of it, and when it’s like that, I’d rather we lose 4-0 than 1-0 on the day because I know that’ll hit home and we’ll get a response from the players.
“We spoke with the players in the dressing room afterwards, and we know that standard of performance isn’t acceptable and that it’ll never happen again.
“I remember around this time last year, we lost heavily up at Institute and we were poor on the day and we spoke with the players afterwards that they had to go out and respond, and off the back of that, we went on a long unbeaten run and we became a better team.
“It’s the same situation here, it’s up to us to provide a response and I know we’ll become a better team because of it.”
Indeed, Feeney says he’s itching to get back in the dugout on Friday night when Annagh United are the visitors to Clandeboye Park.
With a free week following the clash with Ciaran McGurgan’s side after the trip to Limavady United was put back due to international call-ups, victory over the Portadown outfit would satisfy the Kilkeel chief, who feels his side will be a “different animal” after this weekend.
“It’s exactly that, it’s a shock to the system after a good run that we had.
“As I said, I enjoyed the hurt, and it’ll get at me and I’ll enjoy it until we play again on Friday night – I can’t wait, I’m really looking forward to it now.
“And I’ll enjoy it because we’ll be a different animal now, we’re wounded at the moment but people know the quality and personalities that we have in that dressing room.
“As a coaching staff, we’re not concerned because it is a one-off, we’d been on a run when it was clicking and we were playing really well, so now we have to move on from it and refocus ourselves for Friday night.
“We have to use a performance like that as fuel going forward, we have to be fired up to put things right and I’m fully confident we will.”
(Posted: Sunday, 13th October 2024)
Bangor’s six-game winning run across all competitions came crashing to an end on Saturday afternoon when the longest away day of the season also saw the Seasiders’ heaviest defeat of the campaign – 4-0 to Ballinamallard United at Ferney Park.
Bangor started slowly and fell behind on eight minutes. After Matthew Ferguson headed a Kielan Reid delivery over the bar it was Daniel Barker who sent Mark Stafford’s men on their way.
The Seasiders looked to mount a quick response, with a Ferguson shot spinning over the crossbar almost immediately from kick-off, but Ballinamallard instead doubled their lead when Barker fired an impressive second on 34 minutes that left the long-travelling visitors with a mountain to climb heading into the break.
Lee Feeney made adjustments at the interval in the hope of an improvement, with Scott McArthur drawing a save from Mallards stopper Joel Little having replaced Kielan Reid, although despite Tom Mathieson and Lee Rea adding further firepower up top, Josh McIlwaine added Ballinamallard’s third on 71 minutes that effectively put it to bed.
Five minutes later, it was four when Darragh Stewart compounded a fairly miserable day at the office, with the Yellows also dropping off the summit and Harland and Wolff Welders reclaiming top spot courtesy of their own handsome win over Newington at Inver Park.
BANGOR TEAM
J.Taylor, H.Beverland, K.Reid(S.McArthur), K.Owens, S.McGuinness, R.Garrett, L.Harrison(L.Rea), T.Mulvenna, B.Arthurs, M.Ferguson, M.Bradley(T.Mathieson).
Subs: E.Ovendale, C.Byers, S.Redford, M.Davidson
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 18th October 2024 - BANGOR v ANNAGH UNITED, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 12th October 2024)
Saturday, October 12 – Wellington Rec Swifts vs Bangor Reserves, ToalsBet.Com Junior Shield, Brookvale Park, 1:30pm
Bangor Reserves are in action in the ToalsBet.Com Junior Shield this Saturday when they face Wellington Rec Swifts at Brookvale Park.
The young Seasiders have received a bye straight through to Round Two of the prestigious junior competition and will be keen to make ground on the outskirts of Larne this weekend.
Ballymena League outfit Wellington Rec’s youth side play in the BPFL Junior Division Three and sit in third-place in the division after four matches, with Bangor – who have seven points from nine in the Championship Development League – hungry to make a winning return having settled for a frustrating 1-1 draw with Armagh City Olympic a fortnight ago. T
his is also the Yellows’ best chance of knock-out silverware with Bangor Young Men having beaten them 2-0 in the Junior Cup five weeks back, and the players will back themselves to shine under the spotlight and advance to Round Three.
(Posted: Friday, 11th October 2024)
The phrase ‘one game at a time’ has become Bangor manager Lee Feeney’s buzzword, and Ben Arthurs is completely on board with it as he looks ahead to this weekend’s four-hour-round trek to Ballinamallard United on Saturday.
The Seasiders are due west in the Playr-Fit Championship and hoping to make it a seventh straight victory in all competitions when they face the Mallards, who are eighth and have their sights on climbing the table almost a third of the way into the season.
The Seasiders made it five successive wins in the second-tier with the 3-1 home triumph over Institute last weekend and head to Ferney Park in high spirits, hoping to build on a formidable recent record at the Co Fermanagh venue following 3-0 and 4-0 successes last campaign – although the Ducks did record a 3-0 win of their own at Clandeboye Park under then-interim boss Mark Stafford, with the former Linfield centre-back now permanently in charge following Tommy Canning’s departure at the end of last term.
Arthurs scored in both Bangor wins last term and reflected on happy memories created on the back of two fine performances, but it’s all eyes on the present and the striker says the Yellows will approach this latest battle with the same strong mentality as in recent weeks.
“Last year was the first time I ever sort of realised that cliché was a thing, taking each game as it comes.
“All you can do is focus on getting three points from the game that’s at the end of the week you’re in. There’s no point worrying about going on a four-game run, this and that.
“Look, Ballinamallard, it’s a far place to go, but we’d some good memories there last year and we’ll just be turning up with the same mentality as we have been the last few weeks.
“Play our game, work hard and outscore the opponent, that’s really it.”
Midfielder Tiarnan Mulvenna, who recorded a fantastic hat-trick of assists in the Stute win, is similarly casting his sights on the three points and chomping at the bit to taste victory again.
“Yes, looking forward to it, always looking forward to the next game and, most importantly, the three points.
“That’s always the target, to try and build on winning one game with winning the next game, and we’ll go out and try and do that again.”
(Posted: Thursday, 10th October 2024)
If Matthew Ferguson and Ben Arthurs executed the blueprint in Bangor’s 3-1 victory over Institute on Saturday, then midfielder Tiarnan Mulvenna was most certainly the architect.
The fan favourite in the middle of the park is a model of consistency and came up with a hat-trick of assists in the final half-hour that helped the Seasiders bag a fifth win in a row in the Playr-Fit Championship.
While the 26-year-old is yet to score competitively since his move to Clandeboye Park from Glenavon in January, set-ups are as good as a goal for Mulvenna by his own admission and he brought his tally up to five this season – and with Arthurs reinstated to the starting line-up for the first time
in three matches, the midfield dynamo teed up his fifth and sixth finishes of the campaign from a left-sided corner on 59 minutes and a defence-opening crossfield supply nine minutes later.
Another ball over the top into the red-hot Ferguson on 78 minutes helped finish Institute off after Jamie Browne had cut the deficit six minutes earlier, and Mulvenna was satisfied in the end to wrap up the three points.
“It’s a good win for the boys, especially Big Ben being back in the starting 11, getting two goals, happy for him.
“Three assists for me on Saturday – whether it’s from set-pieces, open play, wherever it is on the pitch, however the chances come, it’s good for the team.
“In my position, setting up chances is better than scoring for me, but everyone likes scoring once in a while; I’m still waiting for my goal to come!”
Arthurs’ header broke the deadlock after a cagey first hour which Stute mostly spent looking to counter, with the Kircubbin striker rattling the underside of the bar and Mulvenna seeing a low effort turned wide by goalkeeper Fintan Doherty for the corner that led to the opener. The last 30 minutes was where the best of the action lay, but the former Newington man admits Bangor can still up the ante.
“We started the game, we were playing against the wind in the first half as well, so you have to take that into consideration.
“The way we’re set up is to play football, and sometimes when you play too much in the game and it doesn’t fall for you, it sort of knocks your confidence.
“But we got going, we got the win, that’s the most important thing. We made our chances count when we got them and that sort of turned the game.
“But in terms of our performance, you know, from our behalf, that performance isn’t good enough. No matter what the score is, even if we win 5-1, in terms of looking back on Saturday, we know we can still get better.
“But see as long as the three points are on the board, that’s the main thing.”
Those three points, coupled with Limavady United’s 5-0 victory at previous leaders Harland and Wolff Welders, ensure Bangor will go into this weekend’s trip to Ballinamallard United top of the second-tier.
With a 4-0 BetMcLean Cup triumph at home to Warrenpoint Town meaning it is six wins in a row in all competitions, Belfast man Mulvenna feels with the gelling process factoring in the new arrivals further down the line, the Yellows have momentum and a more complete look.
“That’s what we aimed to do at the start of the season, we have been playing good football; obviously with the new players coming in, it takes a bit of time to gel.
“It didn’t take that long (for the players to get together), but there’s obviously maybe going to be a few cracks and you sort them out as they come, and then that really makes us one.”
(Posted: Tuesday, 8th October 2024)
Bangor striker Ben Arthurs was glad his two goals on Saturday helped shrug off any ‘bogey team’ notions about Institute after the 3-1 victory took the Seasiders’ winning run in the Playr-Fit Championship to five matches.
And having been restored to the starting line-up for the first time in three matches, the big frontman took his personal tally to six this term with a well-placed header just before the hour mark and a delicious chipped finish on 68 minutes that put the Seasiders two up.
Strike partner Matthew Ferguson added the third 10 minutes later that sealed the spoils after Jamie Browne rifled in a deficit-cutter for Stute in between, and Arthurs was delighted to set Bangor on the road to glory against the only side they failed to beat in last season’s second-tier having drawn twice and lost twice against Kevin Deery’s outfit.
“I feel like I’ve probably had a slow enough start to the season. I think I was playing well prior to being on the bench in the last couple of weeks and the goals just weren’t really coming.
“But it was great to score two good goals when we really needed them, just to go 1-0 up and then 2-0 up. We struggled against Institute last year so we were fearing they were a wee bit of a bogey team, you know, last year they were the only team we didn’t beat, so that sort of plays in your mind a wee bit, let’s be honest.
“But we know the ability we have in the changing room this year, and it was the same last year, and we’re pretty confident going into every game.” Playing against the wind in a goalless first half where both sides struggled to get into rhythm, that was no worry for Arthurs who always felt an improvement was on the horizon after the interval – and he was proved right.
“There was a strong wind there on Saturday, and it’s one of those ones where we chose to play against it in the first half.
“Not that it fully matters, but it definitely was tougher in the first half.
“Everyone knows playing into the wind is more difficult, so we sort of knew going in at half-time, yes, we maybe weren’t playing as well as we wanted to or leading the game, but we had to win the second half.
“We sort of felt like we might’ve had more chances and really kicked on, and so we did.”
The 26-year-old from Kircubbin may be playing catch-up to the inspired Ferguson in the top goalscorer race – the former H&W Welders man has 12 already in 10 league matches since joining in the summer – but the pair have a great bond on and off the pitch and Arthurs says the Clandeboye faithful can be very pleased by how they have gelled.
“Yeah, he’s been brilliant since he’s come in, he’s 12 goals now and he’s been firing them in.
“We have been playing very well together, we’ve 18 goals between us in 10 games, and I think Bangor fans will be glad to see how well we’ve gelled together.
“That’s five wins in a row in the league, we can contribute to that and just all be happy.”
And with 137 goals in yellow and blue – just four shy of breaking Andy Morrow’s modern club scoring record and into second-place behind Billy Bradford all-time – Arthurs admits that is in his sights and a sixth successive competitive club top scorer accolade since his arrival in 2018 is a target, but he is prioritising simply scoring as much as he can on any given week while also winning games and sharing Ferguson’s delight at his own eye-catching form.
“To be honest, and I’m not even just saying this, but I’m all about the team. Yes, I want to be scoring goals, and since I’ve come in, I have been the top goalscorer the last lot of years so don’t get me wrong, that is something you want to do.
“But at the end of the day, I’m happy to see Spike hitting the back of the net as long as the team’s winning.
“I know goals will come for me – every year they do, it’s just about sticking with it – but we get on very well, texting each other near enough every other day and I’ve nothing but respect for him and I’m glad he’s doing well.
“Maybe other people are like that, but there’s certainly no envy there of Spike banging them in, I’m delighted.
“For me personally, I’m chasing second all-time on the top goalscorer’s list, that’s two more, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t overly matter until it happens, I just want to be scoring as many goals as I can every week and seeing how far we go.”
With Tiarnan Mulvenna sealing a hat-trick of assists against Stute, joining midfield comrade Lewis Harrison on top of the charts with five set-ups each this term, it’s music to Arthurs’ ears and reflective of the amount of opportunities fashioned for players to find the net.
Six wins in a row in all competitions have featured 22 goals – a striker’s dream, says Arthurs.
“I was actually talking to Spike the other day and was saying to him, it’s a striker’s dream at the moment; see the amount of chances we’re getting?
“Some of those early games in the season that we maybe didn’t win, we were getting lots of chances and we maybe didn’t get the rub of the green, but that’s exactly where you want to be as a striker.
“You want as many chances as you can get. Okay, we’ve been missing some, but at the end of the day, as long as the chances are coming, and fair play to the team for that.
“Tiarnan got three assists on Saturday, Stephen (McGuinness) put me in for a good chance, Lewis Harrison’s coming in with assists… all the boys are just digging in, it worked for us on Saturday and it’s great to have that.”
(Posted: Monday, 7th October 2024)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
A clinical final half-hour helped Bangor to a sixth successive victory and a winning start to October in the Playr-Fit Championship, while also putting the Seasiders top of the table after a battling 3-1 victory over Institute at Clandeboye Park.
Bangor finally broke the deadlock on 59 minutes after upping the ante in chance creation. Ben Arthurs hit the underside of the bar on 58 minutes, Tiarnan Mulvenna drew a good save from Fintan Doherty as he drilled low and, from the resulting left-sided corner, the midfielder swung for Arthurs to head home above Brandon Diau.
And the Seasiders doubled the lead 10 minutes later, as Arthurs spotted Doherty off his line and connected with a fabulous crossfield supply by Mulvenna to lob over the Stute stopper and double his tally for the day.
Visiting substitute Jamie Browne sent nerves jangling when a spirited Stute rammed home after James Taylor initially denied Padraig Lynch, cutting the deficit in half. But on 79 minutes, newly crowned September Championship Player of the Month Matthew Ferguson got in behind to slot in the Seasiders' third and restore the two-goal cushion that Lee Feeney's men saw out until the end.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale(K.Reid), K.Owens, C.McGuinness, S.McGuinness, R.Garrett, M.Bradley, L.Harrison, T.Mulvenna(L.Rea), B.Arthurs(S.Redford), M.Ferguson(T.Mathieson).
Subs: E.Ovendale, H.Beverland, M.Davidson
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 12th October 2024 - BALLINAMALLARD UNITED v BANGOR, Ferney Park, Championship, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 5th October 2024)
It’s back to business in the Playr-Fit Championship on Saturday and Bangor assistant coach Michael McClelland is taking nothing for granted when Institute come to town.
The north west outfit pipped the Seasiders to the post by finishing second to book their slot in the promotion play-off and were narrowly denied a Sports Direct Premiership place by Ballymena United’s late fightback at The Showgrounds to lose 2-1 on aggregate.
With a number of talented performers including Championship Player of the Year Shaun Leppard (Cliftonville), ex-Northern Ireland international Daniel Lafferty (Ballymena) and talented teenager Oisin Devlin (Larne) departing in the off-season, Kevin Deery’s side had struggled in a six-game winless run in the league to start this term but are now four games unbeaten across all competitions and have not conceded a goal in any of their last three.
Stute were also Bangor’s bogey team last season – the only side Lee Feeney’s men failed to beat in the league, drawing two and losing two in the four meetings – but McClelland isn’t thinking about the past, taking it one game at a time and keen to see the high standards the players set for themselves maintained.
“We’re operating with a bigger squad this season so there is the strength in depth there, and you can tell there’s a winning mentality in the changing room.
“After every game, we’re sort of dusting it off and moving on to the next one, wanting to improve week by week.
“We’re wanting to get better week by week and we’re always striving for perfection, and that comes from the culture that the players and staff have built.
“Everyone at the club on and off the pitch is trying to pull in the same direction, we want to win games, we want to perform to our best and we’re never satisfied with just the win.
“So, we’ll take that on into Saturday where Institute will be another hard match, and we’re hoping to get maximum points and move on.
“It’s an old cliché, but it’s literally one game at a time, and in the Championship, you need that mentality as it is a hard division.”
(Posted: Friday, 4th October 2024)
Bangor assistant coach Michael McClelland praised a professional performance on Tuesday night to overcome Warrenpoint Town in the BetMcLean Cup and said it showcased how the whole Seasiders squad is playing their part to pick up results.
The 4-0 victory at Clandeboye Park fired the Seasiders into the Second Round Proper of the NI Football League’s showpiece knock-out competition, where a home tie against Irish Cup champions Cliftonville awaits, with Lewis Harrison and Sonny Redford strikes before half-time backed up by Kielan Reid and Michael Halliday finishes after the interval to round it off.
Of that quartet, teenagers Redford and Reid netted their first senior goals, veteran Halliday opened his account for a remarkable 25th Irish League season in a row, while Harrison has struck gold in front of goal as the club captain already has three this campaign to equal his all-time best single-season return.
With six changes to the line-up that started the 3-2 comeback victory at Ballyclare Comrades on Saturday, McClelland feels the squad game is working to a tee on the seaside and that it can keep driving Bangor forward.
With five wins in a row, 19 goals scored in that span and a perfect 12-points-from-12 month of September ticked off, spirits are high and McClelland can sense the determination in the playing panel to continue picking up points and wins. The resilience and spirit shown in successive comeback triumphs over the Comrades and at Armagh City (4-1) the previous week translated into a comfortable avoidance of a banana skin against Premier Intermediate side Warrenpoint – on a night when others from the third-tier including Dollingstown and Queen’s University stunned the odds to taste victory – and the means is there to extend that positive vein.“We were able to rotate and play players who are trying to stake a claim or just back from injury while also resting a few players.
“It was a good, professional performance. With players starting to build up match fitness and consistency and chemistry within the changing room after all the changes we made during the summer, with the new players gelling in with those who were already there, it’s creating the kind of environment we’d like as a coaching staff.
“It was good to get a clean sheet as well, and with players like Lewis Harrison scoring, going through a good vein of form, you know, players are standing up to the mark and are getting goals and we’re not just relying on the likes of Matthew Ferguson to score goals.
“It shows our strength both in the starting side, on the bench and in terms of our general depth and we’ve plenty to realise the squad to its maximum.”
“On Saturday, I’d say we weren’t quite at our best, but it showed our never-say-die attitude and our resilience and we’re continuing to gain experience at this level.
“The squad is coming into play as well; Ben Arthurs has been coming off the bench recently and scoring goals, we’re able to utilise everyone in the squad, that carried over into Tuesday night especially with carrying a few injuries.
“We’ve shown a lot of character within our changing room, within our culture that we have that we’ve built at the club – you saw on Saturday, Ballyclare’s a good side with good players and we managed to turn the game on its head.
“There’s great determination to push the club in the right direction to get to where we want to get to, and Tuesday night continued that – it’s five wins in a row now and we’ll just put our focus on the next game to try and continue that run.”
(Posted: Thursday, 3rd October 2024)
The Seasiders will be at home in round two of the BetMcLean Cup, with Cliftonville visiting Clandeboye Park on either Tuesday 5th or Wednesday 6th November.
(Posted: Wednesday, 2nd October 2024)
Bangor punched their ticket into the Round of 16 in the BetMcLean Cup on Tuesday night with a commanding 4-0 victory over Premier Intermediate side Warrenpoint Town.
A Bangor side that featured six changes from the weekend win at Ballyclare Comrades drew first blood in the contest at Clandeboye Park on 36 minutes when captain Lewis Harrison’s fantastic attacking form this campaign continued with a spectacular bicycle kick from a worked short corner – his third finish this season to add to five assists from midfield.
And only six minutes later, it was two for Lee Feeney’s men when Sonny Redford – starting for the first time – notched up his first senior Bangor goal after Matthew Ferguson laid the 18-year-old off to finish at the back post.
The lead became three as another teenager – centre-back Kielan Reid – bagged his first in senior football just before the hour, bulleting home a header from Tiarnan Mulvenna’s corner that added a further cushion to a professional performance.
And with fellow Academy young guns Ryan Nixon – making his second senior appearance – and debutant midfielder Caden McKee appearing from the bench in the closing stages, the youth really was front and centre but it was the oldest man on the pitch to do the job, 45-year-old Michael Halliday wrapping things up with the fourth after good work from Lee Rea.
BANGOR TEAM:
E.Ovendale, R.Neale, K.Owens, L.Harrison(C.Byers), T.Mulvenna(R.Nixon), M.Ferguson(L.Rea), K.Reid, T.Mathieson, M.Davidson, R.Garrett(C.McKee), S.Redford(M.Halliday).
Subs: B.Fry, B.Arthurs
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 5th October 2024 - BANGOR v INSTITUTE, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Wednesday, 2nd October 2024)
Reece Neale is relishing the chance for Bangor to go on a cup run as attentions switch to the visit of Warrenpoint Town in the BetMcLean Cup tonight.
Premier Intermediate side the ‘Point, who are skippered by former double-winning Seasiders defender John Boyle and managed by his brother Gary, have designs on causing an upset at Clandeboye Park – and Neale is wary of the threat the south Down outfit are set to pose.
Lee Feeney’s Yellows rounded off a perfect September in the Playr-Fit Championship with four wins from four to ensure they sit behind leaders Harland and Wolff Welders on goal difference only.
Warrenpoint are in the same position in the PIL, sat behind leaders Dollingstown with two wins and a draw from their first three league outings, and a side who were in the Premiership as recently as 2022 are not to be taken lightly.
“Yeah, it’s a nice distraction for us to go alongside the league and it’s a chance for us to build a bit of momentum and go on a wee cup run.
“It’s nice to have a run in the cup, we’re in a good moment now in terms of our form and we want to carry that over and perform in the cups as well.
“I suppose we know what the PIL’s like having won it previously, it’s a really competitive league and we know that if we’re not on it, a team like Warrenpoint has the ability to turn us over, so we have to be on top of our game on Tuesday night.”
(Posted: Tuesday, 30th September 2024)
It was a satisfying day at the office for Reece Neale on Saturday – both for ending his 19-month goal drought and helping Bangor come from behind to beat Ballyclare Comrades.
It’s the second week in a row the Seasiders have fought from behind, with the 3-2 victory at Dixon Park – having been 2-1 down at half-time – following up the previous weekend’s 4-1 success at Holm Park over Armagh City when Conor Mullen opened the scoring inside a minute for the hosts.
Vice-captain Neale admitted afterwards his enjoyment of being a part of battling comeback triumphs after a dominant second period saw the defender level on 67 minutes before substitute Ben Arthurs guided home the winner nine minutes later. Matthew Ferguson notched up his 11th of the season early doors but former Ards frontman Darius Roohi’s double – the types of goals Neale would like to see cut out – shot Ballyclare ahead at the interval, however the fighting spirit of Lee Feeney’s side was on show to wrap up the maximum spoils.
“Winning games by three or four goals is all well and good, but it’s actually more satisfying coming and winning games from a goal down, if you know what I mean.
“They were 2-1 up at half-time and probably deservedly so; they’d had the better chances towards the end of the first half, but we came out after half-time and I felt we dominated.
“We had possession, near enough all the chances, I was able to get the equaliser and Ben managed to stick his boot out for the third goal that put us back in front and we saw it out from there, but it was really satisfying coming from behind to win the game.
“We’re a wee bit frustrated about the goals we conceded. If you look back at them, we kind of gifted them those two opportunities from small mistakes which we want to cut out.
“We all look back at the video after the games and analyse our own performances to try and improve and cut those mistakes out – and we will, we’ve probably let in a few too many like that and we will fix that.
“But we all back ourselves to come up with a response and we came out in the second half and delivered one, and we’re happy to come away with the three points.”
26-year-old Neale, in his fourth season at Bangor since joining in 2021, also touched on the freedom in midfield allowing Lewis Harrison to unexpectedly lead the club assist charts.
The skipper’s set-ups for Neale and Arthurs’ strikes bring him up to five for the campaign to add to goals against Ards and Newry City – that’s seven direct goal involvements in 10 games having notched up 12 in the previous two seasons combined.
A shock to many but not to Harrison’s former Linfield Swifts comrade Neale, who reflected on a 3-2 victory over Newington in February 2022 as evidence of how he could chip in and also heaped praise on seasoned veteran Robert Garrett for playing the anchor role to a tee.
“You know what, I always felt Lewis had that in him to get forward and chip in with goals and assists regularly.
“I remember in my first season, we played Lewis in a No.10 role against Newington up at Solitude and he created loads that day that meant we went on to win the game.
“A lot of the play ran through him, he’s obviously played a bit more of a holding role but he has the freedom to get up the pitch now and you’re seeing how effective he is there.
“He played a nice layoff from the corner for me, and then, it’s an absolutely perfect ball for Ben to get his boot to, and thankfully, he was able to turn it in that’s won the game for us.
“Ribsy’s been absolutely brilliant since he came in, you can see his mentality in the changing room and his experience speaks for itself.
“He’s anchoring the midfield and that gives Lewis and Tiarnan (Mulvenna) so much freedom to get up the pitch – Tiarnan’s been excellent as well, as we expect him to be.
“Up top, Spike’s obviously going to be sort of the centre of praise for the goals he’s scored, and rightly so – not just in scoring goals either; his hold-up play as well, bringing others in.
“But from everywhere on the pitch, we always back ourselves to score goals, that’s not a problem for us. Even I scored one; makes it a good day at the office for me for once!”
That rasping hit was Neale’s first goal in 66 games since a volley inside a minute at Armagh in the Premier Intermediate League in February 2023 – and he just knew this one was going in.
“Yeah, it was a good hit. I picked up the ball and put my laces through it, and I knew from the ball left my boot that it was hitting the back of the net.
“I’ve not scored as many goals these days with me being in the back-three most of the time, the players in front of me have been doing that more than me in the last couple of years but it’s good to finally get one for myself.”
(Posted: Monday, 30th September 2024)
(Posted: Sunday, 29th September 2024)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Bangor made it four wins on the spin on Saturday afternoon when the Seasiders came from behind to beat Ballyclare Comrades 3-2 in a high-scoring game at Dixon Park.
Despite the Sydenham By-Pass’s closure adding time to travel journeys for the visiting fans, the Bangor players didn’t delay in seizing the initiative early doors when Matthew Ferguson slammed in his 11th goal of the Playr-Fit Championship campaign after Stephen McGuinness set him up. But the advantage was short-lived when a familiar nemesis in Darius Roohi hit back for the Comrades a quarter of an hour in, slotting home Michael Morgan’s ball across the face of goal to equalise.
The Seasiders continued to threaten, with Reece Neale curling a free-kick just beyond the post and Ferguson grazing the top of the crossbar, but Ballyclare went into the half-time break ahead when Roohi bagged his second of the day with 39 minutes gone after he sent his attempt into the net from the edge of the area.
The scoring wasn’t done, though, and Bangor equalised when Reece Neale brought the curtains on a goal drought of more than a year and a half. The vice-captain previously finished against Armagh City in the Premier Intermediate League in February 2023, and 19 months on, he turned up again to hit a rocket of an equaliser for Lee Feeney’s men with just over 20 minutes remaining at Dixon Park.
And Bangor raced back into the lead with less than a quarter of an hour to go; Ben Arthurs sprung from the bench at half-time and making an impact when he notched up Seasiders goal No.135 – and his seventh in total against Ballyclare, his favourite Championship opponent – converting Lewis Harrison’s supply to turn the tide back the way of the visitors.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, C.Byers, C.McGuinness(H.Beverland), S.McGuinness, R.Garrett, L.Harrison, T.Mulvenna, B.Cushnie(B.Arthurs), M.Bradley(T.Mathieson), M.Ferguson.
Subs: E.Ovendale, K.Reid, S.McArthur, S.Redford.
NEXT MATCH:
Tuesday, 1st October - BANGOR v WARRENPOINT TOWN, Bet McLean Cup, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 28th September 2024)
Saturday, September 28 – Bangor Reserves vs Armagh City Olympic, NIFL Championship U21 Development League, Clandeboye Park, 11am
Bangor Reserves are back in action after a three-week hiatus when they welcome Armagh City Olympic to Clandeboye Park in the NIFL Championship U21 Development League.
The young Seasiders are hoping to double up following the senior side’s 4-1 triumph at Holm Park last Saturday and build on a start that has seen them win two out of two in the league against their Ballyclare Comrades and Ards counterparts.
Having been defeated 2-0 in the fonaCAB Craig Stanfield Junior Cup by Bangor Young Men on September 7, however, the Yellows are looking to return to winning ways and build up towards another league title push having finished in third-place last term.
An encouraging start in the league, with Sonny Redford and Carter Maxwell helping them enjoy North Down Derby success in their previous outing on that front, should mean their confidence and spirits are high ahead of facing the Eagles and the players will look to show that on the pitch.
(Posted: Friday, 27th September 2024)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney believes his ever-gelling side can ride the momentum of recent strong displays in search of three more points against Ballyclare Comrades on Saturday.
While the Seasiders enjoyed a mixed bag of results to kick the Playr-Fit Championship season off, three victories on the spin over the course of a fortnight mean Feeney’s men sit level on points with H&W Welders at the summit having netted an impressive 12 goals in that span.
The Kilkeel boss, who feels that his squad are starting to kick into rhythm as the new arrivals blood in, feels the latest of those was last Saturday’s 4-1 comeback success over Armagh City at Holm Park last weekend is a fresh platform to take into the Comrades clash at Dixon Park.
“We’ve maybe not hit the level of performances as quickly as we’d like, but we’ve also brought in seven or eight new players and you can’t expect it to be perfect right away.
“The players are getting used to each other and we’ve a couple of really good performances under our belt now, so the target for us is to try and take that into the next game and show the same level of mentality to go and get another big result.”
Feeney watched Stephen Small’s Comrades last Friday in their 2-1 defeat to Newry City at The Showgrounds when a late Marcus Murphy finish threatened a late fightback and saw enough to expect a difficult test this weekend.
Matches between Bangor and Ballyclare were box-office last season, with 20 goals scored including four for Ben Arthurs in a 4-2 County Antrim Shield last-16 victory last September and a last-minute Lewis Francis winner in a dramatic 3-2 comeback win in December – but Darius Roohi’s own late match-winner for the Comrades in the first game of last term, also by a 3-2 scoreline, shows it didn’t all go Bangor’s way.
On what is also the men’s team’s first trip to Dixon Park since the installation of a brand-new artificial surface at the Co Antrim venue, Feeney is refusing to take anything for granted.
“I was at their game against Newry last Friday night, they got one back late on and gave it a good rattle, they were fighting right until the end to try and get a point from a game.
“Stephen Small is an experienced coach, he’s got a young squad with a lot of talent and I know him and Chris Ramsey (assistant) will look to make it a hard game for us on Saturday.
“Every game’s a hard game in this league; we’ve approached games the right way and we’ve started to get a run of performances together, we have a bit of momentum and we want to carry that into this weekend to get another three points on the board.”
(Posted: Friday, 27th September 2024)
Luke Neal, Head of Medical Services at Bangor FC, has commended the team at Ultrasound NI for their professionalism, expertise and timely service.
Ultrasound NI is a provider of private diagnostic medical ultrasound, which includes scans for sports injuries.
Luke said:
“Bangor FC forward Ben Cushnie finished a recent game with what we thought was a hamstring tear, meaning he could miss weeks of important matches for the Seasiders.
“In a bid to get Ben back on the pitch as soon as possible, we booked him in for a scan with Ultrasound NI. We were able to get a scan the following day after the match and we were able to see immediately that he didn’t have any major issues.”
Ultrasound NI is based in the North Down area, with over 20 years of expertise.
Luke continued:
“Because of the scan, Ben has continued to play uninterrupted, which has been great for Bangor FC. So much so, he scored the winner versus Newry and netted two goals on Saturday versus Armagh City.”
Luke concluded:
“Ultrasound NI is an accessible and cost effective way to diagnose sports injuries speedily. Most importantly, they have made a tangible difference to the results of Bangor FC and we will continue to use their services when required.”
(Posted: Tuesday, 24th September 2024)
Bangor boss Lee Feeney admitted he was glad his side conceded inside the first minute at Armagh City on Saturday – because it allowed the players to refocus minds and dominate the rest of the Playr-Fit Championship contest.
Conor Mullen’s speedy opener was as good as it got for the Holm Park men as Matthew Ferguson levelled just after the half-hour, Ben Cushnie bagged a brace either side of half-time and substitute Scott McArthur put the cherry on top of a superb 4-1 victory seven minutes from time.
Consequently, and courtesy of defeats for H&W Welders and Limavady United who began the day ahead of the third-placed Seasiders, Feeney’s charges are now level at the second-tier summit alongside the Welders on 16 points having wrapped up a third win on the spin, scoring 12 goals in that span. The Kilkeel supremo toasted his squad’s reaction to that early setback as he reflected on a fine day at the office.
“The boys played really well, and I said to them after, I was actually glad we conceded in the first minute because it gave us the chance to show the mentality of the boys, and we totally dominated afterwards.
“The most pleasing thing for me was that we conceded in the 30 seconds, maybe not even the first 30 seconds, and we never even batted an eyelid.
“We controlled the game, we dominated possession, we created so many chances, and it’s maybe easy to drop off after conceding so early but our players reacted to it superbly.”
On his first start of the season having navigated hamstring trouble in the season’s early knockings, Cushnie’s brace doubled his goal tally for the campaign from two to four and Feeney praised the Hillsborough striker’s qualities as he builds towards full fitness.
Also hailing Championship Player of the Season nominee McArthur for getting off the mark for 2024/25, the Bangor chief is satisfied with the collective attitude of the group as Callum Byers also slotted into defence for his first league start in place of the injured Kyle Owens.
“We’ve been managing Cush in the early part of this season because of his injury, so we’ve been bringing him off the bench and giving him 30 minutes here or 45 minutes there, and I think we have managed him well.
“I think he played 70 minutes on Saturday, so he’s continuing to get up to speed fitness-wise, but he took his two goals really well.
“We want to get him out on the pitch, he’s a really talented player who has a lot to offer us and we’re always encouraging him. He’s better to be on the pitch than off it, and he made a great impact on the game.
“I’m glad Scotty’s off the mark as well, he’s another talented player who took his goal well and there’ll be more to come from him.
“We’re trying to create that competition for places in the squad. Kyle Owens picked up an injury, so Callum Byers came into the team on Saturday and played well, we had Howard Beverland on the bench and Ben Arthurs, Scott McArthur, Tom Mathieson and Max Davidson came on, as did young Sonny Redford who came up from the Under-20s, so it’s great depth.
“Kielan Reid, Jordan Hughes and Michael Halliday weren’t in the squad and we’ve Lee Rea still to come back from injury, so that shows you the quality that we have, but the lads who haven’t been playing as much have been great too because they know their time will come.
“I made two changes to the team from last Friday night against Dundela when we played really well, and who’s to say I won’t make another one or two changes for the next game?
“There’s healthy competition in the squad and everyone has their part to play, and I’m really pleased with the attitude that we have in the group.”
Feeney also shed light on the decision to call 18-year-old Redford – who has three goals in as many games for the Reserves – into action on the back of his fast start to this term.
It was the Belfast youngster’s third senior Seasiders appearance and first in the second-tier, with the manager keen to shine a light on his potential.
“Obviously, with young players coming up, you need to manage them in the right way, and Sonny’s been playing well for the Under-20s and we brought him in for this game.
“He’s a player we’ve been keeping a close eye on for a long time and we were looking for the opportunity to bring him in, and this was a game I felt he could make an impact in.
“It wasn’t out of sympathy or anything like that, however you would put it; it was for genuine football reasons.
“We were well on top when he did come on but, to be honest, even if it was 1-1, I’d probably still have brought Sonny on as we know what he can offer and it would’ve suited the contest.
“He’s up training with the first-team all the time now and he’s a player we think adds to what we already have, so we’ll keep looking at him and I know he can make an impact for us.”
(Posted: Sunday, 22nd September 2024)
Bangor moved level on points at the Playr-Fit Championship summit and extended their winning run to three games after defeating newly promoted Armagh City 4-1, but they had to come from behind to do the trick against last season’s Premier Intermediate League promotion play-off winners. Harking back to the Seasiders’ previous visit to Holm Park when Reece Neale thundered in a volleyed opener less than 15 seconds after kick-off, it was indeed Armagh’s turn to break the sub-minute barrier on this occasion as striker Conor Mullen opened the scoring for Shea Campbell’s men almost straight from the referee’s whistle.
Bangor offered a response, though, with captain Lewis Harrison seeing a shot cleared off the line and Reece Neale firing one wide, and the visitors did equalise on 33 minutes when Matthew Ferguson continued his inspired goalscoring form – remarkably his 10th goal of the season already – after turning in Reece Neale’s supply following an initial short corner routine.
Lee Feeney’s men turned the tide completely four minutes before the interval when Ben Cushnie – making his first start of the season up top – pounced on an error in the Armagh defence and then slotted home past Armagh goalkeeper Conner Byrne to give Bangor the lead at the interval. The forward kept up his momentum six minutes after the interval, too, when he added his second and fourth of the season to give the away side a greater cushion with that important third goal.
There was a first goal of the season for Scott McArthur nine minutes from time, superbly controlling Robbie Garrett’s free-kick before powering home, and a late appearance off the bench for youth team striker Sonny Redford, on the back of a strong start to the season with Bangor Reserves, rounded off a successful day’s work at Holm Park.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, C.Byers, C.McGuinness, S.McGuinness(T.Mathieson), R.Garrett, T.Mulvenna, L.Harrison(B.Arthurs), B.Cushnie(S.McArthur), M.Ferguson(S.Redford), M.Bradley(M.Davidson).
Subs: E.Ovendale, H.Beverland
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 28th September 2024 - BALLYCLARE COMRADES v BANGOR, Championship, Dixon Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 21st September 2024)
Bangor FC Ladies celebrated their end-of-season awards last Saturday night in the Bangor Social Club as individual and team achievements were celebrated following the end of the 2024 campaign.
Gifted winger Emi Wynne collected the Young Player of the Year award in her first season at the club, bagging four goals across 23 appearances and catching the eye of supporters with her work-rate and trickery, while teenage midfielder Francesca Costa’s industrious displays from the centre of the park that were also marked by five goals and a number of assists saw her receive the Manager’s Player of the Year accolade.
Fellow midfielder Erin Hennity took home the Players’ Player of the Year prize at the end of her second season with the Seasiders having made 18 appearances in total, while the versatile Toni Stewart was named Most Improved Player of the Year having netted six goals while playing across both the forward line and in midfield.
Meanwhile, Amber Dempster’s 38-goal haul across all competitions saw her easily wrap up the Top Goalscorer award, with 34 in the league confirming her as the leading markswoman in the NIWFA Championship, too. Having also been nominated for the Player of the Year accolade in the league, there could be further joy for home town hero Dempster at the NIWFA Awards at the Hilton Hotel, Belfast on Saturday, October 5 as she looks to mark her fine individual season in further style.
With the Ladies having finished fourth-place in the Championship, recording an all-time best quarter-final performance in the Irish Cup and reaching the Super Cup semi-finals, it proved to be another season of progress under new boss Chris Dougan with hopes high going into the 2025 campaign of further growth.
(Posted: Thursday, 19th September 2024)
Matthew Ferguson insists Bangor will refuse to rest on the laurels of last week’s impressive 3-1 victory over Dundela when the Seasiders travel to Armagh City on Saturday.
Promoted to the Playr-Fit Championship on the back of defeating Dergview on penalties in last season’s promotion/relegation play-off, Shea Campbell’s Eagles have made a solid start to life back in senior football having banked nine points from their seven games to date. Heavy defeats on the road to Limavady United (3-0) and Harland and Wolff Welders (5-0) in their previous two matches mean they want to get back on track on home turf, though, and Ferguson – who struck two goals in as many minutes early on to help Lee Feeney’s men to victory over the Duns – knows to take nothing for granted.
The Holm Park trip has been a popular away day for Bangor supporters over the years and is usually a guarantee of goals given there have been 15 across the last three meetings, and a fresh three-point haul is at the top of Ferguson’s mind to add to this current run of back-to-back successes.
“Yeah, we’re just looking at one game at a time, and no matter who you play in this league, you’re going to have a tough game.
“It’s up to us to prepare well during the week and put things right going into that Saturday.
“Hopefully, we can put another performance like we did on Friday night and get another three points and we build on that.
“Then once we get that ticked off, then it’s just about moving onto the game, but like I say, we take it one game at a time, and at this moment in time, all we’re looking for is three points.”
(Posted: Thursday, 19th September 2024)
It’s the end of an era as Gareth Beattie departs Clandeboye Park.
The 33 year old has made over 250 appearances for the Seasiders since making his debut in 2011, & with countless medals & individual honours to his name, Beats has been an integral part of the club.
/We thank Gareth for the commitment, hard work and effort that he has dedicated to the Seasiders, and we wish him the very best for whatever comes next.
(Posted: Monday, 16th September 2024)
Stephen McGuinness was glad to wrap up three points above all else following Bangor’s 3-1 win over Dundela under the Clandeboye Park floodlights on Friday night.
The left wing-back on loan from Cliftonville helped the Seasiders secure back-to-back wins and was pleased the hosts were able to build on three goals inside the first 20 minutes to take the maximum spoils on the night.
“Yeah, we knew Friday night was going to be a tough game, but we got the three points so we got the job done.
“We’ve been getting early goals, and we know with the two boys up top, if we give them chances, they’re going to score.
“What we wanted to work on was whenever we do score them early goals, try not to concede, and we went in at half-time 3-0 up, so we done that well.”
This victory over the Duns followed last week’s madcap 5-4 win away to Newry City – a game that left the defences disappointed, with McGuinness insisting a big improvement was needed from the rearguard and across the board.
That duly was the case given Lee Feeney’s men were three goals up at the interval without reply and dominant in the first half, and despite a scrappier second period that saw substitute Aaron Prendergast squirm a shot past James Taylor and in for the visitors on 69 minutes, the 21-year-old paid tribute to the collective defensive application and the composure to see out the remainder without any stress.
“Last week, conceding four goals, it wasn’t good enough from the defenders and the whole team as well, to be fair.
“So, we knew we were going to shut up shop and defend, and I thought we done really well.
“We had a slight mistake for their goal, but other than that, I thought we defended really well.
“We knew that they were going to come out in the second half, first 10 minutes, they were going to come out firing to try and get one back, and I feel like we done really well just to deal with that pressure.
“Then, once they did score, to be fair we didn’t change nothing, we didn’t panic and we just kept doing what we’re doing and we got to the full-time whistle.”
McGuinness is no stranger to the Championship having previously enjoyed previous loan spells with Queen’s University and Annagh United in the second-tier, and he has hit the ground running since his deadline-day arrival from the Reds.
The defender, who has made 19 appearances for the Solitude outfit of which 12 came under Jim Magilton last campaign, says it has been an easy adaptation in north Down and that he has a simple motivation – to get game-time under his belt and win football matches.
Having made his Bangor bow as a half-time substitute in the 3-1 defeat to Limavady United a fortnight ago, he has started on the left side of defence for three games in a row and caught the eye, but he has no intention of resting on his laurels and will keep pushing himself hard.
“Coming in, the lads really welcomed me, and I know Tiarnan (Mulvenna), so it was easy coming in with knowing him, and I got put on in my first game.
“That’s what I wanted to do, just wanted to play games and help the team win matches every week.
“I’ve experience of the league before, and definitely with this league, you never know what you’re going to get.
“All games are tough as well, so you’re never going to get an easy game, so just going into every game, trying to do our best and me as well, trying to be the best I can be.”
(Posted: Monday, 16th September 2024)
Matthew Ferguson is soaring again and scoring again, and two goals in two minutes helped set the Seasiders on their way to victory over Dundela at Clandeboye Park on Friday night.
The marksman is up to nine goals in the Playr-Fit Championship season already, with a brace of finishes on 10 and 12 minutes adding to Ben Arthurs’ 20th-minute strike and making sure the damage was done before a quarter of the game had elapsed.
Aaron Prendergast’s reply off the bench on 69 minutes meant the Duns – who began the day in third, one place above their hosts – left with a consolation in Bangor’s 3-1 success, but the prospect of back-to-back wins never looked in doubt following the previous weekend’s 5-4 goal-crazy victory at Newry City.
The priority for lethal frontman Ferguson is to continue building momentum and use this run and performance as a means to go on.
“We came out of the traps and we built from there.
“From last week, getting the three points away to Newry, crazy game as everybody’s documented, we’re just trying to keep the momentum going and we got another three points there tonight.
“Very good first-half performance, going in 3-0 up at half-time, and we managed the game there on in and, thankfully, we were able to get the win.”
The second half was more of a scrap than the first, with Stephen Gourley’s Dundela finding more of a foothold following a slick opening 45 minutes for Bangor.
The early goals set the tone, with Lee Feeney’s charges managing the game professionally and never looking flustered on their way to three points that provisionally lifted them joint with Ferguson’s former club Harland and Wolff Welders and Limavady United at the second-tier summit on 13 points. The Dundonald man pointed to a settling effect of those three early goals as well as a cool-headed mindset as the game progressed, helping the Seasiders wrap up the three points.
“In a 90-minute match, nobody will ever dominate a game for 90 minutes, so we know when you’re on top and you have the momentum, it’s crucial that you take your chances.
“Thankfully, we started the game really, really well and we got early goals.
“I think once you score the first goal, it settles you a wee bit, brings you into the game.
“And with getting the second and third just after that there, I think it settled the whole game for us and it’s just about managing it from there.
“We were 3-0 up at half-time, and you know yourself, if you’re keeping a clean sheet, you’re winning the match. We just tried to keep a compact unit, not give too many (chances) away.
“Unfortunately, we did concede with about 20 minutes to go, but the guys regrouped again and we seen out the win.
“The damage was done in the first half; we knew what we were going to get from Dundela in the second half, they were going to come out of the traps the way we did in the first half.
“They put it up against us and I’m just glad we were able to see it out and get the win again.”
Goalscorers may take the limelight but there was creativity and energy all over the pitch on Friday night – and not always from players’ expected positions.
Midfielder Marty Bradley was a Man of the Match contender from a surprise right wing-back position, and his devilish low ball was turned home for Ferguson’s second, while in the centre of the park, Lewis Harrison and Tiarnan Mulvenna forged forward and set up goals as Robbie Garrett anchored fantastically behind them.
Caomhan McGuinness slotted into the back three and barely put a foot wrong, while Arthurs – now on 134 goals in a Bangor shirt as he closes in on Andy Morrow’s modern-day record of 140 – and Ferguson teamed up to torment the Duns’ backline.
When it’s all clockwork, no one can complain, and Ferguson (28) believes it will be tough to contain when the squad gels like that.
“Football’s all about a team game and everybody pulling in the one direction.
“If everyone’s pulling in the same direction, then you’ll always have positive results.
“My job is to try and put the ball in the net as much as I can, and I’m on a hat-trick at the minute so long may that continue.
“Great to see Big Ben pitching in with another goal tonight, the boys were solid at the back, didn’t give too much away, and the midfield do their bit, pick up second balls, driving the team forward and pitching in with the assists.
“When it’s like that, we’re well on our way to getting the three points, all being well.”
(Posted: Saturday, 14th September 2024)
Bangor savoured the Friday night lights once again and banked three more precious points with a 3-1 victory over Dundela that moves the Seasiders provisionally joint-top of the Playr-Fit Championship, helped largely by a triple salvo in the early knockings of the game.
An unsurprising deadlock-breaker yet again took the limelight, with Matthew Ferguson bagging his eighth goal of the season 10 minutes in after Tiarnan Mulvenna delicately slipped the ball into his stride before the Dundonald marksman powered past Aaron Hogg low into the net.
The same player just two minutes later bagged another brace – his fourth double of the campaign already – when auxiliary right wing-back Marty Bradley powered a low, driven ball into the danger area and Ferguson slotted low into the bottom right corner past Hogg from six yards.
The 20-minute mark hadn't even passed as the Seasiders added a third. A worked move saw Mulvenna drive in on the left-hand side, and his shot-come-cross was bundled in by Ben Arthurs for his third of the season with the goal gaping and Hogg powerless to prevent it; it was a lead Bangor managed into the interval.
The Seasiders drafted in centre-back Callum Byers and forward Ben Cushnie for Kyle Owens and Arthurs, with Cushnie enjoying the half's first chance when directing a Bradley cross just wide of Hogg's goal on 49 minutes. Both teams struggled to build a rhythm, though, as the game cried out for another flashpoint with Cushnie lively up top – but it instead came the way of the visitors, with substitute Aaron Prendergast netting despite hands on it from James Taylor with 20 minutes left in the encounter.
Lee Feeney's men then professionally saw the remainder out and moved up to 13 points after seven matchdays, with the spirits kept up ahead of next Saturday's trek west to Holm Park to face promoted Armagh City.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, K.Owens(C.Byers), C.McGuinness, S.McGuinness, R.Garrett, L.Harrison(S.McArthur), T.Mulvenna, M.Ferguson, B.Arthurs(B.Cushnie), M.Bradley(T.Mathieson)
Subs: E.Ovendale, K.Reid, M.Davidson
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 21st September 2024 - ARMAGH CITY v BANGOR, Championship, Holm Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Friday, 13th September 2024)
Bangor have been drawn at home to Warrenpoint Town in the 1st round of the Bet McLean Cup.
The tie will be played on Tuesday, 1st October.
(Posted: Thursday, 12th September 2024)
Ben Cushnie has set his sights on going for a run of victories following Bangor’s return to winning ways at Newry City last weekend.
The Seasiders nudged a wild, end-to-end encounter 5-4 at The Showgrounds and are back at Clandeboye Park this Friday night hoping to make it back-to-back wins against Dundela in a clash of third and fourth in the Playr-Fit Championship.
For Stephen Gourley’s Duns, they are back in Bangor for the second time in six days having beaten Ards 1-0 last Saturday to move into the top three on 11 points – one ahead of their hosts here – with veteran frontman Michael McLellan bagging the winner in the first half.
Bangor ended a run of two home defeats in the league to Limavady United (3-1) and in the County Antrim Shield to Carrick Rangers (4-0), and with the Yellows on the road to Armagh City and Ballyclare Comrades in the rest of September’s agenda, Cushnie wants to go for three more points under the lights and then push on as a collective in forthcoming games.
“That was definitely the main thing on Friday night (against Newry), getting the three points.
“We had been on a run of defeats going into the game and you obviously don’t want to be stuck in that for too long, so the three points was the main thing to get us back on track.
“We’re looking ahead now to this Friday night, it’ll be another big game, and then, we’ve got Armagh and Ballyclare after that, so we want to win on Friday night again and hopefully start to go on a run of wins.
“We’ve got a run of games coming up over the next few weeks where we want to get up and running, hopefully put a few performances together and keep on getting to know each other better on the pitch and pick up results.”
(Posted: Thursday, 12th September 2024)
Match-winning super-sub Ben Cushnie praised the collective effort behind Bangor finishing on the right end of a topsy-turvy nine-goal spectacular at the Newry Showgrounds on Friday night.
Cushnie, who scored the Seasiders’ all-important fifth strike to make it 5-4 against Newry City, has appeared off the bench six times as he continues to build match sharpness after hamstring issues during pre-season.
The former Glentoran man, who turned his season-long loan at Clandeboye Park last season into a permanent move in the summer, has two goals this term and allayed fears after a late pull-out from the line-up against Carrick Rangers in the County Antrim Shield in midweek.
The 23-year-old forward hailed the squad depth and healthy competition amid Lee Feeney’s squad and believes it is paying dividends on the pitch.
“Yeah, I’ve still been gradually building up my fitness since pre-season. I missed a lot of pre-season with my hamstring, and I have to take it gradually to build back towards full fitness.
“It was a tough season last year for me with injuries, and I’d a flare-up with my hamstring before the Carrick game – that was why I didn’t play in that one and I’m being careful with it just at the minute.
“I’ve been coming off the bench a lot so far this season and been looking to make an impact, and I’ve scored a couple of goals and obviously there on Friday, so I’m happy with that and I’ll keep trying to chip in as much as I can.
“But we talked about depth; that’s not to say when I’m fully fit again, I’ll be guaranteed my place in the starting line-up.
“I’ll have to earn my place, and there’s healthy competition in the squad and everyone’s pushing each other to be better, and I think you’re seeing the effects of that on the pitch.”
Matthew Ferguson (2), Lewis Harrison and Kyle Owens had already netted with Bangor 4-3 up when Cushnie was introduced, and despite Adam Carroll restoring parity for City with a quarter of an hour to go, the Hillsborough man’s 78th-minute strike settled it and he was glad to see the Seasiders’ clinical edge shine through.
“At the end of the day, you have to score more goals than the opposition to win football matches, and we scored more than they did on Friday night and we got the three points.
“You look back at the game against Limavady, we had chances to go 2-1 up in that game and didn’t take them, and we got punished for it.
“We’ve talked a lot about that, putting our chances away, and we did that on Friday night and we’ve got a great set of attacking options here.
“Spike’s been outrageous since he’s come in, he’s already made a big difference. I’m sure Big Ben (Arthurs) will hit form and catch up to him as well, you’ve Scotty (McArthur) and Tom (Mathieson) who’ve still to hit form and Lee’s (Rea) obviously come in as well. It’s healthy competition and we all believe we have a big part to play as the season goes on.”
Reflecting on the popular Lewis Francis’ 10 goals from centre-back last season, Cushnie also said it is everyone’s responsibility to contribute with goals and assists, with unrelated namesakes Caomhan and Stephen McGuinness and Tiarnan Mulvenna also setting up goals.
Coming back to the topic of depth, the frontman also feels that once the panel truly gels, Bangor will become a difficult beast to tame.
“Everyone’s kind of chipping in from across the pitch, and there was a bit of that last season as well with obviously big Lewis (Francis) who scored a lot of goals.
“It helps when the strikers are scoring, but if everyone on the pitch is getting a few goals and assists during the season, then that can only help us – especially when it’s like Friday night.
“It was a bit mad, it was an end-to-end game and we had to show resilience when we went behind right at the start of the second half as well, we fought back from that quickly.
“We were creating chances all over the pitch and there’s a lot of ways as a team that we can cause opposition defences problems, be it balls into the box or passes through the middle or whatever it may be.
“You don’t win a league with 11 players, it’s not just the 11 players starting. You have to have competition and depth, and I think we are still gelling as a group, we’ve not played as a team with the new players coming in that much, but when it all comes together, I think other teams are going to find us very hard to stop.
“If you think back to pre-season, a lot of it was sort of 45 minutes on, 45 minutes off with two different teams and things like that, but we’re gelling together as a group with every game and we’re getting to know each other.
“Hopefully, that’s our confidence back up and we can go on a run over the next few weeks.”
(Posted: Sunday, 8th September 2024)
Bangor were on the right side of a goalscoring blitz at The Showgrounds on Friday evening. A nine-goal thriller ended 5-4 in favour of Lee Feeney’s men, with Matthew Ferguson (2), Lewis Harrison, Kyle Owens and Ben Cushnie producing the goods to account for Barry Gray’s Newry City.
A high-scoring first half saw Bangor twice lead and be twice pegged back. It took only five minutes for Matthew Ferguson to bag his sixth league goal of the season, but youngster Dualta Honney levelled within three minutes of going behind. The former Dundalk talent restored parity on 36 minutes after Bangor had retaken the lead when McGuinness’ effort was diverted into the back by Lewis Harrison eight minutes earlier.
The madness ensued immediately after the interval. Straight from kick-off, Fra McCaffrey broke forward to give Newry the lead for the first time; straight from the ensuing restart, Ferguson added another to his haul in a Bangor shirt to restore parity and, 10 minutes later, Kyle Owens bagged his second goal in a week to put Bangor 4-3 ahead.
The drama wasn’t over, though, and Newry equalised once again with 19 minutes left on the clock. Substitute Adam Carroll replaced two-goal Honney but his threat was no different; a goal for him that made it all square leading into the remainder of the match and the possibilities still wide open for a further twist. True to form, Ben Cushnie – himself introduced for the two-goal Ferguson – netted 12 minutes from time and Bangor had the lead once again heading into the run-in.
You wouldn’t have dared to write the script of this one, but it was sighs of relief when the final whistle blew and Bangor held out for three points and a return to winning ways.
BANGOR TEAM:
E.Ovendale, R.Neale, H.Beverland, K.Owens, S.McGuinness, C.McGuiness, T.Mulvenna, R.Garrett(M.Bradley), L.Harrison, S.McArthur(B.Arthurs), M.Ferguson(B.Cushnie).
Subs: J.Taylor, C.Byers, M.Davidson, T.Mathieson
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 13th September 2024 - BANGOR v DUNDELA, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Friday, 6th September 2024)
Today, we say farewell to goalkeeper Marc Orbinson who has joined Amateur League side Dundonald.
The 29 year old goalkeeper has made 12 appearaances for the Seasiders since he joined the club in 2022.
We wish Marc well for his time at Dundonald.
(Posted: Friday, 6th September 2024)
Scott McArthur says the team spirits haven’t been dampened despite a tough night at the office for Bangor in the County Antrim Shield on Tuesday night.
Carrick Rangers inflicted a 4-0 reversal on Lee Feeney’s men at a floodlit Clandeboye Park, with most of the damage done in the first half when fleet-footed winger Paul Heatley hit a brace either side of a powerful Kurtis Forsythe finish.
Danny Gibson completed the scoring 12 minutes from time against a Seasiders side that featured seven changes from the defeat to Limavady United at the weekend, including a debut in goal for new arrival from Derry City Evan Ovendale and full debuts for Cliftonville loanee Stephen McGuinness at left wing-back and former Dundela striker Lee Rea up top.
A Playr-Fit Championship Player of the Year nominee having scored 14 goals last campaign, attacking midfielder McArthur is unfazed following a difficult assignment against top-flight opposition and believes issues in the first six matches of this term can be swiftly remedied with the calibre of players at Feeney’s disposal.
“It was a really tough game, but they’re a good side. We made a lot of changes and a different formation.
“I think we worked hard, we were a lot better in the second half compared to the first half.
“I think it’s just silly mistakes and not taking our chances going forward, but hopefully, that’ll change soon.
“There’s a bit of extra motivation for us going forward. I think we’ve got all the ability in the changing room to even be winning games like that tonight.
“We’ve a really good squad; it maybe just hasn’t clicked as fast yet, but it’ll come.”
Mistakes have been a source of frustration, and Bangor have been harshly punished for them at times, but home town favourite McArthur says the squad will click into gear as fresh-faced talent fits into an attack-minded system.
“It’s the downfall of any team I suppose, making mistakes. I think we’ll look back at the game, probably could have prevented most of the goals.
“We’ve got a lot of new players in, especially in the starting line-up, so we all need to gel together and I believe it will come sooner rather than later.”
(Posted: Thursday, 5th September 2024)
Bangor were on the wrong end of a heavy County Antrim Shield loss on Tuesday night as Carrick Rangers delivered a professional and clinical display to run away 4-0 winners at a floodlit Clandeboye Park.
After Kyle Owens registered the first attempt on target of the night for the hosts when he drew a simple claim from Carrick stopper Ross Glendinning on 14 minutes, that was as good as it got for Lee Feeney’s men during the first period as, not 30 seconds later, Paul Heatley raced in behind and slotted powerfully beyond debutant goalkeeper Evan Ovendale to hand Rangers the lead.
From there, Stuart King’s men never relented and kept piling on the heat before they extended their advantage nine minutes before the break. A short free-kick by Mark Surgenor was deployed into the path of right wing-back Kurtis Forsythe, who drilled accurately into the top right corner well beyond Ovendale’s sprawling dive. It was a deserved second for the away side and, on the stroke of half-time, Heatley’s second when he got behind again looked to have made Carrick’s progression absolutely safe.
Bangor fought back in the second half with top scorer Matthew Ferguson introduced from the bench, and Caomhan McGuinness spectacularly laced a venomous shot from range which had the beating of Ross Glendinning but crashed back off the upright 10 minutes following the interval, but Carrick were deserved winners on the night and made sure of the result on 78 minutes when Danny Gibson pounced from close range and sent a free header into the net.
BANGOR TEAM:
E.Ovendale, K.Reid, K.Owens(H.Beverland), C.Byers, R.Neale(L.Harrison), M.Bradley, C.McGuinness(M.Davidson), S.McGuinness(G.Beattie), S.McArthur, L.Rea(M.Ferguson), T.Mathieson.
Subs: B.Fry, R.Garrett
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 6th September - NEWRY CITY v BANGOR, Showgrounds, Championship, 8:00pm
(Posted: Tuesday, 3rd September 2024)
Bangor defender Kyle Owens is relishing the chance to make swift amends from Saturday’s Playr-Fit Championship defeat to Limavady United in the County Antrim Shield this week.
The Seasiders welcome Carrick Rangers to Clandeboye Park on Tuesday night, a match they will enter as underdogs on paper but feel confident of picking up a positive result in.
Stuart King’s Carrick, who are eighth in the Sports Direct Premiership and recorded an all-time high finish of seventh last term to qualify for the end-of-season European play-offs, will pose stern opposition and enter themselves bruised having lost 2-1 to Crusaders at Seaview on Saturday from an initial leading position.
Experienced campaigners like Ross Glendinning, Curtis Allen, Paul Heatley, Mark Surgenor and Luke McCullough figure among their core, and Danny Gibson is one of the top strikers across the Irish League, but Lee Feeney’s Bangor overcame the Amber Army 3-1 at Taylors Avenue in pre-season and Owens has backed the Yellows to focus on putting in a similar performance again.
“I agree, it’s a quick turnaround and it’s a game we should be looking to cause an upset in.
“We beat them in pre-season, obviously this will be a completely different test because it’s in the cup, but, listen, we just need to get our heads focused for Tuesday night.
“We’ll need to get our heads screwed on after today and lift our game, everybody, and we’ll see what happens.”
(Posted: Monday, 2nd September 2024)
Bangor defender Kyle Owens gave an honest reflection on a frustrating day for the Seasiders in the Playr-Fit Championship as clinical Limavady United pounced to take all three points back to the north west on Saturday.
The Roesiders’ 3-1 victory perhaps doesn’t tell the whole story as Bangor hit the woodwork no fewer than four times while the visitors used the counter-attack to perfection and dealt damage in this area – both areas Owens pinpointed as deciding in his post-match reaction.
The centre-back’s first goal since his summer move from Harland and Wolff Welders shortly after the restart restored parity, with Joe McCready having given Limavady the lead against the run of play with their first real opportunity on 26 minutes, but later finishes by Ian Parkhill on the hour and Jake Martin leading into stoppage-time saw Paul Owens’ visitors take the maximum spoils under the sun.
The equaliser came amid a fantastic response after the restart, with Ben Cushnie and Reece Neale both striking the upright and Lims goalkeeper Martin Gallagher repelling much of the other Bangor chances, but Parkhill’s finish on the break from the bustling McCready’s layoff swung the tide back in favour of the 2024 Premier Intermediate League champions with Owens saying they were “worthy winners”.
“I thought we were nowhere near good enough, really, over the park.
“Obviously when they scored (their first goal), we were sort of on top, but we still weren’t taking our chances.
“Overall, maybe if we got a draw, it would’ve been a fair result, but at the end of the day, Limavady were worthy winners and we just have to move on now.
“How we conceded the goals were disappointing, we were hit on the counter and for one of the goals, we were actually running back from our corner, which is even more annoying because we were in their box and had to make a run back to our box and then concede the goal in the way we did.
“It’s very frustrating, but like I say, teams are getting up to play us; I think we’re the team that everybody has their eye on, and rightly so.
“With the squad we have… it’s early days, and we’ll see how we get on over the next couple of weeks, but we should be right up there and, hopefully, we can push up the table.”
The experienced Owens also elaborated on the topic of chance creation with manager Lee Feeney having spoken on the topic in the dressing room.
The 32-year-old, who also has three assists to add to his finish as August comes to a close, says it is a plus point that Bangor are fashioning opportunities but that there is a collective onus within the squad to be more clinical with them.
Such is the Championship’s close nature that the Seasiders have dropped from top spot to sixth in one afternoon – but Owens highlights that the players know how to rise back up.
“Yeah, the gaffer said the same, at least we’re creating them.
“But at the same time, too, it’s like me scoring; it doesn’t feel the same when you’re getting beat 3-1.
“The chances you’re creating, you should at least be taking two or three of them anyway, especially with the quality in the strikeforce we have and we should be taking maybe two, three chances a game.
“It would’ve been different if we weren’t creating them, I understand that, but I think the chances that we’re creating, we should be scoring a lot more goals.”Kyle Owens
(Posted: Sunday, 1st September 2024)
Gary's Match Gallery | Jordan's Match Gallery
Bangor were brought back down to earth with a thud following Tuesday night's North Down Derby delight as Limavady United emerged 3-1 victors from the sides' Playr-Fit Championship encounter at a sun-drenched Clandeboye Park.
Bangor started a game played in beaming summer conditions on the front foot and Matthew Ferguson twice drew good saves from opposition goalkeeper Martin Gallagher, but Limavady took the lead with their first real chance of the encounter after Joe McCready pounced on a loose ball while the Seasiders tried to play out from defence. He slotted past James Taylor to hand the Roesiders the initivative and Bangor struggled to regain rythym leading up to the half.
But a double substitution that saw Ben Cushnie and debutant Stephen McGuinness enter the fray drew a response, and Bangor levelled on 50 minutes. Ben Arthurs contested for a header that was miscued by the Limavady defender behind him, and fell kindly for Kyle Owens to find the bottom corner for his first goal for the club.
Reece Neale rattled a free-kick off the bar shortly after as the Yellows continued to click into gear, but Limavady countered against the run of play and retook the lead on the hour mark with Ian Parkhill on the receiving end; the former Coleraine forward slotting him from 10 yards out in a one-on-one situation. Ben Cushnie struck the post in a show of fine margins before Jake Martin netted a 90th-minute clincher for Paul Owens' side, placing low into the bottom right beyond Taylor's low dive.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, H.Beverland, K.Owens, R.Garrett(T.Mulvenna), C.McGuinness, M.Davidson(S.McGuinness), L.Harrison(B.Cushnie), M.Bradley(S.McArthur), B.Arthurs, M.Ferguson
Subs: E.Ovendale, C.Byers, L.Rea.
(Posted: Saturday, 31st August 2024)
We are pleased to confirm that Ben Walker has signed for the Seasiders permanently from Larne, joining on a 2 year contract.
Ben will now join Warrenpoint Town on loan.
We wish Ben well for his time at Milltown and look forward to him returning to Clandeboye Park.
(Posted: Friday, 30th August 2024)
Bangor striker Ben Arthurs hopes the Seasiders can replicate their performance in Tuesday night’s dominant 4-0 North Down Derby victory over Ards against Limavady United this weekend.
In a battle of the last two Premier Intermediate League champions at Clandeboye Park this Saturday and with just five points splitting the entire Playr-Fit Championship after four games, there’s nothing that can be taken for granted – and Arthurs, who scored twice against the old enemy, wants the Yellows to remain ruthless against Paul Owens’ Roesiders.
Both sides enter this encounter with seven points out of a possible 12, with Bangor top of the table on goal difference and Limavady in fifth having recorded consecutive wins over Dundela (3-2) last Saturday and Institute (2-1) on Tuesday.
The north west outfit have added experience in the form of former Coleraine stars Michael McCrudden – who bagged a hat-trick in that Duns success at Wilgar Park – Graham Crown, Stephen Lowry and Ian Parkhill to their squad during the past few transfer windows, while ex-Dungannon Swifts forward Joe McCready is also a player to watch as well as 2023/24 PIL Player of the Year Alex Pomeroy, who Kircubbin man Arthurs preceded in winning the award.
The 26-year-old marksman admits that adds an element of the unknown but insists Bangor’s levels won’t drop.
“Well, we’re back home on Saturday, we’ve had two good wins in a row at home and we’ll be looking to build on that.
“We probably don’t know too much about Limavady, they’re only up from the league below and they’ve brought a few new players in, but they were always a tough team to play against in the PIL.
“We’ll see what they bring on Saturday and we’ll just hopefully replicate the performance we put in against Ards and try and get the three points again.”
(Posted: Friday, 30th August 2024)
We are also delighted to welcome Stephen McGuinness to the club on a season long loan from Cliftonville.
McGuinness made 15 appearances in the Reds’ defence last season & has previously enjoyed loan spells in the Championship with Annagh United & QUB.
Welcome to Bangor Stephen!
(Posted: Friday, 30th August 2024)
We are delighted to have completed the signing of Evan Ovendale.
The 20 year old goalkeeper joins the Seasiders from Derry City, who the Welshman joined after progressing through the ranks at Newport County.
Welcome to Clandeboye Park, Evan.
(Posted: Friday, 30th August 2024)
As far as bedding-in processes go, it doesn’t get too much better than when you make your debut in a 4-0 victory in a derby – and Lee Rea is buzzing to get going after being introduced to the Bangor faithful on Tuesday night.
The striker played the last 12 minutes of the Seasiders’ 4-0 victory over Ards for his first bit of matchday action since completing his move from Dundela last week and, having recently returned to fitness following an injury absence, is keen to hit the ground running and build up momentum to help the team.
“The lads have been brilliant with me since I came in, and what a game to come into and what a way to win it.
“I was coming on and looking to get a goal, obviously being a striker, but the win will do for the team and we’ve got the three points and we’ll move on.
“It’s been a bit of a slow start for me, I’m only coming back from injury so it’s good to get 10, 15 minutes under my belt and push on from there.”
Rea, who scored twice when the Duns defeated Bangor 2-1 at Clandeboye Park at the start of last season, is pleased to be joining a strong attacking contingent that includes two of Tuesday evening’s goalscorers – Matthew Ferguson and Ben Arthurs, both of whom the 22-year-old rates among the best in the league.
The frontman, who scored 10 Playr-Fit Championship goals last season and also hit five in the division for Knockbreda a few years ago, expects to offer a different dimension to Lee Feeney’s side and put his experience of the second-tier to good effect.
He’s also confident he can both provide healthy competition for his team-mates and be pushed to be better himself – just the mentality that is so coveted by the Bangor boss.
“100 per cent, I’ve played in the Championship and I know what the league’s about, I can’t wait to get a goal under my belt.
“Once Bangor came in for me and Lee got in touch, it was a no-brainer for me. It’s a really good set of options in attack, Spike’s been the best in the league in terms of the goals he’s scored in the past couple of years and Ben’s up there with him too.
“So, I’ll try my best to push the boys and they’ll push me too to be the best that I can be.
“My game’s a wee bit different from the others, and Lee knows that too, so that’s what I’m looking to offer when I’m called upon, I can’t wait to get started.”
Assistant manager John Douglas, meanwhile, admits that Bangor preferred to face Dundela without Rea in the line-up such was the danger factor the forward had about him.
A fleet-footed and fast-thinking operator, Douglas was left well impressed by the one-time Linfield and Glenavon youngster and, when the opportunity arose in the summer to draft him in, wasted no time in convincing Rea to sign on the dotted line.
“We as a coaching staff were speaking after the games against Dundela last year and we were all impressed by him in terms of his pace, his work-rate, his work ethic, how he was impacting games.
“We were going into games against Dundela last year where we were hoping to play a team without Lee Rea in their line-up rather than with him.
“In the last few weeks, he was made available for whatever reason and we were keen to get a deal done to bring him in, and now, it’s over the line and we’re all glad to have him here.
“He offers something we don’t really have in our squad and gives us a different dimension in terms of his pace and how he runs at defences, he’s got a really good skillset – and another thing is he’s young, he’s only 22.
“There’s a lot still to come from him and we see a lot of potential for growth in his game, areas that we can work on and room to improve.
“Lee offers us something different and there are certain set-ups where he gives us a different threat while also helping push the players around him, so he’s a great addition to the squad and we’re looking forward to hopefully getting the best out of him.”
(Posted: Friday, 30th August 2024)
(Posted: Friday, 30th August 2024)
Bangor striker Ben Arthurs is off the mark and ready to mix it amongst the goals on a more consistent basis after his decisive double helped the Seasiders to North Down Derby joy on Tuesday night.
The Kircubbin man hit 25 in all competitions last season and has his first two of 2024/25; the second and fourth finishes either side of half-time in a rampant 4-0 ‘away’ win over Ards.
With new strike partner Matthew Ferguson – who found the net for the fifth time in just his fourth match in yellow and blue in between Arthurs’ brace – starting the season on fire, the 26-year-old was playing catch up but cut the deficit with two alert strikes that bring his total goal haul to 133 in a Bangor shirt.
The two have gelled instantly and ‘Big Ben’ is delighted to see Ferguson off on a flyer, and he laid off a shrewd assist for the former H&W Welders man to score the opener in last Friday’s 4-0 triumph over Newington, but he wants to “join the party” with him and is glad to have now shifted his campaign into gear.
“Finally, it’s been a while! I was going in, it could’ve been four games without a goal; probably through last year as well, I maybe didn’t score in the last one or two as well.
“I think I’ve been playing well but, obviously, you’re judged on goals and it’s nice to join the party with Spike, I’ve been happy seeing him scoring but I wanted to get off the mark myself.
“The pressure was sort of starting to build, just hadn’t hit the net in a while, so it’s a good feeling and it’d be good to kick on.”
On the overall performance, which really got going when captain Lewis Harrison prodded in the opener on 10 minutes from Reece Neale’s corner kick – Arthurs doubled the advantage just two minutes later from the midfielder’s through-ball – the popular frontman who joined the club six years ago felt that fast start helped lay down Bangor’s authority on the contest.
He added that a dominant start-to-finish display like Tuesday night was in the making on the evidence of performances to date in this term’s Playr-Fit Championship and that the clinical edge shown at Clandeboye Park was the key behind making sure the bragging rights remain the Seasiders’ to savour.
“Yeah, we started well, I think we were giving them a lot of problems early.
“Lewis got a good goal from a corner, he was in the right place at the right time, and not long after, he nicked in, got the ball and played a great pass into me (to score).
“I was saying to Spike after the game, you get your first chance in the game and it’s early, and if you score it, it takes the pressure off.
“They haven’t been falling for me for the first three games, but I thought the boys were amazing tonight, to be honest. I thought we were in full control the whole game and it’s a credit to ourselves, really.
“I think that’s sort of been coming from the first three games because I think we’ve been playing well and we’ve been unlucky in the games we didn’t win, and tonight, it just all seemed to click.
“We were clinical tonight, 100 per cent, and as I say, against the Welders and against Annagh where the chances maybe went begging, so it was good to get those three goals in the first half and it takes a lot of the pressure off.
“I thought every man was good, and we all done what Lee wanted us to do and it paid off.
“The performances have been there, and I think in another season, we could’ve been four wins from four, you know. The chances have been there, we’ve played well, we haven’t shipped too many goals and we didn’t really get the rub of the green, but hopefully now, we can kick on.”
(Posted: Thursday, 29th August 2024)
A small number of young people who attended the Ards FC v Bangor FC fixture on Tuesday 27 August were heard singing sectarian songs, using sectarian language and engaging in anti-social behaviour.
The young people were situated in the Bangor FC end of the ground. Bangor FC stewards and directors spoke to the group on a number of occasions about their behaviour and asked them to stop. Some people were ejected from the ground and banned from attending future matches.
Bangor FC apologises to anyone offended by the behaviour of this small group.
We ask those people who want to engage in sectarian and anti-social behaviour to stay away from the club. Bangor FC is a community-based club that has a long and proud history of inclusivity and respect. This includes our supporters, the players and the board of directors.
We have spoken to the IFA and NIFL about support they can provide in respect to this issue and we will also be in contact with the PSNI.
Our position as a club is clear and unequivocal, we condemn all forms of sectarian behaviour. People who attend matches and engage in such behaviour are only letting themselves down and have the potential to tarnish the good name of Bangor FC and its loyal supporters.
(Posted: Wednesday, 28th August 2024)
Gary's Match Gallery | Jordan's Match Gallery
Bangor were in absolute cruise control and produced a dominant North Down Derby victory for the ages, taking down 10-man Ards 4-0 at Clandeboye Park and making it truly an occasion to savour for the supporters and bumper crowd on show in the Playr-Fit Championship.
After Connor Maxwell fizzed one at James Taylor in an early tester the Bangor goalkeeper was alert to stop, the Seasiders seized control and opened the scoring. A corner by Reece Neale was met by captain Lewis Harrison in the six-yard area and the midfielder prodded over the line to break the deadlock, with Ards goalkeeper Marc Matthews getting hands on it but unable to prevent it from going into the net in referee Mark Milligan's eyes.
The advantage was doubled just moments later. A ball in behind found Ben Arthurs in his stride, and the peninsula frontman hit his first of the season and 132nd in yellow and blue to put Bangor in a more comfortable position, slotting past the onrushing Matthews to score, and then on the 24th minute, his strike partner Matthew Ferguson notched up his fifth of the campaign already when he swivelled inside and fired low, hard and in to send the net bulging again.
Bangor picked up where they left off in the second period and, despite a triple substitution by John Bailie after the interval in a bid to revive Ards' fortunes, it was Lee Feeney's hosts who added to the lead. Ben Arthurs notched up his second as Kyle Owens' knock-down was turned in by the Kircubbin marksman from five yards.
On 60 minutes, Ards got found in further arrears when a former Bangor player in substitute Ryan Arthur was shown a straight red card after an incident involving Tiarnan Mulvenna, and there was a debut for Lee Rea 12 minutes from time to cap off a brilliant derby day.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, H.Beverland, K.Owens, M.Davidson, C.McGuinness(T.Mathieson), R.Garrett(B.Cuhnie), L.Harrison(M.Bradley), T.Mulvenna, B.Arthurs(S.McArthur), M.Ferguson(L.Rea).
Subs: M.Orbinson, C.Byers.
NEXT MATCH
Saturday, 31st August 2024 - BANGOR v LIMAVADY UNITED, Playr-Fit Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Tuesday, 27th August 2024)
Bangor FC has announced an extension to their deal with sponsors G&H Film and Television Services.
The club’s association with G&H began in the 2018/19 season.
Bangor FC Chairman Graham Bailie said: “G&H has been instrumental in our success and have helped the club evolve and develop at a rapid pace.
“As a club, we get a huge amount out of our relationship with G&H and we are very proud of their association with the Seasiders. I can’t thank Maurice Brown and his team enough for all their help and we are all excited to know our involvement with G&H is continuing longer-term.”
Graham concluded: “Partnering with major local brands and developing meaningful relationships is a vital part of how we will continue to make progress on and off the field at Bangor FC.”
G&H Director Maurice Brown said: “I’m really pleased to extend our partnership with Bangor FC. They are an ambitious football club and we are privileged to play our part in their growth over the past few seasons.
“We are made to feel that we are in integral part of the continuing success at Bangor and I’m looking forward to getting down to Clandeboye Park as frequently as possible next season. I want to help push the club to greater heights in 2024/25.”
(Posted: Monday, 26th August 2024)
Bangor assistant manager John Douglas says derby matches are results-based affairs and adds the Seasiders will set up to achieve that goal against Ards on Tuesday night.
In the standout fixture of a full Tuesday night feast of Playr-Fit Championship action, a four-figure crowd of contrasting allegiances is expected to pack into Clandeboye Park hopeful of seeing their side pick up the three points on offer.
The Yellows garnered a lot of joy in last campaign’s derby affairs, with 1-0 and 3-1 victories coming either side of a Boxing Day 2-2 draw, but these are one-off encounters when anything can happen and Lee Feeney’s side will be wary of letting their foot slip off the gas. Douglas expects a classic scrap in the latest edition of the North Down Derby, with the players and coaching staff in no doubt as to just how much these sorts of occasions mean.
“With derby matches, it’s always about the result – it’s not so much about the performance, you’re very rarely going to get a clean, fluid performance in a derby or one team going in and blowing away the other, the result comes first.
“They’re standalone games; regardless of what sort of form a team is in, if they’re on a good or bad run leading into the game, the formbook sort of goes out the window a bit.
“There’s never a script, if you know what I mean, they’re one-off encounters and it’s up to the teams on the day to seize the crucial moments.
“The players and supporters don’t need any extra motivation for the game, either. It’ll be a big crowd, both sets of supporters will go into the game wanting a result and it’ll be blood and thunder from the first minute.
“There’s no game the supporters want their team to win more than a derby, we did well in the derbies last year and we know what it means for everyone in the changing room and around the club, so hopefully, we can get a positive result for the Bangor fans again.”
As for the opposition, Ards rebounded from two goals down at the weekend as Eamon Scannell’s added-time equaliser salvaged a 2-2 draw against Ballinamallard United in Co Fermanagh.
That keeps the Red and Blues unbeaten on seven points from nine to add to victories over Limavady United (3-0) and Newington (3-2), with manager John Bailie last week drafting in former Ballyclare Comrades captain Gary Donnelly – who scored mere seconds into his second debut at Ferney Park after coming on as a substitute – and ex-Portadown and Dundela attacking midfielder Ciaran Dobbin, who also made his bow off the bench in that clash out west.
Douglas says he isn’t surprised they have started strong but reiterates he is confident Bangor are ready to build on their first win of the season in despatching Newington 4-0 last Friday.
“Ards have made a number of eye-catching signings in recent days that have strengthened their squad, and it’s no surprise that they’ve made a strong start to the season.
“John’s put a good squad together that will have their eye on promotion this season, and I’m expecting a really tough game on Tuesday night. “From our point of view, we’re taking the positives from Friday night and we’ll work on the things we need to work on because we know in this league, you’ll get punished if you drop your guard.
“So, there’s no doubt we’ll be up for it and I’m sure the players will be as well to go out and keep the bragging rights.”
(Posted: Monday, 26th August 2024)
GARY'S MATCH GALLERY | JORDAN'S MATCH GALLERY
Bangor assistant boss John Douglas admits the 4-0 scoreline flattered the Seasiders in their Friday night victory over Newington but adds that a sharper edge in front of goal following the previous week’s 1-0 defeat to Annagh United was a satisfying sight.
Douglas went on to say that no one in the squad is getting carried away despite a first win of the Playr-Fit Championship season under the belt, stating that the players spoke afterwards of the continuous desire to drive up standards and take control of games.
Ironically, a missed chance by their opponents from the penalty spot was a flashpoint mere minutes after kick-off as veteran Swans striker Darren Murray slotted wide of James Taylor’s goal, with a Matthew Ferguson brace preceding late Ben Cushnie and Tom Mathieson strikes that sealed the three points at a floodlit Clandeboye Park.
Manager Lee Feeney said last week that good fortune was something Bangor had been in short supply of prior to that missed spot-kick – awarded after Kyle Owens was adjudged to have handled in the area – and his No.2 agreed with that assessment.
“I would agree with that. We’ve not had much luck, but we maybe got a bit with the early penalty miss and we were able to see out the game after that.
“We saw against Annagh last week, if you don’t take your chances, you get punished, and that was an early let-off for us.
“Against Annagh, we created a lot of chances but we weren’t putting them away, and I think Annagh only had one real opportunity in the second half and they were clinical with it and came away with the three points.
“We know in this league, any team can beat any team on their day, and every team has the quality to put chances away when they come regardless of how many chances we create in the game, so it’s important we are clinical.
“What we as coaches are happy about is that we’ve improved every game performance-wise and the players are getting up to speed. I think they still are a bit, but we’re on the right track, and that’s positive to see.”
Douglas hailed predatory frontman Ferguson’s goalscoring instincts – the striker has four in three league matches since his high-profile arrival from Harland and Wolff Welders, and more than 50 in total in the last two years alone – while also reserving praise for 19-year-old defenders Ben Walker and Kielan Reid, who he insists are just as capable as the more seasoned members of the dressing room.
“Spike’s a goalscorer pure and simple, and he got two in the end but I believe he could’ve got about five – in the box, his movement in and around the box is first class.
“He’s a great personality to work with, a very strong-minded individual who’s always pushing himself to be better, and he’s up to four goals for the season, so he’s started very strong. “He’s pushing the players around him as well, and that’s something else we wanted to see from him; he’s got exactly the sort of attitude and mentality we’d looked to add to the side.
“We’ve got a mix of youth and experience in the squad and we were actually speaking after the game, I think some of the younger players are maybe a little bit in awe of the older ones.
“The likes of Ben Walker and Kielan (Reid), who was in for his competitive debut, those sorts of players, we’re almost saying to them that they are as good as the older ones and they’re all on the same page, and that’ll come with the experience of playing as a group and getting positive results on the board.”
Shedding light on how the players reflected on the result, Douglas insists that despite an emphatic appearance to the final score, that was deceiving with no one satisfied and all fully focused on further growth.
He used the word “relentless” when describing what the side wants to be when they are firing on all cylinders, taking total control of matches and converting opportunities into bundles of goals.
“The players were coming into the changing room after the game, after a 4-0 win, and saying we can do better, and that’s good.
“We had some really good spells in the game where we were playing some really good football, but we also had spells where we knew that we could’ve done better and let Newington have a little bit of a foothold in the game.
“It was a game where the scoreline flattered us, and we had games like that last season. It’s easy to look back at a game like that where you’ve had a big win and you’re buzzing, but we’re trying to create a winning mentality and we want to be relentless.
“They're an honest bunch, they’ll reflect and analyse their own performances, and they’re all determined to keep improving.”
(Posted: Saturday, 24th August 2024)
GOALS: M.Ferguson(2), B.Cushnie, T.Mathieson
The Seasiders survived a 4th minute Newington penalty miss before storming back with four goals without reply at Clandeboye Park on Friday evening.
Matthew Ferguson bustled his way through the Newington defence to fire past Smyth and put the Seasiders into a 22nd minute lead.
Bangor then took full advantage of Joshua Diver's 66th minute dismissal by racking up another three goals in the closing stages. Ferguson grabbed his second of the game with an incisive finish from 12 yards in the 81st minute. Substitutes Ben Walker and Ben Cushnie combined for Bangor's third three minutes later and the lively Tom Mathieson pounced on a Smyth fumble to prod home the fourth in injury time.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, K.Reid(B.Walker), H.Beverland, K.Owens, R.Neale, L.Harrison(M.Bradley), R.Garrett, T.Mulvenna(B.Cushnie), B.Arthurs(S.McArthur), M.Ferguson, T.Mathieson.
Subs: M.Orbinson, G.Beattie, C.Byers
NEXT MATCH:
Tues, 27th August - ARDS v BANGOR, Clandeboye Park, Championship,7:45pm
(Posted: Friday, 23rd August 2024)
Friday, August 23 – Ballyclare Comrades U21 vs Bangor Reserves, NIFL Championship U21 Development League, Dixon Park, 8:15pm
The curtain lifts on a new season for Bangor Reserves on Friday night when they travel to a new-look Dixon Park to face Ballyclare Comrades Under-21s.
The Seasiders are hoping to get off to a flying start on the new artificial pitch laid in Ballyclare this year and set off on what they hope will be another title charge having rounded off last term in third-place in the Championship/Premier Intermediate Development League.
There has been a restructuring of the league this year with the Championship and PIL each given their own Reserve leagues, which means that Bangor are in a 10-team division alongside fellow senior men’s Championship outfits. The teams play each other three times over the course of the campaign in the hunt for title glory, with defending champions Harland and Wolff Welders U21 and Dundela Reserves again expected to pose a challenge, but the Yellows are keen to show they are up for the fight against the Comrades early on.
Meanwhile, the Reserves will face a local derby in the opening round of the FonaCAB Craig Stanfield Junior Cup as they were drawn away to Bangor Young Men. The game will take place at Bloomfield Playing Fields on September 7, with a 1:30pm kick-off.
(Posted: Friday, 23rd August 2024)
Welcome to Bangor, Lee Rea.
The 22 year old forward completes a transfer from Dundela where he netted 10 times last season in the #PlayrFitChamp including two goals against the Seasiders.
We’re delighted to have our new number 7 at Clandeboye Park.
(Posted: Thursday, 22nd August 2024)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney expects two teams up for battle on Friday night when the Seasiders welcome Newington to a floodlit Clandeboye Park.
Both sides are searching for their first win of the new Playr-Fit Championship campaign and, in Newington’s case, their first point as the Swans make their second trip to north Down in six days having lost 3-2 to Ards last Saturday.
Their hosts were also beaten 1-0 on the road last week when Annagh United – who were 3-0 conquerors of the ‘Ton at Inver Park on the opening weekend – took home all three points thanks to substitute Kenny Ximenes’ winner seven minutes from time, and Feeney is keen to put right what went wrong then and respond with a strong effort in this clash of Premier Intermediate champions in 2022 and 2023.
The Kilkeel supremo is also hoping that a bit of fortune smiles on Bangor too, with chances being created but not always converted in the first two matchdays, but he adds that for as long as the squad continues to probe in the final third and put in the hard yards, the goals – and victories – will soon come.
“We really want to win the game on Friday night, and I’ve no doubt so will Newington as they’re in the same boat as us where they’re also looking for their first win of the season.
“It’ll be a hard game, it’ll be competitive because there’s two teams that are both looking to get their seasons up and running and get that first win.
“I think you saw looking back at the results from last Saturday, you know, the league’s mad, that’s the reality of it, so we’re not disheartened by that start and it’s early days but, obviously, we want to grab our first three points of the season on Friday night.
“We’re creating chances, we’re being positive in how we approach games, I’d say we have been unlucky but I’m absolutely confident it’ll click for us sooner rather than later.
“It’s just about both boxes, we’ve not been as clinical as we would’ve liked and it’s fine margins as we’ve seen in this league.
“As a manager, you know, I don’t rely on luck, but maybe we just need a little bit of luck to fall for us and get that first win of the season; we have been getting up the pitch, we have had territory in games, so it’s just about burying our chances.
“I feel structurally, there’s a good organisation there, we have been searching for it and not been able to put chances away in the way that we’d like so far, which is frustrating.
“But we’re getting there and, as I said, we’re nowhere near our best, it’s taken a wee bit of time for us to gel at the start of the season but we’re moving in the right direction for sure.”
(Posted: Thursday, 22nd August 2024)
Bangor returned to winning ways for the first time in five matches on Wednesday night with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over St James' Swifts in the NIWFA Championship at Clandeboye Park.
An uneventful first half saw few clear-cut chances, with both sides testing their respective opposition goalkeepers on a few occasions although not hitting the target before the interval in a clash of the sides ranked second and fourth in the standings before kick-off.
The action continued to build throughout the second half as both sides probed to find the opener, St James' just shading it particularly when visiting sub Chloe Doak just fired past the post, but the Seasiders continued to hold their own and kept their shape as they battle to regain a foothold in the opposition final third.
But on 82 minutes, the Seasiders finally hit the opener. Giulia McLaughlin floated a fine kick from goal over the St James' defence and, instinctive as ever, striker Amber Dempster hit the mark with a clever lob over the off-her-line opposition stopper which put Bangor in the driving seat and into a lead they would not relinquish.
(Posted: Thursday, 22nd August 2024)
(Posted: Monday, 19th August 2024)
Bangor have been drawn at home to Carrick Rangers in the first round of the Toals Bet County Antrim Shield.
The tie will be played on Tuesday, 3rd September at Clandeboye Park.
OTHER FIXTURE NEWS
Our Playr-Fit Championship fixture away to Newry City has been moved to the Friday night. The tie will now be played at The Showgrounds on Friday, 6th September at 8:00pm.
(Posted: Monday, 19th August 2024)
Bangor remain on the hunt for their first win of the season after falling to a slender 1-0 defeat to Annagh United at the BMG Arena on Saturday.
The Seasiders’ heartbreaking final away day of last season was also the first of the new campaign and, despite a flurry of chances at both ends, the game was only decided by a single goal by the hosts seven minutes from time. Kenny Ximenes connected with a Craig Taylor delivery placing beyond the reach of James Taylor.
In the end, that piece of clinical edge by the Dungannon Swifts loanee coupled by an impressive display in goal by former Yellows stopper Jason Craughwell made it two wins from two for the hosts to begin their Playr-Fit Championship campaign.
Ximenes had earlier rattled the woodwork, while Howard Beverland’s acrobatic overhead kick drew out the first of a number of saves by Craughwell who also accounted for Matthew Ferguson and Ben Arthurs. A goalline clearance by Annagh captain Paul Finnegan also preserved the three points for the Portadown club in the end, with Lee Feeney’s men especially determined to record their first three-point haul when they welcome Newington to Clandeboye Park next Friday night.
GARY'S GALLERY JORDAN'S GALLERY
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, H.Beverland, K.Owens, C.McGuinness, T.Mulvenna, L.Harrison, S.McArthur(B.Cushnie), B.Arthurs, M.Ferguson, T.Mathieson(B.Walker)
Subs: M.Orbinson, J.Hughes, G.Beattie, M.Halliday
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 23rd August 2024 - BANGOR v NEWINGTON, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 17th August 2024)
Bangor are targeting their first three-point haul of the weekend when they travel to the BMG Arena in Portadown to face Annagh United – a venue that brings back a few agonising memories from a few short months ago.
The Seasiders travelled to Annagh on the final day of last term when both sides knew that a victory would fire them into a promotion play-off against Ballymena United, but neither side could break the deadlock in a chance-laden goalless draw as Michael Harris’ added-time winner against champions Portadown at nearby Shamrock Park booked Institute’s slot in that face-off against the Sky Blues.
Besides that, it was a clean sweep for Bangor in this fixture last season, defeating Annagh by an aggregate scoreline of 9-2 in the three pre-split encounters – including an emphatic 4-0 victory away from home when Adam Neale fired in a hat-trick in one of the Yellows’ most complete displays of 2023/24. But Lee Feeney knows better than to underestimate Ciaran McGurgan’s outfit, who have twice reached the promotion play-off since starting their journey back in the Championship in 2021.
They also signalled a statement of their intent on the opening day with a 3-0 victory away to Newington when Ryan Swan – back after a double leg break curtailed his season early last year – Lee Upton and Nathan Kerr produced the goods. With Annagh in a rich vein of form since the turn of the year having lost just one league match in 2024, Bangor must show strong wits on their back of last Friday night’s 2-2 draw with Harland and Wolff Welders to emerge with the maximum spoils here.
(Posted: Friday, 16th August 2024)
Levelling goalscorer Kirsten Palmer reflected on a frustrating night for Bangor FC Ladies on Wednesday by saying it should be motivation ahead of the Local Women Sport Super Cup semi-final clash with Greenisland on Sunday.
The versatile Palmer, who arrived mid-season and has caught the eye with energetic displays from the wide areas in her six appearances to date, started and finished the 2-2 draw with Camlough Rovers in the NIWFA Championship and netted the equalising goal in a game Bangor really should’ve taken three points out of rather than just one.
The Seasiders created the vast majority of major chances in the contest and struck the woodwork no fewer than three times, but Camlough were clinical as two direct attacks brought about a couple of first-half goals that put them into the lead at the interval.
Megan Gore hit back the first time around on 31 minutes with a cross-come-shot that found its way into the bottom left corner before Palmer capitalised on a scramble from a corner 10 minutes from time by prodding home the goal that ultimately salvaged a share of the spoils – a proud, if bittersweet, moment.
“Yeah, it’s a great feeling. I feel like I had quite a lot of chances tonight, it was frustrating that I couldn’t put any more away but I was happy to get one at least.
“As a team, we’d loads of chances but we just couldn’t put them away, it was just one of those nights.
“We just need to work on finishing, really; we had loads of shots, loads of opportunities, we created so much, but we just couldn’t make the most of them.”
Palmer, deployed on her unfavoured left side on Wednesday, is a winger by trade who has been utilised at wing-back by manager Chris Dougan ever since returning to home shores having played this year for Stirling University.
She says it has been a simple adaptation for her thanks to the team spirit within the squad and positive energy both on and off the pitch – and that includes Wednesday where she pointed to the squad continuing to put their focus on gaining something from the match.
The focus now turns to that last-four Super Cup battle against Greenisland, and it’s likely also a test for next season because the Glenkeen Avenue club will play in the Championship in 2025 on the back of winning the NIWFA Division One. The Co Antrim side visit Clandeboye Park for a 3pm kick-off and will look to disrupt Bangor’s bid to reach a second consecutive decider in this competition, with one of Belfast Celtic or Ballymoney United awaiting in the decider when those two face off the following evening. Palmer adds that on the back of a game like Wednesday – which leaves Bangor hungry to put right a four-game winless streak – doesn’t motivate the players, then nothing will.“Yeah, I usually play on the wing, I’ve played at full-back, so it’s a change for me but it’s something new and I enjoy it. “There’s a lot of the same responsibilities, though; you’re still holding the width, it’s a lot of running, making sure to track back.
“I’ve enjoyed it coming in. It is tough, but it’s really good, everyone’s so nice, so I’m really happy with where I’m at in terms of my football now.
“It was very easy for me to come in. Since the day I came in, everyone has made me feel so welcome, everyone’s so nice and so positive.
“Even if we go a goal down, it’s still really encouraging, we’re all positive towards each other and united to play and united to win, and it’s so nice just to play in a team like that.
“I think the first half, we did have a few chances, but I think we did play well, we created quite a lot, and then in the second half, they didn’t really have many chances, it was all attack for us and all defence for them.
“They were playing five at the back by the end of it, their goalkeeper played well, and we got back into the game but just couldn’t do enough to win it.”
“I think everyone, as Chris was saying in the changing room, that should give us so much more motivation now to work towards Sunday.
“It’s a big game, it’s going to be a tough battle and we as a team want to finish the season strong.
“If you’re not up for a semi-final and the chance to get into a cup Final, I don’t know what you’d be up for, so it’ll be a good experience playing under that sort of pressure.”
(Posted: Thursday, 15th August 2024)
Max Davidson is glad to be back at Bangor and feels there is no place he would rather be following a few years across the water.
The left-back made his long-awaited second competitive appearance for the Seasiders more than three years on from his first; having first arrived in 2020 as a fledgling 17-year-old and making a Covid-delayed competitive debut in May 2021 in an Irish Cup penalty shoot-out loss away to Carrick Rangers, he featured from the start for Lee Feeney’s side in the Playr-Fit Championship curtain-raiser against Harland and Wolff Welders in August 2024 and spoke of his delight at making his comeback.
“Yeah, listen, it’s great to be back, honestly.
“I was looked after here when I was here a couple of years ago when I was 17 with Feeno and I was buzzing to get back as soon as I was in the country.
“It’s great to be back at Clandeboye playing in front of the fans.”
So, what has Davidson done all this time? After that disrupted 2020/21 campaign, he went to study at the University of Liverpool and played full-time in the Welsh top-flight for Cefn Druids as well as English sides 1874 Northwich and Burscough.
When it was time to come home, the former Ballymena United Academy player knew that he had unfinished business in north Down and the 21-year-old Ballyclare man returned to work under Feeney with Bangor having since moved up a league and into the senior ranks.
It’s a move that made sense for Davidson, who figured at left wing-back in the 2-2 draw with the Welders, especially given he had picked up that valuable experience and lived the life of a full-time athlete across the Irish Sea.
“I think it’s been brilliant, I got to play against different teams, play against different systems, play with players who have played at the top level in England and work in different systems under different managers.
“Having the chance to come back here and apply that to my game over here in the Irish League is a great opportunity.
“To be honest, it wasn’t really a university lifestyle, I was playing football all the time as we were full-time at that first team I was at (Cefn Druids).
“And then obviously, in university, you’ve got your sport as well, so I wouldn’t say it would be your standard university lifestyle, it was basically just being a full-time athlete.
“Having that behind me’s great and I’m just looking forward to applying that back at Bangor.”
(Posted: Thursday, 15th August 2024)
Bangor FC Ladies were left wondering just how they didn't take all three points as a bulk of second-half chances weren't to result in the win, with clinical Camlough Rovers Ladies leaving Clandeboye Park with a share of the spoils in a gripping 2-2 draw in the NIWFA Championship on Wednesday night.
Camlough drew first blood on 10 minutes, as the goalkeeper launched one forward for their attacker to latch onto. It was well-controlled and the bounce caused a few problems for the home defence, with the ball delicately lobbed over Giulia McLaughlin and into the net, but the Seasiders clicked into gear afterwards and got into the final third more often before converting the equaliser.
Megan Gore hit a cross-come-shot which looped into the bottom left corner just after the half-hour mark to level the scores, but despite Janine Jess crashing a low shot off the base of the post and Kirsten Palmer being well-denied on the rebound, it was Camlough who entered the break ahead on 41 minutes when the forward again raced behind the defence and rounded McLaughlin before placing it low into the net.
The second half felt like constant Bangor attack after Bangor attack, the ball hardly ever leaving the Camlough half with the ball finding different ways not to send the back of the net shaking, with Francesca Costa and Emi Wynne striking the upright within seconds of each other after Jess' effort cracked the post, but finally the ball went in on 80 minutes as Palmer alertly prodded home from an initial corner from the right that was cleared off the line by a Camlough defender.
(Posted: Wednesday, 14th August 2024)
Wednesday, August 14 – Bangor FC Ladies vs Camlough Rovers Ladies, NIWFA Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:30pm
Bangor FC Ladies return their attention to the NIWFA Championship on Wednesday night in their penultimate home match of the season when they entertain Camlough Rovers Ladies.
The Seasiders, who kept their grip on third-place in the standings following last week’s 2-2 draw against Ballymena United Women – Amanda Morton and Janine Jess scoring to get them back on level terms after going two down – have went three without a win across all competitions and are keen to get back on track as the climax to the campaign approaches.
At the weekend, Bangor were knocked out of the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup on Sunday afternoon as Derry City Women emerged 3-0 victors in the sides’ quarter-final clash, with Ballyclare Comrades Ladies having fought from behind the Wednesday before to secure a 4-3 win at Dixon Park. Now, Chris Dougan’s side will look to overcome a capable Camlough outfit who have looked the part since achieving promotion last year, scoring 21 points from 13 matches to date and who Bangor worked hard to beat 2-1 in the first outing in May.
(Posted: Wednesday, 14th August 2024)
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 17th August - Annagh United v Bangor, BMG Arena, 3:00pm
(Posted: Tuesday, 13th August 2024)
Bangor FC Ladies exited the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup on a sunny Sunday afternoon with a 3-0 defeat to Derry City Women at Clandeboye Park.
The Sports Direct Women’s Premiership side visited with the favourites tag bestowed upon them for this quarter-final clash and ultimately lived up to the billing, with Chris Dougan’s Seasiders exiting on the back of their best-ever run in the showpiece women’s tournament. Derry drew first blood 18 minutes into proceedings as Ellen McDermott broke the deadlock for a rotated Candystripes line-up, however it was a mainstay in the in-form Tara O’Connor-Farren who added their second – the 23-year-old’s ninth goal in five matches just after the hour mark.
A fighting effort from Bangor to mount a comeback followed, but progression was secured for Paul Dixon’s Derry when substitute Ellie Long hit the target to secure a semi-final place for the away side, joining Cliftonville Ladies, Glentoran Women and Lisburn Rangers Ladies.
(Posted: Tuesday, 13th August 2024)
A Bangor squad will travel to play Dollingstown this evening in a friendly at Planters Park.
Match kick off is 7:30pm
(Posted: Tuesday, 13th August 2024)
Defender Max Davidson admits there was a feel of two points dropped in the dressing room following Bangor’s 2-2 draw with Harland and Wolff Welders on Friday night.
The Seasiders settled for a share of the spoils in a competitive match under the lights against the Welders, who bounced back twice from a pair of Matthew Ferguson strikes either side of half-time to take a point back up the A2.
Sean O’Kane’s placed header 11 minutes into the second half was in response to Ferguson’s 17th-minute debut opener against his old employers, and while ‘Spike’ hit back with an aerial effort of his own to ensure the Welders’ parity lasted just two minutes, Lewis Mearns pounced seven minutes from time to ensure the east Belfast side made it honours even.
Davidson (21), making his home debut on the left side of defence having rejoined Bangor in the off-season, says the expectation amongst the squad is to try and win every encounter but believes the motivation’s there to put it right against Annagh United next Saturday.
“Listen, it’s a frustrating start; we want to be going into every game getting three points.
“Every single game this season, we’re expecting to win, and that’s the attitude we should be going into every game, so the lads are disappointed.
“We feel like we’ve lost the game there, but we’re just looking towards Annagh on Saturday, go away down the road and try and get another three points, keep that undefeated season and looking towards promotion next year.”
It was a competitive and end-to-end encounter where both teams threw caution to the wind, with an impressive performance by Welders stopper Jack Mills playing no small part.
The 23-year-old denied Ben Arthurs and Caomhan McGuinness in one-on-ones across both halves, while a low Ben Cushnie attempt that had the beating of Mills deep into added-time was hooked away by visiting captain Lewis Patterson off the line.
Before Ferguson’s opener, the away side started the game on top and enjoyed a few early chances that Bangor goalkeeper James Taylor had to be alert to, denying Tiarnan O’Connor and Adam McAleenan from distance.
Davidson felt the initial contribution of the 28-year-old marksman – who has now bagged 51 league goals in the last two years – helped settle the game and brought Bangor more into it as the Seasiders went into the interval the stronger of the sides.
“I feel like the first goal definitely settled things, I felt like we were adjusting to their system for the first wee while.
“We were adjusting to how they played and boys were getting dragged about a little bit, but I feel like once we scored the first goal, we settled, we started creating more chances, more combinations and we worked from there.
“Don’t get me wrong, we were 1-0 up at half-time but we were nowhere near satisfied.
“We’re wanting to get, you know, eight or nine out of 10 performances all round the park each half, and I don’t feel we had that in the first half.
“So, we were going out to really stamp home our authority in the second half but, obviously, it didn’t fall that way for us.
“It was a very end-to-end game. Obviously, they play quite a high line which we were trying to work round, play balls over the top, and we were getting joy and it was 50/50 each side, so yeah, it was very end-to-end.
“We didn’t get the result we would’ve wanted, a win on the opening day in front of a big crowd, but everyone is really motivated now to get our first win of the season next week.”
(Posted: Monday, 12th August 2024)
GARY'S GALLERY | JORDAN'S GALLERY
It was two goals on debut for Matthew Ferguson, but the striker’s brace wasn’t quite enough to account for three points for Bangor against Harland and Wolff Welders on Friday night.
Second-half goals from fresh faces Sean O’Kane and Lewis Mearns bagged a point for Ferguson’s former employers in a 2-2 draw the frontman described as “end-to-end”.
Onlookers would agree in what was an entertaining start to the new Playr-Fit Championship campaign on Friday night, but Bangor did enjoy the greater of the clear-cut chances and felt frustrated afterwards that they couldn’t start a win.
Ferguson, who was in the right place at the right time with two close-range finishes to start his adventure in a slightly different shade of yellow on the front foot, believes the team set up to play attacking football and took a glass-half-full point of view.
“The most important thing is to set up as a unit, do the best we can to try and get three points on the night.
“It was a hot and heavy game, so many chances for ourselves and they’d a couple, too; it was pretty much a good end-to-end game.
“We were 2-1 in front, I thought we were maybe going to hold on and get the win but, unfortunately, they got their second and it is what it is.
“We have to look at the positives, we’ll try and correct the negatives and we’ll take the point and we’ll move on.”
The Seasiders also finished the game on a high note, as Ferguson’s fellow debutant Caomhan McGuinness’ rasping drive forced a strong left-handed save from Welders stopper Jack Mills before substitute Ben Cushnie’s last-gasp effort was rushed off the line by Lewis Patterson in a move that preserved a point for the visitors.
With the east Belfast side also throwing caution to the wind and moving directly up the pitch, the Bangor defence – with another former key Welders man in the commanding Kyle Owens at the centre – stayed firm and held on for a point, which ‘Spike’ states is at least better than none.
“Obviously, we would’ve liked to hold on and get the three points, but the fact we conceded and it was 2-2 and it was getting to the last stages of the match, I think you just need to take your medicine and realise a point’s better than no points.
“It’s just one of those things, it’s disappointing that we didn’t get the three points but one’s better than none like I said.
“We’ll regroup and go again, Welders are a good side, they’ll take points off teams this year; we’ll just look to Annagh next week.”
The striker’s first goal on 17 minutes arrived when Scott McArthur was unleashed down the left and swung one into the danger zone, and although Mills denied him at the first attempt, Ferguson stayed alert to prod home the rebound.
His second after O’Kane’s header from David Parkhouse’s long throw-in restored the lead on 58 minutes, with Owens flicking into his path that teed up the marksman to place delicately past Mills prior to Mearns’ late leveller from a loose ball after Tiarnan O’Connor’s free-kick was palmed out by James Taylor.
It’s a bright start for the Dundonald man who is glad to get off the mark straight away, and he hopes to add more to his tally in winning efforts down the line in the 2024/25 season.
“Yeah, absolutely. It’s nice to get off the mark, scoring two goals, it’s a great feeling.
“If you’re a centre-forward scoring from 30 yards, if you ask me, they’re not in the right position.
“But my job for the club as I’ve said is to try and score as many goals as I can to help the team, help the boys win matches.
“I’m glad I was able to pitch in with two goals tonight and hopefully, further on down the line, my goals will help contribute to matches that we win and get the three points.
“You can’t take any games for granted because if you lie down or you think the day’s going to be easy, you’ll get punished.
“Tonight, the Welders put up a great fight, I thought it was a really even enough game but we probably had double the chances than what they had, but we’re 2-1 up and unfortunately we conceded late on, we’ll take that on the chin, we’ll look where we need to improve and we’ll go again.
“Going into next week and further on, we’ll work on what we need to in training and try and do what’s best for the team going into that Saturday, and hopefully, we’ll get three more points on the board.”
(Posted: Saturday, 10th August 2024)
Bangor settled for a competitive 2-2 draw on opening night in the Playr-Fit Championship against Harland and Wolff Welders at Clandeboye Park on Friday night, with Matthew Ferguson bagging twice on his competitive debut against his former employers.
Bangor took the lead on 17 minutes with a well-worked attack down the left. Scott McArthur found himself free down the channel and raced clear before swooping a cross into the box with Ben Arthurs and Ferguson both lurking. The latter got a firm header on at the back stick which Jack Mills did well to palm, but the striker got the rebound for a debut goal against his former side.
The Welders had to that point enjoyed a firm grip on the contest and created the bulk of early chances, but the Seasiders settled the flow of things and started to make a few opportunities of their own up the other end. An end-to-end contest where both sides were well in the mix leading up to half-time, Ben Arthurs missed a gilt-edged chance to add to the advantage on 39 minutes when his one-on-one chance was placed straight at Mills.
The Welders equalised on 56 minutes when a David Parkhouse throw in was headed in by Sean O'Kane off the inside of the post, but Bangor quickly restored the advantage when the hosts' two summer recruits from the visitors combined two minutes later. Kyle Owens won the first header and Ferguson was on hand to head in from a few yards out.
The Welders got back on level terms when Lewis Mearns slammed home after James Taylor spilt a free-kick attempt, the striker first to the mark to bury home from close range and find the bottom right corner for the visitors on 82 minutes. A Caomhan McGuinness chance forced an impressive save by Mills, who made himself big, and the Welders stopper again saved from Ferguson and substitute Ben Cushnie saw his late, late effort cleared off the line by Lewis Patterson.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, M.Davidson(T.Mathieson), C.McGuinness, R.Neale, H.Beverland, K.Owens, T.Mulvenna, L.Harrison(M.Bradley), S.McArthur(B.Cushnie), B.Arthurs, M.Ferguson.
Subs: M.Orbinson, G.Beattie, K.Reid, B.Walker
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 17th August - Annagh United v Bangor, BMG Arena, 3:00pm
(Posted: Friday, 9th August 2024)
Sunday, August 11 – Bangor FC Ladies vs Derry City Women, Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup, Clandeboye Park, 4pm
Bangor FC Ladies face what on paper is their toughest test of the season on Sunday when they welcome Sports Direct Women’s Premiership side Derry City Women to Clandeboye Park in the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup quarter-finals.
The Seasiders are the only club outside the top-tier remaining in the blue riband competition and will battle against the odds on this occasion, with Paul Dixon’s Candystripes entering this clash as favourites with a last-four place on the line.
Derry are sixth in the Premiership with eight points collected from their nine games to date and Bangor know they will need to bring their A-game to reach the semi-finals, with close attentions to be placed on star performers within the north west outfit’s line-up such as captain Shannon Dunne, ex-Sion Swifts star Caoirse Doherty and the prolific Tara O’Connor-Farren, who has eight goals in her last four games.
Chris Dougan’s Yellows showed their steel to rebound from two goals down to draw against Ballymena United Women 2-2 on Wednesday – last season’s relegated side from the Premiership having rubbed shoulders with Derry in that battle against the drop – and they will hope to keep up that momentum to defeat the Brandywell side here.
Meanwhile, midfielder Erin Hennity hailed Bangor’s resilience against the Sky Blues to seal a point to take back up the road that keeps the Ladies third in the NIWFA Championship.
“Ballymena are always a tough and physical contest and that certainly was the case on Wednesday night.
“We started the game slowly and were punished for it by going two goals down early in the first half, so we gave ourselves a lot of work to do.
“Credit to the girls, though; we didn't let our heads drop and showed great work-rate and character to keep pushing for an equaliser which came early in the second half through a great strike from Janine.
“We grew into the game, started creating gaps and moving the ball well but unfortunately weren't able to get the winner.
“Coming off the back of a defeat to Ballyclare, we've been working hard in training and were hopeful to regroup and put right some of the mistakes we made last week, so it's disappointing to not take all three points.
“However, it was very much a game of two halves, so some might say 2-2 was a fair result on the night.”
(Posted: Friday, 9th August 2024)
It’s a Friday night, it’s floodlights and it’s competitive Playr-Fit Championship football for the first time in over three months at Clandeboye Park as Bangor start a new season at home to Harland and Wolff Welders.
The Seasiders have finished pre-season preparations and are ready to mount a fresh charge in the second season back in the second-tier, hoping to collect three points for the books in this weekend’s curtain-raiser.
Lee Feeney’s side, who came third last term, are fired up to deliver under the lights in what is a tough test against Paul Kee’s Welders, sixth-placed to finish last season, and a big crowd is expected at Clandeboye on the back of a successful campaign last year.
A chance to see some of the new additions to the squad in the off-season ply their trade in yellow and blue for the first time in competitive action, a big support roared the players on and it is hoped more of the same can help Bangor start the new campaign on the front foot.
The Yellows finished off pre-season on a winning note having came from behind to defeat Warrenpoint Town last Saturday afternoon and, with Friday nights proving a hit during the last 18 months or so, will want to continue in that vein as the east Belfast-based Welders make the short trip down the A2 for this fixture.
Feeney reiterated pre-match that the players set their own standards, and they will be keen to live up to the billing once more as a fresh nine-month crusade gets under way.
(Posted: Thursday, 8th August 2024)
Bangor FC Ladies settled for a share of the spoils for the first time in this season’s NIWFA Championship when they recovered from two goals down to draw with Ballymena United Women at The Showgrounds.
On the Seasiders’ second trip up the M2 this term having previously been defeated on penalties by the Sky Blues in the NIWFA Championship Cup, they fell behind early here before recovering to take a point down the road and remain third-placed in the league standings.
Ballymena took the lead eight minutes in when Megan Henry hit the target, and Braid skipper Natasha Bamford doubled the advantage nine minutes later which left Chris Dougan’s side with a mountain to climb early doors.
But Bangor responded through a goal from the penalty spot by Amanda Morton – her fourth in three matches – and fellow midfielder Janine Jess netted the equaliser shortly before the hour mark that ensured the visitors took home a draw, moving up to 28 points in the table with just four league matches left to play.
(Posted: Thursday, 8th August 2024)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney is looking forward to a new Playr-Fit Championship season kicking off and believes his players are showing the right application and attitude heading into the return to competitive action.
The Seasiders face Harland and Wolff Welders at Clandeboye Park on Friday night to begin the club’s second season back in the second-tier with hopes high that last term’s third-placed finish can be built on.
Following a six-week pre-season schedule featuring games against Premiership opposition like Linfield, Loughgall, Carrick Rangers and Ballymena United, Premier Intermediate sides Ballymacash Rangers, Queen’s University and Warrenpoint Town and Amateur League tests including last Tuesday evening’s simultaneous double-header with Dundonald and Bangor Amateurs, Feeney feels his charges are mentally and physically prepared to tackle a tricky match-up under the floodlights.
Four of Bangor’s five matches in August are at Clandeboye and big crowds are expected to flock down to watch the team in action – and the Kilkeel boss, now in his fourth year in the hotseat, is hopeful the players can produce the goods.
“Yeah, when you’re going through pre-season, the main thing you’re looking for is that the players get minutes under their belt and you’ve no serious injuries, which we have done.
“We’ve played different types of opposition; in terms of Premiership opposition, you’re just looking to go into the game and give it your all, there’s nothing much more you can do than that.
“Playing against so-called ‘lesser’ opposition, you’re looking for the players to go into the game with the right attitude and right mindset and it’s a different kind of challenge that we’ve benefited from in pre-season, and to be fair, the players have risen up regardless of who they’re up against.
“The new players have come into the team and settled really, really well and I’ve been very pleased with how the players are approaching training sessions, the mentality’s been super.”
The Welders, who finished sixth in Paul Kee’s first full season in charge last year, concluded their pre-season preparations against Linfield on Monday night.
The east Belfast outfit are Championship stalwarts and have a gifted squad featuring an array of threats including impressive defender Lewis Patterson, livewire forwards Tiarnan O’Connor and David Parkhouse, versatile wing-back Ewan McCoubrey and former Bangor duo Dylan O’Kane and Jamie Glover.
Bangor fared well against Kee’s men last campaign, going unbeaten in their four clashes with two wins and two draws, but Feeney knows to automatically assume more of the same is a trap to avoid falling into against a side who beat Loughgall and Glenavon in their pre-season. He maintains the Seasiders squad sets their own bar and, like last year, is only focused on the task immediately ahead – and no more.
“We set our own expectations within the dressing room, all the players set the standards for themselves and they hold themselves to those standards.
“We went into last season with no expectations at all, and it’s maybe because we did so well that people are saying we can go one better, which is understandable.
“But to be honest, we have our own expectations and we’ll be doing what we were doing last season, we’ll only be taking it one game at a time and our focus is only on the Welders on Friday night.
“The players’ attitude in pre-season has been fantastic and you know that you’ll never be guaranteed of anything in this league. If you go into anything thinking it’s guaranteed in terms of a win, you’re mistaken.
“We’ve looked at the Welders and prepared the way we usually do, they’ve had a good pre-season as well and they’ll probably be going into the game the same way as us and thinking they’re able to get three points to start the season.
“You can’t take anyone for granted, absolutely, and we know we have to be on top of our game if we want to start the season with a win.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 7th August 2024)
Wednesday, August 7 – Ballymena United Women vs Bangor FC Ladies, NIWFA Championship, Warden Street Showgrounds, 7:30pm
Bangor FC Ladies are looking to bounce back off the ropes on Wednesday night when they go to the Warden Street Showgrounds to take on Ballymena United Women in the NIWFA Championship.
The Seasiders were beaten 4-3 last week by Ballyclare Comrades Ladies having led by two goals leading into the interval and will be keen to make a swift return to winning ways as they travel to face the Sky Blues, who earlier this season knocked them out of the NIWFA Championship Cup on penalties. Prior to last week’s defeat at Dixon Park, Bangor had won five in a row dating back to before the summer break and, with just five league matches to go until the league ends with four points to make up on Sion Swifts Ladies at the top of the standings, there is little margin for error for Chris Dougan’s side in their bid to finish top.
Bangor, who also this week do battle with Sports Direct Premiership side Derry City Women on Sunday in the Irish Cup, will be confident of finding their winning groove once again in a clash of third versus fourth – Ballymena are a point behind having also played 13 times in the league – that could set them up for a big finish.
(Posted: Wednesday, 7th August 2024)
New Bangor recruit Caomhan McGuinness is excited to make a flying start to life at the club and backs himself to make an instant impact when the new Playr-Fit Championship season commences.
The fleet-footed full-back, who has joined from Ballyclare Comrades in the off-season and hails from a sporting family that includes two full Northern Ireland Women’s internationals in sisters Kirsty and Caitlin McGuinness, says he has slotted into the dressing room culture at Clandeboye Park straight away and is raring to go for the opening fixture at home to Harland and Wolff Welders this Friday night.
“Yeah, the pre-season flew in, it’s hard to believe we’re that close to the season starting, we play the Welders on Friday night so obviously all the boys are buzzing for it, can’t wait.
“I’ve enjoyed it coming in, all the boys have been great. As soon as I came in, I fitted in straight away, made me feel welcome straight away, so it’s been grand so far.
“That’s good to come into, I see myself as someone who wants to come into a club and make an instant impact, especially with the season only round the corner.
“Can’t wait to get started, the Welders on a Friday night, what more could you want?”
McGuinness earned acclaim for his performances at right wing-back during his time at Dixon Park where he worked under Stephen Small, and his experience of the Championship and a position he’s set to slot in like-for-like at Bangor are also assets he thinks will add to the side.
With Ben Arthurs and Matthew Ferguson finding the net 41 times between them in league play last season, the Belfast man (24) – who also had a season in the second-tier with Queen’s University prior to joining Ballyclare in 2022 – has aims for being one of the chief suppliers of goalscoring chances for whoever’s deployed up top and is keen to chip in with as many assists as he can.
“Yeah, absolutely, I’ve played the last three seasons now in the Championship, so I’m well-prepared for the games and I know what it takes to be successful in it.
“The fitness, the physicality of it and all that, so that’s what I’m looking to bring into the side here, just my experience from playing in the league and hopefully help towards a push for promotion.
“I’ve played right wing-back for the last two seasons, so yeah, it’s a like-for-like in that sense.
“I must’ve had about 80 games playing right wing-back, so I’m well used to the position and again, that instant impact, I can make an impact from there straight away.
“I’ve got a bit of pace and a good delivery, and when you’ve the likes of Ben and Spike, of course, you want to put the ball into the box every chance you get.
“They love scoring headers and stuff, they love the balls in the air, just attacking them, so I’ll be looking to put them in the danger zone when I can and chip in with assists throughout the course of the season.”
(Posted: Tuesday, 6th August 2024)
The Seasiders rounded off their pre-season fixtures with a 3-1 win over Warrenpoint Town at Milltown on Saturday afternoon.
Bangor suffered an early setback when a loose ball on the edge of the area was drilled into the bottom corner of the net past James Taylor.
Reece Neale brought the Seasiders back level before half-time with a curling free-kick into the area which evaded everyone and bounced up into the corner of the net.
Bangor took control in the second half and a perfectly weighted pass from Jordan Hughes fed in Tom Mathieson who slotted in Bangor's second. Substitute Ben Walker rounded things off near the end when he made space on the left to fire low into the far corner of the net.
NEXT MATCH:
FRIDAY 9th August, BANGOR v H&W WELDERS, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Sunday, 4th August 2024)
It proved to be a tough night on the road for Bangor FC Ladies in the NIWFA Championship on Wednesday night as Ballyclare Comrades recovered from two goals down to win 4-3 at Dixon Park.
Bangor put the pressure on from the off as they fashioned a flurry of early chances, and the visitors were rewarded on 13 minutes as a short-corner routine led to the opener. A give-and-go between Emi Wynne and Amber Dempster gave the latter licence to pull the trigger, and she did just that and looped the ball over the Ballyclare stopper into the top right corner to break the deadlock.
Eight minutes from half-time and it was a doubling of the advantage for the Seasiders. After Robyn McFadden forced a spectacular tip around the post from the Ballyclare stopper, Sarah Crooks took command of the resulting corner and it was guided in from close range by the head of Amanda Morton for her third goal in two matches.
But Ballyclare added spice to the encounter on 44 minutes when the winger chipped one over Giulia McLaughlin to reduce the arrears, making it 2-1 before the referee blew for half-time.
Only four minutes of the second half were needed for Ballyclare to restore parity to the contest. The hosts had a corner from the left that was delivered deep towards the right stick and it was turned in for 2-2 that brought a further competitive edge to the contest. The Comrades, however, continued to build on their initiative and dealt a couple of quickfire blows within four minutes of each other, firstly on 75 minutes and then 79 with balls in behind that were converted by the hosts' forward on both occasions.
Amber Dempster pulled one back in added-time but it proved too little, too late in the end.
(Posted: Thursday, 1st August 2024)
Planning approved for new grandstand and community hub at Bangor FC
Bangor FC has received planning approval for a new 480-seater grandstand and community hub.
The grandstand will be located at the current away side of the ground and will include:
Bangor FC Vice-Chairman and stadium development lead Jim Russell said:
“This is an exciting time for all at Bangor FC. The potential to have a new modern grandstand and community hub is another exciting step forward for the club. This clearly shows our aspirations for the future, including new potential income generating facilities to help sustain the Club financially.
“It has taken a lot of hard-work by a small group of Bangor FC volunteers, supporters and officials to get us to this stage. Plans were designed by architect and Bangor FC supporter Nigel Barton.”
Included in the plans is a new perimeter wall and a set of gates at the Clandeboye Road end of the ground. There are also plans for a new workshop, garage, accessible toilets and parking spaces up to the new grandstand.
Jim continued: “Our ambition is to continue making progress on the pitch and supporting the local community off it. That is why we have included a community hub at the heart of this project.
“The vision is that this facility will help to cement the club further in the community, with the building being available for use by people in the local area.”
Jim concluded: “The new grandstand and community hub will be dependent on securing a combination of public funds, from the Northern Ireland Football Fund and private investment opportunities.
“Bangor is one of the largest conurbations in Northern Ireland, and our vision is to upgrade the ground to match this position, as we progress through the leagues in our attempt to return to the NIFL Premiership.”
(Posted: Thursday, 1st August 2024)
Bangor fans who tuned into Tuesday night’s friendly with Dundonald will have been treated to a strong line-up that looks set for battle against Harland and Wolff Welders in next Friday night’s Playr-Fit Championship opener.
The Seasiders prevailed 4-1 over their Amateur League opponents as a raft of familiar first-team names lined out, with three new summer signings in striker Matthew Ferguson, right wing-back Caomhan McGuinness and centre-half Kyle Owens all finding the net at a warm and sunny Clandeboye Park. Central midfielder Tiarnan Mulvenna, who himself is bracing for his first full season with the club having proved a hit since joining from Glenavon in January, was the other goalscorer for Lee Feeney’s side and feels the squad is tuned-in and ready to fight for their place on Friday.
The Belfast man also pointed to the other match of the double-header – a 5-2 victory against Bangor Amateurs next door where Jordan Hughes and Tom Mathieson both hit braces and young striker Sonny Redford also hit the target – as proof that every man in Feeney’s panel is up for holding each other to high standards.
“It’s good to get the boys out, get a load of minutes under our belt as a collective where we’ve had a lot of changes in our pre-season games so far.
“Obviously getting the win, that’s the main thing, so now, we have Warrenpoint on Saturday and we’ll just get another win there and push on to Friday night.
“There was two games there and two different teams and, to be honest, all 22 of them are playing for their place on Friday night, you know. “So, it goes to Saturday and we kick on from there.
“That’s what drives the squad, it’s obviously what Lee’s looking for, healthy competition.
“It’s not like one person wants on in front of the other, it’s who’s in form and who’s doing best, so we’re all in it together if you know what I mean, we all drive the standards here.”
Some slick interchanges of play were noticeable in the clash with Lee Cathcart’s Dundonald, and Mulvenna praised how the new signings have applied what has been worked on during training sessions.
So well have they adapted, the former Newington man adds, that it’s felt like they’ve been around the place for years, and the 26-year-old couldn’t hide his delight at how Ferguson – last season’s joint top scorer with the Welders on 23 – and Ben Arthurs have connected on the pitch throughout pre-season.
“Obviously we work on that on training, the passages of play that you saw tonight, but mostly, we all know each other and we know what way we play.
“We’ve a lot of boys in there from last year, but the new ones have come in and it’s just like they’ve been here for a long time, you know.
“You look at tonight, big Bubs (Kyle Owens) has come in and scored, and Spike, he’s been in and you seen there tonight, it looks like he’s been there from last season and how he’s fit in with Big Ben, they’ve looked really sharp together.
“There’s the chemistry on the pitch already with those two, with their movement and the positions they’re picking up and how they’ve come in and fit in with the way everyone is playing, and Spike and Big Ben are going to be a force this year…
“Even I scored a goal tonight, I couldn’t believe it myself! I was just in space and wrapped my foot around it and got the curl on it for it to go into the bottom corner.”
On the latter point, Mulvenna – who registered six assists to finish behind only Arthurs (13) and Reece Neale (10) in that metric last season but has yet to mark the scoresheet during a competitive match for Bangor – is challenging himself to hit the goal trail more in 2024/25.
He hasn’t set himself a target but is aiming to pick up the right positions to do damage as part of Feeney’s attack-minded ethos.
“That’s what I said to myself, obviously the assists come but I need to make myself available for goals and put myself in the right positions when the ball falls for me.
“We’re set up to play attacking football and we want everyone contributing when they can, so I’ll be looking to put my name on the scoresheet more.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 31st July 2024)
Bangor continued pre-season preparations with a 4-1 victory over Amateur League side Dundonald at Clandeboye Park on Tuesday night.
Lee Feeney's side took the lead on eight minutes after Tiarnan Mulvenna's perfectly weighted through ball down the inside right channel had both Caomhan McGuinness and Matthew Ferguson ready to attack it. The latter took command of the situation, duly rounded the Dundonald goalkeeper and slotted effortlessly into an open goal to break the deadlock.
Six minutes later, another ball in behind the line – this time thanks to Ben Arthurs' right boot – gave McGuinness his chance to bear down at goal, and the pacey right wing-back did just that and fired across the face of goal to pick out the bottom left corner and double the Seasiders' initiative.
The advantage became three a couple of minutes after the restart when Mulvenna connected from 15 yards out, sweeping home a beauty low into the bottom left corner after a delivery aimed at Reece Neale had been partially cleared, before Dundonald pulled one back with a superb free-kick from 25 yards that picked out the bottom right corner beyond James Taylor's sprawling dive.
Bangor added a fourth and restored the three-goal lead on 73 minutes when Kyle Owens slammed home from close range after Reece Neale's low drive after cutting in from the inside right was parried by the Dundonald stopper that completed the scoring on the night.
Meanwhile, a Bangor XI emerged victorious 5-2 next door against Bangor Amateurs to make it a double victory.
(Posted: Tuesday, 30th July 2024)
There’s a double header on the Clandeboye Road on Tuesday night as pre-season heads into the final stages with two Seasiders squads in action.
(Posted: Monday, 29th July 2024)
Bangor striker Jordan Hughes admits that the pre-season defeat to Ballymacash Rangers on Saturday afternoon was a disappointment but insists the minutes in legs and the intensity of the contest still stand the Seasiders in good stead for the start of the season.
With less than two weeks until the Friday night clash with Harland and Wolff Welders that kickstarts the new Playr-Fit Championship campaign at Clandeboye Park on August 9, preparations are ramping up a notch and continued at the weekend with a 3-2 home reverse to Premier Intermediate side The ‘Cash.
The visitors were three goals to the good by the hour mark, with Owen McKeown, Benny Igiehon and Bobby Robinson having hit the target for Lee Forsythe’s side, but late strikes courtesy of substitutes Matthew Ferguson and Ben Arthurs threatened a late fightback.
The pre-season agenda has moved thick and fast since the opening fixture against Queen’s University at the end of last month, and Hughes says everyone is feeling sharp as the squad bids to improve on last season’s third-placed finish.
“It’s the same thing every year, you start pre-season and you think you’ve got a long haul of getting fit, but it comes on quick every year and it’s never any different.
“But the boys are looking sharp, they’re looking fit and the pre-season’s been strong, there hasn’t been too many people set back (with injuries), which is a good thing.
“Today obviously wasn’t great result-wise, but it’s minutes under the belt for everyone, so that’s what you take from it. If there’s not much positive, that’s one that you take.”
Bangor know Ballymacash well having faced the Lisburn outfit four times during the 2022/23 campaign, ending as the top two teams in the PIL with Lee Feeney’s men clinching the title and promotion as well as the Steel and Sons Cup.
All four meetings were memorable encounters and competitive affairs in their own right, and there was an intensity and energy to the contest that reflected the previous games.
With past clashes including a Steel and Sons Cup semi-final success for Bangor courtesy of Jamie Glover’s wondergoal at Seaview, a 94th-minute debut equaliser for Adam Neale – a ‘Cash loanee now – at The Bluebell, another 1-1 draw on the day the Seasiders held the PIL trophy aloft and a highly charged 2-0 victory for the hosts at Clandeboye Park on a Friday night in February, this may have been lower-profile in stature but it was no less hard-fought.
“As we were just saying there before, there’s sometimes a little bit of needle between certain teams. We had a good battle with them when we were in the same league as them, sometimes that just carries over, it’s a natural thing.
“So, there was a bit of needle out there today, good, strong tackles going in – it was an intense game. The quality was lacking a bit on our side but, you know, you’ve got to take the positives, it’s minutes and you got a good run-out.
“Pre-season’s always going to be like that where you’ve lots of players coming on and off because the management have to get everyone fit obviously for the start of the season. It’s one of those things, the changes came on and changed the game, we went a little bit more direct by playing two up front, put more bodies forward and it seemed to pay off.
“It was just a little bit too little, too late, really, in the end, but it’s maybe not all about the result either.
“You like to win, and every game you want to play, you want to win, but the minutes under the belt and a really intense game are the positives from today.”
Hughes (32), who joined his home town club from Dundela in January 2022 and has been a dependable performer for Feeney when called upon, is hoping to make a further impact in the forthcoming campaign.
With his standout moment last term being the double he grabbed off the bench that helped Bangor progress past Dergview 3-1 in the Irish Cup Fifth Round in January, the frontman has vowed to give his all to the cause once more in the 2024/25 season.
“I’m just looking to give my best any time I’m on the pitch and give my all for Bangor. I’m from Bangor and I want to give my all every time I step on the pitch for them.
“So, pre-season’s been okay, missed a couple with work but it’s just one of those things, I haven’t had any setbacks which, touch wood, keeps going.
“It means I can get stronger and fitter as we go, and hopefully, I can have an impact when the season starts.”
(Posted: Monday, 29th July 2024)
There’s no hiding how enthusiastic Ben Walker is about helping Bangor succeed – and the defender has eyes on promotion after his return to his home town club for another season.
The left wing-back, who arrived on a season-long loan from Larne last campaign where he signed his first professional contract having risen through the Invermen’s Scholarship programme, is deeply rooted in Bangor having played in the Seasiders’ Academy up to the age of 16 and made 34 appearances in his first full season of men’s football last term.
Now 19 and with that valuable experience under his belt, Walker, whose fabulous free-kick against Annagh United last October proved a Goal of the Season contender in the Playr-Fit Championship, is determined to “push on” and contribute in whatever way he can to help Bangor improve on last term’s superb third-placed finish.
The ambitious and driven teenager is not alone in having that motivation within the squad and feels the Yellows’ panel is in a great place to launch a bid for the Championship title.
“Yeah, it’s good to be back, I just want to push on this season and get promotion, I want us to be back in the Irish League, the top division.
“Last season was just the start, I just want to push on this season.
“Obviously, we came so close, going into the final game (the goalless draw with Annagh at the BMG Arena), just, it hurt, and now I just want to push on and do whatever I can for the team, goals and assists, and get us up there.
“All the lads are motivated; since the start of pre-season, everyone’s coming back, they’re all in good condition, everyone’s motivated just to win the league and go a step further than we did last season which we all believe we can do.”
(Posted: Sunday, 28th July 2024)
Strikers Matthew Ferguson and Ben Arthurs hit the target as Bangor continued their pre-season preparations with a 3-2 defeat to Playr-Fit Premier Intermediate League side Ballymacash Rangers at Clandeboye Park on Saturday afternoon.
The 'Cash took the lead on 11 minutes as former Seasider Karl Devine threaded a delicate through ball behind the line, and winger Owen McKeown raced down the inside left channel and broke the deadlock with a neat finish at goalkeeper Marc Orbinson's near post.
The Lisburn side doubled their advantage when striker Benny Igiehon – partnering Bangor loanee Adam Neale up top for the visitors – drilled into the net just five minutes after the start of the second period, and a third came courtesy of an unorthodox finish from 'Cash defender Bobby Robinson, whose apparent mishit cross looped over Orbinson and in shortly before the hour mark.
Substitutes Ferguson and Arthurs upped the ante, though, with the former reducing the arrears 15 minutes from time with a delicate header past Ballymacash stopper Brian Neeson from Caomhan McGuinness' superb weighted delivery before Arthurs then poked home after capitalising on a loose ball inside the area on 88 minutes, however an equaliser wasn't to follow as the PIL outfit took victory in north Down.
(Posted: Saturday, 27th July 2024)
Saturday marks 53 years since the sad and untimely loss of one of the most important figures in Bangor FC’s history, Charlie Tully. Tully, who enjoyed two spells as Seasiders boss, first arrived at Clandeboye Park in January 1964 having been appointed by chairman Jack Gaw to lead a rebuilding job with the side having endured a rotten run of form under Tully’s predecessor Clancy McDermott that saw them go on to lose 19 of 25 fixtures and fail to record a home win during the 1963/64 term.
Capped 10 times by Northern Ireland and spending 11 years at Glasgow Celtic, whom he joined following Belfast Celtic’s permanent exit from the Irish League in 1948, 40-year-old Belfast native Tully – who was still registered as a player – was a big name but showed he wasn’t just at Bangor on reputation given the club’s rise in fortunes under his watch.
Tully, who jested that “even the Seagulls were leaving Bangor when I arrived”, was popular among players and fans alike and his first spell lasted 15 months until April 1965, during which the yellow and blue outfit’s rise in fortunes was such that Bangor did not have go cap in hand to the league to seek re-election.
The infectious and at times unorthodox character of Tully also saw him given the nickname “Cheeky Charlie”. On one occasion in March 1964, in a match against Crusaders where the kick-off time was delayed by half an hour due to the Crues side arriving without boots, Tully offered 11 pairs of wellies to his opposite number; the offer was declined, the boots did evidently arrive and Crusaders emerged 6-2 victors, but it was a show of Tully’s charisma that made him so revered amid a time of doom and gloom around Clandeboye back then.
For the following season, Tully – an Irish League and Irish Cup winner with Belfast Celtic and Scottish champion with their Glaswegian counterparts – used his array of contacts both at home and abroad to entirely revamp the Bangor side for 1964/65, including Scotland international Willie Fernie who was named in the nation’s 1954 and 1958 World Cup squads.
Results on the pitch improved, and it is said that an all-time-high crowd of 5,000 made their way through the Clandeboye turnstiles for an Irish Cup replay with Linfield, but financial difficulties loomed in the background and Tully’s tenure ultimately came to a shuddering halt in April 1965 with Ralph McGuicken succeeding him. But the former Cliftonville loanee was tempted back to the hotseat in January 1968 to the delight of Bangor supporters, and he repaid them by securing the club’s first senior trophy.
In May 1970, on the fourth replay, the Seasiders won the County Antrim Shield against bitter rivals Ards, with Jim Herron, Brian Mulgrew and Ivan McAllister scoring the crucial goals in a 3-2 victory at Solitude. The first three games all ended in 1-1 draws, all forcing replays, and eventually, it was Tully’s Bangor who broke the deadlock to win the ‘Bin Lid’ and spark some incredible scenes of celebration in the Bangor Social Club. And the good days didn’t stop there. Later that year, in December 1970, Bangor contested the City Cup Final against Derry City and, despite trailing 3-2 deep into the latter stages at Clandeboye, the tide was turned and goals by Jim Graham, Brian Morrison, Tommy Craig and Ronnie Morrison roared the Seasiders across the line and wrapped up a famous 4-3 triumph.
A match that was also historic for being the first-ever Irish League match to be televised in colour and recorded by the BBC, it went down as a real milestone day and is synonymous with Tully’s tenure, making 1970 probably the best year in the club’s history up to that point.
But 1971 was to be a year of sadness. In July, at the age of just 47, Tully unexpectedly passed away in his sleep and the Irish League lost one of its great characters way before his time. The death of Tully, who would have celebrated his 100th birthday on July 11, caused great shock around the division and, as coach Jackie Gallagher recounted the funeral, his status as a popular figure was well beyond doubt.
“I went to Charlie’s funeral on the Falls Road,” he said. “All the famous players and managers came, including a huge contingent from Scotland and Glasgow Celtic.”
“The church was full to capacity and thousands stood outside during the service to pay their respects to a larger-than-life football icon. “It was a big event in those days for Protestants to attend a Roman Catholic funeral on the Falls Road, but such was the esteem in which Charlie was held that it was truly a very inclusive event.”
Tully to this day remains an iconic figure in the history of Bangor FC and his achievements, as well as his aura and personality, continue to stand the test of time as he is remembered.
(Posted: Saturday, 27th July 2024)
Saturday, July 27 – Bangor vs Ballymacash Rangers, Pre-Season Friendly, Clandeboye Park, 2pm
Bangor continue their pre-season preparations on Saturday when they welcome Playr-Fit Premier Intermediate League side Ballymacash Rangers to Clandeboye Park.
The Seasiders delivered an imposing performance on Tuesday night when goals from Tom Mathieson, Ben Arthurs and Scott McArthur helped claim a 3-1 victory at Carrick Rangers, and Lee Feeney now turns his attention to the visit of Lisburn club The ‘Cash, who were runners-up to Bangor in the PIL title race in 2022/23.
Lee Forsythe and his charges have designs for a fresh title charge this season after finishing third last term – their second-ever as an Irish League club – and have Adam Neale on loan from Bangor as well as popular former yellow and blue midfielder Karl Devine among their ranks in their bid to achieve promotion in 2025.
They will pose a stern test for Feeney’s side, with a healthy crowd expected and anticipation abounds for the start of the Playr-Fit Championship season, now just a fortnight away. Note the earlier kick-off time of 2pm for this duel as well.
(Posted: Friday, 26th July 2024)
Bangor FC Ladies are back up to speed and still on the winning trail after coming from behind to wrap up a 7-1 success over Comber Rec Ladies at Parkway on Wednesday.
The Seasiders, who returned from the summer break after three weeks away following their 11-1 victory over Foyle Belles at the Ryan McBride Brandywell, fell on the back foot after the Comber deadlock-breaker on 23 minutes, but a nine-minute double from midfielder Jodie Shannon had the visitors back on track and leading 2-1 at the interval in the NIWFA Championship encounter.
A win would have taken Bangor closer to the summit with pre-matchday league leaders Sion Swifts not in action, and five goals in the last 18 minutes did the job with Amber Dempster grabbing her sixth hat-trick of the season in the process.
Former Comber player Dempster – who scored three goals during recent Northern Ireland Futsal friendlies against England while the Championship was paused – struck for her first finish on 72 minutes, added a second nine minutes later and, either side of captain Sarah Crooks’ third of the 2024 campaign on 83 minutes, bagged two more in the dying embers of the contest that secured a third win of the season over Comber having previously emerged victorious in both the league and cup.
Chris Dougan’s side keep tabs with new leaders St James’ Swifts, who held a two-point lead over the north Down side that remains as such, while Sion are within one point albeit with one match fewer played.
(Posted: Thursday, 25th July 2024)
Bangor continued their pre-season preparations on a winning note on Tuesday night when the Seasiders overcome Carrick Rangers 3-1 at Loughview Leisure Arena.
On a dry night in east Antrim, goals either side of the interval by Tom Mathieson, Scott McArthur and Ben Arthurs did the business as Lee Feeney's men recorded their first victory over a Premiership opponent in this pre-season itinerary.
Lee Feeney's men built on their draw with Ballymena United when the versatile Mathieson netted a last-minute equaliser, and the versatile Bangor lad repeated the trick here with a goal either side of McArthur and Arthurs' first goals in pre-season ahead of the Playr-Fit Championship campaign kicking off properly in two and a half weeks' time.
Bangor are back at home on Saturday when they welcome Playr-Fit Premier Intermediate League outfit Ballymacash Rangers to Clandeboye Park for a 2pm kick-off.
(Posted: Tuesday, 23rd July 2024)
Wednesday, July 24 – Comber Rec Ladies vs Bangor FC Ladies, NIWFA Championship, Parkway, 7:30pm
Bangor FC Ladies return to league action following a three-week hiatus when they travel to Parkway on Wednesday night to take on Comber Rec Ladies.
Beginning the season run-in, the Seasiders make this short trip buoyed by their progression into the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup quarter-finals – the only non-Premiership side left in the blue riband competition – after receiving a bye when Belfast Celtic Ladies withdrew from the tournament and Friday’s last-16 clash at Clandeboye Park was postponed.
It means Chris Dougan’s side retains an interest in two cup competitions this season, with the LWS Super Cup adding to the Irish Cup, and in with a real hope of winning the NIWFA Championship where they are four points behind league leaders Sion Swifts Ladies upon the restart following the summer break.
Bangor hit Foyle Belles for 11 in the north west in their last game before the pause and they also have two wins over Comber, who are second from bottom in the second-tier, in 2024 – victorious 6-0 in the first league meeting of the sides and then by an 8-1 scoreline in the Irish Cup last-32 at Londonderry Park – and with just seven more league outings to go and plenty of twists and turns still in the pipeline, Dougan and the team have their sights on making the most of them.
(Posted: Tuesday, 23rd July 2024)
Bangor’s start to the 2024/25 Playr-Fit Championship campaign has been brought forward a day as the Seasiders prepare to welcome Harland and Wolff Welders to Clandeboye Park on Friday, August 9 – brought forward from the Saturday afternoon. A
nd the fortnight after, there are further Friday night lights when Newington visit on Friday, August 23, likewise brought forward a day, with both games kicking off at 7:45pm.
It means three of the first four outings in Bangor’s season will be played under floodlights, as the North Down Derby against Ards on Tuesday, August 27 adds to a Saturday trip to Annagh United on the second matchday of the season, and with the success of these games in bringing big crowds to Clandeboye over the course of the past two campaigns, this vein will continue going into 2024/25.
So, with that in mind, come out in numbers and support the Seasiders as we look to build on the progress made so far!
(Posted: Tuesday, 23rd July 2024)
Tuesday, July 23 – Carrick Rangers vs Bangor, Pre-Season Friendly, Loughview Leisure Arena, 7:45pm
It’s less than three weeks until the start of the new Playr-Fit Championship campaign, and Bangor’s pre-season preparations are being taken up a further notch when they travel to Taylor’s Avenue to face Carrick Rangers on Tuesday night.
After the first-team got a good workout and secured a 1-1 draw with Ballymena United on Saturday, with Tom Mathieson bagging a last-minute equaliser to cancel out Mikey Place’s first-half penalty for the Sky Blues, it’s another test against Sports Direct Premiership opposition at Loughview Leisure Arena here.
Stuart King’s Carrick, who finished seventh in the top-flight and featured in the European play-offs to cap a hugely successful season, are keen to make further strides and are set to pose another tricky test for Lee Feeney’s Seasiders.
The intensity is ramping up and the excitement is growing with each passing day, with this match against the Amber Army marking the next step in the build-up to the home opener against Harland and Wolff Welders on August 10.
(Posted: Monday, 22nd July 2024)
Bangor defender Sam Millar admits it was an honour and privilege to captain his home town club in the Seasiders’ friendly clash with AFC Carnforth on Saturday afternoon.
The highly-rated left-back, who has been a consistent feature for the Reserves during the past couple of seasons, donned the armband in the 2-1 defeat at Clandeboye Park against the East Cheshire Football League outfit who are touring Northern Ireland as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations.
In a side that mainly comprised youth talent, as well as the veteran pedigree of Michael Halliday and Jordan Hughes up top, Bangor hit back after going behind through gifted midfielder Caden McKee on 31 minutes but a brace by Carnforth striker Jordan Connolly ultimately decided the contest – his second goal coming seven minutes after the restart.
Facing men’s opposition, 18-year-old Millar believes these sorts of tests stand the Reserves in good stead for both the Championship/PIL Development League, where finishing in top spot is the main goal, as well as in the likes of the Junior Cup and Junior Shield where they are likely to come up against capable senior sides.
“Exactly, especially being from Bangor as well, it’s a real honour for me to captain the team, so hopefully, I can lead the team to a good season, push for the league.
“There’s always learnings to take from playing that sort of opposition, they were fairly physical as well which isn’t something you’d get as much in our league. But, in cup games, the likes of the Junior Cup, Junior Shield, games like these can help us get more used to games in those competitions.
“The physicality side, it’ll help us throughout the season.”
In somewhat of a period of transition for the Reserves that has seen key players such as top scorer Charley Craig (Abbey Villa) and previous captain Kristian Trainor (Rosemount Rec) depart in search of first-team football, several hopefuls are looking to make the grade and step up from the Under-18s next term.
Millar feels that the new faces have adapted well so far and believes their quality will shine through in Bangor’s bid for league glory.
“It was a good performance, unlucky not to win it, but I thought we’d done ourselves proud. We’re still gelling together as well with a number of new players coming up; that’s our second game of pre-season, we also played Crusaders Reserves, so we’re still gelling together, still getting to know each other.
“But, it’s been a good, positive start, so I’m happy enough. That’s the aim, to go for the title, we fell short last season – maybe that physicality side killed us in the end.
“So, that’s why we’re going to try and play a few more men’s teams in pre-season, get us ready for the demands of the season.”
With Ian Boal delivering instructions from the touchline against Carnforth as he prepares to step into the Under-20s hotseat next season, with previous boss David Downes moving into a directorial role within the Seasiders’ Academy, Millar also feels that the familiarity with his methods will serve them well.
Boal, who was Downes’ assistant, and Ollie Haslam will look to continue the progress made in recent years, and Millar – who made his first-team debut against Larne in the County Antrim Shield quarter-finals last October and hopes to figure in and around Lee Feeney’s senior fold again next campaign – is optimistic of savouring a title success and going one better having settled for third-place in 2023/24.
“It’s a change from last season, but there’s no reason why he can’t step up to the plate. He’s got good experience with working under Davy last season, so he knows what it’s about and what we’re going to be challenging for next season.
“We know his methods and we’re keen to put that into practice and deliver in every game. Personally, I’m also keen to try and feature in and around the first-team squad as well, but it’s a big squad, so you have to make your mark in the Reserves first to get you in the first-team, so that’s the aim for everyone in the Reserves, to knock on the door of the first-team.”
(Posted: Sunday, 21st July 2024)
A last-gasp Tom Mathieson finish helped Bangor to a 1-1 draw against Ballymena United at The Showgrounds, with Lee Feeney's side getting a good workout against capable Sports Direct Premiership opposition as their pre-season preparations continue.
The Seasiders started slowly, though, and conceded a penalty early on which was saved. It wasn't to be second time lucky, however, as another spot-kick was awarded the way of the Sky Blues which was converted prior to their visitors' late, late response through a former United ace in Mathieson.
Meanwhile, at Clandeboye Park, Ian Boal steered the ship as a Bangor XI were beaten 2-1 by ceremonial English opponents AFC Carnforth.
The Reserves boss saw his young side that included the veteran pedigree of Michael Halliday and Jordan Hughes up top hit back just after the half-hour mark through the versatile Caden McKee having conceded the opener on 22 minutes, but East Cheshire Football League side Carnforth added a second seven minutes after the break.
(Posted: Saturday, 20th July 2024)
Bangor FC is delighted to confirm the return of defender Max Davidson to Clandeboye Park following a successful trial period with the club during pre-season.
The 21-year-old left-back, who was one of Lee Feeney’s first signings when he first linked up at the age of 17 for the Covid-shortened 2020/21 campaign, links back up after spells across the water at Welsh side Cefn Druids and English pair 1874 Northwich and Burscough.
Davidson, from Ballyclare, played eight times in the Cymru Premier Division for the Druids and registered an assist during the 2021/22 campaign having made his breakthrough in the men’s game under Feeney the previous year having arrived from Ballymena United. Since moving across the water when going to study at university, he has made further strides and now makes his return to the Irish League.
The first game of the new Playr-Fit Championship term against Harland and Wolff Welders could mark Davidson’s long-awaited second competitive appearance for Bangor – and first on home soil – having debuted in the Irish Cup last-16 defeat on penalties to Carrick Rangers back in May 2021. He was also named on the bench for the County Antrim Shield encounter against Glentoran in October 2020 in what, with a starting line-up aged 23 in Feeney’s competitive bow as boss, is one of the youngest selections in Bangor’s modern history.
Welcome back to Bangor, Max!
(Posted: Friday, 19th July 2024)
Saturday, July 20 (double-header) – Ballymena United vs Bangor, Pre-Season Friendly, Warden Street Showgrounds, 2pm and Bangor vs AFC Carnforth, Pre-Season Friendly, Clandeboye Park, 3pm
Bangor are both at home and on the road on Saturday afternoon, welcoming AFC Carnforth to Clandeboye Park and travelling to Ballymena United in the first friendly double-header of this pre-season agenda.
The Seasiders host Carnforth, from the East Cheshire Football League, in a ceremonial clash with the club from England celebrating their 50th birthday this year. Following the success in entertaining Rangers’ ‘B’ team at Clandeboye a year ago, this cross-water duel is sure to whet the appetite once again as Bangor’s pre-season preparations continue.
Meanwhile, Lee Feeney will also deploy a team to head to the Warden Street Showgrounds to face Jim Ervin’s Ballymena, who are aiming to move up the Sports Direct Premiership table after narrowly avoiding relegation via the play-off last term when they beat Institute 2-1 on aggregate. That match in Co Antrim kicks off at 2pm, while the Carnforth battle is set for slightly later at 3pm.
In other news, Bangor FC Ladies are into the quarter-finals of the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup after Belfast Celtic Ladies withdrew from the competition in advance of the Round of 16 clash between the sides at Clandeboye on Friday night. That match has, as such, been cancelled and the Yellows will await other results ahead of tackling the last-eight stage.
(Posted: Friday, 19th July 2024)
Young striker Sonny Redford has given a ringing endorsement of Ian Boal’s credentials as he steps up to become manager of Bangor Reserves for next season.
With David Downes moving into a directorial role with regards to the Seasiders’ Academy set-up, his assistant Boal has been promoted to the top job with aspirations of building on last season when the club challenged for the Development League title.
After a red-hot start to the season, Bangor’s bid for league glory was thrown off course by a run of four straight defeats to title rivals in March, but Redford is confident the Reserves can take learnings from that stretch and go one better this year.
With Belfast man Boal and assistant Ollie Haslam set to take the reins, the 18-year-old says the familiarity and mutual respect in the squad can help the Yellows make further strides following Downes’ three-year reign.
“I think he’s really confident, he’s a really good manager.
“I’ve always got on well with Ian from last year as an assistant coach, and he knows what he’s doing.
“He’s ideas for the team, his training sessions are good quality. Him and Ollie (Haslam) working together is really good, and as players, we’ll all look to do well for them.
“We’ve been told to push on further from last season, we want to go for the title this year.
“We went on a little losing run for a wee bit after winning for a long period of time, but we’ll hopefully just sort that out and learn from it and keep going into this year and try and win the league hopefully.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 17th July 2024)
Young striker Sonny Redford was pleased to be in the first-team mix during Bangor’s pre-season friendly defeat to Linfield on Saturday and glad to get senior minutes under his belt.
Four first-half goals did the damage, as Matthew Fitzpatrick bagged a hat-trick and Darragh McBrien also hit the target for the Blues, but the Seasiders fired back on 73 minutes through former Linfield Swifts captain Kielan Reid in the second period as part of an encouraging display after the interval during the 4-1 reversal.
Teenage frontman Redford, a fixture in the Reserves for the past two seasons, was brought on for the second half and impressed having caught the eye of first-team boss Lee Feeney and been involved in senior training sessions.
The 18-year-old took the glass-half-full mindset of having “won the second half 1-0” and said the perseverance of the squad to fight until the final whistle at Clandeboye Park bodes well for what is to come.
“We’ve been doing loads of work, the whole first-team have; I’ve only been up a few times, but everyone’s working really hard, and you can see in the second half, we’re still pushing, we’re still fighting.
“We won the second half 1-0, so that’s good, that’s the way we’re looking at it and we’re going to continue with that positive mindset.
“It’s obviously good for morale as well, getting minutes in the legs and just being out there, there’s a close bond with everyone in the club and playing together strengthens that.
“It just shows we’ve got the fitness to last full games against good teams like Linfield and keep performing until the end.”
Redford has a handful of first-team appearances from the end of the Premier Intermediate League-winning 2022/23 season and highlighted himself as a rising prospect to supporters then, continuing his development under David Downes last year when the Reserves challenged for the Development League title.
The Belfast lad, who came close to scoring from an acute angle against Linfield just before the end here, has ambitions of being in and around the first-team set-up more often as he adapts to what he feels are big demands and hopes for progress with the Under-20s too.
“Stepping up to first-team football is different quality, it’s so much harder. I played 90 minutes for the Reserves last Friday, and then here, I’m playing 45 and I’m wrecked!
“But no, it’s hard work, but I almost nicked a goal as well there, I was unlucky just at the end. I just couldn’t wrap my foot around it, but going into games against top opposition and being able to make an impact, it’s good.
“I’m hoping that I can show the management what I can do next season, be it with the first-team or the Reserves. That can help me get more call-ups to the first-team during the season and just be involved in training and stuff like that, so I’m just looking forward to doing the best as I can next season.”
(Posted: Sunday, 14th July 2024)
Bangor fell to defeat for the first time in their pre-season schedule as Linfield won 4-1 in the sides' friendly clash at Clandeboye Park on Saturday afternoon.
Matthew Fitzpatrick headed the Blues into the lead just 12 minutes in when he bulleted home a header from Darragh McBrien's free-kick from the left, and Linfield doubled the lead eight minutes later from the striker's second goal when he blasted in from close range.
Linfield added a third just after the half-hour mark when Darragh McBrien plundered home for last season's Premiership runners-up, and Fitzpatrick then completed his hat-trick on 40 minutes from the penalty spot after a foul on the edge of the area.
In the second half, Bangor pulled one back on 73 minutes when Kielan Reid scored his third goal in four pre-season outings from defence as he slotted in from a corner, with an energetic second-half display going down as the main positive of a sunny afternoon.
(Posted: Saturday, 13th July 2024)
Saturday, July 13 – Bangor vs Linfield, Pre-Season Friendly, Clandeboye Park, 2pm
Bangor continue their pre-season preparations on Saturday afternoon when they welcome Linfield to Clandeboye Park.
With the Blues halfway through their Conference League First Qualifying Round clash with Icelandic outfit Stjarnan, where they will have a 2-0 deficit to overturn at Windsor Park on Thursday, this match-up splits those two European clashes for David Healy’s side with Lee Feeney looking ahead to the new Playr-Fit Championship season.
Bangor clinched their first victory of their pre-season itinerary against Premier Intermediate side Knockbreda on Monday night and will look forward to facing Linfield in this weekend’s offering as bodies begin to get fresher.
The Seasiders, who also face Sports Direct Premiership opponents in Ballymena United and Carrick Rangers over the next two weeks, are ramping up and will have sights for putting on a performance in this one.
(Posted: Friday, 12th July 2024)
Experienced midfielder Robert Garrett has shed light on his “combative” playing style that he feels can add a fresh dimension to the Bangor side in the 2024/25 season.
The 36-year-old has linked up at Clandeboye Park after five successful years at Glenavon, and the five-times-capped former Northern Ireland international – in action in the first half of the Seasiders’ friendly against Knockbreda on Monday night for his first minutes in the yellow and blue shirt – has pointed to his vast experience, grit and determination as traits that can serve him well in the Playr-Fit Championship.
But Garrett, who has the guts of 400 appearances under his belt and scored 24 goals across his time at the Lurgan Blues, Linfield and Portadown in the Irish League and enjoyed a brief spell on loan at FC Edmonton of Canada in 2013, also relishes getting the ball on the ground and playing it as he joins a gifted crop of midfielders including Lewis Harrison, Tiarnan Mulvenna, Marty Bradley and Mitchel Watterson at Bangor.
He hopes to take the club one better next season after narrowly missing out on a promotion play-off by a matter of minutes and feels the quality’s there in the panel to achieve that feat.
“Yes, definitely, my first night back after my holidays, so just about blown the cobwebs off!
“At this stage in pre-season, that’s what it’s about, just getting minutes in legs now, blowing the cobwebs off from last season, so I’m looking forward to getting going. Hopefully, I’ll bring in a wee bit of experience into the side.
“I know I’m coming into a good side who done well last year, just unlucky at the end of the season (not to achieve a promotion play-off) so they were, but I’ll definitely hope to bring in a bit of experience.
“I’m combative, I like to get the ball back, but I also like to play, I like to get the ball down and play. I like working hard off the ball as well and keeping the play ticking over. Hopefully, I can add a bit of competition in the middle as well, I know we’ve a couple of good players in there at the minute so it’ll be good to get in and play alongside them as well.
“Get the ball, tick over and get it back out of possession, that’s probably me in a nutshell.”
Belfast man Garrett, whose talent from an early age saw him move across the water to Stoke City’s Academy where he’d spend six years before first joining Linfield at the age of 20 in 2008, reveals he was persuaded to join Bangor by the ambition the club has shown of late.
A conversation with Lee Feeney made Garrett – who spent 18 months on loan at Wrexham from the Potters as a teenager – sure that the Seasiders was the perfect next step for him.
“I was speaking to Feeno at the end of last season, I knew there was a wee bit of interest there.
“I’d seen that they were close last year and, with a bit of luck and with a couple of other new players on board as well, I can come in here and go one step further this year.
“Bangor’s definitely been showing a wee bit of progress over the last years, we’re pushing for something and it’s good to be involved here.”
(Posted: Thursday, 11th July 2024)
Bangor Football Club will not proceed with the American/Canadian consortium investment offer.
Bangor FC Chairman Graham Bailie said: “The Board of Directors met with a group of American/Canadian investors in December 2023. We received a proposal in February 2024 from the consortium. After lengthy discussions we decided not to proceed with the bid, as it was not in the best interests of Bangor FC to do so, especially as we felt the club was being undervalued. All Board members have signed a non-disclosure agreement about the proposal, so we cannot go into detail about the content.
“Further to the initial rejected proposal, the Canadian element of the consortium group asked to continue talks with the club. These talks have now ended without agreement.
“I reiterate that the best interest of Bangor FC is the board’s highest priority. We will talk to any potential investors and will take proposals to our shareholders, if we believe they are favourable for the club.”
Graham continued: “I would like to put on record thanks to our supporters for their patience during this period. Negotiations of this magnitude are protracted as we must be thorough, careful and diligent. Even though the process has been prolonged, and has not always been in our control, we have had the backing of our fans. This has been roundly appreciated by all at the club.”
Graham concluded: “We are a football club that is progressing each year both on and off the field. We are a club that values community involvement and a club in a major conurbation in Northern Ireland. We genuinely believe that other investment will be forthcoming, but it must be right for both parties.”
Notes to editors:
Media enquiries to Bangor FC at media@bangorfc.com
(Posted: Thursday, 11th July 2024)
(Posted: Wednesday, 10th July 2024)
Bangor new boy Kielan Reid believes his relationship with manager Lee Feeney stretching back a decade can be the formula for success on both a personal and collective level next season.
The defender, who lashed home the third goal in the Seasiders’ 4-1 friendly victory against Knockbreda on Monday night, added to his bullet header in the entertaining 4-4 draw with Queen’s University that has cemented a strong start to pre-season for the former Linfield Swifts captain.
The impressive 19-year-old is well-acquainted with Feeney already having known the Bangor boss since the age of 10 and his days in the SBYL youth set-ups, adding that his knowledge of the Clandeboye Park chief’s methods can help him make an instant impact.
Reid, a shrewd ball-playing centre-back whose confident finish from a corner kick attests to his belief that he can cause all sorts of problems from set-pieces, is also looking forward to helping the Yellows mount a bid for promotion from the Playr-Fit Championship in 2024/25.
“Yeah, it’s been a good start to pre-season for me; three games, two goals, can’t complain.
“I already knew Feeno from last year, he was with us in Portugal for Linfield’s pre-season, and he used to take me when I was about 10 in the South Belfast (Youth League) team as well, so I have always knew Feeno and that’s how the chance to join Bangor came about.
“I know the way he works, so I’m going to go and try my best in what he asks of me.
“Personally, goalscoring from set-pieces and playing out from the back are what I’m good at, getting the ball down and playing out from the back, so that’s what I think I could add.
“The aim for the club is promotion first and foremost, but I’ll be taking each game as it comes. It’s always good to aim high, and that’s what I want to do.”
Reid was in the heart of defence on Christmas Day 2021 when Linfield Swifts faced then-PIL outfit Newington in the Steel and Sons Cup Final. Aged just 16 and in a line-up that included would-be Northern Ireland international forward Callum Marshall, the day ended in a 1-0 defeat for the young Blues, but the Dundonald teen says the experience was priceless and has served him well as he adjusts to men’s football.
“I was young, I was 16, playing in the Steel and Sons Final, I’ve a few more years under my belt, I’m 19 now and I feel now is a good time to get a few more minutes at senior level.
“You learn loads from games like that, playing in Finals, even when we got beat, it was a learning curve.
“You’re up against big, physical strikers, it’s harder back then because you’re younger and you’re just coming through obviously, but I’ve got experience of playing against them now and that’s helped me develop as a player.
“It’s what I’ve always wanted to do, go out and play men’s football and get good minutes, and I believe I’ve got the opportunity to go and do that.”
(Posted: Tuesday, 9th July 2024)
Bangor recorded their first win in the pre-season agenda when they got the better of Knockbreda 4-1 at Clandeboye Park on Monday night.
The Seasiders, who entered this one a couple of days after a 1-1 draw with Loughgall, played out a competitive first half if sparse in chances with their Playr-Fit Premier Intermediate League opponents with the deadlock staying unbroken at the half-time break.
But Lee Feeney's side took the lead on 63 minutes when Tom Mathieson received the ball on the edge of the area after an incisive piece of build-up and drilled low across the goalkeeper into the bottom left corner to open the scoring, despite the stopper getting a palm on it.
Bangor doubled the lead 10 minutes later when Ben Cushnie pounced on a mix-up in defence before rounding the Breda keeper and slamming low into the net from close range, adding comfort to the scoreline. Knockbreda pulled one back late on after the attacker pounced on an underhit backpass and slotted into an open goal, but Kielan Reid restored the two-goal lead after burying in following a Kyle Owens header that rattled back off the upright and Marty Bradley added gloss with a fine finish with virtually the last kick.
(Posted: Monday, 8th July 2024)
Monday, July 8 – Bangor vs Knockbreda, Pre-Season Friendly, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
Bangor step into their third match of their pre-season itinerary on Monday night when they welcome Playr-Fit Premier Intermediate League outfit Knockbreda to Clandeboye Park.
The Seasiders enter on the back of a 1-1 draw with Loughgall on Saturday which followed a 4-4 goalfest against Breda’s new league mates Queen’s University that kickstarted the pre-season schedule, facing some familiar opposition from last campaign’s Championship as the Castlereagh club’s season ended in relegation.
Bangor enjoyed a strong record against Knockbreda last year, winning all three of the league clashes between the sides, but Breda also inflicted a promotion play-off defeat in 2022 that denied the Seasiders promotion to the second-tier at the end of Lee Feeney’s first full season in charge. Much less is at stake this time around, but Feeney will still look for a performance from his side as pre-season preparations are ramped up a notch.
(Posted: Sunday, 7th July 2024)
|
|
Bangor FC are pleased to confirm the arrival of young defender Kielan Reid as the club’s fifth confirmed arrival of the summer transfer window. The 19-year-old, who arrives having risen through the Linfield Academy ranks to ultimately captain the Swifts last season, had been on trial at Clandeboye Park and featured in the two pre-season friendlies to date against Queen’s University and Loughgall – and on the back of impressing in both games, he has now signed on the dotted line. The Dundonald teen, predominantly a left-sided centre-back, scored a bullet header against Queen’s to kick off pre-season and immediately caught the eye of Bangor supporters for his performance. He previously started for the Blues’ Swifts in the 2021 Steel and Sons Cup Final at the age of just 16 and figured in and around David Healy’s first-team fold at Windsor Park, continuing to be relied upon by Under-20s boss Michael Gault as a consistent performer. Also capped at Under-16 level by Northern Ireland, Reid joins the likes of Reece Neale, Lewis Harrison and Caomhan McGuinness in the Bangor squad to have had their roots in the youth set-up of the south Belfast side and links up with ambitions of making a transition to regular first-team football under Lee Feeney’s tutelage. Welcome to Bangor Kielan! |
(Posted: Sunday, 7th July 2024)
Bangor continued their pre-season preparations on Saturday afternoon with a 1-1 draw away to Sports Direct Premiership side Loughgall. The Seasiders, who faced their top-flight counterparts on the 3G pitch on the grounds of Lakeview Park, took the lead in the first half through Ben Cushnie but were pegged back right at the end when Loughgall netted a stoppage-time equaliser.
Dean Smith’s Villagers side featured former Bangor loanee Conor McDermott, while Lee Feeney handed minutes to youth talent such as defenders Ryan Nixon and Jack McCosh and the versatile Caden McKee, who impressed in the latter stages as the legs continue to be freshened up.
It’s from top-flight to third-tier on Monday night when the Seasiders welcome Knockbreda to Clandeboye Park in their third pre-season friendly, a familiar foe from last season’s Playr-Fit Championship. Kick-off is at 7:45pm.
(Posted: Saturday, 6th July 2024)
Saturday, July 6 – Loughgall vs Bangor, Pre-Season Friendly, Lakeview Park, 2:30pm
Bangor continue pre-season preparations this Saturday when they travel to Lakeview Park to face Loughgall in their second friendly of the summer.
The Seasiders, who kickstarted their pre-season campaign with an entertaining 4-4 draw with Queen’s University at Clandeboye Park last Friday, will continue to get key minutes in bodies before the start of the 2024/25 Playr-Fit Championship season on August 10.
It is also the first of a few meetings against Sports Direct Premiership opposition this pre-season, with Loughgall impressing last term and finishing ninth-place in their first season back in the Premiership after achieving promotion as second-tier champions in 2023.
With two former Bangor loanees in Lewis Francis and Conor McDermott having signed for the Villagers permanently this summer – Loughgall is also the smallest settlement in all of Europe to have a top-flight football club, with just 282 inhabitants per the 2011 census – some quick reunions are also set to be in order when Lee Feeney’s side make the trip to Co Armagh this weekend.
(Posted: Friday, 5th July 2024)
Bangor FC Ladies closed out the first portion of the season with an impressive 11-1 victory over Foyle Belles that keeps the Seasiders third-placed in the NIWFA Championship for the next three weeks at least.
Chris Dougan’s side took a while to hit their full stride at the Ryan McBride Brandywell, but after Robyn McFadden bagged two goals in two minutes in the lead-up to half-time adding to Francesca Costa’s early brace, Bangor hit the front in the second half and secured three important points that ensures the gap to Sion Swifts Ladies at the top remains four points.
Foyle hit back to make it 4-1 right at the start of the second half with Michaela McGilloway hitting the target, but substitute Lydia Clarke restored the four-goal lead on the hour mark that kickstarted a spree of seven goals in the next half-hour. Two minutes later, on 60 minutes, Toni Stewart – who was also introduced from the bench – added Bangor’s sixth before Amber Dempster scored her first of the night on 62 minutes to extend the advantage.
Dempster, who scored a first-half hat-trick in the previous week’s 9-0 victory over St Oliver Plunkett Ladies, repeated the feat and bagged her fifth match ball of the season already as she struck on 75 and 77 minutes. She notched up a fourth three minutes from time before Clarke got her second of the night shortly after that rounded off the goal count in this one.
After Bangor FC Ladies consolidated third-place in the NIWFA Championship for the next few weeks at least, experienced midfielder Amanda Morton and young goalkeeper Amy Wignall hailed the spirit of the side to bounce back after a slow start in their clash with Foyle Belles. The Seasiders enter a three-week break from league action on the back of a comprehensive 11-1 victory in the north west – their biggest of the season to date – and will first return in the Irish Cup on Friday, July 19 before travelling to face Comber Rec Ladies in the second-tier on Wednesday, July 24.
On a night when seven of the goals were scored from the 58th minute onwards, Bangor left their best to the latter stages of the contest against the league’s basement side at the Ryan McBride Brandywell and clicked into gear to rise to 24 points and remain four points behind league leaders Sion Swifts Ladies.
Having bagged 20 goals in two league matches – Chris Dougan’s side despatched St Oliver Plunkett Ladies 9-0 the Wednesday before – and tasted victory in five of their last six in all competitions, the Yellows are in a rich vein of form, and Morton was quick to praise the sense of commitment around the squad while insisting there is still some room to improve.
“I thought, first half, we were probably a bit slow, I don’t know if it was from the travel or just a little bit of complacency, but the first half wasn’t what it should’ve been.
“And then, I think second half, we played a little better, moved the ball much better and played at a higher tempo, so I think the second half was much better.
“We have a full squad travelling down and girls are willing to come, whatever the drive is, two hours, to be part of the squad and part of the team. I for one am really grateful that we have a full squad, any of which of the players are capable of coming onto the pitch and executing the game plan. I think that shows when Chris is able to make changes and keep fresh legs, and it really helps us and benefits us throughout the season. I think that’s a real positive, particularly when we are travelling so far like tonight.
“Going forward, there were quite a few offsides where we maybe need to work on our timing, the timing of the delivery or the timing of the run, and we probably feel that we could’ve scored a few more goals than we did in the end as well.
“But I think it shows what we’re capable of; once it clicks, you know, it will seriously click and we’ll be even more dangerous than we are now.”
Teenage goalkeeper Wignall, who made her first start for the Seasiders in the absence of usual first-choice Giulia McLaughlin in this battle, believes the learning curve from getting senior minutes under her belt can only serve her well for her future growth.
A mistake that led to what proved to be the Foyle consolation on 47 minutes that made it 4-1, with Francesca Costa and Robyn McFadden having hit first-half doubles before the break, was quickly shrugged off as goals by substitutes Lydia Clarke (2) and Toni Stewart and an Amber Dempster four-goal haul – she also missed a penalty awarded for a foul in the second period, too – comfortably wrapped up the points.
Wignall marshalled the defence, pointing out that adaptability is an important attribute for a shot-stopper to have and also highlighting the mentality and willingness to put things right.
“Yeah, you know, as I said before, you have to adapt, and it showed tonight – it was a bit rocky at the start but I think I adapted quite well.
“Bar that one mistake, I moved on, I improved, and that’s really what I’m looking for. For a first match, I don’t think that was too bad, you know, a couple of mistakes here and there but I know what I have to work on now, and hopefully, you will see a bit more of me. “
It’s a rough job being a goalkeeper, you’re not really allowed to make mistakes, but you take it as it comes. It’s more mentality than anything else, you have to be able to bounce back, but I think I did that quite well.
“I’m going to go away and work on some things, and hopefully, I’ll come back stronger from those things that I am working on.”
(Posted: Thursday, 4th July 2024)
New Bangor signing Kyle Owens has shed light on what attributes he believes he can offer to Lee Feeney’s side in the forthcoming campaign. Experience, stability, communication and the odd goal here and there are what the 31-year-old centre-back hopes to contribute following his move from Harland and Wolff Welders to Clandeboye Park for the 2024/25 season.
A dependable performer at both Premiership and Championship level – primarily Ballymena United in the top-flight and Dundela and the Welders in the second-tier – the defensive ace has more than shown proof in the pudding in terms of his quality and reckons he can prove a big influence in the backline for next term.
“No, it feels good, I’m glad to get started, glad to be back, just hopefully have a good pre-season here and push on. All being well, I can be a good addition to the defence hopefully.
“Hopefully, I can carry on my form from the start of last season and bring it into the Bangor team, and obviously, I hope my experience helps the younger lads and push on and go for promotion.”
Owens, like team-mate Matthew Ferguson, comes from a lineage of goalscoring – the former Crusaders man’s brother Jordan is the Seaview side’s all-time record sharpshooter and is still going strong with almost 700 appearances and over 250 goals.
Kyle’s niche is more in keeping them out rather than putting them in, although he still sets a high bar for himself season in, season out with a 10-goal-a-season target before each term.
He hit three of them in 33 league appearances in 2023/24 but he’s highly confident that with a strong delivery from set-pieces – his aerial strength is well-documented – he can make that profound impact from these scenarios.
Lewis Francis endeared himself to supporters on loan last term by being a colossus in those sorts of situations and breached the double-digit barrier, but Owens is assured that he can emulate the 20-year-old now-Loughgall talent’s exploits and find the goal trail as needed.
“I was going to say goals (in terms of what he can offer), but probably not many! Stability, probably, at the back, communication and experience obviously. Yeah, that’s it in a nutshell. Last season, I maybe didn’t score as much as I wanted to, I’m sure Spike’s the same, from set-pieces. But, hopefully, there’s a good delivery coming into the box, yeah, certainly, I would like to chip in with close to 10 goals a season. That’s always been my target, to try and hit 10 a season, I always aim high and it’s always been my target from many a start of a season, always aim to try and get 10 at least.
“I have done now a couple of times, the likes of the Ballymena days, I got 10 one season. But, like I say, I’m not going to score a 40-yarder, you know what I mean, the ball into the box is probably the best for me, I like to think I’m good from sort of the six-yard area. If I get a good delivery, hopefully this season, I can chip in with as many goals as I can.”
(Posted: Wednesday, 3rd July 2024)
Wednesday, July 3 – Foyle Belles vs Bangor FC Ladies, NIWFA Championship, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, 8pm
Bangor FC Ladies round off before the summer break with a trip to the north west when they take on the NIWFA Championship’s bottom side Foyle Belles at the Ryan McBride Brandywell.
The Seasiders, who recorded back-to-back victories in the cup and league and scored 14 goals in the process against firstly St James’ Swifts (5-1) and then St Oliver Plunkett (9-0), hope to make it three of the best against Foyle, who they despatched 9-0 in the first duel between the sides at Clandeboye Park in April.
Buoyed after that latter victory over Plunkett, in which strikers Amber Dempster and Robyn McFadden both ended with hat-tricks, Chris Dougan’s side – who are third in the table and four points behind in-form table-toppers Sion Swifts Ladies – have a chance to make ground and end this first part of the 2024 season on a high, with the summer break following this match-up ahead of the second half of the campaign getting under way.
Bangor have also learned their opponents in the two cups they will be vying for glory in. In the Super Cup, their reward for their victory over St James’ is a trip to NIWFA Development League side Civil Service Ladies in the quarter-finals, while in the Irish Cup, having beaten Comber Rec Ladies 8-1 in the previous round, the Seasiders will entertain Belfast Celtic Ladies with high hopes of reaching the competition’s last-eight.
(Posted: Wednesday, 3rd July 2024)
