Experienced defender David Hume admits it was a monkey off the collective Bangor back after the hosts held their nerve to record a hard-fought 2-1 win over Annagh United at Clandeboye Park on Saturday. The Seasiders fought from behind on the final matchday of 2023 to earn three more precious points for the Playr-Fit Championship kitty, leaving them on 38 points after 22 games and third-placed in the standings.
Lee Feeney's men were disappointed to let slip a two-goal advantage against Ards on Boxing Day, ultimately settling for a share of the derby spoils and a 2-2 draw, but supporters were heartened as the Yellows stayed firm to assure all three points for themselves and an extension of their unbeaten run in the second-flight to seven matches. That includes five victories in the last six, the North Down Derby stalemate being the sole exception.
Lewis Francis' brace meant the tide had been turned by half-time after Ruairi McDonald's 13th-minute deadlock-breaker for Annagh, ramming home six minutes after the Portadown side had found the net before heading in Reece Neale's right-sided corner on 41 minutes. It was a lead Bangor would see until the end and, while a bitter taste is still left from Boxing Day, Hume was proud to make amends.
"Absolutely," the Ballygowan man explained. "I think we'd said earlier this week, we said we'd three games, we'd try and get three wins.
"So, I think against Dergview (a 3-0 victory on the 23rd December) and today, they were good wins, and then we were saying in the changing room there, the Ards one from the other day is still annoying us, especially with where we're sitting in the league. I think we pick up those extra two points (from the Ards clash), and even against Portadown (a 2-2 draw at Clandeboye Park in which Bangor ceded a two-goal lead late on), it was a couple of points there we dropped with the draw, I think we're sitting second if we see those out. So, I think that's a bit frustrating, but it shows where we are in this league, our first year in it and we're annoyed at that. But it's good to win today, it puts us into third at the end of the year, which is a good kickstart going into 2024."
Hume, who is one of the longest-serving players in yellow and blue having joined from Tullycarnet back in the summer of 2020, knew Ciaran McGurgan's Annagh would apply the pressure following the restart and couldn't hide his satisfaction at Bangor's ability to "weather the storm". And after Callum Dougan and Ross Hunter hit the mark in the second half for Ards with Scott McArthur and Ben Arthurs having put the Seasiders into a commanding position on Boxing Day, he was pleased to put right mistakes that had been made.
Hume added: "Yeah, obviously they were going to come out and go for it a bit more, and a bit more direct. You want to win four, five, you want to win more, but it's about weathering the storms and it's putting right what we didn't do the other night. We held out, and sometimes you need to do that I think with teams this year, you've got to grind out wins, defend your box and, you know, hold onto that. I think when they push, you have to weather the storm a bit, and I thought we did that well today."
A big reason why Bangor preserved the lead was thanks to Hume's goalline heroics 68 minutes deep into proceedings. After Stephen Murray had lofted a shot goalwards with shot-stopper James Taylor off his line, the 32-year-old former Tullycarnet ace's defensive instinct kicked in and he headed clear right as the ball was about to trickle in. A nervy moment at the time, it was one Hume could look back on with a smile.
"You know what, I was saying in the changing room there to big James, see because it (the ball) was hanging in the air too long, I was nearly overthinking it!" the popular centre-back laughed. I think big James was sweating because he thought, 'how'd you manage to head it over the bar'! I was just glad to not stick it in the net!"
It was a show of never-say-die spirit that has been documented from within the squad, and Hume saluted the mentality to fight back after going behind.
He continued: "We'd said, Lee had said before the game, their threat is long balls, corners, free-kicks, throw-ins, so not to give them away, and I think their goal came from a free-kick, headed back across and their boy had three of our lads around him in the box, but he got the header.
"I think that was frustrating, but the mentality of our team, we know that if we can get a goal, get back into the game, we can kick on from there. I felt that, when big Lewis made it one each, you felt like the momentum swung our way. We were playing great football in the first half, getting the ball down, playing it about... I think we'd a ton of corners, we probably needed to score another one then, and I always felt, this team creates chances, we'll get back into this game. I think our problem is, and it's something we said in the changing room there, we don't score enough. We get to 2-1 and we just hold it out, but after that, I think we need to try and make it 3-1, 4-1, put the game to bed, so I think that's probably something we need to really kick on with in the new year.
"When we get a good advantage, we don't just have to grind it out like we did in the second half today, but actually go out, make it three, four, five and punish teams, get the goals up because we're doing well defensively but I think we can score more."
(Posted: Sunday, 31st December 2023)
Bangor capped off 2023 on a winning note after securing a nervy, end-to-end 2-1 victory over Annagh United at a blustery Clandeboye Park on Saturday.
Annagh surged into the lead on 13 minutes when Ruairi McDonald capitalised on a bouncing ball in the penalty area, slotting underneath James Taylor to hand the visitors the advantage early on, but Lewis Francis was on hand to level it with his third goal in his last five matches.
The Magherafelt centre-back rifled home from Reece Neale’s initial long throw-in and blasted home at opposition goalkeeper Jason Craughwell’s near post with the Seasiders being behind for only six minutes, and they led through the Dungannon Swifts loanee’s sixth finish of the campaign four minutes before half-time as he powered home a header from Reece Neale’s inswinging delivery on the right.
Chances for Reece Neale and Ben Arthurs before the hour ensured that Bangor started the second period on the front foot, while a Scott McCullough attempt that fizzed off the ground called James Taylor into action. Craig Taylor struck the Bangor stopper’s upright before David Hume spectacularly cleared off the line from Stephen Murray’s attempt, with Annagh finding their groove and making it a battle following the interval.
Taylor and Murray were also causing trouble as Annagh shifted through the gears in the latter stages of the contest, with James Taylor making a pair of fine stops to deny them. Reece Neale tested Craughwell in what was a rare alleviation of Annagh pressure on 86 minutes, while Jack Henderson also arrowed past the post two minutes later, but there were sighs of relief when the final whistle blew and the points were confirmed as all Bangor’s.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, D.Hume, L.Francis, S.Brown, R.Neale, L.Harrison(K.Devine, 48’), J.Henderson, T.Mathieson, S.McArthur(M.Halliday, 81’), B.Arthurs, A.Neale(Walker, 71’).
Subs: M.Orbinson, G.Beattie, R.Arthur, D.O’Kane.
Bangor's two-goal hero Lewis Francis lauded how the clinical edge that was somewhat lacking in the Boxing Day draw with Ards had reverted to type to secure a hard-fought victory in the Seasiders' last match of 2023. The centre-back scored a couple of goals in the first half to overturn an early deficit against Annagh United, powering home on 19 minutes after the visitors had taken the lead through Ruairi McDonald six minutes earlier prior to heading in Reece Neale's delicious corner just before half-time to give the hosts the advantage for the first time in the contest.
The Yellows would not relinquish that for the rest of the encounter, but they had to weather a storm to maintain it. Despite Annagh piling on the pressure in the second period, with Craig Taylor striking the upright, Conall Young spurning a presentable opportunity from close range and Stephen Murray's looping shot being cleared off the line by the backtracking David Hume, Ciaran McGurgan's men would leave empty-handed and counterpart Lee Feeney celebrated a return to winning ways following a 2-1 success.
Magherafelt teenager Francis, who ends a December punctuated by four of his six total strikes that has him behind only Ben Arthurs and Adam Neale in the scoring charts, was delighted to come out the right side of this pulsating duel.
He reflected: "Well, against Ards, we lacked that desire in both boxes in the second half, and (Lee Feeney and the coaches) kind of emphasised to us before the game, we have to be more clinical in both boxes.
"We didn't get off to the best start today but I thought after that, we defended our box really well, especially the second half, and then today, we attacked both boxes rightly. I got on the end of two (in the opposition box) so, yeah, all good."
The Dungannon Swifts loanee, who started the last month of the year with a 93rd-minute winner in the 3-2 triumph away to Ballyclare Comrades that came after Bangor had fallen to a 2-1 deficit with less than a quarter-hour of the match remaining, believes the spirit shown since that rousing fightback at Dixon Park has underpinned the impressive form those in yellow and blue have displayed since then.
"I think before Ballyclare, we hadn't came back in a game and won, so I think that was a big turning point for us, and then you look at the form we've hit since Ballyclare, we're the most in-form team in the league and, you know, Tuesday (against Ards) was disappointing, it felt like two points dropped, but you've got to look at it as a point. We're still undefeated, we take it one game at a time and not get too ahead of ourselves."
Three wins out of three against Annagh with nine goals scored in that span marks an impressive return against the previous campaign's promotion play-off representatives, with third-placed Bangor now just a couple of points away from that position in the table themselves.
The players are next in action in the Irish Cup Fifth Round and face Dergview at home, who Francis found the net against seven days prior when the Seagulls despatched the Tyrone men 3-0 at Clandeboye Park. The defender feels progress in tournaments such as these is important going forward. "Everyone wants to go on a wee cup run, so we feel we've got a winnable tie here as well, so we'll not look past Dergview and hopefully we'll do enough to get to the next round."
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 6th January 2024, BANGOR v DERGVIEW, Clandeboye Park, Irish Cup, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 30th December 2023)
Bangor close out 2023 with a home clash versus Annagh United that presents Lee Feeney's side with the opportunity to extend their unbeaten run to seven games.
A streak of four successive wins – including a clinical 4-0 success against this opposition at the BMG Arena in November, in which Adam Neale bagged a hat-trick on his 50th appearance for the club – was sandwiched between two 2-2 draws with Portadown and Ards, the latter of which being a fixture that left Feeney disappointed given the Seasiders ceded a two-goal lead late on.
His team will bid to make amends against Ciaran McGurgan's side on Saturday, who they also despatched 3-1 at Clandeboye Park in October, and restore the winning fortunes that have inspired belief among supporters throughout the season.
Ben Arthurs, who scored in a seventh consecutive outing in the North Down Derby, is in red-hot form, as is fellow Boxing Day goalscorer Scott McArthur having hit three goals in December prior to this encounter. What the manager's priority will be, though, is three points any which way, and he will have his panel fine-tuned to do just that in front of the fans here.
(Posted: Saturday, 30th December 2023)
Bangor’s first piece of Steel and Sons Cup glory and, in turn, first-ever piece of major silverware was secured 100 years ago today (28th December). It took a second outing to determine proceedings, with the first fixture at Glentoran’s The Oval ending even-termed at 1-1, but on the replay, the joy fell the Seasiders' way.
It was the second successive showpiece the club, by this point merely five years old, had reached in consecutive years. A third-replay defeat to Crusaders in 1922 set the backdrop for this edition.
Almost 10,000 spectators turned up to the historic venue for the first bout in east Belfast, with a gate of over £600 secured as Woodburn’s Curran delivered a leveller seven minutes from the end of the match. In an era pre-dating extra time and penalty shootouts, the all-too-natural solution of that period was simply to take things to a second match.
Brett had put the Yellows – wearing amber and black, given both teams usually donned blue home strips – ahead just before the hour in the initial clash, and Bangor again seized advantage in the replay through Mahood.
But the second goal stands as one of the strangest that the club has scored in their history.
In the 83rd minute of the match, the ball was kicked out of play for a Bangor corner – or at least it should have been, because the referee had never actually seen the ball cross the line.
Rather, the man in the middle, going by Mr T. Liggett, ruled that it was still in play, and unbeknownst to the Woodburn shot-stopper who was in fact preparing for a goal kick, Bingham nicked it and tapped into an untended net for a legal goal. Were it to be seen in this day and age, it would be deemed a conspiracy!
Nevertheless, however they come, it put the seal on a 2-0 victory and crowned Bangor as Steel champions for the first time.
(Posted: Thursday, 28th December 2023)
Lee Feeney cut a dejected figure following the final whistle of the first festive North Down Derby in eight years.
The Bangor manager was speaking after a 2-2 draw with Ards, as the nominal visitors ceded a two-goal lead established in the first half and had to settle for a share of the spoils following this Boxing Day bonanza.
Scott McArthur broke the deadlock just 11 minutes into proceedings before Ben Arthurs doubled the advantage six minutes later, and when Callum Dougan's penalty was parried away by James Taylor following a foul on Ards' marauding midfielder Ethan Taggart 10 minutes from the interval, the Seasiders were in great stead going into the second half.
Ards fought back, though, and Dougan was much more clinical on 71 minutes to reduce the arrears with a well-taken volley before fellow striker Ross Hunter bagged a second that put the match back to the level pegging it would remain on until referee Mark Dillon's final whistle. Yellows chief Feeney spoke post-match of an encounter that had got away from his battling squad.
"That's football," the 45-year-old explained ruefully after the game. "The first 30 minutes, I thought we were superb, we were energetic; we went into a two-goal lead and were executing the game-plan really well.
"From there, we're two goals up, and the third goal in the game is always going to be important, it's a goal that has the potential to swing the tie if Ards get it, and James Taylor makes a great save from the penalty and makes a few other great saves that kept us with that lead at half-time.
"We come out, it's a physical start to the second half and then we come out and start creating chances again, but we weren't taking them when we really needed to as a third goal for us really would have made it safe as a contest. Ards got the goal and the game starts to open up again, they get another goal on the back of that, and we still had chances but we weren't able to find that third goal and we're sat here with a draw.
"To be honest, if we had one shot and scored and played poorly and they had 20 shots and scored none, I'd have taken that more than I would us drawing 2-2 after having loads of chances and playing well and them having a couple and scoring them. That's tough to take from that point of view. But, that's football, it's hard sometimes, and we have to accept that."
Feeney added that Ards' two goalscorers were pinpointed prior to kick-off and, while acknowledging their quality, admitted that he was disappointed they were able to find room in the penalty area and lamented that his team "were poor in both boxes" during the second period.
"The striker, Dougan, we spoke about him beforehand," the Kilkeel supremo elaborated. "That's now him up to 11 goals for the season, he's been an important player for Ards, and it was a really good finish that brought them back into the game.
"But I was disappointed that we left him open. He was in a position where he was free in the box, we switched off for a second and he punished us. He's a player who's got a lot of quality in and around the box, and he was left with time and space and was able to make the most of it.
"From there, they went on and they got a second and, again, I thought it was a poor goal to give away. We're talking at the end of the game, in the second half, Dougan and Hunter... Dougan's maybe only had one shot, Hunter's maybe only had one shot, but they've come away with goals, whereas we had five, six, seven chances at the other end that we didn't take and we could've had four, five goals but we didn't.
"We know what this league's about, we know about the fine margins, and it was another case today... it was like Ballyclare on the opening day, for example (a 3-2 defeat), where we played really well but didn't convert chances and probably didn't get the reward we deserved.
"I thought we played a really good game, the players played well and they're hurting in there, they're really disappointed. But I have full faith, with the way we've been playing recently, that we can get back to winning ways against Annagh."
(Posted: Thursday, 28th December 2023)
It was honours even in the North Down derby at Clandeboye Park this afternoon.
Bangor raced into a two goal lead before half time with goals from Scott McArthur and Ben Arthurs, but a late fight back saw Ards level it with goals from Callum Dougan in the 71st and Ross Hunter in the 80th minute.
Ben Walker curled a shot against the upright and Michael Halliday flashed a diving header just wide in the closing stages.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, B.Walker, L.Francis, D.Hume, S.Brown, J.Henderson, L.Harrison, A.Neale(M.Halliday), B.Arthurs, S.McArthur(D.O'Kane)(J.Hughes)
Subs: M.Orbinson, G.Beattie, R.Arthur, K.Devine.
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 30th December 2023 - BANGOR v ANNAGH UNITED, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Tuesday, 26th December 2023)
Tuesday, December 26 – Ards vs Bangor, Playr-Fit Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3pm kick-off
Bangor are in Boxing Day action and will be plentiful in attendance and voice as they face bitter rivals Ards for the second time in the Playr-Fit Championship campaign.
In this clash of eternal rivals, the Seasiders will have their sights on a second derby success of the season following the triumph over Matthew Tipton's men back in August, with Adam Neale slotting home the only goal of the game on that occasion.
Lee Feeney's men enter this clash of forces on the back of a 3-0 victory over Dergview, a fourth consecutive victory during which the opposition net has bustled no fewer than 14 times inclusive of prior encounters with Annagh United (4-0), Ballyclare Comrades (3-2) and Knockbreda (4-1), and will be hopeful of gaining the upper hand once again after clinching fourth spot for Christmas Day.
But the players will demand the best of themselves knowing that an Ards panel, who by contrast are on a five-game winless streak and will have both Tipton and classy winger Eamon Scannell suspended following red cards in their last-gasp 3-2 defeat to Institute last time out, will have the fire in their hearts to put right their recent downbeat form.
Remember, with Bangor listed as nominal visitors for this match, season tickets are not valid for this encounter.
Bangor marksman Ben Arthurs homed in once again as his deadlock-breaker against Dergview marked a sixth consecutive goalscoring game, the longest stretch of matches he has scored in for over four and a half years.
The man from the Peninsula netted two minutes after the restart to set the second half on the front foot from a Seasider persuasion, with a dour first period followed by a burst which the 25-year-old commenced when he turned Jack Henderson's initial distance drive into the top right corner. 'Big Ben' may have finished in slightly impromptu fashion but that did not matter as the Seagulls' goalscorer supreme this term bolstered his tally and set his side on the path to a 3-0 victory over their Co Tyrone opponents.
Manager Lee Feeney was left well impressed come the conclusion, with four wins on the spin and 14 goals scored in total since a 4-0 success away to Annagh United put the North Down pride in the right direction following a five-game winless run. Arthurs, again, was all too happy to produce the goods.
Elaborating on his finish, the frontman who first joined Bangor in 2018 reflected: "It sort of helped that Hendy scuffed it to me, but yeah, just tried to use the pace of the ball and just place it into the far corner.
"I maybe didn't expect it to go right in the far corner, but yeah, I'm looking forward to watching it back, it was a good one.
"I sort of needed it because I didn't think I was playing too well but yeah, as I say, I think was what was sort of needed to kickstart the game."
Bangor's impressive form has seen them pick up 12 points out of the last 12 on offer, with a fourth win on the spin against Emmet Friars' panel shooting the Clandeboye clan firmly into the upper echelons of the Championship table after a dry run of just two points in 15.
Arthurs, always one to strive for continual improvement in himself and his team-mates, explained that this run of home matches was a prime opportunity to set the record straight and is fully confident such three-point hauls will continue into 2024.
"Happy days," he says of the current winning run. "We know we have it in us, and we had a bad run where we had five games without a win, and that's probably why we're not as far up the league as we want to be.
"We sort of targeted these fixtures and sort of thought, we'd a lot of home games and stuff and we felt we could really kick on, but yeah, there's no reason why we can't continue our form on through to January and finish the season strong."
On Boxing Day, memories of watching his older sibling, respected goal-getter and former Ards fan favourite Ross Arthurs, immediately spring to mind for Ben ahead of a derby that will once again feature a member of the fine Kircubbin sporting family. The striker with 120 goals in yellow and blue, who adds that he intends to 'take it easy' over the Christmas period ahead of a busy forthcoming schedule, reminisces: "It's my first one (playing on Boxing Day), I used to come and watch the brother whenever he was on the other side, playing for Ards, when it would've been maybe 10 years ago.
"So, I know sort of what the day's like, I know the sort of crowd it brings. Ever since I've come to Bangor, I've been looking forward to getting back to these moments, it's sort of the game you want to be playing in and I think the boys are excited for it.
"We've a couple of days to get ourselves right and behave ourselves over Christmas and we're looking forward to seeing how many turn up and sort of the atmosphere of the game. Obviously, we're playing local rivals, so they're the games you want to play in."
Bangor Reserves signed off for 2023 in the best way possible, with three points gift-wrapped the way of the hosts thanks to a Christmas cracker of a finish from Charley Craig that proved enough to sink Knockbreda Reserves at Clandeboye Park.
The young striker has been in hot form throughout the campaign and was 'Breda's tormentor-in-chief here, hitting a fine strike that bagged an 11th victory in 13 matches for David Downes and his charges.
It also sees the side rise to 35 points, with a 10-point difference – caveated by games in hand for Dundela and H&W Welders directly below – from the chasing pack as the Championship/PIL Development League title challenge continues to tick over nicely.
This 1-0 success against their adversaries from the Castlereagh Hills was hard-fought, but as is often the case at this time of year, victories can come in all shapes and sizes but all have that same precious three-point reward in the end. Bangor's form, therefore, is strong going into 2024, with their first match of the new year being a North Down Derby against Ards at Clandeboye Park. Kick-off in that match is at 11am.
Left-back Sam Millar admitted the outcome was the most important aspect of Bangor Reserves' clash with Knockbreda Reserves on Saturday, with three precious points recorded thanks to a solitary goal by Charley Craig before half-time.
The defender admitted that, while it wasn't the Seasiders' sharpest outing in the final third, keeping a clean sheet was satisfying as it was important and it helped inspire the team to a victory that keeps David Downes' troops sitting pretty at the summit.
Millar reflected: "We weren't at our most clinical in the final third, but we were able to put it in the net once and keep the clean sheet and that was enough to win the game.
"At this stage of the season, it's all about getting three points on the board, it's tough conditions to play in and teams are going to be sitting in and soaking up pressure.
"We're going into the new year and top of the table, we're going in having picked up another win on the board and we can't have too many complaints."
(Posted: Sunday, 24th December 2023)
Michael Halliday came off the bench to help Bangor on their way to a 3-0 win over Dergview at Clandeboye Park this afternoon.
Following a lacklustre first half, Ben Arthurs lashed in the opener two minutes into the second half. Lewis Francis prodded home Bangor's second in the 58th minute and then Michael Halliday grabbed a much deserved goal in the 74th minute to round off an excellent second half performance.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale(B.Walker), S.Brown, L.Francis, D.Hume(R.Arthhur), L.Harrison(K.Devine), S.McArthur(D.O'Kane), B.Arthurs, A.Neale(M.Halliday), T.Mathieson.
Subs: M.Orbinson, J.Hughes
NEXT MATCH:
BOXING DAY NORTH DOWN DERBY - Ards v Bangor, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 23rd December 2023)
Saturday, December 23 – Bangor Reserves vs Knockbreda Reserves, Playr-Fit Championship, Clandeboye Park, 11am kick-off
Bangor Reserves' final match of 2023 pits them at home to Knockbreda Reserves as they aim to end a successful calendar year with a three-point haul.
David Downes and his team lost out on the victory in agonising fashion last Saturday, conceding in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage-time against title rivals Dundela Reserves that ultimately saw the spoils shared after a 3-3 draw.
The Seasiders face fellow east Belfast opponents 'Breda, who are second from bottom in the division, already assured of top spot on New Year's Day but they will be all too confident of adding to their points tally and strengthening their title charge.
Perched on 32 points from the 36 on offer and still preserving an unbeaten record, something Downes takes pride in as the campaign approaches the midway point, the Yellows will be confident of fending off their foes from the Castlereagh Hills and entering 2024 with much to cheer, but the job is done on the pitch and it will take that same composure and class to get the job done again.
(Posted: Friday, 22nd December 2023)
Saturday, December 23 – Dergview vs Bangor, Playr-Fit Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3pm kick-off
Bangor's final game before Christmas sees them pitted against Dergview, with victory at Clandeboye Park making it a fourth consecutive success and three points gift-wrapped ahead of Father Christmas' tour of the world.
The Seasiders thrilled under the Friday night lights last time out when they overcame Knockbreda 4-1, with Ben Arthurs and Scott McArthur hitting the target before half-time while Adam Neale and a Jake Willis own goal added gloss after Igor Rutkowski's penalty reduced Breda's arrears.
Adding to that victory against the league's basement dwellers at Clandeboye were triumphs over Annagh United and Ballyclare Comrades on the road, with this weekend's encounter with the 11th-placed Dergs a chance to start the second half of the campaign on a high note.
Lee Feeney will be wary, though, because the Co Tyrone outfit – who visit again in a fortnight's time in the Irish Cup Fifth Round – were victorious on their home patch back in September and have a penchant for upsetting the odds even when the cards are stacked against them. If the Yellows intend to prevail over Emmet Friars' team, they will need to be firing on all cylinders.
WE CARE YOU MATTER - COME AND CONNECT
And ahead of kick-off, why not visit the Bangor Social Club at 1pm for the We Care, You Matter 'Christmas Come And Connect' event?
There will be tea, coffee and treats on offer and everyone is welcome to attend.
(Posted: Friday, 22nd December 2023)
For many it’s a time for family, for catching up, for giving and receiving, for time off work, for eating too much.
For many it’s a sad time, it’s a time of reflection, a time of staring at the empty chair, a time of regrets.
For many it’s a time of incredible pressure, a time of financial strain, a time of great worry.
Whatever your circumstances, wherever you are, whatever this Christmas brings please know you are not and never alone.
There is always someone to talk to, there is always someone to ease the burden, do not suffer in silence.
Be assured of my prayers this Christmas time, I’ll be praying that God gives you the strength, love and support you need to get you through this time of year.
On behalf of everyone at Bangor Football Club remember you are part of our family and you are loved and cared for.
Have a blessed and safe Christmas.
God bless,
Big G
Club Chaplain
(Posted: Wednesday, 20th December 2023)
(Posted: Tuesday, 19th December 2023)
Bangor Reserves were denied three points right at the death as Dundela Reserves snatched a last-minute equaliser to round off a 3-3 draw at Billy Neill Centre in east Belfast.
The Seasiders twice led and once fell behind, but come the end of this top-of-the-table encounter, the spoils were to be shared after a topsy-turvy battle where the visitors turned in an impressive display. David Downes' men entered the interval a goal to the good thanks to Jay Boyd's finish midway through the first half, drilling home after collecting a second ball after a free-kick had only been partially cleared by the Duns defence, but five goals in the final 25 minutes of the match sprung the contest into life.
With 71 minutes gone, the hosts had turned the tables with two goals in the space of six second-half minutes, but Bangor conjured up a response only two minutes after going behind when Ruairi Wright slotted home after Sonny Redford's initial attempt had been blocked. Things got even better seven minutes from time as Charley Craig prodded into the bottom right corner to hand the Yellows the advantage once more but, four minutes into stoppage-time, Dundela found the net from close range to peg it back to three goals apiece.
Reflecting on the encounter, Downes, while a tinge disappointed with the result, praised the performance and feels the best way to make it up is to pick up the maximum points haul in the return fixture at Clandeboye Park later in the campaign.
"Obviously, there is a bit of disappointment," he admitted. "The ball was kind of allowed to bobble around our penalty area, the ball fell kindly for the Dundela players in the box and they've been able to score from that, and we know we've got to clear the ball when it's that sort of situation. In saying that, I felt we put in a really good performance. I felt we dominated for large parts, there were moments when we could've been more clinical, but we were getting the ball out from defence to attack regularly and we were able to put the Dundela defence under constant pressure.
"We knew coming in that we were playing a team that hadn't dropped a point in the league before today, and it was important going in that we didn't lose any ground as we're playing what we consider to be a title rival in this league, and we did that, even if we're disappointed at the end that we weren't able to come away with all three points. For me, I think the best way we make up for it is we pick up three points the next time they come to our place, when it's our home game.
"We'll go out and we'll want to make sure we're left with four points from the two games this season and they only have one, that's what I think we need to do next time and I'm confident the players can deliver that."
The Seconds are next in action when they take on Knockbreda Reserves on Saturday, December 23 at Clandeboye Park. Kick-off is at 11am.
(Posted: Sunday, 17th December 2023)
“The board of directors have had a positive week of discussions with the investment group. The consortium was overwhelmed with what we have achieved so far with only volunteers at the club. They were impressed with the amount of fantastic people we have around Bangor FC and with our club structure, facilities and supporting network.
“The investment group wants to build a long-term vision for the club and they plan to revisit for further talks in January 2024. We will then try and roadmap a new future for the Seasiders.”
Members of the investment group visited Bangor FC from 12 to 16 December.
“I make no apologies for reiterating that the best interests of Bangor FC is the board’s highest priority. The talks are still at an early stage, but there are a lot of encouraging signs as we move forward.
“When the time is right for both parties, we will hold a meeting to provide updates to our supporters and answer any questions. As I previously stated, we will listen to our fans as part of this process.
“On the footballing side, it is business as usual. We were delighted that members of the investment group were able to see the team play on Friday night and gain three points as we continue our good run in the NIFL Championship.”
DUNDELA RESERVES 3-3 BANGOR RESERVES
(Posted: Saturday, 16th December 2023)
Bangor continued their good run of form with a 4-1 home win over Knockbreda at Clandeboye Park this evening.
Ben Arthurs set the Seasiders on their way in the 21st minute when he headed in a Tom Mathieson cross from the right. Scott McArthur made it 2-0 on the half hour with a low effort into the bottom corner.
Rutkowski slotted home a hotly disputed penalty for Knockbreda in the 55th minute, but substitute Adam Neale restored Bangor's two goal lead in the 64th minute with a well placed low shot.
The final goal came in the 89th minute when Willis put through his own goal following good work from Henderson on the right. Michael Halliday was unlucky in injury time when he rattled the upright with a close range header.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, B.Walker(R.Arthur), S.Brown, D.Hume, L.Francis, L.Harrison(K.Devine), D.O'Kane(J.Henderson), S.McArthur(M.Halliday), B.Arthurs, T.Mathieson(A.Neale).
Subs: M.Orbinson, C.Craig
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 23rd December 2023, BANGOR v DERGVIEW, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Friday, 15th December 2023)
Friday, December 15 – Knockbreda vs Bangor, Playr-Fit Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7.45pm kick-off
Bangor commence a run of five consecutive games at Clandeboye Park with a Friday night encounter with Knockbreda, where the Seasiders will look to soar past the 30-point mark in the Playr-Fit Championship.
In the second duel with the Castlereagh club this term, the Seasiders bid to back up a 5-1 away success in mid-October with another victory that will extend the winning sequence to three following victories over Annagh United and Ballyclare Comrades.
Lee Feeney's men are back in action for the first time in a fortnight after a waterlogged pitch caused last week's clash with Dundela to be postponed, but they will hope the momentum hasn't relented ahead of another important stretch. The penultimate match before Christmas Day, the Seasiders are targeting their ninth league triumph in their 19th match.
Friday nights have tended to create a buzz around the ground and give the team a lift when they take the field, so it is hoped that this can be achieved once more and this stretch in the campaign can bring about a further points reward.
Saturday, December 16 – Dundela Reserves vs Bangor Reserves, Championship/PIL Development League, Billy Neill Centre, 11am kick-off
Bangor Reserves are involved in a mouthwatering match-up at the top of the Championship/PIL Development League table on Saturday morning when they face their Dundela equivalents at Billy Neills.
A formidable record between the two of 17 wins and one draw from 18 matches makes this a clash where the margin for error is minimal, but with Bangor entering on the back of two wins last week against Warrenpoint Town and Ballyclare Comrades, David Downes' men have their spirits up as they go in pursuit of an 11th victory in league play.
The Duns, meanwhile, are a perfect seven from seven and, with four matches in hand and 10 points to claw back on the division leaders, can be expected to pull out all the stops in their attempts to close that gap.
Victory for the Seasiders will push them up to 34 points and add further breathing space between themselves and the teams below them in the table. Kick-off is at 11am.
(Posted: Friday, 15th December 2023)
Bangor Reserves kept up their impressive winning vein when four different goalscorers combined to notch up a 10th win in 11 Championship/PIL Development League matches on Saturday morning.
The young Seasiders, who were the only team in action on the day as it happened due to the senior side's fixture against Dundela being abandoned due to the adverse conditions, weathered the storm to despatch Ballyclare Comrades U21 4-0 at Clandeboye Park.
The hosts took the lead through stand-in captain Adam Ambrose on 14 minutes; the versatile 19-year-old received inside the box and swivelled to fire into the net, while Ryan Arthur doubled the advantage five minutes before the break with a looping header into the far corner of the net – the centre-back is continuing to notch up minutes under his belt as he recovers from an ankle injury sustained in pre-season.
Seven minutes after the interval and by now playing against 10 men after an injury forced Ballyclare to soldier on with a reduced contingent, Charley Craig kept up his inspired goal-getting exploits to make it 3-0 before Ryan Nixon's forays forward from defence were rewarded just after the hour as he side-footed an Arthur flick-on past the Comrades goalkeeper to wrap up the points.
Bangor Reserves goalscorer Adam Ambrose paid tribute to the advice handed out by coaches David Downes, Ian Boal and Oli Haslam that helped underpin the largely dominant display that accompanied a 4-0 scoreline against Ballyclare Comrades U21.
The versatile talent, who was deployed in midfield against the east Antrim outfit, broke the deadlock after 14 minutes that teed up what was to follow, with Ryan Arthur, Charley Craig and Ryan Nixon also getting their names on the scoresheet later in the encounter.
The Seasiders face a top two battle with Dundela next weekend and Ambrose feels the nature of the success over Ballyclare, the side's 10th win in 11 league matches to date, puts them in a perfect position to do damage in east Belfast.
Following on from a Monday night victory over Warrenpoint Town that, like Saturday, was achieved in less-than-favourable weather conditions, Ambrose admitted that picking up the maximum spoils on offer was satisfying as the elements posed a challenge."From the start of the season, we've been playing well, we've gelled as a team, we've taken on the instructions that the coaches are giving us. We've got this momentum now, I don't know how many wins that is on the bounce but we definitely could go into the Dundela game, just keep that form going and keep pushing.
"The coaches did say just to be patient, keep the ball and tire them (Ballyclare) out. Just to be patient, look for the space, don't be forcing it and the goals will come, and they did, so it proved to work."
"Yeah, definitely," he adds on a week that saw six goals scored and six points secured from two league fixtures.
"We were off Tuesday night and we had a bit of time to recover and, back in, we had a friendly against the first-team on Thursday night there, so it was a good run-out, but everyone was well rested and it showed today. We were energetic, I thought."
On his goal, Ambrose, who wore the captain's armband in the absence of usual skipper Kristian Trainor, reflects: "Well, it sort of fell on the edge of the box, I had my back turned, sort of checked my shoulder, seen where the defender was, feinted a wee bit and just slid it in, the near post."
(Posted: Wednesday, 13th December 2023)
Bangor Football Club is in talks about potential investment in the club, with a business group from Canada/America.
Bangor FC Chairman Graham Bailie said: “The board of directors have had early positive discussions with the group about investing in the club. The investment group is encouraged by the facilities at Bangor FC, as well as our excellent academy and how the club is situated in a city with a large catchment area.
“Bangor FC has travelled a long way since the current board took control of the club in 2017, just after they had been relegated from the Northern Ireland Football League. But ultimately, we are aspiring to be the best club that we can be. We want, not only, to get into the Premiership, but also to challenge when we get there. With that in mind, we require investment and expertise to help take us to that next level.”
Members of the investment group will travel to Northern Ireland on 12th December to visit the club, see the facilities and to have face-to-face meetings with the board of directors.
Graham concluded: “The best interests of Bangor FC is the board’s highest priority. We will only keep moving forward with talks, and take any potential proposal to our shareholders, if we believe they are favourable for the club.
“Following further dialogue on a way forward, we will hold a public meeting to update supporters and answer any questions. We will listen to our fans as part of this process. Until then, we would ask supporters and friends to be patient as we progress discussions to secure a potential investment package for the Seasiders.”
Media enquiries to Bangor FC at media@bangorfc.com
(Posted: Saturday, 9th December 2023)
(Posted: Saturday, 9th December 2023)
Saturday, December 9 – Bangor vs Ballyclare Comrades, Championship/PIL Development League, Clandeboye Park, 11am kick-off
Bangor cast their sights on a continuation of winning ways in the Championship/PIL Development League when they face Ballyclare Comrades U21 at Clandeboye Park on Saturday morning.
The Seasiders, who have 28 points from 30 available that was most recently added to in a Monday night success over Warrenpoint Town, are hopeful of staying at the top of the table as they face a Ballyclare panel perched in fifth-place ahead of kick-off.
Manager David Downes, who praised the attitude of his players in tough conditions at Milltown to secure three points thanks to Charley Craig and Jude Carlisle finishes either side of half-time, will have his players fired up to produce the goods and surge beyond the 30-point marker. This would be notably significant given they travel to Dundela next week in what is expected to be a top two battle; the Duns having not dropped a point at the time of writing.
But the players can't look past the Comrades, who will be eager to produce the goods, and know they will have to fight hard to pick up the three points.
(Posted: Saturday, 9th December 2023)
Saturday, December 9 – Dundela vs Bangor, Playr-Fit Championship, Wilgar Park, 3pm kick-off
Bangor face a challenging trip to Wilgar Park this weekend where league-leading Dundela will aim to cut the two-game win streak that has been built up over the past fortnight.
A last-minute Lewis Francis winner snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in a 3-2 success against Ballyclare Comrades at Dixon Park last weekend to add to a 4-0 trouncing of Annagh United in Portadown courtesy in large part of an Adam Neale hat-trick.
Lee Feeney will hope the winning fortunes keep rolling on in this third successive away day – and a run of five straight matches at Clandeboye Park will follow, with confirmation of a home tie against Dergview in the Irish Cup Fifth Round adding to a league encounter against the same opponents in two weeks' time, Knockbreda next Friday, the Boxing Day derby with Ards and Annagh on the 30th December.
He has been encouraged by the consistent goal-getting of Ben Arthurs, who has scored in four matches in a row, but will be wary of a Duns side who, under Stephen Gourley's guidance, rose to the top of the table in midweek thanks to Jake Corbett's last-gasp winner in a 3-2 success over Dergview. The 'Hen Run' is a hard place to go and will call on the players to be on top form.
Bangor assistant coach John Douglas feels the key to success at Wilgar Park on Saturday is to stand up and be counted against Dundela's experienced contingent.
The Playr-Fit Championship encounter in east Belfast pits the league-leading Duns against the fifth-placed Seasiders, and the latter could rise to within three points of the promotion play-off position should they shock their hosts and collect all three points.
Victories on successive away days against Annagh United and Ballyclare Comrades have Bangor in a confident mood ahead of this weekend's clash, but Lee Feeney and his charges will not be taking anything for granted against a seasoned core that comprises Willie Faulkner, Jaimie McGovern, Jay Magee and former yellow and blue favourite Andy Hall.
The manager's assistant confirmed as much and paid tribute to the qualities of those types of players within Stephen Gourley's set-up.
"There's no doubt, this is going to be a hard game for us. What's really impressed me about Dundela is the experience. They have a bracket of experienced players at Dundela who've been consistent and driven the team forward throughout the season, and that sort of thing rubs off on the younger players who've improved under that.
"That's something we don't really have by contrast. We've a lot of young players, a lot of very talented young players and a young squad in general, but Dundela probably have that little bit more at the top end of the age bracket, who've been there and done that.
"There's a great fighting spirit at Dundela, it's a tight pitch and they can congest it and make it a battle for possession across the pitch, so we know that we'll have to be on top of our game and win those battles if we're looking to get anything out of this game.
"In saying that, we've been on a good run ourselves and there's a confident group in there who know how to win games, so we'll be identifying how we can get at them and I'm looking forward to seeing how it will work."
(Posted: Friday, 8th December 2023)
Bangor have been drawn to play Dergview in the 5th round of the Clearer Water Irish Cup. The tie will be played on Saturday, 6th January at Clandeboye Park.
(Posted: Wednesday, 6th December 2023)
Congratulations to Bangor FC Ladies trio Olivia Brown, Amber Dempster and Sarah McKillen who were selected to play for the Northern Ireland Futsal team in Belgium last weekend.
It proved to be a great experience on foreign shores for the trio and they had plenty to take away from two matches against a competitive Belgium side across Saturday and Sunday.
(Posted: Tuesday, 5th December 2023)
Bangor Reserves emerged with a hard-fought victory when they travelled to Warrenpoint Town last night, with goals from Charley Craig and Jude Carlisle securing the maximum reward at Milltown.
The Seasiders produced the goods to move up to 28 points from 30 on offer so far this season, and manager David Downes praised the application of his players to secure a ninth win of the campaign that moves the side seven points clear at the top of the table.
"It was a tough game, from Bangor to Warrenpoint on a wet Monday night in December isn’t easy but the lads were outstanding," reflected Downes after the three points had been secured.
"The defence was made up of all 16-year-olds, and to play so well to come away with a clean sheet makes me feel so proud of them all.
"This group has no fear of anything and play with such confidence; at times, it’s scary. Then when they need to, they can get into the trenches and battle for each other."
(Posted: Tuesday, 5th December 2023)
Bangor assistant coach John Douglas took plenty of pride from the weekend win at Ballyclare Comrades, when the Seasiders fought back from a 2-1 deficit inside the final 15 minutes to claim all three points on their travels.
It was towering teenage centre-back Lewis Francis who provided the decisive say with virtually the last touch of the ball, bulleting home a header from a Michael Halliday flick-on for his third goal of the season. The Dungannon Swifts loanee hit the mark in the third minute of added-time after second-half strikes by Callum Ferris and Gary Donnelly – the latter from the penalty spot – threatened to leave Scott McArthur's deadlock-breaker on the stroke of half-time counting for nought.
It was a victory you would struggle to put a price on and one that triggered an outpouring of celebration from the fans that travelled, with 19-year-old Francis doing well to enhance his ever-growing reputation by sealing Bangor's second consecutive success.
Douglas feels that players like Magherafelt man Francis on the younger end of the squad scale are among those that would benefit most from overcoming the type of scenario the visitors found themselves in, hailing how they reacted to going behind and doing Lee Feeney and the faithful proud with how they never gave in. He also admitted, though, that the performance was not as high-level as in recent times, and adds that there will always be the licence to improve for the tests to come.
He explained:
"I thought that was probably the worst we've played in the last five, six weeks. It wasn't a flowing game, but I felt we adapted to the needs of the game when we needed to, in particular, after going behind.
"It was a scrappy game, it was hard to get a clean spell of possession at times, but we showed the character, especially after the (Ballyclare) penalty (that made it 2-1), and we threw bodies up, we went all out to try and get back in the game, and to win the game in added-time was hugely satisfying.
"This is a young team, and there are players in that team who don't have much senior experience and players who haven't been in that sort of position very often, and I think that's great experience for them.
"That's how you have to react in that sort of situation. You can't lie down, you have to take responsibility and try and get straight up the other end and find a way to get back in the game. It's a young team, we have boys who are still finding their way at the senior level and, to an extent, with that in mind, we are still learning on the job a bit if you like. But that shows, that's what you need to do to get results.
"One of the things we talk about is being better in both boxes. In football, a lot of what you do is defined by what you do in both boxes, showing quality when you're in your own box and when you're in the opposition box.
"This league's ruthless. If you concede chances, then you'll be punished because there are players across this league who can take those chances. Yes, there's the space in between your own 18 and the other 18, you've got to build up from one end to the other, but ultimately, the most important things are how you work in your penalty areas, and to see us be clinical when it mattered was really, really good.
"We'd a few really good performances where we just weren't picking up the results, and a lot of that was down to letting teams kind of come into the game and we didn't have the cutting edge when we were on top, but now, we've scored four last week, we've scored three today and we've two wins out of two, so that's very pleasing."
Douglas also shed light on Ben Arthurs' recent goalscoring run, and the 25-year-old striker's fourth game in a row in which he's marked the scoresheet comes as music to the ears of the management team.
Arthurs, who had found the net against Newington, Portadown and Annagh prior to last weekend's encounter, is in a confident mood and is on his best run of games scored in since February – he hit the mark against Crusaders, Armagh City, Ballymacash Rangers and Portstewart on that occasion. Douglas revealed that, before kick-off at Dixon Park, he made sure to remind the Kircubbin frontman of his recent exploits and to maintain his consistent standards.
Having netted the leveller to make it 2-2, his 118th strike in the yellow and blue shirt as he makes further ground on Andy Morrow's modern-high total of 143 finishes, those words of wisdom certainly seemed to make a mark.
"We were actually telling Ben that in the changing room prior to the game, that he'd scored in three consecutive games, and we told him that's what we want from him, we want him to keep that up," explained Douglas.
"He scored an important goal on Saturday and that's now four in a row he's scored in, and that's the challenge that we set out to him before kick-off; go out and make it four in a row.
"Having a consistent goalscorer is so important at this level, and that was something we wanted to see more of from Ben. He'd scored goals, but they weren't always consistent – he scored four against Ballyclare (in the County Antrim Shield), another few here and there, but he hadn't really had a run of games – but now, he's scoring every week recently, and that helps the whole team.
"That's one of the things we've probably been harping on about the most. We want to see the players deliver consistently and play to their best, or close to their best, every single week, and recently, that's what's been happening.
"Having consistency is important if you want to get results, because any team in this league has the quality to hurt you at any given time, and if you drop your guard, you'll get punished for it as a collective.
"It wasn't our best and it wasn't a fluid style of play, but we showed resilience to come back. But we'll always keep challenging the players and setting targets to go out."
(Posted: Monday, 4th December 2023)
Bangor Reserves are in Monday night action in the Championship/PIL Development League when they travel to Warrenpoint Town for a top-versus-bottom encounter.
David Downes and his charges will be eager to boost their table-topping record in the division to 28 points from 30 on offer when all is said and done at Milltown, facing up to the team that is currently propping up the standings in 15th-place.
Warrenpoint, who have three points from their opening seven fixtures, were, however, the winners of last season's eight-team league, and it is for that reason that their threat cannot be underestimated. A 120-mile-round trip on a Monday night is rarely one that feels worth it unless three points are coming back the other way, and that is exactly how the players will feel when they take the field in south Down.
Kick-off at Milltown is at 7:45pm.
(Posted: Sunday, 3rd December 2023)
Bangor took all three points away from a chilly Dixon Park this afternoon with a thrilling 3-2 win over Ballyclare Comrades.
Scott McArthur put the Seasiders ahead in first half injury time with a well struck curling effort, but Ferris equalised for the Comrades just after the hour mark and Donnelly got the Comrades in front from the penalty spot after 77 minutes.
The Seasiders comeback started in the 82nd minute when Ben Arthurs finished off a Michael Halliday flick on and then Lewis Francis grabbed a dramatic winner with virtually the last kick of the game.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, L.Francis, D.Hume, S.Brown, J.Henderson(D.O'Kane), L.Harrison, S.McArthur(M.Halliday), B.Arthurs, A.Neale(M.Watterson), T.Mathieson.
Subs: M.Orbinson, K.Devine, B.Walker.
NEXT MATCH
Saturday, 9th December 2023 - DUNDELA v BANGOR, Wilgar Park, Championship, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 2nd December 2023)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney admits he has been hugely impressed by Ballyclare Comrades this season but adds that his confidence in his players is so high that they can "go on a run" after ending a five-game winless streak last Saturday.
After Ben Arthurs broke the deadlock and paved the way for Adam Neale to hit a first Playr-Fit Championship hat-trick against Annagh United last week, Feeney lifted the lid on the conversations he had with his charges and insists the positivity of recent performances had made the 4-0 victory at the BMG Arena overdue.
The Seasiders now take their talents to Dixon Park for what is already the third meeting of the campaign between these two sides. Ballyclare emerged victorious on the opening day having twice come from behind to win 3-2 in August, while early September saw Bangor return the favour after recovering from a two-goal deficit to win 4-2 in the County Antrim Shield – Arthurs scored all four at Clandeboye Park that night.
While 11 goals in those two clashes have led Feeney to believe that another high-scoring affair could be on the menu, he has been fuelled with optimism that his men can produce the goods once more.
"Ballyclare are a good side, very well-coached by Stephen Small, very attack-minded, and they have a lot of threats in that area of the pitch," said Feeney. "They're a well-built side and they won at the weekend there (against H&W Welders), they're obviously coming in with a bit of momentum on their side.
"I guess there is a bit of an added dimension, we've played each other twice with Ballyclare winning on the opening day and then we got the comeback win in the Shield, so I'd say the two teams have got the feel of each other, and that can work for us.
"They were high-scoring games. We were clinical in that second game, and we needed to be, we had to work hard, but I can see confidence is high among our players and the belief is there that we can win games of football.
"I said to the players on Saturday before kick-off, even though we've not been winning games, the performances have been there and we were disappointed not to get nine points out of nine in the three games before, which I think we could've done.
"I said to them, you've been doing the right things and you're due one, you'd deserve a win, it just hasn't happened yet. They went out on Saturday and they played brilliant.
"I genuinely think we can go on a run, I genuinely do. I think we've the players there and the mentality to go out and put ourselves further up the table if we keep working hard, and that starts again this Saturday."
(Posted: Friday, 1st December 2023)
Saturday, December 2 – Ballyclare Comrades vs Bangor, Playr-Fit Championship, Dixon Park, 3pm kick-off
Bangor are bound for Dixon Park for the second time this season when they bid to make it back-to-back successes in the Playr-Fit Championship against Ballyclare Comrades on Saturday afternoon.
The Seasiders were handsome 4-0 winners at Annagh United last weekend, inspired by Adam Neale's hat-trick after Ben Arthurs broke the deadlock, and with both players having contributed seven goals between them in the last four league matches, Lee Feeney will hope their form continues to tick over when they visit east Antrim with sights set on a second successive win.
Ballyclare claimed the upper hand on the opening day of the season, emerging 3-2 victors on a sunny August day, but Bangor got their own back the next month when Ben Arthurs struck four goals to record a comeback 4-2 triumph at Clandeboye Park in the County Antrim Shield. With Ballyclare on the back of overcoming Ards 3-0 in midweek, Stephen Small's men will bid for a north Down double in contrast.
Victory would haul the Yellows level with their hosts, who are up to fourth-place in the standings following that success on Tuesday night, but another tough outing is forecast that will call on the players to produce their best once more.
(Posted: Friday, 1st December 2023)
Adam Neale revealed that relief was his overarching emotion after his hat-trick set Bangor en route to a first win in five Playr-Fit Championship matches at the weekend. Having scored three goals in 19 appearances prior to kick-off on Saturday, he doubled his whole-season tally inside 48 devastating minutes as he put Annagh United to the sword.
Adding to Ben Arthurs’ deadlock-breaker merely eight minutes into the action at the BMG Arena, the line-leader – now up to 117 goals in the yellow and blue shirt – handed over a penalty Neale himself had won to convert shortly after the quarter-hour mark before the Ballynahinch frontman notched up two more either side of half-time to seal his second match ball since joining the Seasiders 15 months ago.
He frankly admits that his lack of consistent goalscoring has worn on his mind but, never one to shy away from the challenge, Adam was delighted to produce the goods when it counted and help the Seasiders to all three points on the Tandragee Road.
“It was relief more than anything,” he admits after recording his first hat-trick in league play, having also hit three in a Steel and Sons Cup quarter-final against Albert Foundry a year ago. It’s been a bit stop-start for me, it’s been a frustrating run but I’m hoping now that that (the hat-trick) gets me back on track.
“I’m hoping that coming off that, I can get back to scoring goals – doing what I’ve been doing my whole career. It’s been difficult, but the team created the chances for me and I’m just glad I was able to reward them and score three in the one game here.
“For the penalty, I’d felt I’d kind of earned it. It was my flick-up that hit his (Annagh defender) hand to win the penalty, so I went to Ben and asked him if I could take it as I kind of wanted to finish the job and get myself on the board. That was my opportunity to start something, kick off in the game and I felt confident I could step up and take it. Thankfully, I was able to do that. I was used to being the main penalty taker before I joined Bangor, so I’m used to those sorts of situations and the pressure that can come with them. I think Ben understood that and was happy for me to take it at that point, I was glad to step up and take responsibility, you know, and yeah, on the back of that, I was able to score two more goals from open play.”
For four consecutive games now, one of Arthurs, Neale or both have hit the net for Bangor. The former is now on an active run of three goalscoring games in a row having of late struck versus Newington and Portadown, while the latter’s headed equaliser against H&W Welders represented somewhat of a return to type. But 30-year-old former Rathfriland favourite Adam isn’t keen to rest on his laurels; rather, he wants to keep the goal tap flowing. Supporting Arthurs (25) – the pair scored 58 goals between them across all competitions in 2022/23 – is also high on his priority list.
“Last season, Ben and I were both scoring regularly, and obviously that had helped us push on in the league and win silverware,” Neale reflected. Ben’s kind of been scoring the goals by himself among the frontline since the start of the season and I’ve been playing catch-up, I fell behind a bit. You can’t really go into this league with just one guy scoring goals, one recognised scorer, so I needed to step it up from that point of view and I was glad to do that on Saturday.
“I’ve got that relationship with Ben, there’s a trust and understanding between us and we obviously scored a lot of goals last season between us to help the club get into the league. I know we’re going to be important as a pairing and as two players who’ll help the club push on up the league table by scoring goals.
“Even for the second goal, it was a loose backpass and it fell for me in a one-on-one situation with the keeper, but I spotted him off his line and I was able to bring the ball around him and have a tap-in. That brought me confidence, staying composed to do the right thing, and it’s helping the team out. I think the more players that chip in with goals, the better. If we have players scoring goals all around the team, in defence or midfield as well, we want to get as many people in on the act as possible, which would be great. It’s a shot in the arm for any player to score so, hopefully, both me and the team can do that consistently.”
A telepathic understanding with his younger brother Reece (25) contributed in large part to the finish that ultimately completed Adam’s goal haul for the day, and he paid a warm tribute to an “unbelievable” set-up from his sibling to help make the match ball safe. The striker also shed light on the telepathic understanding with a player who has spent most of this term in a left-sided centre-back role but who was deployed in his more favoured left wing-back position in Portadown on Saturday.
“Reece on the third one was unbelievable. Unbelievable, I’m not sure you’ll see a better assist than that all season. How he kept that ball in… I couldn’t believe it, how it didn’t go out of play, and then for him to move forward and stay composed was really good as well. He laid it off to me when he could’ve easily gone for goal himself, he could’ve tried to chip the keeper but he picked out the pass for me and I was able to reward him by putting it in the net for the hat-trick.
“I have my team-mates to thank for it (the match ball). They helped me get off the mark, be it Ben handing me over the penalty or Reece for the last one, and others in the team across the pitch were being creative and were setting me up for chances. You know, it’s a team game at the end of the day, and the team worked really hard and really well to get the win, and thankfully we made our chances count and got the points to take up the road with us.
"There obviously is that connection between us, not just physically but mentally as well. It’s on me to be in the right positions to connect when it is that sort of situation (the hat-trick-sealing goal), but I always have an idea of where he’s going to place the ball when he crosses it or lays it off or whatever. It’s just that understanding. It was great to see him out wide on the left on Saturday. He’s obviously played a bit deeper this season, being in the back-three, but we saw it last season – he’s really dangerous when he’s able to get forward like that, hug the touchline and get forward and create chances. He picked me out and I was able to finish, but I think Reece knew where I was going to be and I knew I had to be in the right place at the right time.”
(Posted: Tuesday, 28th November 2023)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney delighted over a brilliant performance from his players in the 4-0 victory over Annagh United and singled out a number of influential performers for praise.
The Seasiders supremo watched on as Ben Arthurs broke the deadlock with a stylish finish, plucking out Sean Brown’s lofted supply over the top before slotting beyond ex-team-mate Jason Craughwell between the Annagh sticks.
Adam Neale then took command, doubling his entire tally for the season in just 48 minutes thanks to a devastating hat-trick. First, he slotted home from the penalty spot after his flick-on hit a home hand in the penalty area, then he pounced on a loose backpass and rounded Craughwell to double up just prior to the half-hour before taking on brother Reece Neale’s cut-back and sliding in a cool third on 64 minutes.
Kilkeel chief Feeney was gushing with acclaim for both Neale siblings and Arthurs post-match and laid out just how influential they had been. And Kircubbin punisher Arthurs handing his strike partner over the spot-kick that set him on his way was something that commanded tremendous respect from the boss.
“I have to say, for that first goal for Adam, the penalty, I have to give Ben a huge amount of credit. Ben’s our penalty taker, he’s our first-choice in that regard, but Adam’s obviously went over to Ben and asked to take it, Adam has the belief in himself that he can get off the mark and he goes and scores two more after that for the hat-trick.
“But Ben has confidence in Adam, he has the confidence in his team-mate that he can get kickstarted, there’s the trust between them in that moment and I have to give top marks to Ben for that. I’m pleased for Adam, hopefully that’s him on his way. They were well-taken goals and they were confident finishes. And it’s a big moment for him, too. 13, 14 months ago, he was playing in the Amateur League, he’s played most of his football in the Amateur League, and for him to make that jump and perform at Championship level, he’s been making big strides in his career and working really hard to make that happen.
“It’s been a bit stop-start for him in terms of scoring goals this season, but I know he’ll enjoy that match ball – one more for his collection.”
The set-up for Adam’s third and Bangor’s fourth was thanks in no small part to a massive intervention from his little brother. The ball looked to be spinning across the touchline and out for a throw-in, but a spectacular piece of acrobatics by Reece Neale kept it in play and allowed the 25-year-old to race toward the byline. From there, he acutely laid off and allowed Adam to slot side-footed into the net.
“Reece Neale has been exceptional for this football club,” hailed Feeney in his reflections. The whole ground stood up and applauded how he kept that ball in for Adam’s third goal, you know, the home and away fans that I saw.
“It was just an exceptional piece of skill, to effectively bicycle kick it to keep it in, and work-rate and determination. I don’t know how he did it, but he had the desire to chase after it and has kept the ball alive and then he’s got the composure to drive forward with the ball, doesn’t get a head of steam and picks out a really good pass for his brother. You could call it brotherly love there!
“Reece has been absolutely first class. His character and his personality are beyond his years, he’s a leader, and for a man of 25, he is such an important player and he shows that desire I expect to see from my players. I was really delighted with the way he went about himself.”
(Posted: Monday, 27th November 2023)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney was all too happy with the starring impact made by Mitchel Watterson in the Playr-Fit Championship victory over Annagh United on Saturday.
The Seasiders supremo previously gave Watterson his first taste of a senior matchday panel when including the 18-year-old among his subs for the visit to Institute five weeks prior.
His next appearance among the first selection would be in the starting line-up for this trip to the BMG Arena, where the highly-rated former Linfield Academy midfielder shone alongside Lewis Harrison and Jack Henderson in a 4-0 victory – secured after Adam Neale’s 48-minute hat-trick followed up an opening finish from Ben Arthurs. It was Bangor’s awaited first triumph in five matches, since a 5-1 dose of Sunday service away to Knockbreda in mid-October when both Henderson and Harrison had marked the scoresheet, and the teenager’s influence in the middle of the park alongside that familiar duo was warmly lauded by Feeney.
“Mitchel, I brought him up to the first-team because of how well he’s been playing for the Reserves, and I knew Mitchel from when he was with Linfield Under-18s. I was really impressed by his maturity, his attitude and in terms of his ability as a midfielder, it was beyond his years.
“A few days before the transfer window closed, he gave me a call and said to me that he had wanted to join Bangor, and I told him that I would be delighted to have you here, you’d be very welcome to come. I thought it spoke volumes that he thought here was the best place for him to develop and take that next step. He’s been playing regularly for the Under-20s, with Davy Downes, and he’s been playing really well, so I felt he deserved a chance to make an impression with the first-team.
“I’ve had him in first-team training sessions and had the opportunity to assess him there and he hasn’t looked out of place, he’s adapted to that level of intensity and I’ve had the chance to take a closer look at him from that point of view.
“I think he’s come in and been super, and with certain players in attacking areas not being available, had they been available Mitch might not have got that chance to be in the team this weekend, but I always held belief in him that he could take that next step and I’m really glad he did, he was excellent.”
Feeney also reserved praise for what Downes has achieved during the last number of years in charge of the Reserves set-up.
Having also handed talented sharp-shooter Charley Craig his Championship debut, becoming the 10th player to step up from the second string into a first-team gameday squad this term, the former Linfield and Rangers ace spoke of how a culture has been rubber-stamped for a crop of future stars to flourish on the seaside.
“Davy’s doing great work (with the Reserves). It’s been a gradual build-up to get to the place we are now with our youth set-up but we’ve now got a really good connection between the Reserves and the first-team. He’s an experienced coach who I have a lot of respect for… he had worked before at Linfield Under-16s, he’s worked with players who have went on to play across the water, and in the time he’s been here, he’s created and brought in a culture in there that we’re very proud of.
“Bear in mind, this may be an Under-20s team, but the players that are coming into the first-team, they’re not 20-year-olds, they’re 17 or 18, with the likes of Mitchel and Charley (Craig) at the weekend. We’re able to bring up young players into the team who can impact games.
“They’re able to make that step up to senior football and it’s just a seamless transition, and I find that very pleasing.”
(Posted: Monday, 27th November 2023)
Bangor FC Ladies enjoyed success in the third matchday of the Women's NI Futsal Super League with a victory over Ballymena United Women on Friday night.
Their second win of the Futsal campaign following a 9-0 opening day success over Ballyclare Comrades Ladies, the Seasiders returning to successful ways after falling to a 5-2 defeat at the hands of Crusaders Strikers in the match immediately prior.
This 4-2 triumph at Shankill Leisure Centre was inspired by an Amber Dempster brace and finishes by Olivia Brown and Erin Hennity that notched up the maximum spoils against the Sky Blues.
Next up for the side is some friendly fire in a fortnight's time against Camlough.
(Posted: Sunday, 26th November 2023)
Bangor Reserves picked up their eighth win in nine Championship/PIL Development League matches this season thanks to a slender 1-0 success over their Institute counterparts at Clandeboye Park.
A close-range header by Jay Boyd with 35 minutes gone in the contest proved the only goal of the game, with the result enough to keep the Seasiders top of the table on 25 points from 27 available.
The clash saw both sides push for goals and, indeed, the woodwork was struck at both ends, but Ben McConkey in the home goal kept a clean sheet to help the side to a fifth league win in a row for David Downes and his squad. Boyd broke the deadlock in the first period, hitting his second goal of the season and ensuring Bangor retained a seven-point lead on the chasing pack – albeit with fluctuating amounts of matches played across the 15 teams in the division.
Next up is a Monday night trip to Milltown to take on Warrenpoint on December 4. Kick-off is at 7:45pm.
Bangor Reserves matchwinner Jay Boyd admitted his team weren't at their best against Institute U21 but was satisfied to secure a "scrappy win" that enhanced the team's standing in the table. Boyd broke the deadlock with a well-placed header 10 minutes from the end of the first half, with Bangor holding on for much of the rest of the contest against a Stute side keen to make their presence felt. The striker's reflections were honest, tinged with relief that three more points had been safely tucked away against a quality opponent. He felt that the first period in particular left things to be desired performance-wise but hailed an improvement following the interval that saw a collective Seasider resolve stand tall and a clean sheet success upheld come the end.
He explained: "It was a great performance from the lads. Scrappy game, not a lot we could do, especially the second half... we were told, maybe sit off them, you know, but make sure we're pressing them. The pressing wasn't great in the first half, they were all over us; in the second half, again, they had the chances but, yeah, I think we held on at the end and got the win, which is the most important thing."
Former Ards ace Boyd added that the pressure was perhaps most ramped after he had nodded the hosts in front on 35 minutes. He broke free inside the penalty area and directed coolly into the net from a lofted supply into the danger zone, building the advantage but also in the knowledge that a storm was likely to follow as Institute looked to level up in double-quick time.
The teenage frontman, who represented the County Down select outfit at the prestigious SuperCupNI in 2022, felt game management in the lead-up to the pause was fundamental to securing the maximum spoils for David Downes' group.
"I think after the goal went in, it was see it to half-time," Boyd added. "I think you're most vulnerable after you score, you know what I mean, with the team coming at you again, so see it out to half-time and then second half, Davy's telling us we need to get in their faces."We sat off them too much, and when we did press, the team wasn't pressing so they were just taking it round us, so we tried to work on that in the second half, I think we did better but at the same time, they weren't getting out of third gear the whole game. But, listen, we got there in the end and got the win.
"Institute are a great hardworking team and definitely tested us, but we came away with the win."
After swapping the North Down divide to wear the yellow and blue shirt during the summer, Boyd, who struck his second goal of the season with his clinching finish against the Brandywell outfit, has been a key component of the panel.
He went on to say that nudging the close-fought affairs rank among the most satisfying victories due to the impact they can make come the season's end.
"Yeah, there are probably the most important wins, the scrappy ones, you know what I mean, where you just have to see the game out," Boyd explained. Institute had most of the chances... we took on board what Davy said at half-time, you know, not see the game out but just make sure we're in their faces, press as a team which we did in the second half.
"It was just one of them games, it wasn't great to watch I'm sure but it's an important win."
(Posted: Sunday, 26th November 2023)
Bangor moved back in to the top half of the PlayR-Fit Championship league table with an impressive 4-0 away win over Annagh United at the BMG Arena this afternoon.
Ben Arthurs raced through to slide the ball past Craughwell in the 9th minute and Adam Neale did likewise six minutes later. Neale doubled his tally for the afternoon from the penalty spot on 28 minutes to make it 3-0 at the half-time break.
A remarkable piece of skill from Reece Neale on the left gave him time and space to pick out a pass for his brother Adam to bag a hat-trick and slot home Bangor's fourth.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster, R.Neale, D.Hume, L.Francis(R.Arthur), S.Brown, J.Henderson, L.Harrison(K.Devine), M.Watterson(J.Hughes), B.Arthurs(C.Craig), A.Neale(M.Halliday).
Subs: M.Orbinson, B.Walker
NEXT MATCH
Saturday, 2nd December - BALLYCLARE COMRADES v BANGOR, Dixon Park, Championship, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 25th November 2023)
Saturday, November 25 – Bangor Reserves vs Institute U21, Championship/PIL Development League, Clandeboye Park, 11am kick-off
Bangor Reserves are in Championship/PIL Development League action once more as David Downes prepares his side to face their Institute counterparts at Clandeboye Park.
The Seasiders, who strengthened their position at the top of the table last time out when overcoming Ards Reserves in a North Down Derby success at Londonderry Park, are unbeaten and have dropped only two points all season as they look to keep their title ambitions ticking over this weekend.
A victory last Saturday that was inspired by first-half finishes from the returning Ryan Arthur and Sonny Redford – although boss Downes also stressed after the match that he felt there were more goals in the game – it is seventh-placed 'Stute's turn to make the long journey down from the north west to tackle the in-form Yellows, who have 22 points from their eight matches so far and are on a run of four consecutive wins.
With seven points separating the table-toppers from the chasing pack, albeit with varying amounts of games played to date across the division, the hope is that another three-point weekend will be forthcoming. Kick-off at Clandeboye Park is at 11am.
(Posted: Friday, 24th November 2023)
The BMG Arena is Bangor's destination this Saturday, with the Playr-Fit Championship campaign continuing into a testing encounter with Annagh United.
After a 2-2 draw with Portadown last weekend left the Seasiders still on the search for a first victory since mid-October, the other second-tier representative of the Co Armagh town will be eager to boost their fortunes at the expense of their visitors.
Finishes by Ben Arthurs and Lewis Harrison shot Lee Feeney's men into a two-goal lead over the Ports at Clandeboye Park, but two late strikes by Dougie Wilson and Eamon Fyfe meant the visitors escaped with a share of the spoils. Ciaran McGurgan's Annagh, who Bangor overcame 3-1 last month thanks to goals from Arthurs, Jack Henderson and Ben Walker, will target a dose of payback in what is the Yellows' first league-related trip to Tandragee Road in a little over four years – that was a Premier Intermediate League clash in those days.
Performances have continued to be up to scratch despite the downturn in results, though, and Feeney will have his charges fired up to make their return to winning ways this weekend. Between the seventh and eighth-placed sides in the division, each level on 22 points, it should make for an interesting battle.
Bangor striker Ben Arthurs is anticipating a difficult match against Annagh United as he sets his sights on a fresh return to winning form this weekend.
Lee Feeney's Seasiders have gone five matches without a win in the Playr-Fit Championship but it is not for the want of trying, with three pleasing displays against H&W Welders, Newington and Portadown all not matched with three points that have eluded the squad since a 5-1 triumph over basement dwellers Knockbreda on Sunday, October 15.
The Yellows' last victory on a Saturday was, in fact, the reverse of this weekend's fixture, when Arthurs marked the scoresheet alongside home town duo Ben Walker and Jack Henderson in a superb 3-1 success over Ciaran McGurgan's Annagh. The Kircubbin frontman is now targeting a third successive goalscoring game having notched up his 10th strike of the season – and 116th in a Bangor shirt – against the Ports last time out, but he is well aware that he and his team-mates must work hard to record back-to-back victories over the Tandragee Road men.
Arthurs played the full 90 when Bangor last travelled to the BMG Arena in a league context, in which Annagh ran out 2-1 victors in a Premier Intermediate League battle in November 2019, and he is wary that, as the sides joust a level higher, the task will be just as difficult.
"Of course, this weekend's going to be a tough test for us," Arthurs explained. "Annagh are a quality team, they've been up towards the top of this league for the past few seasons and reached the promotion play-offs, so we can't afford to take them lightly when we play them this weekend.
"Yes, we beat them earlier in the season, and we played well that day to get the three points, but I've been impressed with Annagh every time I've seen them and they've got dangerous players all across the pitch. We know they've got players in there who can hurt us, and it's going to take the whole team being sharp all across the pitch to get another win.
"The last three games, we're disappointed that we've only got two points out of them; I think we could've got seven or nine points out of those games and no one would've really had any complaints.
"But this league's crazy, any team can turn up on their day and it's hard to predict, so all we can do is turn up and play our best on Saturday. After all, what better time of the week is there than 3pm on a Saturday playing football? You can't beat it, so I'm looking forward." Arthurs also felt having players like outstanding teenage centre-back Lewis Francis, versatile forward Ben Cushnie and leader-like defender Ryan Arthur return from injury provided a fresh injection of belief going into the challenges to come.
Fan favourite Arthur (28), who scored within 90 seconds of his first competitive outing of the season in Bangor Reserves' derby delight over their Ards equivalents last Saturday, was singled out for his vocal nature by the 25-year-old striker, while Francis (19) and Cushnie (22) – team-mates at Dungannon Swifts last campaign – have both made promising impressions since their respective loan arrivals from the Swifts and Glentoran.
Arthurs elaborated: "It's been good to get a few more bodies back in recently, Lewis came back into the team against Portadown and it was like he was never away, I thought he was really impressive again, and then Cush, getting him back in, he's great to play with; he works hard and gets into good positions.
"And then big Ryan, he's an important player for us, and that's off the pitch as well. Even in the changing room, he's vocal, he's a vocal presence and he lifts our spirits.
"It's important to have leaders in the team, and Ryan certainly is that in terms of the way he goes about himself, and having him back in and around the squad's going to be good for us going forward. It's a great feeling having those sorts of guys back in and getting players back from injury, that boosts the morale too, so long may that continue."
(Posted: Friday, 24th November 2023)
PORTS DRAW DISAPPOINTING BUT WE'LL BE BACK TO WINNING WAYS SOON: BEN ARTHURS
Bangor goalscorer Ben Arthurs admits it was a disappointment to have to settle for a draw against high-flying Portadown.
The hosts held a two-goal lead right until the closing minutes of this Playr-Fit Championship encounter, when Dougie Wilson and Eamon Fyfe strikes cancelled out a couple of fantastic first-half drives by Arthurs and midfield maestro Lewis Harrison. The Kircubbin striker, who broke the deadlock 16 minutes into proceedings at Clandeboye Park – he chested down David Hume’s whipped delivery from the right before venomously powering past Aaron Hogg in the Ports goal – moved into double digits for goals across all competitions in that moment before captain Harrison volleyed in a stunning second that doubled the advantage just before the half-hour.
But the Seasiders were to be clawed back by Niall Currie’s travellers in the latter stages and denied back-to-back victories over the Shamrock Park outfit, who had earlier been defeated in the first match-up back in August.
“We were disappointed after the game, it did feel more like two points dropped. A few of the boys were saying in the club, you know, they’d have taken a point before, but just the way the game panned out… it was disappointing.
“We’re into a two-goal lead, it was two great finishes in the end from me and Lewis to build that up and put us on the front foot, but they scored two goals in the 84th and 91st minutes and obviously they’re back up the road with a point. Portadown are one of the best teams in the league, they’re one of the best teams we’ll face and obviously, with that in mind, it’d have been a great result to get back to winning ways, a big game to win at home. That would’ve been great, it was great to see and play in front of such a big crowd as well, but it wasn’t quite to be.”
A winless run of five matches would ordinarily be cause for concern, but that isn’t really the case on the Clandeboye Road. Yellows boss Lee Feeney was pleased by the standard of performance against both H&W Welders (a 1-1 draw at home) and Newington (a 2-1 away defeat) and foresaw a results upturn sooner rather than later. The Kilkeel supremo almost got that against the Ports, but Bangor’s recent tale of so near yet so far is prolonged just a little bit longer. Arthurs, who bagged his 116th finish in yellow and blue on Saturday and has now notched up double-digit goalscoring campaigns at the second, third and fourth-tiers, wants to provide a fresh injection and boost his numbers to inspire a welcome return to winning ways.
“Yeah, that’s me up to 10 goals this season, it’s a good milestone but I feel I can do better. I think I’m on five in terms of the league, that was my fifth there, so I’m wanting to get to the stage where I’m scoring near enough every week and I’m looking to close the gap on those who are sort of at the top of the charts.
“Goalscoring’s a job for players like me and the likes of Adam (Neale), so I’m fully wanting to keep pushing on and picking up more points for the team with my goals.
“Against the Welders, I probably hold myself accountable, and Newington as well… I’d great chances in those games, I hit the post against the Welders, and then against Newington, you know, I’d two really good opportunities in the first half – one, to be fair, it was great reflexes from the keeper, and the other I feel I really should’ve scored two or three minutes in and that has us on the board early.
“Even against Portadown, there were a couple of times I went close – I’d a header that I just put wide and then there was one I tried to chip the keeper, and if they go in, then you’re on the way and out of sight, but that has me motivated, I’m always going into games believing I can score more goals.
“But you have to take those in your stride and always demand more of yourself, so I was glad to get on the scoresheet against Portadown, but that’s now five games without a win so we also really want to put three points on the board.
“The past three weeks, we’re feeling like we could’ve had nine points out of those games but it hasn’t happened for us. Against Institute and Ballinamallard, it wasn’t good enough those days but I also didn’t feel like they were 3-0 or 4-0 games, so we’re not concerned about performances, really.
“I know my role in the team, a lot of it is about finishing off the chances others create – and we have been, the whole team has – and that’s what I want to do, we’re not far from getting back to winning ways and I want to score goals that help us to wins.”
25-year-old sharp-shooter Arthurs went on to pay tribute to the collective spirit inside the dressing room and reckons it will underpin their future successes. The motivation is high to put three seemingly elusive points on the board, with Bangor next leaving their calling card at the BMG Arena when facing Annagh United this Saturday.
“I love our changing room,” adds Arthurs. “I love being a part of it, honestly, this squad.“There’s a great buzz around the club, we’re playing in front of big crowds every week and we’re all out there, in terms of the personalities in there, we’re all fighting for each other.
“The team spirit is top level, we’re all out there working hard and we’ll be going into training this week confident that we can knock it on the head, this run of games without a win, and go into the weekend believing we can win the game.
“It’s starting to click in terms of the way we’re playing, we know what we need to do in terms of how we play and it’s just about going into games now and getting the job done.
“It’s another tough game against Annagh this Saturday, but I believe we’ve got the character and the standard of performances to go and get a result.”
(Posted: Monday, 20th November 2023)
Bangor Reserves bagged the first regional bragging rights of the season when they overcame their Ards counterparts at Londonderry Park on Saturday.
The Seasiders were up to their tricks right from the off, with Ryan Arthur – who was making his first competitive appearance since a serious ankle injury ruled him out of action in pre-season – opening the scoring just 90 minutes in when he looped a header in off the underside of the crossbar.
David Downes' charges continued to create chances, but near-misses and woodwork strikes, which striker Jay Boyd did against his former employers when his venomous bobbling drive rebounded off the upright, kept the advantage at one right up until added-time. An instinctive close-range finish from Sonny Redford after Charley Craig had sent the ball into the area doubled the lead right on the stroke of half-time.
A scoreless second half was again punctuated by goalscoring opportunities, with Bangor seeing out the clean sheet and moving up to 22 points from 24 in the Championship/PIL Development League. They are next in action this coming Saturday when Institute are the visitors to Clandeboye Park, with kick-off timetabled for 11am.
Bangor Reserves manager David Downes revealed that he felt a tad disappointed despite coming away with the regional bragging rights on Saturday.
That's because he felt there were chances to make their eventual 2-0 winning scoreline over Ards Reserves even bigger, praising the performance on and off the ball but also pointing out that he wants standards in front of goal to stay as high as possible.
Downes went on to praise his squad depth and the overall quality of players at his disposal, and he believes the collective fight around the squad can keep the club flying high at the top of the Championship/PIL Development League. A collective hunger across a young squad to fight for each other and provide healthy competition, he believes, will underpin the Seasiders' title push and help them stay on the winning path.
"I was a bit disappointed, actually," admitted the Reserves boss. "I was disappointed more that we didn't really have the clinical edge where I'd have liked it.
"I felt we'd the chances to have the game wrapped up before half-time. I felt we were doing everything right, how we were building up attacks, how we were off the ball and the way we were pressing, but we weren't as efficient in front of goal which we always want to stay sharp in. We got the two goals in the first half, but there were chances to add to that. We had a goal disallowed (from Sonny Redford), we hit the woodwork (through Jay Boyd) and we had a couple of moments where the ball just went around the post.
"The beauty of it is, though, there's so much competition for places in our squad that no one knows who's starting week in, week out. Some squads, you might have players who you know are going to be in the team, but our squad and our strength in depth is so good that our players never have a place locked down and know they need to fight for their place in the team.
"With our centre-forwards, we have brilliant strength in depth. We had Sonny and Jay playing up top today, we'd Charley (Craig) on the pitch (playing right wing-back), we'd Callum (Johnston) and Jude (Carlisle) as well who came off the bench and made a positive impact. It really is a game by game, if there's a player who's in-form and scoring goals then they'll get the nod, but I know I've someone who's hungry and waiting to make their chances count when the opportunity comes. I think that's a great place to be in, the players work hard for each other and that's all part of the culture I've wanted to bring to this set-up. I'm very pleased with that."
(Posted: Monday, 20th November 2023)
Bangor let a two goal lead slip in a thrilling game at Clandeboye Park this afternoon.
Ben Arthurs controlled a deep cross from David Hume and lashed in the opener past Hogg in the 16th minute. 14 minutes later, Captain Lewis Harrison rifled in the second with a spectacular volley.
The Seasiders looked to be heading for all three points until the 84th minute when Wilson scrambled one back for Portadown. The Portadown equaliser from Fyfe came one minute in to injury time.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, B.Walker, D.Hume, R.Neale, L.Francis, J.Henderson, L.Harrison, B.Cushnie(A.Neale), S.McArthur(K.Devine), B.Arthurs, T.Mathieson(D.O'Kane).
Subs: M.Orbinson, M.Halliday, R.Arthur, R.Wright
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 25th November 2023 - ANNAGH UNITED v BANGOR, Championship, BMG Arena, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 18th November 2023)
Saturday, November 18 – Bangor vs Portadown, Playr-Fit Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3pm kick-off
Bangor return to home soil in the Playr-Fit Championship this Saturday when they welcome high-flying Portadown to Clandeboye Park.
, the relegated side from last season's Premiership, could take top spot if they avoid defeat on their foray east, but Niall Currie will not settle for second-best as Bangor, on 21 points, look to get back on the winning trail and into the top half again, which could happen with a victory this weekend.
Both teams have their respective reasons to win, which should make for a pulsating affair this weekend.
Bangor boss Lee Feeney has spoken of the determination within the playing camp to put things right and end a four-game winless streak against Portadown in the Playr-Fit Championship.
The promotion-chasing Ports travel to Clandeboye Park hungry to atone for when the Seasiders took all three points on their trip to Shamrock Park in late August, when Scott McArthur's 12th-minute strike proved enough to secure victory in a fantastic display by Feeney's men. Although it is later in the season, with Niall Currie's side second-placed in the league, the Kilkeel chief is confident his men have the keys to complete another victory.
"We were hurting after that (against Newington), but we're dusting ourselves down quickly and focusing on this game," Feeney insisted.
"Portadown's going to be a huge challenge for us, no doubt about it, but I'm looking back at the last two performances and I've seen plenty of positives from those games and where we need to improve to get a result.
"They're a strong team, but I think that (recent results) makes us fired up to go out and produce a performance. The first time we played them, we put on a really outstanding performance up at their place and it was good enough to beat them, and I'm confident in the boys, I'm confident that we can get back on the right track again and pick up a result."
(Posted: Friday, 17th November 2023)
Bangor Reserves midfielder Mitchel Watterson is in high spirits ahead of this week's North Down Derby against Ards, where the young Seasiders will aim to record their seventh win in eight matches in the Championship/PIL Development League.
After a fantastic 3-1 victory over H&W Welders in what was billed as a first-versus-second battle, David Downes' charges rose to the occasion – particularly Watterson, who struck twice to help consolidate the three points at Clandeboye Park.
As the action turns to Londonderry Park against Ards, who are ninth-place in the division with nine points from six matches, Watterson believes his team's recent form gives them a big boost going into a highly charged tussle where regional bragging rights are at stake.
"Yeah, it's good for the lads to be going in with a winning mentality, and we've been doing well," he says.
"So, it's a big game against Ards and we'll prepare well and do the exact same that we did against the Welders."
(Posted: Friday, 17th November 2023)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney praised a positive performance but lamented the lack of reward as the side fell 2-1 to Newington on Saturday.
The boss pointed to a first half where he felt his Seasiders had enough chances to decide the outcome there and then but failed to convert, rueing his squad’s luck thereafter as strikes by Neil Cummings and Zach Barr saw the Swans race into a two-goal lead at Inver Park in Larne.
Defensively, Feeney also reserved plaudits for what he deemed to be an organised showing – excluding during the build-up to the ‘Ton’s finishes – and, although Ben Arthurs’ well-placed finish three minutes from time was not to yield any points to take home, felt the creativity on offer inspired hope that it is not for the want of trying.
Insisting that performances have continued to meet his expectations despite a run of four matches without a win, the Kilkeel supremo has no cause for concern but says he will keep trying to enhance his panel’s efficiency at both ends of the pitch.
“No one’s more hurt than the players."
"The first half, we were dominating the game, we controlled the play. We were creating chances, I felt we created enough chances to be maybe 2, 3-0 up at half-time, and I felt we were defending our territory really well; we were defending well in our own half and the opposition half and they (Newington) weren’t creating any chances. I told the boys at half-time, when we went in and it was 0-0… it’s a ruthless league. Teams are ruthless at this level, and they come out and they score right at the start of the second half and, after that, they score a second. They were probably the only times in the game that we let our guard down in defence and we were punished for it, and we accept that; it was tough to take at the end.
“Overall, I felt we were well-organised in terms of our shape, and there were three, four, five colossal performances in there. I wouldn’t say there was anyone who played badly, everyone did okay, and there were a lot of players in there who didn’t deserve to be on the losing side. It’s just coming back to that again, being better in both boxes, and we’ll keep working hard in training on that. I believe it will click at some point… Ben (Arthurs) and Adam (Neale), yes, it’s been a step up in level, but they’re two players who both got 20-plus goals last season, so I think the best is still to come from them.
“It’d be more concerning for me, especially going into a big, big game against Portadown, if we were losing games and playing poorly, but we’re coming in on the back of playing really well last week (against H&W Welders) and playing well again here. It’s not a case of performances not being there, it’s just about quality in both boxes and improving that. It probably was one of the toughest defeats to take because of how well we played, but we took our medicine, we’ll learn from it.”
Feeney was also pleased to welcome back some wounded warriors, with striker Ben Cushnie and centre-back Lewis Francis returning from respective injury absences to enter the fray off the bench against Newington. The manager was boosted by their comebacks after each spent several weeks rehabilitating, but he added that he would not use injuries as an excuse given the modern nature of football.
He said: “It’s always good to get bodies back in, and we have been operating at the bare bones in recent weeks with players being out. We’re now starting to get some of those who had been missing back playing again. We’ve Ben Cushnie, we’ve Lewis Francis, both came off the bench and that was a positive, that’s strengthened our depth a bit more. But at the same time, we’re not making excuses for ourselves or using that as an excuse to drop our standards. When you’re in that situation, you’re counting on the rest of the squad to cover and plug some of those holes, fill in and do a job when we are short on numbers.
“You’ve got Sean Brown there, who’s spent most of the season playing right centre-back – we signed him as a right wing-back. You’ve Reece Neale who’s playing left centre-back and came in as a left wing-back. I think it’s the demands of modern football now that players have to be able to play in at least two positions, and that’s what I want to see – players working at a high standard wherever they’re asked to play. I’ve been pleased with that, with the attitude of the players to perform different roles when I’ve asked them to.”
(Posted: Monday, 13th November 2023)
Bangor FC Ladies were in action on Friday night in the Women's NI Futsal Super League, when they tasted defeat for the first time this season against Crusaders Strikers.
Bidding to follow up a 9-0 victory on the opening night against Ballyclare Comrades Ladies a fortnight ago, it wasn't quite to be for those in yellow and blue this week as the Crues ran out 5-2 winners at Shankill Leisure Centre.
Olivia Brown found the net for the second successive match-day when she hit the target against the north Belfast side, while Robyn McFadden also added her name to the goal count for the first time this term, but it wasn't enough to gain a points reward from the contest.
The squad will be hopeful of returning to winning fortunes when they make the step into their third outing of the campaign
(Posted: Monday, 13th November 2023)
Bangor Reserves produced a fantastic performance to inflict a first defeat of the season upon Harland and Wolff Welders' U21 side and remain top of the Championship/PIL Development League.
A first half that was punctuated by several sequences of good play also brought two goals, with Ruairi Wright and then Mitchel Watterson hitting the target to hand David Downes' men a deserved advantage at half-time. Wright opened the scoring after 17 minutes and was alert to prod past Welders shot-stopper Yusuf Mersin for the opener, while Watterson's finish off the post just before the half-hour mark doubled the lead in an encounter of the league's top two.
The east Belfast side pulled a goal back when a low shot slipped through the grasp of Marc Orbinson and into the net on 65 minutes, but Mitchel Watterson made the points safe 12 minutes from time with a fine finish when he shrugged off a defender, rounded Mersin and slotted low and in.
Against opposition boasting Welders first-teamers like Mersin, Ewan McCoubrey, Callum Byers and Jonny Frazer, Downes was left well impressed come the finish as Bangor rise to 19 points from a possible 21 ahead of next weekend's North Down Derby against Ards.
"WE SHOWED STEEL AND DISCIPLINE TO BEAT WELDERS."
Bangor Reserves' two-goal hero Mitchel Watterson felt his side put their mental resolve on full display to fend off the response of Harland and Wolff Welders U21 in yesterday's top-of-the-table league clash.
Midfielder Watterson bagged well-taken finishes either side of half-time that added to Ruairi Wright's first-half opener – the second of which came after the Welders had clawed back to within one goal of snatching a draw. p>But the teenager showed class and composure to round the east Belfast team's stopper Yusuf Mersin and slot low into the net, putting the cherry on top of a 3-1 victory that keeps David Downes' squad atop the Championship/PIL Development League table.
Watterson, who made his first senior match-day squad appearance in the 4-0 defeat to Institute at the Brandywell last month, found it an enjoyable game to be a part of against a Welders panel that also included Ewan McCoubrey, Jonny Frazer and Callum Byers, and he was pleased with the squad's overall discipline to secure three important points.
He explained: "Yep, it was a good game, obviously the first goal came across the box, took it well, post and in, and into half-time, it's just keeping discipline – the whole team, not just me but everyone."We came out the second half, they were kind of all over us, they came out guns blazing... we just had to make sure we had to keep the line and keep disciplined.
"Second goal, it was crucial, we needed to get it. The next goal (with the score 2-1) was obviously the most important goal; if they (the Welders) got it, they were back in it, but I'm glad I got the two goals and played well, so I'm glad we got the win.
"They came out (for the second half), and it's always, it's football, they always want to come out second half and be on top of you, but you just need to learn to deal with that and cut out the individual mistakes. But I thought we dealt with it well, and we went out and got the next goal (after conceding) and we dealt with it well."
(Posted: Monday, 13th November 2023)
Newington wrapped up all three points at Inver Park yesterday as Ben Arthurs' late strike proved not to be enough for Bangor to claim a share of the spoils.
The hosts won this Playr-Fit Championship encounter between two sides who started the day level on points, with Lee Feeney's Seasiders staying on 21 and dropping down to eighth-place in the Playr-Fit Championship table.
After a first half where the visitors piled on the pressure but were unable to break the deadlock, Newington drew first blood just two minutes following the restart when Neil Cummings put them in front. The Swans doubled their advantage midway through the second period when Zach Barr found the net after making a darting run behind the defence, with Bangor left chasing the game at that point.
Arthurs converted on 87 minutes after Scott McArthur offered him a route to goal, but the 'Ton saw out the remainder of the contest and held on to secure the victory. Bangor will hope for better fortunes when they host Portadown in the Playr-Fit Championship next weekend (kick-off 3pm).
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, S.Foster(T.Mathieson), D.Hume(L.Francis), S.Brown, B.Walker, K.Devine(B.Cushnie), L.Harrison, D.O'Kane, A.Neale(S.McArthur), B.Arthurs.
Subs: M.Orbinson, M.Halliday
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 18th November - BANGOR v PORTADOWN, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3:00PM
(Posted: Saturday, 11th November 2023)
Bangor FC is delighted to announce a new partnership with Doyle Shipping Group and have the company's support for the future endeavours of the 2023/24 campaign.
The sponsorship will see the Doyle Shipping Group logo visible on the men’s first-team tracksuits throughout the season. We are thankful for their backing, which is reflected by their logo's appearance on our training gear.
(Posted: Friday, 10th November 2023)
After ending a two-game losing streak with last Saturday's 1-1 draw against H&W Welders, Bangor will bid to record three points when they travel to Larne to face Newington this Remembrance weekend.
The Seasiders, chasing a first victory since the 5-1 success at Knockbreda in the middle of October, will do battle with the Swans as equals – the sides are locked together on 21 points, with Newington ahead in the standings in sixth-place courtesy of merely goals scored.
Lee Feeney watched his charges defeat the 'Ton in the first meeting at Clandeboye Park, when Tom Mathieson struck a last-minute winner to add to Ben Cushnie's opener in a 2-1 victory, and a similar outcome for the Bangor boss would hardly go unwelcome.
(Posted: Friday, 10th November 2023)
Bangor manager Lee Feeney has warned that Newington will be ready to pounce should the Seasiders drop off from the high levels he felt his players set themselves last weekend.
Feeney was full of praise for the way his charges acquitted themselves in the 1-1 draw with H&W Welders, when Adam Neale's third goal of the campaign cancelled out Matthew Ferguson's third-minute opener for the visitors, and admitted stopping the slide with a sharing of the spoils at Clandeboye Park last Saturday was just the tonic after heavy defeats to Institute (4-0) and Ballinamallard United (3-0).
But the Kilkeel supremo insists that is no cause for a let-up and expects his team to be just as sharp when taking on the Swans at Larne's Inver Park in the next Playr-Fit Championship outing.
Although Newington have had the brakes put on a thrilling start to the campaign, losing six of their last seven league matches following a mirror run of six victories in seven that set them off on a flyer, Feeney knows that any hint of complacency will be pounced on by the hosts.
"We've seen it with this league, you know," he says. "Any team can beat any team on any given day, and you can't go into any game expecting the points just to be handed to you.
"The middle of the league is so tight, and that's where we are at the moment. From our point of view, we were happy to put a point on the board, and we're hoping that'll be the platform that puts us back on the right track.
"We'll be preparing this week (for the game against Newington) and we'll be organising our game-plan to make sure we're in the best position to go out and deliver a performance. You find that if you make mistakes in this league, against any team, you'll get punished for it, and that's where we need to make sure we're on it and be at our best and put another win on the board."
Kick-off at Inver Park this Saturday, November 11, is at 3pm.
(Posted: Friday, 10th November 2023)
Saturday, November 11 – Bangor Reserves vs Harland and Wolff Welders U21, Championship/PIL Development League, Clandeboye Park, 11am kick-off
Bangor Reserves are involved in a mouthwatering battle of first against second at Clandeboye Park when they take on H&W Welders' young guns on Saturday morning.
The Seasiders, who lead the league on 16 points, are trailed by merely one point by their east Belfast visitors, who are a perfect five from five from their league matches played to date.
With a match in hand on their hosts, the Welders know they will wrestle the top spot off Bangor and take it for themselves should they secure all three points, hence home supremo David Downes will have his players fired up to deliver after extending their strong start last weekend with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Queen's University. Charley Craig scored the winner in an otherwise scrappy affair, and he and his team-mates will look to continue their imposing form with a statement success this time around.
Kick-off at Clandeboye Park this Saturday, November 11, is at 11am.
(Posted: Friday, 10th November 2023)
Bangor Reserves' return to league action did not come with a deviation from winning ways as Charley Craig struck the only goal of the game to take down Queen's University.
A scrappy encounter at The Dub in south Belfast was to be decided by one moment of joy for striker Craig, who ensured that Bangor had picked up 16 of the 18 points on offer to date in the Championship/PIL Development League.
It also sees the Seasiders retain their status as division pacesetters with half a dozen league matches contested, only dropping points against Portadown at the end of September and winning each of the other five games to keep a three-point lead over second-placed Institute. After the players kept ticking over by overcoming Magherafelt Sky Blues 5-2 in a friendly, that translated well to edge this tight clash and put three more points in the bank.
The Under-20s are next in action against Harland and Wolff Welders at Clandeboye Park next Saturday, November 11. Kick-off is at 11am.
(Posted: Monday, 6th November 2023)
Although disappointed not to net three points at a sunny Clandeboye Park on Saturday, Lee Feeney declared himself satisfied with the efforts of his Bangor players as they stopped their brief losing rot in the Playr-Fit Championship.
After sharp-shooting Matthew Ferguson put Harland and Wolff Welders a goal to the good inside three minutes, Adam Neale’s reply just after the half-hour brought parity back to the scoreline – and 1-1 it stayed for the remainder as both sides settled for a draw and a share of the spoils having also played out a goalless stalemate at Blanchflower Park in September.
The Seasiders, having scored none and conceded seven in bitter reversals to Institute and Ballinamallard United in the past fortnight, had chances to nudge the game, but two teams who started the day locked on 20 points are each one better off but remain evenly matched. A winner by nature, home boss Feeney – who reserved special praise for goalscorer Neale, strike partner Ben Arthurs and his younger brother Reece when reflecting post-match – felt the victory was in sight, but a strong collective display was enough to inspire him that the turbulence of late has been left behind.
“I was really pleased with the performance,” the Kilkeel manager said. “I felt on Saturday, there were some real big performances; there were so many players who stood up. The past two weeks, looking back, obviously they were two heavy enough defeats and even though I didn’t feel we were that far out of the game, but we didn’t really have those big performances.
“I felt there were some colossal performances out there, and I don’t mind naming them – Reece Neale, I thought he was absolutely outstanding, and big Ben Arthurs, too; when he’s on top form, he can be unplayable at times.
“Reece, I thought he really led the team from the back, and he’s a young pup still in football years but he has a top, top personality. He’s a real leader. He’s a huge character in the dressing room and I felt his overall performance really showed how he gets people up for games. And Ben, I felt on Saturday that he was more aggressive, he was a bit more angry, and I was saying to him to go out there and be like that. The way he won that header (for the goal), the way he knocked the other guy off, the hunger and desire to win it and get it into the six-yard area… I was delighted with that, and that’s what I know he’s capable of. For me, when he’s got that aggression, it makes him a better player.”
The direct link-up between his strikers for the equaliser, when Arthurs won his aerial battle and teed up Neale to nod past Welders shot-stopper Yusuf Mersin from six yards out, was a welcome sight for Feeney.
The 30-year-old Ballynahinch forward notched up his third finish of the campaign, and it has been a stop-start pursuit of goals since the step-up to Championship level, but Clandeboye chief Feeney felt it was just reward for how Neale has been acquitting himself during games.
“I was delighted to see the two of them combine for the goal,” the manager continued. “Adam’s maybe not had it all his own way in front of goal this season, but he works so hard for the team, he’s got a super attitude and I’m glad for him that he got his goal, which was a great piece of anticipation from him as well.He’s been trying to make it happen; he’s not had the luck of it but he’s been working to get in those types of positions and be on the end of those types of chances. He got in ahead of the ‘keeper and he made sure he put the ball in the net. Hopefully now, this is the start of a run for Adam.”
On the duo’s partnership that yielded 58 strikes in last season’s double-winning escapade, he added: “I trust Adam and Ben, and even when they’ve not been scoring, I trust both of them to go out there and do a job, lead from the front and really lift those around them. That’s why they’ve been starting games together and I’ve seen no need to change. I trust them, the coaches trust them, their team-mates trust them, and I know they’ve got what it takes to make a difference, and I’m glad they did.”
Feeney also reinforced his admiration for the character and personality of his dressing room, elaborating on why he was never in doubt that his charges would return to better fortunes. The ex-Linfield and Rangers star also challenged them to keep that mindset up and, even if it did not result in three points at the weekend, that spirit and level of chance creation is what is needed to secure the maximum fruits going forward.
“We’d chances to win the game, Ben was unlucky hitting the woodwork a couple of times and I felt we bossed the play for large amounts of the game,” reflected Feeney. “There was the chance right at the end, I thought it was in – the (Welders) ‘keeper spilt the ball with the last kick, I thought it was going to go over the line but, to be fair to him, he did well to regather himself. It was a bit disappointing from that point of view, that we could’ve won it, but it’s massively positive we’ve stopped that wee mini-run and got a good point.
“As I’ve said, there’s great characters in that dressing room – and for being a young squad, too, a lot of young players in there, the collective mentality for such a young group, it really is brilliant. Injuries have brought us down to the bare bones recently, and we’re looking forward to getting more bodies back, but as long as they have that belief, they can do anything.”
(Posted: Monday, 6th November 2023)
A first half Adam Neale header from a Ben Arthurs cross levelled matters for Bangor as the Seasiders played out an entertaining 1-1 draw with H&W Welders at Clandeboye Park this afternoon.
Bangor had fallen behind to a Matthew Ferguson header in the 3rd minute before Adam Neale pounced to nod the ball past Mersin in the 31st minute. Ben Arthurs was unlucky not to get himself on the scoresheet, hitting the Welders crossbar in the first half and then striking the upright in the 62nd minute. Welders keeper Mersin got down to deny Arthurs in the closing seconds as he just about managed to stop his low shot from crossing the line.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, D.Hume, A.Omar(S.Foster), S.Brown, B.Walker, K.Devine(D.O'Kane), L.Harrison, S.McArthur(J.Henderson), B.Arthurs, A.Neale(T.Mathieson).
Subs: M.Orbinson, J.Hughes, M.Halliday
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 11th November, NEWINGTON v BANGOR, Championship, Inver Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 4th November 2023)
After a run of two successive defeats, Bangor will have a particular keenness to return to winning ways when taking on Harland and Wolff Welders in a finely poised Playr-Fit Championship encounter.
Two teams that are separated by one place and no points, and who played out a goalless draw in the first meeting of the sides in mid-September, the winner will hope to gain at the loser's expense – and in the Seasiders' case, that would mean leapfrogging their east Belfast-based visitors and moving back into the top half of the table following successive defeats to Institute (4-0) and Ballinamallard United (3-0) throughout the last fortnight.
Paul Kee's Welders, who themselves were on a run of two straight losses prior to last week's comeback triumph over Stute – they hit four goals in the final 20 minutes at Blanchflower Park to win 4-1, with the visitors having been reduced to 10 men in the first half – are hoping to surge up the table, and that latest win continues a trend whereby four of their six league successes to date had come after they conceded the first goal. They also possess the joint-top marksman in the division, Matthew Ferguson, who bolstered his tally of nine with a brace last week.
And with 25 goals scored in total, Bangor boss Lee Feeney is wary of the threat the yellow-and-black-shirted outfit will pose. Nevertheless, his and his team's determination to offer a response will be through the roof, and after that home reversal to the Mallards in unenviable weather conditions last time out, the manager will be hopeful that his charges have a spring in their step.
Don't forget our NEW BOBBLE HATS and SCARVES have arrived and are available to purchase from the club shop at Clandeboye Park, both priced at £15, and if you can't make it to the ground, simply email media@bangorfc.com and we'll get you sorted.
Saturday, November 4 – Queen's University U21 vs Bangor Reserves, Championship/PIL Development League, The Dub, 11am kick-off
Bangor Reserves are back in competitive action after a three-week hiatus to take on Queen's University's young guns at The Dub on Saturday.
As David Downes' charges sit atop the Championship/PIL Development League table having pocketed 13 out of the 15 points on offer, the Seasiders will aim to notch up a fifth league victory of the campaign when they travel to south Belfast this weekend.
The Students, who are 13th-placed out of 16 teams but enter on the back of a 1-0 victory at Institute last time out, will be fired up to surge their way up the table, and Bangor – who produced an encouraging performance to overcome Magherafelt Sky Blues 5-2 in a friendly that showed few signs of rust – must once again deliver to their usual high standards to avoid being caught in the hosts' firing line. They delivered a hugely brimming second-half display and came from behind to take down Newington U21 in their last league outing in mid-October, and that is the vein Downes will want his players to continue in.
Having expressed his delight at the brand of football being unleashed and the number of players from his squad receiving first-team call-ups, the manager has a squad high on confidence and will once again look to put the opposition under the sword. Kick-off at the Malone Road complex on Saturday is at 11am.
(Posted: Friday, 3rd November 2023)
With no league game last week, Bangor Reserves were on the road for a friendly at the Meadowbank Sports Arena to face Magherafelt Sky Blues and kept up their winning form this campaign with a 5-2 success.
The Seasiders were required to be patient early on but broke the deadlock in the first half through Callum Johnston, who also had a penalty saved in the first half. An own goal by Jacob Chisholm as he tried to clear the ball meant it was level at the break.
The second half continued in the same vein as the first with the Reserves dominating the possession, with Callum Johnston making good on it when he doubled up to make it 2-1, but Magherafelt struck again and levelled for the second time in the game after a defensive mix-up following a route one ball over the top was pounced on by the Magherafelt striker, who finished well.
An own goal after a Ruairi Wright cross into the box was followed by a fourth, which was finished off by Adam Ambrose. The fifth strike that secured the win for those in yellow and blue came shortly after, as Kristian Trainor sensationally scored directly from a corner kick.
Jude Carlisle got his first full start for the Under-20s this season and was outstanding in central midfield, giving manager Davy Downes a headache for next week's selection. Callum Johnston also staked a claim for another start after banging in two goals and hitting the crossbar.
Downes was delighted with the "unbelievable" standard of football in a "positive friendly with plenty of positives from the game" and pointed to some other fantastic pieces of play that could have added even more gloss to the scoreline.
The Reserves boss reflected: "There were also two fantastic moves from keeper to centre-forward from us. One move must have been 15 or 16 consecutive passes but narrowly missed the target by Sonny Redford, and the other from the goalkeeper, across the backline, down the right into the central midfielder then out to the left, the ball across the six-yard box but the striker was just wide of the target.
"The boys are playing possession-based football with massive confidence all over the team. If we can be more clinical in the final third, then we will be very strong all over the pitch. Then it’s just about consistency."
Downes will hope to keep that momentum flowing with Bangor back in competitive action in the Championship/PIL Development League this Saturday, November 4, when they travel to Queen's University. Kick-off at The Dub is at 11am
Lee Feeney was methodical in where he felt the weekend encounter with Ballinamallard United was won and lost – and sees no reason to panic as he bids to get Bangor back to winning ways again.
p>The Seasiders fell to a second successive defeat in the Playr-Fit Championship on Saturday, when the Mallards triumphed 3-0 at a wet and windy Clandeboye Park in an outing which saw the hosts drop to seventh-place in the standings.First-half finishes by Darragh Byrne and Simon Warrington were added to after the interval by a Jamie McGrath free-kick that wrapped up the points for the visitors to tuck away with them on the road back to Co Fermanagh. In a battle of the birds, Mark Stafford’s Ducks atoned for when their Seagull counterparts conquered them by the same scoreline at Ferney Park in early September, piling on the woe for Bangor after the previous week’s 4-0 reversal at the Brandywell against Institute.
But while fortune may not have favoured those in yellow and blue lately, Feeney is refusing to get swept away and believes there is no reason to panic as he aims to turn the tide sooner rather than later.
"Yeah, it’s exactly that, it’s a bump in the road," the Bangor boss said. "Well, I would say it’s more like a mountain in the road, as we’re obviously now coming on the back of two games where we’ve conceded seven and scored none. We need to be better in both boxes to get over that mountain. Looking back at the game, I would say we had most of the play, most of the possession, and they (Ballinamallard) had four real goalscoring chances and scored three of them. They had four real good goalscoring chances throughout the 90 minutes."
They had another, a header in a good position from a corner, but they had three really good opportunities and scored three goals. That was the difference between them and us on the day. They took their chances… I’d say they deserved the win for how they defended as well, they did a good job, but for us, we’d times where we just didn’t pick out the right final ball, and we need to be intelligent in and around the penalty area and be more ruthless.
We didn’t make the most of our chances when we were building up towards the final third, and I felt it was the same as last week (against Institute) – if we get the first goal, that could shift the momentum, but it wasn’t to be."
Some of the harsher realities of the Championship have been dished out to Bangor recently, and that puts extra demands on the players to find a way out of the rocky waves and back to calmer waters. Feeney is in no doubt, though, that he has the personalities in his squad to do just that.
"It’s fine margins in this league and we need to work on rectifying that, but I also have a top, top dressing room; there’s a lot of great characters in there, a lot of winning mentalities and the personalities to come back from a setback like this."
"There are players in there, obviously a lot of them in there from last year, who won trophies and who know how to perform under pressure, and I’m confident in them to respond and I’m confident things will get better. That’s why I’m really looking forward to playing the Welders, even with the last two results. We’ll work on things in the week and I believe we’ll come back fighting."
by Lewis Bennett
(Posted: Monday, 30th October 2023)
It was a good day for ducks as Ballinamallard United swept Bangor away in torrential Clandeboye Park rain this afternoon.
The Bangor defence were caught flat-footed in the 11th minute when a pull back from the byeline was swept home by Darragh Byrne. A defensive slip in the 34th minute let in Warrington to smash the ball past Taylor for Ballinamallard's second.
James McGrath curled a free-kick past James Taylor six minutes into the second half to complete the scoring on a thoroughly miserable afternoon for the Seasiders.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster(T.Mathieson), R.Neale, A.Omar, S.Brown, B.Walker(M.Halliday), J.Henderson(S.McArthur), K.Devine(D.O'Kane), L.Harrison, B.Arthurs, A.Neale.
Subs: M.Orbinson, J.Hughes
(Posted: Saturday, 28th October 2023)
Saturday, October 28 – Bangor vs Ballinamallard United, Playr-Fit Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3pm kick-off
After a run of five away games in the last six outings, Bangor will tackle the first of two home matches in succession in the Playr-Fit Championship as Ballinamallard United visit Clandeboye Park this Saturday.
Lee Feeney is readying his currently fourth-placed troops to respond in style following last weekend's 4-0 defeat to Institute at the Brandywell, with the Mallards making the long trip from Co Fermanagh desperate to atone for a 3-0 loss in the reverse fixture last month.
Ballinamallard, who remain under the interim tutelage of respected defender Mark Stafford following Harry McConkey's recent exit from the Ferney Park hotseat, were winners over Ballyclare Comrades last Saturday – and that victory, secured courtesy of Simon Warrington's solitary strike just after the hour mark, means they enter this clash in ninth-place and having not lost any of their last four games in the division.
Bangor could rise back above Institute and into third should results fall their way on Saturday, but a return to winning ways in front of their own fans – the Seagulls had won each of the previous two league matches beforehand, scoring eight goals in the process at home to Annagh United (3-1) and away to Knockbreda (5-1) – will be the priority aim for Feeney after a humbling time of it in the north west. Ending October on a high note and leaving the ghosts of Saturday past behind with three points here would be just the treat on Halloween weekend.
Match sponsor: Peter Ewart
Ball sponsor: Henderson Memorials
(Posted: Friday, 27th October 2023)
There was little joy for the Seasiders this afternoon on Bangor's first trip to the Brandywell in over 50 years.
Shaun Leppard opened the scoring for Institute in the 17th minute when he was quickest to react to a loose ball in the area and fired it past Taylor. Bangor were then rocked by three second half goals from the impressive Kirk McLaughlin. Bangor's best chance of the afternoon fell to Adam Neale in the second half, but he could only blast his shot straight at Muldoon.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, S.Foster, A.Omar, S.Brown, B.Walker, J.Henderson(S.McArthur), K.Devine(D.Hume), L.Harrison(D.O'Kane), A.Neale(M.Halliday), B.Arthurs(T.Mathieson).
Subs: M.Orbinson, M.Watterson
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 28th October, BANGOR v BALLINAMALLARD UNITED, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 21st October 2023)
Saturday, October 21 – Institute vs Bangor, Playr-Fit Championship, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, 3pm kick-off
This Saturday, Bangor are bound for the north west when they travel to Institute in the 12th match of this season's Playr-Fit Championship.
The Seasiders enter the clash having signed off the first third of the pre-split with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Knockbreda, entering this match-up at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in third-place – one position and one point ahead of their hosts.
Stute thought they had snatched a victory at Clandeboye Park in the first meeting of the teams back in early September, but Lewis Francis' header instead saw Bangor steal a point right at the death. The centre-back's composed finish in the seventh minute of second-half added-time had secured an almightily dramatic 1-1 draw, but his second goal of the campaign was rather one that added comfort; another header following the interval that put Lee Feeney's men 5-0 up at Breda Park on a rare Sunday kick-off.
As a result of that success in the Castlereagh Hills, blotted only by Matthew Henry's late consolation after he capitalised on a mix-up in defence, the Yellows sit on 20 points, although Institute – who, under Kevin Deery's management, are just a point further back and with a game in hand – will be especially determined to finish the job this time and leapfrog their visitors into potentially as high a place as the promotion play-off spot. It promises to be tasty in what is the Bangor's men's team's first competitive visit to this ground in 51 years.
(Posted: Friday, 20th October 2023)
The Seasiders ran out comfortable 5-1 winners over Knockbreda at a sunny Breda Park this afternoon.
Bangor went ahead within 30 seconds of the kick-off when Jack Henderson's 20 yard shot found it's way into the bottom corner of the Knockbreda net. Lewis Harrison prodded in a Reece Neale corner kick after 28 minutes and 11 minutes later, Adam Neale blasted in the third.
Sean Brown made no mistake when the Knockbreda defence gifted him a chance just after the hour mark and Lewis Francis headed in the fifth from a Dylan O'Kane corner kick a couple of minutes later. Knockbreda grabbed a late consolation in injury time.
GARY'S MATCH GALLERYBANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster(A.Omar), R.Neale, L.Francis(T.Mathieson), S.Brown, K.Devine, L.Harrison, J.Henderson(D.O'Kane), A.Neale, B.Arthurs(M.Halliday), B.Walker(D.Hume).
Sub: M.Orbinson, S.McArthur
LEAGUE TABLE
Today's victory sees the Seasiders move up to third place on 20 points in the Playr-Fit Championship with our first round of games now complete.
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 21st October 2023 - Institute v Bangor, Championship, Brandywell, 3:00pm
(Posted: Sunday, 15th October 2023)
A Clandeboye Park comeback win for Bangor Reserves, inspired by four goals in the second period, propelled them to 13 points from 15 and security at the top of the Championship/PIL Development League table.
Newington took the lead five minutes from half-time as a well-placed back-post header was cushioned past Marcus Thompson into the net. Sonny Redford and Jay Boyd each forced saves early in the second half in pursuit of an equaliser, but that pressure paid off when, on 52 minutes, Charley Craig ploughed home an accurate low drive into the bottom left corner, unerringly striking to draw Bangor back on level terms.
Then, on 70 minutes, Mitchel Watterson rammed the Seasiders in front. He picked up a through-ball in his stride and slotted beyond the goalkeeper to put David Downes' team in front before, just three minutes later, Sonny Redford blasted the hosts into a two-goal cushion from inside the six-yard area.
The outcome was finally signed and sealed one minute from time when Ryan Nixon strode forward from defence, fended off a number of challenges and slid in at the near post to round off a comfortable and commanding second-half performance.
(Posted: Saturday, 14th October 2023)
After a trip to Larne on Tuesday night, Castlereagh is the port of call this Sunday when Bangor travel to face Knockbreda in the Playr-Fit Championship.
The Seasiders, who were knocked out of the County Antrim Shield by the Inver Reds in midweek, bid to return to winning ways against a Breda outfit that is still on the search for their first point of the season after 10 matchdays. As a consequence, they are rooted to the bottom of the table, but a brave 4-3 win away to Ballymena United in the Shield Round of 16 proves they have some steel about them.
Most recently, these two sides met in the 2022 Promotion/Relegation Play-Off, with Knockbreda emerging as 4-2 winners on aggregate despite Bangor creating scenes of pandemonium at Clandeboye Park when Ben Arthurs and Zac Fletcher strikes in added-time hauled back a two-goal deficit. It was a heartbreaker for the yellow and blue following at a sunny Breda Park, but now, the two teams do meet as Championship equals less than 18 months on.
Lee Feeney will be targeting a second consecutive league victory on this occasion, having claimed total spoils last time out thanks to Jack Henderson, Ben Arthurs and Ben Walker goals against Annagh United. Doing so against Colin McIlwrath's men would lift them up to 20 points and, pending other results, perhaps as high as second-place.
BANGOR RESERVES VS NEWINGTON U21: SEASIDERS EYE SWIFT RETURN TO VICTORY
Saturday, October 14 – Bangor Reserves vs Newington U21, Championship/PIL Development League, Clandeboye Park, 11am kick-off
Bangor Reserves are eyeing a return to winning fortunes when they welcome Newington U21 to Clandeboye Park in the Championship/PIL Development League this Saturday.
David Downes' men were agonisingly eliminated from the Junior Shield last week, when they were defeated in a penalty shoot-out to Limavady Rugby FC that spelt the end of their interest in the competition at Bangor Sportsplex. Following a 2-2 draw in which the hosts led twice, and with extra-time not able to split the teams, the outcome was decided on spot-kicks where the visitors prevailed.
Downes, who was delighted to see Academy trio Sam Millar, Kristian Trainor and Ethan Scott named to the bench for the seniors' County Antrim Shield clash with Larne on Tuesday night – forward-thinking left-back Millar and fleet-footed forward Trainor were introduced during the second half – will hope for a quick return to victory and three more points that would boost the Reserves' tally to 13 from 15 possible.
Most recently, a fortnight ago, the Seasiders were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Portadown Reserves in a game Downes felt his team had done enough to win. Both he and his players will aim to be at their clinical best against the Swans this weekend.
(Posted: Friday, 13th October 2023)
Three first half goals from Larne ended Bangor's participation in this season's County Antrim Shield last night. Corey Smith, Ilijah Paul and Craig Farquhar were on target for the Inver Men who now progress to the semi-final stage of the competition.
BANGOR TEAM:
M.Orbinson, R.Neale, L.Francis, D.Hume, T.Mathieson, J.Henderson, K.Devine(K.Trainor), D.O'Kane, S.Foster(S.Millar), S.McArthur(M.Halliday), A.Neale.
Subs: J.Taylor, L.Harrison, B.Arthurs, E.Scott
(Posted: Wednesday, 11th October 2023)
MATCH TICKETS
(CASH PAYMENT ALSO AVAILABLE AT TURNSTILES)
(Posted: Monday, 9th October 2023)
Scoring your first goal for a club is always a special feeling – no less than when they are high-quality strikes and contribute to the team picking up three points.
That was exactly the case for Jack Henderson and Ben Walker, who respectively opened and closed Bangor’s goal account against Annagh United en route to a 3-1 victory in the Playr-Fit Championship on Saturday. Midfielder Henderson swept home a gorgeous opener just before the half-hour mark with a sublime first-time take into the bottom right corner, before teen wing-back Walker recorded his first senior goal, converting a delightful free-kick three minutes from time that all but confirmed the three points for Lee Feeney’s charges.
READ MORE
(by Lewis Bennett)
(Posted: Sunday, 8th October 2023)
Goals from Jack Henderson, Ben Arthurs and Ben Walker helped the Seasiders cruise to a 3-1 win over Annagh United at Clandeboye Park this afternoon.
Jack Henderson lashed in the opener from 20 yards after 28 minutes. Ben Arthurs notched up his 8th goal of the season 9 minutes later when he controlled a high cross field ball to stroke the ball past Craughwell.
Ben Walker stepped up to crash in a 20 yard free-kick off the Annagh crossbar in the 87th minute before Annagh grabbed a consolation goal at the death.
BANGOR TEAM
J.Taylor, S.Foster, R.Neale, L.Francis, S.Brown, J.Henderson, L.Harrison(J.Hughes), K.Devine(D.O'Kane), B.Cushnie(A.Neale), B.Arthurs(T.Mathieson), B.Walker.
Subs: M.Orbinson, M.Halliday, S.McArthur
NEXT MATCH:
Tuesday, 10th October 2023 - Larne v Bangor, County Antrim Shield, Inver Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 7th October 2023)
The Seasiders produced a battling performance at the Coleraine Showgrounds last night, taking the Premiership side to extra time.
The Bangor defence held firm until the 89th minute when Matthew Shelvin headed in for Coleraine, but a last gasp penalty kick from Ben Arthurs sent the game into extra time.
Lee Lynch struck the only goal of extra time in the 98th minute.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster(T.Mathieson), R.Neale, L.Francis, S.Brown, B.Walker, L.Harrison, J.Henderson(M.Halliday), K.Devine(D.O'Kane), B.Cushnie(B.Arthurs), A.Neale(S.McArthur).
Subs: M.Orbinson, J.Hughes
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 7th October, BANGOR v ANNAGH UNITED, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Wednesday, 4th October 2023)
Defeat to Dergview on Saturday has fuelled Lewis Harrison’s fire to bite back strong in the BetMcLean Cup this coming midweek.
The Bangor captain may have put Bangor in a promising position at a wet and windy Darragh Park, but the Tyrone team conjured up a rousing reaction when goals either side of half-time by Padraig Lynch and Niall McGinley ensured the maximum reward was the hosts to retain.
Harrison, who opened the scoring from Seanna Foster’s delivery on 17 minutes – his first of the campaign as he made an immediate return to the starting line-up from suspension – felt that, although the Seasiders could have been more clinical in the latter stages in Castlederg, his side had not done enough to win the contest.
READ MORE
(by Lewis Bennett)
(Posted: Sunday, 1st October 2023)
Dergview fought back from a goal down to take all three points in the rain at Darragh Park this afternoon.
Lewis Harrison crashed in the opener for Bangor in 17th minute, but Dergview drew level in the 38th minute when Padraig Lynch headed in a hotly disputed free-kick.
The Bangor defence was caught off guard in the 55th minute when McGinley raced through to place the ball past Orbinson for the winner.
An unmarked Michael Halliday headed wide of the upright and Lewis Harrison blasted over in the closing stages to round off a frustrating afternoon for the Seasiders.
GARY'S MATCH GALLERYBANGOR TEAM:
M.Orbinson, S.Brown, R.Neale, S.Foster(B.Walker), D.Hume(M.Halliday), L.Francis, L.Harrison, D.O'Kane(K.Devine), A.Neale, B.Arthurs, S.McArthur(B.Cushnie). Subs; M.Thompson, J.Henderson, T.Mathieson
NEXT MATCH
Tuesday, 3rd October - COLERAINE v BANGOR, Coleraine Showgrounds, Bet McLean Cup, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 30th September 2023)
Tom Mathieson came off the bench to slot home a late winner for the Seasiders against league leaders Newington at Clandeboye Park this afternoon.
Bangor took the lead in the 17th minute when Ben Cushnie slotted home a rebound off the upright from a Ben Arthurs header. Newington were level in the 25th minute when Hughes struck home a penalty kick.
There was late drama when Newington crashed a shot off the Bangor crossbar and James Taylor denied a goalbound effort from Rice with an outstretched leg. In the 88th minute, Adam Neale evaded a challenge to break free on the right to cross for substitute Mathieson who slid the ball past Smyth for the winner.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, S.Foster, D.Hume, L.Francis, S.Brown, D.O'Kane(B.Walker), J.Henderson(K.Devine), B.Cushnie(A.Neale), B.Arthurs, S.McArthur(T.Mathieson). Subs: M.Thompson, M.Halliday, J.Hughes
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 30th September, Dergview v Bangor, Championship, Darragh Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 23rd September 2023)
Right wing-back Seanna Foster felt a draw was a fair reflection of the contest between Harland and Wolff Welders and Bangor on Saturday.
The defender also credited the Seasiders’ resolve at the back and cited a fourth clean sheet in seven league matches as a key fulcrum behind how the team can taste success this term. Foster was speaking following a goalless draw in east Belfast between the sides who started the day third and fourth in the table, but neither could make a decisive dent in the scoreline that could have laid full claim to the three points.
READ MORE
(by Lewis Bennett)
(Posted: Sunday, 17th September 2023)
It was honours even and no goals on the Holywood Road this afternoon as Bangor and the Welders played out a scoreless draw. Bangor's best chances came in the second half when a Ben Arthurs strike went just past the upright and a quick flick from Scott McArthur was well saved by Argyrides. Lewis Harrison received his second caution of the afternoon in the closing stages as he attempted an overhead kick in the Welders penalty area.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster, S.Brown, B.Walker(R.Neale), D.Hume, L.Francis, L.Harrison, D.O'Kane(J.Henderson), B.Cushnie(T.Mathieson)(K.Devine), B.Arthurs, S.McArthur(A.Neale).
Subs: M.Orbinson, M.Halliday
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 23rd September, BANGOR v NEWINGTON, Clandeboye Park, Championship, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 16th September 2023)
Bangor have been drawn to play Larne at Inver Park in the second round of the ToalsBet.com County Antrim Shield.
The tie will be played on Tuesday, 10th October at Inver Park.
LADIES ROUND OFF THE SEASON
It wasn't to be for Bangor Ladies last night in the PWC Super Cup Final at the Blanchflower Stadium. Congratulations to Lisburn Rangers Ladies who lifted the trophy with a 5-0 win.
(Posted: Sunday, 10th September 2023)
A stunning finish into the top corner from Ben Arthurs after just four minutes set Bangor up for a win in today's Championship clash with Ballinamallard United at Ferney Park.
Ben Cushnie then came off the bench to round off a terrific team performance with two late goals.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster, R.Neale, S.Brown, D.Hume, L.Francis, J.Henderson(D.O'Kane), L.Harrison, B.Arthurs(K.Devine), A.Neale(B.Cushnie), S.McArthur(B.Walker).
Subs: M.Orbinson, S.Redford, M.Halliday.
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 16th September, H&W WELDERS v BANGOR, Championship, Blanchflower Stadium, 3:00PM
(Posted: Saturday, 9th September 2023)
LEE FEENEY & BEN ARTHURS - BALLYCLARE POST-MATCH REACTIONS
A valiant comeback victory over Ballyclare Comrades has ensured Bangor their place in the quarter-finals of the County Antrim Shield. That Tuesday evening recovery from an early two-goal deficit was inspired by Seasider favourite Ben Arthurs’ four-goal haul, delivering two in each half to bring the Clandeboye institution into their second Shield last-eight encounter in three seasons; the previous occasion being in 2021, when a Second Round defeat to Cliftonville at Solitude spelt the end of their crusade.
This year, though, provides a unique dynamic. Five of the eight representatives of the quarters are from below the Premiership – Bangor join fellow second-tier trio Ards, Knockbreda and Dundela as well as last season’s PIL runners-up Ballymacash Rangers in flying the flag – and, depending on how Saturday’s draw pans out, the Yellows could find themselves in with a very real shot at a semi-final showdown. Feelings on prospective future opposition and much more were dissected by the heroic Arthurs and Bangor boss Lee Feeney post-match.
READ MORE(Posted: Saturday, 9th September 2023)
A four goal haul from Bangor striker Ben Arthurs helped put the Seasiders through to the quarter final stage of the County Antrim Shield at Clandeboye Park this evening.
Bangor started slowly, and the game was just 15 seconds old when Roohi fired the ball past Taylor. The Bangor defence was in disarray five minutes later when Roohi found space in the box once again to double the Comrades lead.
The Seasiders fought back and Ben Arthurs slotted the ball home after 15 minutes and then powered home a header ten minutes later to put the sides level going into the break.
Bangor took control of the game in the second half and two more powerful headers from Ben Arthurs secured Bangor's place in the next round.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster, R.Neale, B.Walker, D.Hume, L.Francis, L.Harrison(J.Henderson), D.O'Kane(A.Ambrose), B.Arthurs(M.Halliday), A.Neale(J.Hughes), B.Cushnie(S.McArthur). Subs: M.Orbinson, S.Millar.
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 9th September - BALLINAMALLARD UNITED v BANGOR, Championship, Ferney Park, 3:00pm.
(Posted: Tuesday, 5th September 2023)
(Posted: Monday, 4th September 2023)
LAST GASP LEWIS
Lewis Francis heads home a 97th minute Seanna Foster cross to make it 1-1 in this afternoon's game against Institute at Clandeboye Park.
BANGOR TEAM
J.Taylor, S.Brown, R.Neale, D.Hume, L.Francis, B.Walker(S.Foster), J.Henderson, L.Harrison, B.Cushnie(M.Halliday), B.Arthurs(A.Neale), S.McArthur(J.Hughes)
Subs: M.Orbinson, D.O'Kane. T.Mathieson.
NEXT MATCH:
Tuesday, 5th September, BANGOR v BALLYCLARE COMRADES, CAS, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 2nd September 2023)
NEW LOAN SIGNING - ALI OMAR
We are delighted to welcome Ali Omar to Clandeboye Park.
The 23 year old central defender joins the Seasiders on loan from Larne until January.
Omar joined the Invermen in the summer having previously played more than 50 times for Torquay United.
SEAN BROWN SELECTED FOR INTERNATIONAL DUTY
Congratulations to defender Sean Brown who has been selected for Gareth McAuley's Northern Ireland U19 squad ahead of next Thursday’s friendly with Italy in Prato.
MATCH DAY INFORMATION - BANGOR v INSTITUTE
(Posted: Saturday, 2nd September 2023)
BACK BEATS ON HIS ROAD TO RECOVERY
With the news that defender Gareth Beattie had suffered a broken fibula during the game against Portadown last Friday, the Clandeboye Bangor Supporters Club have set up a GoFundMe page to assist Gareth during his time off work and on his road to recovery.
Contributions to support Gareth on his road to recovery can be made here:
Support Gareth
(Posted: Thursday, 31st August 2023)
We are delighted to welcome Seanna Foster back to Clandeboye Park for the remainder of the 2023/24 season.
The 26 year-old defender returns for another season long loan from Cliftonville.
Welcome back Seanna!
(Posted: Wednesday, 30th August 2023)
A first half strike from Scott McArthur was enough to give Bangor their first win over Portadown at Shamrock Park since August 1994.
Bangor started brightly with the three frontmen of McArthur, Arthurs and Cushnie linking well to cause the Portadown back line all sorts of problems. The game was only 5 minutes old when Ben Arthurs went close with a 30 yard drive that was pushed round the post by Buchanan. A great piece of play in the 12th minute saw McArthur find space outside the area to drive low into the bottom corner of the net.
Bangor defended their lead magnificently throughout, with Neale and Francis commanding the centre of defence. Two stunning goal line saves from James Taylor midway through the second half denied the Ports any route back into the game and secured three valuable league points for the Seasiders.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, G.Beattie(T.Mathieson), R.Neale, L.Francis, S.Brown, B.Walker, J.Henderson, L.Harrison, S.McArthur(K.Devine), B.Arthurs, B.Cushnie(A.Neale).
Subs: M.Halliday, M.Orbinson, D.O'Kane, R.Murphy
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 2nd September, BANGOR v INSTITUTE, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Friday, 25th August 2023)
(Posted: Wednesday, 23rd August 2023)
(Posted: Wednesday, 23rd August 2023)
The Seasiders have been drawn at home to Ballyclare Comrades in the opening round of the ToalsBet.com County Antrim Shield. The tie will be played on Tuesday 5th September.
(Posted: Monday, 21st August 2023)
Bangor FC have teamed up with strength and conditioning coach Phil Greenwood to help support on pitch performance. Phil, from HI Performance NI, will be responsible for providing targeted strength and conditioning plans for players, working closely with Bangor FC coaches and the club's medical team to improve performance as well as mitigate injury.
Head of Bangor FC Medical Services Luke Neal said: "Phil is a great asset to the club, as strength and conditioning are essential components of football performance. He is specialising in developing speed, and power within the team as well hopefully reducing the chance of future injury.
"Phil has an excellent CV, working with teams at the highest level of sport for over the past 10 years, including Blackburn Rovers FC, Blackpool FC, Tranmere Rovers FC, Team Ireland Hockey and Ulster Rugby, as well as multiple individuals within athletics, motorsport, and golf."
HI Performance NI Phil Greenwood said: "I'm delighted to be able to support the Bangor FC management, and squad with their athletic development for the forthcoming season.
"I have worked with a number of professional football teams, and I am confident that I will be able to use my knowledge and experience to help develop the strength, power, and speed within the Bangor FC men’s team."
HI Performance NI is located at Blackwood Golf Centre, Bangor.
(Posted: Monday, 21st August 2023)
Dundela took all three points away from a wet and windy Clandeboye Park this evening.
Playing into the driving rain, the Seasiders struggled to find their feet in the first half. The Shed End had little to cheers about as Lee Rea fired the Duns into a two goal lead before half-time.
A more energetic second half performance saw Bangor come back into the game. A bullet header from Ben Arthurs in the 66th minute made it 2-1, but despite creating numerous chances, the leveller proved elusive.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Brown, R.Neale, B.Walker(G.Beattie), J.Henderson(J.Hughes),T.Mathieson(D.Hume), L.Harrison, B.Arthurs, A.Neale, S.McArthur(B.Cushnie).
Subs: M.Orbinson, K.Devine, D.O'Kane
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 25th August - PORTADOWN v BANGOR, Championship, Shamrock Park, 7:45PM
(Posted: Friday, 18th August 2023)
Adam Neale scored the winner as Bangor came out on top in tonight's North Down Derby at Clandeboye Park.
The Seasiders made most of the running in the first half with the clearest chance falling to Tom Mathieson who slashed his effort just wide of Moore's upright.
The lively Scott McArthur finally broke free of the Ards defence in the 61st minute to slide the ball wide of Moore for Adam Neale to tap the ball home from a yard out.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, S.Brown, L.Francis, B.Walker, J.Henderson(D.O'Kane), L.Harrison, T.Mathieson, B.Arthurs, A.Neale(J.Hughes), S.McArthur(K.Devine).
Subs: M.Orbinson, R.Murphy, M.Halliday, S.Millar
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 18th August - BANGOR v DUNDELA, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Friday, 11th August 2023)
A late header from Darius Roohi denied Bangor a share of the spoils in our opening Championship fixture at Dixon Park this afternoon.
The Seasiders started brightly and Scott McArthur bundled in the opener after nine minutes. The home side drew level after 29 minutes when Morgan rifled the ball past Orbinson through a crowd of players. The Seasiders were ahead again in the 41st minute when Ben Arthurs rose to knock the ball down to McArthur who blasted the ball past Breen. The Bangor celebrations were short-lived as Roohi smashed in an equaliser before half-time.
Ballyclare's eventual winner came in the 87th minute when Roohi headed in a corner from close range.
BANGOR TEAM:
M.Orbinson, G.Beattie(S.Brown), R.Neale, L.Francis, D.Hume, J.Henderson, L.Harrison, B.Walker, B.Arthurs, A.Neale, S.McArthur(T.Mathieson).
Subs:B.McConkey, D.O'Kane, K.Devine, J.Hughes, J.Black.
NEXT MATCH:
FRIDAY, 11th AUGUST, BANGOR v ARDS, Championship, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 5th August 2023)
PLAYER NEWS
GREAT SCOTT!
We are delighted to confirm that Scott McArthur has re-signed for the Seasiders. McArthur grabbed five goals last season in 34 appearances on his way to a league and cup double.
LARNE LOANEES
Following in the footsteps of Nick Aretzis and Ryley D'Sena, we welcome two more Larne loanees to Bangor this season. Northern Ireland U17 Internationals Sean Brown and Ben Walker have featured for the Seasiders throughout pre-season and we are excited to welcome them to Clandeboye Park.
DEPARTURE LOUNGE
The Club would like to thank John Boyle (Warrenpoint Town), Ross Craig (Bryansburn Rangers) and Aaron Harris for their effort and contribution to the Seasiders’ success last season, and we wish them well following their departures from Clandeboye Park.
(Posted: Wednesday, 2nd August 2023)
NEW SIGNING - ROSS MURPHY
We are delighted to welcome Ross Murphy to Clandeboye Park.
The 23 year old full back has guested for the Seasiders throughout pre-season having recently returned home from USA where he played college football.
(Posted: Wednesday, 2nd August 2023)
We are delighted to confirm the signing of Lewis Francis on a season long loan from Dungannon Swifts.
The 19 year old central defender has already turned out for the Swifts in both the Premiership and cup competitions.
Welcome to Bangor, Lewis!
(Posted: Saturday, 29th July 2023)
Goals either side of half-time from debut striker Ben Cushnie secured a 2-1 win for the Seasiders over Linfield at Clandeboye Park this afternoon.
Marc Orbinson saved a John Robertson 8th minute penalty, but he could do little to deny Robertson in the 33rd minute when he put the Blues ahead.
Linfield's lead was short lived and four minutes later Ben Arthurs fed new signing Ben Cushnie who slotted past Walsh to draw Bangor.
Early in the second half the lively Scott McArthur pulled the ball back for Cushnie to fire home Bangor's winner.
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 5th August - BALLYCLARE COMRADES v. BANGOR, Championship, Dixon Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 29th July 2023)
Our new 2023/24 Championship kits have been launched. For the 2023/24 season our front of shirt sponsor is Eventsec Ltd., with Bailie Property and G&H Television Services taking pride of place on the reverse.
You can order your replica jersey now!
(Posted: Wednesday, 26th July 2023)
We are delighted to complete the signing of Ben Cushnie on a season long loan from Glentoran.
The 21 year old forward joins us having made 23 first team appearances for the Glens and had a loan spell at Dungannon Swifts last season.
(Posted: Wednesday, 26th July 2023)
Bangor played out a 1-1 draw with Rosario at Clandeboye Park on Friday evening. Dylan O'Kane scored the Bangor goal from a first half penalty kick.
On Saturday the Seasiders came away from Skegoneill Avenue with a 3-1 win over Brantwood. 17 year-old Sonny Redford(2) and Adam Neale got the Bangor goals.
NEXT MATCH
Sat,29th July - BANGOR v LINFIELD, Clandeboye Park, 2:00PM
DAVID HUME IS BACK
We are delighted to announce that defender David Hume will remain at Bangor for the coming season. The 31 year-old made 40 appearances for the Seasiders last season and went on to win the Players' Player of the Year Award.
(Posted: Sunday, 23rd July 2023)
We are delighted that Adam Neale has agreed a two year contract with the Seasiders.
Adam made the move to Clandeboye Park last summer and went on to score 27 times as he finished joint top scorer in the Premier Intermediate League.
(Posted: Wednesday, 19th July 2023)
The Seasiders fared well in tonight's friendly against Rangers 'B' at Clandeboye Park, despite being defeated 3-0.
Lively striker Zak Lovelace opened the scoring in the 21st minute and Josh McPake blasted a well struck second past Taylor in the 52nd minute. Substitute James Graham drilled a low shot from distance past Orbinson in the 79th minute to complete the scoring. Bangor's best chance came with the final kick of the game when Michael Halliday just failed to bundle the ball home from a few yards out.
NEXT MATCH
Fri, 21st July - BANGOR v ROSARIO, Friendly, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Tuesday, 18th July 2023)
Bangor racked up five goals without reply against Queen's at Clandeboye Park this afternoon. Adam Neale(2), Jordan Hughes, Dylan O'Kane and Michael Halliday were on target for Bangor. The pick of the bunch was Jordan Hughes'deft 20 yard strike in the first half.
In today's other game, a Bangor XI lost 3-0 to Ards Rangers at Drome Park.
WELCOME BACK JACK
We are pleased to welcome 22 year old midfielder Jack Henderson back to Clandeboye Park. Jack had been with Bangor during the pandemic-hit season of 2020/21 before moving to Ballymena United where he made 39 appearances in the Premiership.
(Posted: Saturday, 15th July 2023)
Last night's friendly game against Moyola Park at Clandeboye finished 1-1. A trialist scored the Bangor goal.
This Saturday we field two teams as we take on both Ards Rangers away and Queen's at home.
(Posted: Tuesday, 11th July 2023)
Despite faring well in the first half and going in all square at half-time, Bangor lost 4-1 to Glentoran at The Oval today.
Ben Arthurs was on target for the Seasiders in the first half.
NEXT MATCH:
Monday, 10th July, BANGOR v MOYOLA PARK, Friendly, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 8th July 2023)
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PLAYER DEPARTURES
We say farewell to a number of last season's squad this week as loanees Ryley D'Sena and Seanna Foster return to their respective parents clubs. Also leaving Clandeboye Park is Jamie Glover who is heading to H&W Welders and Ally Ferguson who joins Bangor Amateurs. We thank all of these players for their vital contributions last season and we wish them well for the future.
(Posted: Wednesday, 5th July 2023)
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(Posted: Tuesday, 4th July 2023)
Bangor fought back from two goals down to take a share of the spoils in Saturday's game against East Belfast at Clandeboye Park.
A header from Michael Halliday and a penalty from Karl Devine made it honours even in Bangor's second pre-season friendly.
NEXT MATCH
Saturday, 8th July - Glentoran v Bangor, The Oval, 3:00pm
2023/24 SQUAD NEWS
The following players will be returning to play for Bangor in the 2023/24 season.
Goalkeepers James Taylor and Marc Orbinson, Defender Gareth Beattie, Midfielders Dylan O'Kane, Karl Devine, Tom Mathieson and Aaron Harris, and Forwards Michael Halliday and Jordan Hughes.
(Posted: Sunday, 1st July 2023)
The Playr-Fit Teamwear Championship fixtures have been released.
The Seasiders will kick off the new season at Dixon Park, away to Ballyclare Comrades. That game will be followed by the North Down derby at Clandeboye Park the following Saturday.
The full Championship fixture list for the forthcoming season can be viewed here: HERE
(Posted: Thursday, 29th June 2023)
The Seasiders take on East Belfast at Clandeboye Park on Saturday in their second pre-season fixture. Last night's opening game ended in a 6-0 defeat to League Champions Larne.
(Posted: Wednesday, 28th June 2023)
Season tickets will be on sale at all home matches until the start of the league campaign. Supporters can also order season tickets by emailing media@bangorfc.com
An adult season ticket for 2023/24, sponsored by McKeown’s Fish and Poultry shop, will be £130 and includes all home Championshp matches, including those after the league split, and all home Reserve team league matches. Concession season tickets are priced at £80 for the same games. Under 16s remain free, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. A payment plan is available, with half paid by the end of June and the remaining by the end of July.
Bangor FC Vice-Chairman Jim Russell said: "Season ticket pricing remains at the forefront of our thinking for the 2023/24 Championship season.
"We appreciate these are not easy times for anyone financially. However, prices have risen in line with promotion into the Championship and the increase in home league matches to a minimum of 18 games. But we also wanted to recognise loyalty and with that in mind, season ticket holders will now become automatic members of the Bangor FC Social Club. That is an extra saving for our dedicated supporters."
Jim concluded: "Thanks once again to McKeown’s Fish and Poultry shop for sponsoring our season tickets for the sixth successive season. Community involvement with local businesses is vital at Bangor FC, as the club progresses club to the top level of Irish league football."
McKeown’s Fish and Poultry proprietor Sean McKeown said: "As a local business, I am delighted to continue my support for the city’s football club. Especially after winning the PIL league and Steel & Sons Cup double. I’m pleased to give something back to the local community and I’m proud to be associated with Bangor FC.
"The club is back into senior Irish league football and I am confident they will continue to progress during the new campaign. I will be following the team throughout the season, and I wish the Seasiders every continued success both on and off the field."
(Posted: Sunday, 25th June 2023)
TUESDAY NIGHT
(Posted: Saturday, 24th June 2023)
Reece Neale has signed a two year deal with the Seasiders.
The 25 year old defender made the move to Clandeboye Park in 2021, and scored six goals in his 40 appearances in yellow and blue last season.
(Posted: Tuesday, 20th June 2023)
OTHER NEWS
Ryan Arthur will remain at Bangor for the 2023/24 season.
The 27 year old defender made 36 appearances for the Seasiders last season, scoring five goals on our way to a league and cup double.
(Posted: Monday, 19th June 2023)
Bangor Captain Lewis Harrison has signed a two year professional deal with the Seasiders.
(Posted: Tuesday, 6th June 2023)
We are delighted to announce that Ben Arthurs has signed a two year professional contract with the Seasiders.
Last season’s PIL player of the year and joint top scorer joined the club in 2018 and has gone on to hit more than 100 goals in yellow and blue.
(Posted: Thursday, 1st June 2023)
Seasiders manager Lee Feeney has signed a new contract that will keep him at Clandeboye Park until at least May 2025.
Feeney led Bangor to success by winning the Premier Intermediate League title and Steel & Sons cup during the 2022/23 season. Bangor FC Manager Lee Feeney said: "I’m delighted to have signed a two-year contract with this great Club.
"I spoke at some length with the Board about the aims and objectives of the Club when I first joined. Some of the these have been achieved, but there is a lot more work to do.
We are hungry to keep progressing and challenging ourselves. We're never satisfied, we always want to improve and that will continue."
Lee continued: "My management team and I have received tremendous support since we arrived at Bangor. I want to repay that faith by creating more special moments for the players, the fans and everyone involved with the Club."
Bangor FC Chairman Graham Bailie said: "I am thrilled that Lee has signed a two-year deal at the Club. He is a great fit for how we all see Bangor FC progressing forward.
"He is an excellent man-manager who sets high standards and is driving our club to the levels we all want to achieve. His commitment and ambition to bring sustained success to Bangor FC and to the town and community is unquestionable. We can now look forward to some exciting times ahead."
(Posted: Sunday, 28th May 2023)
Players past and present, as well as a supporters team battled it out this afternoon as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations for goalkeeper Darren Gibbons who joined the Seasiders back in January 2013.
(Posted: Saturday, 20th May 2023)
A LIMITED NUMBER OF PLACES ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR THE SUPPORTERS TEAM
BANGOR FC - AWARDS NIGHT
Bangor Football Club celebrated a double trophy winning season with an Awards Night at the Bangor FC Social Club on Saturday evening.
The Senior Team Awards went to the following:
Adam Neale was presented with an award for his Regions Cup call up and Ben Arthurs was presented with a framed shirt to mark his 100th goal for the Seasiders.
Lee Feeney was also presented with an award to mark his double winning season.
(Posted: Monday, 15th May 2023)
This Thursday night, there is a chance to hear from some of our 1993 Irish Cup winning side as we rewind the clock back thirty years. Joel Taggart will host a Q&A session at Bangor FC Social Club with Nigel Best, Mark Glendinning, Michael Surgeon and Colin McCurdy. Tickets are £10 and that includes a light supper. Contact media@bangorfc.com to book your seat at this special night.
Also on Saturday evening, we host our End of Season Awards Dinner at Bangor FC Social Club. As well as the player awards, there will be a three course meal and entertainment.
A limited number of tickets are available. Please contact media@bangorfc.com to reserve your place.
(Posted: Tuesday, 9th May 2023)
The Seasiders rounded off a fantastic season with a 3-1 win over Tobermore United at Fortwilliam Park this evening.
A headed own goal from a Ryan Arthur flick on gave Bangor the lead after 15 minutes and it wasn't long before Ben Arthurs turned and fired into the bottom corner to make it 2-0. Arthurs turned provider after 30 minutes when he set up Tom Mathieson to tuck home number three.
Martins pulled one back for Tobermore in a second half where Bangor gave run outs to some promising young Reserve team players.
Congratulations to 17 year-old Sam Millar on making tonight's starting line-up.
BANGOR TEAM:
M.Orbinson, G.Beattie, R.Neale, D.Hume, R.D'Sena, R.Arthur, A.Harris(C.Kenny), S.Millar(K.Trainor), B.Arthurs(M.Halliday), A.Neale(S.Redford), T.Mathieson(C.Craig).
Subs not used: D.Gibbons, C.Mills
(Posted: Tuesday, 2nd May 2023)
The PIL Champions completed their final home fixture of the season this afternoon, playing out a 1-1 draw with Ballymacash Rangers in front of a bumper Clandeboye Park crowd.
Adam Neale opened the scoring in the 55th minute when he found space 10 yards out and drilled a low shot past Neeson. Soon after, Reece Neale was unlucky with a close range effort that slammed against the Ballymacash crossbar. Bangor's good work was undone in the 85th minute when Morrison converted a penalty for Ballymacash.
This however didn't dampen the mood of the Clandeboye contingent at the end of the game who were delighted to see the PIL trophy handed over to club captain Lewis Harrison
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster, R.Neale, J.Boyle, D.Hume, R.Arthur, L.Harrison(D.O'Kane), A.Harris, A.Neale(J.Glover), B.Arthurs, J.Hughes(T.Mathieson)
Subs: M.Orbinson, M.Halliday, G.Beattie, R.D'Sena
NEXT MATCH:
Tuesday, 2nd May, TOBERMORE UNITED v BANGOR, PIL, Fortwilliam Park, 7:00PM
OTHER NEWS - CHAMPIONSHIP LICENCE
We are delighted to be awarded our Championship Licence for the 2023/24 season. This confirms the club’s promotion to the Championship for next season.
(Posted: Saturday, 29th April 2023)
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The Seasiders played out a 2-2 draw with Limavady United at Clandeboye Park this evening.
Limavady took the lead just before half-time when Carlin smashed the ball past Orbinson from the edge of the penalty area. Bangor Captain Lewis Harrison poked in an equalizer in the 63rd minute, but Limavady were ahead again six minutes later when and effort from Brown found the back of the Bangor net.
Adam Neale restored parity in the 71st minute when he slotted home the rebound off a Reece Neale shot.
There was drama in the closing minutes of the match when Bangor were awarded a penalty kick, but substitute Michael Halliday's spot kick was saved by Purcell.
Congratulations to Sonny Redford on making his Seasiders debut this evening.
BANGOR TEAM:
M.Orbinson, S.Foster, J.Boyle, D.Hume, R.Arthur, L.Harrison, S.McArthur(R.Craig), A.Harris(D.O'Kane), T.Mathieson(M.Halliday), A.Neale, J.Glover(R.Neale).
Subs Not Used: J.Taylor, S.Redford, R.D'Sena
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 25th April, BANGOR v BALLYMACASH RANGERS, PIL, Clandeboye Park, 1:00pm
(Posted: Tuesday, 25th April 2023)
Congratulations to Ben Arthurs on picking up the PIL Player of the Year Award at the NI Football Awards last night.
James Taylor, John Boyle, Reece Neale, Seanna Foster and Ben were all selected for the PIL Team of the Season.
(Posted: Sunday, 23rd April 2023)
THE SEASIDERS HAVE WON THE 2022/23 PREMIER INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE
Bangor clinched the Premier Intermediate League title on Saturday afternoon with a 3-1 win over Queen's University at the Dub.
Very much against the run of play, Bangor took the lead after 20 minutes when Adam Neale found space in the area to head home a Ryan Arthur knock down. Ben Arthurs scored his 30th goal of the season after 36 minutes when his deflected shot from 25 yards looped kindly over the head of Smyth.
Bangor goalkeeper James Taylor produced a string of outstanding saves and the Bangor defence somehow managed to repel a number of goalmouth scrambles to maintain the two goal lead.
A towering header powered in by Ryan Arthur from a Reece Neale corner kick gave Bangor a three goal lead with 10 minutes remaining. Queen's did grab a late injury time consolation after yet more heroics from Taylor, but nothing could dampen the celebrations for the Seasiders at the final whistle.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster, R.Neale, R.Arthur, R.D'Sena, L.Harrison(A.Ferguson), D.O'Kane(A.Harris), J.Hughes(J.Glover), B.Arthurs(M.Halliday), A.Neale(S.McArthur).
Subs: T.Mathieson, M.Orbinson.
NEXT MATCH:
Tues, 25th April, BANGOR v LIMAVADY UNITED, PIL, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm.
(Posted: Saturday, 22nd April 2023)
The Seasiders are 1 point away from winning the Premier Intermediate League following today's 3-1 win over Moyola Park at Clandeboye Park.
Adam Neale opened the scoring for Bangor in the 24th minute with a deflected strike from just outside the area, but a well placed Parkhill free-kick brought Moyola level just before the break.
Another deflected strike from Ben Arthurs put Bangor ahead in the 51st minute before Marc Orbinson was happy to see a Parkhill shot come back off his upright.
Ben Arthurs was on hand to bundle home a Scott McArthur cross to secure the win in injury time .
BANGOR TEAM:
M.Orbinson, S.Foster, R.Neale, J.Boyle, R.Arthur, D.Hume, L.Harrison, D.O'Kane(R.D'Sena), B.Arthurs, A.Neale(T.Mathieson), J.Hughes(S.McArthur)
Subs: D.Gibbons, S.Miller, M.Halliday, A.Ferguson
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 22nd April, QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY v BANGOR, PIL. The Dub, 3:00pm
Bangor vs Moyola Park preview: Possible revenge mission to start post-split schedule
(An article by Lewis Bennett)
The second meeting of a double-header this week between these two opponents, this time it is Bangor’s turn to roll out the red carpet for Moyola Park as the Premier Intermediate League season enters the split phase. With a pre-split double all but assured over this opposition on a rainy Easter Tuesday duel, Stephen Hughes’ troops will mobilise for battle all too eager to get their own back on the seaside club.
Read More
(Posted: Saturday, 15th April 2023)
The Seasiders head into the PIL Split with a twelve point lead over second place Ballymacash Rangers.
The fixture schedule for the remainders of the season is as follows:
(Posted: Tuesday, 11th April 2023)
First half goals from Adam Neale and Jordan Hughes secured a 2-0 win for Bangor over Moyola Park at a rain soaked Fortwilliam Park this afternoon.
Adam Neale drilled home a Seanna Foster cross from the right after 10 minutes and Jordan Hughes then slipped the ball past the advancing Logan to make it two after 32 minutes.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster, R.Neale(S.McArthur), J.Boyle, D.Hume, R.Arthur, L.Harrison, J.Hughes(J.Glover), A.Harris, B.Arthurs(M.Halliday), A.Neale.
Subs:
M.Orbinson, G.Beattie, R.D'Sena, D.O'Kane
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 15th April - BANGOR v MOYOLA PARK, PIL, Clandeboye Park, 3:00PM
(Posted: Tuesday, 11th April 2023)
Bangor move to 11 points clear at the top of the PIL following today's 2-1 win over PSNI at the Dub.
Adam Neale hooked the ball into the PSNI net to put the Seasiders ahead after 7 minutes. Scott McArthur set up Ben Arthurs to stroke the ball past McCauley in the 16th minute.
At 2-0, the Seasiders squandered numerous other chances and with 16 minutes left a PSNI corner kick drifted over Taylor and ended up in the net. PSNI caused Bangor some nervous moments in the closing stages, but the defence held firm and the Seasiders hung on to pick up the three points.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, G.Beattie, J.Boyle, R.D'Sena(D.Hume), R.Arthur, D.O'Kane, L.Harrison(A.Harris), S.McArthur, B.Arthurs(J.Hughes), A.Neale(M.Halliday), J.Glover(R.Neale).
Subs: M.Orbinson, S.Foster.
NEXT MATCH:
Tuesday, 11th April, Moyola Park v Bangor, PIL, Fortwilliam Park, Tobermore, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 8th April 2023)
Bangor FC has submitted the Listen, Learn, Lead Plan to White Ribbon NI to help make society a safer place for women. The club has made the White Ribbon NI pledge to never commit, condone or stay silent about violence against women and girls.
During a White Ribbon NI learning event at St Andrews Presbyterian Church, Bangor FC Community Relations Officer Paul Cain said: "Making the White Ribbon NI pledge is an important first step for Bangor FC to show our support in the global movement to end male violence against women. The Bangor FC Listen, Learn, Lead Strategy, includes an action plan detailing what the club will undertake to achieve with White Ribbon in the next three years. This will involve naming White Ribbon champions, Safe Place training and the running of awareness sessions, workshops and fundraising events."
White Ribbon is a global movement to end male violence against women. Progress has been made by White Ribbon NI, encouraging groups and individuals to take action by making their personal pledge never to commit condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls. Over 40 organisations have signed the charter to date in Northern Ireland, including church leaders, local councils, schools, government departments and others.
Bangor FC Head of Women’s Football Michelle Crawford said: "I'm pleased our club is backing the White Ribbon NI campaign to end violence against women and girls and strive for equality. The board of directors and volunteers throughout the club work are encouraging as many people as possible to adopt the White Ribbon Promise, educate ourselves and others, and signpost people towards help. During the coming seasons Bangor FC will have a number of 'Days of Action', engaging with as many people as possible to drive home the message that there is never any excuse for abuse against women and girls."
White Ribbon NI Coordinator Tahnee McCorry said: " I want to extend my gratitude to Bangor FC for choosing to stand with us and use their voice to speak out against violence against women and girls. Violence against women is an issue in Northern Ireland that in the past has been hidden behind closed doors, not spoken about and in some instances accepted as inevitable. We believe creating a society which has zero tolerance to violence against women is an achievable reality, but it requires the collective effort of the entire community. Thank you, Bangor FC, for leading the way."
The White Ribbon NI Promise is - I promise to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls.
(Posted: Tuesday, 4th April 2023)
It was honours even for the top two at Clandeboye Park this afternoon as the Seasiders fought out a 1-1 draw with Queen's University.
Tom Mathieson went closest for Bangor in a scoreless first half when his 15 yard effort after 36 minutes was tipped on to the crossbar by Smyth.
Lewis Harrison finally gave Bangor the lead after 53 minutes when he rifled the ball past Smyth from the edge of the area, but Queen's were level in the 80th minute when a quick breakaway was finished off by Young.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster, R.Neale, D.Hume, J.Boyle, R.Arthur, L.Harrison, A.Harris, B.Arthurs, A.Neale, T.Mathieson(J.Glover).
Subs: M.Orbinson, G.Beattie, D.O'Kane, R.D'Sena, S.McArthur, M.Halliday.
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 8th April 2023 - PSNI V BANGOR, PIL, The Dub, 3:00PM
(Posted: Saturday, 1st April 2023)
The Seasiders are releasing a new and exciting range of fragrances later this month under the brand name GULL
The first of the series, GULL No.1 is a fragrance that embodies everything that is confident and daring about the seaside. Crafted with the finest local ingredients and expertly blended, this scent is perfect for every grooming routine. Whether dressing up for a night out or just heading to work or a match, this fragrance is bound to give you the perfect finishing touch.
A limited number of FREE GULL No.1 fragrance samples will be available at the Clandeboye Park turnstiles and from club officials at today's game.
Be sure to ask for your FREE sample of GULL No.1 today..
(Posted: Saturday, 1st April 2023)
Seasiders manager Lee Feeney has thanked Bangor fans for their incredible support this season.
Lee said: "On behalf of the players and management team, I want to acknowledge the wonderful support we have received from the Bangor fans.
”It has been noticeable that both our home and away support has been increasing steadily all season. This is great to see as it creates a positive atmosphere at matches, and the players love to hear the fans pushing us on and getting behind the team.
"No one at the club takes the support for granted and I am determined to repay our fans’ loyalty and commitment by delivering further success.”
Lee concluded: ”Everyone at the club is aware how financially tough these times are for fans. So, it means a lot when fans travel across the country to support us. It can be expensive, and we all really appreciate it.
"I want to pass on particular thanks to the group of young fans attending our matches. They are helping to make Clandeboye a fortress and creating a brilliant atmosphere and buzz at our matches."
(Posted: Wednesday, 29th March 2023)
First half goals from Ben Arthurs and captain Lewis Harrison were followed up by a well placed Gareth Beattie volley from the edge of the area in a 3-0 win over Tobermore United at Clandeboye Park this afternoon.
LIFE THROUGH A LENS NI - MATCH GALLERY
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale(J.Hughes), S.Foster(G.Beattie), J.Boyle, R.D'Sena, D.Hume, L.Harrison, A.Harris(D.O'Kane), B.Arthurs(M.Halliday), A.Neale, T.Mathieson(J.Glover).
Subs: M.Orbinson, R.Arthur
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 1st April - BANGOR v QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY, PIL, Clandeboye Park, 3:00PM
(Posted: Saturday, 25th March 2023)
The Seasiders move eight points clear at the top of the Premier Intermediate League this evening with a 4-1 win over Dollingstown at Planters Park.
Ben Arthurs opened the scoring after 9 minutes when he powered home a pinpoint Seanna Foster cross from the right. Despite creating numerous chances, Bangor failed to extend their lead in the first half.
A slow Bangor start to the second half gave Dollingstown a route back into the game and the equaliser came in the 48th minute.
Ben Arthurs grabbed his 100th goal for the Seasiders in the 57th minute when he snapped up a rebound off Buchanan to make in 2-1. Arthurs made it a hat-trick in the 75th minute when he chested against the uprght, and following some deliberation with the officials, the goal was awarded.
Adam Neale got in on the act six minutes later when he smashed in another rebound of Buchanan.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster(G.Beattie), R.Neale, J.Boyle, R.Arthur, D.Hume(R.D'Sena), L.Harrison, A.Harris(D.O'Kane), B.Arthurs(S.McArthur), A.Neale, T.Marthieson(J.Glover)
Subs: M.Halliday, M.Orbinson
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 25th March, BANGOR v TOBERMORE UNITED, PIL, Clandeboye Park, 3:00PM
(Posted: Saturday, 18th March 2023)
A special showing of 'Yer men in Spain' documentary, which recalls Northern Ireland's glory during 1982 World Cup, will be screened on 31st March at 7.30pm at Bangor FC Social Club.
The screening will be followed by a Q&A with former international stars Gerry Armstrong, Billy Hamilton and George Dunlop, hosted by author and NI screen film archivist Evan Marshall.
Bangor FC Social Club Chairman Alan Corbett said: "We are delighted to have had the support of Evan Marshall, and NI Screen to bring this truly wonderful documentary to Bangor FC. The film shows footage of the late Billy Bingham’s squad, featuring the likes of Gerry Armstrong, Pat Jennings, Martin O’Neill, Billy Hamilton and Norman Whiteside on and off the pitch. It also features interviews and footage from fans in Spain and in pubs and venues across Northern Ireland. This includes footage never seen before and presents a wonderful and unique opportunity for fans to immerse themselves in what was a monumental journey and achievement.
"We are also pleased and honoured that former Seasiders and members of that 82 squad, Gerry Armstrong and George Dunlop, along with Billy Hamilton will attend the event. A Q&A session with Evan, following the film, will provide further fascinating insight from Spain 82, and from their time as internationals under the legendary Billy Bingham. We are very much looking forward to what will be a fantastic event."
Alan concluded: "Tickets are £5 with proceeds from this special event going to Cancer Research, in memory of Bangor FC President Billy Palmer. Billy was a hugely popular figure at the club; a true gentleman, who was a lifelong supporter of Bangor FC and we’re honoured to make this gesture in his memory."
Tickets can be purchased at the following link - https://app.teamfeepay.com/s/OL7PkmG
A light supper will also be provided at the event.
(Posted: Thursday, 16th March 2023)
Five second half goals from Dylan O'Kane(2), Jordan Hughes(2) and Jamie Glover secured a 5-1 friendly win over Lisburn Distillery at Clandeboye Park this afternoon.
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 18th March 2023 - DOLLINGSTOWN v BANGOR, PIL, Planters Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 11th March 2023)
Bangor's final league fixtures before the split will take place as follows:
Saturday, 8th April - PSNI v BANGOR, PIL, The Dub, 3:00PM
Tuesday, 11th April - MOYOLA PARK v BANGOR, PIL, Fortwilliam Park, 3:00PM.
(Posted: Wednesday, 8th March 2023)
The Seasiders will take on Lisburn Distillery in a friendly at Clandeboye Park on Saturday 11th March.
Match Kick Off: 1:45pm
Banbridge Town 0-2 Bangor: Big Ben doubles up to ensure Seasiders March six clear into new month
(An article by Lewis Bennett)
Bangor added three more points to their season total on Saturday after a fifth straight victory in the Premier Intermediate League, recording a resolute 0-2 success against Banbridge Town and prising the maximum spoils away from Crystal Park to marginally increase their lead at the top of the table to six points.
Read More
(Posted: Wednesday, 8th March 2023)
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A goal in either half from Ben Arthurs secured a comfortable win for the Seasiders over Banbridge Town at Crystal Park this afternoon.
Arthurs latch on to a Reece Neale through ball to smash Bangor into a 16th minute lead. Arthurs' second came in the 81st minute when when he headed home a floated pass from Aaron Harris.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster(G.Beattie), R.Neale, J.Boyle, D.Hume, R.Arthur, L.Harrison, A.Harris, B.Arthurs, A.Neale(J.Hughes), T.Mathieson(S.McArthur)
Subs: D.Gibbons, D.O'Kane, R.D'Sena, J.Glover
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 18th March - Dollingstown v Bangor, Planters Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 4th March 2023)
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Banbridge Town vs Bangor preview: Seasiders aim to continue title surge and leave Town with three points
(An article by Lewis Bennett)
After a three-match streak where feelings of home comfort rung true, Bangor are back on their travels for a bit when they visit Banbridge Town in their latest Premier Intermediate League outing. Having struck gold in February, winning each of the last four matches without so much as one goal in reply, the Seasiders enter this fresh clash against The Town high in hope and belief that they can make it a five-star beginning to March.
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Bangor 1-0 Limavady United: Nerve at the fore as Seasiders emerge from scrappy affair with full spoils
(An article by Lewis Bennett)
It wasn’t fluid and it wasn’t free-flowing but as the common football saying goes, three points are three points. That was the view all of a Bangor persuasion will have held on Tuesday night after seeing off the stern test posed to them by in-form Limavady United, claiming a third successive one-goal victory against the Roesiders to slightly extend their lead at the top of the table to five points.
Read More
(Posted: Friday, 3rd March 2023)
The Seasiders stretched their lead at the top of the PIL to five points ahead of closest rivals Queen's University tonight with a narrow 1-0 victory over Limavady United at Clandeboye Park.
Adam Neale scrambled home the 24th minute winner after good work from Ben Arthurs on the left.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, G.Beattie(S.Foster), R.Neale, J.Boyle, R.Arthur, D.Hume, L.Harrison, D.O'Kane(A.Harris), B.Arthurs, A.Neale(J.Glover), S.McArthur(T.Mathieson). Sub: D.Gibbons, M.Halliday, J.Hughes
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 4th March 2023 - BANBRIDGE TOWN v BANGOR, PIL, Crystal Park, 2:00pm
(Posted: Tuesday, 28th February 2023)
Bangor move to the top of the Premier Intermediate League following tthis afternoon's emphatic 4-0 win over Portstewart at Clandeboye Park.
Adam Neale opened the scoring for Bangor after 13 minutes when he was well found by Ben Arthurs inside the area and he blasted the ball past Oliver.
The lively Tom Mathieson latched on to a perfectly floated Aaron Harris pass in the 26th minute to make it 2-0.Ben Arthurs got in on the act and made it 3-0 early in the second half when the ball fell kindly for him inside the six yard box.
Substitute Scott McArthur rounded things off in the 86th minute when he linked well with Jordan Hughes to score past Oliver.
LIFE THROUGH A LENS - MATCH GALLERY
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale(J.Glover), G.Beattie, J.Boyle, R.Arthur, D.Hume, L.Harrison(D.O'Kane), A.Harris, B.Arthurs(S.McArthur), A.Neale(M.Halliday), T.Mathieson(J.Hughes).
Subs: D.Gibbons, S.Foster
NEXT MATCH:
Tuesday, 28th February - BANGOR v LIMAVADY UNITED, PIL, Clandeboye Park, 8:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 25th February 2023)
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Bangor vs Portstewart preview: Third straight win on the agenda as Seasiders and Seahawks duel
(An article by Lewis Bennett)
The second in a mini-catalogue of three successive home fixtures in the Premier Intermediate League, Bangor aim to bolster their promotion credentials even more this Saturday as they roll out the red carpet for Portstewart at Clandeboye Park. Knowing that only a point is required to take top spot, Lee Feeney and his charges will have their sights set on all three, aspiring to back up their victory in the Friday night bash with Ballymacash Rangers last week with full spoils here.
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(Posted: Saturday, 25th February 2023)
The Seasiders move level on points with league leaders Ballymacash Rangers following tonight's 2-0 win at Clandeboye Park.
Adam Neale nipped in to nod the ball past Neeson to send Bangor on their way after just 4 minutes.
A wreckless challenge by Dylan Davidson on Seanna Foster saw Ballymacash reduced to ten men after just 12 minutes. Ballymacash were given a lifeline after 36 minutes when they were awarded a penalty for a trip, but the spot kick was well saved by James Taylor.
Bangor came close to extending their lead in the 69th minute when Karl Devine's shot from distance came back off the upright.
The second goal finally came in th 87th minute when a Reece Neale cross from the left was headed home by Ben Arthurs to the delight of the bumper Bangor crowd.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, R.Neale, S.Foster, J.Boyle, R.Arthur, D.Hume, L.Harrison, K.Devine(A.Harris), B.Arthurs, A.Neale(S.McArthur), J.Glover(T.Mathieson).
Subs: D.Gibbons, G.Beattie, M.Halliday, D.O'Kane.
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 25th February 2023 - BANGOR v PORTSTEWART, PIL, Clandeboye Park, 3:00PM
(Posted: Friday, 17th February 2023)
Bangor FC Ladies will compete in the Northern Ireland Women’s Football Association (NIWFA) Championship.
The Championship is the second tier of women’s football in Northern Ireland. The winner of the Championship secures promotion to the NIFL Premiership.
Bangor FC Head of Women’s football Michelle Crawford said: “Competing in the NIWFA Championship is a massive boost for Bangor FC Ladies.
"We are excited about the challenge ahead and I believe we can take the momentum from the past few months into the new season.
“We have continued to make progress over the past year and now with the appointment of Ethan Boylan as first team manager, we can look forward to the season ahead."
Bangor FC Ladies manager Ethan Boylan said: "Competing in the Championship is an exciting opportunity for the players and management at the club.
"The girls have been training for a few weeks and have been working hard in pre-season.
"I will continue to build the team over the next few months with the aim of bringing success and growth to the women's game at Clandeboye Park."
Any player interested in attending training can contact Bangor FC Ladies - BangorLadiesFC@outlook.com
(Posted: Friday, 17th February 2023)
The Premier Intermediate League leaders visit Clandeboye Park on Friday evening.
Armagh City 0-3 Bangor: Seasiders rediscover winning trail with three points in Cathedral City
(An article by Lewis Bennett)
It was no small hurdle Bangor had to jump over on Saturday, but all three points were safely shipped back to North Down with a three-goal haul away to Armagh City in the Premier Intermediate League. Not a fixture without trial, it was a welcome return to winning ways and a show of nerve in a game that always promised to ebb and flow, with the visitors in clinical mood to convert either side of half time and take home maximum spoils.
Read More
(Posted: Wednesday, 15th February 2023)
The Seasiders came out on top in today's tale of two cities at Holm Park.
Reece Neale made sure it was the best of times for Bangor as he smashed a spectacular angled volley into the roof of the Armagh net after just 14 seconds.
Reece Neale was instrumental in Bangor's second as he raced to the bye line to pull the ball back for Adam Neale to score from close range in the 63rd minute.
A mazey dribble from Karl Devine in the 66th minute saw him tripped for a penalty which striker Ben Arthurs then stroked home.
Substitute Tom Mathieson nearly rounded off the day with a fourth goal in the 88th minute, but his acrobatic overhead kick went just wide of the Armagh City upright.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster(G.Beattie), R.Neale, J.Boyle(R.D'Sena), R.Arthur, D.Hume, K.Devine(A.Harris), L.Harrison, B.Arthurs(T.Mathieson), A.Neale, S.McArthur(J.Glover)
Subs: D.Gibbons, J.Hughes
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 17th February 2023 - BANGOR v BALLYMACASH RANGERS, PIL, Clandeboye Park, 8:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 11th February 2023)
(Match Preview by Lewis Bennett)
It is a return to Premier Intermediate League action for Bangor this weekend, as an uninterrupted 15-game league sprint begins on Saturday with a trip to Armagh City. An opponent the Seasiders have already defeated once this season, a league double over the Eagles would mark a welcome return to winning ways having lost the last third-tier outing at Tobermore United two weeks ago.
Read More
(Posted: Friday, 10th February 2023)
Bangor FC has officially agreed a two-year sponsorship deal with Denman International Limited to sponsor their Girls’ Academy. The academy is open to all girls born between 2011 and 2015.
Bangor FC Chairman Graham Bailie said: “The Denroy Group has once again shown their incredible support by sponsoring our Girls’ Academy under the Denman brand. It means they will be associated with their home town football club for four years. That demonstrates not only commitment to the football club, but also to the local community that it serves.
“The sponsorship deal is a real boost for the Bangor FC Girls’ Academy. I’m pleased we have been able to partner again and team up with a renowned brand like Denman, as we continue to grow the girls section at Bangor FC.”
Head of Women’s Football at Bangor FC, Michelle Crawford said: “Denman is a forward thinking and innovative brand and I am delighted they have partnered with the Girls’ Academy.
“Their support allows the Girls' Academy to continue to improve the quality of opportunities we can offer. It will help ensure girls in Bangor, and the surrounding area, are given opportunities to play football for their local hometown club.”
Chairman of the Denroy Group Dr John Rainey said: "We are delighted to continue our sponsorship with Bangor FC and the new Girls’ Academy. It is an exciting time for girls’ football and it is fantastic to be a part of the Club's history, with their dedication to setting up a girls’ academy for the local community.
“The girls can develop their football skills under the guidance and tutelage of Michelle Crawford and her team, with opportunities to progress into the Bangor Ladies Team in the future.
“We take great pride in supporting the town’s football club and sponsoring the Girls’ Academy. We wish them good luck in the seasons ahead.”
The Bangor FC Girls’ Academy training is open to all girls born between 2011 and 2015. Anyone interested in attending should email: girlsacademy@bangorfc.com
Denman is an iconic brand that produces brushes for hairdressing. Denman is sold in over sixty countries and used by many thousands of hairdressers, barbers and beauty professionals.
(Posted: Monday, 6th February 2023)
Battling Bangor bowed out of this season's Irish Cup with a 2-1 defeat to cup holders Crusaders at Clandeboye Park this evening.
Philip Lowry put the Crues one up in the 29th minute when he found time and space in the area to slot past Taylor. Lowry was on target once again in the 47th minute when he made room to place the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
Ben Arthurs gave the Seasiders a lifeline in the 66th minute when he danced his way through the Crusaders defence to slide the ball past Tuffy.
In a late flurry, Bangor goalkeeper James Taylor met a Reece Neale corner kick, but steered his header wide of the Crusaders goal.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster(G.Beattie), R.Neale, R.D'Sena, J.Boyle(D.Hume), R.Arthur, L.Harrison, K.Devine, S.McArthur(J.Hughes), J.Glover(T.Mathieson), B.Arthurs
Subs: D.O'Kane, M.Halliday, D.Gibbons
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 11th February, Armagh City v Bangor, Holm Park, 2:00pm
(Posted: Friday, 3rd February 2023)
The Seasiders fell to their first league defeat of the season at Fortwilliam Park this afternoon, losing 2-0 to Tobermore United.
It was a frustrating day for Bangor as the Tobermoe back line repelled everything the Seasiders could throw at them. A spell of Tobermore pressure in the 70th minute saw Owen McKeown race through and lift the ball over Taylor for the opener. As Bangor pushed forward for an injury time equaliser, McKeown broke away once more to grab a second for Tobermore.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster(G.Beattie), R.Neale, J.Boyle, R.Arthur, D.Hume(M.Halliday), K.Devine, D.O'Kane(A.Harris), J.Hughes(J.Glover), B.Arthurs, S.McArthur(A.Neale). Subs: M.Orbinson, R.D'Sena
NEXT MATCH:
Friday, 3rd February, Bangor v Crusaders, Irish Cup, Clandeboye Park, 7:45pm
(Posted: Saturday, 28th January 2023)
Goals from Jordan Hughes, Ryan Arthur, Ben Arthurs and Ryley D'Sena gave Bangor their 10th league win of the season tonight, defeating Banbridge Town at Clandeboye Park.
Jordan Hughes opened the scoring in the 37th minute when he nodded in the rebound from a Ben Arthurs close range strike. Ten minutes into the second half, Ryan Arthur flicked in a deep throw-in from Reece Neale and a minute later Ben Arthurs bundled in the rebound from a Scott McArthur shot which had been parried out by Hunter.
Ryley D'Senna scored his first goal for Bangor in the 89th minute when he headed in a Dylan O'Kane corner from the left.
Proceeds from tonight's game will be donated to AMMF in memory of Frankie Wilson whose family were in attendance.
BANGOR SQUAD:
J.Taylor, S.Foster(G.Beattie), R.Neale, J.Boyle, R.Arthur, D.Hume(R.D'Sena), L.Harrison, K.Devine(D.O'Kane), J.Hughes, S.McArthur(J.Glover), B.Arthurs(M.Halliday)
Subs: T.Mathieson, M.Orbinson
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday's away fixture against Moyola Park has been postponed. Instead,
The Seasiders will travel to Fortwilliam Park to play Tobermore United. Match kick off: 2:00pm
(Posted: Tuesday, 24th January 2023)
Today's match against PSNI has been postponed following a 10:00am pitch inspection at the Dub.
NEXT MATCH:
Tuesday, 24th January - Bangor v Banbridge Town, PIL, Clandeboye Park, 8:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 21st January 2023)
Bangor's fixture against Crusaders in the sixth round of the Samuel Gelston's Whiskey Irish Cup has been moved to Friday,s 3rd February and will be live-streamed on the BBC iPlayer and on the BBC Sport NI Website.
The kick-off time at Clandeboye Park will be 7:45pm.
(Posted: Tuesday, 17th January 2023)
A 29th minute goal from Adam Neale saw Bangor take all three points at a bitterly cold Clandeboye Park this afternoon.
Dylan O'Kane went close for Bangor in the 27th minute with a 20 yard strike that was well saved by Findlay at full stretch. Two minutes later Scott McArthur raced through but fired his shot straight at Findlay, however Adam Neale was on hand to bundle the ball over the line.
Gareth Beattie saw his 40th minute effort from 25 yards came down off the crossbar and Adam Neale just failed to convert the rebound.
Adam Neale blasted a 74th minute chance from a Jamie Glover cross just over the bar. Moyola Park were reduced to 10 men in the closing stages when Caolan Gillan was dismissed for a studs up challenge on Seanna Foster.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, G.Beattie, S.Foster(R.Neale), J.Boyle, D.Hume, R.Arthur, D.O'Kane, K.Devine, S.McArthur(J.Glover), B.Arthurs, A.Neale(A.Harris).
Subs: M.Orbinson, M.Halliday, R.D'Sena
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 21st January - PSNI v BANGOR, PIL, The Dub, 2:00pm
(Posted: Saturday, 14th January 2023)
Bangor have been drawn at home to Crusaders in round six of the Samuel Gelston's Whiskey Irish Cup. The tie will be played on Saturday, 4th February at Clandeboye Park.
(Posted: Saturday, 7th January 2023)
The Seasiders are through to the last 16 of the Samuel Gelston's Whiskey Irish Cup. A hat-trick from Ben Arthurs and a late goal from Scott McArthur secured the win for Bangor in front of a bumper Clandeboye Park crowd.
Arthurs opened the scoring with a crisp finish past Robinson in the 36th minute. Ben bagged his second in the 49th minute when he poked home a pinpoint Reece Neale cross from the left. A 78th minute header from a David Hume cross saw Arthurs complete his hat-trick and substitute Scott McArthur then rounded off the scoring in the 87th minute when he was quickest to react to Robinson's save from a Halliday shot.
BANGOR TEAM:
M.Orbinson, R.Neale(G.Beattie), S.Foster, J.Boyle, D.Hume, R.D'Sena, L.Harrison(A.Harris), K.Devine, D.O'Kane(T.Mathieson), B.Arthurs(M.Halliday), J.Hughes(S.McArthur). Subs: J.Taylor
NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 14th January 2023 - Bangor v Moyola Park, PIL, Clandeboye Park, 3:00PM
(Posted: Saturday, 7th January 2023)
Ethan Boylan has been appointed the new manager at Bangor Ladies FC.
Boylan, a current Bangor player, holds a UEFA B licence and was part of Bangor’s Intermediate Cup winning side in 2013/14 and Ballymena Provincial League championship side in 2018/19.
Ethan said: “I’m delighted and honoured to get the job at Bangor and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead. I will be building the team over the next few months with the aim of bringing success and growth to the women’s game at Clandeboye Park. These are exciting times and I believe we have a great opportunity to build something special at Bangor Ladies. I would like to thank the board for this opportunity and I’m looking forward to getting started."
Bangor FC Head of Women’s Football Michelle Crawford said: “Ethan is a perfect fit for Bangor Ladies as he knows what it takes to be a success at this club. I want him to now pass on his knowledge and experience to the players and help the team progress to the next level. As a player at the club and a supporter, Ethan understands the Bangor way and is passionate about developing young players. We are excited about his appointment and believe he will help us continue the progress we have made in recent years.”
Ethan replaces Mark Duff who recently stepped down as manager.
Michelle concluded: "The Board and I would also like to thank Mark Duff for his hard work and commitment at Bangor. He has played a key role in the ongoing development of the women’s team, and we wish him well for the future."
(Posted: Friday, 6th January 2023)
(Posted: Wednesday, 4th January 2023)
Bangor kicked off the new year with a 5-0 win over Lisburn Distillery at the New Grosvenor Stadium this afternoon.
Adam Neale had already struck the Distillery upright before Reece Neale opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a shot from the left that completely deceived Carry.
Ben Arthurs extended Bangor's lead early in the second half when he raced through to roll the ball into the bottom corner of the Distillery net. Ryan Arthur swept in a Reece Neale corner-kick in the 62nd minute to make it 3-0 and then substitute Dylan O'Kane picked up a loose ball on the edge of the area and rifled it into the bottom corner to make it 4-0.
Striker Adam Neale pounced on a rebound off the keeper in the closing moments of the game to make it 5-0.
BANGOR TEAM:
J.Taylor, S.Foster(A.Ferguson), R.Neale, J.Boyle, R.Arthur, D.Hume(R.D'Sena), L.Harrison, K.Devine, A.Neale, B.Arthurs(D.O'Kane), M.Halliday(J.Hughes)
Subs:M.Orbinson, R.Craig
NEXT MATCH:
Sat, 7th January 2023 - Bangor v. Tandragee Rovers, Irish Cup, Clandeboye Park, 3:00pm
(Posted: Monday, 2nd January 2023)