Three games unbeaten. A stunning success at Shamrock Park, a little piece of last-gasp heroics and a remarkable rousing comeback has Bangor heading to Fermanagh in high spirits indeed. Motivations would only be boosted should the Seasiders return from their foray west with a points return; there is a feeling that the players are finding their feet at this level, and to secure a win or draw out of Ferney Park would only ram that home.
Ballinamallard United are no mugs, though. Given last season was the first time since their relegation from the Premiership five years ago that they failed to net a top-half finish, Harry McConkey’s men will have an added determination to surge up the table and be right amongst the division’s pacesetters once again. It is a fact that Lee Feeney and his squad will be all too aware of and, with that in mind, a top version of the Yellows can be anticipated.
Mallards test set to push Seasiders to the limit with big points reward at stake
Kick-starting a run of four away games in five is one of the longest away days of the season.
This Saturday, a long trek awaits to Ferney Park, where a Fermanagh welcome can be expected when Bangor take on Ballinamallard United.
Coming on the back of a memorable comeback win over Ballyclare Comrades on Tuesday night, which itself follows a last-gasp leveller to claim a point against Institute, the Seasiders travel to the Erne County in high spirits and with hopes of improving to 10 points from 18.
But all the same, Harry McConkey’s panel carry the pride of Northern Ireland’s western-most county on their backs.
The Mallards, who reached the Irish Cup Final as a second-tier side in 2019 and were the first-ever Co Fermanagh representatives in the Premiership, really are at the heart of their surroundings.
History lesson:
This is Bangor’s first meeting with Ballinamallard United in 11 years. Back in March 2012, the Mallards confirmed their promotion to the Premiership with a 3-2 victory against the Seasiders, with the east-coast side’s last win in Fermanagh coming the year before – a 3-0 success back in May 2011, in which Ryan Murray converted twice. Image from Jordan Connolly/Life Through A Lens NI.
It will, therefore, be up to their seaside adversaries to find a way to dampen the mood on what is forecast to be a sunny but relatively thundery Saturday afternoon.
Lee Feeney’s men certainly enter with wind flowing in their sails.
The breathless nature in which they clinched their quarter-final place in the County Antrim Shield, recovering from an early two-goal deficit to run out 4-2 winners at Clandeboye Park, has filled all in the camp with a sense of gusto.
Ben Arthurs gave clinical edge to apply the cherry on top of a well-constructed cake – even if the foundations were rocked early on. Darius Roohi’s brace inside the opening five minutes rocketed Ballyclare into an early two-goal advantage, but Arthurs bagged four finishes within 59 minutes to totally turn the tide.
How may I assist you:
Having recorded his first assist of the season during Bangor’s Shield success over Ballyclare Comrades, Ben Walker will be desirous of more when the left wing-back takes to the field against Ballinamallard this weekend. The 18-year-old on loan from Larne has looked sharp indeed. Image from Sarah Harkness.
With the Yellows finding out their opponents in Round Two of the 135-year-old competition on Saturday – five of the eight teams involved hail from below the Premiership – the faithful will hope to receive such news on the back of a victory that makes the long traversal from east to west worth it.
Thanks to Lewis Francis’ heroics in the seventh minute of stoppage-time against ‘Stute last week, the midweek triumph extended a current unbeaten streak to three matches that dates back to the last three-point haul in the league – away to Portadown two Fridays ago.
Bangor are yet to win on a Saturday as yet. But the chance to set the record straight is nigh.
McConkey’s Mallards were left reeling last weekend when they were defeated in east Antrim by Ballyclare, and will consequently be eager to return to winning ways in the Playr-Fit Championship.
Currently, they sit eighth-place in the table having suffered successive 2-1 away reversals at the hands of the Comrades – Michael Morgan and Calvin McCurry inflicting the killer blows at Dixon Park – and Dundela, where they threatened a comeback but were just to fall short.
The season summary: Ballinamallard United (2022-23):
- Position: eighth-place
- Ground: Ferney Park, Ballinamallard, Co Fermanagh
- Points: 52
- Goals for: 50
- Goals against: 59
- Top scorer: Shane McGinty (seven)
- Manager: Harry McConkey (since March 15, 2018)
Where they ascertained optimism during the week, however, was in the North West Cup; they edged by Ballymena League representatives Newbuildings United on penalties, which puts them in with a serious shot at silverware as one of the competition’s semi-finalists.
That shoot-out jubilation, they will hope, props up a strong record at home.
Man in the hotseat:
There can be little doubt that Harry McConkey has contributed a great deal to Fermanagh football in the five-and-a-half-year stint he has enjoyed since taking the hotseat. Although unable to avert Ballinamallard’s relegation from the Premiership in 2018, they reached the Irish Cup Final the following year and have kept consistent in the Championship since. Image from Fermanagh Herald.
While they have tasted defeat three times on the road – the other being a 4-2 defeat against Harland and Wolff Welders on the opening day, where they let slip a two-goal lead to cede all the spoils in east Belfast – they have won both their home encounters, and in thrilling fashion, having overcame Tyrone near-neighbours Dergview 4-2 in a derby and basement-dwelling Knockbreda 3-0 the following week during August.
The Ducks are certainly rich in entertainment value. In five league matches to date, they are in fact the division’s top scorers with 11; conversely, they also possess the second-leakiest defence, shipping 10.
McConkey – who coached Bangor sharp-shooter Adam Neale at last year’s UEFA Regions Cup – has a few recognisable names at his disposal.
Stat attack:
Ballinamallard United, in their modern guise, were founded in 1975 and became the Premiership’s first Fermanagh club when they achieved promotion in 2012 – sealed, incidentally, with a 3-2 victory over Bangor at Ferney Park that ensured they became the Erne County’s first side to play senior-status football. As new chapters of history are written, good memories of this match-up are felt by the Mallards faithful, who are expected to come in their numbers for this duel.
None more so, perhaps, than their captain.
At 36, Mark Stafford is still going strong, and the four-time title winner with Linfield who carried great respect within the Windsor Park walls remains a chief lieutenant of Ballinamallard’s backline.
Player spotlight:
Throughout his six distinguished years at Linfield, Mark Stafford’s assuredness at the back was a key facet behind how David Healy laid out his stall during his first foray into management with the Blues. Alongside other key defenders like Jimmy Callagher, Josh Robinson, Matthew Clarke, Niall Quinn and Mark Haughey, Stafford stood out for being able to threaten at both ends of the pitch. Four goals last season indicate this threat still exists with Ballinamallard. Image from Belfast Live.
A centre-back who delivered a reputation alongside Jimmy Callacher for chipping in with key goals at crucial moments, his 30 goals in 158 appearances for the Blues stand as testament to that fact – and he is already off the mark for 2023-24, given that he netted the all-important second goal in that Dergs tussle. He is as crucial under McConkey now as he was for David Healy then, and his threat promises not to wane.
The form book (Playr-Fit Championship):
- 5/8/23 – Harland and Wolff Welders 4-2 Ballinamallard United
- 12/8/23 – Ballinamallard United 4-2 Dergview
- 19/8/23 – Ballinamallard United 3-0 Knockbreda
- 26/8/23 – Dundela 2-1 Ballinamallard United
- 2/9/23 – Ballyclare Comrades 2-1 Ballinamallard United
Alex Holder, who found the net in that Ballyclare visit last weekend but was also red-carded for a second bookable offence in the dying embers in east Antrim, contributed his fourth of the season with that 74th-minute strike. He served his ban in midweek and may return on a mission given he chipped in with goals in each of those home encounters with Dergview and ‘Breda; rising through the ranks, he is one to watch.
| Playr-Fit Championship | Matchday Six (8/9/23) | |
| Ards | vs | Ballyclare Comrades |
| Ballinamallard United | vs | Bangor |
| Dundela | vs | Knockbreda |
| Institute | vs | Harland and Wolff Welders |
| Newington | vs | Dergview |
| Portadown | vs* | Annagh United |
With Ballinamallard’s rise up the ranks, a door for Fermanagh-based talent to shine that long felt shut has been opened.
The Irish Cup Final of 2019, in which they were defeated 3-0 by Stephen Baxter’s Crusaders, was also memorable in that two prominent, locally-bred 17-year-olds were involved in the squad that day.
Namely, they are Micheál Glynn and Darragh McBrien.
Precocious prospects in the full glare of the watching public on one of Northern Ireland football’s biggest days, Left-back Glynn is now a Premiership title-winner with Larne, while tricky winger McBrien excelled at Dungannon Swifts and, after a long injury absence, signed for Linfield this summer.
Rising star:
Before representing Derry City, Glenavon and, at present, Larne where he achieved a title success last season, Derrygonnelly native Micheál Glynn rose through the ranks at Ballinamallard United and was a 17-year-old among the panel for their historic Irish Cup Final appearance in 2019. Now a mainstay at left wing-back for the Inver Reds, he has come a long way. Image from Irish News.
Holder, a fans’ favourite among the Ferney stands, has slotted into the operation like a glove, as have other key cogs like Josh McIlwaine, Ryan Morris and Aaron Arkinson. Keep your eyes peeled for youngsters Peter Maguire (20), Aaron Smyton (19) and Nick Palmer (20) as well.
Feeney shed interesting insight after the result against Ballyclare in the week that further reinforces his ever-demanding nature.
“I was just really pleased with the attitude and the performance and the desire and the hunger. It had everything there,” beamed the 45-year-old supremo.
“And then we could’ve scored far more goals, we were unlucky – a few saves, hitting the crossbar – but the attitude from every single man was very, very good, and that’s what it takes (to get a result).”
A roller-coaster of emotions:
From famous victories over Ards and Portadown to Lewis Francis’ last-gasp heroics versus Institute, the Playr-Fit Championship has been living up to the promise and the comeback win against Ballyclare Comrades, which included Ben Arthurs’ super four-goal haul, has merely added to the fun. Image from Sarah Harkness.
“We got in their faces (after going behind), and I even told the lads at half-time, if you give that fight and that effort that you gave in this half and we lose this game, there will be no problem with that, but I am sure if you do, you will win it.
“I was just really pleased with the attitude and the performance and the desire and the hunger”
Bangor manager Lee Feeney was left well impressed by the way his players reacted to going down early against Ballyclare Comrades
“And they did, they never slacked off. Right until the end, we’re still all fighting for each other and that’s what we want to try and get on a consistent basis.
“The character was unbelievable. The character was massive.”
The quotes section:
“We got in their faces (after going behind), and I even told the lads at half-time, if you give that fight and that effort that you gave in this half and we lose this game, there will be no problem with that, but I am sure if you do, you will win it. And they did, they never slacked off. Right until the end, we’re still all fighting for each other and that’s what we want to try and get on a consistent basis. The character was unbelievable. The character was massive” – there was no disguising the satisfaction of Bangor boss Lee Feeney following the victory over Ballyclare Comrades on Tuesday night. Image from Jordan Connolly/Life Through A Lens NI.
Character. What can seem like a managerial buzzword so often rings true; you can see who has it on the pitch.
These players have character in abundance. They are also riding the crest of a wave, with much positivity to be yielded from the first half-dozen outings.
On a four-hour-round, 200-mile journey, you do not want to leave empty-handed. No way.
The fire is therefore fuelled. Here we go again.
Ladies to encounter Final say at Blanchflower while Reserves front up to PSNI
It is quite the feast of football this weekend, given both Bangor FC Ladies and Bangor Reserves are also in action.
It is a major occasion for the Ladies, who are in PwC Super Cup Final action at Blanchflower Park this Saturday when they take on Lisburn Rangers Ladies in the curtain-closer to their campaign.
Ethan Boylan’s side, who defied the odds and upset Ballyclare Comrades Ladies to make the showpiece event at Clandeboye Park two weeks ago, face a glamorous end to what has been a highly successful season, where a third-place finish was sealed in the NIWFA Championship and an elevated level was taken like a duck to water.
“You can’t beat a Cup Final. I’m not really concerned with who we play, to be honest; it’s more about the occasion so we’ll just go and enjoy ourselves”
Manager Ethan Boylan was keen to stress that the pressure is off for what promises to be a memorable occasion
The opportunity to make it a feast of football is staring you right in the face, as you can head out and watch the men take on Ballinamallard in the afternoon while doubling up with an evening helping of football in east Belfast.
Kick-off at Blanchflower Park is at 7:45pm, and any and all support would be most welcome for a group of players who have very much done the club proud in the way they have went about their business.
The quotes section:
“I think, take the semi-final element out of it, they’ve (Ballyclare) turned us over three times, and they were close encounters, especially with the last being 4-3 and we walked away, we were really disappointed. I think tonight, actually, it fully clicked. I think the first half, we were superior; I wouldn’t say we overcommitted but they gave it their all in the first half and ran out of steam a bit. But I’m genuinely just delighted for the girls; throughout, they’ve put so much effort in” – manager Ethan Boylan saluted the effort that his players put in during the clash with Ballyclare. Image from Sarah Harkness.
Meanwhile, the Reserves aim to build on a winning start to the campaign when they travel to take on PSNI at Breda Park this Friday night.
The second string delivered an excellent account of themselves in the curtain-raiser to this term, knocking home six without reply against Ballymacash Rangers at Clandeboye Park a Saturday ago to record an emphatic opening win.
Finishes from Sam Millar, Ethan Scott, Sonny Redford and Charley Craig added to an opening brace by new captain Kristian Trainor that set the side on their way. A clean sheet served as the cherry on top of a comprehensive success, commencing a revamped league format in front-footed fashion.
“Yeah, as soon as we got into it, when we got the first goal, it started flowing,” Craig enthused after bulleting home in the 89th-minute to round off the scoring count.
The quotes section:
“Yeah, as soon as we got into it, when we got the first goal, it started flowing. You know, we didn’t have the best pre-season but first game of the season, it’s good to get out and good to play some football. Some of the football we played today was unbelievable. Just, the talking, the passing, patterns, everything… the way we were moving inside and then coming back in, it was unbelievable” – having got his name on the scoresheet against Ballymacash Rangers, Charley Craig is excited about what is to follow. Image from Joe McEwan.
“You know, we didn’t have the best pre-season but first game of the season, it’s good to get out and good to play some football.
“Some of the football we played today was unbelievable. Just, the talking, the passing, patterns, everything… the way we were moving inside and then coming back in, it was unbelievable.”
“Some of the football we played today was unbelievable. Just, the talking, the passing, patterns, everything”
Charley Craig was full of praise for the approach Bangor Reserves used when they took on Ballymacash Rangers last week
With boss David Downes prepared to return to the dugout, he will hope to find his players well-tuned following such a rousing start under the dual tutelage of assistant Ian Boal and the respected Dean Gordon.
They certainly look in-sync, and will enter confident of sealing an early two from two return against the Police, who themselves will seek to atone for a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Limavady United first time out.
Kick-off at Knockbreda’s Breda Park this Friday, September 8, is at 8pm.
Featured image from Jordan Connolly/Life Through A Lens NI.
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