Having already turned their league focus away to the County Antrim Shield last month, the second of the three senior cup competitions in the Irish League is directly upon Bangor’s radar this week. They travel north to face Premiership big-hitters Coleraine in the BetMcLean Cup First Round; beaten Finalists in this competition in each of the last two seasons, the Bannsiders will ask fresh questions of their second-tier adversaries in a setting where they have often produced the best version of themselves.
For the Seasiders, though, you could hardly class them as devoid of motivation. A salvo of three matches in seven days awaits, with Annagh United coming up on the divisional front before Larne provide the entertainment in the County Antrim Shield, and given Lee Feeney will want to put Saturday’s defeat behind his boys, there is more than meets the eye here.
North west escapade poses huge trial for Yellows, but there’s no cause for fear
From south of the Derg on Saturday, it’s east of the Bann on Tuesday.
While Bangor’s long-haul double-header has a common theme in terms of their respective foes’ proximity to rivers, a division this time splits their adversaries across this three-day span.
Stat attack:
Bangor will bid to emulate their feat of August 2019, when they most recently won a tie in the League Cup. A crazy night on home soil saw the Seasiders totally defy the odds with 10 men and overcome Niall Currie’s Carrick Rangers 5-3 after extra-time; Reece Neale was on the losers’ bench that night.
Premiership Coleraine represent the test that comes immediately on the back of a second-tier league clash with Dergview, where the Seasiders will aim to defy the odds and mark a return to winning ways in the BetMcLean Cup.
| BetMcLean Cup (7:45pm unless stated | First Round (3/10/23) | |
| Annagh United (2) | vs | Portstewart (3) |
| Ballinamallard United (2) | vs | Ards (2) |
| Ballymena United (1) | vs | Lisburn Distillery (3) |
| Carrick Rangers (1) | vs* | Moyola Park (3) |
| Cliftonville (1) | vs* | Institute (2) |
| Coleraine (1) | vs | Bangor (2) |
| Dungannon Swifts (1) | vs | Newington (2) |
| Glenavon (1) | vs | Dergview (2) |
| Glentoran (1) | vs | Dollingstown (3) |
| Harland and Wolff Welders (2) | vs | Newry City (1) |
| Larne (1) | vs | Knockbreda (2) |
| Limavady United (3) | vs | Dundela (2) |
| Linfield (1) | vs | Queen’s University (3) |
| Loughgall (1) | vs | Ballyclare Comrades (2) |
| Portadown (2) | vs | Coagh United (3) |
| Warrenpoint Town (3) | vs | Crusaders (1) |
The Bannsiders, seventh-placed in the Northern Ireland top-flight, have a storied history in this competition.
Featuring in a quarter of all Finals to have been contested since the tournament’s inception back in 1986, including each of the last three, sustained progression in the NIFL-run knock-out has been of great value to Oran Kearney and his boys.
Sunday fun-day:
Moving the BetMcLean Cup Final to a Sunday was a wise call from NIFL, given that crowds of 11,000 people were attracted to both showpieces on the seventh day. Coleraine reached the decider for both, but agonisingly fell to defeat against Cliftonville in 2022 and Linfield this year. Image from myself.
Indeed, its status has been elevated since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The experimentation of a Sunday showpiece for each of the last two iterations has proved a genius move, with crowds exceeding 11,000 flocking to Windsor Park for each – although Coleraine fell on the losing end both times, beaten 4-3 after extra-time by Cliftonville in 2022 and 2-0 in regulation by Linfield in this March’s extravaganza.
The Ballycastle Road establishment’s latest foray begins with a tie where, from the outside looking in, they will certainly be expected to progress.
Stat attack:
Bangor’s 5-0 BetMcLean Cup defeat to Coleraine a little over two years ago, where a Cathair Friel hat-trick and finishes by Evan Tweed and Conor McKendry were the deciding factors, was at least symbolic for something. It was the last time the Seasiders played in front of a ground known as Bangor Fuels Arena, with the ground reverting back to Clandeboye Park just days later.
It is only natural. Top-tier versus second-flight – the latter’s newly promoted team, no less – casts a clear favourite from the outset. Given the blue and white-striped home outfit have the benefit of their own crowd, this will be another factor many expect to stand to them.
But Bangor captain Lewis Harrison feels new aspects have been thrown into the mix that may just tip the scales in the guests’ favour.
Tuesday’s hosts, who have lost their last two matches by an aggregate 9-0 score, are under pressure to deliver – and midfielder Harrison believes, with the weight being lifted off those in yellow and blue for this encounter, that this could work to the travelling players’ advantage.
“We know we’re facing a wounded animal on Tuesday night, but we’re going out there looking for a reaction, no doubt about that,” he pointed out.
“For me, the more cups you’re in, the better.
The quotes section:
“We know we’re facing a wounded animal on Tuesday night, but we’re going out there looking for a reaction, no doubt about that. For me, the more cups you’re in, the better. It means more legs in us, the chance to use up the whole squad, and there may be three or four changes for the game from Saturday which will keep us all on our toes” – Bangor captain Lewis Harrison insists confidence is high for facing Coleraine. Image from Gary Carson.
“It means more legs in us, the chance to use up the whole squad, and there may be three or four changes for the game from Saturday which will keep us all on our toes.
“The pressure’s off us, we’re not going in as favourites and, for me, that’s sometimes where we play our best football”
Not being weighed down by expectation could work to Bangor’s benefit against Coleraine, believes Lewis Harrison
“With the astroturf pitch up there now, it’s probably back to a little more like we are used to as well, which could help us put in a performance.
“We’re expecting a tough challenge, Coleraine have a lot of creative players who can make things happen, the likes of Jamie Glackin and Conor McKendry. The pace and tempo they play at, that’s also something we have to manage because they move the ball around quickly, and we have to be sharp to that.
“So, we’re going with a plan to win, it’s another long trip and hopefully we’ll make it count”
Lewis Harrison kept an optimistic outlook ahead of Bangor’s trip to take on Coleraine in the BetMcLean Cup
“The pressure’s off us, we’re not going in as favourites and, for me, that’s sometimes where we play our best football.
How may I assist you:
The provider for Lewis Harrison’s opening goal against Dergview has form on the set-up front of late. A third assist of the season in just his sixth appearance since linking up for a second campaign on loan has Seanna Foster hot on the trail and atop that chart, and the right wing-back will again aim to impress when facing Coleraine. Image from Sarah Harkness.
“So, we’re going with a plan to win, it’s another long trip and hopefully we’ll make it count.”
Assertive words that, it is hoped, will be backed up by intent.
Coleraine suffered heavy defeats to north Belfast duo Cliftonville and Crusaders last week. The former, seven days before kick-off here, was by five unanswered goals; Joe Gormley’s hat-trick added to by Ben Wilson’s brace that put the shine on a cloud-nine display for the Reds at Solitude.
And the latter, just three days ago, was by four.
Although that joust hung in the balance right up until 10 minutes from the end, where only Philip Lowry’s first-half opener split both teams, Stephen Baxter’s Crues exploded into life at the end as Ben Kennedy, Daniel Larmour and Jarlath O’Rourke contributed a late three-goal blitz.
Stat attack:
Coleraine FC were founded in 1927 as the result of a merger between two local teams, Coleraine Olympic and Coleraine Alexandra, with John McCandless playing an influential early role having both helped found the Bannsiders and being their first player/manager. Since then, they have won the Irish League title once – the 1973/74 campaign – while also adding six Irish Cups, the most recent of which arriving to the Showgrounds trophy cabinet in 2018, and two League Cup titles, with victory over Cliftonville in 2020 being their most recent success on that front. Oran Kearney has taken charge of the club for two stints, from 2011 to 2018 and then 2019 to the present, leading Coleraine to three runners-up finishes in the Premiership.
It means their points total remains at 14 from 10 Premiership encounters – a tally most recently bolstered by a rousing comeback success at Glentoran two Fridays ago. In that 2-1 fightback at The BetMcLean Oval, some of the aces in their pack Harrison refers to really showed their steel.
The form book (Sports Direct Premiership):
- 2/9/23 – Coleraine 1-3 Linfield
- 16/9/23 – Coleraine 3-1 Newry City
- 22/9/23 – Glentoran 1-2 Coleraine
- 26/9/23 – Cliftonville 5-0 Coleraine
- 30/9/23 – Coleraine 0-4 Crusaders
The elusive McKendry and penalty-box extraordinaire Matthew Shevlin delivered a lightning three-minute salvo in the second period, while three-point hauls away to Loughgall and at home to Newry City and Ballymena United ensure Kearney’s charges sit merely seven points off second spot – it in itself highlights a close-knit nature within the top half.
Man in the hotseat:
An Irish Cup and BetMcLean Cup winner, as well as a three-time second-place finisher in the Premiership throughout his two spells with Coleraine, Oran Kearney also kept St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership thanks to a play-off victory in 2019 before heading back to Ballycastle Road. The former Linfield ace has an extensive CV and is held in high esteem in Irish League circles. Image from The Scottish Sun.
But, all the same, the Bannsiders chief – in his second spell at the Showgrounds reins having first taken charge in February 2011, since returning in 2019 after a highly creditable season-long sojourn in the Scottish Premiership with St Mirren – will be demanding more.
The season summary: Coleraine (2022-23):
- Position: sixth-place
- Ground: Ballycastle Road Showgrounds, Coleraine, Co Derry/Londonderry
- Points: 62
- Goals for: 59
- Goals against: 39
- Top scorer: Matthew Shevlin (22)
- Manager: Oran Kearney (since July 3, 2019)
After all, it is not for want of talent.
Shevlin’s predatory instincts brought about 29 finishes across all competitions last campaign, and the four he has notched up in just six features so far this term implies he is picking up right where he left off.
Player spotlight:
Goalscorers don’t come much more punishingly efficient in the Irish League than Coleraine’s Matthew Shevlin. Held in exceptional esteem ever since breaking out for Ballymena United aged just 15, the now 24-year-old marksman is excelling on the other side of the rivalry, hitting 33 goals in all competitions since the start of last season. Image from News Letter.
McKendry’s weaving wizardry makes him a player who can conjure a moment of magic out of nothing, while the elegant Glackin’s skill – if fit – is abundant from both the wing and the heart of midfield. The fleet-footed Andy Scott, box-to-box Lee Lynch and the nimble David McDaid add further strings to an imposing and impressive forward bow.
When one also considers how such talents over the years as Eunan O’Kane, Brad Lyons and Patrick Kelly have headed across the water and earned acclaim for both club and country, it speaks to how central Coleraine has been in refining prospects from the local area before they shine elsewhere. With plans to go full-time and takeover proceedings under way, too, there appear to be bright times ahead for a club that wears their heart on their proverbial sleeve, led under the chairmanship of Colin McKendry.
From Bangor’s point of view, though, the port of call is neither the past nor the future. It is very much the present.
Feeney is a winner. And a winner’s hunger is insatiable.
After the six-game unbeaten streak across all competitions was cut in Co Tyrone, you can bet on the Kilkeel supremo pulling out all the stops to bring the Seagulls back on the right flight path.
Perched in fifth-place in the Championship – like Coleraine, with 14 points to their name – for a first season back as a senior-status football club, there can be few complaints had on both the performances and results. Half a dozen fixtures without defeat, comprising draws against H&W Welders (0-0) and Institute (1-1) as well as victories over Portadown (1-0), Ballinamallard (3-0), Ballyclare Comrades (4-2) and Newington (2-1), has proved key to setting out the stall and providing a means to go on.
The season so far:
- 5/8/23 – Ballyclare Comrades 3-2 Bangor (McGrandles OG, McArthur)
- 11/8/23 – Bangor 1-0 Ards (A. Neale)
- 18/8/23 – Bangor 1-2 Dundela (Arthurs)
- 25/8/23 – Portadown 0-1 Bangor (McArthur)
- 2/9/23 – Bangor 1-1 Institute (Francis)
- 5/9/23 – Bangor 4-2 Ballyclare Comrades (Arthurs x4)
- 9/9/23 – Ballinamallard United 0-3 Bangor (Arthurs, Cushnie x2)
- 16/9/23 – Harland and Wolff Welders 0-0 Bangor
- 23/9/23 – Bangor 2-1 Newington (Cushnie, Mathieson)
- 30/9/23 – Dergview 2-1 Bangor (Harrison)
That said, with Padraig Lynch and Niall McGinley on target in Castlederg after Harrison’s deflected opener had given the travelling faithful cause for cheer, reviving early feelings of satisfaction will be top of the agenda in the north west.
Feeney is expected to have James Taylor available for selection after the 39-year-old shot-stopper missed the weekend reversal, but injury absentees Ryan Arthur, Ali Omar and Gareth Beattie remain on the sidelines; the manager has no fresh headaches entering this Tuesday’s clash, which must be seen as a bonus.
With three games across a trio of different competitions upcoming – Annagh United follows up in a return to league action this Saturday, while Irish League champions Larne roll out the Inver Red carpet next Tuesday in the County Antrim Shield – regaining momentum will be of value. A cup shock boosts that to no end.
Hopeful of better fortunes:
A mainstay in the Bangor defence having joined on a season-long loan from Larne over the summer, Sean Brown’s most recent appearance for the Inver Reds was against Coleraine at The Showgrounds; the final day of their title-winning crusade, Larne were defeated 3-0, so Brown will be eager to end up on the winning side this time around. Image from Gary Carson.
It is often said that the tough get going when the going gets tough.
This is a test of mettle. Not season-defining by any stretch, but a stern examination of the steel that is abundant within this group of players.
In attack, Ben Arthurs, who sits atop the scoring ranks on six goals in 10 matches, will have a keen eye for enhancing that tally – four came in that sensational Shield fightback versus the Comrades in early September – while Ben Cushnie (three) has found his groove, be it as one of the striker double-act himself or playing behind the front pair. Adam Neale, aiming to add to his solitary finish to date this season, has impressed Feeney in other ways despite an all-too-natural frustration that comes with dry spells.
Harrison and Tom Mathieson, who bagged their first finishes this term in the last fortnight, will also bid to stake their claim on the goal count.
And what better place to do it than in a situation like this; playing architect to a cup shock.
Well, let’s see what happens.
Featured image from Gary Carson.
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