BANGOR 3-1 DUNGANNON SWIFTS , JJB Sports Premiership.

Clandeboye Park, Saturday 25th October 2008
Match Report by Neil Watson 

Bangor claimed a well deserved three points at a wet and windy Clandeboye Park with a committed performance to see off the in-form Dungannon Swifts. Boosted by the appointment of former Bangor player John Cunningham as manager, Dungannon recorded an impressive mid-week victory over Linfield, and things seemed to be going right for the Tyrone men when Marc McCann gave them the lead in only the 3rd minute. Bangor refused to lie down despite the set back, and the impressive Aaron McKee leveled the scores after 30 minutes. McKee then turned provider as he created a goal for skipper Andy Morrow. The second half saw Bangor soak up the Dungannon pressure, before Marty Verner spectacularly sealed the points with a 25 yard chip.

With only 3 minutes on the clock, Dominic Melly had to be alert to clear a Mullen header off the line after McAree's corner. The clearance fell to Marc McCann who did well to cut in from the right and hammer a low left footed shot into the bottom right hand corner to give his side a dream start.

The game began to get bogged down in midfield, with both sides struggling to come to terms with the stong wind and wet conditions, but it was Bangor who were beginning to get on top.

On the half hour mark, Marty Verner flicked the ball on for Andy Morrow on the edge of the Dungannon penalty area. The Bangor captain rolled the ball into the path of Aaron McKee who steadied himself before rifling a low shot into the bottom left hand corner of the net.

Things almost got even better for Bangor a minute later when Marty Verner's deflected 14 yard shot was heading past the wrong footed Nelson, only for a covering defender to hack clear off the line.

Bangor continued to dominate and they took a deserved lead in the 41st minute. Aaron McKee made the most of a horrendous pass from the Dungannon 'keeper to square the ball for Andy Morrow to slide the ball home, opening his account for the season.

Half-time: 2 - 1

The visitors started the half brightly, but proceedings were held up for a lengthy period when referee Stephen Weatherall got his face in the way of a Darren Murphy clearance, leaving the referee dazed on the ground. Fourth official David Malcolm replaced Weatherall, allowing the game to continue.

While Dungannon enjoyed long periods of possession, they struggled to break down a resolute Bangor defence superbly led by Gracey and Fitzpatrick. The Swifts best chance arrived in the 75th minute, but substitute Aaron Baker fired his close range effort straight at Andrew Plummer.

Bangor had huge appeals for a penalty waved away by David Malcolm when Marty Verner seemed to be brought down by Dwayne Nelson as the Bangor striker raced on to collect David Irvine's through pass moments later.

Verner was out of luck in the 83rd minute when his low shot from the left beat Nelson, but rebounded clear off the inside of the post.

The lively striker only had to wait a further two minutes before he sealed the victory. Verner showed great strength to hold off the challenge of Johnny Montgomery before he expertly chipped the ball over the stranded Nelson from 25 yards to claim his 5th goal of the season.