BANGOR 1-0 BALLINAMALLARD UTD  (CO-OP INS. CUP)

Clandeboye Park, Saturday 29th August 2009
Match Report by Neil Watson 

Glen Upton’s second goal in as many games was enough to give Bangor the advantage going into the second leg of this Co-Operative Insurance Cup tie. The Bangor striker struck in the second half to give his side a slender lead to take to Holm Park next week.

In a low-key first half in which an under strength Bangor side never got started, it was the visitors who had the best chance when Stafford saw his header cleared off the line by Whitford in the opening five minutes.

Ballinamallard continued to retain possession but rarely threatened the Bangor goal with Maguire only having to deal with a long range Hutchinson effort.

Already missing regulars Andy Morrow, Mark Magennis and Stephen Whiteside, Bangor had to contend with losing Jim McMenamin to a knee injury on the stroke of half-time.

Half-time: 0 – 0

The second half was a livelier affair with McIntyre heading wide and Chambers shooting straight at Maguire when well placed early on.

The deadlock was broken in the 70th minute when Glen Upton’s quick movement left him in space to make the most of a Rosbotham free kick.The Bangor strike sent the ball towards the top corner, only for Morrison to somehow claw the ball out. But Upton was not to be denied as he reacted quickest to stab the ball home.

Kris Hunter had a good chance to extend Bangor’s lead in the 80th minute, but the winger sent his shot wide following a good move.
Ballinamallard substitute McGuigan had two good chances to score in the dying moments but he was twice denied by Maguire from point blank range as the Bangor keeper ensured his side retained their lead.

Full-time: 1 – 0

Bangor: Maguire, Youle, Whitford, McMenamin (’46 Carnduff), Boyd, Hunter, Mann, Dunlop (’90 Kelly), Rosbotham, McIntyre, Upton. Sub not used: McCurdy.
Scorer: Upton (’70)
Booked: Mann

Ballinamallard: Morrison, Chambers (’74 S Hutchinson), McConkey, Liggett, Stafford, G Hutchinson, McManus, Kee, Higginbottom (’74 McGuigan), Crawford, Flaherty (’66 Crilly).