DONEGAL CELTIC 2-1 BANGOR (LADBROKES.COM CHAMPIONSHIP 1)

Suffolk Road, Sunday 4th October 2009
Match Report by Neil Watson 

An injury time Paul McVeigh penalty gave Donegal Celtic all three points in this closely contested fixture. Daniel Hanna had given his side a first half lead before the in-form Glen Upton equalised after half-time. The game seemed destined for a draw until McVeigh blasted home his spot kick late on.

A dull first half saw Donegal Celtic enjoy most of the possession without making Bangor ‘keeper Jim McCurdy stretch himself. Bangor, operating with Upton as a lone striker, worked hard in a packed midfield but seldom caused the home defence any problems.

Bangor fell behind in the 30th minute when Dean Youle was booked for a foul in the Donegal Celtic half. The resulting long free kick was flicked on by McVeigh allowing the well placed Hanna to clip the ball high into the net from close range.
The Seasiders’ best chance of the half fell to Morrow moments before half time, but his 14 yard shot was well blocked as the ball seemed destined for the net.

Half-time: 1 – 0

The industrious Wayne Maxwell, playing on the right wing, showed his pace and ability as the wide-man burst past his marker and into the penalty area in the 53rd minute. His low pass found Upton who kept his composure to control the ball before firing his shot past the goalkeeper and into the net.

Bangor began to take control of the game as they kept the hosts on the back foot. Andy Rosbotham was unfortunate not to score when his low shot was scrambled clear by the home goalkeeper in the 56th minute.

Garth Scates, making his debut for Bangor in midfield almost marked his first game with a goal, but his low shot across goal flew just wide of the base of the post.

The lively Upton, who ran himself into the ground, almost grabbed his second of the game when a smart turn took him away from his marker in the 78th minute. But, as the striker was picking his spot, former Bangor defender Andy Cleary made a courageous block to clear the danger.

Bangor had further chances to score as Morrow and Dunlop came close, but it was Paul McVeigh who had the final say.

The Donegal Celtic forward had seen his 25 yard free kick pushed over the bar by McCurdy moments before he took the ball to slam it into the bottom corner after Dean Youle had fouled Sean Armstrong inside the penalty area.

Full-time: 2 – 1

Bangor: McCurdy, Mann, Whiteside, Youle, Whitford, Maxwell, Scates, Dunlop, Rosbotham, Morrow, Upton. Subs not used: Maguire, Boyd, McIntyre, Knox.
Scorer: Upton (’53)
Booked: Youle, Upton

Donegal Celtic: N.Murphy, B.Spence, T.Lambe, D.Hanna, A.Cleary, S.McAlorum, C.Gargin, L.Bradley, S.O'Neill, K.Duff, P.McVeigh
Scorers: D.Hanna, P.McVeigh(pen)
Subs: S.Armstrong, L.Watson,B.Shannon, M.NcClean, T.Heagney