ARDS 1-1 BANGOR (LADBROKES.COM CHAMPIONSHIP 1)

Dixon Park, Saturday 19th December 2009
Match Report by Neil Watson 

The first north Down derby of the season won’t live long in the memory, but Bangor could be happy with their efforts as they claimed a valuable point against their old rivals. Falling behind to Darren Fitzgerald’s first half strike, Bangor battled hard with defender William McAllister grabbing his third goal in two appearances to secure a point.

Bangor welcomed back Andy Morrow to the starting line-up after a lengthy absence through injury and the captain took up a deeper role as part of a five man midfield with Robert Knox acting as the lone striker.

The first half chance of the match fell to Craig McMillan, but his deflected shot drifted across goal and wide of the target in the 11th minute.
Ards’ early pressure looked to have paid off in the 17th minute when Fitzgerald raced through to collect Dee Irvine’s through pass. The former-Bangor striker lobbed the ball over Maguire, but Marc Whitford was on hand to superbly head the ball off the goal line.

The home side quickly won possession back, and when Maguire made a great save to push McMillan’s powerful effort onto the crossbar, Fitzgerald reacted quickest to squeeze a shot past the sprawling ‘keeper and into the net.

Bangor began to battle back into the game, forcing more and more errors from the home side. Andrew Rosbotham was the first to test Andy McDonald, but the winger’s low shot from distance was gathered easily by the ‘keeper.

The Seasiders had their best chance of the half in the 35th minute when Dean Youle centred a Rosbotham freekick. The ball fell for Robert Knox, but his header from 10 yards was straight at McDonald.

Half-time: 1 – 0

With only five minutes of the second half played, Ards goalkeeper Andy McDonald gave Bangor an early Christmas present as he badly flapped at a Garth Scates freekick when under no pressure. His poor punch out fell straight to McAllister who gratefully sent a looping header into the unguarded goal.

Bangor began to establish a stronger foothold in the game, but all too often the Seaiders lacked the needed composure and final ball when in promising positions. At the other end of the pitch, the ever-reliable Stephen Whiteside led the defence well as they dealt with any threat Ards could offer.

Former-Bangor favourite Dee Irvine had a decent chance for his new side in the 80th minute, but the midfielder sent his header wide of the target.

The hard-working Ryan Mann tried his luck from distance in the 89th minute, but McDonald got down quickly to his right to make a smart stop.

Bangor had to endure some late Ards pressure, but Gareth Maguire did well to punch clear a dangerous Doyle cross with Fitzgerald waiting to pounce.

Full-time: 1 – 1

Bangor: Maguire, Youle, Whitford, McAllister, Whiteside, Mann, Maxwell, Scates, Morrow, Knox (’78 McIntyre), Rosbotham. Sub not used: Girvan
Scorer: McAllister (’50)Booked: Mann, Youle

Ards: McDonald, Cully, Pike, Nixon, Spence, Dickson (’60 Picking), Irvine, Wright (’83 Wilson), McMillan, Fitzgerald, Sterling (’53 Doyle). Subs not used: McKee, McIllhagga
Scorer: Fitzgerald (’19)