BANGOR 2-2 CARRICK RANGERS (Ladbrokes.com Championship 1)

Crystal Park, Saturday 13th February 2010
Match Report by Neil Watson 

A late Dean Youle goal salvaged a point for Bangor as the Seasiders had to come from behind twice at a sunny Clandeboye Park. Darren McNamee gave Carrick Rangers a first half lead before Andy McIntyre equalised after the break. Former-Bangor player Glenn Hand looked to have given his side the victory when he tapped home from close range late on, but it was Dean Youle who was to have the final say.

Glen Upton had an early chance for Bangor, but Ben Moane reacted quickly to block the forward’s shot.

At the other end of the pitch, Mark Craig’s dipping volley clipped the top of the crossbar on its way over Gareth Maguire’s head.

The visitors took the lead in the 23rd minute when the lively Craig turned past Jim Girvan on the left flank. The Carrick forward did well to roll the ball back for the on-rushing Darren McNamee who rifled the ball into the net from 16 yards.

Mark Craig had a chance to double his side’s lead two minutes later but the striker blazed over the bar when well placed.

Bangor, who struggled to find any rhythm in the first half, came closest to scoring in the 40th minute when Dom Melly set up Dean Youle. The defender, returning from a short spell at H&W Welders, could only send his shot drifting over the crossbar from 18 yards.

Half-time: 0 – 1

Andy McIntyre, who had replaced the injured Andy Rosbotham in the first half, saw his looping header cleared off the line in the 56th minute as Bangor threatened the visiting goal with more purpose than in the first half.

Bangor changed formation and introduced new signing Ryan McCurdy for Glen Upton in the 61st minute and it was the substitute’s presence which led to the home side’s equaliser. The bustling forward did well to win possession for Colin White who slid the ball through for McIntyre. The Bangor forward settled himself before lashing a left footed shot into the top corner from 18 yards.

The marauding Dean Youle had a decent chance for the Seasiders in the 74th minute following a good spell of pressure, but the full-back dragged his shot wide of the target.

Carrick Rangers began to force the Seasiders onto the back foot with a series of throw-ins and corners and the pressure was to tell in the 86th minute. Gareth Maguire did well to save Barry Bloomer’s close range effort but the rebound fell kindly to Hand who tapped home from 6 yards.

A Bangor corner in the 90th minute was to prove decisive as Youle rose highest to meet Melly’s delivery and send a looping header over Moane and into the net.

Full-time: 2 – 2
Bangor: Maguire, Youle, Whitford, Dunlop, Girvan, Melly, Scates, White, Rosbotham (’16 McIntyre), Morrow, Upton (’61 McCurdy). Subs not used: Knox, Machude
Scorers: McIntyre (’68), Youle (’90)
Booked: Whitford

Carrick Rangers: Moane, C Murray, Watterson (’61 Hand), McNamee, Holland, R Murray, Deans, Taggart (’46 P Prenter), Bloomer, Craig, Bowers.
Scorers: McNamee (’23), Hand (’86)
Booked: Murray, McNamee