FINAL SCORE FROM CLANDEBOYE PARK:
BANGOR 0-5 CRUSADERS
Crusaders Goalscorers:
Black, Rainey(2), Owens, McAllister

FULL MATCH REPORT by Neil Watson
VIDEO now showing on BangorFC.tv

OTHER NEWS:
Bangor Reserves lost 2-1 to Glentoran 2nds at Inverary this afternoon in the IFA Reserve League.

FINAL SCORE FROM MOURNEVIEW PARK:
GLENAVON 0-1 BANGOR
Bangor sit proudly on top of the JJB Sports Premiership tonight thanks to an 85th minute strike from Marty Verner.

FULL MATCH REPORT by Neil Watson
MARTY VERNER GOAL ON VIDEO (1MB)

OTHER NEWS:
Bangor Reserves have been drawn away to Ballyclare Comrades in the third round of the Steel & Sons Cup. Match to be played on Saturday 6th September, 2:30pm.
 

FINAL SCORE FROM CLANDEBOYE PARK:
BANGOR 3-2 INSTITUTE
Bangor finally kicked off their Premiership League season with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Institute at Clandeboye Park this afternoon.

Bangor were trailing 2-0 early in the second half thanks to two Paul Brown penalties, but a fortunate Andy Cleary goal on 52 minutes gave the Seasiders some hope. Bangor pressed for an equaliser and Dee Irvine finally pulled Bangor level on 73 minutes when he broke through the Institute back line to place a low shot past the advancing Doherty.

Bangor continued to press for a winner and their efforts were rewarded in the final minute when Bangor captain Noel Anderson broke free down the left and placed a powerful low shot just inside Doherty's near post.

FULL MATCH REPORT by Neil Watson

OTHER NEWS:
Congratulations to Bangor Reserves on their 4 -0 victory over Malachians in the Steel & Sons Cup on Thursday evening.

Bangor defender Craig Gilmore is on his way to Larne.

Craig, who joined Bangor at the start of the year is now set to join IFA Championship side Larne, with the transfer expected to be completed within the next 24 hours.

Craig made his debut for the Seasiders in the Irish Cup win over Glenavon and scored one goal in his thirteen appearances for Bangor.

Craig leaves the club on good terms and we wish him every success at his new club.

FINAL SCORE FROM CLANDEBOYE PARK:

BANGOR 0-1 DONEGAL CELTIC

Donegal Celtic defeated Bangor 1-0 at Clandeboye Park this evening in the County Antrim Shield. Davy Muster hit the decisive goal in the 39th minute.

Bangor's match against Dungannon Swifts was postponed earlier this afternoon following a 2:00pm pitch inspection. The match officials called the game off after an intense period of heavy rain.

BANGOR RESERVES 2-1 DUNGANNON SWIFTS RES.
Bangor Reserves maintained their 100% League record this afternoon at a rain soaked Clandeboye Park. The home side were trailing 1-0 at half-time, but Gary Sharratt levelled the match with a well placed 20 yard free-kick and Billy Youle then scrambled home the winner.
**SECOND HALF VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS NOW SHOWING ON BANGORFC.TV**
 

The NAP Bangor Supporters Club penalty kick competition which had been scheduled to take place this evening (Thursday) has now been postponed until Thursday 28th August.

Bangor Ladies FC are scheduled to be in action this evening at Valentines Playing Fields. The Ladies are taking on Wellington in an Intermediate 'B' Division fixture.

OTHER NEWS:
Bangor's postponed game against Newry City has now been re-scheduled for Tuesday 7th October with a 7:45pm kick-off.

Marty Quinn has today acquired the signatures of former Dungannon Swifts and Armagh City central defender Gary Fitzpatrick and midfielder Daley Carnduff from Ballymena United.

Bangor Reserves travelled to Newry on Saturday to play their opening fixture of the League campaign.

Bangor started the game very well and should have taken the lead in the second minute, but Mark Drysdale could only find the side netting from a Billy Youle corner. Newry gradually worked their way back into the game with their extra man in midfield starting to cause Bangor some problems. On the half hour Newry should have taken the lead however Jason Mooney made a smart save to deny the Newry centre forward and then watched as the rebound was ballooned over the cross bar from eight yards. Right on the stroke of half time, Bangor's best piece of football resulted in Sharratt and Tumelty combine on the left to set up a great chance for Youle but he was unable to find the net.

The second half started in similar fashion to the first with Bangor on top, forcing a couple of early corners. Sharratt was beginning to find more space and it was he who scored the only goal of the game on the hour when he cut in from the right and scored from an acute angle following a good knock down by Knox - if truth be told the Newry keeper could have done better. Tumelty then wasted a glorious opportunity when put through and seconds later the referee disallowed a Tumelty goal for offside.

The last five minutes saw Newry throw everything at Bangor but the defence of Drysdale, Massey, Rosson and Ritchie were well on top and Bangor held on for their first competitive win of the season.

FINAL SCORE: NEWRY CITY RESERVES 0 - 1 BANGOR RESERVES

The Irish Football Association has tonight issued the following statement:

"Lengthy deliberations between the Irish FA and the Referees' Association took place at Windsor Avenue throughout the day. A package, in line with the referees' wishes was guaranteed, however negotiations broke down and consultation from the referees' representatives with their members determined that referees would not be available for IFA Premiership and IFA Championship matches scheduled for Saturday 9 August.

The referees' representatives indicated that their absolute deadline for negotiations was 8pm yesterday (Thursday) and unfortunately the members of the Referees' Association felt that they should maintain this stance.

There has been no decision with regards to rescheduling tomorrow's fixtures which have been postponed."

10:00am Friday
Some progress has been made this morning in the referees pay dispute, with the Premiership sides agreeing to an increased pay offer. The referees are still however insisting that assistants are provided for all games in the IFA Championship and at present they remain on strike.

Discussions will continue throughout the day.

The start of the JJB Sports Premiership season has been plunged into chaos as local referees have voted to strike in a dispute about pay.

The officials have this evening voted to withdraw their services "with immediate effect" for an indefinite period.  Their decision to strike came after extensive discussions between representatives of the IFA and local referees on Thursday evening.  (Source - BBC)

Further discussions are expected to take place on Friday and news updates will be posted here when available.

Bangor's new look match programme goes on sale this Saturday.

The 28 page full-colour issue has all the regular features including more action from the pre-season and a four page in depth look at Newry City. There are also features on Bangor's gruelling pre-season training,  a look at the structure of the new League and news of the latest comings and goings in the local transfer market. The ever-popular Terrace Talk makes another appearance and there are new features on Bangor Reserves and on the Bangor FC Supporters Clubs.

 PRICE £2:00

Bangor Manager Marty Quinn shares his thoughts on Saturday's opening match in the JJB Sports Premiership.

THE NEW SEASON
"It has to be said that our aim this season is simply to remain in the 12 team League. It's going to be difficult, but I am getting more confident that we can do it with every training session. We have added a few more players with every game so far and things are starting to take shape. The players now seem up for it and that is what I ask. We really have to hit the ground running and I think the players are beginning to understand what I'm about. They're a good bunch of lads and they are all well up for the challenge."

Newry on Saturday
"On Saturday we play Newry and that will be difficult. Gerry Flynn is one of my ex-players and he has done very well in the short time he has been at Newry - he has got them playing good football. We will also be out there challenging very much and I'm hoping that we can start off with a home win. It's vitally important that we get points from these games. Newry here at Clandeboye is a game that we have to pinpoint for three points. One point would probably be OK, but to get nothing out of the game would be a major disappointment."

The New League...
"I think the IFA have to be congratulated. I thought the launch on Monday was superb. It's great that the League will now start on the first day of the season. I know that some teams are out of the Premiership now and they are a bit disappointed, but everyone still has a chance to get back into it again - hopefully not at the expense of Bangor Football Club. The Co-Op Insurance Cup home and away knockout format is also going to be very interesting."

"This season, I think nearly every side is capable of taking points off each other. I can't see too many clubs being guaranteed three points on a Saturday. I certainly aim to have a team out there who will be prepared to die for the shirt. If we can get that along with our footballing ability, I think we might just surprise a few people. This season I honestly feel that there will be a few clubs in the lower regions of the League who are going to be surprised at their position. They will need to show a strength of character to get themselves out of there. It's going to be a very interesting League."

The New Signings
"We are delighted to have signed Dean Youle, Nathan McConnell, Anto Walsh, Mark Gracey and Michael Dougherty this week. A special mention must be given for Michael Dougherty who has shown a great desire to get back into the game and I was more than happy to welcome him to Bangor Football Club."

Bangor play their opening match of the 2008/09 JJB Sports Premiership season on Saturday against Newry City at Clandeboye Park,
Match Kick Off 3:00pm

Bangor FC's youth section Bangor Rangers are holding player trials next week at Clandeboye Park for boys born in the year 1995.

Bangor Rangers Under 14's currently play in the Ards Borough Youth Development League. They are coached by a UEFA B Licensed coach and have ambitions, in the near future, to play in the IFA Youth League. Players would be expected to attend both trial dates of Monday 11th August & Wednesday 13th August.

If your son is interested or if you would like more information please contact Richard on 07843 873 359

Bangor Reserves have been drawn at home to Malachians in the second round of the Steel & Sons Cup. The tie will be played on Saturday 30th August with a 2:30pm kick off.

Marty Quinn last night agreed terms with former Armagh City and Dungannon Swifts centre back Mark Gracey. Mark made his Bangor debut last night in the impressive 4-0 win over Abbey Villa.

Another player signing for Bangor is Anto Walsh. Anto has featured in a number of Bangor's pre-season matches and scored an impressive goal from distance against Moyola Park. Anto played for Dunmurry Rec last season and was part of the Northern Ireland Amateur Rosebowl squad.

Good news also for winger Ryan Tumelty who has signed a new professional deal with Bangor.

RESERVES NEWS:
Bangor Reserves defeated Bangor Rangers 3-1 in a pre-season friendly last night. Robert Knox, Lee Mercer and Gary Sharratt were on target for the Seasiders.
John Bailie's side travel to Newry City on Saturday for their opening match of the IFA Reserve League.

FINAL SCORE FROM CLANDEBOYE PARK:
BANGOR 4 - 0 ABBEY VILLA
Bangor goalscorers:
Dean Youle(9'), Nathan McConnell(38', 79'), Johnny Tumelty(84')

OTHER NEWS:
Bangor have agreed terms with Lisburn Distillery players Dean Youle and Nathan McConnell. Another player who has agreed terms with Bangor this evening is former Glentoran goalkeeper Michael Dougherty.

Bangor have been drawn at home to Donegal Celtic in the first round of the County Antrim Shield. Tie to be played on Tuesday 19th August with a 7:30pm kick off.

Bangor Reserves continued their fine pre-season form on Saturday by winning the Abbey Villa quadrangular tournament.

MATCH 1: v DUNGANNON ROVERS
Bangor conceded an early goal, but Tony Tumelty levelled it for the Seasiders with a strike from the edge of the area.

MATCH 2: v BLOOMFIELD
Gary Sharratt rounded the keeper to open the scoring, but poor defending saw Bloomfield hit two goals in reply before half-time. Bangor hit back in the second half with three strikes in the opening 10 minutes. Substitutes Youle and Holmes helped Sharratt, Brotherston and Knox find the net to give Bangor a 4-2 victory.

MATCH 3: v ABBEY VILLA
With both sides needing a win, the game became a somewhat niggly affair. Abbey Villa were reduced to 10 men and Bangor's advantage told when with 10 minutes remaining Billy Youle weaved his way through the Abbey Villa defence to score the only goal of the game.

CONGRATULATIONS TO BANGOR RESERVES ON LIFTING THEIR FIRST TROPHY OF THE SEASON.

Next Saturday Bangor Reserves travel to Newry City to play their opening fixture of the IFA Reserve League.

The NAP Bangor Supporters Club will be launching their fundraising initiatives with a sponsored penalty kick competition. The event will take place at 8pm on Thursday 14th August at Clandeboye Park.

 Each entrant will take 3 penalties against Bangor goalkeeper Andrew Plummer. Whoever successfully scores the most penalties will win a 2008/2009 Bangor shirt of their choice.

Everyone who sponsors a competitor will also have their name entered into a prize draw for two tickets to Northern Ireland v San Marino at Windsor Park on 15th October 2008. £ 1 of sponsorship equals one chance to win the tickets, with sponsors able to enter as many times as they wish.

To take part in the penalty shootout competition, entrants are asked to raise a minimum of £20 in sponsorship, with all money raised being handed over to Bangor Football Club.

Sponsorship forms are available to download below, from the Irish League Supporters Forum or can be collected from any NAP Supporters Club Committee member at any forthcoming game. For anyone who cannot take part but is interested in sponsoring a competitior, email napbangor@hotmail.co.uk

Bangor ran out comfortable 4-1 winners over Chimney Corner at Allen Park this afteroon.

Glenn Hand got Bangor off to a great start when he sprung the offside trap in the opening minutes to give the Seasiders the lead. However Chimney Corner capitalised on slack defending to level it midway through the half. Bangor squandered numerous chances before the break and a Marty Verner spot kick was lifted over the bar.

The Seasiders dominated for long spells in the second half and the lively Garth Walsh restored Bangor's lead on the hour with a spectacular strike from distance. Captain Dee Irvine bagged a brace of goals to make it 4-1 while Dominic Melly was unlucky to see his long range dipping effort clip the top of the crossbar.

Bangor host Amateur League kingpins Abbey Villa at Clandeboye Park on Tuesday evening.
MATCH KICK OFF 7:30pm