By Neil Watson
WITH seven games ticked off in pre-season so far, Bangor manager Lee Feeney is satisfied that his side are heading in the right direction as they ramp up preparations ahead of another season in the top flight.
Since easing back into football with a win over Knockbreda at the end of June, to kick-start a busy pre-season schedule, Feeney’s men have increased up their fitness and sharpness with a series of friendlies.
Last Saturday, the Bangor boss used two squads as he sent a youthful side to play Amateur League team Comber Rec, while a more experienced squad faced off with Dundela.
The young Seasiders at Parkway lost three nil, while there was an entertaining conclusion at Wilgar Park.
Liam Burns had given Bangor a first half lead against the side he spent time on loan with last season, before the Duns struck back to level the scores.
The winner of the friendly was to receive the Mervyn Bell Cup, named in memory of the former Dundela manager who died in 2021, therefore a penalty shootout was needed.
Teenage goalkeeper Lawton McMahon saved a Dundela spot kick as the Seasiders went on to claim victory and lift their second trophy of pre-season, following their earlier success against Ards in the Spectator and Chronicle Cup.
However, it was all about building fitness and improving as far as the Bangor manager was concerned.
“Pre-season has been going well. We’ve had plenty of games and we’ve been able to use them to look at trialists, as well as a number of our U-20 players,” Feeney explained.
“I’ve been really pleased with what I’ve seen from everyone, their attitudes have been super.
“We always want to get fitter and we always want to get better, so we will keep working hard to do that.”
He continued: “The most important thing is not to pick up injuries during pre-season, and although Oisin Devlin took a bit of a knock on Saturday, we have come through okay.
“The younger side acquitted themselves really well against Comber Rec and I was pleased with what I saw from them.
“I was then able to get across to Wilgar Park for the second game and was happy with how the boys performed. We had set some targets at the weekend, including keeping the ball better. That was something I was really pleased with, as it challenged the boys.”
Feeney has added striker Lucas McRoberts and defensive pair Steven McCullough and Jeremi Rodriguez to his ranks, and he expects both to play their part for the Seasiders this campaign.
McCullough completed a transfer from Portadown and brings a wealth of Premiership experience with him to Clandeboye Park.
Rodriguez previously represented the likes of Southampton and LAFC, while McRoberts gets his first taste of Irish League football after his release from Ayr United.
“We’ve added more depth and competition for places this summer,” Feeney added.
“Lucas coming in is exciting. He’s young and energetic, with a lot of potential. He’s over six foot and gives us another option up front, as well as another goal threat.
“Steven McCullough’s experience and quality has been evident throughout pre-season. He has been a fantastic addition to the group.
“We’re still looking to add to the squad and improve on what we have.”
