WHILE conceding a goal within the opening 20 seconds of Saturday’s Championship clash with Armagh City certainly wasn’t in Lee Feeney’s plans, the Bangor manager was delighted with the reaction of his side to that early setback.
The Seasiders hit back with four goals of their own to move level on points with league leaders H&W Welders, and Feeney believes the performance levels of his men are heading in the right direction.
“It definitely wasn’t in the plan but I was really pleased with how we reacted to the setback,” he explained.
“We didn’t panic and we didn’t let our emotions take over, and that shows the mentality of this group. Instead they kept their composure and focussed on what they needed to do, and I thought we dominated the game.
“Our performances are improving and we’re getting better as a team,” Feeney said.
“I was pleased on Saturday that we were consistent in our performance right across the entire match. Against Dundela the previous week we were outstanding in the first half and then maybe took our foot off the gas in the second half.
“On Saturday we were really good for 90 minutes. Yes, we went behind early and we maybe could have done more to prevent it, but from then on we dominated and we played some really good football.
“We won plenty of second balls and kept possession well while not giving away many chances at all. I think James Taylor maybe only had one or two saves to make and he was never stretched.”
As well as picking up three points on Saturday, Bangor further improved their goal difference and the Seasiders are in a rich vein of form in front of goal – something that Feeney hopes will continue.
Having struck three times against Dundela, Bangor have put four goals past Newington, Ards and Armagh City and struck five against Newry City.
“We are a front footed team that wants to attack,” said the Bangor manager on the form of his potent attackers.
“When you have that approach and have the attacking talent that we have, then it’s a really good combination. With Matthew Ferguson, Ben Cushnie, Ben Arthurs and Scott McArthur as options in attack, we know that we will be able to score plenty of goals.
“We have been very clinical this season as well. Last season we were the top scorers in the Championship but I always thought we weren’t clinical enough and we missed too many chances.
“Even in the matches we have lost this season, we have created plenty. When we lost to Limavady we hit the woodwork three times and their ‘keeper made two brilliant saves.
“Then when we lost at Annagh United, we weren’t at our best at all, but their goalkeeper won the man of the match award which said it all.”
