BANGOR’S bid for promotion took a blow on Wednesday night as the Seasiders slipped to defeat at the hands of rivals Institute.
That result means it’s two defeats in a row against other promotion contenders, and that – alongside the nature of the refereeing decision that led to Institute’s winner – has left a bitter taste in the mouth of manager Lee Feeney.
“The last two games have been tough to take because, for me, we have been the better side in both games but we have got nothing to show for it,” explained Feeney.
“It’s cruel, but that’s football and we know that. Unfortunately at this stage of the season it’s about points and not about performances.
“I was pleased with how we played on Wednesday night and the attitude we showed throughout,” he added.
“It was a game of fine margins and unfortunately we suffered because of a refereeing decision.
“We were punished from a free kick that was given for a challenge that was never a foul. The linesman couldn’t get his flag up quick enough to give the free kick.
“The Institute player tried to get his body between the ball and our man but Tom [Mathieson] makes the tackle and wins the ball. I knew it wasn’t a foul at the time.
“I’m really disappointed about how the officials can have such an impact on a game of that magnitude with weak decisions.
“I’m not making excuses for our players in any way, I just look back at some of the points we have dropped this season and some of those have come about from really poor officiating and that is disheartening.”
It’s only the second time this season that the Seasiders have suffered back-to-back league defeats but Feeney is adamant that his side have enough character and resolve to respond.
That response will be needed when second placed Portadown visit Clandeboye Park on Tuesday night (7.45pm).
“The mood is still strong in the dressing room,” Feeney said.
“The boys know what lies ahead and we are really looking forward to Tuesday night. The performances recently have been super and I know that the results will come.
“There are five games left this season and we are far from done.”
