Bangor manager Lee Feeney was full of praise for his side’s defence following Saturday’s victory over Limavady United.
A narrow one nil win – coupled with Armagh City drawing with Banbridge Town – saw Bangor move into top spot, and Feeney attributed that to the determination shown by his team and in particular a defence which has only conceded 11 goals in 16 games.
“It was our defence that won us the three points on Saturday,” explained Feeney.
“In the second half they had to contend with a really strong wind into their faces and deal with Limavady United going direct.
“The fact that Matty Anderson didn’t have a shot to save shows how well we defended. We were solid, resolute and played with good game management.
“Keeping clean sheets is a really good platform for the team, so to be able to do that away from home against a team challenging at the top of the table is really pleasing.
“While we were so tight at the back, it was important that we took a chance at the other end when it came our way and I was really pleased for Lewis Harrison to get on the scoresheet.
“He has been playing really well recently and we have challenged him, and the other midfielders, to chip in with goals and his was an important one on Saturday.”
The Bangor manager welcomed Ben Arthurs back into his squad on Saturday after a couple of weeks of unavailability, and that highlighted the strength and depth that Feeney has at his disposal.
“John Douglas spoke before the match and asked the substitutes to make a real contribution when they get on and show why they should be in the starting side,” revealed Feeney.
“I was able to throw our top goalscorer Ben Arthurs on as well as Karl Devine and Jack Wasson and there was no drop off in quality.
“The same could be said for the subs who didn’t get on at the weekend in Kyle Woods, Paul Dickson, young Finn Moffett and Darren Gibbons. I would have no worries about any of those lads doing a good job when called upon.
“Then we had Michael Halliday, Nick Aretzis and Louis Blackstock with the reserves while Reece Neale is recovering from a knock. There are plenty of options and so much competition for places in the squad, never mind the starting team.
” Now Bangor’s attention turns to finding their winning form at Clandeboye Park when they host Portstewart this Saturday (3pm).
Bangor have won all nine of their matches on the road but they have lost their last four at home, failing to score in the most recent three.
But there’s no cause for panic for the Bangor manager who will urge his team to take the game to Portstewart.
“I can’t put my finger on why we haven’t been able to win our games at home – other than not putting the ball in the net. “I think most of the performances have been decent enough, but we just haven’t converted that dominance into goals.
“We will be looking to get on the front foot on Saturday, we’ll be attacking and we’ll be looking to get three points.
“If we can get an early breakthrough that will help settle everyone, but we have to remember that the match is 90 minutes and if it takes a goal in the last minute to win it then that’s the way it is.”
