By Lewis Bennett
JODIE Shannon believes Bangor FC Ladies’ thumping Irish Cup victory over Ballymena United Women on Friday night was the perfect way to hit back after a sobering defeat to the same opposition in the league last month.
The Seasiders fell to a 4-0 reverse at the Warden Street Showgrounds in a top-of-the-table clash on May 7 but more than atoned for that with an emphatic 6-1 success at Clandeboye Park last week.
Much of the damage was inflicted during a stunning second half as five goals were scored by five different goalscorers to put the outcome beyond doubt, with Shannon having broken the deadlock just two minutes into the contest.
Although her early strike was cancelled out by Sky Blues forward Lauren Hill on the stroke of half-time, Bangor regained their composure as Olivia Marshall, Janine Jess, Amanda Morton, Emi Wynne and Amber Dempster all converted in the second period to send Chris Dougan’s side through the next round of the Irish Cup.
Keen to at least emulate last year’s club-record feat in the blue-riband competition when the Yellows reached the quarter-finals and gave Premiership outfit Derry City Women a game before a 3-0 defeat in the last-eight, this result does no harm – especially given United’s high-flying start in the NIWFA Championship that had them atop the standings.
The Co Antrim outfit were also unbeaten across all competitions prior to kick-off, but Bangor simply blew them away in that second period on the way to an impressive triumph.
Having built a head of steam five days earlier with a clinical 15-1 victory over Holywood Ladies at Spafield in the Women’s Challenge Cup, Shannon says there was a motivation within the Seasiders squad beforehand to respond after that loss in the sides’ previous meeting – and how they did so.
“Friday night against Ballymena was one that we were all ready for,” she explained.
“We knew that the last encounter against them did not do us justice and we wanted to demonstrate how dangerous we really are.
“We came straight out of the blocks at a high intensity,” added Shannon. “It was fantastic to get on the front foot just two minutes into the game, especially scoring the goal myself.
“I think that allowed us to relax and play with the style of football that we are working on in training.
“We went out in the second half knowing this game was ours for the taking. Every single player on the squad had an important part to play, and we all pushed each other to get the win and end result.”
Shannon (28), who is now in her third season at Clandeboye Park, is a skilful performer both from her traditional midfield berth and at right-back where she has also had a considerable amount of her game-time this season.
She was delighted to find the net for the first time in 2025 and believes the talent on show in the squad was showcased by the fact that six players got their names on the scoresheet.
After emerging for the restart, Bangor made an inspired start to the second half when, on 47 minutes, new signing Marshall (22) bagged her second goal in three games since joining the yellow and blue ranks from Civil Service Ladies to restore the hosts’ lead.
Teenage midfielder Jess added the Seasiders’ third on 54 minutes before veteran Morton (36) built on her first-half hat-trick versus Holywood with another goal on the hour mark here.
After that, vibrant forward Wynne scored Bangor’s fifth goal on 71 minutes, with top scorer Dempster grabbing her 23rd of the campaign already with 10 minutes left to complete the scoring.
Shannon was thrilled by the Seasiders’ goal-getting and paid particular tribute to 17-year-old winger Wynne for her typically high work-rate that she felt set the tone for the performance.
“It was great to see six different players on the scoresheet,” the former Comber Rec and St James’ Swifts player continued.
“A special shoutout to Emi Wynne who set the tempo with the high-intensity press from the front, her work-rate was fantastic and she really gave Ballymena a headache.”
What’s more, it proved to be a successful night off the pitch with over £700 raised for the Pretty n Pink breast cancer charity, who were Friday night’s official charity match sponsor.
All gate receipts for the game, which attracted a large crowd, went to the charity to support their work supporting breast cancer patients and their families across Northern Ireland.
Ladies hit Ballymena for six in statement cup win
By Lewis Bennett
JODIE Shannon believes Bangor FC Ladies’ thumping Irish Cup victory over Ballymena United Women on Friday night was the perfect way to hit back after a sobering defeat to the same opposition in the league last month.
The Seasiders fell to a 4-0 reverse at the Warden Street Showgrounds in a top-of-the-table clash on May 7 but more than atoned for that with an emphatic 6-1 success at Clandeboye Park last week.
Much of the damage was inflicted during a stunning second half as five goals were scored by five different goalscorers to put the outcome beyond doubt, with Shannon having broken the deadlock just two minutes into the contest.
Although her early strike was cancelled out by Sky Blues forward Lauren Hill on the stroke of half-time, Bangor regained their composure as Olivia Marshall, Janine Jess, Amanda Morton, Emi Wynne and Amber Dempster all converted in the second period to send Chris Dougan’s side through the next round of the Irish Cup.
Keen to at least emulate last year’s club-record feat in the blue-riband competition when the Yellows reached the quarter-finals and gave Premiership outfit Derry City Women a game before a 3-0 defeat in the last-eight, this result does no harm – especially given United’s high-flying start in the NIWFA Championship that had them atop the standings.
The Co Antrim outfit were also unbeaten across all competitions prior to kick-off, but Bangor simply blew them away in that second period on the way to an impressive triumph.
Having built a head of steam five days earlier with a clinical 15-1 victory over Holywood Ladies at Spafield in the Women’s Challenge Cup, Shannon says there was a motivation within the Seasiders squad beforehand to respond after that loss in the sides’ previous meeting – and how they did so.
“Friday night against Ballymena was one that we were all ready for,” she explained.
“We knew that the last encounter against them did not do us justice and we wanted to demonstrate how dangerous we really are.
“We came straight out of the blocks at a high intensity,” added Shannon. “It was fantastic to get on the front foot just two minutes into the game, especially scoring the goal myself.
“I think that allowed us to relax and play with the style of football that we are working on in training.
“We went out in the second half knowing this game was ours for the taking. Every single player on the squad had an important part to play, and we all pushed each other to get the win and end result.”
Shannon (28), who is now in her third season at Clandeboye Park, is a skilful performer both from her traditional midfield berth and at right-back where she has also had a considerable amount of her game-time this season.
She was delighted to find the net for the first time in 2025 and believes the talent on show in the squad was showcased by the fact that six players got their names on the scoresheet.
After emerging for the restart, Bangor made an inspired start to the second half when, on 47 minutes, new signing Marshall (22) bagged her second goal in three games since joining the yellow and blue ranks from Civil Service Ladies to restore the hosts’ lead.
Teenage midfielder Jess added the Seasiders’ third on 54 minutes before veteran Morton (36) built on her first-half hat-trick versus Holywood with another goal on the hour mark here.
After that, vibrant forward Wynne scored Bangor’s fifth goal on 71 minutes, with top scorer Dempster grabbing her 23rd of the campaign already with 10 minutes left to complete the scoring.
Shannon was thrilled by the Seasiders’ goal-getting and paid particular tribute to 17-year-old winger Wynne for her typically high work-rate that she felt set the tone for the performance.
“It was great to see six different players on the scoresheet,” the former Comber Rec and St James’ Swifts player continued.
“A special shoutout to Emi Wynne who set the tempo with the high-intensity press from the front, her work-rate was fantastic and she really gave Ballymena a headache.”
What’s more, it proved to be a successful night off the pitch with over £700 raised for the Pretty n Pink breast cancer charity, who were Friday night’s official charity match sponsor.
All gate receipts for the game, which attracted a large crowd, went to the charity to support their work supporting breast cancer patients and their families across Northern Ireland.
