IT was an all too familiar tale for Bangor at Clandeboye Park as the Seasiders lost ground at the top end of the league. Bangor fell behind to a 10th minute Mark McCabe spot kick and spurned numerous chances meaning Dollingstown collected all three points. That means that Bangor have lost their last three home league fixtures all by the same one goal scoreline. Indeed, Bangor’s last home league goal came in the defeat to Armagh City at the start of December. In blustery conditions at Clandeboye Park, the visitors were gifted the chance to open the scoring when Jonathan Doey needlessly barged into the back of Sean Toman to concede a penalty. Despite diving the right way, Matty Anderson couldn’t keep out McCabe’s kick. Playing against a strong wind Bangor struggled to create much pressure, with only a Ben Arthurs effort into the side netting in the 14th minute looking like troubling the visitors. But the second half was a different affair. Within minutes of the restart, Lewis Harrison had Gareth Buchanan sprawling to his left to keep out a bending 16 yard effort. Reece Neale’s resultant corner deceived the experienced goalkeeper in the wind, but luckily for the visitors Nathan McConnell was on hand to head clear off the goal line. When the ball fell kindly for Ben Arthurs in the 51st minute a goal seemed certain but, somehow, Buchanan got enough on the ball to deflect it wide at the back post. Bangor continued to be on the front foot, and Kyle Woods was introduced in place of Arthurs on the hour mark. Woods’ first touch almost ended in glory but his left footed drive from 10 yards was beaten away by the busy Buchanan. Moments later an inviting Jack Upritchard cross from the left beat everyone, including the lunge of Gareth Beattie who just missed applying the killer touch. It seemed like it would be another missed opportunity for Bangor in the hunt for promotion and that turned out to be the case when, in the last minute of injury time, David Hume’s turn and shot in a crowded goalmouth flew agonisingly wide of the post.
