CHAMPIONSHIP pacesetters Newington visit Clandeboye Park this Saturday (3pm) as Bangor aim to plot the downfall of the league’s form team.
The north Belfast men defeated Ards on the opening day of the season at Clandeboye Park before losing to H&W Welders in their next outing. But since then, Paul Hamilton’s side have seen off Institute, Knockbreda, Annagh United, Dergview and most recently Dundela to propel themselves to the top of the second tier.
Despite missing the league’s top scorer Zach Barr, Saturday’s resounding defeat of the Duns at Inver Park – their home for the season – came thanks to a double from former Seasider Darren Stuart and a penalty from defender Eamon Hughes.
The ‘Ton will need no introduction to Bangor after the two sides did battle in the Premier Intermediate League two seasons ago. As it turned out, Newington hit form in the final five matches of the league season to overtake Bangor and claim the title, and promotion to the Championship.
While Bangor will be without the suspended Lewis Harrison on Saturday, boss Lee Feeney knows he can bring a quality replacement into the starting team.
“Lewis will be a big loss as he is a massive player for us,” said Feeney.
“He has been brilliant since I came to the club and that’s why I made him our captain. But we have other boys waiting in the wings to come in,” he added.
“We have quality throughout the squad and I’ve no doubt whoever plays will do a great job for us and they will do their best to match the standards that have been set.
“It’s a game we’re all really looking forward to this weekend. I think we’re in a good place at the minute and we’re going to relish the opportunity to go up against Newington.”