BANGOR FC’s Walking Footballers competed well in the Carrick Festival of Football last weekend, where they just missed out on a podium place.
The locals travelled to east Antrim with a very strong team which included former Irish League player John Steele who was back from injury, recent goalscoring sensation Gordon Currie and Northern Ireland internationals Roy Hawthorne and Colin Booth, and were hugely disappointed to lose 2-0 to eventual winners Scrabo Strollers from Newtownards and 3-0 against a rejuvenated Hillsborough team.
However, Bangor can be well pleased with two superb 3-0 victories over Avoniel and Shankill and CALA Cruisers. Steele, who possesses a fierce shot, got three goals while midfielder Ricky Gardiner scored two long range efforts and right-back Tony Kerr also found the net.
The north Down men found it difficult to break down both Scottish visitors Solway Strollers and Carrick team Coasters and had to settle for frustrating 0-0 draws and perhaps were missing the services of dynamic striker David McEachern.
A win in either match would have ensured a third-place finish but it was not to be.
Away from the pitch, the group has recently visited the Somme Centre, staged a golf event at Helen’s Bay, hosted a health talk and held their annual quiz and barbecue at Pier 36 in Donaghadee during what was a very busy June.
This week they travel to Hillsborough to play a series of challenge matches against Drumlough, who won a recent competition at Clandeboye Park.
Meanwhile, seven members of the squad are travelling to Malmo in Sweden this weekend to represent Northern Ireland in the Walking Football World Championships.
