By Neil Watson
WHILE dumping Glentoran out of this season’s Irish Cup was a major upset in the eyes of many, Bangor boss Lee Feeney was not surprised that his side claimed the scalp of the 24-time winners of the competition.
In the build up to Friday night’s clash at Clandeboye Park, Feeney had urged his side to work harder than their full time opponents to make up for the difference in quality that exists between the two sides at the top end of both the Premiership and Championship.
And the Bangor manager got everything he asked for.
“We had to work harder than Glentoran, and we did just that,” reflected the former Linfield forward.
“I tell the players every week that it’s not always about possession or about how you look but that results usually come down to the quality in both boxes.
“On Friday, we showed quality right across the pitch, and especially in both boxes. The way we bossed the midfield was also really pleasing and no doubt about it, we deserved the win.
“We thought we had a chance and I think that showed at full-time. There were no wild celebrations as if we had won a trophy or that it was an unexpected achievement, it was very much a case of giving ourselves a pat on the back and then moving on to focus on the next game which is much more important to us.”
As much as it was the result that mattered, Feeney admitted that he wanted his side to show the best version of themselves in front of both a packed Clandeboye Park and the BBC television cameras.
He continued: “In cup games especially, but even just at this stage of the season in general, I don’t mind how we win as long as we do.
“But with the huge crowd in Clandeboye Park and with the game being shown live, I really wanted us to put on a good performance and show what we are about.
“We wanted to show any future Bangor supporters that we are a group that gives everything and we did that.”
With a showpiece semi-final to look forward to at the end of the month against Dungannon Swifts, the Bangor boss will first focus on his main priority of promotion before preparing his side to go toe-to-toe with Rodney McAree’s Premiership side.
But the Seasiders will be without three of the side that started against Glentoran on Friday night. Midfielders Robbie Garrett and Tiarnan Mulvenna both picked up their second yellow cards of this season’s competition meaning they are suspended for the semi-final.
Defender Jack Reilly is also cup tied while goalkeeper Patrick Solis Grogan, on loan from Dungannon Swifts, will miss out due to IFA regulations which prevent players turning out against their parent club.
“We’ll have a few missing but we certainly have a chance,” said Feeney.
“We have players who can come into the midfield and both James Taylor and Ben Fry are top goalkeepers that can step in.
“Dungannon are a very good team, but we’ll be ready for it when the time comes.”
