Bangor returned home on Saturday afternoon as league champions.
With the title secured, the Seasiders received a guard of honor as they entered the pitch from Saturday’s opponents – and last season’s league champions – Glebe Rangers.
It was a moment to enjoy for the Bangor players who have been relentless in their pursuit of glory.
That attitude continued on Saturday as Hugh Sinclair’s side opened the scoring in the 16th minute. In challenging weather conditions, Gerard McMullan raced onto a through ball from Ben Arthurs before rolling the ball past the helpless Josh Dunn for his 13th goal of the season.
At the other end, Luke Mitchell twice had the opportunity to level the scores. His low shot from a narrow angle on the left was comfortably gathered by Darren Gibbons while his 20 yard drive flew over the target after Matthew Johnston had been caught in possession.
Michael Halliday came within inches of doubling his side’s lead but he diverted Johnston’s 25 yard shot just wide of the target after 23 minutes.
It was Scott McArthur who put Bangor in control in the 32nd minute. The winger timed his run to beat the offside trap as he rounded Dunn and squeezed the ball over the line from an improbable angle.
Glebe Rangers, who have secured runners up spot in the league, responded well as Rhys Ferris forced Gibbons into a fine fingertip save from 25 yards. Just moments before the break, a Kurtis McCartney corner was poorly cleared by the Bangor defence and David McWhirter bent his shot just over the crossbar from inside the penalty area.
The marauding Gareth Beattie could have made it three for Bangor after 49 minutes but he sent Johnston’s right wing cross bobbling the wrong side of the post from close range.
The second half never sparked into life with Bangor substitute Jack Mallin going closest for the Seasiders as he curled agonisingly wide of the target from just outside the penalty area.
Bangor: Gibbons, Dickson (53′ Burrows), Beattie, Arthur (69′ Edgar), Wray, Johnston, McArthur, Cooling, Arthurs (46′ Mallin), Halliday, McMullan. Subs not used: Widdowson, Boylan
Scorers: McMullan (16′), McArthur (32′)
Booked: McArthur, Johnston.
Glebe Rangers: Dunn, Shaw, McCartney, Sheppard (17′ R Ferris), Harte, Francis, Reid, Christie (80′ Kane), McWhirter, Morrison, Mitchell. Subs not used: S Ferris, McKendry.
