Ards looked to defend the Chronicle/Spectator Cup in this eagerly-awaited pre-season North Down derby.
In the opening minutes Michael Halliday's 40-yard strike was denied by Danny Devine in the Ards goal. Bangor then had a freekick from a dangerous position but it was also stopped by the Ards keeper. The Seasiders took the lead when a scramble in the box resulted in a few efforts being blocked by the Ards defence. However the ball then fell to Halliday whose strike found the top corner to make it 1-0.
Ards' first chance came fifteen minutes in when a lovely cross from Craig McMillen fell to Tony Tumelty, whose header was off target. Tumelty had another chance minutes later but again failed to keep his strike on target. McMillen then made the Seagulls' stopper produce a fine save to deny his strong shot. Five minutes from the break, Magill’s header was just wide of the left hand post after a McMillen corner. The half ended 1-0, with Ards able to create plenty of chances but unable to convert any of them.
In the first five minutes of the second half Ards were awarded a penalty after a Jack Wasson foul in the box. McMillen stood up to take the spot kick with the keeper saving his first strike, but 'Whack' made no mistake with the follow up which found the top right hand corner to make it 1-1.
In the fifty seventh minute Ards took the lead when McMillen’s strike deflected off a Bangor defender with the ball then fell kindly for Roohi and his well-taken strike found the back of the net.
The home side pushed for a late equaliser with two major chances denied by Devine. The Seagulls then claimed for a penalty in the last five minutes, but the referee waved the appeals away and the game ended 1-2.
The victory means Ards retain the Chronicle/Spectator Cup for another season. Up next for Ards is Ards Rangers next Saturday at Drome Park.
Starting 11- Devine, Young, McGovern, Magill, Dinu, D McAllister, Murray, Calderwood, McMillen, Tumelty and E McAllister.
