Bangor face a significant test at Clandeboye Park this Saturday when they host high-flying Larne in the Premiership. The Seasiders are looking to snap a five-match winless streak that has left them 12th in the league table with just six points from twelve games.
Their recent form makes for grim reading, with four defeats and a single draw in their last five outings. The latest was a 2-1 home loss to Dungannon Swifts in the League Cup on Tuesday, where Ben Cushnie's 20th-minute strike proved only a consolation. That result followed a goalless league draw with the same opponent and a 2-0 defeat away to Linfield. Their only other point in this sequence came from a 1-1 draw with Newry City, with the run beginning with a 3-2 loss to Coleraine.
Recent results and head-to-head
Larne arrive in better shape, having won two of their last four league games, including a 5-2 victory at Carrick Rangers last month and a 3-1 win over Ballymena United. Their most recent outing was a 2-1 home defeat to Linfield, which followed a 1-0 loss to Cliftonville. The head-to-head record offers little comfort for Bangor fans, as Larne secured a 1-0 victory when the sides met at Inver Park on September 8, with a goal from Levi Ives. In the last meeting at Clandeboye Park in April, Larne emerged as 2-0 winners.
Team news and lineup
Manager Lee Feeney is expected to stick with a familiar lineup, likely similar to the one that started the recent 3-2 defeat to Coleraine. That side included goalkeeper Deane, captain McGuinness, and forwards Devlin and Hughes. Midfielder Ben Cushnie, who scored in midweek, will be pushing for a start. Larne, managed by Tiernan Lynch, will bring a fresh XI from their last league win, featuring players like striker Lusty and midfielder Millar. Defender Cian Bolger is a key presence, while winger O'Neill provides a creative threat.
Bangor's struggles are underlined by their league position, sitting 25 points behind leaders Coleraine and with a goal difference of minus fourteen. They have conceded 24 times this season, the second-worst defensive record in the division, while scoring only ten goals. A positive result against a Larne side chasing European qualification would provide a massive boost ahead of their next league fixture. The match kicks off at 6pm on Saturday at Clandeboye Park.
