Bangor FC turned a 0‑1 deficit into a 2‑1 pre‑season victory over Newington on Saturday, July 6, 2026, thanks to a debut free‑kick from new signing Steven McCullough and a late winner from Blake Matier.

How did the match unfold?

Newington opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Keelan McBride finished a cross from Paul Donnelly inside the six‑yard box. Bangor dominated possession but struggled to create clear chances, with their first real threat coming from a Lewis Francis corner that forced Lawton McMahon into a diving save at the 16th minute. The home side kept the pressure on, yet the ball rarely found the net until the second half.

What changed after halftime?

Lee Feeney’s tactical tweaks at the break introduced Iestan Hughes, Blake Matier and the much‑talked‑about Steven McCullough. Within ten minutes, McCullough took a dead‑ball situation, curled a thunderous free‑kick into the top corner and levelled the score at 1‑1. The equaliser shifted momentum, and Bangor began to dominate the midfield, forcing Newington onto the back foot.

Who sealed the win for Bangor?

In the 72nd minute, a Ben Cushnie corner was knocked down in the box and Matier pounced, slotting the ball past McMahon to make it 2‑1. Newington threatened a response when Joseph Tully smashed a free‑kick that rattled the upright, but the Swans held firm and celebrated the comeback.

Why does this result matter?

The win marks Bangor’s second pre‑season triumph, suggesting the new signings are integrating quickly. McCullough’s instant impact hints at a boost to Bangor’s set‑piece threat, while Matier’s goal shows depth in the attacking ranks. With the league season looming, the performance offers optimism for a strong start in the NIFL Premiership.