13/06/2026
Match Report: Strabane AFC 2-3 Bangor
Full Time: Strabane AFC 2-3 Bangor
Goals:
* 17’ – Bronagh McKinley (Strabane AFC)
* 41’ – Olivia Marshall (Bangor)
* 66’ – Own Goal (Bangor)
* 70’ – Shantell Temple (Strabane AFC)
* 81’ – Olivia Marshall (Bangor)
Strabane AFC and Bangor served up an entertaining encounter at Melvin Sports Complex, with both sides showcasing tremendous talent in a fast-paced, end-to-end contest that was decided only in the closing stages.
The home side took the lead after 17 minutes when a cleared corner fell kindly to Bronagh McKinley, who struck brilliantly from outside the box to find the back of the net.
Strabane nearly doubled their advantage shortly after taking the lead when Sophie Kelly stepped up to a free-kick from a wide angle 22 yards out. Her effort was struck to near perfection, crashing off the crossbar and denying the home side what would have been a spectacular second goal.
Bangor eventually found their equaliser on 41 minutes when Olivia Marshall raced through one-on-one and produced a composed finish, delicately chipping the goalkeeper to make it 1-1 heading into the break.
Bangor edged in front midway through the second half in unfortunate circumstances for Strabane. A volley from the edge of the box struck the head of a Strabane player and looped into the net for an own goal, giving the visitors a 2-1 advantage.
Strabane responded positively and were rewarded on 70 minutes. Right-back Shantell Temple collected the ball wide on the right from around 25 yards and unleashed a stunning curling effort into the top corner to level the match at 2-2. It was a goal worthy of the attacking football on display throughout the game.
Both goalkeepers then produced outstanding saves to keep their sides in the contest. Niamh denied Amber with a superb left-handed stop when a goal looked certain, while the Bangor goalkeeper produced a world-class save to tip Crystal Crossan’s powerful half-volley over the bar when it appeared destined for the roof of the net.
Strabane continued to press and nearly took the lead when Roisin Lynch arrived at the back post, only to see her effort miss by inches.
With just minutes remaining, Bangor struck the decisive blow as Olivia Marshall scored her second of the contest. While all parties felt the goal was clearly offside, credit must go to the Bangor forward for playing to the whistle and finishing confidently to secure a 3-2 victory for the visitors.
There were also special moments away from the scoreline for Strabane, including the welcome return of last year’s captain Wendy Long, who made her first appearance since giving birth to her daughter, Lacie.
Player of the Match
Roisin Lynch ⭐
Strabane AFC would also like to thank Sion Swifts Ladies for partnering with the club at Melvin Sports Complex to collect donations at the gate in aid of The Koram Centre.
A huge thank you goes to the supporters of Bangor, Greenisland, Sion and Strabane whose generosity will help support a fantastic cause.
Next Match
NIWFA Championship
Strabane AFC vs Bangor (H)
📅 Wednesday 17 June
🕢 7:45pm
Photos by EllieJay @ Craft NI-Training
