Dundela vs Bangor

Bangor took the lead in the 27th minute. The scorer's name was not confirmed in official records, but the visitors struck first against the run of early possession. Dundela's X account reported "27' Goal - Bangor FC" at the 27-minute mark, and the scoreline stood at 0-1 through to half-time.

Dundela came out sharper after the break. Five minutes into the second half, Connor Lynn equalised for the hosts — a 50th-minute goal that Dundela's social media announced as "50' GOOOOOAAALLLLLL Dundela (LYNN)". The home side pushed for a winner but could not break down a resolute Bangor defence, and the match finished 1-1 after 90 minutes.

Per the pre-match rules of the Mervyn Bell Cup, the tie went straight to penalties. Bangor converted four of their spot-kicks to Dundela's three, lifting the trophy at the Hen Run.

Connor Lynn's equaliser in the 50th minute. Dundela had been second-best in the first half but the goal — coming just five minutes into the second period — swung momentum decisively. The hosts enjoyed their best spell in the 15 minutes after the goal, creating several half-chances that might have won it inside regulation. Bangor's failure to add a second meant the game went to the shootout, where the visitors' composure from the spot proved decisive.

Connor Lynn (Dundela) — The only confirmed goalscorer of the match. Lynn, a young forward who joined Dundela from Crewe United, showed sharp movement to finish five minutes into the second half. His goal was the catalyst for Dundela's best period.

Bangor's goalkeeper — Not named in official records, but a 4-3 penalty shootout win requires at least one save. The Seasiders' stopper kept out a Dundela spot-kick to give Bangor the edge in the decider.

Lee Feeney (Bangor manager) — Feeney split his squad for a double-header on Saturday, sending a youthful XI to Comber Rec while the first team travelled to Wilgar Park. The rotation paid off: the senior side won the cup, and the result extends Bangor's pre-season momentum ahead of their Premiership opener against Larne on 9 August.

The provider payload records two goals from open play, with no cards shown. Bangor's first-half efficiency (one goal from limited chances) contrasted with Dundela's second-half pressure. The 4-3 penalty scoreline suggests a tight shootout where both sides were relatively accurate from the spot. No detailed xG or possession data is available for this friendly.

For Bangor, the Mervyn Bell Cup is the second piece of pre-season silverware after the Spectator and Chronicle Cup (won 2-0 against Ards on 16 July). The Seasiders have now won six of seven friendlies in June-July 2026, with only a 5-2 loss at Queen's University on 11 July breaking the run. Their next fixture is away to Newry City on Tuesday 28 July, followed by Ballinamallard United on 31 July, before the competitive season begins at Larne on Sunday 9 August in the NIFL Premiership.

For Dundela (NIFL Championship), the match was a valuable test against top-flight opposition. They had won their previous friendly 3-2 against Ballymena United on 18 July. Their next pre-season match is away to Crusaders on 1 August, before the Championship season begins on 8 August at home to Moyola Park.

A productive pre-season workout for both sides. Bangor showed match sharpness and composure from the penalty spot, while Dundela — a division below — proved they can compete with Premiership opposition. The Mervyn Bell Cup, named after the legendary Dundela figure who served the club for 40 years, was fittingly contested in a competitive spirit. The result matters less than the minutes in legs, but Bangor's growing habit of winning is a positive sign ahead of 9 August.