Jamie McGonigle scored a stunning first-half hat-trick as Limavady United beat Bangor 3-1 under the Showgrounds floodlights, backing up their win at Crusaders with a second straight victory — in front of 337 fans.
McGonigle needed just three minutes to open the scoring, racing clear after Alfie Gaston sent him through over the top and chipping the ball over Patrick Solis Grogan. He doubled the lead eight minutes later with an unstoppable effort after Philip Lowry won possession in midfield, before completing his hat-trick in spectacular fashion on 23 minutes, curling a thunderous free-kick into the net from 25 yards. Limavady continued to threaten before the break, Gaston beating three players to set up John Butcher, whose effort was saved.
Bangor improved after the interval and came close when Oisin Devlin’s effort struck the crossbar, before substitute Tiernan Mulvenna pulled a goal back on 70 minutes. The visitors almost had a second soon after, only for Philip Lowry to produce a brave goal-line block to deny Alfie Mitchell.
Limavady’s night ended on a sour note late on when Stephen Lowry was shown a straight red card with four minutes to go, but by then the result was already secure. It’s a huge night for McGonigle individually, and for a Limavady side now up and running with back-to-back wins. Attention turns to Coleraine next — see the Match Centre for the latest fixtures and results.