| BANGOR CITY
MATCH REPORTS 2015-16 |
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Welsh Premier |
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 After a goalless opening hour Bangor crashed to a heavy defeat thanks to four late goals at Park Avenue.
That was the introduction to the match report from 19th December 2015. Four months later little had changed as the scoreline suggests although the free scoring Venables upped his contribution from brace to a hatrick. With injury and suspension again influencing selection manager Nev Powell drafted in Iolo Hughes at centrehalf whilst both Christian Langos and Rio Ahmadi started in attacking roles. With the wind in their faces City attacked the Dias Stand in the first half. A flurry of early corners augered well but the home side stood firm and the danger passed. The most influential player of the first period was right winger Christian Langos who had Cledan Davies in all sorts of trouble but no one could capitalise on the openings created. Midfielder Ashley Young went close from distance but saw his shot fly narrowly wide. For Aberystwyth their best effort was a header from Stuart Jones which flew over the crossbar. So all square at the interval with the noisy blue contingent still hoping for the best as they besieged the tea hut and bar. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
No changes at the interval for either side.
Bangor started brighly again with young Shaun Cavanagh forced a smart
double save from Aber glovesman Mike Lewis who also had to be on his
toes to deny Christain Langos moments later.But on 57 minutes Aber made City pay for those chances scorned as Kane Owen flicked on for Chris Venables who placed the ball beyond Connor Roberts to give the home side the lead. And three minutes later it was 2-0 as Cledan Davies released Chris Venables who again kept his cool to finish in style. With Aber now on top the home side might have added a third when Ross Stephens shot cleanly but his effort slid just wide. But a third goal for club and player did arrive on 72 minutes as the blues defence hesitated and Craig Williams found Chris Venables who strode through to put the result beyond doubt. Bangor clearly felt the officials had confused the situation and defender Adam Cummins was carded for his comments by Mr Petch. They may haver had a point but at this stage the goal affected the scoreline but not the result. The fourth and final goal came five minutes from time as Ross Stephens netted from a corner and the Park Avenue side ran out clear winners with City well beaten on an afternoon that had promised so much. For the record this was the final match at Bangor City for assistant manager Derek Goulding - all the best Spreader. There could be others who follow him out of Nantporth but that is for another day, for this disappointing season, over and out. photos with thanks to Einion Williams
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| FINAL SCORE 4-0 |
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Welsh Premier |
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 A late equaliser by Sion Edwards gavce City a draw at Port Talbot and kept alive prospects of European play offs. But qualifica tion is no out of City hands as Carmarthen beat Aberystwyth.On a sunny afternoon on the south Wales coast it was the home side who drew first blood with a goal inside five minutes. Martin Rose and Joe Clark combined on for thr right for former Swanse youngster Jamie Latham to sidefoot home left footer from ten yards. Bangor thought they should have had a penalty minutes later as Steve Lewis was clearly fouled in the box by Martin Rose but Guilsfield referee Rob Jenkins thought otherwise and Port Talbot escaped. Then Adam Cummins got on the end of a Sion Edwards cross but sent his header wide. City leftback Sam Hart was then yellow carded by the youthful Mr Jenkins before Shaun Cavanagh fired over as City pressed for an equaliser. On the half hour seasoned striker Martin Rose made room for himself in the box but could not find the target with his shot. Next into the little black book was Sion Edwards but at half time the only issue of consequence was Latham's early strike which separated to the two sides to the polite applause of the sparse and subdued home crowd. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 One change at the interval as Steve Lewis could not continue and Christian Langos took his place.And the eager Langos was quickly into Mr Jenkins' book as he tried to get into the action. Sion Edwards went close for City but Stephen Cann gathered his cross shot. Then former Bristol City youngster Marley Bishop Wisdom forced a good save from Connor Roberts and Kerry Morgan fired the rebound wide. On 72 minutes City drew level. Christian Langos saw his shot blocked but Sion Edwards low shot crashed home beyond Cann from the edge of the box. Soon after Rio Ahmadi could not find the target from the left after a good low cross from Shaun Cavanagh on the right. But on 80 minutes referee Jenkins brandished the red card at Anthony Miley for deliberate handball - and denying a goalscoring opportunity - and awarded the home side a freekick on the edge of the box. You have to wonder why Luke Bowen stopped to appeal for the red card rather than run through on goal. Midfielder Kerry Morgan lined up the freekick but sent his effort wide. As time ran out Iolo Hughes was also shown the yellow card before 17 year old Cai Owen came on for his Welsh Premier debut in place of veteran midfielder Shaun Cavanagh. Owen had been in outstanding form for the U19 side and thoroughly deserves his first team opportunity. There were five minutes of added time but no change to the scoreline and a draw was not the result Bangor needed but a one all draw it was. So one match left to play for City, a 5.15pm appointment at Aberystwyth next Saturday, but they might be forgiven for having one ear on events at Belle Vue as Rhyl host Camrarthen Town. |
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| Photos with thanks to Bangor City FC |
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| FINAL SCORE |
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor let slip a two nil half time lead against dogged Carmarthen and under the watchful eye and whistle of yet another  trainee, fast tracked 21 year old referee who was clearly out of his depth.And they did so after having Damien Allen sent off (two yellows) followed shortly after by Carmarthen defender Jordan Knott for the same double offence. It started very brightly for City who took the lead inside three minutes as Sion Edwards lifted the ball to Mike Elstone on the left. He ran into the visitors box and beat two defenders before curling the ball right footed inside Lee Idzi's far post from fifteen yards. Bangor pushed the visitors back and thought they should have had a penalty when Shaun Cavanagh was checked in the box by Dwaine Bailey but referee Williams was unimpressed. Town defender Jordan Knott was then yellow carded for a pull on Sion Edwards' shirt and he struggled to contain the left footer. Carmarthen threatened from a freekick but Kieran Lewis fired over from 25 yards. Attacking the Antelope End in the bright afternoon sunshine Bangor doubled their lead a minute before the scheduled half time. Adam Cummins drove the ball to Anthony Miley on the left edge of the Carmarthen box. The centrback chested the ball down and sent a fierce drive beyond the desparing Idzi from just inside the box. Steve Lewis set Damien Allen racing to the left of goal but his cross-shot crashed into the side netting to the disappointment of those in the middle. However half time was delayed by an injury to David Vincent who at first appeared to have suffered a serious leg injury. He was eventually helped off the field to be taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd (and happily later released with no more than severe bruising). |
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| HALF TIME 2-0 |
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One change at  the interval as Luke Prosser came on for stricken Carmarthen defender Dave Vincent.Blues midfielder Damien Allen was harshly yellow carded for a challenge close to half way with the visitors "dug out" as ever seemingly in the thick of the action and the ear of the Wrexham official. Bangor now attacking the City End would have been hoping to increase their lead but it was visitors Carmarthen who halved the deficit on 63 minutes as the blues failed to clear their lines. Jordan Knott crossed from the right and when Mark Jones drove back the half clearance Liam Thomas flicked the ball home from close range with hopes of offside rightly waved away. On 69 minutes a first change as Bangor sent on Rio Ahmadi for young Shaun Cavanagh who along with many others had struggled on the broken bobbly surface. Carmarthen prompty sent on Kyle Bassett for defender Hanford. Five minutes later City were down to ten men. Damien Allen challenged Kieran Lewis from behind and was shown and second yellow - and then red - card by referee Williams as demanded by Mark Aizlewood in the Carmarthen dugout. In the final quarter hour City replaced a weary Steve Lewis with Christian Langos before Carmarthen sent on Glen Fern for Lewis Harling. Bangor then had goal keeper Connor Roberts yellow carded for apparently taking too long over a goalkick. City though might have gone 3-1 ahead as Mike Elstone ran the length of the pitch but could not get the better of former blues goalkeeper Lee Idzi who pulled off a fine save. But the final drama was reserved for added time. Deep into the four added minutes Kyle Bassett ran across the blues box and towards the corner flag. Perhaps realising he was running out of options he threw a pantomime dive and might have expected a yellow card for his troubles. Instead Mr Williams ruled he had been fouled by Mike Elstone and awarded a penalty kick which Liam Thomas duly converted. All square at two all. Now the young whistler had only one score to settle and when Jordan Knott obstructed Christan Langos down the right he too was shown a second yellow and red, to make both scorelines and line ups even. For a national league to experiment with inexperienced referees at all - yet alone in crucial matches - is regretable to say the least. Both teams deserved better and both now miss a key player for the remaining matches. |
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| photos from originals by jpphoto (@jamesphotoserv) | Twitter |
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| FINAL SCORE 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| An
emphatic win for a youthful Bangor side kept alive hopes of a European
play off place and sadly condemned Haverfordwest to relegation to the
Welsh League. The pre match news concerned Leon Clowes and midfielders Ryan Edwards (injured) and Ashley Young (working) who all missed out. On a positive note Dec Walker returned at right back. Youngsters Mike Elstone and Shaun Cavanagh kept their places whilst Rio Ahmadi started alongside Steve Lewis. And it was a hugely impressive pefromance from Shaun Cavanagh who caught the eye with a brace of goals and some incisive passing. But the first chance of the afternoon fell to Sion Edwards who long range shot span off Kieran Howard and forced a good save from Alex Connell in the County goal. Despite playing into the wind as they attacked the Antelope End the home side looked the more purposeful. And on seven minutes the promise bore fruit as Rio Ahmadi cleverly slid in Shaun Cavanagh who bettered Kieran Howard to drive the ball beyond Connell from fifteen yards. Haverfordwest responded with a well struck effort from Declan Carroll but Connor Roberts saved at full stretch. Then Damien Allen passed forward to Shaun Cavanagh whose slide rule pass set Rio Ahmadi clear on goal but Connell saved well at his feet. On 26 minutes it was two nil as Bangor won a freekick on the left. Up stepped Dec Walker whose thirty yarder smashed into the back of the net with Connell unable to get in the way. A superb effort from the cavalier rightback. County pulled one back under strange circumstances seven minutes before the interval. Connor Roberts pouched a corner and threw out to Mike Elstone on the half way line. But 19 year old Spencer Williams intercepted and after a couple of paces thrashed the ball into the back of the Bangor net from thirty yards for a goal applauded by just about everyone in the ground. On 41minutes Bangor regained the two goal advantage. Another telling pass from Damien Allen found Steve Lewis clear and he netted in trade mark style with a perfectly flighted chip from outside the box. Great technique from The Beast. Soon after referee Kevin Parry blew for the interval which saw City 3-1 ahead and with the prospect of the wind at their backs in the second period. |
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| HALF TIME 3-1 |
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 No changes at the interval by either side.City now attacking the Bangor end with the wind. Bangor were soon on the attack and Sam Hart's flighted ball down the left confused the visitors defence but Steve Lewis could only drag his effort wide of the near post. On 53 minutes a change for the visitors as Jason Bertorelli was replaced by Pembroke College student Alfie Stottor. Then on 57 minutes goalscorer Spencer Williams released Declan Carroll down the left and his powerful right footer fr  om just inside the box flew into the back of the net to bring the visitors back into the game.But their joy was short lived. Just three minutes later blues 'keeper Connor Robers' kick was headed on by Steve Lewis for Shaun Cavanagh to round goalkeeper Connell and slide the ball into the empty net. What a calm finish from the teenage striker who emergence in the latter stages of the season has co-incided with a good run of form and results. On 65 minutes a change by Nev Powell as Christian Langos replaced Mike Elstone and three minutes later Iolo Hughes came on for Dec Walker who was clearly injured. One final change for Bangor on 76 minutes as U19s regular and former Ysgol Brynrefail youngster Caio Hywel (photo left) came on for Sion Edwards. The youngster slotted in at rightback, alongside fellow Bethel defender Iolo Hughes in cental defence with Adam Cummins now in midfield. The final goal of the game was a superb team effort from Bangor to make it 5-2. A Haverfordwest corner from the right was headed clear by Steve Lewis and gathered by Damien Allen who passed up to Rio Ahmadi on half way. His back heelwas gathered once more by midfielder Allen who again linked up with Ahmadi before finally Damien Allen rushed into the box to slide home from a tight angle on the right. A fantastic team goal which would have doubtless pleased managers Powell and Goulding immensely. And that was about it, a good team peformance from Bangor with some great individual and team goals from both sides. Sadly we wont see Haverfordwest at Nantporth again for a couple of years at least but the goals will live in the memory. For Bangor the prospects of seventh stay alive with three league games left to play.. Caio Hywel photo
with thanks to Bangor City
FC
Shaun Cavanagh photo from an original by jpphoto (@jamesphotoserv) | Twitter
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| FINAL SCORE 5-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| Bangor edged this seven goal thriller that had seemed out of the reach ten minutes from time. And the hero of the hour - the late hour - was substitute Rio Ahmadi who scored twice as the home side wilted under sustained pressure. City kept faith with youngsters Mike Elstone and Shaun Cavanagh whilst baby faced Rhyl boss Niall McGuiness gave a home debut to 17 year old Luke Fitzpatrick in the heart of his defence. The referee was Nick Pratt who as usual managed the players well but got involved in some controversial decisions. There was an early scare for the Lilywhites as Chay Dysart sliced his clearance but Terry McCormick pounced on the spinning ball. Then former blues striker John Owen raced clear but lifted the ball over Connor Roberts and out for a goalkick. On six minutes a yellow card for Dysart when he should clearly have seen red for a last man foul on Steve Lewis on the edge of the box. Sam Hart fired the freekick goalwards but the burly Greg Stones blocked and Steve Lewis headed just wide from the return cross. More controvesy then as Shaun Cavanagh squared to Steve Lewis who tapped home only to be wrongly flagged for offside. Both teams struggled to play on the inconsistent surface with perhaps Danny Gossett and Shaun Cavanagh the who two adapted best in the early stages. On twenty minutes Greg Stones headed over before Mike Elstone played in Steve Lewis but his goalbound shot was blocked. But on 28 minutes all this counted for nothing as John Owen pounced on a hurried clearance from Rob Hughes' shot to put the home side in front. This gave Rhyl a head of steam and in particular the skilful if inconsistent Hughes who now shot on target but Connor Roberts saved comfortably. Ten minutes before the interval a yellow card for Liam Benson for a foul on Sion Edwards. Bangor freekick 25 yards out which Sam Hart fired for the top right hand corner but McCormick pulled off a great one handed save to deny the reliable left footer an equaliser. As time ran out Bethel based midfielder Danny Gossett turned and curled and right footer from the edge of the box which crashed against the Bangor crossbar to the relief of those in blue. Mr Pratt then blew for the interval and it was the home fans the happier with their slender lead. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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| No changes at the interval for either side. The first meaningful action of the second half saw Chay Dysart (already booked) foul Steve Lewis in the box for a Bangor penalty. Up stepped Sam Hart to send McCormick the wrong way and level the scores on fifty minutes. Goalkeeper McCormick was yellow carded for dissent after the ball flashed past him. On the hour mark Steve Lewis charged through on the right but dragged his shot wide. Then Rhyl went close as Rob Hughes shot on target but blues keeper Connor Roberts saved easily. On 65 minutes Ashley Young was rightly carded for a trip on John Owen as he burst through midfield. A Rhyl freekick which Rob Hughes lifted over from long range. Leon Clowes did well to deny Connor Bell before John Owen forced a good save from Connor Roberts. But on 68 mintes he could do nothing as John Owen unleashed a rising left footer which flashed into the top corner from just outside the box. Advantage Rhyl and a great moment for the young striker. And they doubled that advantage three minutes later as Rob Hughes fired home low from the edge of the box after City failed to clear. Game over? Not quite. Almost unnoticed in between the two strikes blues substitute Rio Ahmadi trotted on in place of the impressive Shaun Cavanagh. Three minutes after the second goal Christian Langos replaced Sion Edwards who had not always found the bumpy, blotchy Belle Vue surface to his liking. With twelve minutes left Damien Allen might have pulled one back but he hesitated and Dysart stepped in. Defender Ibou Touray came on for winger Rob Hughes. Eight minutes remained when Ashley Young's long throw from the right unsettled McCormick and Mike Elstone drilled the loose ball home from ten yards to halve the deficit. With three minutes left to play Bangor drew level. City won the ball in midfield and Rio Ahmadi latched onto Anthony Miley's header to thrash the ball beyond McCormick from twelve yards. The drama continued as Christian Langos and Mike Elstone combined for Rio Ahmadi to grab his second and more importantly Bangor's fourth one minute into added time. Advantage Bangor. With one minute of the four added still to play another twist as the floodlights failed. With the stadium in darkness for a couple of minutes the general consensus was the result - the scoreline -would stand but this became irrelevant as the lights flickered back to life. Before the restart Bangor sent on defender Iolo Hughes for Mike Elstone who had enjoyed a fine ninety minutes. A long overdue Rhyl freekick from half was was duly delivered into the Bangor box but the City defence, for whom Leon Clowes had been outstanding, cleared and finally the whistle blew. A great win for Bangor and three vital points towards the fight for seventh and that European play off place. And yes, bad news for Rhyl. |
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| FINAL SCORE 3-4 |
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Welsh Premier |
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| Bangor
were held to a goalless draw by "play off place" rivals Aberystwyth
before a Friday night crowd of 606 at Nantporth. This attendance was
200 down on the October fixture between the two clubs. With injuries still ruling his selections both Shaun Cavanagh and Mike Elstone continued in the starting line up with Rio Ahmadi dropping out for Sion Edwards. There was an element of farce early on as a Bangor freekick on the edge of the box was cleared upfield by Aber. Kelloway ran clear and played young midfielder Jon Evans in on goal but he fell over under a shoulder to shoulder challenge from Ashley Young. Penalty? No said Mr Jenkins and gestured to the youngster to get back on his feet. Bangor forged a good opening as Ashley Young picked out Sion Edwards with his booming diagonal. The left winger ran into the box and after his first effort was blocked by Corbisiero his follow up right footer crashed just wide. Geoff Kellaway ran into the box but lifted his effort over the crossbar under pressure from Leon Clowes. Young striker Mike Elstone then tried his luck but he failed to beat Mike Lewis. Craig Williams fired across goal right footed from the right. The midfield trio of Ashley Young, Damien Allen and eighteen year old Shaun Cavanagh were working effectively against the Seasiders for whom left peg Ross Stephens also caught the eye. Bangor were dangerous down the left where the combination of Sam Hart and Sion Edwards proved difficult for the Aber defence to handle. Aber threatened through Jonathan Evans and then leftback Cledan Davies whose cross veered into the side netting. As half time loomed Bangor won a corner but this came to nothing and referee Rob Jenkins blew for the interval with the game evenly poised. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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| No changes at the interval. Bangor fired the early shots of the second half. First Sam Hart's heade found Sion Edwards who burst into the Aber box but Mike Lewis saved well at his near post. Then Mike Elstone shot off target from outside the box. Steve Lewis saw his close range shot blocked. Finally Steve Lewis attempted another long range chip but Lewis was alert to the danger and caught the ball confidently. Left footer Craig Williams ran on goal but his shot was saved by Connor Roberts. Then Mike Elstone played a one two with Steve Lewis but again goalkeeper Lewis saved. Former Llanrug midfielder Shaun Cavanagh got the better of Cledan Davies on the Bangor right, played in Damien Allen but his shot sped across goal. With fifteen minutes left on the clock a change for Bangor as Rio Ahmadi came on for Mike Elstone who had impressed on his home turf. Almost immediately a crazy scramble in the visitors box with no one from Bangor able to ge the vital touch. The ball half cleared for a corner but that was finally cleared. With ten minutes remaining Sion Edwards limped off to be replaced by Chris Jones. Then Steve Lewis set up Adam Cummins who left fly from distance but failed to hit the target. This had been a fine display from the versatile Cummins who has so far played fullback, centreback and midfield for the blues. Another goalmouth scramble cleared by Aber before Connor Roberts pulled off a good save to deny Geoff Kellaway once again. In the closing minutes Chris Venables hit the woodwork with a backpost header which City were glad to see bounce to the safety of Connor Roberts gloves. Visting defender Stuart Jones was shown the yellow card, moments later Damien Allen also had his name taken, before the fourth official indicated four minutes of added time to play. So honours even. City stay in seventh place and for the first time this season recorded two successive clean sheets. Promising performances from the teenagers Shaun Cavanagh and Mike Elstone and still something to play for as the season reaches its climax. |
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| FINAL SCORE 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor scored inside two minutes and held to secure a first win against Carmarthen this seaso. And all this despite fielding what seemed like a below strength side when the teams took to the field. With Dec Walker, Ryan Edwards and Sion Edwards injured or suspended, City kept faith with Adam Cummins at the back and drafted in young attackers Shaun Cavanagh and Mike Elstone in an attack which also featured Steve Lewis and Rio Ahmadi. Rio Ahmadi and Steve Lewis forged an opening for former Crewe youngster Mike Elstone who put City ahead inside two minutes with a calm finish through the legs of goalkeeper Lee Idzi who rushed out to narrow the angle. That was a first ever first team goal for the teenage striker no more than 80 seconds from kick off! And there was more bad news for Carmarthen minutes later as former Port Talbot midfielder Lewis Harling was injured in a challenge with Damien Allen and limped off to be replaced by nineteen year old Glen Fearn. But the Old Gold forged an opening moments later when a long throw from Jordan Knott bounced through the blues defence only for Liam Thomas to lift his shot over from ten yards. Buoyed by the early strike Bangor picked up the tempo and passed the ball around confidently without over troubling Idzi in the Town goal. Midfielders Damien Allen and Ashley Young to the fore with Leon Clowes and co working hard to keep tabs on the ever dangerous Mark Jones. On the half hour the home side went close to an equaliser as Mark Jones headed wide from Ceri Morgan's freekick. And despite staying well on top during the remainder of the first half Bangor could not add to their early strike, nevertheless the half time score showed City one nil to the good on a crisp Carmarthen afternoon. |
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| HALF TIME 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No changes at the interval for either side. Carmarthen came out with a sense of purpose and won a freekick on the edge fo the box but Mark Jones' effort was blocked by the Bangor wall. But moments later another opportunity for the home side via another freekick slightly further out but Ceri Morgan blasted high over Connor Roberts' bar. Kris Hames got into the action next with a yellow card for blues midfielder Damien Allen who had been an illness doubt earlier in the week. Next a second change of the afternoon for Carmarthen as Luke Prosser came on for Kyle Bassett. Bangor held firm and with twenty minutes left one final change for the Old Gold as former Newtown striker Jeff White replaced Carig Hanford. Play remained evenly balanced as Carmarthen sought an equaliser but Bangor battled to hold onto the lead. Connor Roberts safely pouched a Carmarthen corner but moments later, with ten minutes left on the clock, substitute Luke Prosser headed wide from close range as the pressure began to mount.  With five minutes left to play a first change for Bangor as Chris Jones replaced Shaun Cavanagh. Moments later Steve Lewis niped the ball away from Dwayne Bailey and might have sealed the win but he sent his shot across goal and just wide. On ninety minutes another change for Bangor as Christan Langos replaced Rio Ahmadi. And that was about it, added time came and went before referee Hames blew for last time. A great win for a depleted Bangor side with the only goal, scored by seventeen year old Mike Elstone. And credit match referee Mr Hames for showing just one yellow card all afternoon - even if it was to a blues player! This result and the three points lifted Bangor back into the coveted seventh spot with half a dozen games to play. Well done! PHOTO WITH THANKS TO BANGOR CITY FC
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| FINAL SCORE 0-1 |
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor lost a game they should have won with young referee Ashley Jones at the centre of the controvesy... Not quite. That was the introduction to the report from August 2015 but sadly apart from the christian name of the referee not much has changed. And for Belle read Artell. In fairness to Port Talbot they stuck to their task, weathered the storm of sorts in the first half and eventually ran out comfortable winners thanks to a brace of well taken goals from Luke Bowen. 
Bangor though would rue the decision making of referee Huw Jones but in
in turn failed to take their chances in the first half and created very
few in the second. With both Ryan Edwards and Dec Walker missing Matty Woodward started at rightback with Adam Cummins pushed into midfield. Rio Ahmadi replaced banned Steve Lewis upfront. Attacking the Antelope End the early chances fell to Bangor with Rio Ahmadi forcing a good low save from Stephen Cann with a back to goal effort, then Matty Woodward causing chaos with a telling cross from the right. But Port Talbot survived and might have gone ahead when former Neath striker Chris Jones headed wide at the near post from a right wing cross. Thirteen minutes in Sion Edwards shot wide from fully thirty yards before Mr Jones laid down the law with a yellow card for Adam Cummins for kicking the ball away after the whistle was blown. Would he enforce this rule consistently? Moments later Bangor had loud shouts for penalty waved away as Ashley Young saw his shot cleared by the arm of a visting defender. Nothing doing. On 23 minutess a yellow card for James Loveridge on half way. Martin Rose threatened but Anthony Miley nipped in at the right moment before Sion Edwards delivered a freekick from half way which needed a well timed block from big defender Dave Artell as Matty Woodward fired on target. Moments later midfeilder Ashley Young collected the ball off Damien Allen but leftback Long blocked bravely. Five minutes from half time Luke Bowen sounded a warning with a cleanly hit thirty yarder which Connor Roberts collected comfortably enough. Bangor responded through the lively Damien Allen whose shot from just outside the box was saved by Cann. One minutes of added time was displayed and City pushed forward with the maverick but effective Stephen Cann saving twice with his feet, first from Sion Edwards and then Sam Hart. It was not to be an Mr Jones blew for the interval with Bangor unlucky not to be ahead and the soft surface cutting up in chill February sunshine. A word for the four or five noisy drum beating lunatics from Port Talbot who had positioned themselves in the family stand. Well done! Five hours each way on the coach - no point going quietely into the night! |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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| No changes at the interval. Bangor were now attacking the City end settled well and swept the ball around to good effect, stringing together a dozen or more short crisp passes with Damien Allen at the centre of operations before Sion Edwards shot goalwards and as Cann spilt the ball Dave Artell clearly shoved Chris Jones in the back as he chased the loose ball. No foul according to Mr Jones. Moments later Artell was booked for blocking Connor Roberts as he attempted to clear upfield. The lumbering centreback jogged back to position with the diminutive Mr Jones, variously of Morda and Llanrhaeadr, in hot persuit. Ten minutes after the restart City threatened as Chris Jones ran on goal but his attempted square ball to Damien Allen was snuffed out and the danger passed. 
Next into the book was Talbot's Chris Jones but on the hour mark it was
the visitors who were celebrating. A strong solo run by Luke Bowen resulted in a calm finish beyond Connor Roberts. The drum beat louder than ever as Port Talbot snatched the lead.Five minutes later with Bangor reeling from the first goal along came a second. A long throw from the left arrived at Luke Bowen who tapped home from close range. The menacing number ten might have made it three a minute later but Sam Hart defended bravely and City survived. Midfielders Damien Allen and Ashley Young both went close with efforts from outside the box but Cann was largely untroubled. Then on 70 minutes a brave move from Nev Powell in the form of a triple subsitution. On came Christian Langos, Shaun Cavanagh and Mike Elstone in place of Matty Woodward, Chris Jones and Rio Ahmadi respectively. Would the young subs make a difference? They nearly did immediately from the restart as Mike Elstone ran through the Talbot defence and picked out Sion Edwards but he fired over. Then things started to unravel for Bangor and the long serving left winger. No sooner had James Parry been yellow carded than Paul Fowler seemed to baulk Sion Edwards on half way. Not according to Mr Jones who booked the blues wideman. Within a minute Mr Jones showed a second yellow and red to Bangor winger Edwards for a challenge which made no contact on Kurtis March and even drew surprise from the visting defenders. Bangor were now sunk without trace and having left his mark on proceedings the little whistler might as well have blown for time with ten minutes to go. But one final act of strange refereeing remained. Christian Langos ran down the left and was body checked by goalkeeper Cann close to the left touchline. In old fashioned football this would have been a freekick. In modern times it has evolved to a red card. Mr Jones waved play restart with a throw in! Priceless. Would it have changed things with lesss than ten minutes to play? Perhaps not, but rules are meant to be applied. The final stages made little or no difference - Rose and Bowen went close for Port Talbot - and despite the best effort so the ten men they could make no impression on the towering Artell or his well organised accomplices. A well deserved win for the visitors but a game remembered by home fans for some questionable refereeing from Huw Jones. |
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| FINAL SCORE 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| Bangor
scored deep into added time at the end of the match to salvage a point,
and break the hearts of the hard working Harry West side. Manager Nev Powell was able to reinstate leftback Sam Hart at the expense of Adam Cummins who dropped to a stronger looking bench alongsi  de the likes of Adam Cummins, Rio Ahmadi and Christian Langos.County started with the tongue twisting pair of Borelli and Bertorelli up front! In an even if largely uneventful first half on a pleasant day in West Wales neither goalkeeper was as busy as he might have been. County went closest when Luke Borrelli saw his freekick blocked and Bangor cleared upfield. Then City had their best moment of the half when captain and centre back Leon Clowes headed narrowly wide from a Bangor freekick sent in from the right by Sion Edwards. But neither side seriously threatened. Although Ryan Edwards was threatened by a heavy challenge before the break which left him limping as time ran out. In fairness there was not much more of note to report as the two sides trudged off for a half time cuppa and words of wisdom from their respective managers. All square. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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| No changes at the interval for either side. But no sooner had the second half got underway than midfielder Ryan Edwards had be withdrawn through injury and Rio Ahmadi took his place in a bold attacking option. Ten minutes after the restart Luke Borrelli went close for County but dragged his shot wide. Moments later Jason Bertorelli went into the referee's book. On the hour another injury worry for Bangor saw Dec Walker limp off to be replaced by Adam Cummins. With 64 minutes gone a yellow card for Haverfordwest midfielder Declan Carroll and Bangor defender Adam Cummins. Still not a great deal of goalmouth action. But then action at the wrong end from a Bangor point of view as Jason Bertorelli fired home to put County ahead on 68 minutes after Connor Roberts had saved well from Kieran Howard. Bangor thought they had drawn level minutes later through Anthony Miley but an offside flag cut short celebrations. Haverfordwest then made a double change as Jordan Follows and Kirstian Speake replaced Carroll and Borrelli. Next Bangor sent on seventeen year old Mike Elstone for Chris Jones. Jordan Follows is promptly booked on 77 minutes as City seek the all important equaliser. County stood strong and despite Mike Elstone going close and Steve Lewis having an effort cleared off the line the home side led one nil as the fourth official indicated that four minutes of agony, sorry added, time lay ahead. The four minutes advertised duly passed but play continued and home fears were confirmed as Rio Ahmadi flicked on to Sion Edwards who equalised with a goal timed at 96 minutes which flew in off a stray leg. Fair to say referee Ryan Stewart was scarcely the most popular man in West Wales as he left the pitch moments later with Bangor the happier of the two sides. A valuable point for Bangor which just protects seventh place, top of the second division, with another long trip south to Carmarthen next weekend. |
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| FINAL SCORE 1-1 |
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Welsh Premier |
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| Bangor kicked
of phase two with a last minute win over arch rivals Rhyl at Nantporth. And to add spice if any were needed former Lilywhites striker Steve Lewis scored a hatrick against his old club. City lined up without sickness absentee Sam Hart which meant a recall for Leon Clowes and a shift to leftback for Adam Cummins. But before a ball was kicked a well observed minute's silence in memory of Councillor and Bangor supporter Eddie Dogan who passed away earlier in the week. Bangor forged the first clear chance when Chris Jones ran on goal but the dependable Terry McCormick stood firm. There was little action in either goalmouth until the visitors took the lead in bizarre circumstances in the 26th minute. Midfielder David Mannix launched a big diagonal into the box from halfway. City failed to clear and in the confusion Leon Clowes seemed to stumble and prod the ball into his own net. The Lilywhites might have doubled their advantage as tiny Dean Keates tested Connor Roberts but the tall glovesman was up to the task. The closest City went to drawing level was a Dec Walker freekick which Terry McCormick kept out although Steve Lewis was not too far away as the final minute was played out. At the interval it was the black and white Lilywhites who left the field the happier and their fans who wore the broadest smiles. |
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| HALF TIME 0-1 |
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| No changes at the interval. Bangor drew level ten minutes after the restart. Chris Jones retrieved the ball on the goalline and crossed from the left. Terry McCormick could only plam the ball straight out to Steve Lewis who controlled and smashed home from eight yards . But within five minutes the visitors regained their lead. Former Liverpool defender Stephen Wright saw his looping header sail over Connor Roberts and into the back of the net. Bangor were stung into action and Sion Edwards fired on target, McCormick for once fumbled, but Steve Lewis could not latch onto the loose ball. On 68 minutes a first change for City as Rio Ahmadi replaced Chris Jones. Moments later Damien Allen sent a freekick arching towards the far post but no one in a blue shirt could get a vital touch. On 72 minutes City drew level for the second time as Rio Ahmadi pounced on McCormicks fumble from Damien Allen's long range shot. Dec Walker was making hay down the right and Rhyl leftback Touray was booked for a pull on his shirt. But on 78 minutes Rhyl went ahead for the third time as former blue John Owen crossed for Levi Mackin to sidefoot home with Connor Roberts beaten. The gangly Greg Stones was next into the referees notebook as City strained for an equaliser. On 86 minutes Shuan Cavanagh came on for Adam Cummins as Bangor went for broke. In all honesty it seemed a lot to do with not long left. But with 89 minutes gone City had penalty for a daft challenge from behind by Stephen Wright on Rio Ahmadi. With Sam Hart not playing the responsibility passed to big Steve Lewis who beat McCormick to level the scores for the third time. As the celebrations died down the fourth official took centre stage as he indicated five minutes of added time. City won a couple of later corners and from the second Anthony Miley saw his snap shot hit the post. Rhyl thought they might snatch a late decider but as Rob Hughes lost the ball it was Steve Lewis who pounced on Dean Keates wayward header and ran on goal to beat McCormick with a well flighted chip from 35 yards to the wild delight of the blues players and supporters. Manager Powell got flattened in the celebration but he seemed happy enough! A well taken hatrick for The Beast and three points for Bangor which hardly looked on the cards ten minutes earlier. And a great start to the second phase of fixtures. |
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| FINAL SCORE 4-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| Bangor kicked
off with an unchanged team from that which beat Newtown a week earlier,
having said that five or six minutes later than planned due to a
problem with the nets. Debutant goalkeeper Alex Connell slipped on his backside two or three times as he cleared early on in the difficult wet conditions as Bangor made the running. Dec Walker found Steve Lewis who went close early on at The Antelope End as Bangor looked for the breakthrough. But Kieran Howard should have put the visitors ahead when his woeful header wasted a great chance on ten minutes. A wild challenge by Pemberton on Steve Lewis resulted in a Bangor freekick on the edge of the box but an offside flag brought things to a halt. Minutes later a 25 yarder from midfielder Damien Allen span a foot wide of the upright. Next Sean Pemberton headed wide from close in. Bangor won another freekick when Rodon flattened Chris Jones but County cleared as Steve Lewis threatened. On 25 minutes Ryan Edwards fired narrowly wide from the edge of the box and soon after the all action midfielder forced a save from Australian keeper Connell. But it was County who won a freekick at the other end and Kieran Howard lofted his shot over the crossbar. But it was Bangor who took the lead in style on the half hour. Damien Allen found left winger Sion Edwards who ran at goal from the left but his shot was saved and headed up in the air by Haverfordwest Kristian Speake and dropped for Damien Allen to crash home via a textbook overhead kick from eight yards. A contender for goal of the season never mind the month! The home joy was shortlived though as Luke Borrelli pounced on some defensive indecision to level the scores from the right. Which perhaps on the balance of play was fair enough. Steve Lewis fired on target but Connell saved comfortably. In the closing minutes City won their second corner of the afternoon, former Port Melbourne goalkeeper Alex Connell punched wildly and Anthony Miley beat his man on the right and crossed near post where the ball slipped through the glovesman into the back of the net. No sooner had play restarted than Referee Markham Jones blew for half time and it was City players who left the field with a spring in their stride. |
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| HALF TIME 2-1 |
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| No changes at the interval as the second half restarted in heavy rain. Bangor now attacking the City End had a couple of long range efforts, the first from Dec Walker followed by a more menacing effort from Sion Edwards which had Connell worried but drifted wide from 35 yards. On 53 minutes a double change for Haverfordwest as John Roberts and Steffan Williams came on for Sean Pemberton and Tom Wellington. A bold move from Wayne Jones who clearly felt he could not wait for the trusted hour mark to make a change. And it so nearly paid an instant dividend as substitute John Roberts fired just wide with Connor Roberts scrambling across his goal. On the hour mark City won their third corner of the after through Sam Hart. Damien Allen crossed but County cleared. Moments later midfield anchorman Ashley Young fired well over from distance. The visitors could have been on level terms not long after Steffan Williams crossed Luke Borrelli found himself all but unmarked, his firm header sped well wide in the relentless rain. On 67 minutes a double change as Rio Ahmadi replaced Steve Lewis and Shaun Cavanagh for Chris Jones with both replacements pushing forward in search of a decisive third strike. Damien Allen skipped into the box but his through ball just eluded Rio Ahmadi. Bangor might have had a penalty on 75 minutes when Ryan Edwards went down in the box, but nothing doing. Moments later a fourth corner of the game for City as the home side pushed County back. Shaun Cavanagh nearly dribbled his way through from the kick but the visitors cleared. Haverfordwest then made their third and final change on 77 minutes as Scott McCoubrey replaced Kieran Howard. Ten minutes from time a fifth corner for City came to nothing. Soon after a sixth corner recrossed by Damien Allen just out of the reach of Rio Ahmadi with seven minutes left. City might have grabbed that vital third but Rio Ahmadi could not latch onto Shaun Cavanagh's cross. Seconds later a yellow card for Griffiths as City threatened again. With three minutes left on the clock a final change as Mike Elstone replaced captain Sion Edwards who as ever received a warm ovation from the blues faithful. They might have burst into a verse of "hes one of our own" but the opportunity passed.. A County freekick in the closing minutes delivered by Scott McCoubrey was pouched by Connor Roberts. Then Mike Elstone ran forward but his attempted pass to Cavanagh went astray. The fourth official indicated three minutes - City fans would have been happy with none - and Rio Ahmadi's pursuit of a through ball was cut short by an offside flag. Borrelli threatened but Connor Roberts again caught comfortably. But the remaining minutes passed without any change to the scoreline and City ended their open phase fixtures with a home win. Safe journey home to Haverfordwest. |
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| FINAL SCORE 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
Welsh Premier |
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| Bangor
did the double of Newtown at Nantporth on Friday night, and for good measure repeated the 3-0 scoreline of Latham Park. City gave a debut to recent signing Steve Lewis but it was the Edwards' boys Sion and Ryan who scored the goals which brought the important win, with Rio Ahmadi adding a late decider. In difficult, slippery wet conditions Bangor won the first corner of the evening as Sion Edwards long range shot was deflected behind. The left footer trotted over and delivered an inviting cross which debutant Steve Lewis glanced narrowly wide. Newtown pressed City back and Luke Boundford headed over but moments later Craig Williams did well to cut the ball out as Sion Edwards looked to break clear. Robins loanee debutant Jordan Wells then headed towards goal before a deflection earned his side a corner which passed without incident. City won a corner which ended in blues followrs appealing for a penalty for a foul on Steve Lewis but Referee Stewart was not interested. But then on 25 minutes Bangor had the breakthrough. Ryan Edwards squared to Steve Lewis who twisted and turned the Newtown defence. His goalbound shot was blocked but fell for Sion Edwards who crashed home despite the slithery under foot conditions. Craig Williams fired high and wide for The Robins before on 33 minutes City doubled their lead. Dec Walker crossed from the right and Newtown could only clear to Ryan Edwards who pounced and beat Dave Jones all ends up. Midfielder Edwards was in the mood for more but his long range pile driver flew over the crossbar. Then some controvesy where Sam Hart caught Tom Goodwin as both flew in wholeheartedly for a fifty fifty ball. Newtown player reacted angrily as Goodwin came off worse but referee Stewart took the view that it merited nothing more than a yellow card and Goodwin was able to continue after treatment. Visting defender Gavin Cadwallader lost his footing but City could not capitalise and then both Tom Goodwin and Jason Oswell went close but City stood firm and the danger passed. The fourth official indicated two minutes of added time which saw first Jason Oswell and then Steve Lewis have half chances to add to the scoreline but neither did so. So half time at a sodden and slithery Nantporth a two nil lead to Bangor but still and long way to go. |
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| HALF TIME 2-0 |
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| One change at the interval as young Craig Harris replaced the veteran Matty Cook in the visitors midfield. Newtown came out all guns blazing and might have cut the deficit in the opening minutes. First Neil Mitchell fired just over before Jason Oswell headed wide from a Craig Williams corner. Pantomime season not quite over then as the linesman stopped play after losing his flag! Next Marc Griffiths replaced Luke Boundford for the visitors and then a yellow card for Jason Oswell for a foul on blues midfield maestro Damien Allen. And it was Allen who had most of the crowd on the edge of their seats moments later as his fierce strike took and deflection and drew a flying save from Dave Jones in the Newtown goal. Substitute Harris pounced on a loose ball in the Bangor box but could not hit the target. With thirteen minutes left to play a weary Steve Lewis received a noisy ovation from the blues faithful as he left the field with Rio Ahmadi taking his place. Bangor fans had their hearts in their mouths moments later though as a challenge from Dec Walker brough down substitute Craig Harris in the blues box. Referee Stewart was not impressed and waved play on. A close call. perhaps. Bangor sent on Christian Langos forSion Edwards with nine minutes left and he too received a warm ovation from the sodden blues fans. Newtown were far from beaten as substitutes Harris and Griffiths both had half chances they could not capitalise on. The fourth official indicated three minutes of added time, young Shaun Cavanagh came on for Chris Jones. And in those final minutes Ashley Young picked out Rio Ahmadi who turned his marker on the edge of the box and slid the ball under Dave Jones to add a third goal to the scoreline and seal a three nil win for City. Three points, a clean sheet and a promising debut from big Steve Lewis. Can City repeat the feat against Haverfordwest next weekend? |
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| FINAL SCORE 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
Welsh Premier |
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| Bangor
were well beaten on the first day of 2016 after a late change due to
injury led to uncertainty at the heart of the blues defence. The early news was all good, with Connor Roberts available in goal, Rio Ahmadi upfront. But literally moments before kick off Leon Clowes pulled out through injury and Adam Cummins received a late call up which contributed in part to a shaky opening period. Llandudno still had to capitalise on the uncertainty and this they did in full measure. After a goalless opening five minutes the Seasiders struck with two goals in ninety seconds. First Alan Bull slid in Marc Williams on the right and his calm finish gave Connor Roberts no chance. Then a corner from the right was allowed to reach midfielder Danny Hughes who crashed home from six yards. That the burly midfielder celebrated with some kind of chicken dance bewildered most watching but the two nil scoreline left nothing in doubt, the game was all but over inside six minutes. But the next half hour was even enough. Bangor had goods spell of possession and territory but without putting Dave Roberts under any real pressure. On ten minutes a couple of corners for both teams, either side of a powerful drive from Dec Walker, well blocked by Michael Johnston, Referee Mark Petch was consistent if a bit lenient during the first period. He might have booked Tom Dix for a jumping challenge on Sam Hart, and then Hart for a late challenge on Johnston. And indeed Ahmadi for a poor challenge on Joyce. Constency a fine thing. On the half hour Llandudno broke upfield after a period of ineffective possession from Bangor, the ball ran to Liam Dawson who shot over from thirty yards. Then Tom Dix crossed from the left but Marc Williams headed well wide. On 39 minutes Alan Bull made it three nil for the visitors as he held of Anthony Miley to slide the ball past Connor Roberts from the right. Bangor were well beaten now but there was time for Christian Langos and Rio Ahmadi to combine to slide the ball to Sam Hart whose thirty yarder crashed against the crossbar with Dave Roberts well beaten. But it was not to be and with half time upon us Llandudno were full value for their lead. |
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| HALF TIME 0-3 |
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| One change at the interval as Chris Jones replaced Rio Ahmadi. Bangor now attacking the City end started the brighter and created a couple of skirmishes which ended in Adam Cummins belting the ball out of the ground from thirty yards. Next Sam Hart squared to Sion Edwards whose overhead kick flew over the bar. City continued to press and won a corner on 55 minutes but Dave Roberts pouched the cross easily. On the hour mark spindly veteran Lee Thomas replaced Liam Dawson and moments later Dec Walker crossed to Chris Jones who headed over. Bangor were on something akin to level terms with the visitors now but of course the scoreline said something very different. And with twenty minutes left on the clock that scoreline nearly got worse as Marc Williams got the better of the blues defence but dragged his shot wide from the left. On 71 minutes a double change as Shaun Cavanagh came on for Christian Langos and Connor Tierney replaced James Joyce. Another inviting cross from Dec Walker invited a effort on goal but no one in blue answered the call. With fifteen minutes to go Lee Thomas hurt himself and got yellow carded for a challenge from behind on Sion Edwards. A freekick to Bangor spotted but blasted over by Sam Hart. Bangor won a fifth corner which was half cleared to Damien Allen. His rising shot struck a Llandudno defender around the chest and arm at once, yet no one even appealed for a penalty which summed up the afternoon in some ways. Dec Walker ran infield from the right and shot left footed off balance and off target. With ten minutes left Adam Cummins was yellow carded for a challenge on Alan Bull and moments later the former blue was replaced by Lewis Buckley who sports an expensive array of arm tattoos. Buckley was then carded for a wild challenge on Ashely Young who had grafted hard all afternoon. A final chance came Llandudno's way as Lee Thomas crossed from the right but Young did enough at the back post to distract Marc Williams who shot wide at full stretch at the back post. On ninety minutes a final Bangor freekick spotted by Sam Hart but nothing doing and finally a sixth corner in the three minutes of agony time but Bangor could not manage a goalbound effort and Mr Petch blew for the last time. Clearly disrupted by that late withdrawl of Clowes perhaps but with the transfer window now open this may be a last call for a number in blue on this disappointing afternoon at Nantporth. |
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| FINAL SCORE 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
Welsh Premier |
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|
A bumper Boxing Day crowd of more than 700 filled Maesdu Park, albeit a couple of days later than planned. And with some good fortune the weather had eased to make it a pleasant afternoon for all present, more so of course for the Bangor faithful, littered around the gleaming green 3G. Pre match news confirmed Antoni Sarnowski in goal but there was a surprise at rightback with the return from long term injury of Dec Walker. Finally a place in central defence for Anthony Miley with Adam Cummins injured. City kicked off attacking the clubhouse goal. 
Both sides sent long range efforts well wide before Bangor threatened
twice through right back Dec Walker. First with a low effort which
deflected for a throw in, then a higher attempt which soared just over
to the right.Llandudno responded as Lee Thomas latched onto a crossfield diagonal into the box from left winger Leo Riley but ballooned his rushed shot high and wide. Bangor clicked into an impressive passing rhythmn with Ashey Young and Damien Allen involved through the midfield before Chris Jones found Christian Langos but his shot from the edge of the box was blocked. On twenty minutes Dec Walker again caught the eye as he slipped past leftback Tierney and crossed near post where Chris Jones' first time effort crashed just wide. Leon Clowes then ran through midfield before seeing his goalbound effort blocked on the edge of the box. Five minutes later the ever industrious Ashley Young won the ball and picked out Chris Jones whose shot on the turn sped wide. Young Christian Langos got the now customary welcome as he was floored, Mr Griffiths wrote the name of Lee Thomas into his book. Bangor won a freekick which Sam Hart spotted but fired wide before Sion Edwards crossed from the left and caught Dave Roberts napping as the ball dropped onto the crossbar and out for a goalkick. There was not too much for young Antoni Sarnowski to do as Leon Clowes and the masterful Anthony Miley stood firm, answering every question asked of them. Both fullbacks also impressed whilst the midfield trio of Damien Allen, Ryan Edwards and Ashley Young clearly got the better of their opposite numbers. Miley's willingness to organise and demand more from his team mates certainly lifted everyone around him. The final action of the first period saw the impressive Leo Riley run down the left, cut infield and shoot goalwards, only to be denied by a brave block from Leon Clowes. And that was about it for the first period with Bangor more than a match for their second placed hosts. But with nothing to show for their efforts would City regret not making more of their advantage. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 No changes at the interval for either side.But it was Llandudno who seemed to have something to prove and after Sion Edwards shot was blocked the home side won a corner which veteran defender Mike Williams headed just off target. But with Clowes and Miley once again standing firm Bangor were still level. Then on 58 minutes City had a penalty. Christian Langos hared past Danny Shaw and was tripped by rightback Danny Taylor who was yellow carded by Mr Griffiths. Goalkeeper Dave Roberts kicked the ball off the spot to disrupt proceedings and was also carded. None of this seemed to particularly upset regular penalty taker Sam Hart who crashed the ball beyond the red faced keeper for a one nil lead. Llandudno were now determined to put things right and another corner found Marc Williams but he could not hit the target which he has done all season. The purposeful Sion Edwards released Chris Jones and his shot was well saved by Roberts as City won a couple of corners. Then on 66 minutes it was two nil to Bangor. A corner from the right cannoned around the Tudno box to Anthony Miley (above) whose six yard drive beat Roberts into the net. This capped a tremendous display from the centreback who had scarcely put a foot wrong all afternoon. Young goalkeeper Antoni Sarnowski made a good stop and caught a couple of difficult crosses as the home side pressed before on 68 minutes a double change for the home side as Alan Bull and Liam Dawson came on for Lewis Buckley and Leo Riley. Five minutes later Shaun Cavanagh replaced a weary Christian Langos who had been down with cramp. A second former blue Michael Johnston then camem on for Danny Shaw. On ninety minutes a wild challenge on Antoni Sarnowski by the previously booked Lee Thomas went unpunished by Referee Griffiths and as the four minutes of extra time ebbed away Marc Williams rushed through the middle and crashed a low drive into the bottom corner to raise home spirits. But it was to be nothing more than a consolation as the Bangor contingent celebrated a welcome win and three vital points in the scramble for top six. Well played! |
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| FINAL SCORE 1-2 |
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Welsh Premier |
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|
After a goalless opening hour Bangor crashed to a heavy defeat thanks to four late goals at Park Avenue. And the destroyer in chief was Chris Venables who grabbed a brace in four minutes before blues goalkeeper Connor Roberts was red carded with some twenty minutes left to play. In a maddening eighteen minute spell Aber scored four goals, two either side of the dismissal, to all but end Bangor's top six hopes for another season. On a wet miserable afternoon Bangor won an early corner and soon after an attacking freekick but neither troubled goalkeeper Mike Lewis who was well protected all afternoon by veteran pair Stuart Jones and Lee Surman. Aberystwyth threatened when Rhys Griffiths fired over from a Ross Stephens corner before Luke Sherborn shot well wide from distance. Bangor pressed and Leon Clowes went close with a near post header but Lewis saved well. Former blues striker Jamie Reed went wide from distance. Then Connor Roberts moved smartly to deny Antonio Corbisiero at his near post. Reed passed to Stephens but he fired over before the left footed midfielder saw his shot clip the crossbar after a flowing move from the back involving Venables and Reed. But despite this Bangor were level, working to stay in the game in difficult conditions, at the interval. All to play for in the second half. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No changes at the interval for either side. Bangor went close early in the second half as Ashley Young fired over from outside the box. Then three minutes after the restart Rhys Griffiths trudged off to be replaced by speedy winger Geoff Kellaway. Aber gained fresh initiative from the fresh legs of their former youth teamer and on the hour mark Chris Venables broke the deadlock with a close range flick from Sion James' header. Four minutes later Chris Venables doubled his tally as he latched onto a through ball from Jamie Reed to lash the ball into the roof of the net and Bangor had a mountain to climb. Five minutes later, with some 68 played, the galloping Kellaway was brought down by blues goalkeeper Connor Roberts. Referee Hames sent Roberts off and the contest was all but over for the meagre pre Christmas crowd. Bangor responded by sending on Antoni Sarnowski for his Welsh Premier at the expense of player coach Damien Allen. Which ever way you shuffle the pack ten men is always one short. Two minutes more onto seventy minutes and substitute Geoff Kellaway crashed home from close range to make it three nil and send a shiver through the blues faithful who had travelled down the coast in good hope. With his resources stretched Bangor boss Nev Powell turned to subsitutes Christian Langos and Phil Warrington who came on for Chris Jones and Shaun Cavanagh respectively. But with twelve minutes left TNS loanee Jamie Reed netted from a home corner and the scoring was complete. With little to lose Bangor went close through replacements Langos and Warrington before fellow substitute Sarnowski saved well from Reed. The damage was done, both in this game and for the one at Llandudno, and Bangor were well beaten as referee Hames blew for time on a sodden and gloomy afternoon in Ceredigion. |
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| FINAL SCORE 4-0 |
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Welsh Premier |
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| Both
second half substitutes played a part as Bangor fought back from a half
time deficit to earn a point against Bala at Nantporth. The return of Ryan Edwards and the continued presence of young Mike Elstone upfront were the two main pieces of prematch news for City. And it was 17 year old Elstone who so nearly put Bangor ahead in the opening minutes as he latched onto Ryan Edwards' cross before Connor Roberts was called upon to deny Anthony Stephens rising drive from the edge of the box. Bala grew into the game with the evident tactic of Lee Hunt and Mike Hayes working off long balls from the back. Ian Sheridan went close for The Lakesiders before Kieran Smith worked an opening for himself but fired tamely at Connor Roberts. Next Mike Hayes ran on goal but Leon Clowes snuffed out the danger with a well time challenge. But on 35 minutes the visitors took the lead. Ian Sheridan broke down the right and picked out midfielder Mark Jones whose pass found Lee Hunt. The former blues favourite saw his shot repelled by Connor Roberts but Ian Sheridan had followed up and tapped home from close range. Two minutes before the interval Kieran Smith was shown the yellow card for a clumsy challenge on Sion Edwards. But Smith then went close to putting the Lakesiders further ahead as his shot hit the post from the edge of the box with Roberts for once beaten. Bangor quickly cleared the ball upfield and Ashley Young picked out Ryan Edwards who forced Bala goalkeeper Ashley Morris into a good low one handed save to his right. In the one minute of added time Sion Edwards lofted well over the visitors bar and as Mr Petch blew for the interval Bala were probably good value for their slender lead. |
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| HALF TIME 0-1 |
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| No changes at the interval. But Bangor now had a stiff breeze at their backs as the attacked the City end. Bala went close to an early second goal as Mike Hayes forced a good save from Connor Roberts before ten minutes after the restart Conall Murtagh was the second Bala player into the referee's little black book. Lee Hunt took centre stage then with a shot over the bar and the booking for a wild challenge on Damien Allen who was busy in the Bangor midfield. Bangor sent on Christian Langos in place of young Mike Elstone before former Wrexham veteran Mark Jones made way for Rob Pearson. With some twenty minutes left a freekick on the right was curled in by Sion Edwards. The ball hit the post and in the confusion that followed Dave Artell felled Chris Jones but no penalty according to Mr Petch. Bangor responded by making a second change as Shaun Cavanagh came on for Ryan Edwards who had worked hard in midfield. Both sides had chances as Mike Hayes went close for Bala and Sion Edwards fired over from distance for Bangor. The craggy Artell was next into the book as Bangor started to press the visitors back. But on 81 minutes Bangor were level. A corner half cleared saw Ashley Young cross right footed from the left and young Shaun Cavanagh glide in behind the big Bala defence to net his first senior goal for the club to the delight of all concerned in blue and white. Bangor now had the wind in their sails and Sion Edwards again fired over as Christian Langos opened up the Bala defence. Two minutes were left on the clock when John Irving became the fifth and final Bala player into the book as the pressure started to tell. Into three minutes of added time and Ian Sheridan fired on target but Connor Roberts saved and moments later the final whistle blew with Bangor perhaps the happier with a point against the European hopefuls. A precious point which lifts Bangor to seventh and within touching distance of a top six place at the January split. |
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| FINAL SCORE 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Welsh Cup |
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Bangor crashed out of The Welsh Cup at Holyhead on Tuesday night. And in all honesty there can be no hard luck stories, the Harbourmen were the better team on the night. 
With Anthony Miley and Rio Ahmadi ruled out through suspension
City suffered another blow when Ryan Edwards was unavailable. To make
things worse congestion along the A55 resulted in the kick off being
delayed as players struggled to make their way to the ground. Bangor
drafted in defender Matty Woodward and young striker Mike Elstone.Wearing a specially designed all red kit City nearly had an early boost as former Porthmadog - and very briefly Bangor - defender Rhys Roberts all but turned the ball into his own net from Sion Edwards left wing cross. Bangor won an early corner and Sion Edwards fired well wide but on ten minutes an early scare for the home side as Mike Elstone charged down an attempted clearance by goalkeeper Carl Jones and the ball crashed into the side netting. Five minutes later young midfielder Jamie Roberts sent a long range freekick arching towards the top corner but City keeper Connor Roberts dived across to concede a corner. Former blues midfielder Corey Jones went close on a couple of occasions whilst Adam Cummins headed over from Sion Edwards freekick but the offside flag was quickly up. Soon after Chris Jones thought he had given Bangor the lead as Jones fumbled Sion Edwards long range strike but again the flag waved and scoreline remained blank. There was a minute of added time which passed without incident and Bangor could feel confident of making greater headway in the second period with the wind at their backs. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No changes at the interval for either side. Bangor made the first change of the evening after 58 minutes when Shaun Cavanagh came on for Mike Elstone. Two minutes later City had the lead.  Goalkeeper Carl Jones fumbled a Damien Allen corner and Matty Woodward
clipped the ball home from close range. Then Christian Langos forced a
saved from Jones as he latched on to Adam Cummins header.Bangor might have gone two up soon after as Jones again misjudged a crossfield ball which ran to Shaun Cavanagh but he could not net from a tight angle and the ball ran across goal to safety. With Bangor seemingly in control the resilience of the Cymru Alliance outfit came to the fore. A Jamie Roberts freekick from the right was floated into the Bangor box and as City failed to clear their lines centre half Rhys Roberts forced the ball home for a well received equaliser. Bangor responded with a second substitution as young Ifan Emlyn Jones came on for a weary Christian Langos. But it was the home side who showed the killer instinct as Dean Garmey prodded home to the delight of the home crowd and dismay of the sizeable Bangor contingent. Bangor could only curse their slack defending and think what might have been. That was to the end of the scoring and it was Holyhead who celebrated a noteable victory and booked their place in the Fourth Round of the Welsh Cup. |
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| FINAL SCORE 2-1 |
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor continued their topsy turvy season with defeat at Richmond Park
and red cards for Rio Ahmadi and Anthony Miley into the bargain. With Damien Allen suspended City included both Chris Jones and Christian Langos as they took the field in their lobster red and white away kit. It was a clear and cold afternoon at Richmond Park as both sides settled into the game, as Carmarthen forged an early opening as Mark Jones shot on the turn but blues goalkeeper Connor Roberts pulled off a good save. 
But on 13 minutes fortune favoured Carmarthen who took the lead as the luckless Leon Clowes headed the ball past his own goalkeeper from Kyle Bassett's right wing cross.Bangor responded through Ashley Young whose shot was pushed away for a corner by Lee Idzi. Minutes later Rio Ahmadi cut inside and unleashed a shot which swerved off target. Carmarthen worked their way upfield but Clowes did well to block Mark Jones' effort for a corner. From that flagkick Kris Thomas headed wide. Then on 23 minutes City drew level. Adam Cummins played the ball forward to Anthony Miley whose first time chip found Ryan Edwards. His initial low cross was stopped by Kris Thomas but the second arrived at Chris Jones who turned and netted from close range. Bangor continued to press and went close to a second as Rio Ahmadi headed wide from Ashley Young's cross. On 28 minutes an injury to Jordan Knott meant a run out for replacement Dwaine Bailey. Bangor pressed through Ashley Young whose cross was headed wide by Rio Ahmadi. As usual there was some rough treatment on offer and Christian Langos needed treatment. Next up Anthony Miley shot wide before Leon Clowes headed on but Sion Edwards could not guide his first time effort on target. Two minutes from half time Kris Thomas was yellow carded. The game was drifting into added time as Adam Cummins went close before calamity befell Bangor. Rio Ahmaid reacted angrily to a challenge by Kyle Bassett in front of the Carmarthen dugout and appeared to lash out. Bassett dropped to the floor as if felled by baseball bat, fast tracked referee Harrington produced a red card and City were down to ten men for the rest of the game. No action was taken against Bassett who was to be an antagonist from start to finish. Moments later the whistle blew and both sides, one with eleven players the other with ten, trudged off for a hot drink. |
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| HALF TIME 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
No changes at the inte rval for either side.Bangor started the second half brightly but could not make their early dominance pay with Dwaine Bailey and former blues defender Kris Thomas standing firm.  But on 58 minutes the home side made them pay as Mark Jones teed up Liam Thomas who prodded home from close range after City failed to clear. Anthony Miley went close for Bangor who were still far from beaten. Eight minutes later the goalscorer was withdrawn to make way for that bundle of malice that is Sacha Walters. Bangor tried to respond with a long range freekick from the left crossed by Sam Hart but Anthony Miley fired across goal. Carmarthen were making the extra man play and it took a great save from Connor Roberts to deny Kyle Bassett after the glovesman had initially rushed out of his box. Midfielders Ryan Edwards and Ashley Young were working overtime to keep City in the game. Old Gold midfielder Ceri Morgan went close but his fierce drive crashed narrowly wide. On 78 minutes yellow cards followed for both Christian Langos and Lee Idzi as tempered frayed and City tried to get back on terms from a corner. A minute later a rare run out for young substitute Mike Elstone as he replaced Christian Langos who as usual had the target for some rough treatment. But a bad afternoon got worse for City a minute later as Leon Clowes was shown yellow and Anthony Miley was shown red for a challenge on the Bangor left. Miley appeared to step across the path of the Carmarthen player who again threw himself down as if poleaxed to convince Mr Harrington of the need to show red. He needed little encouragement and Miley left the field with Kyle Bassett visibly baiting him as he did so. The fourth official signalled four minutes of added time which cast City as having nothing to lose and Carmarthen with a sense of nervousness. But to no avail for a Bangor point of view and an afternoon which could scarcely have gone worse for the long travelling blues and their loyal fans. |
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| FINAL SCORE 2-1 |
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor
got the better of The Planemakers on a day better suited to flying than
football, with penalties scored and saved at the centre of the drama. Before the match a shrill blast from match referee Nick Pratt signalled a minutes silence in memory of the victims of the attacks in Paris on Friday evening. Also mention of two long serving Bangor fans who had recently died. 
The pre match news showed Rio Ahmadi on the bench with both Christian
Langos and Chris Jones in the starting eleven. Airbus featured former
blue Tony Gray in their ranks. City kicked off with the wind in their
faces attacking the Antelope End.An early corner for the visitors was overhit with the blustery wind clearly a factor. A deep cross from Sion Edwards unsettled Airbus goalkeeper James Coates but no harm done. First opening came on ten minutes as Ryan Wade crossed from the left but Tony Gray headed wide. Bangor were awarded a freekick for a heavy challenge on Ryan Edwards but nothing emerg  ed.
After some scrappy play Leon Clowes livened up proceedings with a run from inside his own half and long
range shot that had goalkeeper Coates scrambling across his goal but
sped narrowly wide. Tony Gray was a thorn in the Bangor side. He cut in from the left but Connor Roberts saved with his feet.Airbus were if anything too keen to pump the ball towards big Chris Budrys but they did win a second corner of the afternoon on twenty minutes but sent the kick straight out of play. Airbus then won a freekick thirty five yards out but Andy Jones headed well wide. Nick Pratt continued his tactic of hurrying blues goalkeeper Roberts up despite the win rocking the ball on the pitch when placed. A third corner just evaded the incoming Budrys on 25 minutes. A first corner of the afternoon for Bangor on 27 minutes, Sion Edwards delivered from the right, but no danger to Coates. Christian Langos combined with AshleyYoung but his deep cross from the right was just out of the reach of Sion Edwards. Another goalkick to Airbus, again overhit by Coates, another goalkick for Connor Roberts to drive into the wind. Bangor had been pressed back at times but from rightback Miley, centrebacks Clowes and Cummings across to Sam Hart the defence stood firm. City seemed set to increase their lead but James Coates denied Christian Langos with a great save. Then controvesy! A cross turned goalwards by Edwards but the referee waved play on with blues fans claiming the ball had crossed the line, City had to make do with a corner which was cleared. However it scarcely mattered moments later as centreback Jordan Barrow pushed Christian Langos in the back and Nick Pratt awarded a penalty! A bit harsh as there was precious little contact. But Sam Hart rightly slotted home nonetheless on 36 minutes. A hard fought lead for Bangor via a penalty conceded by a former Caernarfon player and converted against his old club by former a Planemaker. On 40 minutes a long long throw from Matty McGinn drifted out of play for a Bangor goalkick as the visitors seemed to lack much imagination. In the closing minutes Leon Clowes sent another long range effort narrowly wide of the righthand post. Some good defending from Adam Cummins denies Airbus as the visitors pressed, pushed forward by the wind towards the Bangor end. As the tannoy announced two minutes of added time a penalty for Airbus as Sion Edwards fouled Ashley Williams. As soft at the first perhaps, but consistency at least. The kick spotted by Tony Gray but saved at full stretch by Connor Roberts who pushed the ball out to his left. A fourth corner of the afternoon then for Airbus but cleared and half time is finally signalled by Referee Pratt. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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| No changes at the interval. But Bangor now had the wind at their backs, would this prove help or hindrance as City looked to build on their half time advantage. Airbus who won an early corner on the right but Connor Roberts again saved well.  On 54 minutes Barrow clattered Chris Jones near the corner flag on the right with a corner kick already assured. Sion Edwards' attempted inswinger was pushed over the bar by the gusting wind. Sion Edwards cut inside and shot goalwards which James Coates punched over for second Bangor corner but again the wind drives the ball out of play. Andy Jones was the first player to be yellow carded by Mr Pratt. A third Bangor corner was arched in low by Sion Edwards but cleared at the near post. On the hour mark a first change of the afternoon by the visitors as Ryan Wignall replaced James Murphy on the right wing. But more to the point Bangor had a second goal. A curling swirling freekick from the right from Sion Edwards beat all and sundry including James Coates to double the City lead and cheer the 480 strong crowd. Then Christian Langos gathered the ball on the left and shot on target but Coates held comfortably. Both sides then had chances as Ashley Young fired well over before Chris Budrys will feel he might have done better with a close range header. Moments later Sam Hart crossed but Chris Jones could not direct the ball goalwards. Another change in the 71st minute Tom Field came on for centre forward Chris Budrys. Also Rio Ahmadi came on for Christian Langos. A good passing move involving Chris Jones and Damien Allen forced Andy Jones to concede a corner, City's fifth of the afternoon, which Rio Ahmadi headed but the danger passed after James Owen dived dramatically to win a defensive freekick. A good deep cross from Anthony Miley just swirled out of the reach of Sion Edwards with fifteen minutes left on the clock. Tony Gray showed he was far from beaten with a good rising shot on the turn which pulled a good save from Connor Roberts. A sixth corner for the visitors at the Antelope End but Ashley Young eventually sent the ball into the side netting. With nine minutes left another corner for Airbus was cleared by Adam Cummins. Airbus won a freekick in front of goal but Matty McGinn could only rattle the rooves of the caravans at The Antelope End. On 88 minutes a sixth corner for Bangor on the attacking left, down the Menai Straits side, crossed by Damien Allen drew a punch from Coates which flew out for a throw. Into the last minute young Mike Elstone made his WP debut in place of Sion Edwards who earned a warm applause. As time ran out Chris Budrys went close twice and Connor Roberts denied Tony Gray but there was to be no consolation. The fourth official indicated three minutes of added time with City still two goals up. A final change for Bangor saw Phil Warrington replace Chris Jones. Then a late third goal for Bangor as Damien Allen made sure there would be no dramatic comeback with a fine solo effort. Jordan Barrow dithered on the right, lost possession and the tricky midfielder beat a weary Andy Jones before slotting the ball between Coates and his near post from a tight angle. Moments later a final blast of his whistle by Nick Pratt sent the Bangor fans home happy with a win that lifts City up to seventh in the WP Table. |
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Welsh Premier |
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| A two goal defeat forBangor who must again wonder at some of the decisions made by local officials. Before the match a minutes silence ahead of Remembrance Sunday, impeccably observed by all. News then that former Swansea veteran Alan Tate would make his Port Talbot debut whilst Chris Jones had pulled out due to injury and Christian Langos was in for Bangor. Port Talbot made the early running with Jon Hoold going close twice in the opening five minutes. But with Christian Langos tormenting the frizzy haired Matthew Long an early freekick for Bangor swung in by Sion Edwards and side footed home by Adam Cummins. But no goal was awared as the linesman had his flag held high for an offside which S4C cameras suggested simply did not exist. You decide. Cummins in the white shirt is the Bangor player to the left of picture.  Port Talbot won a
couple of corners before Sion Edwards crossed for Rio Ahmadi but his
overhead kick sailed high and wide.On 19 minutes the home side took the lead. Chris Jones picked out Martin Rose whose well placed left footed curler arched beyond the desparing Connor Roberts from twelve yards. Christian Langos ran past Long who recovered to conceded a corner which was cleared. But on 21 minutes a second goal in luckless circumstances as Jon Hood raced on goal, prodded the ball beyond Connor Roberts, hit the post only for Sam Hart to inadvertently turn the ball home as he sought to clear. No luck but bad luck. A foul on right winger Christian Langos by Hood offered a crossing opportunity for Sion Edwards but Martin Rose defended for a corner. From this came a dipping Damien Allen cross from the left which Rio Ahmadi headed over from close range. On the half hour Christian Langos got the better of Long but fired across goal, then the young winger was clattered by Hood who received a naughty boy lecture from referee Ryan Stewart. City won a fourth corner of the match moments later, Langos off Long, but this came to nothing. By now it was evident that Port Talbot had the run of the ball, was this due to luck or effort is a matter of opinion. Certainly the big decisions and the casual license to stop right winger Langos at all costs was in their favour. In Rose and Hood they possessed a threat which troubled Clowes and Cummins who, in the first period in particular, seemed too keen to hit long clearances, perhaps due to the fear of being closed down. And in general City gave the ball away too cheaply, front to back. Port Talbot threatened again as goalscorer Martin Rose went close with a clean low drive. On the stroke of half time Sion Edwards broke down the left and tried to pick out Ryan Edwards but put too much power into the cross. Moments later rightback Anthony Miley crossed but Rio Ahmadi failed to make contact. The final action of the first half was a long range effort from Martin Rose which failed to trouble Connor Roberts who despite having been beaten twice had not been in the action all that often. Nevertheless a lot to do - and say - as the visitors headed for the hutch. |
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| HALF TIME 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No changes at the interval for either side. Bangor found themselves under early pressure with Anthony Miley defending well and Jon Hood continuing to menace with his long throws. A fifth Port Talbot corner was cleared before Adam Cummins was yellow carded for a heavy challenge on Martin Rose. That a Bangor player was the first to be booked say as much as can be said about Mr Stewart. More controvesy was soon upon us. Christian Langos, who had switched to the left, cut inside and shot goalwards. The tubby Tate blocked his effort with his foot but the ball span up and clearly struck his arm. Penalty? No said Mr Stewart.  On the hour Mr Stewart opted to book centreback Joseph Jones for a foul on Christian Langos on the edge of the box. Sam Hart spotted the freekick, got the ball up and over but Stephen Cann saved comfortably. Port Talbot threatened through Chris Jones before Christian Langos sped past Tate and won a fifth corner which was duly cleared and it took some shrewd defending from Ashley Young to deny Port Talbot as they countered. On 66 mins a good spell of pressure from Bangor involving perhaps inevitably Christian Langos yielded two more corners. From the second of these Adam Cummins headed firmly across goal with no one able to get a decisive touch. With twenty minutes left on the clock a yellow card for Sam Hart for a foul on the odious McCreesh, a poor man's Bari Morgan, before Hart did well to clear the danger with a back post header. With fifteen minutes left good combination work involving Christian Langos and Rio Ahmadi set up Ryan Edwards but Cann saved well. Moments later a let off for Bangor as Chris Jones sliced wide. But Bangor pressed once more through Sion Edward, Sam Hart and Christian Langos before Paul Fowler put an end to the movement with a trip on Rio Ahmadi. A freekick to the left edge of the box which Rio Ahmadi crashed against the home wall. An eighth Bangor corner saw Sam Hart's shot hacked off the goalline. With ten minutes left Shaun Cavanagh replaced Rio Ahmadi and three minutes later goalkeeper Stephen Cann raced out to clear before collapsing with an apparent hamstring injury. After a four minute break young Conah McFenton took his place and play resumed. Could City put pressure on the young glovesman in the dying minutes? As ninety minutes ebbed away the fourth official displayed the added time board - seven minutes - as Bangor entered last chance saloon. Kostya Georgievsky came on for Chris Jones before young Fenton saved well from Leon Clowes. Moments later the young keeper saved well from blues defender Adam Cummins who claimed his goalbound back post header had crossed the line before being cleared. TV replays were inconclusive - and of course irrelevant - and nothing was given. And that was about it. Port Talbot the winners, some suggested the presence of Alan Tate had made a difference to the home defence. Perhaps so. For a national league to be a comfort zone for an inactive, overweight lower league journeyman scarcely augurs well. For Bangor a long, late journey home and a feeling of not having had the rub of the green, or blue for that matter. |
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| FINAL SCORE 2-0 |
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor won for the second weekend in succession, against rivals Rhyl. And for a Bangor fan it doesnt get much better than beating The Lilywhites in front of a crowd of close on seven hundred at a breezy Nantporth. A second successive clean sheet will also have pleased the management team of Nev Powell and Derek Goulding who have worked hard behind the scenes. Bangor named an unchanged team with Anthony Miley again at right back and Rio Ahmadi leading the front line. And lead it he did with an opening goal inside two minutes. Bangor attacked, Rhyl half cleared to Ashley Young who clipped pass seemed beyond the reach of Ryan Edwards crossed at full stretch from the right for Rio Ahmadi to beat Terry McCormick at his near post with around eighty seconds on the clock. Rhyl went close with a long range effort from Derek Taylor which nearly caught Connor Roberts off his line before former blues midfielder Mike Walsh shot over from the edge of the box. On ten minutes Referee Stewart had a stern word with both Leon Clowes and Rhyl winger Rob Hughes. Bangor won a freekich which Sion Edwards swung in but centreback Leon Clowes just failed to make contact. Bangor were enjoying the greater share of possession despite playing into the wind. Damien Allen, Ryan Edwards and anchorman Ashley Young gaining the upperhand in midfield.Sion Edwards and Chris Jones worrying the visitors defence who often resorted to foul play. City put together some constructive passing moves and played out from the back with thought and purpose. On 34 minutes a yellow card for the brittle if gifted Rob Hughes for words passed to Referee Stewart. Rhyl worked the ball to former blue John Owen but his shot was blocked by Leon Clowes. City broke upfield and despite a foul on Chris Jones the official played a good advantage as Rio Ahmadi ran on goal but McCormick saved well. The final action or event of the first half was a yellow card for the diminutive Dean Keates for another foul on Chris Jones. But at the interval City ran off the happier and with the prospect of some assistance from the wind in the second half. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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| Two Rhyl changes at the interval, Levi Mackin and Chay Dysart on for Derek Taylor and Greg Stones. Soon after the restart another yellow card for the visitors as Phil Clarke was punished for a clumsy challenge on Rio Ahmadi. Chris Jones was in the thick of the action, his low cross was parried by McCormick and hacked clear by the visiting defence. Next into Mr Stewart's book of names was Anthony Miley but moments later Bangor chased upfield but Ashley Young shot over from long range. On the hour blues fans were shouting for a penalty as Rio Ahmadi crossed and Sion Edwards appeared to be brought down. Nothing doing. Chris Jones and then Ryan Edwards went close as City pushed for a decisive second goal. With twenty minutes left Christian Langos replaced Sion Edwards and two minutes later John Owen was shown the yellow card. Connor Bell tested blues glovesman Connor Roberts from the left as he sought to keep up his recent goalscoring form. Former Conwy Borough striker Aaron Rey then replaced Rob Hughes who had struggled to make much of an impact. City won a freekick which Sam Hart crossed but Adam Cummins just failed to make contact. A fifth and final yellow card for Rhyl as Ben Maher brought Christian Langos down - somethings nexver change. In the closing five minutes Ryan Edwards shot stung Terry McCormick's hands before the former Connahs Quay stopper did well to deny Ashley Young powerful drive. Bangor won a freekick but Sam Hart saw his shot hit the Lilywhites wall as the match slid into three added minutes. There was still time for McCormick to save well from Ryan Edwards who has prospered in his more attack minded role this season. A final change for Bangor as Joe Williams came on for goalscorer Rio Ahmadi but he had little chance to impress before Mr Stewart blew for time and the home contingent celebrated loudly. Two wins in a row at last! |
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| FINAL SCORE 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| Bangor swept Newtown away thanks in part to an first minute strike from Damien Allen. Of course the hosts were much depleted through injury and suspension but you still have to win the game and keep your mind on job in hnd. That the home bench seemed preoccupied with the colour of someones socks certainly offered a strange outlook from a Robins perspective. Regardless Bangor kicked off towards the social club end, with twenty or so brave soles braving the weather in that roofless stand. Within minutes though the scoreline and the weather had improved markedly. The Latham Park 3G seemed to suit Bangor who took the lead in around fifty seconds. A speculative cross or shot from the left from Damien Allen deceived all and sundry and bounced inside the far post with Newtown goalkeeper Jones lauching an inquest. The chief culprit was Tom Goodwin who missed his clearance under pressure from Chris Jones. Newtown responded with a Williams freekick which inched wide, a corner cleared by the powerful Leon Clowes and a long range shot from midfielder Matty Cook which flew wide. Rio Ahmadi turned his marker and raced into the Robi  ns box but fired weakly at Dave Jones' near post. Back came Newtown
with a couple more corners with Clowes and Cummins defending strongly.Bangor fought for parity in midfield with Ashley Young working hard, Ryan Edwards tireless as ever and Damien Allen pulling the strings. City attacked down the left with Sion Edwards and Sam Hart combining to create an opening for Rio Ahmadi which was blocked. But on 38 minutes a good opening got better for Bangor as Chris Jones released Ryan Edwards who kept his cool to square to Rio Ahmadi who prodded the ball past goalkeeper Jones and into the empty net. Within a minute it could have been three as Sion Edwards beat his man to cross from the left but Ahmadi turned his first time effort into the side netting. As time ran out City won their first corner of the half and Newtown their fourth but neither seriously threatened. Mr Hames blew for the interval and it was the blues supporters who strode to the tea hut and bar with a spring in their stride. But still a long way to go.. |
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| HALF TIME 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No changes at the interval for either side. Bangor now attacking the entry or car park end, but with need to defend in the opening minutes as Newtown won a fifth corner whichConnor Roberts held comfortably. City were the first to threaten though as Ryan Edwards forced an acrobatic save from Dave Jones before a second b  lues
corner was pouched by the angry glovesman. Bangor pressed again down
the right, Newtown half cleared and as Ryan Edwards shot on target what
looked a home handball was waved away by Mr Hames.Bangor were enjoying a good spell now and a thrid corner - won by Chris Jones on the right - was delivered by Sion Edwards but headed wide by right back Anthony Miley. Ten minutes later almost a re-run and another penalty shout but again nothing doing. In fairness the visting players scarcely complained at either decision. Newtown midfielder Matty Owen dragged a long range effort wide as the home side looked to cut the deficit before. Then on 66 mins, leftback Steffan Edwards made way for Jack Hughes. But two minutes later, on 68, any hopes of a Newtown fightback were ended as Adam Cummins got the decisive header to an inswinging freekick from the right by left footer Sion Edwards. With the result no longer in much doubt the visiting clan could enjoy the final twenty minutes. On 72 minutes Christian Langos replaced Rio Ahmadi and his pace was to upset the pedestrian Goodwin playing as a makeshift centrehalf. City won a couple of corners with young Langos running in behind the home defence on the left but failing to get the better of goalkeeper Jones. Langos and Sam Hart then created a half chance for Chris Jones but again Jones saved. But his best was yet to come to deny Damien Allen a deserved second with a flying one handed stop with yielded City's seventh corner of the afternoon. With around ten minutes left young Craig Harris replaced Jamie Price and moments later Neil Mitchell headed wide from a freekick on the attacking left. With four minutes left Joe Williams replaced Sion Edwards whose name was sung loud by the blue horde behind the Newtown goal. Matty Owen send a long range effort wide before the inevitable controvesy on 90 minutes. Christian Langos ran after a bouncing ball and was chopped down by goalkeeper Jones well outside his box on the Bangor right. Referee Hames got his red card out - but under pressure from the beaten Robins - changed it for yellow. I have seldom seen anything like that but these are strange times. In the added time played Shaun Cavanagh came on for Ashley Young who had enjoyed a fine afternoon for City. The young striker got stuck in with a couple of heft challenges but Mr Hames had the final word - or blast - and the Bangor camp celebrated a deserved win in Welsh, English and even a touch of Polish. Rhyl next up... |
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| FINAL SCORE 0-3 |
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Welsh Premier |
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