| BANGOR CITY
MATCH REPORTS 2016-17 |
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2015-16 |
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Europa Play Off |
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 EUROPA LEAGUE PLAY OFF FINALThe pre match news was gloomy for City. Experienced striker Dan Nardiello was away on holiday, booked well in advance, so young Rittenberg and Burnley loanee Brad Jackson stepped in, and up. Attacking the Antelope End, playing into a gusting wind, Bangor dominated the opening ten minutes. The clearest sight of goal came to Henry Jones who shot from the left was pushed away by Will Fuller. On five minutes a Bangor corner was played low to Gary Taylor Fletcher but his first time strike was pushed over by Fuller. It was the thirteenth minute that Cardiff cleared their heads, won a corner and wasted it by fouling Connor Roberts. But the balance had shifted and the students were now a threat. On twenty minutes a booming diagonal from Gary Roberts found Gary Taylor Fletcher but he headed wide.City won a corner but the visitors broke and it took a determined challenge from Brad Jackson to halt the danger. With Danny Gossett, Gary Taylor Fletcher and Damien Allen on top in midfield City had the better of things, Gary Roberts a threat down the right and of course Henry Jones drawing defenders into making mistakes all round the pitch. On the half hour a foul on Henry Jones by Brad Woolridge led to a freekick which Gary Roberts delivered and Will Fuller dropped but his defence reacted first to smash clear.  Two minutes later Bangor had the lead. Henry Jones slid the ball forward from the right - and was clattered by Kyle McCarthy - for Gary Taylor Fletcher. The player manager controlled the ball and picked out Dean Rittenberg who picked out the bottom corner with his low drive. One nil. Five minutes later Connor Roberts bagged a weak shot from Adam Roscrow as the students struggled to sustain a serous challenge on the blues goal. Referee Bryn Markham Jones had played a good advantage for the Bangor goal and was clearly trying to keep a low profile. His leniency on the visitors defenders who repeatedly fouled Henry Jones was evident again four minutes before the interval. But overall so far so good for the whistler. Cardiff mounted a measure of pressure on the Bangor goal in the final minute and into added time. Paul Connolly stopped Rhys Thomas who fell injured to floor. Three successive corners followed, bringing their first half tally to six, but Paul Connolly and Anthony Miley stood firm and goalkeeper Connor Roberts claimed the third cross and the danger passed. A single goal advantage for City who would also benefit from the wind in the second period. photo above with thanks to Andre Pepper of Menai Photograph
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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| One change at the interval as Jordan Lam replaced Rhys Thomas. Six minutes after the restart a yellow card for a foul on Henry Jones, Josh Barnett the offender. Five minutes later a good save from Connor Roberts to deny Elliot Evans who clean  strike
threatened the blues lead. On the hour another foul on Henry
Jones, this time Jordan Lam, and deep freekick from the right which
Anthony Miley stretched for but could not control. On 62 minutes a change by both sides. Long serving Sion Edwards replaced Gary Taylor Fletcher who left to a warm applause, then Ben Bowler replaced Josh Barnett. A freekick for a foul by Paul Connolly on Adam Roscrow, a yellow card for a clear pull by the blues centreback. Cardiff were pushing Bangor back and as their corner tally reached eight they had the ball in the net. But again credit to the officials for spotting the clear use on an arm to control the ball by Adam Roscrow before he turned and tapped home. The deft ball skills of Brad Jackson sent him clear down the right to cause absolute chaos in the visitors defence but Anthony Miley could not quite direct his header goalwards. Substitute Sion Edwards forced a good save from Fuller who also repelled a follow up from Brad Jackson. With eleven minutes to go Damien Allen was replaced by Yalany Baio who proved himself a bundle of energy in the midfield. Matt Taylor lined up a shot at goal but Sion Edwards did enough to put him off and the effort flew over. Five minutes from time Gwion Howell came on for Adam Roscrow who had been well marshalled by the Bangor defence. Big Emlyn Lewis launched a long throw from the attacking left which caused some uncertainty and, in the three minutes of added time, the big defender headed over from a ninth Cardiff corner. It was not to be for the gallant students who had kept their spirit and composure but not quite threatened the Bangor goal often enough. For Bangor though a single goal by Dean Rittenberg the key to Europa League competition, a £200,000 windfall and the prospect of exciting times at Nantporth in the the months ahead. photo above with thanks to Andre Pepper of Menai Photograph
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| FINAL SCORE 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Europa Play Off |
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EUROPA LEAGUE PLAY OFF SEMI FINAL And they did so in what might well be described as a game of two halves. The first fast and open, end to end, four goals and twice as many missed chances. The second more cagey and cautious decided by one set piece. Bangor were able to recall Anthony Miley in central defence and generally field their strongest starting eleven. Newtown without Jason Oswell were unable to select  Tom Goodwin who took a place on the bench.
City started off, blown forward by a stiff breeze, attacking the
Antelope End. After a couple of off target efforts from either side
Bangor struck first inside five minutes as Dan Nardiello crossed from
the left and Gary Taylor Fletcher headed home emphatically from six yards.Newtown unsettled the blues defence through Luke Boundford's long throw but City cleared and seconds later Paul Connolly headed wide from a corner from the left. On eleven minutes Neil Mitchell lifted over from point blank range and thirty seconds later was made to pay as Dan Nardiello beat Dave Jones from the left for a two nil lead. The end to end nature of proceedings continued as Henry Jones lobbed off target before Luke Boundford headed wide from Jamie Price's inviting cross. But on twenty minutes Newtown halved the deficit. Alex Fletcher released Nick Rushton on the left and Luke Boundford converted his low cross from close range. The Robins went looking for an equaliser but Connor Roberts was on hand to catch Jamie Price's cross shot but on twenty five minutes a let off for the visitors as Dan Nardiello appeared to slip as he headed Henry Jones' cross and sent his efort off target. A minute later Newtown were level. Luke Boundford found space on the left and turned provider for Neil Mitchell to atone for his earlier miss. Another inviting cross from Price this time Connor Roberts pushed Nick Rushton's header away for a corner. Having surrendered a two nil lead City tried to respond as Gary Roberts cut in from the right but Dave Jones saved his left footer with his feet. The Gary Taylor Fletcher saw his long range shot deflected just the wrong side of Jones' right hand post for a fourth Bangor corner. Five minutes before the interval Danny Gossett powered a header narrowly wide. The final action was a Bangor freekick from the left which was overhit and referee Dean John blew for half time. Both sides could feel they might have been ahead so perhaps all square was about right. |
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| HALF TIME 2-2 |
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| No changes at the interval with City now attacking the Bangor end. And with a touch of good fortune the wind had dropped and now scarcely impacted the game. City threatened early on as Dean Rittenberg fired wide following Laurence Wilson's left wing cross. Then goalscorer Mitchell was yellow carded for a foul on 49 minutes. Five minutes later midfielder Ryan Kershaw followed him into the book for a heavy challenge on Henry Jones. Just after the hour mark Kershaw was the first player to withdrawn as Joe Kenton trotted on, to be followed within a minute by Brad Jackson who replaced Dean Rittenberg. As the game became increasingly cagey Dan Nardiello was also booked. Welsh International striker Dan Nardiello was struggling with the attentions of the linesman who seemed to raise his flag whenever Shane Sutton asked, irrespective of whether he was offside or not! Substitute Brad Jackon was showing some dribbling skills on the right, lifting the crowd and pushing the visitors defence deeper than they wanted. Half an hour had drifted away with Bangor largely in control but certainly not dominant. Then with a quarter of an hour left to play Anthony Miley controlled a juggled the ball on the edge of the box and was fouled. Freekick claimed and duly dispatched by Gary Roberts from twenty yards, a right footed curler which left Jones' grasping thin air. The visitors had to gamble now and one long throw from Boundford skidded off Gary Taylor Fletcher's head but Connor Roberts held on confidently. A final change for Newtown with five minutes left as Steff Edwards replaced Neil Mitchell. A long range freekick saw Shane Sutton and Kieran Mills Evans trot forward but Jamie Price over hit his cross and cleared the bar. The fourth official indicated four minutes of added time. Bangor pushed forward and had the ball in the net but the standside linesman had flagged for the umpteenth time and the "goal" was wiped off. And as City controlled possession through Dan Nardiello and Henry Jones, the added time passed and Referee Dean John blew for time. A hard fought win, played in a good spirit and for Bangor a play off final to look forward to next Saturday against Carmarthen or Cardiff Met. Commiserations to Newtown whose fine run of form had brought them to this semi final.  |
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| FINAL SCORE 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Depleted Bangor were perhaps unlucky to lose to visitors Carmarthen who took their chances and with it all three points. The lack of resource available to manager Gary Taylor Fletcher was reflected in just three substitutes on the bench, although one of the trio goalkeeper Connor Roberts was rested to allow young Matthew Hall to make his City debut. But Bangor did more than enough to deserve at least a share of the spoils. Early on Gary Taylor Fletcher swept the ball out to Gary Roberts who surging run ended with a low shot saved by Lee Idzi at The Antelope End. Then Brad Jackson won the ball on the right and baffled Dave Vincent but the big defender did his job and conceded a corner as the young winger shot on goal.  Against the run of play Carmarthen took the lead. A booming clearance from Luke Cummings unsettled the blues defence who failed to clear their lines. Midfieler Declan Carroll had a couple of shots blocked on the edge of the box before the ball skewed to Matthew Thomas whose shot flew to Liam Thomas who reacted with a low jab beyond Matthew Hall into the bottom corner. Credit to the visitors for persistence but this was a shoddy goal to concede. On eighteen minutes a blow to the visitors as Matthew Thomas has to be replaced by former Goytre strikerLiam Griffiths. City won a freekick on the left side of the box for a foul on Sion Edwards, the kick was rifled goalwards by Gary Roberts but pushed away by Lee Idzi for a corner. A fanstastic save. Gary Taylor Fletcher again found Gary Roberts in space on the right, he slid the ball through for Yalany Baio who ran into the box but Lee Idzi rushed out to block with his body and the ball ran out for another Bangor corner. Ten minutes before the break Laurence Wilson's deep cross is controlled by Brad Jackson but his effort is blocked. There is a minute of time to be added in which Gary Roberts shooots wide from distance and Mr Hames blows for the interval with the visitors perhaps fortunate to be a goal ahead but that is exactly how things stand on a bright sunny Nantporth afternoon. photo above with thanks to Andre Pepper of Menai Photograph
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| HALF TIME 0-1 |
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No changes at the interval. But seven minutes after the restart City committed footballing suicide. Big Sergio Uyi sent a header towards his own goal from thirty five yards out despite the presence of the lurking Liam Thomaswho calmly ran up to Matthew Hall and slid the ball home for a two nil lead. No blame on the young glovesman who was hopelessly exposed. In fairness to Uyi he might well have been ring rusty given his recent lay off, better pehaps to make a mistake now than in two weeks time. On the hour mark a first change for Bangor as Damien Allen replaced Danny Gossett and moments later a yellow card for Liam Thomas for a poor challenge on Gary Roberts. With fifteen minutes left it should have been three nil as Lewis Harling ran clear but his low shot was turned away by the feet of Matthew Hall who would have been relieved to prove himself after being beaten twice. Carmarthen also gave a couple of their long distance substittutes a run out in the final ten minutes as time slipped away in their favour. City responded by sending young Christoph Aziamale on for player manager Gary Taylor Fletcher but in truth Mark Aizlewood's side had seized on their good fortune and were now on their way to all three points. There was a bit of added time mischief between Yalany Baio and substitute Craig Hanford which ended in both being shown the yellow card before Mr Hames blew for time. With Cardiff Met drawing this win meant Carmarthen finished fifth and gained home advantage against the students in the forchcoming play off semi final. The defeat really meant nothing to Bangor who would have been relieved not to have suffered injury or suspension ahead of their home encounter with the resurgent Robins of Newtown on Saturday 6th May. photo above with thanks to Andre Pepper of Menai Photograph
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor were worthy and emphatic winners over champions TNS. There were goals, yellow and red cards and for a change this season a referee with the courage to penalise the full timers for their sins. Keen eyed City fans might have noticed a familiar name on the visitors bench. Seventeen year old Sam Ashworth is the grandson of former blue Barry Ashworth. He joined TNS from Caernarfon in January. The ever alert Henry Jones and Dan Nardiello both went close for City in the opening exchanges which also saw TNS leftback Chris Marriott strike a freekick against the resolute Bangor defensive wall. On the quarter hour though a clear chance for the visitors as Greg Draper exploited some creaky defensive work from Bangor but sent his low shot wide right to left from eighteen yards. Then controvesy as City thought they had the ball over the line but the officials disagreed. The chance came from Gary Taylor Fletcher who pass found Henry Jones via Dean Rittenberg. The former Swansea youngster crossed low from the right and Dan Nar  diello
seemed to turn the ball over the line but Paul Harrison scraped it away
and no goal was awarded. The officials behind the goal - wearing Bangor
blue it must be said - all signalled a goal!On twenty minutes a blow for the visitors as Wrexham based defender James Jones was replaced by Romanian Mihal Leha. The substitute was in the right place moments later as Dan Nardiello pounced on a loose back pass, rounded Harrison but saw Leha clear at the near post. City went close once again as Dean Rittenberg charged from deep inside his own half before passing to Dan Nardiello. His low cross shot from the left ran across goal before being returned by Brad Jackson for Henry Jones who was denied by Harrison before Gary Taylor Fletcher skied the rebound. Five minutes before half time Gary Taylor Fletcher nutmegged Alex Darlington before lifting the ball for Dan Nardiello who ran on goal. His progress was abruptly halted by a tug from Mihal Leha who was clearly last man. There was no covering defender. Would Mr Pratt flash red? Yes. Rightly so, and the replacement headed for an early shower as TNS faced up to playing the final fifty or so minutes a man down. Apart from a yellow card for a sullen Alex Darlington there was nothing more of note in the closing minutes of the first half, the players left the field with the scores even but the sides rightly not. photo above with thanks to Andre Pepper of Menai Photograph
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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| No changes at the interval . Could Bangor get the lead their first half display deserved? The answer was yes thanks to Henry Jones whose downward header beat Harrison all ends up. Why the former Southport stopper had failed to claim Bradley Jackson's high cross from the right as it dropped in his six yard area is for him alone to know.  With an hour gone Alex Darlington sent a long range effort over
Connor Robert's crossbar; moments earlier Yalany Baio was booked for
halting a TNS counter.On 67 minutes a double change for the weary Saints as Polish winger Adrian Ciewslewicz and Shropshire lad Scott Quigley replaced Alex Darlington and Jamie Mullan but nothing changed. City continued to control possession, to switch play and exploit the width of the Nantporth grass to good effect. First Dean Rittenberg and then Yalany Baio went close for City as the home side pushed for a decisive second strike. The outstanding Henry Jones was fouled by Ryan Brobbel who received a yellow card for his troubles. From the freekick Gary Roberts hit the target but Paul Harrison denied him. With fifteen minutes to go it was two nil. A low cross from the right from Gary Taylor Fletcher found Dan Nardiello who twisted and turned the TNS defence before stabbing the ball beyond a helpless Harrison from six yards. The build up play involving Yalany Baio, Damien Allen and Dean Rittenberg as the ball swept from left to right was excellent. Another yellow card for the frustrated Saints, this time Jon Routledge for another foul on Henry Jones. Bangor fans had waited a good while for this scoreline and made their presence felt with chanting and singing, including some noisy youngsters who must have been hoarse at the final whistle. Ten minutes from time Sion Edwards came on for Yalany Baio as City looked to extend their lead. It could easily have been three nil as Sion Edwards pounced after Henry Jones' shot had been deflected but Harrison saved well at his near post in the closing minutes. Left winger Sion Edwards took the corner from the right and picked out Gary Taylor Fletcher who controlled the cross and beat the visitors defence from close range. City fans celebrated a long overdue victory against the Shropshire side although, in the bigger scheme of things, there would be tougher tests ahead. photo above with thanks to Andre Pepper of Menai Photograph
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor were given a late fright by the students of Cardiff Met but held
on to record a three two win and gain some revenge for a heavy defeat
before Christmas. In a defensive reshuffle Gary Roberts partnered Paul Connolly in central defence with Laurence Wilson and Brad Jackson again occupying the fullback positions. City started the brighter and threatened as new player manager Gary Taylor Fletcher fired over before Cardiff goalkeeper Will Fuller saved from Henry Jones. But against the run of play - but with the wind - it was the students who went ahead on twenty minutes as Adam Roscrow released Kyle McCarthy who ran clear to calmy clip the ball beyond Connor Roberts. Leading goalscorer Dan Nardiello failed to trouble the keeper as City sought an equaliser but one arrived just after the half hour mark. Henry Jones and Brad Jackson combined on the right and young striker Dean Rittenberg.reacted first after Will Fuller had saved a header from Gary Taylor Fletcher. Moments later Cardiff replaced Chris Baker with Will Evans. The home side responded but Connor Roberts was equal to the threat posed by Roscrow. At half time the scores stood level at one all. |
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| HALF TIME 1-1 |
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| No changes at the interval. Ten minutes after the restart City had the lead for the first time as Laurence Wilson beat Fuller direct from a freekick on the left which flew in just inside the far post. Connor Roberts then nearly caught out his opposite number Fuller with a wind assisted booming clearance which bounced high off the artificial pitch. Cardiff thought they had an goal back but Adma Roscrow's effort was ruled out for offside. Then Dean Rittenberg burst into the box but Swindlehurst halted his progress. On 66 minutes Yalany Baio won the ball and found Henry Jones who ran into the box and shot beyond Fuller for a three one advantage. Sion Edwards came on for Gary Taylor Fletcher and went mighty close to making it four one with a first time effort from Brad Jackson's pull back after he had retrieved Jones' deep cross from the left. The students pressed for a goal to halve the deficit as Gary Roberts cleared at the feet of Adam Roscrow before Will Evans headed on target but blues stopper Connor Roberts was up to the task. With just nine minutes left the students were back in the game as Roscrow and Evans combined to set up Rhys Thomas who scored to close the deficit to three two. Blues substitute Sion Edwards' cross nearly caught out Fuller but the glovesman adjusted to spare his blushes. But Bangor navigated three minutes of added time, stood firm and ran out three two winners to further cement their fourth place finish. |
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Welsh Premier | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A fair result on a warm, sunny afternoon on Deeside, although the point was more ornament than use for Bangor. It did though serve to secure fourth as both Carmarthen and Cardiff Met lost. In truth it was a pretty poor match, two teams visibly unsettled by a wretched unpredictable surface which tempted  defenders to wallop the
ball clear. And unfortunately yet another very poor referee, this time
from Swansea, yet again fastracked and inevitably horribly out of his
depth alongside former Football League regulars and an International. And for added peculiarity the game was variously played with white and then yellow balls. Something for everyone. Attacking the River Dee End the home side started on the front foot. Wes Baynes fired over before Matty Williams - or was it Paul Connolly - crashed a shot against the Bangor bar from close range. Right back Brad Jackson did well to track back and snuff out another Nomads surge but the opening goal was not too far away. After dominating the opening quarter hour it was no surprise the home side took the lead. A long throw from the right by Wes Baynes was headed on at the near post by former blues favourite Les Davies and the ball looped up and over the City defence to nestle inside the far post. Five minutes later a first opening for City as Brad Jackson ran down the right and squared the ball to Dean Rittenberg who unfortunately missed his kick. By the half hour mark the game was quite even apart from the scorline, as Bangor won a couple of threatening freekicks which George Horan used his bandaged head to clear emphatically. But Connahs Quay threatened once more as Kai Edwards sent a shot on target but Gary Taylor Fletcher cleared off the line. Eight minutes from half time blues striker Dan Nardiello chased a bouncing ball into the Nomads box and received a yellow card for his challenge on Jon Danby. Hard to see if it was for a high foot or handball but there was clearly some kind of peril. The impressive Brad Jackson ran and crossed from the right but Dan Nardiello headed over. Moments later Danny Gossett gathered the ball some thirty yards out and sent a clean strike on goal but unfortunately it lifted over Danby's crossbar. One minute of added time came and went before the fussy little Swansea official marched off for the interval. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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Three changes at the interval, two of them by Bangor. Gary Roberts and Rodrigo Branco replaced Danny Gosssett and Dan Nardiello.
The home side sent on lanky left footer Lewis Short for Matty
Williams. Three half time replacements a first for me this season.Three minutes into the second period and Wes Baynes appeared to stamp on Henry Jones who needed treatment for a red welt on his side. Oddly the referee who was closeby saw nothing. Baynes could count himself lucky. Ten minutes in and Connahs Quay won a couple of corners at the school end which caused some uncertainty in the blues defence. As City pushed forward Callum Morris picked up a yellow card for a foul on Gary Roberts who has slotted in to central midfield with Jackson still at right back. With 63 minutes gone a first corner for Bangor which ended in an Anthony Miley header being held by former Chester keeper John Danby. Moments later a punch from Connor Roberts dropped to James Owen but his goalbound lob was headed off the line by Anthony Miley. Three minutes further on and centreback Miley gathered the ball from Gary Taylor Fletcher but fired high and wide from thirty yards. Both sides had plenty of Football League experience and of course the home side play on this corrugated paddock every other week, but none of them looked at home or a  t ease. Most of the second half had expired when on 77 minutes Les Davieswas tripped by Anthony Miley in the right back area. Paul Connolly was in his central defensive position which meant a yellow card was likely. Unhappily Swansea whistler brandished red to the astonishment of all around. A terrible decision but one which seemed to confuse the home side who stepped up their timewasting tactic. Four minutes earlier Sion Edwards had replaced Dean Rittenberg and he quickly gave City some width and penetration on the left. With four minutes left the winger won just their second corner of the afternoon which was half cleared but lofted back into the danger area by Bradley Jackson where Sion Edwards pounced to send over a low cross which Rodrigo Branco netted from close range. A well deserved equaliser. The Brazilian marksman ran quickly to respot the ball to speed things up. Strange to see Connahs Quay continue to waste time, taking short corners and delay goalkicks until the smug little whistler blew for time. At the end Gary Taylor Fletcher talked himself into yellow card trouble with Mr Morgan. In 2011 Taylor Fletcher was playing for Blackpool in the Premier League whilst Mr Morgan was officiating in the Swanse Junior League. That says it all in terms of the huge gulf in experience , the woefully inept referees who are above and beyond reproach or criticism. Good luck to them, seriously doubt anyone in Neptune Court even notices. 
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| FINAL SCORE 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| Two
goals from Kieran Smith settled this closely fought contest and pretty
much ended City's chances of finishing second in the WP table. The simple truth is that Bangor are a side in transition whilst Bala are established and proven at this level. On the bench the visitors had Lee Hunt, Mike Hayes and Ian Sheridan who would start for most Welsh Premier sides. But before the action began both teams stood in remembrance of City supporter Reuben Lee who died in the days before the match. 
With the wind at their backs attacking the City End, Bangor had
the early initiative but the matching pair of Stuart Jones' were in
determined mood and held out against the
blues attack.That said Henry Jones shot from distance in the third minute before Danny Gossett and Henry Jones combined but Dan Nardiello headed wide. The experienced Nardiello then slid through Dean Rittenberg but Ashley Morris rushed out to snuff out the danger. All this in the opening ten minutes. Around the twenty minute mark Bangor were in full control with Gary Taylor Fletcher prompting a wave of attacks which saw Stuart Jones at full stretch before Brad Jackson sent over a low cross which span across the goalface. City won a freekick as Ashley Stephens was yellow carded for a foul on Yalany Baio but Laurence Wilson's cross was cleared by the Bala defence. On 25 minutes Dean Rittenberg went close before Stephens was a touch fortunate to avoid further punishment for a foul on Gary Taylor Fletcher. A gentleman lacking popularity at Nantporth on a damp evening was the little linesman who flagged as persisently as the rain, the latest to deny Dan Nardiello after a clever through ball from Dean Rittenberg. Ten minutes before the interval Ryan Wade dragged his shot wide for Bala before Brad Jackson was shown the yellow card for a foul on Thompson. From the resulting freekick Chris Venables curls the ball over the Bangor crossbar for a goalkick. Five minutes before the break Dean Rittenberg links with Henry Jones but again the linesman's flag cut short any progress. In the one minute of added time Connal Murtagh conceded a central freekick for a foul on Dean Rittenberg but Dan Nardiello fired high over the crossbar and referee Iwan Griffiths blew for the break with the scoreline blank. photos with thanks to Bangor City
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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| No changes at the interval although Bala now had the wind at their backs. Bangor forged the first opening through Henry Jones but that came to nothing. But seven minutes after the restart the visitors had the lead. Blues goalkeeper Connor Roberts did well to keep out Chris Venables clean strike with his legs but it was Kieran Smith who reacted first to net from close range. Seven minutes later Bangor were level.  A Henry Jones corner found the determined Anthony Miley
who shook off his marker to head home to the relief of the sodden home
crowd. Bala responded through John Irving whose cross found substitute
Ian Sheridan but he fired wide. Then a moment of farce as a
misunderstanding in the blues defence led to the referee rightly
awarding a freekick for a backpass but Chris Venables lifted his effort
over.On 66 minutes a change for City as Rodrigo Branco replaced young Dean Rittenberg. What proved to be the winning goal came on 69 minutes. Jordan Evans ran through midfield and with the benefit of a good advantage from Iwan Griffiths he fed John Irving whose low cross was swept home by Kieran Smith for his second of the evening. Referee Griffiths then went back to show the yellow card to blues defender Paul Connolly for his attempted foul on Evans. With fifteen minutes left Damien Allen entered the fray in place of Yalany Baio but as the tension rose both Allen and midfield partner Henry Jones were cautioned for fouls on their Bala counterparts. Five minutes from time and one final change for Bangor as Sion Edwards came off the bench for the 83rd time in a Bangor shirt, in place of a weary Laurence Wilson. Stuart Jones was yellow carded for a foul on Dan Nardiello, four minutes of added time came and went, in which Danny Gossett headed over from Sion Edwards cross, before the final whistle blew to confirm a hard earned two one win for the visitors which effectively ended any prospects of City finishing in second place. The difference between the two sides the goal poaching insticts of former Chester Nomad's striker Kieran Smith. Second may be out of reach but the match at Connahs Quay next week could offer hope of third, a measure of clear progress over the past twelve months. Then it was relegation that was on the horizon. photos with thanks to Bangor City
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| FINAL SCORE 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Bangor snatched a dramatic win thanks to two late goals from Dan Nardiello who bagged his first hatrick for City. Manager Ian Dawes was able to bring back Laurence Wilson and Paul Connolly plus young Yalany Baio. The bench again had a youthful look with Shaun Cavanagh, Alex Boss and Chester based Christoph Aziamale amongst the options. City forged the first effort on target as Lee Idzi comfortably held Dan Nardiello's clean strike. But on fourteen minutes it was Carmarthen who took the lead. A long throw from the right was headed down by Kyle Bassett and Matthew Thomas hooked the ball home from close range. The lead lasted just four minutes as Dan Naridiello's pass tempted a foul on Yalani Baio by Kieran Lewis in the Town penalty area. Referee Tom Owen pointed to the spot and former Wales striker Dan Nardiello sent Lee Idzi the wrong way to level the scores. Both sides had chances on the half hour as first blues striker Dean Rittenberg chipped the ball off target before Declan Carroll fired wide for The Old Gold. Then Anthony Miley had to be alert to deny Liam Thomas who was in on goal. Luke Cummings shot well wide on fourty minutes and the home side forced a couple of corners which again saw Anthony Miley defend stoutly to keep the scores level. The final action of note saw Gary Taylor Fletcher fire over from distance before one minute of added time came and went and the teams wandered off for a half time break with the scores all square at one all.  Photo above courtesy of Gwynfor Edwards |
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| HALF TIME 1-1 |
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| No change at the interval. The first incident of note after the restart was a yellow card for Ceri Morgan on 52 minutes. 
Three minutes later a great save from Lee Idzi to turn away a low
strike strike from Dan Nardiello. From the resulting corner the former
blues glovesman then
denied Brad Jackson before Yalany Baio lofted over when well placed.
The little midfielder then fired over again as City pressed for the
lead.But after a period of indifferent play the home side took the lead. Liam Thomas netting from a ball crossed into the blues box by Ceri Morgan on 70 minutes. The home side went close again but Connor Roberts did well to turn a long range effort from Declan Carroll for a Carmarthen corner. With just ten minutes to play and still trailing 2-1 City sent on Shaun Cavanagh for Yalany Baio to bolster their attacking options. With five minutes left midfielder Henry Jones was shown the yellow card for dissent but seconds later it mattered not as Shaun Cavanagh found Dan Nardiello who cut in from the left and levelled the scores from the edge of the box. The former Wales striker then went close to his hatrick but fired over as time ran out. But on 89 minutes a mazy run and selfless lay off from Brad Jackson set up Dan Nardiello who netted with ease for his hatrick goal and the 3-2 lead. An assist for Jackson scarcely does justice to his part in the goal. Into three minutes of added time City sent on Sion Edwards for Dean Rittenberg but the scoreline did not change and Bangor celebrated a late fightback win which all but confirmed a top four finish for City with hopes alive of finishing second or third. |
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Welsh Premier | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Bangor crashed
to a heavy defeat at Park Hall before a sparse home crowd and muted
away support after both clubs issued a statement calling for supporters
to behave in a "manner appropriate for such an event". With players missing through suspension and injury Sion Edwards earned a start at leftback with Sergio Uyi alongside Anthony Miley in central defence. The referee was Kris Hames. Blues keeper Connor Roberts was soon into the action with a stooping save from Brobbel whose low shot reared off the artificial surface. On five minutes Ryan Pryce won a corner which City struggled to clear. Spender flashed a wonderful cross from the right but Fletcher failed to make contact. The thirteenth minute saw Damien Allen win a corner which was taken short to Gary Taylor Fletcher whose header forced a great low save from home keeper Harrison. Moments later a second TNS corner headed wide by Saunders. On twenty minutes a third home corner ended with Henry Jones heading off the line after a freak bounce from Cieslewicz header. Most of Bangor's brighter moments involved Gary Taylor Fletcher but it was Connor Roberts who stole the show on 24 minutes when Fletcher got a touch to a right wing cross. But moments later City countered on the right as Henry Jones fired on target from outside the box. TNS might have had a penalty soon after as Sion Edwards and Ryan Brobbel tangled but Referee Hames was unimpressed. Fletcher then claimed a penalty when he was the one who had handled the ball. Half an hour gone, no score, City having enjoyed slightly more of the game after the opening twenty minutes although it was the home side who held sway. A fifth corner for the home side on 32 minutes headed goalwards by Saunders and pushed over by Connor Roberts for a seventh flag kick which was overhit and straight out. Sion Edwards had made some important interceptions and Sergio Uyi a number of decent challenges. Ten minutes from time an 8th TNS corner comfortably held by Connor Roberts. Bangor passed their way upfield but Dan Nardiello's straight pass ran out of play with Gary Taylor Fletcher unable to respond. Another decent save from Harrison from Dan Nardiello as his firm header from Gary Taylor Fletcher cross was turned over. The home side broke down the right to Mullen whose lay off invited a clean strike from Marriott but Roberts pouched easily. Into the final five minutes City broke down the left but lost possession before Ryan Pryce ran the ball out of play at the opposite end. Then with a minute left of the half Mullen crossed from the right for Adrian Cieslewicz to bundle the ball home from close range. City forced a late third corner on the left but TNS headed clear and - with no stoppages - the whistle blew with a narrow advantage to the home side. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No changes at the interval. The first chance though came to Bangor whose Henry Jones fired narrowly wide from distance at the far end. On 50 minutes dreadful defending from Bangor as Ryan Brobbel crossed from the right and Jamie Mullen placed the ball home for a two nil advantage and game over. Right on 53 minute it was 3-0 as a deep cross from the left was headed home by Steve Saunders who had clearly climbed all over Anthony Miley but it mattered not. Moments later the sturdy Brobbel shot from 30 yards and it took all Connor Roberts resolve to deny a fourth. Instead a fourth corner headed clear by Gary Taylor Fletcher. On 60 minutes a first change for City as Dan Nardiello made way for Shaun Cavanagh. But on 66 minutes it was four nil as Jamie Mullen jigged in from the right to fire home left footed from just wide of the penalty spot. It might have been worse moments later but Connor Roberts saved dramatically from Brobbel before City conceded a freekick on the defensive left. In the meanwhile young Christoph Aziamale replaced a weary Gary Taylor Fletcher. With thirteen minutes left Sergio Uyi fell to the floor holding his knee. On 80 minutes he was replaced by U19s regular Alex Boss before Leca came on for centreback Saunders. Then a real chance for Shaun Cavanagh as the ball broke to him on the penalty spot but he rushed his effort and missed the target. The Bangor defencer now had the resolute Danny Gossett back in central defence alongside Anthony Miley. Five minutes from time Alex Boss won a freekick on the left. Henry Jones delivered but Anthony Miley could only slide the ball into the side net at full stretch. Midfielder Routledge hit the post for the home side as City struggled to clear. The fourth official indicated a further three minutes. City won a freekick swung in by Henry Jones which Shaun Cavanagh headed wide under pressure. A word for referee Kris Hames. Anonymous. Got on with his job without seeking the limelight. Well done. |
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The Welsh Cup | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Bangor  bowed out of the Welsh Cup after an extra time defeat at Park Hall.Throw in a red card for Yalany Baio, a early injury to Paul Connolly and a serious knee injury to Rodrigo Branco and you might just avoid a comment about referee Tom Williams. But not quite. 
With Sergio Uyi apparently not fit enough to start Anthony Miley
slotted into central defence, Yalany Baio at rightback. Damien Allen
again at leftback.TNS enjoyed a spell of early pressure which came to little but City had a golden chance as Gary Taylor Fletcher unsettled Chris Mattiott to set up Dan Nardiello who ran through on goal but goalkeeper Paul Harrison saved with his foot. Blues goalkeeper Connor Roberts saved well from a shot from Fletcher on the right before Paul Connolly fell down injured in his six yard area. Moments later, on the quarter hour mark, he was replaced by Rodrigo Branco. In the reshuffle that followed midfielder Danny Gossett dropped into centreback alongside Anthony Miley, fellow midfielders Baio and Allen still as fullbacks. TNS went perilously close as Aeron Edwards hit the post with his header before on 22 minutes a first yellow card for Yalany Baio for persistent fouling. A fair decision by the referee who was tainted in Bangor minds by his performance at Bala a fortnight earlier. Big Scott Quigley was lurking with menace on the left wing and he cut in to force a great save from Connor Roberts. Gary Taylor Fletcher was a calm and inventive figure for City who worked hard without the ball but perhaps failed to keep it, or threaten enough, when they had possession. For the home side little Jamie Mullan was positive and direct on the right. On the half hour TNS forced a couple of corners which ended in Ryan Brobbel's shot being saved by goalkeeper Roberts who was becoming the key figure in the clean sheet. But Bangor again created a good chance for Dan Nardiello whose progress on goal - in the box - was hindered by a challenge from Aeron Edwards which had the blues followers at the carpark end howling for a penalty. He slid in from behind, didnt win the ball as a goalkick was given, and felled the former Wales International. The referee avoided a tough decision by turning away, no penalty or card. Nardiello was so incensed he complained too loud and too long for Mr Williams and was shown the yellow card. Simply dreadful from the out of his depth official. Three minutes before the break Rodrigo Branco flashed a high shot across goal from the right before the pink faced whistler blew for the interval with honours even and the scoresheet blank. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No changes at the interval. The restart saw Bangor now attacking the far end but it was Connor Roberts at the opposite end who was called into action with a smart save to deny Scott Quigley. The lanky youngster shot on target again and forced a great save from the Bangor glovesman before Jamie Mullan headed over. There was a yellow card for Jon Routledge for a wild challenge on Yalany Baio on half way then another for Steve Saunders for a trip on Rodrigo Branco as City broke over half way. On 66 minutes a double change for TNS who brought on Alex Darlington and Adran Cieslewicz for Wes Fletcher and Jamie Mullan. Next a yellow card for Gary Taylor Fletcher for what looked like a good challenge but also one injured himself. A moment of real quality then as Yalany Baio won the ball and released the marauding Taylor Fletcher who unleashed a twenty yard curler which Harrison did well turn push wide for a corner. But TNS continued to hold sway and substitute Adrian Cieslewicz fired into the side netting. With seven minutes left a change for each side as first City sent on Shaun Cavanagh for a weary Nardiello and then Greg Draper replaced Scott Quigley. Almost immediately leftback Cavanagh found himself in space on the left but sliced his cross shot into the side netting. With five minutes left a yellow card for Aeron Edwards for another foul on Henry Jones but a moment later disaster for City as Yalany Baio was shown a second yellow and red for an innocuous trip on half way. Gary Taylor Fletcher was injured in the incident then seemed less mobile but he soldiered on in the blues midfield. As time ran out TNS went close three times in quick succession but each time Connor Roberts stood firm and denied what would have been a winner. In front of him Danny Gossett caught the eye in the unusual position of centreback but in fairness the whole team worked overtime to reach the final whistle unbeaten. EXTRA TIME
 Four minutes after the restart City won a freekick for a foul by Simon Spender. The ball was crossed in and Henry Jones latched onto a flick from substitute Rodrigo Branco to crash home from six yards. The heart felt celebrations that followed brought back memories of Chris Jones at Rhyl. Thirteen minutes gone as Christoph Aziamale replaced Rodrigo Branco but on the fifteenth minute Greg Draper levelled the scores and before the half time break arrived Simon Spender saw his low shot strike the upright. Six minutes into the final period Ryan Brobbel forced a great save from Connor Roberts before Greg Draper crashed the rebound against the crossbar. City had a half chance as substitute Aziamale's lay off invited a shot from Henry Jones but it flew wide. But heartbreak was on the cards as TNS subsititute Adrian Cieslewicz waltzed through to slide home beyond the wrong footed Roberts. And that was about it, harsh on Bangor in many ways, but the home side had the lions share of possession and chances. Nevertheless a lot of pride in defeat and from a gutsy performance, albeit at price paid in injury and red card. |
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| FINAL SCORE 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor led three nil at half time but were made to fight to the last against the spirited students of Cardiff Met. In a league based on big budgets it is refreshing if a little sobering that a bunch of amateurs comfortably finish in the top six whilst others spending thousands a week sit below them. Part of that might be that they fielded the same starting eleven as on their previous visit. 
This game was largely about a strong wind blowing along the
Menai Straits, from behind the Antelope End and towards the Bangor end
which City attacked with purpose in the first period. All five goals
came at that end.The visitors number eight Chris Baker sent an early long range dipping volley onto the roof of the net from 25 yards with Connor Roberts back peddling furiously. But City soon took a grip with Gary Taylor Fletcher pulling the strings although three early Bangor corners came to nothing. Bradley Jackson impressed on the right and he ran through only to denied by a diving save from Will Fuller. A yellow card for Brad Woolridge for a poor challenge on Dan Nardiello. Bangor threatened again as Dan Nardiello crossed low from the right but Henry Jones saw his shot saved. But on 27 minutes City had the lead. Gary Taylor Fletcher lofted the ball over the Cardiff defence for Henry Jones to race through and slide the ball beyond Fuller for a calm finish despite the valiant pursuit of Emlyn Lewis. The next action that mattered was a second goal for Bangor on 32 minutes. It began with a long clearance from centreback Sergio Uyi gathered by Dan Nardiello who as the provider with a low pullback from the right which was crashed home by young Dean Rittenberg for his first Welsh Premier goal. Cardiff responded through Dan Spencer but his shot flashed wide. But on 42 minutes Bangor went three nil up, Gary Taylor Fletcher set Henry Jones through once more and he again beat Fuller with a cool finish to put City in a strong position as half time approached. The fourth official indicated one minute of added time, this duly came and went and the home fans wandered for refreshments with wide smiles. An unassailable lead? |
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| HALF TIME 3-0 |
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| No changes at the interval. The big change though that Cardiff now had the wind and Bangor had to play into the elements. That is not to say the wind was hurricane force but it was a stiff breeze, gusting unpredictably. Fears that this second half might be a very different affair gathered momentum on 49 minutes as Elliot Evans fired home left footed from twenty five yards as the blues defence left him unchallenged. On 56 minutes these concerns grew as Dan Spencer tapped home and the lead was all but gone. Bangor seemed to struggle to clear half way and gave the ball away in their own half far too regularly. 
Something had to change for City and on 64 minutes a tired
looking Brad Jackson made way for Sion Edwards whose return attracted
noisy applause.Edwards slotted in at leftback for Damien Allen who moved into midfield. The impact was noticable. A left footer at leftback offers balance, a composed presence in the heat of the battle equally so. Dan Nardiello forced a good save from Fuller but the linesman on the family stand side had his flag up. To be honest he was guessing far too often and on that basis some right some wrong. Number five Emlyn Lewis was then booked for a cynical block on half way before the visitors replaced one goalscorer Spencer with Harry Owen before the other marksman Evans was yellow carded as the temperature went up a notch or two. With thirteen minutes left on the clocksome threatical nonesense from centrehalf Lewis made sure Dan Nardiello was carded for nothing. In fairness the former Welsh International was visibly distracted by this injustice. Moments later he was replaced by Rodrigo Branco in a move which denied the sturdy whistleblower Leigh Jones a chance of a famous red. Branco immediately raced through - more good work from Henry Jones - but fired across goal but he too was yellow carded a minute later for kicking the ball away. The all action Brazilian then raced on goal once again but Fuller was on hand deny him. He went even closer moments later with a shot which hit the post! But the real drama lay ahead. Bangor seemed to have weathered the Met storm but Connor Roberts was at full stretch to deny Charlie Corsby and as three minutes of added time were indicated, more controvesy. Emlyn Lewis had the ball in the net from a rare Cardiff corner but referee Leigh Jones blew for an infringement, possibly a foul on goalkeeper Roberts, and the moment passed. And that was about it. No further alarm as the minutes elapsed and City ran out three two winners and sent the students home empty handed. Phew! |
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| FINAL SCORE 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| Two
goals early in the first half from midfielder Henry Jones helped Bangor
get the better of visitors Connahs Quay on a chill night at Nantporth A crowd of more than five thousand along the coast at Eirias Park for an U20 Rugby International might have helped explain the two hundred or so drop on the attendance of the corresponding fixture in August. So too the wea  ther and familiarity breeding contempt.Only four of City's starting line up that August night started this, although Damien Allen would scarce have expected to line up at leftback. Attacking the Antelope end with the wind at their backs Bangor knew a positive start would be important. But things could have hardly got off to a much better start from a Bangor point of view. Henry Jones took a freekick just outside the box which deflected off the wall and left John Danby stranded. One nil to City with less than three minutes played. Stung into action the visitors went close ten minutes after the opening goal as first Wes Baynes fired over the bar and then former blue Tom Field rattled the woodwork with a clean strike which drew a good save from Connor Roberts. Both defences had work to do but on twenty minutes it was two nil as Henry Jones netted after measured approach play down the right and a low cross from Brad Jackon. Former Cefn Druids Matty Owen went close for The Nomads who had the ball in the net from a Wes Baynes freekick but the referee whistled for a foul on City goalkeeper Connor Roberts. The blues midfield was in fine order with Danny Gossett busy and purposeful, Gary Taylor Fletcher picking a pass and Henry Jones looking a threat. On the half hour rightback Anthony Miley raced into the visitors box but was thwarted by Danby. Three minutes later a yellow card for George Horan, a freekick for City which GaryTaylor Fletcher crashes into the wall. City enjoyed a spell on the attack but Danby was well protected by Kai Edwards and co. Ten minutes before the break a Matty Williams cross was headed over by George Horan who seemed in the thick of the action. Burly defender John Disney was the second name in the referee's book for a foul. Young Dean Rittenberg went close for Bangor but despite a minute of added tiem at the end of the 45 scheduled the scoreline remained two nil to Bangor who were still on course for their first win over the Nomads in their third attempt of the season. |
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| HALF TIME 0-2 |
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| One change at the interval as former blue Callum Morris replaced Lewis Short. The visitors started brightly after the restart and from the second of a couple of early corners Mike Wilde headed w  ide.But on 59 minutes the deficit was halved as Matty Owen netted from close range to give the visitors half an hour to salvage at least a point. Moments later a Bangor first team debut for midfielder Yalany Baio whose previous clubs include Sporting Lisbon and Liverpool. On 66 minutes Baio sent the ball beyond Connor Roberts and into his own net but referee Griffiths had blown for a foul. A second effort disallowed for the visitors, With twenty minutes left on the clock Brad Jackson shot on goal but Kai Edwards blocked. There was a an open feel to the game now with City fans wondering if the blues could hold onto their advantage. Baio caught the eye with his athleticism and movement. With a quarter hour of the match left Henry Jones went close to grabbing his hatrick goal but missed the target. Connahs Quay sent on Danny Harrison for Tom Field on 77 minutes but two minutes later they were down to ten men as George Horan was shown a second yellow and red card for a foul on young striker Dean Rittenberg on half wat. Bangor prompty sent on Jack Metcalfe for Bradley Jackson. Substitute Metcalfe crossed from the right but Henry Jones saw his header flash wide as the hatrick again beckoned. The visitors sent on sixteen year old Connor Harwood for Matty Williams. In the final minute the visitors had a penalty claim waved away before the fourth official earned his match fee by indicating that four added minutes were due. And that was about it as City eased their way through those added minutes to clinch a hard fought victory over their rivals. Photos above with thanks to Andre Pepper
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| FINAL SCORE 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The early chances fell to Lee Hunt whose header was saved by Connor Roberts and blues debutant Dean Rittenberg who latched onto Gary Taylor Fletcher's header but scuffed his shot. On ten minutes Chris Venables unleashed a long range shot which forced a full length save from Roberts. From the corner Lee Hunt netted but had climbed on the City defender. On the quarter hour leftpeg Stephens crossed but Chris Venables lashed well wide form beyond the far post. Moments later a freekick for Stephens but Lee Hunt headed high and wide. Danny Gossett was booked for a blatant foul on Chris Venables on half way. Stuart J Jones joined him in the book for a foul on Damien Allen. Neither any more than a technical offence. Then on 26 minutes a trip by Connal Murtagh on Henry Jones saw the Irish midfielder carded and City awarded a penalty. To the dismay of the blues fans behind the far goal the ball sliced wide of the righthand post and the chance was wasted. Moments later Bangor won a freekick which Roberts took but the wall did its job and the ball span out for a corner which came to nothing. Just before the half hour Ryan Wade ran on goal, Damien Allen tackled him but Mr Williams awarded a freekick and yellow carded the midfielder. A freekick which Chris Venables struck against the Bangorwoodwork. On 36 minutes Lee Hunt limped off to be replaced by Ian Sheridan. A classic plastic pitch knee injury where the knee twists as the foot cannot slide. The pattern of the game was Bangor trying to play football out from the back whilst Bala in traditional fashion hit it long and chased. No right or wrong in this of course. Bangor so nearly took the lead when Henry Jones released Laurence Wilson on the left to cross for Dean Rittenberg whose header was straight at goalkeeper Morris. Dan Nardiello was clattered by leftsided Stephens in the build up and the offender was shown the yellow card. Wilson was injured in the move - a groin strain perhaps - and had to be replaced by Jack Metcalf minutes later. Damien Allen fooled Dave Thompson on the right, crossed but Rittenberg turned his header wide from ten yards. The fourth official indicated three minutes of added time were due largely for the stoppage for Lee Hunt. Taylor Fletcher crossed form the left but Gary Roberts headed wide. Three minutes came and went without incident or stoppage.. Bala won a freekick on the left, in front of the clubhouse. On 49 minutes Stephens bent the ball in and Chris Venables headed home from close range. City might wonder where the extra time came from and of course Mr Williams would not want to comment. Harsh in the extreme, a wasted penalty and a very late goal conceded. Worse was to come. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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| No changes at the interval. Bala won a couple of early corners with the bearded Stuart Jones going close and as City broke Kieran Smith was yellow carded for a trip on the fast moving Gary Roberts. Henry Jones shot from the edge of the box but Morris pushed the ball wide for a corner. Jones crossed and Dan Nardiello headed home despite a desperate goal line clearance from Kieran Smith with Bala claiming the ball was not over the line although it clearly was. Goalkeeper Ashley Morris had a nervous moment next as he fumblked Henry Jones' low shot after Gary Taylor Fletcher had seen his effort blocked. On 62 mins total farce. Stuart Jones (the one with the beard) fouled Dan Nardiello on the edge of the box. Referee Tom Williams showed yellow and then red to the defender whose namesake was the one booked in the first half. Eventually justice was done and Bala kept eleven men as Henry Jones sent the resulting freekick against the crossbar with Morris well beaten. With Bangor passing the ball neatly on the polished green surface it was Bala who broke to feed Ryan Wade whose crossshot flashed across goal. Nut on 67 minutes more controvesy as Dean Rittenberg hit the bar from distance and Dan Nardiello reacted first to convert the easy chance but the linesman was quick to rule offside. Which of course he wasnt. Then Sergio Uyi tracked and tackled Ian Sheridan on the right, stayed on his feet, but for no obvious reason Referee Williams consulted with his linesman and awarded a penalty. Gary Roberts was booked for dissent. Anthony Stephens sent Connor Roberts the wrong way and the score was two one to the home side. The officials to the fore. With eighteen minutes left City sent on Bradley Jackson for Damien Allen. Then Mark Jones replaced Chris Venables but Gary Roberts grabbed the headlines with a crazy lunge on leftback David Thompson which was a clear straight red card. Off he went on his birthday, a missed penalty, a yellow card and straight red for good measure. City still played more football, the better passing style, with Gary Taylor Fletcher, Henry Jones and substitute Bradley Jackson catching the eye. The third and fnal goal for Bala camer as Jack Metcalf conceded a freekick on the right. Ashley Stephens crossed and Stuart J Jones climbed all over Gary Fletcher Taylor to head home from close range. With five minutes left Mike Hayes replaced Kieran Smith and then Rodrigo Branco came on for goalscorer Nardiello. Hayes went close with a back to goal effort which flew just wide. Then Connor Roberts saved well from Ian Sheridan and Mike Hayes. Four minutes of added time. Bradley Jackson slid the ball through for Rodrigo Branco who raced past Ashley Morris and finished with a rabona from six yards to set up a thrilling closing spell. Oddly the little official blew moments after the four minutes had elapsed, unlike his generous interpretation of the first period.  Rittenberg shoots and Nardiello, right of picture, is ready to run in and score. Offside? |
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| FINAL SCORE 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Welsh Cup |
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Bangor swept into the Welsh Cup Quarter Finals but for long periods this game was much closer than the final scoreline suggests. City paired Paul Connolly with debutant Sergio Uyi in defence and introduced Gary Taylor Fletcher and Louis Robles into the attack. Both were outstanding on a pleasant if damp afternoon at Nantporth in a game which kicked off an hour earlier than normal to accomodate the televised match  at Caernarfon at five fifteen.But it was Taylor Fletcher who was the tormenter in chief of the bewildered visitors who could not cope at t imes as he variouly led the line then dropped deep to play alongside Danny Gossett and co.Yet it was Llandudno attacking the Bangor end who forged the first opening of the afternoon on ten minutes when Connor Roberts was at full stretch to palm away Lewis Buckley's low shot from the edge of the box. As the visitors looked to have settled the quicker they soon won their second and third corners of the afternoon - Lee Thomas saw his header deflected wide - but Roberts was untroubled through this sequence. As fate would have it Bangor took the lead with their first real chance. Dan Nardiello crossed from the right and Gary Taylor Fletcher controlled the ball to offer fellow newcomer Louis Robles a chance he finished with aplomb on nineteen minutes. The visitors rallied instantly and midfield general Danny Hughes sent a dipping volley heading goalwards but Connor Roberts was up to the challenge with a superb save at the expense of another corner. Tudno did not make the most of their corner kicks and were made to pay on 22 minutes. This time the provider was Gary Roberts who right wing cross found Louis Robles who scored off the post to double the lead. It was nearly three nil moments later as Paul Connolly went close but Danny Taylor scrambled the ball off the line. On the half hour right back Danny Taylor fired in from the right and once again Connor Roberts was forced to concede a corner which was also cleared but soon after Danny Hughes fired over from twenty yards as Llandudno continued to threaten. Next Lee Thomas sped in behind the blues defence on the left but dragged his shot across goal. So at half time the scoreline showed two nil to Bangor which was harsh on the visitors but few in blue were too worried. |
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| HALF TIME 2-0 |
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| One change at the interval for Llandudno as Ben Jago replaced Gareth Evans in midfield. The clouds had cleared and the afternoon was bright enough to see some hardy souls take their hats off. It was City's turn to attack th  e Bangor end and within minutes of the restart ther busy Danny Gossett shot just wide from the edge of the box.Referee Pratt then booked the pencil slim Lee Thomas for a hissy fit after he had fouled Gary Roberts on the right. Bangor had the momentum and Henry Jones crashed a shot narrowly off target as Dan Nardiello opened a space for him with a clever run off the ball.  But Llandudno still believed and centreback Danny Shaw headed wide from a good position. A goal then might have swung the balance of play. Then on 58 minutes the masterful Gary Taylor Fletcher slid the ball out to the left for Louis Robles who crossed low for Henry Jones who bungled the ball home from point blank range. This capped a good spell of passing from Bangor who seemed to improve, as confidence levels rose. On the hour Llandudno sent on Liam Dawson in place of Lewis Buckley who had been well policed by the towering Sergio Uyi. Seconds later Taylor Fletcher lifted the ball into the six yard box but Henry Jones sent his header just wide. On 64 minutes Llandudno players and supporters shouted for a handball against Uyi but Mr Pratt was unmoved. Connor Roberts was injured as he saved bravely at the feet of Marc Williams but was able to continue after treatment. Leftback Laurence Wilson got forward and crossed for Dan Nardiello but his header was too close to goalkeeper Dave Roberts. Llandudno had one last fling with four corners in a row, the last of which was their tenth of the afternoon, but Bangor defenders Uyi and Connolly dealt with the threat. Tudno manager Morgan would have been pleased with his sides general effort but bitterly disappointed with their set piece delivery. Then on 78 minutes the man of the match left his stamp on the game. Gary Taylor Fletcher twisted and turned past three or four Llandudno defenders before beating goalkeeper Roberts with a right footed curler from the edge of the box. A fantastic individual goal from the former Leicester striker. That brought a final substitution from Llandudno as Leo Riley replaced a weary Marc Williams whose race was run. Bangor made a double change with Shaun Cavanagh and Jack Metcalf came on for Damien Allen and Gary Roberts. The final action of the afternoon was another substitution as Rodrigo Branco replaced Gary Taylor Fletcher who left to a noisy and richly deserved ovation from all round the ground. A tremendous debut. And that was about it, the final whistle sounded and Bangor celebrated reaching the quarter finals where fate would decree they travel to Park Hall.  |
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| FINAL SCORE 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| This was about as bad as it gets. Beaten four two by the bottom of the table team on a poor pitch under dreadul floodlights. Of course a fair comment could be that it was the same for both teams. Certainly the murky gloom and the bouncy cheap plastic surface were levelle  rs. And it has to be said the Airbus players seemingly wanted it more.The Bangor side saw recent signing Jack Metcalf drafted into midfield instead of the suspended Damien Allen. Newcomers Sergio Uyi and goalkeeper Jack Cookson sat on the bench. Airbus gave debuts to Shuan Pearson in goal, Glenn Rule in midfield and Obi Anoruo upfront. City won an early corner attacking the runway end, Airbus a freekick at the other, neither came to much. On 24 minutes a blow for the Planemakers as former Bangor midfielder Ryan Edwards was forced off through injury and replaced by Jamie Menagh. Two minutes later Airbus had the lead. Substitute Menagh launched a high cross from the right which struck Sam Hart and looped up and over Connor Roberts into the Bangor goal. City fought for a reply and within seconds Dan Nardiello headed wide from a Gary Roberts cross. Another former blue Tony Gray shot over on the half hour and then saw his low shot saved by Connor Roberts. Ten minutes before half time Rodrigo Branco saw his shot deflected for a corner which was crashed home by blues centreback Paul Connolly against his former club. City enjoyed a spell of pressure which involved a number of corners and from the sixth of the evening Henry Jones crossed from the left and leading goalscorer Dan Nardiello headed home on 43 minutes for what looked like an interval lead. But Airbus won a couple of corners of their own and from the second of these Connor Roberts appeared to be pushed as he went for the ball. In the moments that followed defender Bailey Jackson prodded home and referee Markham Jones waved away Bangor protests and jogged off off to the centre circle. There was barely time to restart before the half time whistle blew and the two sides trotted off two apiece and honours even in the Broughton gloom. |
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| HALF TIME 2-2 |
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| One change at the interval as Liam O'Neill replaced Ashley Williams for the home side. The home side forced City backwards with a couple of corners and a long range shot from Glenn Rule. Then Menagh tested Connor Roberts with a long range freekick which took a slight deflection. Bangor responded with Brayden Shaw shooting wide before, on 55 minutes City rang a double change. Shaun Cavanagh and Christian Langos came on for Dan Nardiello and the debutant Jack Metcalf. Five minutes later a yellow card for Danny Gossett for a challenge on Rule which saw the Airbus man reacted angrily but escape punishment. Gossett venting some frustration that might have been aimed at his lacklustre team mates. Christian Langos went out onto the right wing and might have unhinged Airbus but was caught in two minds and his cross shot drifted harmlessly wide of goal. Then Rodrigo Branco fired on target but Pearson saved. Next Gary Roberts crossed from the right but Branco headed over. Bangor fans at the Social Club end had grown tired of goalkeeper Pearson's timewasting tactics but nothing was done by the officials. With twenty minutes left Bangor again pushed for a winner through their seventh corner of the evening but after a frenetic scramble the ball was hoofed out and ran to Brayden Shaw who fired over. An eighth Bangor corner followed and this time Danny Gossett shot over from outside the box. James Murphy fired across goal for Airbus. Then on 79 minutes the first of two goals from substitute Liam O'Neill who had scored at Nantporth a month ago. He broke from half way to run left to right before slotting the ball low into the left hand corner. Four minutes later a corner from the right invited a close range header from Liam O'Neill who made the points secure for the Broughton side. To be fair as most City fans had migrated to the opposite end of the pitch it might have been Derek Brockway who netted in the gathering gloom. With five minutes left Jake Hulley came on for Anoruo and beyond that City won a tenth corner but Shaun Pearson and his defence stood firm and grabbed the three points on offer. For Bangor nothing at all to compensate the visting fans who had witnessed a very poor away perfomance in dreadful grim circumstances. This game should never have gone ahead with an evening kick off. A free weekend before the visit of reinstated Llandudno in the Welsh Cup. Much to do.  |
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| FINAL SCORE 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Friendly |
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Bangor were
taken to the cleaners by Liverpool U23s who dominated from start to
finish. However this was more an evening to enjoy the football on offer
than worry about the result. Manager Ian Dawes took the opportunity to give a debut to rightback Jack Metcalf and run the rule over a couple of trialists before a crowd of just over 2000 at Nantporth, boosted by a good number of North Wales based Reds fans. Liverpool has a trialist of their own in the shape of left footed defender Cian Harries of Coventry City. There was an early hint of things to come as blues centreback Paul Connolly did well to repel and effort from Toni Gomes. But on 14 minutes Liverpool took the lead as a pass from Paolo Alves set up Welsh International winger Harry Wilson who slid home confidently. The visitors were in full control but the Bangor defence marshalled by Paul Connolly and the tall Trialist kept them at bay although Wilson and Virtue both went close to extending the lead. But a second goal duly arrived six minutes before the break as Tony Gomes netted after Matty Virtue saw his shot blocked. The home midfield of Danny Gossett and Henry Jones were working overtime, often without the ball, to keep on terms with the visitors. The closest City came in the first half was a freekick. Nathan Phillips stopped Rodrigo Branco with a blatant pull. Brayden Shaw hit the target but could not get the better of Kamil Grabara. And that was about it for a first half dominated by the young Premiership side on a cold but cheerful night at Nantporth. |
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| HALF TIME 0-2 |
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| One change at the interval as Madger Gomes replaced Sheyi Ojo. And no real change in the balance of play as Connor Roberts did well to deny Harry Wilson before Shaun Cavanagh replaced Brayden Shaw. Then Alves set up Virtue but he fired wide when well placed. On 55 minutes Tom Brewitt replaced Nathan Phillips. 
Just after the hour mark a couple more changes as Jack Dunn replaced
Gomes or Liverpool and Rodrigo Branco made way for Oscar Durnin.Dunn was quickly into the  action but his rising drive flashed over Connor Roberts' crossbar. Jake Brimmer came on for Alves.Bangor were defending bravely albeit pinnned back byt a Liverpool side in complete control but on 72 minutes almost inevitably Matty Virtue set up substitute Jack Dunn and he finished to make the score three nil. Blues goalkeeper Connor Roberts denied Harry Wilson with a full length save but he was back in action moments later as Laurence Wilson fouled Dunn in the box for a Liverpool penalty. Upstepped Harry Wilson whose penalty was well saved by Roberts but the left footer tapped home rebound for a four nil advantage. With twelve minutes left to play Rodrigo Branco came back on for a weary Michael Higdon and Leon Clowes replaced a Trialist. But literally a minute later it was five nil as City wilted under the constant probing and Jack Dunn got his second of the night. Moments ater his goal Dunn wasted a chance for his third as he fired over but with seven minutes left on the clock Jack Dunn completed his hatrick thanks to an assist from towering Bangor youngster Jordan Williams. Bangor had a rare chance as Rodrigo Branco had a shot blocked. And despite having an emphatic lead the young visitors went pushing for a seventh in the closing stages but City managed to resist them. So a great night's entertainment for the local football fans who had braved the cold to pack Nantporth and some names to watch out for amongst the reds. For Bangor a difficult evening perhaps but more enjoyable than training! And all things considered a brave performance against talented opposition on an annoyingly good surface! Photo with thanks to Andre Pepper
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| FINAL SCORE 0-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| A
poor second half display by Bangor cost them dearly on the grim shiney
plastic of Maesdu Park as Llandudno seized the three points they badly
needed. And this despite a prominsing first half display which had seem them dominate and create enough openings to have been home and hosed at the interval. As Bangor had to rule out Henry Jones through illness. Laurence Wilson came into midfield whilst a new look strike partnership started upfront in the form of Michael Higdon and Jamie Reed. With Damien Allen pulling the strings City assumed control although both Marc Williams and Leo Riley went close for Tudno in the opening quarter. Bangor got into their stride and first Laurence Wilson fired on target before Brayden Shaw forced a save from Dave Roberts. Midway through the half a second Bangor corner of the afternoon saw Danny Taylor scramble Anthony Miley's header off the line. The match was dominated by Damien Allen and the calm figure of Brayden Shaw whose ability to spot and deliver a short or long pass was unsettling the home defence. Next Brayden Shaw slid the ball through to Jamie Reed but he fired wide and on the half hour a melee in the home penalty area saw Jamie Reed, Damien Allen and Brayden Shaw all foiled as Mike Williams marshalled his defence to good effect. In the space of five minutes, just after the half hour, City went close three times in quick succession. First Jamie Reed hit the post from the edge of the box, next Dave Roberts saved from Gary Roberts and then Laurence Wilson tested the ginger glovesman. The final act of the first half was a weak header from Marc Williams which missed the target before referee Huw Jones blew for the break with Bangor having done just about everything but score. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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| No changes at the interval. The home side seemed brighter and more positive after the restart despite City winning an early corner. But the only goal of the game was not far away. On 54 minutes Lewis Buckley crossed from the left and Marc Williams capitalised on Leo Riley's back heel to fire home from six yards. Bangor responded through Laurence Wilson and Michael Higdon but Roberts was not unduly concerned. Just after the hour mark Sam Hart made way for Dan Nardiello as Laurence Wilson slipped into the leftback berth. Llandudno midfielder Danny Hughes was injured but cleverly manouvered and out thought Mr Jones by variously lying down and seeking treatment to break the flow of play. On 71 minutes Shaun Cavanagh replaced Michael Higdon but it was Llandudno, through Hughes and goalscorer Williams, who went close although the burly number eight was to be replaced by Gareth Evans moments later. Llandudno won their second corner of the evening and Marc Williams forced a decent save from Connor Roberts. Then with fifteen minutes left on the clock Gary Roberts beat James Joyce on the right but Dan Nardiello headed wide at the near post. Jamie Reed saw his shot saved before Brayden Shaw shot and saw Williams head out for a fifth Bangor corner. Into the final ten minutes and Llandudno grimly determined to hang on to their slender lead. Rightback Gary Roberts got his customary booking for a lunge on Marc Williams before on 84 minutes Sion Edwards replaced Laurence Wilson on the left. As time ran out John Owen was bookeds for time wasting and Llandudno sent on Sean McCaffery for Leo Riley. Jamie Reed won a freekick on the left which saw Tom Williams booked but that, and three minutes of added time, changed nothing and the home side ran out winners as the final whistle blew. Harsh on City given their first half dominance but after the break they looked flat, one paced and disjointed. Llandudno could also reflect on that piece of invention from Riley which set up Williams and settled the contest. A good effort. |
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| FINAL SCORE 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor were
deserved winners in a Boxing Day derby dominated by a rank awful
referee. Quite what the obligatory assessor made of it all in the
mainstand besty we never know. The plodding Mr Petch got more wrong than right, let far too much go and seemed to get the big decisions horribly wrong. That said it was good that Bangor won lest we be accused of sour grapes. The first half saw City attacking the Bangor end with a low sun at their backs on a bright crisp afternoon. With Michael Higdon on compassionate leave Rodrigo Banco led the line and on five minutes Brayden Shaw shot wide form distance. Moments later Dan Nardiello latched onto a stray backpass but could not get the better of Dave Roberts whilst Damien Allen's follow up was blocked. Next Brayden Shaw ran down the left and crossed but Dan Nardiello lofted well over. A foul on Rodrigo Branco on the edge of the box saw Mike Williams yellow carded and gave City a freekick but Gary Roberts shot into the wall. Brayden Shaw fired wide from distance once again before he was fouled by namesake Danny Shaw who was shown the yellow card. A wild challenge by the shakey Shaw who might have seen red. Midway through the half Lee Thomas saw his shot deflected for a corner before Marc Williams went close twice inside a minute as the visitors pressed for the first time. On the half hour the panto got into full swing as Rodrigo Branco chipped Roberts from the right for what looked like the opening goal. But the linesman on the mainstand side had been flagging and hopping around for half a minute. Mildly interested Mr Petch wandered over and chalked off the opening goal he had just awarded in favour of a Bangor throw on half way. When danger threatened Anthony Miley and Paul Connolly were calm but decisive at the heart of the blues defence. Burly Llandudno striker Lewis Buckley was yellow carded for a heavy challenge on Gary Roberts before centreback Shaw was replaced by Leo Riley with Danny Hughes dropping back into central defence alongside Mike Williams. A wild sliced clearance gave Bangor a second and then third corner of the afternoon before Damien Allen crossed and Sam Hart crashed a low shot wide from the edge of the box.  Llandudno rallied but rightback Danny Taylor saw his shot pushed away for a corner which came to nothing. Most of Llandudno's forward movement involved John Owen who found time and space on the ball better than most. Danny Gossett was enjoying a fine first half and his clean hit was deflected and saved by goalkeeper Roberts legs for a fourth Bangor corner. Moments later he fired at goal again and Dan Nardiello just failed to get a touch. As time ran out Referee Petch managed to send yellow cards to Gary Roberts and then substitute Leo Riley but the scoreline remained blank with City having seen more of the ball but both sides having created chances. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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| No changes at the interval. The opening exchanges saw Brayden Shaw fire wide from distance before Marc Williams forced a good save from Connor Roberts. Danny Gossett set up Rodrigo Branco but he sliced wide.  Ten minutes after the restart former Llandudno striker Jamie
Reed replaced Welsh International Dan Nardiello in the home attack.
Bangor were allowing Llandudno too much space on blues the right, which
visting leftback James Joyce exploiting to cross and shoot in this case
for a corner.Midway through the half Mr Petch caused consternation in the home camp. Anthony Miley tackled John Owen in the box and seemed to everyone to win the ball which ran towards the corner flag with the linesman clearly shouting "corner" although it was still in play. The referee wandered over to his flag bearer and after brief discussion determined a penalty not a corner was in order. Lee Thomas easily dispatched the spot kick and the visiting contingent behind the goal danced with delight. Leo Riley immediately spurned a chance to double the visitors lead. The opening goal was timed at 65 minutes but on 68 it was all square.  Brayden Shaw fed Sam Hart on the left whose deep cross was headed back across goal by Jamie Reed to Henry Jones who smashed the ball home from close range. The visitors almost regained their advantage moments later but Connor Roberts continued his fine run of form with a save from goalscorer Lee Thomas who threatened from John Owen's clever pass. There were more yellow cards, this time for Damien Allen and Tom Dix before with fifteen minutes to go Christian Langos replaced goalscorer Jones on the Bangor right. Jamie Reed slid the ball through for Brayden Shaw but he shot wide. Bangor made one final roll of the dice as Shaun Cavanagh came on for Rodrigo Branco with ten minutes to go, Llandudno then sent on Jamal Crawford for John Owen. Five minutes from time Gary Roberts found Brayden Shaw who spotted a gap between the two Llandudno centrebacks for Shaun Cavanagh to turn through on goal. The young substitute kep his composure, moved the ball onto his left foot behind Hughes before sending the ball through Roberts into the net and celebrating wildly (right). A brave substitution by manager Ian Dawes fully rewarded by the young striker's calm finish. As time ran out the fourth official indicated four minutes to be added which came and went without undue concern although Connor Roberts picked up a yellow card for delaying a freekick. Curious Bangor fans will be eager to see a replay of the bizarre penalty incident but oddly that seemed to spark the home side into life and perhaps prompt the substiutions which changed the course of the game. Either way a well deserved win in a game of three goals, a penalty and nine yellow cards. Merry Christmas Mr Petch! Photo of Danny Gosset above left with thanks to Andre Pepper
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| FINAL SCORE 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor booked their top six place with an emphatic win at Aberystwyth who now have a lot to do to escape the bottom half next month. And the hero of the hour was Damien Allen whose double second half strike secured the win that sent the Bangor camp home happy. The chill wet evening saw both goalkeepers wish they had brought warmer clothes as neither side could muster a persistent threat in the opening forty five minutes. With Sam Hart re-instated on the left his combination with Brayden Shaw seemed the most likely source of a breakthrough for the visitors as he cut inside and unleashed his trademark long range shots. In the first minute Aberaeron based Henry Jones went close for Bangor with a flicked header, so too did Chris Jones for Aber but neither could find the target. Brayden Shaw cut in from the right but saw his low shot fly off target. Then the big midfielder found Gary Roberts with a booming crossfield ball but his left footer flew high over the Aber crossbar. The best chance of the first half came when Brayden Shaw found Gary Roberts who crossed from the right but Dan Nardiello headed over the bar. Aber responded as longserving Geoff Kellaway raced clear but his progress was halted by an offside flag. Connor Roberts was called into action to keep out Chris Jones' freekick but the home side suffered a setback three minutes from half time as winger Geoff Kellaway limped off to be replaced by former Garden Village attacker Kostya Georgievsky. Bangor had shaded the opening period but the blank scoreline meant there was still everything to play for after the break. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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| No changes at the interval. But the pace and intent seem to go up a notch and Brayden Shaw shot on target but Chris Mullock pulled off his first serious save. But it was Aber who went close to breaking the deadlock as Cledan Davies' long clearance released Luke Borrelli but he sliced high and wide. City were winning corners but not creating clear cut chances or making the pressure pay. The breakthrough came on hour mark as Dan Nardiello found Henry Jones who was denied but Damien Allen pounced on the loose ball to put Bangor ahead. Gary Roberts crossed but Michael Higdon headed over before he was replaced by Jamie Reed. Aber goalkeeper Chris Mullock did well to push Henry Jones's long range strike around the post for a corner. But the danger did not go away as Henry Jones passed to Damien Allen sent over a cross or was it a shot from the left which beat everyone and ended up in the back of the net for a two nil Bangor lead on 69 minutes. Aber sprang into life as Chris Jones picked out substitute Kostya Georgievsky but his effort could not get the better of Connor Roberts whose fine run of form continues. But it was Town goalkeeper Chris Mullock who was the busier of the two and he did well to deny Damien Allen hsi hatrick as he fired goalwards from the right. A third Bangor goal duly arrived six minutes from time as Brayden Shaw slid in substitute Rodrigo Branco crashed home from close range to leave the defiant Mullock with no chance and settle the result beyond all reasonable doubt. A final replacement for Aber young Jack Rimmer passed to Luke Borrelli but his shot grazed the wrong side of the post - from a home perspective - and that was about it. A keenly contested match, a clear win, a clean sheet and top six guaranteed. Not a bad week for Bangor and new manager Ian Dawes who would seem to be finding his feet at Welsh Premier level. |
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| FINAL SCORE 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor won this game despite taking quite a pounding in the second half from bottom club Airbus. City gave an instant debut to new signing Michael Higdon upfront whilst Leon Clowes stepped into central defence with loanee Paul Connolly ruled out. Airbus left back Bailey Jackson was shown a yellow card for a wild challenge on Gary Roberts as City pressed down the right. 
With a low bright sun setting over the Menai Bridge the home side
scored at the Bangor end inside seven mintues. Henry Jones crossed from
the right and the alert and largely unmarked Dan Nardiello
headed home from six yards. Brayden Shaw and then debutant Higdon went
close for City who seemed set for a routine win over lowly opposition.But Airbus hadn't read that script and No 17 Liam O'Neill raced clear only to be denied by Connor Roberts. That was a duel which was to dominate the match deep into the second half. Airbus won a corner which was half cleared to Jonny Spittle who fired over from long range. Then Zebb Edwards released James Murphy but he choked his shot and the danger passed. On the half hour goalkeeper Roberts did well to deny eighteen year old Jake Hulley but then City might have won a penalty but referee Jenkins waved away appeals after Michael Higdon was pulled down in the box. There was an open if disjointed feel to the match with Ryan Edwards catching the eye for Airbus whilst Danny Gossett was quietely effective in midfield for City. Big number nine Michael Higdon (photo left) also enjoyed a promising first outing. Former Crewe apprentice O'Neill forced another good save from Connor Roberts before City won their first corner of the game with some ten minutes to play before the interval. Brayden Shaw found goalscorer Nardiello but he headed wide this time. Damien Allen saw his goalbound shot deflected wide. Airbus goalkeeper Ryan Neild did well to keep out a trademark strike from Brayden Shaw before Damien Allen was shown the yellow card for a mistimed tackle. As time ran out the visitors pushed for a deserved equaliser, won their six and then seventh corner of the half but could not get the better of the blues defence. One minute of added time began with Dan Nardiello in behind the 'Bus defence but his weak effort did not threaten Neild's goal. Up the other end went The Planemakers for Jake Hulley to tap home from close range for a goal which had been on the cards. The scoreline could have been 2-3 or even 3-3 but all square was about right and moments after the goal the two teams trundled off for a half time cuppa. |
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| HALF TIME 1-1 |
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| No changes at the interval. But with the sun now having disappeared behind the goal City were attacking, the the floodlights came on and winter chill set in. Bangor went close from the off as a fifth corner invited a looping header from Leon Clowes but Airbus cleared off the line. As play switched up to the other end there was a stoppage as Brayden Shaw needed treatment on the edge of the visitors box. Zebb Edwards was then booked for a foul on Gary Roberts on half way. Then on the hour Ryan Wignall raced in behind, lifted the ball over Connor Roberts, but Anthony Miley somehow got back to clear. Former TNS midfielder Ryan Edwards then thought he had given the visitors the lead but the linesman stepped in to silence the celebrations. Brayden Shaw won a sixth corner for Bangor before on 68 minutes a double change as Jamie Reed and Sam Hart replaced Michael Higdon and Laurence Wilson respectively. The slender Liam O'Neill raced clear but Connor Roberts saved well - sounds familiar - then Brayden Shaw fired wide from distance. Substitute Jamie Reed saw his underhit shot cleared off the line by Jonny Spittle but Airbus were now running through on the counter almost at will and it took another intervention to by Connor Roberts to keep out O'Neill. Moments later Ryan Wignall shot on target but again Roberts saved. With around twelve minutes to go Airbus won five corners virtually back to back with Anthony Miley standing strong as danger threatened. The end of this onslaught on 83 minutes saw Christian Langos replaced Henry Jones who scarcely suited wide duties. Two minutes later it was Bangor's turn to have celebrations cut short as Dan Nardiello's goal was ruled out by an offside flag. There was precious little time left as Airbus won their thirteenth corner of the afternoon but City cleared upfield. As the fourth official (money for old rope) indicated three added minutes a draw seemed inevitable and perhaps welcome for home fans. But a foul on Christian Langos on the left led to a free kick crossed by Damien Allen, half cleared to the edge of the box where Anthony Miley swiveled to crash home into the roof of the net. This time the celebrations were not cut short and the home players and fans could hardly believe their eyes. Referee Jenkins found another minute and a half to add but City kept out any danger and moments later the crowd celebrated again as the final whistle blew. Hard not to feel sorry for the visitors who looked anything but bottom of the table. How they missed Tony Gray upfront. Happily for Bangor though he wasnt there and the three points would go a long way to securing a top six finish at the forthcoming split. Some fine individual performances, notably Danny Gossett who worked hard in midfield, Connor Roberts who was outstanding in goal but the man of the match had to be Anthony Miley who spent all afternoon denying the visitors and then found a moment to finish them off!  92nd minute Jamie Reed is gripped by Spittle (5) but Anthony Miley is on the move...  Reed is now free, Spittle stumped and Miley has smashed home the winner |
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The Welsh Cup |
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Bangor mastered the bulldogs and the mud to pass this third round test with heads held high. And that must have been a huge relief to rooky manager Ian Dawes whose side played some crisp passing football in near impossible conditions. Despite the damp conditions the match went ahead although not for six minutes as an eagle eyed assistant referee demanded extra tent pegs secure the net at the open end. There was also a well observed silence for the Brazilian footballers of Chapecoense who had perished in an aeroplane crash a fortnight earlier. When play did get under way Referee Dean John had to speak to left winger Leon Jacka for some heavy challenges and awarded a couple of freekicks against captain Tom Davies the second of which saw young Joe Massaro save from Brayden Shaw. Ton Pentre pressed through Sam Small whose shot was bravely blocked by Anthony Miley before Connor Roberts grabbed Corey Shephard's low driven cross from the right. Around the quarter hour mark Massaro saved first from Damien Allen and then from Jamie Reed whose low shot on the turn arrowed at the middle of goal. With the surface breaking up by the minute City won a corner which came to nothing before Referee John settled a dust up between Leon Jacka and Damien Allen by showing each a yellow card. To be fair it was good see the gifted Allen standing toe to toe against the Rhondda valley side. As the home side applied some pressure the hugely impressive Anthony Miley stood firm with head and foot. Ten minutes before the interval Miley went close to giving City the lead but Massaro clung on, the minutes later Brayden Shaw dragged a long range effort wide from the left. Shaw seemed to have the ability to glide across the heavy surface which clung to others like, well like mud. A word too for Jamie Reed who grafted in difficult conditions - as did all the Bangor players - and for Danny Gossett who was everywhere. With four minutes left to the interval Leon Jacka hit the post with a curling right footer which rebounded to Liam Reed. Unable to set himself the luckless striker lifted his effort high and wide from six yards. On 45 minutes Jamie Reed broke through midfield but was brought down by Liam Hutchinson who was booked for his troubles. Henry Jones took the freekick to Gary Roberts on the right. He stood the ball up at the back post for Brayden Shaw to nod home to hand Bangor an interval lead. The visitors celebrated as the home side stood in disbelief. So one nil at the interval but with a long way to go.  |
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| HALF TIME 0-1 |
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| No changes at the interval. The rain had stopped and although there were few to be sunbathing on the grassy bank the likelyhood of the game being abandoned dimished. Brayden Shaw went close for City but the resulting corner came to nothing. Then Shaw fired wide from distance before on 55 minutes Dan Nardiello replaced Brazilian striker Rodrigo Branco who must have thought he was in some sodden hell. Connor Roberts saved well from Corey Shephard before Brayden Shaw capped off a fine flowing move from Bangor with a goalbound effort blocked by Tom Davies. With twenty minutes gone Dan Nardiello struck the crossbar from the tight angle on the right. The Jamie Reed lost his footing on the right to the delight of everyone, apart from himself, before Sam Small was denied by the alert Miley who was at hsi defiant best in the blues defence. With twenty to go Brayden Shaw headed and then Damien Allen lifted the ball to Jamie Reed but his back header lacked the power to beat Massaro. A minute later, with nineteen left to play, City doubled their lead. Brayden Shaw glided down the left, crossed to Jamie Reed whose shot was blocked but Henry Jones was on hand to prod home from close range. It was all Bangor now as Jones and Danny Gossett had a grip of midfield. Dan Nardiello hit the bar again - this time with a header - moments after Massaro had denied him with a good diving save. Lewis Hitchcock replaced Liam Reed on 76 minutes but it was City who pressed again as the luckless Jamie Reed hit the crossbar from ten yards. Up the other end stormed Sam Small but Anthony Miley stopped his progress on the right side of the box. This lead to a third corner of the afternoon for Ton Pentre which Scott Hayward headed wide when the goal gaped. Brayden Shaw, still gliding around effortlessly, fired wide from distance as Bangor again threatened the home goal. Another change for The Bulldogs as Phil Clarke replaced Scott Haywood who had enjoyed a fine afternoon. Henry Jones saw his shot saved by Massaro and Jamie Reed chased through on goal but somehow the ball ran out of play by the upright. City won a couple of late corners and sent on Christian Langos for Henry Jones in the final minute but nothing much happened before Mr John blew for time. Mud mud glorious mud. A great win in the conditions which would have the 3g brigade reaching for their hair spray. Played in a good spirt, refereed with common sense and a good advert for cup football. And well done Bangor and new manager Ian Dawes who must have been impressed and mightily relieved at the final whistle. photos with thanks to
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Welsh Premier |
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