| BANGOR CITY
MATCH REPORTS 2017-18 |
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Friendly |
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Bangor entertained a Liverpool U23 side in a game marked as a testimonial for Alan Lewer. The Liverpool side managed by Neil Critchley used the game in part as preparation for their forthcoming U23 finale against Chelsea. Young Portugese striker Toni Gomes scored twice as the Premier League giants ran out clear winners with all three goals coming in the opening period. |
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| HALF TIME 0-3 |
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| One change at the interval And |
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| FINAL SCORE 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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 Bangor completed their season - and their stay in the Welsh Premier - with a two one win at Bala.A win which showed a good attitude amongst the players but a result that owed much to some wasteful finishing from the home side who dominated large periods of the first half in particular. 
With Danny Holmes injured and watching from the dugout alongside the
likes of Brayden Shaw and Yves Zama, young Guto Williams started at
right back with Joel Bembo Leta in central defence next to Anthony
Miley.But it was Bala who took the initiative and should have gone ahead in the opening stages. Both Nathan Burke and Kieran Smith went close either side of the ten minute mark and again three minutes later. For Bangor Bembo Leta and Miley worked overtime to clear the danger and of course the near unbeatable Matthew Hall patrolled his line in DeGea fashion. Rob Pearson had the run of midfield as the home side seemed first to everything a cold damp evening on the banks of Llyn Tegid. This pattern continued as Bala pushed towards the Bangor goal, with Chris Venables and Stuart Jones also going close but not close enough. On or around the 25 minute mark City started to find their feet. Horwood conceded a freekick on the right which was half cleared to the edge of the box where Danny Gossett blazed high and wide. Bala responded through Kieran Smith but Matthew Hall held comfortably. Next Luke Wall shot on target but Ashley Morris was on hand. Guto Williams lifted the ball over the defence for Dean Rittenberg to turn through but again Morris held cleanly. Then on 37 minutes City took the lead in fine style. A well constructed passing move was capped by a calm finish from Steven Hewitt to stun the home support and to the delight of the travelling blues in that small cover behind the goal. This move began with a crossfield ball from Danny Gossett, involved Laurence Wilson and Steven Hewitt on the left, then Alex Darlington to Dean Rittenberg whose low cross found the blues midielder. In the time that remained Bangor won a corner which came to nothing and Ian Sheridan fired well over to waste yet another reasonable chance. So at the interval, perhaps against the balance of play, City led by a goal to nil. |
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| HALF TIME 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 No changes at the interval but the City fans had now taken up residence on the grassy bank behind Lewis' goal.Bala gain settled and pushed Bangor back with Chris Venables first heading wide and then shooting into the side netting. On the hour mark some desperate defending by City who cleared one effort from Disney off the line before Mike Hayes hit the post. Somehow the ball stayed out. Moments later a yellow card for Anthony Miley after he was put under pressure from an unwanted pass and four minutes later the centreback limped off injured to be replaced by George Harry. In the reshuffle Tom Kennedy went to centreback alongside Bembo Leta and Laurence Wilson dropped one position back on the left. On seventy minutes Bala finally scored to draw level as Ian Sheridan volleyed home from a left wing cross. Moments later centreback Stuart Jones tested Matthew Hall before on 77 minutes Lewis Short replaced Kieran Smith and proceeded to variously trip and elbow anyone who came near him at leftback. Thankfully he does have a long throw. Five minutes from time Bangor legend Les Davies trotted on in place of Mike Hayes but could only manage to sky a half chance from around the penalty spot. Bangor supplied Dean Rittenberg whose snap shot span wide from distance. With both sides pushing for a winner and time running out, a moment of individual quality lit up the closing stages. Young George Harry collected a crossfield ball, squared up fullback Disney before arching a superb right footer over and beyond goalkeeper Morris who was well beaten. If that is to be Bangor's final goal in the Welsh Premier it could scarcely have been better struck. That goal came into three minutes of added time which then passed with little to report. The blue horde on the grassy bank celebrated at the final whislte and the players acknowledged their efforts and support. A win which confirmed a second place finish for Bangor given that Connahs Quay lost at Cefn Druids on the same night. Photos above The Citizens Choice
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| FINAL SCORE 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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A bright sunny Sunday afternoon at Nantporth with Prematch news confirmed an unchanged Bangor team against the backcloth of the license rebsubmission due to be heard on Thursday. Within that line up a centrehalf role for Danny Holmes with Joel Bembo Leta at rightback or wingback.
The first half chance came via Arek Piskorski whose snap shot was deflected for a throw in at the Bangor End on three minutes. Several shapeless minutes followed as neither side threatened or exerted any control. On fourteen minutes a first corner for City as Laurence Wilson's cross was blocked. And moments later it was one nil as Steven Hewitt's delivery from the left was flicked home at the near post by Alex Darlington with goalkeeper Jones nowhere to be seen. Heard perhaps and seen booting the post angrily moments later. Five minutes later Luke Wall pulled the ball back to Dean Rittenberg but his first time effort lacked the power to beat Jones. Midway through the half a stoppage for Piskorski to receive treatment for a head injury which seemed soon remedied. On 25 minutes a first corner for Cefn on the right crossed by Matty Owen and headed out by Tom Kennedy for a repeat pushed out by Matthew Hall for a third corner inside a minute, the first from the left, bungled out for a fourth again from the right claimed by Matt Hall and the danger passed. Bangor moved up to The Antelope End and Dean Rittenberg just failed to get a touch to Laurence Wilson's mishit shot which Jones gathered easily. On the half hour Naim Arsan was perhaps lucky to escape an early bath for a nasty challenge on Luke Wall. Nick Pratt must have been unsighted, so too the adjacent linesman. Next a freekick for City from the right crossed by Jones who fumbled the ball but gathered at the second attempt. A second Bangor corner from the left but this time Cefn defended firmly at the near post. As the ball was worked across to Bembo Leta on the right who was fouled by Mudimu who was shown the yellow card. Another freekick on the right, again Wilson on duty, headed clear by Arsan. Three minutes form the break a fifth Cefn corner flicked clear by Matt Hall and fired upfield to Joel Bembo Leta as City looked to break. In the action that followed Hajdari booted clear in front of goal as Jones half saved Dean Rittenberg's low shot - with a bit of help from the near post. Cefn countered and Arsan crossed to James Davies whose weak effort was easy for Matt Hall. One added minute amounted to nothing and City left the field with a one goal to nil lead to show for their general dominance of the first half. photos above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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| No changes at the interval. City now attacking the Bangor End with the sunny weather prevailing. 
And the half nearly got off in startling fashion as Danny Holmes ran
through and unleashed a thunderbolt from 35 yards which crashed against
the Druids crossbar under anxious gaze of goalkeeper Jones. Then Luke Wall shot wide from distance but Jones had this one under control.Six minutes after the resumption Danny Gossett fired over from twenty yards. Cefn were still very much in the game and from a sixth corner, half cleared to Mudimu, the centreback Peate just failed to get a touch. Moments later Michael Pritchard lashed wide from close range when off balance. Seconds later, on 55 minutes, George Harry came on for Laurence Wilson on the left. The young substitute then shot on target from twenty five yards but Jones saved comfortably. A seventh Cefn corner confidently crossed by Matty Owen was held by Matt Hall. City had the edge in midfield where Danny Gosset and Steven Hewitt held sway over Matty Owen who had little support from the lanky left footer Mudimu. Hajdari was his usual industrious self. Bangor broke through Wall on the right and won a freekick fired goalwards by Steven Hewitt and deflected for a third Bangor corner on 68 minutes. Nathan Peate headed clear before City forced a fourth corner seconds later. Cefn broke and Piskorksi nipped in behind Tom Kennedy but fired across goal. Hajdari was lucky not to be booked as he felled Steven Hewitt as he ran upfield, City were awarded a freekick but that came to nothing. The young midfielder was then yellow carded for another trip on half way and seconds later on 72 minutes he made way for Ashley Ruane as Cefn boosted their fire power. Cefn were beaking up play with a series of petty fouls which angered the home crowd but it was Michael Jones who picked up a head injury as he slid at the feet of George Harry. With seven minutes left Luke Wall crossed from the left and Dean Rittenberg hit the crossbar from close range as City sought a second goal. At the other end Ben Burrows crossed but Michael Pritchard could only steer the chance straight at Matt Hall. In the closing minutes a couple more corners for Cefn, the second of which was claimed by Hall who calmed the home nerves. This was the best spell of the game as the vistors pressed via an aerial barrage. The clearest chance fell to Arek Piskorski whose headed was easy for Hall. Into three minutes of added time a freekick from the left for Cefn, close to the touchline. Matty Owen crossed and Nathan Peate rose highest to head goalwards but he struck the crossbar with just over a minute to tick away. And yet the final action saw Tom Kennedy clear, Luke Wall race towards goal and fire at goal but he too hit the post! So a close scoreline, a deserved home win, and level on points with second placed Connahs Quay with just the Friday night games to play. |
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photos above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| FINAL SCORE 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| At Farrar Road many years ago a High Street wag bellowed "Cmon referee you're ruining a bad game". He would have been tempted to repeat his jibe at Deeside on Saturday. The only thing to add is that this was a poor game on a very poor pitch which gave Matthew Hall kittens in the second half as the ball adopted a mind of its own as it hopped and jigged back towards him at the River Dee End. 
The referee in question was the reliably wretched Huw Jones who
lives somewhere near me in Oswestry. His petty, fussy and random style
saw ten yellow cards flashed plus a red alongside a double dismissal
for the home manager and his assistant on six minutes.Both sides had half hearted penalty appeals turned down either side of the ten minutes mark. By now Messrs Morrison and Gibson had been sent packing, the big west countryman into the stand and his little apprentice behind his goalkeeper on the athletics track. The immediate improvement in the Bangor defence from a week earlier was largely due to Anthony Miley who shook off injury to add height and commitment, lining up alongside Danny Holmes and Tom Kennedy in a back three as Joel Bemba Leta and Laurence Wilson played wingback. Bangor's best move of the opening twenty minutes saw Luke Wall cross to Dean Rittenberg who headed over but the linesman had his offside flag held high. City then won a corner as Dean Rittenberg's looping header disturbed Danby, then Michael Bakare fired a shot on the turn well over at the other end. On 32 minutes a yellow card for Johnny Spittle for a foul on half way and then, quick as a flash, a card for Danny Gossett for a challenge in the Nomads box. Moments later a deserved card for Steven Hewitt as he blocked Sean Smith as he broke over half way. Pugnacious winger Ryan Wignall then got himself yellow carded for leaving the pitch and rolling back on for treatment near the half way line. Five minutes before the interval he was replaced by leading goalscorer Mike Wilde who was available after suspension. The odd little official then added one minute of extra time but played an additional fourty seconds more, clearly to allow the home side to take an attacking throw in. He blew immediately City headed clear. Still a blank first half in terms of goals but action aplenty for Mr Jones. Photo above Dean Rittenberg challenges Mike Pearson (The Citizens Choice)
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| HALF TIME 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No changes at the interval City now defending the River Dee End and attacking the other. An early yellow card for Anthony Miley for foot up on Declan Poole before Danny Holmes and Bembo Leta defended stoutly to deny Michael Bakare as the threatened down the left. Seven minutes after the restart Anthony Miley was forced to head Poole's effort over but from the second flag kick in succession Matthew Hall calimed the cross confidently. On 57 minutes Dean Rittenberg ran through on goal and was stopped by Danby who chested his effort down outside the box. The ball ran Luke Wall whose thirty five yard effort hit the crossbar and looped up for Danby to gather as he scrambled back. A minute later Bakare was replaced by Nathan Woolfe who took up his left wing berth. And on 58 minutes Sean Smith crossed for Callum Morris to head home at the back post courtesy of a flick on from substitute Wilde. 
Moments after the restart Andy Owens galloped clear on goal but his low
shot was kept out by the feet of Matthew Hall as City had to hang on.On 63 minutes Luke Wall broke down the right and his cross was half cleared to Steven Hewitt but he fired over from outside the box. Three minutes later Johnny Spittle accumalated the inevitable second yellow card to earn an early bath for a challenge on Steven Hewitt as he crossed half way. In a bid to increase their attacking options City sent George Harry on for Tom Kennedy on 67 minutes. The youngster took up a rightwing berth with Luke Wall switching to the left. With twenty minutes to go Andy Owens was yellow carded for delaying taking a throw in and moments later made way for Jamie Owen. City won a freekick on the right of the box but Laurence Wilson could not get enough devil in his effort and Danby saved comfortably. With fifteen mintues to Joel Bemba Leta burst into the box and went down under pressure. With City fans hoping for a penalty the referee instead booked the big defender for simulation. He quickly made way for Menai Bridge youngster Sam Jones who added some pace and urgency to the blues frontline. By now Matthew Hall was dreading every back pass as the ball jumped like a manic frog on the ill kept pitch. The watching Gwyn Derfel might have been considering offering the Deesiders a shiny plastic replacement but unfortunately they have one a hundred yards away. Luke Wall crossed from the left but Dean Rittenberg headed wide. The west country tones now held an air of desparation as City looked like making a dent on the Nomads lead. And the best chance of the game was about to emerge as Alex Darlington lofted the ball through for Steven Hewitt who raced on goal but sliced his low shot wide from ten yards. In the four minutes of added time Mr Jones yellow carded John Danby for timewasting but it mattered not as the Nomads ran out one nil winners and effectively sealed second spot in the process. Play offs perhaps for Bangor if they achieve the license, if not the Neptune Court mandarins will have some head scratching to do. Photo Johnny Spittle sees red (The Citizens Choice)
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| FINAL SCORE 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Welsh Cup Semi Final |
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no mistake this was as heavy a beating as the scoreline suggests. Men
against boys even. And without some poor finishing and good goalkeeping
it could have been worse. Luckily there weren't too many there to see
the destruction.The initial impression from the warm ups was that Connahs Quay looked a big strong side, Bangor looked younger and lightweight. Of course despite which City had beaten them in WP games this season. The early omens were positive enough, Steven Hewitt fired on goal and forced John Danby into a low stop before Danny Holmes low strike was arrowing into the bottom corner before the Nomads keeper pulled off a more urgent save. But on or soon after the Deesiders began to establish a dominance, intiially through a series of corners which tested the blues defence. In all this though Matthew Hall was not unduly troubled as the midway point of the half came and went. But on 25 minutes the sixth and seventh corners for Connahs Quay came along before, on 27 minutes Andy Owens headed home Declan Poole's deep cross from the left. Owens exploited the lack of height in the blues defence with Anthony Miley forced to watch from the sidelines. Former Rhyl winger Rob Hughes then threatened a couple of times before on 34 minutes Ryan Wignall cut in from the left to beat Matthew Hall with a clean strike to double the lead. And three minutes later Michael Bakare kept up his record of scoring in every round with a similar goal to Wignall's. This was effectively game over and a determined Nomads side showed no interest in letting their foot off the pedal. With the damage done City tried to respond but found Mike Pearson and Johnny Spittle in command at the back. The half time whistle blew on a truly dismal spell for Bangor with some long faces amongst players and supporters scattered around Belle Vue. |
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| HALF TIME 0-3 |
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| A change at the interval for Bangor as George Harry replaced Guto Williams. Could the young striker spark a revival for the shell shocked blues? Ten minutes after the restart the Nomads delivered an emphatic no as Andy Owens fired home low from distance to beat Matthew Hall's full length dive. And on the hour mark Andy Owens grabbed his hatrick as he latched onto a Bakare pass to find the back of the net. The twenty or so Nomads fans amongst the mediocre crowd could scarcely believed their eyes. The giant striker had scored twice for Telford against City in a pre season match four years ago and had now gone one better in a competitive game. A couple of changes soon after the goal saw Danny Harrison replaced Rob Hughes and City send on Sam Jones for Gary Taylor Fletcher. Right winger Luke Wall threatened the goal with a low shot but Danby had it covered all the way. Bangor won what was their second corner of the evening and Danny Gossett met the cross but sent his header wide. Minutes later Andy Owens charged down the left but shot weakly at Hall. On 72 minutes Gethin Thomas replaced Steven Hewitt in the blues midfield and three minutes later Kai Edwards handled the ball in the box and City had a penalty. Up stepped young George Harry to crash the ball home to make the scoreline five one. But as if to prove they had the game in their hands the Nomads replied within two minutes as Nathan Woolfe who fired home from the edge of the box to restore the five goal advantage. And that was to prove to be the final action of note, an incredible evening on the pitch with most people expecting a hard, close fought game. No criticism of Connahs Quay or Rhyl whose Belle Vue ground was well prepared as always. But the decision to schedule this match for a Saturday evening appeared to reduce the crowd by perhaps three or four hundred. Certainly 398 is an embarrassment generated by what was either a mindless or very selfish decision by the broadcasters and readily agreed by the FAW. Genuine Welsh football fans, supporters of the domestic game, wonder why crowds are so low.. |
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Photo above with thanks to
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| FINAL SCORE 1-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor completed a home double over a much changed New Saints at Nantporth on Saturday evening. And the star of the show for City was Matthew Hall who denied - and defied - Greg Draper time after time as the Kiwi striker threatened. In the opening minutes Tom Holland fired over before Matthew Hall saved well from Greg Draper as the visitors looked to sweep City aside. Part of the problem for Bangor seemed to eminate from an unfamiliar back three set up which was unsettled by movement down the flanks. But on six minutes a loud penalty shout from City fans behind the goal at the Antelope End as young Ben Clark blocked Alex Darlington's shot with his arm. In fairness it was at point blank range. But on ten minutes City had the lead. The impressive Danny Holmes slid the ball down the right to Luke Wall whose cross was headed goalwards by Alex Darlington. Goalkeeper Harrison pulled off a fine stop but Darlington rolled the loose ball across to Dean Rittenberg who netted his fifteenth goal of the season from two yards out. Against the flow of play perhaps but a lead nonetheless. Within a minute Matthew Hall saved well from Greg Draper and then Dean Ebbe as the Shropshire side won a couple of corners, the second following another save, this time at his near post from Kevin Kauber. On nineteen minutes an enforced change for Bangor as Anthony Miley limped off to be replaced by Guto Williams. This triggered a change of shape with calm eighteen year old slotting into midfield in front of a back four in a 4-3-3 formation. The game became more evenly contested now as first Danny Holmes and then left back Simon Spender fired off target from distance. The re organised defence looked more solid and young Guto did his job alongside Danny Gosset and Steven Hewitt in the blues midfield. Credit though to Tom Kennedy and Danny Holmes who stood strong when danger threatened. Five minutes before the interval Danny Gosset wriggled in along the touchline from the right but the blues forwards got in each others way and ther ball ran out for a goalkick. Then two minutes from time another Matthew Hall save as a Greg Draper snapshot crashed into the ground from six yards but Hall somehow tipped the effort onto the crossbar. Simply outstanding, a hugely impressive first half from the young custodian. Into a minute of added time both sides won and largely wasted freekicks the second of which saw Joel Bembo Leta head on goal but Harrison gathered comfortably. So a narrow interval lead for the blues due in no small part to the former West Bromich goalkeeper,, |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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| No changes at the interval for either side. The blues now attacking the Bangor End, an early cross shot from Ryan Brobbel drifted wide before on the hour mark another good save from Matthew Hall as Greg Draper threatened once more. 
Minutes later a couple of stoppages as first Tom Holland and then Danny
Holmes suffered injuries and few minutes later Dean Ebbe sent a header
wide of the target.With twenty minutes left Simon Spender also headed wide as the second half failed to live up to the excitement of the first. Nick Pratt had a decent game in my opinion but young Craven should have been shown the yellow card for a high foot lunge on half way. The former Cefn Druids youngster then fired well wide from distance as clear cut opening were at a premium. The visitors continued to have the lions share of possession but to little effect. In the blues midfield substitute Williams, Danny Gossett and Steven Hewitt worked overtime to protect their defence and keep the game on an even keel. Twelve minutes from time Ben Clark also fired high and wide from long range which only troubled the caravaners at Woodside. Ten minutes before the whistle yet another Hall v Draper contest which the twenty year old won once more. By now the Somerset born striker bore a slightly resigned expression. Moments later a second change for Bangor as Brayden Shaw came on for a weary Luke Wall who had been amongst City better outfield performers. In the closing two or three minutes The Saints sent on teenage subs Harry Bower and Callum Jones for Kevin Kauber and Ben Clark respectively before two minutes of added time came and went without incident. A vital win for Bangor, three big points towards their European ambitions, with a great deal owed to Matthew Hall whose one man battle with Greg Draper was the highlight of the game. Well done! photos above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| FINAL SCORE 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor struck for a vital win in a close fought battle at the Cyncoed Stadium. And in so doing gained a measure of revenge for a 3-1 defeat against pretty much the same students in the opening phase of fixtures. 
The home side started the stronger and Matthew Hall was called into
action with early saves from Elliot Evans and fullback Dylan Rees.
Evans fired left footed from the edge of the box whilst Rees failed to
get any power into his close range effort after strong work down the
right from the marauding Roscrow. After having a handball - freekick-
shout waved away by referee Morgan the first threat from the visitors
came on twenty minutes when Luke Wall fired over after goalkeeper
Fuller failed to gather a Steven Hewitt freekick.Three minutes later Matthew Hall did well to keep out a shot from Adam Roscrow as the students continued to threaten the Bangor goal. The opening goal came on the half hour mark. George Harry played the ball forward to Alex Darlington who chipped Will Fuller but the Met keeper parried the ball which dropped behind him for the blues striker to control and slot wide of Joel Edwards who had got back onto the line. But the students were level six minutes later when Emlyn Lewis headed home powerfully from a Elliot Evans freekick from the right. Blues striker George Harry was then injured following a strong challenge from Met goalscorer Lewis and minutes before the interval City were forced into a change as the teenageg striker limped off to be replaced by fit again Brayden Shaw. The half time score stood at one all. |
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| HALF TIME 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
No changes at the interval. But City with no choice but to push forward for the all important winner in the second period. Five minutes after the restart another hefty challenge, this time from Adam Roscrow, resulted in the first yellow card of the afternoon. Brayden Shaw sent a right footed curler from the left which Fuller did well to palm over. The home side went close as Adam Roscrow saw his effort hit the post. Then ten minutes after the restart a first change for Cardiff as Chris Baker replaced Josh Barnett. But on 54 minutes Bangor had their second goal and the all important lead. Luke Wall released Steven Hewitt down the right, his inviting lowe cross was swept home at the near post by Dean Rittenberg for his 14th goal of the season. Two minutes later substitute Brayden Shaw went close to increasing the lead but his shot veered wide of the target. On 66 minutes a second change for the home side as Dan Spencer came on for Will Evans and two minutes the change nearly had an impact as Elliot Evans saw his long range freekick strike the Bangor cross bar. Within a minute Luke Wall chased past Joel Edwards but could not keep his powerful shot on target. With fifteen minutes to go a second change for City as Yves Zama replaced goalscorer Rittenberg and ten minutes later Joel Bembo Leta stiffened the blues defence as he came on for Luke Wall who had impressed on the right. No further scares for City as the final minutes ran out and the whistle blew on a hard earned win on the 3G which has yet to see a home win since the second phase of fixtures began. Photos above with thanks to Bangor City FC
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| FINAL SCORE 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor lost to runners up rivals Bala in a game which saw Chris Venables score twice and miss a second penalty for the Lakesiders. And the fact that blues goalkeeper Matthew Hall was heralded as City's best player suggests that the visitors were worthy winners. The outstanding Venables was in the thick of the action all evening with an early shot that tested Matthew Hall on seven minutes and then on the quarter hour a foul on Steven Hewitt that gave City an attacking freekick on the left. Hewitt swung the ball in for Yves Zama to head home and give Bangor an early lead. Moments later Venables fouled Hewitt again before on the half hour Gary Taylor Fletcher found himself in a couple of promising positions but was flagged offside both times. After a brief stoppage for Danny Holmes to receive treatment Yves Zama bullied his way past Stuart Jones to unleash a fierce strike which Ashley Morris did well to keep out. But on 39 minutes the visitors were level. Glenn Rule sent over a deep cross to Stuart Jones and his header was tapped home by Chris Venables from close range. Bangor looked to responded immediately as Rule fouled Danny Gossett on the edge of the box for a freekick which Steven Hewitt fired at goal but Morris again kept out, with Anthony Miley unable to keep the rebound on target. There was a late booking for Ian Sheridan for a foul on Luke Wall and a timely challenge to deny the dangerous Yves Zama but the whislte blew on an evenly contested opening half with honours even. Photos above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| HALF TIME 1-1 |
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| No changes at the interval. The visitors soon tested Matthew Hall with first Mike Hayes and then Kieran Smith shooting on target. But City countered through Luke Wall who pounced on a loose ball in the Bala box but fired over. But ten minutes after the restart disaster for Bangor as Joel Bemba Leta was harshly ruled to have conceded a penalty which Chris Venables duly drove home to put the visitors ahead. The tall midfielder cum striker has been the outstanding Welsh player in this domestic competition over the past five years. On 64 minutes a first change for Bangor as goalscorer Zama made way for George Harry. But two minutes after this change more calamity for Bangor as Gary Taylor Fletcher was ajudged to have handled in the box. A second penalty for Bala and Chris Venables but Matthew Hall refused to be beaten and the score stayed at two one for the visitors. On 71 minutes a change for Bala as Andrai Jones replaced Mike Hayes. Dean Rittenberg gathered the ball on the left and tried one of his trademark curlers but the shot flew wide. With then minutes to go a change for each side as Bangor lad Les Davies came on for Kieran Smith and Alex Darlington replaced Dean Rittenberg. City won a corner and then a freekick which came to nothing but as time ran out the most significant action saw Matthew Hall stand strong to deny the rampaging Les Davies as he ran clear on goal. Four minutes of added time came and went with the Bala defence, marshalled by the Stuart Jones' rarely troubled. So a disappointing evening for the hoem faithful but a deserved win for Bala who now move into second with a game in hand over City. |
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Photos above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| FINAL SCORE 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Welsh Cup Quarter Final |
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| Bangor
cruised into the Welsh Cup Semi Finals with a seven goal win over
Merthyr based Penydarren. And hatricks from Luke Wall and Yves Zama led
the way. But this should not detract from an entertaining cup tie in which the fifth tier visitors played a full part and played with a positive attitude and good spirit throughout. Attacking The Antelope End Bangor won a third minute corner which came to nothing but the visitors had already missed a golden opportunity as Chris Owens headed wide from close range. On eight minutes a second corner for City as George Harry saw his shot deflected wide.  But on eleven minutes Bangor took the lead. Anthony Miley passed to Luke Wall who beat Jon Green all ends up with a long range strike which hit the top right hand corner.Danny Holmes struck a fine crossfield ball to Yves Zama but he fired over. Then on twenty minutes a heavy late challenge from Chris Owens went unpunished by Huw Jones which was simply unacceptable. It mattered not though on 24 minutes as the blues doubled their lead. The mercurial Luke Wall lifted the ball to George Harry eight yards out. His firm effort struck goalkeeper Green and ran out to Steven Hewitt who swept the ball into the empty net. Penydarren did not give up. They won a freekick which Josh Brogden headed wide from the penalty spot as the game slid into a scrappier phase. Young Ben Jones caught the eye for the Merthyr side with a slide rule pass for Owens but Danny Holmes put him off with a well timed challenge. Then Jones cut in from the right but fired low at Matthew Hall who gathered cleanly. With eight minutes to go to the break City regained a measure of control as Steven Hewitt fired a long range freekick at Green but again Pen bounced back with a speculative volley from Owens which flew well over the bar. With five minutes left a second very poor call from Mr Jones who failed to see Ben Gibbons block Luke Wall's shot with his arm. The distance between striker and defender was several yards, the offence as clear as day. Penalty all day long but nothing given. In the closing minute Brogden again went wide from close in and Gibbons received a yellow card for a heavy challenge from behind on Yves Zama. And that was about it, City well worth their lead but signs from the visitors that they still had plenty of fight left in them. Photo above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| HALF TIME 2-0 |
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| No changes at the interval. Bangor now attacking the City End (surely someone could name the ends) and with all still to play for. That situation changed drastically inside two minutes of the second period as George Harry released Tom Kennedy on the left. His precision cross was headed home at the back post by Yves Zama to make the score three nil.  And four minutes later, on 51 minutes, it was four nil and definitely all over. Luke Wall
dispossed a dawdling defender, turned with a drag back and placed the
ball beyond the despairing Green. A superb piece of individua skill
from the outstanding left footer. It was all over bar the shouting but
the visiting fans were still supporting their side and City fans were
in bullish mood as the substitutions began. The first change on 53
minutes as the long serving Kyle Sullivan made way for the imposing
Nathan Williams.On 57 minutes Dan Holmes had a shot defelcted for a fifth Bangor corner from which Yves Zama went close at the post. Pen midfielder Alex Lloyd shot on target but Matthew Hall pulled off a routine save. Just after the hour a raft of substitutions. First Kinsey and Keating replaced Lewis and Owens. Then a triple change as Gethin Thomas, Guto Williams and goalkeeper Connor Roberts came on for Steven Hewitt, George Harry and Matt Hall respectively. Not often you see a goalkeeper changed (there was no evident injury), good management too for giving Llanrug youngster Gethin Thomas and Abergele boy Guto Williams a chance to sample the atmosphere and gain some cup experience. On 70 minutes it was five nil thanks to a thunderous strike from Yves Zama thanks to another assist from Luke Wall on the right. The big number nine's second goal from a tight angle left goalkeeper Green bemused. But again the gutsy visitors refused to lie down and Connor Roberts pulled off an outstanding one handed save to deny substitute Nathan Williams who looked a threat on the right. Bangor went close again through Dean Rittenberg and Yves Zama but on 77 minutes another good save from Roberts this time from the skilful Brogden who caught the eye for the Merthyr side. With nine minutes to go a freekick on the right for Penydarren fired across low by Brogden was smothered by the alert Roberts who had been busier in his 25 minute outing than Matthew Hall had in double that. But with seven minutes to go it was six nil. A booming crossfield ball from Tom Kennedy picked out Luke Wall who ran into the box and slid home beyond Jonathan Green for his first hatrick in a Bangor shirt. Into the final minute and a seventh goal for City. Young Gethin Thomas ran into the box and was brought down by Asa Lloyd for a penalty which was spotted and crashed home by Yves Zama for his hatrick. A rarity in modern football two hatricks in a game, hard to remember the last one for City. Nevertheless a convincing win for Bangor to secure a semi final spot but credit to the spirited visitors who stuck to their guns, played football and might have gained a consolation goal or two with better luck. Good luck to them for the rest of the season. |
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Photo above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| FINAL SCORE 7-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| Two Steven Hewitt goals just before half time guided City to an important win at a chilly Rock on Friday night. Bangor dominated long spells of the opening period with as Danny Gossett and Steven Hewitt pulled the strings in midfield. Cefn won an early corner which came to nothing before City fired their first warning shot from Gary Taylor Fletcher whose header was held by Michael Jones. This came from a Tom Kennedy freekick flicked on by Yves Zama.  City continued to press at the car park end as young Fisnik Hajdari
conceded a freekick on the right. Again Tom Kennedy delivered and Hajdari
nearly turned Taylor Fletcher’s header into his own goal. On ten minutes Dean
Rittenberg fired on target but Jones denied him with a good low save.On the quarter hour mark another Bangor freekick delivered by Steven Hewitt headed goalwards by Gary Taylor Fletcher but pushed away for a corner by goalkeeper Jones. Two minutes later little Jamie Davies chased a left to right diagonal but Matthew Hall raced out to clear. On 25 minutes the veteran Neil Ashton was booked for comments passed to the young referee who warned the Ancients defender he would tolerate no more. The home side started to threaten more now as Davies again raced into a good position but Matthew Hall was in command. Further efforts from Ashley Ruane and Nathan Peate emphasised the growing menace but seven minutes before the break Steven Hewitt’s freekick appeared to strike the hand of a Cefn defender. Loud appeals for a penalty were waved away. Then a minute before the interval Bangor had the lead. Steven Hewitt latched onto Gary Taylor Fletcher’s lay off to beat Jones from the edge of the box, probably with the help of a slight deflection. No sooner one nil than two. Yves Zama twisted and turned in the Druids box and was brought down for a clear penalty. Mudimu thought otherwise though and his angry confrontation was rewarded with a yellow card for himself and, unfairly perhaps, Zama. Unflustered by these shenanigans Steven Hewitt blasted the spot kick home for a two goal advantage which stood at the interval as the two teams trotted off for a warming drink. |
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| HALF TIME 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No changes at the interval. The second half had the feel of job half done, with Bangor content to hold what they had and Cefn lacking any real cutting edge in attack to undermine their position. City went forward soon after the restart as Dean Rittenberg threatened but the offside flag Midfield generals Gossett and Hewitt were now in command with fullbacks Holmes and Kennedy also impressing. The powerful figure of Bembo Leta also left the home strikers wondering where to go to find time and space. Then another effort from Dean Rittenberg whose low shot beat Jones but not the upright and cannoned out for a goalkick. Midway through the half Zama won the ball in midfield, released Rittenberg to his left but the inrushing Danny Gossett could not keep his first time effort down. With fifteen minutes to go the ineffective Mudimu was replaced by Bala based Ilan Ap Gareth and soon after Iwan Cartwright limped off for Oswestry school teacher Alun Morris. The big defender had a half chance but his header flew wide. Defender Peate then seemed to throw an arm at Dean Rittenberg as he shielded the ball out on the left hand side but the blues striker made nothing of the incident. A final change for the home side as Jon Taylor came on for Jamie Davies whose movement had posed most of the danger for his team. The final minutes ran out with substitute Luke Wall seeing his shot blocked before referee Griffiths blew for time and City celebrated a well deserved win in the freezing conditions.  Photos above The Citizens Choice
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Welsh Premier |
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A commanding display from defensive lynchpin Anthony Miley guided Bangor to a hard fought win against visitors Copnnahs Quay. This result maintained City's push for second and made it three wins from three Welsh Premier encounters with Jock Morrison's men. The blues were pushed all the way by the Deeside outfit who were denied by some brave defending and at tim es outstanding goalkeeping from Matthew Hall.City kicked off attacking The Antelope End but the opening exchanges were edged by The Nomads for whom leading goalscorer Mike Wilde headed over inside five minutes following some positive play on the right wing from Declan Poole. On ten minutes the visitors forced a couple of corners as Anthony Miley and Tom Kennedy defended purposefully. Five minutes later another corner for Connahs Quay saw Michael Bakare fire into the side netting. Midway through the half the visitors pressed again through Bakare and Wilde with blues leftback Laurence Wilson injured as he cleared. On the half hour Sean Smith fired over the bar before Bangor stirred as Tom Kennedy found Gary Taylor Fletcher whose volley forced a fine save from John Danby as City forced their way into the game. But they suffered a setback as Alex Darlington limped off to be replaced by George Harry. In truth Bangor players had been on the receiving end of some heavy challenges from the visitors. Ten minutes before the interval Bangor had a penalty appeal against Kai Edwards waved away by Referee Lee Evans. But the last word belonged to Matthew Hall who pulled off a good low save from Michael Bakare to keep the blues on level terms as Referee Evans blew for half time moments later. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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| A change at the interval for City as Yves Zama replaced Luke Wall. City now attacking the Bangor end and from the restart more determined to snatch the opening goal. Five minutes into the second period Dean Rittenberg robbed Jake Phillips on the left and forced a full stretch save from John Danby as his curling right footer threatened the top corner. 
From the ensuing corner City went ahead as Kai Edwards inadvertently headed past his own goalkeeper after Michael Bakare appeared to flick Laurence Wilson's flag kick on.(This goal was initially credited to Anthony Miley) Soon after the restart things might have got worse for the visitors as Danny Harrison halted Yves Zama as he broke on half way. Referee Evans opted for a yellow card when red was an option. On 58 minutes a first change for the visitors as Ryan Wignall came on for Callum Morris. Ten minutes later a yellow card for Jamie Owen for a heavy challenge on Laurence Wilson. The Nomads pressed through Mike Wilde, Michael Bakare and Kai Edwards but Anthony Miley marshalled his defence and the danger passed. More substitutions on 72 and then 78 minutes as Andy Owens replaced Mike Wilde and then Rob Hughes came on for Jamie Owen. Both new signings over the January window. Ten minutes from time a good strike from Bakare was blocked by Danny Gossett and two minutes another yellow card for the abrasive visitors, this time to Sean Smith. With around five minutes left Joel Bembo Leta came on for a weary Gary Taylor Fletcher and within minutes the big substitute sent a shot wide from the edge of the box as City sought a conclusive second. Into the four added minutes and Bembo Leta unwittingly nearly turned the ball past his won keeper but Matthew Hall did well to prevent the unwanted own goal. As time ran out assistant manager Neil Gibson was sent to the stand for appearing to boot the dugout. Somethings never change. Finally the whistle blew and the 420+ fans present could celebrate an important win in the race for Europe. You cannot always win in great flowing style, as manager Kevin Nicholson rightly commented after the whistle, results are what matter most now. |
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Photo above with thanks to Aled Wyn Jones
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| FINAL SCORE 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| Bangor left empty handed after being outpassed and largely outplayed by the champions elect at Park Hall. Before a sparse crowd on a damp chill evening City kicked off attacking the car park end and started brightly but unfortunately soon ran out of steam. The opening quarter hour belonged to Bangor who seemed intent on making a statement with Danny Holmes sending over an inviting cross that no one could connect with before the chance of the evening - from a blues perspective - came and went. On the twelth minute Gary Taylor Fletcher sent Luke Wall in on goal but the left footer lashed his shot too close to Paul Harrison who made a decent save. The home side now gradually took control with their patient passing play from the back, with leftback Chris Marriott and new striker Dean Ebbe both having half chances to open the scoring. Midfielder Tom Holland and Aeron Edwards central to the home sides performance although recent signing Ebbe did not hold the same menace as normal number nine Greg Draper who was injured when the two sides met a month ago. But although the Shropshire side held sway blues goalkeeper Matthew Hall was not tested and just before half time City rallied to win a freekick on the left. This clearly upset the home side who had first Aeron Edwards and then Tom Holland booked for variously protesting the decision and then trying to delay the taking of the freekick. Ironically perhaps the set piece came to nothing which meant the two sides left the field with honours even although fair to say City had spent probably the final half hour chasing shadows or similar. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No changes at the interval for either side. With City now attacking the Bangor Hill end the blues fans gathered in the metallic stand which echoed their chants of support. But it was the home side who took the initiative from the kick off and within two minutes Matthew Hall did well to deny to energetic Aeron Edwards. City responded as Dean Rittenberg latched onto Luke Wall's pass but fired over.  On 53 minutes the game began to unravel. Some weak defensive work offered Aeron Edwards the chance to latch onto a loose ball and crash home from twelve yards.Minutes later Connal Rawlinson saw his header tipped over by Matthew Hall who was by now earning his keep in the blues goal. Danny Holmes went into Nick Pratt's book for a foul but on 63 minutes the home side double their lead as Aeron Edwards got on the end of a cross from Chris Marriott to grab his second of the evening. On 65 minutes a first change for Bangor as January signing Yves Zama came on for Alex Darlington and three minutes later Gary Taylor Fletcher was shown the yellow card for comments passed to the referee. Greg Draper came on for midfielder Tom Holland as he searched for his 100th WP goal. The pitch was by now hard and crunchy as the players trod warily as the frost settled. In fairness to Nick Pratt there appeared to be no complaints from the players or their benches and no one seemed to fall foul of the elements. With seven minutes left to play a low cross from Luke Wall just evaded the inrushing Dean Rittenberg as City looked to finish on the front foot and were repeatedly present the ball by the cumbersome Blaine Hudson booking aimless passes forwards. Minutes later one newcomer replaced another for the Saints as Irishman Dean Ebbe made way for the Estonian Kevin Mauber. As the game entered added time Hudson was replaced by Steve Saunders but it was Ryan Brobbel who had the last word with a great run and finish from the left which left Matthew Hall well beaten. So a three nil defeat for the blues and further proof if needed that the Park Hall side are the masters of this artificial surface. Photos above The Citizens Choice
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| FINAL SCORE 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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This was a strong team performance from Bangor who kicked off their
second phase fixtures with an emphatic win over the Cardiff side.
The pre match news saw Paul Connolly step in for Laurence Wilson with Tom Kennedy moving to left back. Further upfield there was a start for Alex Darlington but the two newcomers, who had scored at Llanrhaeadr, were on the bench. Bangor kicked off attacking The Antelope End on a firm Nantporth pitch, protected pre match by the two teams warming up on the adjacent 3G. The visitors began by dominating possession with a studious if futile display of sideways passing which ended in the sixth minute when Steven Hewitt snatched the ball and lashed wide from twenty yards. Two minutes later Bangor had the lead. Danny Holmes freed Luke Wall on the right, his inviting cross was headed home powerfully by Gary Taylor Fletcher from ten yards to leave Will Fuller no chance. An eighth goal of the season for the mercurial veteran reminscent of Wyn Davies who also wore the blue of Bangor and orange of Blackpool. 
But on eleven minutes a setback for City as Paul Connolly trudged off
to be replaced by Joel Bembo Leta in central defence. Cardiff now had to come out of their possession orientated stupour and attacked although one foray was cut short by a head injury to Will Evans which tempted a visiting defender to bellow an obscenity at the officials which appeared to go unheard. The first threat from the students came from a rusty looking Adam Roscrow who scuffed a shot at Matthew Hall from the right on twenty minutes before the Bangor keeper was yellow carded for a clearance on the edge of his box. The ball crashed out on the Menai Straits side but a freekick was duly awarded which Elliot Evans fired at goal but Danny Gossett bravely blocked and cleared. On the counter City won a corner crossed from the right but crashed narrowly wide by substitute Bembo Leta. The all action Gossett along with Steven Hewitt and Gary Taylor Fletcher were at the centre of all good things from City whilst Luke Wall had the beating of leftback McCarthy. Elliot Evans went close for Cardiff before City won another corner which again saw Bembo Leta have a shot blocked. Adam Roscrow was growing into the game and his snap shot from the left forced a good save from Matthew Hall and led to a couple of corners which City defended well. Ten minutes from time Danny Gossett raced in on goal and netted but the offside flag was already waving in the wind. Moments later the busy midfielder fired over from twenty yards after a Steven Hewitt diagonal had created a chance for Danny Holmes to cross. Five minutes before the interval Luke Wall picked out debutant Darlington on the left but Fuller did well to parry his fierce drive. Bangor won a couple more corners before Dean Rittenberg burst into the six yard area but Fuller denied him with a brilliant point blank save. Two minutes of added time signalled by the fourth official which saw Steven Hewitt shoot off target and as the half time whistle blew City left the field with a single goal advantage which scarcely reflected their dominance. Photo above The Citizens Choice
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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| No changes at the interval. Bangor now attacking the Bangor end with the wind blowing across from from the left hand corner flag into their faces. Four minutes after the restart Bangor doubled their lead. A fifth corner of the afternoon from the left was fired home at the near post by Anthony Miley from Steven Hewitt's cross. 
Cardiff responded on 55 minutes by introducing right winger Jordan Lam
for Joel McCarthy but it was City who continued to create the openings
as Dean Rittenberg ran into the box but was denied at close range by
Fuller. On the hour mark a debut yellow card for Alex Darlington for a
foul on Aaron James on the half way line.On 69 minutes City reaped the rewards their performance deserved and dispelled any fears of a copy cat comeback from the Met side who fought back from a two nil deficit in October. The goal came when Joel Bembo Leta's fourty yard pass picked out Dean Rittenberg who lifted the ball over Will Fuller and into the top right hand corner from the left of goal. City fans had barely finished celebrating the certain victory when goalscorer Rittenberg was replaced by Yves Zama. Cardiff kept their sense of purpose and Adam Roscrow fired on target from long range bu Matthew Hall saw it all the way. Yves Zama then cut in from the left but saw his right footer swerve side of the upright. Danny Holmes, who had impressed on the right with Luke Wall, then fired on target but Fuller held cleanly. Zama then fired across goal from the right and City strove for the fourth goal. The visitors theatened by once again Anthony Miley stood strong and cleared the danger. With ten minutes left Brayden Shaw replaced Danny Holmes and Gwion Howell came on for Will Evans. On ninety minutes a final change for the visitors as Adam Roscrow made way for Josh Barnett and in the three minutes of added time Yves Zama chased down a ball which seemed to be running out for a goalkick. He passed to Brayden Shaw but his shot from the left veered wide. So a comfortable win for the blues over a Cardiff side who had won both previous encounters between the two sides in the first schedule of fixtures. And with the other two top six matches ending in draws this was a positive start to the final phase for Bangor. |
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Photos above The Citizens Choice
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| FINAL SCORE 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| Bangor slid past Llanrhaeadr
on a slithery Recreational Field with both new signings scoring and
giving a good account of themselves in very difficult conditions. City gave debuts to recent signings Joel Bemba Leta in midfield and Yves Zama upfront. Certainly the powerful Leta stood strong alongside the hardworking Danny Gossett in midfield and looked the dominant blues (or reds) player on the day.  Bangor kicked off up the slight slope and into the wind. A sizeable crowd gathered around the sides, bolstered by those freed up by local postponements. But the early focus was on referee Nick Pratt as he awarded Llanrhaeadr an eighth mnute penalty. Blues goalkeeper Connor Roberts challenged Mark Griffiths at full stretch and the former Bala striker fell over to allow local lad Iwan Matthews to smash the ball beyond Roberts from the spot for a one nil lead.  But the visitors had not come to lie down and within five minutes Laurence Wilson crossed for number nine Yves Zama (right) to send a looping header over Connor Lee to level the scores. Both sides started to slug it out on a tricky slithery pitch. Referee Pratt soon began to influence the flow of the game with his random interventions. On 25 minutes Bangor went ahead, once more the new signings at the heart of the action. A Laurence Wilson cross from the left was flicked on by Zama for Joel Bemba Leta (left) to crash home from six yards to the delight of the noisy blues contingent. Leftback Dale Evans might have thought he had equalised but Tom Kennedy managed to divert his goalbound shot over. Danny Gossett and Bembo Leta were grafting in midfield whilst Anthony Miley was as full stretch to keep tabs on the veteran Griffiths. Seven minutes from the break Bembo Leata was yellow carded for a pull on Joe Vaughan before Iwan Matthews tested Connort Roberts with a fine strike from the left. The ball ran to Glenn Evans but his shot was blocked before Tom Bailey headed wide. Next a clever piece of play involving Dean Rittenberg and Luke Wall on the right released the marauding Zama but he fired into the side netting. Llanrhaeadr player manager Griffiths then threatened with a shot on the turn but sent his effort just wide of the post. In the three minutes of added time there was a yellow card for Danny Holmes for a poor challenge and that was about it. The pitch which had started off soft and slippery was now bobbly and treacherous. Perfect for cup football - and a cup upset! Photos above The Citizens Choice
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| HALF TIME 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No changes at the interval for either side. The theory was now that with the wind at their backs, being fitter and all that, City would dominate and stroll through. Well... City took the early initiative as they attacked the school end. The impressive Zama wriggled through three or four challenges before Dale Evans floored him on the blue right. A yellow card for the left back as Mr Pratt gathered momentum. A freekick to City which saw Dean Rittenberg shoot wide from the edge of the box. 
Seven minutes after the restart Bangor went three one up and the script
suggested they might. A Luke Wall cross from the right headed home emphatically by Joel Bemba Leta for his second of the afternoon on debut which he celebrated in acrobatic style. But rather than give up the Spar Mid side redoubled their efforts and threw everything they could at the blues goal. They pushed City back and won three corners on the bounce, their fifth, sixth and seventh of the afternoon to test Connor Roberts and his defence to the full. Ten minutes after the restart a clean strike from Iwan Matthews brought a good save from Connor Roberts from a freekick which resulted in a close range effort being skied from close range by Tom Bailey. On the hour Matthews shot narrowly wide as he continued to threaten with his pace and trickery on the slithery surface. Referee Pratt ramped up the fines finances with three yellows inside a mnute, one for Laurence Wilson for a poor tackle quickly followed by two more for Anthony Miley and Tom Bailey for reasons unknown. On 68 minutes the inevitable red card as Laurence Wilson was shown a second yellow for a tackle from behind on Iwan Matthews. How would City manage for the final twenty with ten men? One advantage was the two goal cushion, the other the narrow pitch which made it very difficult to get in behind. With twenty minutes left young Guto Williams replaced Dean Rittenberg and then Dale Evans and Mark Griffiths made way for Iain Edmunds and Khyam Wytton. Momnets later a yellow card for burly Glenn Evans as Llanrhaeadr conceded a freekick which Joel Bembo Leta headed just over as he searched for a hatrick. One final change for the home side saw Dan Graham come on for Tom Bailey. Brayden Shaw got the ball out of his feet and shot on goal but Lee saved well down by the foot of his post.  Then with nine minutes left George Harry replaced Luke Wall before Joel Bembo Leta again went close but goalkeeper Lee was up to the challenge. Four minutes left on the clock as Sam Jones trotted on for Yves Zama who had impresedon debut. But with three minutes to go the ten men had their backs to the wall as Iwan Matthews crossed for Dan Graham to flick the ball home despite the best efforts of the mud and blues defenders. Into added time - no electronic boards - and as players and supporters scratched their heads about the time remaining a yellow card for Kieran Evans and four minutes into what proved to be six - Sam Jones raced clear only to be brought down by Dan Kelly. Second yellow and red for the defender which even to hardened Pratt watchers seemed harsh. And that was about it, the final whistle finally blew and City slid out of Llanrhaeadr with their cup hopes alive after an exciting accident ridden afternoon in the Tanat Valley. A word of praise for the village side both in terms of their efforts on the pitch and the preparations off it, good luck for the rest of the season. Photos above The Citizens Choice
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| FINAL SCORE 2-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| Bangor
slipped to a narrow defeat at Park Hall despite deserving at least a share of the spoils. Needless to say Referee Bryn Markham Jones was the focal point of a moment of controvesy. City left Anthony MIley and Paul Connolly on the bench and started with Guto Williams alongside Tom Kennedy in central defence. City settled quicker and won a early corner after a jittery clearance from Rawlinson before the one paced Tom Holland was yellow carded for a pull on Luke Wall as he threatened on the blues right. Tom Holland picked out Greg Draper who fired over from the left on the quarter hour. Then Steven Hewitt's raking diagonal found Luke Wall whose instant control opened up the defence but Paul Harrison saved comfortably. Minutes later Dean Rittenberg supplied Luke Wall whose cross from the right was volleyed goalwards by Gary Taylor Fletcher but Harrison pulled off a tremendous stop. Just before the half hour, Draper who was after 100th WP goal, forced a fine save from Matthew Hall who had scarcely been inolved up to that time. Five minutes before the interval Dean Rittenberg supplied George Harry but he was denied by Harrison as his near post. But there was a major scare for City minutes before the interval as a defensive slip up on half way left in Greg Draper but Guto Williams recovered impressively to deny the Somerset born striker with a well timed challenge as he closed in on goal. So a blank first half during which Bangor had bettered the English side but found goalkeeper Paul Harrison in defiant form. Certainly Luke Wall, Steven Hewitt and Gary Taylor Fletcher had asked questions of the league leaders defence that they had to let the glovesman answer. |
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| No changes at the interval for either side. The blues fans now relocated to the stand behind the far goal and continued their noisy support. But the action switched to the other end as TNS won a corner which was headed over by Rawlinson from close range. Ten minutes after the restart another great stop by Harrison to deny George Harry who firm strike from the left came from a Dean Rittenberg pass. Within a minute Matthew Hall did well to keep out an acrobatic effort from Greg Draper as chances came and went at both ends. Next Gary Taylor Fletcher saw his goalbound effort deflected wide Controvesy was now on the horizon. Danny Gossett was shown the yellow card by Mr Jones for a clear pull on Jamie Mullan as the little Saint broke upfield. A minute later Tom Holland committed a very similar offence and was apparently on the verge of a (second) yellow card when the official relented and merely awarded the freekick. With thirty minutes left to play this was a big decision which in all fairness the referee appeared reluctant to make. Just over twenty minutes remained when it seemed the home side had the lead. A TNS corner was headed home by Blaine Hudson but the beanpole defender had climbed over Tom Kennedy and a freekick cut short the celebrations. With around fifteen minutes to play both sides made a change. First Brayden Shaw came on for George Harry and then Alex Darlington replaced Greg Draper who had been injured a short while earlier. On 79 minutes Aeron Edwards put the home side ahead as Darlington square the ball from the right. But City were far from beaten and four minutes later Luke Wall fired home from ten yards out after Brayden Shaw's header and a Gary Taylor Fletcher shot had been repelled. Taylor Fletcher shouted for a penalty against Spender in the melee but Referee Jones rightly allowed the follow up. Three minutes from time, with a draw seeming likely, Blaine Hudson netted again and this time the goal stood. The Shropshire side celebrated a goal which effectively clinched the league title in early January. So an undeserved defeat for Bangor on a ground which holds few happy memories for City fans. But a performance to be proud of, in particular the outstanding Tom Kennedy alongside seventeen year old Guto Williams who is surely destined for better things. And when did Bangor last play at Park Hall in a match which saw the home goalkeeper their outstanding player. Photos above The Citizens Choice
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| FINAL SCORE 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor bounced back from recent disappointments with a three one win over Newtown at Nantporth. As the sparse Friday evening crowd filed into a chilly SVM Stadium the two sides warmed up on the adjacent 3G. When they emerged before kick off the Robins had left their re-signing Alex Fletcher on the bench whilst City gave starts to teenagers Guto Williams an d George Harry.But it was leading goalscorer Dean Rittenberg who fired the first warning shot with a effort which flew wide to the right from the edge of the box.  Ten minutes in a
Newtown corner brought a telling clearance from Matt Hall before City
went close through George Harry and Dean Rittenberg.But the first decisive blow arrived on 17 minutes as City took the lead. Steven Hewitt lifted the ball over the visitors defence for Gary Taylor Fletcher to run through and volley beyond Dave Jones. The Newtown bench and back four claimed offside but the goal stood. On 25 minutes a Newtown corner slipped from the grasp of goalkeeper Hall but the Newtown forward smashed over from close range. As the first half drew towards the final five minutes Tom Goodwin fouled Steven Hewitt but his pass had already freed Dean Rittenberg who forced a good save - in two stages - from Dave Jones. A good advantage played, a corner for City and a yellow card for the Newtown midfielder. The final action of the first half saw Gary taylor Fletcher win the ball and slide Luke Wall in on goal but the visitors defence closed ranks and the danegr passed. So a slender, slightly controversial, but deserved lead for City at the interval and at last a goal for the home faithful to cheer. Photo above with thanks to Bangor City (& Richard Birch)
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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| No changes at the interval. Bangor now attacking the City End. Both sides had some promising moments but the first period of pressure came from Bangor for whom Laurence Wilson unleashed a fierce dipping volley which just cleared the crossbar. This after some good battling from Danny Gossett who won the loose ball and supplied the lurking left peg. Then seven minutes after the restart Bangor doubled their lead. Luke Wall passed to nineteen year old striker George Harry cut in from the left and fired home from the edge of the box to beat the despairing Jones. In the aftermath Newtown defender Kieran Mills Evans was shown the yellow card by Mr Williams for dissent. 
Robins manader Chris Hughes made the first change of the evening
as Joe Kenton replaced former Caersws midfielder Jolyon Harries who was
injured minutes earlier. On the hour mark he went double or bust with
his final two changes as midfielders Alex Fletcher and Ryan Kershaw
came on for Tom Goodwin and Nick Rushton.Kenton was quickly into the action but his long range effort faded well wide. Jamie Reed went close for the visitors but was flagged offside before Dean Rittenberg's effort was saved by Dave Jones but Gary Taylor Fletcher could not get his shot away and Jones gathered at his feet. Then Taylor Fletcher ran through on goal but dragged his shot wide. With Bangor not able to take their chances Newtown seized the moment as Alex Fletcher crossed and Neil Mitchell sent a looping header over blues keeper Matt Hall to halve the deficit. Joe Kenton was the next name into the officials book again for dissent. Ten minutes from time and another good advantage from Tom Williams and another yellow card, this time for Ryan Kershaw, the second replacement to find his name taken. Young blues defender Guto Williams was the next name in the book. With six minutes left Newtown thought they had equalised as Ryan Sears had the ball in the net but the offside flag cut short any celebrations./ And hopes of a comeback were dashed a minute later as George Harry grabbed his second of the evening after Dave Jones had twice denied Luke Wall with some defiant goalkeeping. Moments later young Cai Owen replaced rightback Danny Holmes as City finished with three teenagers on the pitch. Credit to goalscorer Harry and seventeen year old centreback Guto Williams who had fared well against the wily Jamie Reed. In what was left of the time Gary Taylor Fletcher might have made it four but he flashed his effort wide but it mattered not as Referee Williams blew for time and the three points belonged to Bangor. |
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Photo above with thanks to Bangor City (& Richard Birch)
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| FINAL SCORE 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor started 2018 with a home defeat as Llandudno snatched a late late winner against the run of play and one which owed much to a huge slice of luck...
The
pre match news saw Anthony Miley fail a fitness test which meant a flat
back four included Tom Kennedy and Paul Connolly. In the continued
absence of Damien Allen who watched from the stand James Demetriou led the attack alongside Dean Rittenberg. Attacking The Antelope End it was Bangor who fired the first shot as Danny Gossett crashed over from the edge of the box after good work from Danny Holmes.  On the quarter hour Danny Holmes was forced to head over his own crossbar. Bangor cleared Shaun Cavanagh's corner and raced upfield courtesy of a telling pass from Laurence Wilson to James Demetriou whose layoff invited an effort from Dean Rittenberg but Dave Roberts saved low in the middle of the goal. Minutes later Gary Taylor Fletcher bustled into the visitors box but Roberts saved his deflected shot. Midway through the half Dean Rittenberg cut in from the left but his right footed curler was again claimed by Roberts. Llandudno threatened from a Toby Jones freekick but Matt Hall comfortably caught Shaun Cavanagh's header. On 27 minutes City won a corner which taken short to Steven Hewitt whose dipping strike landed on the crossbar with Roberts back peddling. Injuries then began to disrupt City as Paul Connolly limped off to be replaced at centreback by seventeen year old Guto Williams. The Abergele youngster cut a composed figure in the heart of the defence. Gary Taylor Fletcher smashed a cross in from the right which Llandudno cleared before Danny Hughes missed the target by fourty yards as he fired from that distance out. Ten minutes before the interval a freekick for the visitors was punched out by Matt Hall to the waiting Shaun Cavanagh but he volleyed well over. Both sides had chances as Mike Williams headed at Matt Hall before Luke Wall forced two saves from Dave Roberts in as many minutes. But further problems befell Bangor as Danny Gossett limped off to be replaced by Brayden Shaw three minutes before the break. Luke Wall and Dean Rittenberg both had long range efforts for City before, in the two added minutes, Marc Williams forced a save from Matt Hall and Steven Hewitt sent a long range effort well wide. So another goalless first half for Bangor fans and although Dave Roberts had been the busier of the two keepers he was not seriously tested often enough. Photo above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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| No changes at the interval. Bangor now attacking the City End. Within two minutes Brayden Shaw unleashed a trademark effort which forced a good save from Dave Roberts but the ensuing corner was cleared. Llandudno pushed forward and it took a timely intervention from Tom Kennedy to thwart Marc Williams before Sam Hart fired over the crossbar from 25 yards. Seven minutes in Brayden Shaw slid a well weighted pass through for Luke Wall but he lifted over from ten yards. On 56 minutes a first change for the visitors as former Connahs Quay midfielder Ryan Edwards came on for Shaun Cavanagh. Bangor enjoyed a period of sustained pressure which saw centrebacks Mike Williams and Danny Shaw stand firm and protect Dave Roberts who was not tested. Minutes later more of the same as Gary Taylor Fletcher worked his way into the box but Brayden Shaw's shot was blocked. 
On 69 minutes a Welsh Premier debut for Development side leading
goalscorer Sam Jones who replaced James Demetriou. The 18 year old came
through the Menai Bridge Tigers youth set up and has 21 goals to his
name so far this season.Two minutes later Danny Hughes hit a decent effort which tested Matt Hall. Then Luke Wall opened the defence but Dean Rittenberg shot wide before Brayden Shaw forced a save from Dave Roberts after Ryan Edwards had fallen down with an injured ankle. On 78 minutes substitute Edwards hobbled off to be replaced in turn by former Blacon and Leicester City twenty year old Aaron Hassall. Bangor pushed forward again as Brayden Shaw and Laurence Wilson combined on the left but Gary Taylor Fletcher fired over. With three minutes left on the clock a final change for Llandudno as the veteran Lee Thomas came on for Sam Hart but it was the earlier replacement Hassall who unleashed a powerful rising strike which Matt Hall handly cleanly. And with time running out the unlikely winner. Llandudno launched the ball upfield for Marc Williams to chase and as Matt Hall's clearance struck the red head he chased goalwards and prodded the ball home from close range. No blame on Hall or his defence, a huge slice of bad luck unless of course you were a Llandudno fan. In the added time that followed a deserved yellow card for young Guto Williams for a calculated block on the half way line. City forced a fifth corner of the evening but Brayden Shaw blasted the loose ball high and wide. There was still time for Luke Wall to work an opening and fire low on goal but again Dave Roberts saved at his post. And that was that. A disappointing start to the new year, a game City should have won on chances created and the balance of play, but they lost. No hardluck story, referee Nick Pratt was a competent low profile figure, just a case of wasted chances and a big slice of bad luck. |
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Photos above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| FINAL SCORE 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| Bangor
were held to a goalless draw for the second week in a row after largely
outplaying the opposition, this time Llandudno on their Builder Street
3G. City left out the hugely influential Gary Taylor Fletcher and kicked off with Tom Kennedy, Anthony Miley and Paul Connolly at the heart of a 3-4-3 formation. Bangor had the better of the opening quarter hour without unduly troubling Dave Roberts in the Llandudno goal. But on twenty minutes City went close as Laurence Wilson fired into the side netting from the left. His opposite "number" James Joyce responded for the home side with a long range effort over the crossbar. This stung City into more action as Dave Roberts was forced to save from Steven Hewitt and then Luke Wall who had helped create Hewitt's opportunity. As City pressed Llandudno looked to play on the counter attack and Toby Jones seized one such opportunty but Matthew Hall was always in command. But on 32 minutes a setback for the home side as Sam Hart limped off to be replaced by former Connahs Quay redhead Ryan Edwards. As the first half ran out of time Bangor pressed, won a couple of corners, then forced City to defend as little Toby Jones threatened. Referee Grittith blew for the break with City having enjoyed the lions share of possession but not perhaps having created the number of clear cut chances they would have wanted. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| One change at the interval as George Harry replaced Anthony Miley. This meant City reverted to a more familiar back four with young Harry adding to the attacking threat. But it was Shaun Cavanagh who went close five minutes after the restart as his chip landed on the roof of the net. 
There was an end to end flow for the opening quarter of the second half
which culminated in a header from Marc Williams from Toby Jones' cross.Next Dean Rittenberg turned his marker and sent an arching effort goalwards but Roberts saved at full stretch With thirteen minutes left a change for the home side as Aaron Hassall came on for Shaun Cavanagh. City sent on Gary Taylor Fletcher and James Demetriou for Brayden Shaw and Dean Rittenberg. Into the closing ten minutes Bangor picked up yellow cards for Gary Taylor Fletcher and Tom Kennedy before George Harry forced a fine save from Dave Roberts before James Demetriou hit the woodwork. Three minutes from the final whistle a handball off James Demetriou's goalbound effort was spotted by Mr Griffith who awarded a penalty. Up stepped James Demetriou whose shot was well saved by Dave Roberts and blasted clear by the relieved home defenders. Roberts cleared moved forwards before the kick was taken but in reality referees nationwide take no interest in this offence any more. Two minutes of added time changed nothing and Bangor had to be content with a point on plastic for the second week in a row. The two sides destined to meet again - on grass - on New Year's Day. Photos above with thanks to Bangor City FC
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| FINAL SCORE 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| Bangor
were held by a spirited performance from rock bottom Carmarthen but
must feel this was very much a case of two points dropped rather than
one gained. City partnered Anthony Miley with Paul Connolly in central defence in the absence of Tom Kennedy who was suspended. 
Bangor
went close in the opening minutes as Laurence Wilson passed to Steven
Hewitt who crossed from the right but Anthony Miley steered
his header wide. But on seven minutes Miley was the first name into referee Hames' book for a trip on Liam Thomas. Three minutes later a chance for Carmarthen as Kieran Lewis headed goalwards but the ball struck Liam Thomas and City cleared. Just after the quarter hour Dean Rittenberg created some space but sliced his shot well wide. City came again as Gary Taylor Fletcher slid the ball through for Rittenberg but Brayden Shaw smashed the ball at Lee Idzi who crashed the ball clear. City won a couple more corners but could not forge an effort on goal. The Dean Rittenberg effort blocked for another flag kick which is half cleared and recycled via Laurence Wilson and Luke Wall to Dean Rittenberg outside the box but the acrobatic Lee Idzi saved at full stretch. Carmarthen were still alive and kicking and a Kyle Bassett corner found Ceri Morgan but his looping header flew over Matthew Hall's crossbar. City pushed forward and from another corner Gary Taylor Fletcher sees his effort turned around for another Bangor corner which unfortunately came and went without changing the scoreline which remained blank as referee Hames blows for the interval. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 No changes at the interval.After fouls on Dean Rittenberg and Danny Gossett City won a corner in the fifth minute after the restart. Town midfielder Ceri Morgan went down injured and both sides were forced to wait as he received treatment. Moments later, with ten minutes gone of the second period, another corner for the blues which ends in Steven Hewitt firing off target for a goalkick. Twenty minutes into the second half Gary Taylor Fletcher barged his way into the box and played in Luke Wall but he was crowded out and the door slammed shut. Then Brayden Shaw shot at goal but his effort was deflected for another corner. City were pressing but not managing to get the better of Lee Idzi who was busy behind the resolute Old Gold defence. Five minutes further on and more frustration for City as Laurence Wilson saw his shot turned away for another corner after a quick one two with Steven Hewitt. With thirteen minutes left to play George Harry came on for Steven Hewitt as City tried to unlock the stubborn Carmarthen defence. Next yellow cards for Danny Holmes who fouled Kieran Lewis who in turn was cautioned for comments passed. Holmes was quckly back into the action with a run and shot which Idzi saved once more. Bangor forced a flurry of late corners but it was Matthew Hall who had to be on his toes to clear as Bassett broke upfield. With three minutes left on the clock a second change by Kevin Nicholson who sent James Demetriou on for Brayden Shaw. Two minutes of added time indicated, a late yellow card for the big Greek replacement, but no alteration to the scoreline which scarcely helped either side although struggling Carmarthen would see it as a result to build on. For a dominant City it was primarily a case of two points dropped and time to move on to the Christmas double header against Llandudno. Photos above with thanks to Bangor City FC
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| FINAL SCORE 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| A goal in each half saw City take all three points at a wintry Rock in Rhosymedre. City made a couple of changes as Paul Connolly came in for Anthony Miley and record signing Brayden Shaw replaced George Harry. For Cefn the tall left footer Alec Mudimu came back into midfield amidst reports that he was the subject of interest from bigger clubs, Welsh and English. There was even a replacement ref as Deganwy chef Mark Petch stood in for South Wales whistler as common sense prevailed. It was Huw Griffiths' side which stole the initiative with Matthew Hall collecting the ball at the feet of Ashley Ruane. Then Tom Kennedy was caught offguard by Laurence Wilson, the lively Ashley Ruane pounced on the mistake but fired into the side netting from the right. 
Minutes later Wilson redeemed himself with a well timed tackle
on James Davies to concede a corner delivered by Neil Ashton but
cleared by Luke Wall. But on eight minutes Laurence Wilson swept the
ball in to Danny Gossett who lay off invited a low finish from Dean Rittenberg which beat Jones from twenty yards.On the quarter hour mark Alec Mudimu won possession and fired at goal from 25 yards but was denied by Matthew Hall. Corner for Cefn which was crossed deep to Matt Eckersley but his header was easy for the blues keeper. Five minutes later Eckersley tripped Dean Rittenberg thirty five yards out but City wasted the opportunity. On the half hour mark some neat interplay between Luke Wall and Brayden Shaw created an opening for Dean Rittenberg but his acrobatic effort struck a home defender and a linesman's flag ended the action. Cefn responded with an edge of the box scramble but Matthew Hall was not called into acton and City cleared, provoking a bizarre fall from Neil Ashton who somehow got the ball back to Jones. Another passing move from City, Luke Wall set up Danny Gossett but Jones saved and moments later a first Bangor corner came and went. Moments later, with fight minutes remaining, a second blues corner. But Cefn broke and Tom Kennedy headed clear as danger threatened. In the closing minutes Matthew Eckersley fired well wide from twenty five yards but Matthew Hall was untroubled. Into one minute of added time a corner for Cefn delivered by Neil Ashton too high for all and sundry and Mudimu could only head the ball out beyond the far post. So a slender lead for City but a deserved one and something to build on in the second period. |
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| No changes at the interval. Bangor now defending the car park end, but they pushed upfield for Luke Wall to fire on target but Jones saved comfortably. The game now became very open, end to end, but with most attacks stumbling against the respective defensive walls. For Cefn the tall trio of centrebacks Hesp, Eckersley and Simpons stood strong whilst Kennedy and Connolly for City likewise let little pass. The closest City were a couple of efforts from outside the box by Luke Wall and then Brayden Shaw. 
In the 63rd minute a first change as Bala youngster Ilan Ap Gareth
replaced Ashley Ruane. Blues fullback Danny Holmes shot high and wide
from the right before Fisnik Hajdari won a challenge with Laurence
Wilson but saw his effort blocked by Danny Gosett who then won a second
tackle to put City in a position to break forwards.More disjointed play now with stand in ref Mark Petch angering the blues faithful with some odd decisions - involving Neil Ashton - which generally favoured the home side. A deep cross from Laurence Wilson was headed down by Gary Taylor Fletcher but Brayden Shaw blazed high over. Twelve minutes from time a fourth corner of the evening swung over from the right by Steven Hewitt was headed just wide by Danny Holmes back peddling at the back post. Then a second change for Cefn as Lewis Buckley came on for former Llanfair United striker James Davies. As The Druids threatened Tom Kennedy won two challenges in quick succession to snuff out the danger. But with seven minutes left Bangor struck a magnificent second goal to settle the issue. Danny Gossett won the ball in midfield and passed to Brayden Shaw on the left. He squared to Gary Taylor Fletcher slid Luke Wall in on goal to guid the ball past Jones from the ten yards. Brilliant! Cefn withdrew Fisnik Hajdari in favour of Jon Taylor but he could not change the scoreline. Bangor went close to a third as Dean Rittenberg held on the Cefn defence to set up Brayden Shaw but he sent his low shot just wide of the upright. Next Danny Holmes crossed but Rittenberg could not threaten with his header. Two minutes of added time indicated which featured a run form Dean Rittenberg but he dragged his low shot wide from the right. Time blew on a deserved win for City with several stand out performers including Tom Kennedy in the middle of defence, Laurence Wilson to his left and all action midfielder Danny Gossett. Photos above The Citizens Choice
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Welsh Premier |
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| Bangor
took the lead just before the half hour mark at Jenner Park but a
second half penalty for Barry saw the game end in a draw, City's first
of the season. City had to rule out Damien Allen which meant Danny Gossett started in midfield with Paul Connolly amongst the substitutes. Barry were without goalkeeper Mike Lewis and brought Joe Massaro  in between the sticks.And with most fixtures in Wales postponed due to heavy snow there was none to be seen on the Jenner Park artificial surface. Massaro was in goal for Ton Pentre against Bangor in The Welsh Cup Third Round tie at Ynys Park in December 2016. The man in charge for the afternoon was Tom Owen who was also in the middle for the visit of Cwmamman last weekend. Both sides forged but largely wasted early chances. City won an early corner through Luke Wall but moments later it took a top save from Matthew Hall whose feet denied Luke Cooper as his header seemed destined for the back of the net. The ball ran out to Paul Morgan on the edge of the box but his snapshot flew over the crossbar. On ten minutes Gary Taylor Fletcher found George Harry who crashed a shot into the side netting from a tight angle out on the right. Then Dean Rittenberg combined with Taylor Fletcher whose arching shot from 22 yards forced a good low saved from Massaro. Bangor won a freekick on the left which was half cleared to Danny Gossett. His run culminated in a pass to Taylor Fletcher who found Anthony Miley on the right but he shot wide. On 27 minutes City had the lead. Laurence Wilson won the ball in the left back position and fired a clearance up to Dean Rittenberg who played the ball to Gary Taylor Fletcher and latched onto the return ball to slot the ball beyond the diving Massaro for his seventh league goal of the season, eleventh in all competitions. Minutes later a yellow card for Ryan Evans for a calculated foul on Luke Wall who threatened for City. In the final minutes Steven Hewitt joined him in the book as he took one for the team as Barry countered following some Bangor pressure. A minute of added time was played before referee Tom Owen blew for the interval with City leading by that Dean Rittenberg goal to nil. |
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| HALF TIME 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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