MATCH REPORT ARCHIVE

38 20 April 2019	Llanrhaeadr 2 v 2  Bangor City	Cymru Alliance
-   Colours   Blue   SCORERS  Marc Griffiths 2     Man of The Match   Marc Griffiths  Match Official Dan Fogarty	-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Llanrhaeadr Y R R Y Bangor City 1  Jimmy Hayns Nathan Wolland. 1 2  Matthew Evans Jamie Thomas 14 3  Iain Edmunds Kian Owen 19 4  Dan Kelly Osian Hughes. 4 5  Khyam Wyton Cian Williams 24 6  Sam Thomas Jordan Piggott 6 7  Matt Jones Alex Boss 7 8  Joe Vaughan Gethin Thomas 17 9  Iwan Matthews Gary Taylor Fletcher 16 10  Tom Evans Robbie Parry 16 11  Marc Griffiths Jacob Farleigh. 11         substitutessubstitutessubstitutessubstitutes substitutessubstitutessubstitutessubstitutes         12  Tom Bailey (45) for 3 Edmunds Steff Taylor. 13 14  Dan Weaver (88) for 6 Thomas Leon Owen. 15 15  Dan Graham Sam Jones (75) for 14 Thomas. 18 Luke Purcell. 22	-   Colours   Red & White   SCORERS  Gethin Thomas  Gary Taylor Fletcher   Man of The Match   Jordan Piggott  Official Attendance 164
Bangor signed off the 2018-19 season with a draw at Llanrhaeadr to lift themselves above Rhyl in the final Cymru Alliance table.   Or rather Bangor drew at Llansantffraid, on what was for both teams a difficult dry bumpy pitch on a boiling April afternoon. Given the recent dry sunny weather this was hardly surprising.   Llanrhaeadr started on the front foot with a couple of corners at the Social Club End and it was no surprise when they went ahead on nineteen minutes. But the goal surprised everyone as player manager Marc Griffiths gathered the ball on the left, close to the corner flag, and lashed home with a cross or shot which dipped over Nathan Wolland and into the roof of the net.   City raised their game with Alex Boss, a danger on the right, winning a freekick which Gary Taylor Fletcher headed over. Minutes later left winger Jacob Farleigh saw his shot blocked on the edge of the box before Osian Hughes was shown the yellow card by referee Dan Fogarty for reasons not clearly obvious. In between all this Iwan Matthews rushed on goal but was denied by a bravc block from Nathan Wolland on the edge of his area.   Player manager Gary Taylor Fletcher saw goalkeeper Jimmy Haynes off his line. lofted the ball goalwards but was denied by a fine backpeddling save . From the resulting corner on the right Robbie Parry crossed from the left and Osian Hughes stabbed an instinctive effort wide from six yards.   Ten minutes before the interval the game descended into near farce. Jacob Farleigh ran on goal, chased into the box and was stopped by a clear pullback from a home defender. With everyone expecting a penalty the referee waved play on, the bald linesman also unmoved. Comments from the home bench - directly below our position - to the effect of "we got away from one there" summed things up although referee Fogarty was not done as he yellow carded Taylor Fletcher for comments passed.   Buoyed by this let off Llanrhaeadr pushed forward with Tom Evans shooting on target before Iwan Matthews ran on goal and forced a fine save from Nathan Wolland who ran out to confront the breakaway striker.   On the stroke of half time a set back for the home side as leftback Iain Edmunds limped off to be replaced by Tom Bailey. In the three minutes added a foul on Gethin Thomas yielded a freekick fired over by Gary Taylor Fletcher and in the final moment some fine composed defending by Jordan Piggott as danger threatened.   So a slender deficit for City to overcome as they wandered off for a cold drink. Jordan Piggott
	HALF TIME 1-0
No changes at the interval.   Now attacking the Social Club or Main Stand End the young blues side quickly won a freekick for a foul on Alex Boss but the cross was punched away by goalkeeper Hayns.   But on 50 minutes the scores were level as Jordan Piggott fought strongly for a bouncing ball on the left edge of the box before passing to Gary Taylor Fletcher. The veteran front man laid it on a plate for Gethin Thomas who made now mistake from eight yards out.   Another bizarre incident involving the officials followed as Joe Vaughan was yellow carded for appearing to kick Osian Hughes as he lay prone on the turf. This had to be either nothing if nothing happened or a straight red for violent conduct. Nonetheless both sets of players and supporters shrugged their shoulders and carried on regardless.   Ten or twelve minutes after the restart a Bangor corner led to a Llanrhaeadr breakway which culminated in Jacob Farleigh being shown the yellow card for blocking a breaking forward.   On the hour mark Bangor took the lead as Jimmy Hayns skied his attempted punch for Gary Taylor Fletcher to head nip in and nod home from six yards.   Five minutes the home player manager Marc Griffiths was also booked for dissent, and it is worth pointing out that the maverick hit and miss antics of the officials favoured neither side in the bigger picture.   Llanrhaeadr were determined to end the league season on a positive note and forced Nathan Wolland into some fine saves in particular from Iwan Matthews.   Then with twenty minutes to go a deserved equaliser as Marc Griffiths tapped home from close range as City struggled to clear a cross from the right.   With a quarter of an hour to go City made their only change as Sam Jones replaced young Jamie Thomas who had worked hard at right back, Jacob Farleigh dropping back to the defensive berth. Griffiths again went close for the home side before Gary Taylor Fletcher shot tamely on target from fifteen yards. Moments later Sam Jones fired over.   Sam Weaver trotted on in place of midfielder Sam Thomas and his arrival spurred Llanrhaeadr on to finish with a flurry of four or five corners mainly in the five minutes of added time. But City stood strong, Nathan Wolland clearing when needed and Jordan Piggott and young Cian Williams in the right place at the right time.   So a draw about right, a point which lifts City above Rhyl into fourth place and one which sees Llanrhaeadr end on a positive note, two cup finals still to come.   Much water to  pass under the bridge before battle resumes in July or August but for now a well earned break... City celebrate Gethin Thomas equaliser
FINAL SCORE 2-2

35 5 April 2019	Holywell Town 2 v 1  Bangor City	Cymru Alliance
-   Colours   Red    SCORERS  Mark Winslade  Damien Ketley   Man of The Match  Rob Jones  Match Official Ashley Jones	-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Holywell Town Y R R Y Bangor City 1  Mike Platt Nathan Wolland. 1 2  Tony Roebuck Tom Reilly 2 3  Zebb Edwards Kian Owen 19 4  Jason Renshaw Osian Hughes. 4 5  Jon Jones Michael Johnston 5 6  Matty Hughes Jordan Piggott 6 14  Aaron Pomeyie Alex Boss 7 8  Rob Jones Gethin Thomas 8 9  Mark Winslade Cian Williams 24 10  Sam Jones Robbie Parry 16 11  Damien Ketley Dylan Summers Jones. 17         substitutessubstitutessubstitutessubstitutes substitutessubstitutessubstitutessubstitutes         12  Tyler French GK Gruff Evans. 13 7  Josh Maldon (65) for 4 Renshaw Gary Taylor Fletcher. 16 12  Jamie McCall (70) for 14 Pomeyie Luke Purcell. 22 16  Morgan Jones (86) for 8 Jones Leon Owen  23 16  Ryan Davies	-   Colours   Blue   SCORERS  Robbie Parry     Man of The Match   Jordan Piggott  Official Attendance 179
Another defeat for City against relegation haunted Holywell on a flat lifeless Halkyn Road pitch, albeit a defeat dependent on some dark arts on that dimly lit pitch..   With veterans Mike Williams and Gary Taylor Fletcher unfit the youngster ranks also lacked Jacob Farleigh and Sam Jones through injury.   Bangor won a corner which was cleared with Alex Boss quickly gaining the upper hand over leftback Zebb Edwards as City attacked the social club end.   Holywell put City under some pressure with Jordan Piggott and Michael Johnston soon into their work of interceptions and clearances. Ahead of them Tom Reilly put in a good shift as he worked hard to protect his defence.   There was always a chance that Alex Boss would be on the receiving end of some harsh treatment and so it proved as Mark Winslade was shown the yellow card for a heavy challenge on the Anglesey flyer.   Kian Owen was also carded for a trip as Holywell broke, former blue Rob Jones followed him into the book for what seemed like an unintentional arm in the face of Alex Boss on half way.   Both sides had threatened from a distance before on half an hour the home side won a penalty which Sam Jones blasted goalwards but Nathan Wolland smothered with a fine low stop. Credit to the young glovesman who enjoyed a fine evening in the Bangor goal.   City had a penalty shout of their own and before the break a foul on Michael Johnston resulted in a freekick which dropped to Jordan Piggott on the edge of the box but Renshaw blocked bravely and Holywell cleared. Alex Boss again raced at the home defence and created openings but with nothing decisive to show.   At the other end both Rob Jones and Matty Hughes had efforts blocked as the blues defence worked hard to keep their clean sheet intact.   A final yellow card of the half for Tom Reilly whose calculated pull on half way did enough to stop a Holywell break away.   So an even first half, some heavy challenges on the young blues and the growing feeling that the young referee was guessing now and then, which of course is precisely what the bald linesman did start to finish.
	HALF TIME 0-0
Robbie Parry wheels away after slotting home the 49th minute penalty   No changes at the interval.   The hosts started the brighter as Nathan Wolland saved well from Damien Ketley who was a threat throughout.   But a great attacking move down the right for Bangor earned a penalty. Rightback Cian Williams combined with Gethin Thomas to free Alex Boss who progress into the box was halted illegally by Matty Hughes. Upstepped Robbie Parry to fire home and give City a 49th minute lead.   But six minutes later Holywell drew level in bizarre circumstances. Forward Mark Winslade was out by the right corner flag when he unleashed a dipping cross shot which flew over blues goalkeeper Wolland into the roof of the net. Whether he meant it or not it was a great strike and the scores were level.   Pushed forward by this Holywell forced a couple of corners and once more Piggott and Johnston stood strong with young fullabacks Williams and Owen also showing well.   Both Jones and Pomeyie went close for Holywell who made a couple of changes as on 65 and 70 minutes as Josh Malbon and then Jamie McCall came on for Jamie Renshaw and Pomeyie respectively.   Bangor threatened down the right through Cian Williams and Alex Boss with young Dylan Summers Jones sending a header just wide.   But on 80 minutes Holywell went ahead.   If their first goal was bizarre this owed much to the dark arts. A low cross from the right was turned home by Damien Ketley from close range. Nothing wrong with that, other than a blatant block by a member of the Holywell bench on a blues defender which enabled the cross and set up the goal. Sadly the referee got no support or advice from his linesman who had been erratic and unreliable all night.   Of course there are bigger fish to fry for Bangor supporters at the moment and Holywell desperately needed the win. But this type of behaviour against what was in truth youthful opposition leaves a bad taste. And it has to be said as officials go the three on show were very poor.   In the closing minutes there was a Robbie Parry freekick which was hacked clear and another one wasted.   There can be no doubt Holywell at times used their weight and experience against the young blues and pushed that to a limit. But that body check by a member of the bench really is beyond that limit.   Next game Penrhyncoch at Nantporth on Tuesday night
FINAL SCORE 2-1

32 22 March 2019	Prestatyn Town 6 v 2  Bangor City	Cymru Alliance
-   Colours   Red    SCORERS  Danny Davies 2  Dave Hayes 2  Alex Jones   Macauley Taylor   Man of The Match  Alex Jones  Match Official Alex Livesey	-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Prestatyn Town Y R R Y Bangor City 1  Ryan Roberts Gruff Evans. 1 2  Danny Davies Tom Reilly 2 3  Casey Faulkner Mike Williams 3 4  Dave Hayes Osian Hughes 4 5  Dan Roberts Michael Johnston 5 6  Connor Shackleton Jordan Piggott 6 7  Ben Maher Alex Boss 7 8  Alex Jones Gethin Thomas 8 9  Macauley Taylor Kian Owen 19 10  Oli Buckley Gary Taylor Fletcher 16 11  James Hay Jacob Farleigh. 11         substitutessubstitutessubstitutessubstitutes substitutessubstitutessubstitutessubstitutes         17  Ryan Woods GK Nathan Wolland. 13 12  Warren Adam (79) for 10 Buckley Robbie Parry (70) for 3 Williams. 10 14  Aaron White (88) for 2 Davies Benn Lundstram. 15 15  Sam Duffy (86) for 8 Jones Luke Purcell. 22 16  Jay Norbury Cian Williams (70) for 5 Johnston. 24	-   Colours   Blue   SCORERS  Gary Taylor Fletcher  Jacob Farleigh   Man of The Match   Jacob Farleigh  Official Attendance 354
Bangor suffered a horrible beating at Bastion Gardens against a Prestatyn side who were billed as relegation candidates a few month ago.   On a mild but wet evening on the North Wales coast City were without Chris Mullock and Sam Jones but were able to welcome Robbie Parry back to the matchday squad.   But it was Prestatyn who started on the front foot and quickly ran up a two goal lead.   The first goal came on nine minutes when Town captain Alex Jones pounced on a rebound to crash home from the edge of the box. Four minutes later it was two nil. The pacey Macauley Taylor unsettled the blues defence for Danny Davies to fire past young Gruff Evans.   In between there had a been a glimmer of an equaliser as Mike William and Gary Taylor Fletcher went close but could not get the ball past Ryan Roberts.   On twenty minutes Kian Owen did well to deny Taylor again and City managed to clear the resulting corner.   But on 32 minutes Bangor pulled one back as Jordan Piggott's flighted freekick was headed home by player manager Gary Taylor Fletcher.   Five minutes later Alex Boss opened up the Prestatyn defence with a fine run but midfielder Tom Reilly could not get any power in his shot and Roberts saved. With five minutes left blues keeper Gruff Evans did well to deny Danny Davies whose dipping volley forced a fine backpeddling save.   But with two minutes to go City drew level. Gary Taylor Fletcher picked out Jacob Farleigh whose curling shot beat Roberts all ends up as it crashed in off the crossbar.   And that was about it for the first half as City had shown good spirit to fightback after suffering that double blow. Jacob Farleigh scored the opener - photo The Citizens Choice
	HALF TIME 2-2
No changes at the interval.   The early stages of the second half were even enough with Alex Boss racing beyond Faulkner but not getting the better of Roberts.   On 58 minutes a change for City as Mike Williams limped off to be replaced by Robbie Parry. Alex Boss threatened again and was fouled in the process but nothing came of the freekick.   On 68 minutes Prestatyn regained the lead as the veteran Dave Hayes netted from Ben Maher's corner.  Prestatyn had the upper hand now and Gruff Evans did well to keep out Macauley Taylor but it was a temporary reprieve as the home side struck again on 73 minutes as Danny Davies grabbed his second from distance.   With fifteen minutes to go City went close to halving the deficit through Jacob Farleigh whose curler forced a fine save from Ryan Roberts. Minutes later Wayne Adams replaced Oli Buckley in the Prestatyn side.   But on 81 minutes it was five two as Macauley Taylor got in on the goalscoring action with a fine solo finish.   With five minutes left a double change as Cian Williams replaced the struggling Michael Johnston and Prestatyn withdrew captain Alex Jones for Sam Duffy.   Two minutes from time Aaron White came on for double scorer Danny Davies but there was still time for the home side to rub salt in the wound as Dave Hayes netted his second of the evening.   A humbling experience for the very youthful Bangor side which finished the match but, in fairness, they worked hard and showed pride in the shirt despite being out played at times.   Most City fans - boycotters or not - will be glad to see the end of the troubled campaign.   Rhyl at Nantporth next Friday.
FINAL SCORE 6-2

31 2 March 2019	Flint Town United 0 v 0  Bangor City	Cymru Alliance
-   Colours   Black & White   SCORERS   Man of The Match   Ieuan Hewitt  Match Official Mark James	-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Flint Town United Y R R Y Bangor City 1  Aaron Jones Nathan Wolland. 1 2  Tom Kemp Tom Reilly . 2 21  Jacques Welsh Mike Williams . 3 4  Ged Kinsella Osian Hughes . 4 5  Ieuan Hewitt Kian Owen. 19 6  Dimitri Christou Jordan Piggott . 6 7  Aron Jones Alex Boss . 7 8  Richie Foulkes Gethin Thomas . 8 9  Andy Brown Gary Taylor Fletcher . 16 10  Mark Cadwallader Sam Jones . 18 11  Kyle Smith Jacob Farleigh . 11         substitutessubstitutessubstitutessubstitutes substitutessubstitutessubstitutessubstitutes         3  Joe Davies Nathan Wolland. 13 17  Ryan Smith . Benn Lundstram. 15 18  Dylan Allshorn (80) for 9 Brown . Dylan Summers Jones. 17 19  Tyreek McCallum . Steff Taylorr 20 20  Jake Hampson (60) for 7 Jones Cian Williams . 24	-   Colours   Blue & White   SCORERS     Man of The Match   Jordan Piggott  Official Attendance 226
Bangor worked hard to earn a point at top five Flint with both centrebacks Jordan Piggott and Mike Williams outstanding alongside their young team mates. There was also a welcome return for Chris Mullock in goal.   Either side of the centrebacks rightback Gethin Thomas and left peg Kian Owen also played their part whilst teenage midfielders Tom Reilly and Osian Hughes competed fiercely against more experienced opponents.   Attacking the town end and playing into a stiff breeze City won an early corner which was cleared before on five minutes a big decision for Llandudno Junction referee Mark James.   Lanky Flint striker Andy Brown threw himself into a wild challenge on Jordan Piggott on half way close to the touchline. It has to be said it looked a red card challenge but the official flashed yellow and Brown earned an unlikely reprieve. Piggott needed treatment and looked shaken for a few minutes.   Flint settled the quicker and with Aron Jones on the right showing some good touches forged a couple of early chances as Ieuan Hewitt and Kyle Smith went close without troubling the fit again Mullock.   Midway through the half a long throw from the impressive Hewitt nearly resulted in an own goal but from the resulting corner Chris Mullock lept highest to claim the high cross. On the half hour another Flint corner was boomed clear by Jordan Piggott and City broke upfield with home keeper Aaron Jones forced to rush out to smother the ball as Alex Boss threatened.   Flint goalkeeper Jones was spoken to by Referee James for loud mouthed obsenities, but leftback Tom Kemp kept up a seemingly ceaseless tirade of expletives aimed at himself and his team mates every time he got the ball. Quite bizarre but strangely entertaining.   City then threatened as Gary Taylor Fletcher combined with Jacob Farleigh who cut in from the left but saw his shot turned well saved by Jones. Kian Owen delivered the corner and Jones saved well from Mike Williams' header.  Moments later Taylor Fletcher lifted the ball over the lumbering Flint defenders but Sam Jones fired wide. City's player manager was at his best as he dropped into midfield rather than compete against the giant Christou whose height advantage was difficult to overcome.   Realising their time with the elements was seeping away Flint mounted a charge as half time approached, forced a couple of corners but nothing that Chris Mullock could not deal with at the River Dee end. And so the half time whilstle blew, Mr James perhaps contemplating his big decision and City doubtless pleased with a clean sheet from the difficult first period against the wind.   All to play for.. Osian Hughes with Mike Williams and Kian Owen in the background - The Citizens Choice
	HALF TIME 0-0
No changes at the interval for either side.   But City no s attacking the River Dee Estuary end and enjoying the backing of the south westerly wind driving them forward.   Five minutes after the restart it was the home side who went closest though as Richie Foulkes shot well wide from distance after a freekick had been half cleared. Despite the wind in their faces Flint had the better of the opening quarter and it was the blues defence who had to work overtime to keep them out. Kinsella caught the eye with his willingness to run with the ball, Hewitt with some powerful passes and Kemp for continuous swearing. Leftback Kian Owen did well for City as they pressed down his wing.   On the hour a first change of the afternoon as Jake Hampson replaced Bontnewydd midfielder Aron Jones who had given the home side width on the right.   The towering Christou was next into the book for a mistimed challenge, a trip on right winger Jacob Farleigh who was simply to quick for the giant defender. Leading goalscorer Mark Cadwallader then spurned a golden chance to put the home side ahead but his header sped narrowly wide.   Bangor countered as Alex Boss ran at the defence, was fouled and City were awarded a freekick which was allowed to bounce in the box and ran to Kian Owen but he couldnt keep his effort down. With fifteen minutes to go City pushed the home side back and won their fourth and fifth corner before the chuntering Kemp was eventually shown the yellow card by referee James.   A Bangor move built around Alex Boss and Gethin Thomas on the right saw Gary Taylor Fletcher shoot at goal from 25 yards. On 80 minutes Kian Owen's long throw was headed over by Taylor Fletcher as City sensed victory was within their wind assisted grasp.   On 82 minutes young Dylan Allshorn replaced Andy Brown who might so easily have left the field over an hour earlier. Flint's outstanding player Hewitt lashed goalwards but Chris Mullock saved confidently. Flint pressed again minutes later as Cadwallader hooked wide from ten yards after some defensive uncertainty.   Bangor again pushed forward as Gary Taylor Fletcher's cross just evaded young Sam Jones who had been closely watched all afternoon by the strong Flitn defenders. A moment of pure comedy next as leftback Kemp, still fizzing with self loathing, got involved in a needless verbal exchange with some City fans, turned his back on play and allowed a simple pass to roll behind him and out for a blues throw!   A sixth and final Bangor corner came into added time but Jones was untroubled and moments later Mr James blew for time. A defiant point for Bangor and much for the young blues and the twenty year old veteran Piggott to be proud of.   Penrhyncoch at home next Saturday..
FINAL SCORE 0-0

29 15 February 2019	Conwy Borough 0 v 1  Bangor City	Cymru Alliance
-   Colours   Tangerine   SCORERS   Man of The Match   Gethin Maxwell  Match Official James Walker	-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Conwy Borough Y R R Y Bangor City 1  Antoni Sarnowski Nathan Wolland. 1 2  Nathan Williams Tom Reilly . 2 3  Gerwyn Jones Mike Williams . 3 4  Iolo Hughes Kian Owen . 19 5  Anthony Marshall Michael Johnston. 5 6  Gethin Maxwell Jordan Piggott . 6 7  Sean McCaffery Alex Boss . 7 8  Keiron Jeffries Gethin Thomas . 8 9  Dean Seager Gary Taylor Fletcher . 16 10  Corrig McGonigle Sam Jones . 18 11  Lee Thomas Jacob Farleigh . 11         substitutessubstitutessubstitutessubstitutes substitutessubstitutessubstitutessubstitutes         12  Adam Pritchard (16) for 7 McCaffery Osian Hughes (70) for 8 Thomas . 4 14  Guto Hughes (27) for 8 Jeffries Benn Lundstram (85) for 7 Boss . 15 15  Ryan Pope (50) for 9 Seager Dylan Summers Jones (92) for 18 Jones. 17 13  Ben Heald GK Steff Taylorr. 20 17 Luke Purcell . 22	-   Colours   Blue & White   SCORERS   Sam Jones   Man of The Match   Michael Johnston  Official Attendance 327
Bangor won at Conwy thanks to a second half strike from Sam Jones and - minutes later - a wonderful penalty save from Nathan Wolland.   Regardless of shirt numbers City lined up with Michael Johnston alongside Mike Williams - both were superb - with sixteen year old Kian Owen on the left and Jordan Piggott - twenty two days later - at rightback. Tom Reilly added spark and graft to midfield alongside Gethin Thomas and Gary Taylor Fletcher.   Attacking the Social Club end on a mild dry evening Bangor forced a couple of early corners with the home defence looking jittery. Behind them though former Bangor keeper Antoni Sarnowski was in fine form.   Conwy suffered an early setback on sixteen minutes when Sean McCaffery was forced off through injury as with former blues U19 defender Adam Pritchard took his place in midfield.   Left winger Alex Boss had the beating of rightback Nathan Williams and with Taylor Fletcher picking him out this was a regular source of progress for City.   Blues leftback Kian Owen was in charge of set pieces and his fourth corner before Conwy broke and fashioned a chance for Corrig McGonigle which he scuffed. Sam Jones shot across goal from the right but neither side really tested the goalkeepers. On 27 minutes a further setback for Borough as Keiron Jeffries limped off to be replaced by another former blues left footer Guto Hughes. This put added pressure on the hard working Gethin Maxwell who tried to drive Borough upfield.   The disruption scarcely helped Conwy as Bangor had the lions share of the first half. On the half hour mark Gethin Thomas shot on target from distance whilst Corrig McGonigle fired narrowly wide from much the same range. Debutant Tom Reilly was busy and purposeful in the middle of the park, allowing Gethin Thomas to push forward more and player manager Taylor Fletcher to largely rule the roost.   Ten minutes before the break Adam Pritchard lofted the ball down the left for Dean Seager to chase but the former Llandudno man could not beat Nathan Wolland at his near post. City won a fifth corner which was half cleared to Jordan Piggott but his volley flew high over the crossbar. A sixth corner came and went without Sarnowski being unduly troubled and referee Walker blew for the break with the scoreline blank.   A good first half for City but with nothing to show for their efforts.
	HALF TIME 0-0
No changes at the interval for either side.   Now attacking the Town end City threatened through right winger Jacob Farleigh whose shot was deflected for a seventh corner but again Conwy cleared. And then the injury curse struck Borough again on 50 minutes as Dean Seager limped off with young Ryan Pope coming on in his place.   But despite this Conwy enjoyed more of the territory and possession in the opening stages of the second period with Corrig McGonigle more and more evident. The ginger left footer plays on the right and can appear disinterested before suddenly emerging to threaten. After the hour mark he raced in behind the blues defence but chipped the ball harmlessly across goal.   And City seized on this let off on 66 minutes as Sam Jones ran in behind the Borough defence to chip Sarnowski and celebrate as the ball bounced into the net. Moments later the ever alert Jones had sight of goal again but this time shot too close to the big glovesman. Alex Boss show electric pace to fashion a shot which yielded a ninth Bangor corner of the evening.   But Conwy threatened as Adam Pritchard galloped straight through the midfield to release Corrig McGonigle but he fired over.   With twenty minutes to go a third Bangor debut of the evening saw 17 year old Osian Hughes replace Gethin Thomas in midfield. A tenth Bangor corner came and went.   But the big moments were ahead. Ten minutes before the whistle a Conwy freekick blasted by Corrig McGonigle struck the arm of a City defender. Penalty. Again it was the determined McGonigle who placed the ball on the spot and fired low but Nathan Wolland dived full length to his right to pull off a fanstastic save against a well struck penalty.   Two more Bangor corners followed before on 85 minutes Benn Lundstram replaced Alex Boss who had run himself - and the rightback - ragged. Jacob Farleigh was now operating on the left wing and his menacing run forced a good save from Sarnowski and in turn a fourteenth and final Bangor corner which Sam Jones latched onto with an overhead effort but the Conwy keeper gathered comfortably.   Credit to returnee Michael Johnston who was outstanding alongside the nuggety Mike Williams. Neither gave an inch and offered both stern resistance and sound advice to their young companions. Young Kian Owen appears to improve with every game, in particular in terms of decision making.   In what turned out to be three minutes of added time Dylan Summers Jones trotted on for goalscorer Jones and the youngsters worked hard alongside the experienced veterans to ensure the lead was not lost.   A fighting win for City who, despite the off field troubles, continue to work hard on the pitch under the guidance of Gary Taylor Fletcher. A win applauded by the noisy Bangor supporters gathered on the railway embankment side at the final whistle.   Ruthin at home next Friday evening. (watch the media for further details, this is unlikely to be at Nantporth)
FINAL SCORE 0-1

28 8 February 2019	Holyhead Hotspur 7 v 5  Bangor City	Cymru Alliance Cup Semi Final
-   Colours   Blue & White   SCORERS   Jon Littlemore 3   Chris Jones   Dan McGinness    Tomos Clarke   Mel McGinness   Man of The Match   Jon Littlemore  Match Official James Walker	-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Holyhead Hotspur Y R R Y Bangor City 1  Carl Jones Nathan Wolland. 1 2  Dan McGinness Cian Williams . 24 3  Kenleigh Owen Mike Williams . 3 4  Tomos Clarke Kian Owen . 19 5  Alex Jones Sam Jones. 18 6  Dean Garmey Jordan Piggott . 6 7  Mike Kelly Alex Boss . 7 8  Chris Jones Gethin Thomas . 8 9  Jon Littlemore Gary Taylor Fletcher . 9 10  Mel McGinness Robbie Parry . 10 11  Luke McGivern Jacob Farleigh . 11         substitutessubstitutessubstitutessubstitutes substitutessubstitutessubstitutessubstitutes         12  Dan Williams GK Benn Lundstram (89) for 24 Williams . 13 14  Jamie Roberts (110) for ? ? Dylan Summers Jones,(110) for 18 Jones . 2 15  Caio Hywel Steff Taylor . 10 16  Sam Ashworth Leon Owen . 11 17  Dion Parry Luke Purcell . 22	-   Colours   Red & White   SCORERS  Gary Taylor Fletcher 2  Robbie Parry  Jacob Farleigh  Dylan Summers Jones   Man of The Match   Kian Owen  Official Attendance 286
Bangor fell to defeat in Extra Time after the two sides had fought out a four all draw in the normal ninety minutes.   Fishermen and some amateur weathermen reckon Holyhead and Rhosneigr amongst the windiest places in Wales. With storm Erik sweeping in across the Irish sea the 300 or so souls inside the New Oval might be inclined to agree.    However before kick off a moment of silence and contemplation in memory of Cardiff footballer Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson who died in a plane crash a week earlier. Also for local footballer Gareth Hughes.    But with eight goals in normal time and four more later on those who braved were soon richly entertained as Holyhead kicked off with the wind at their backs. In the opening quarter of an hour the home side took advantage of the elements to push City back and force four corners which Nathan Wolland and his defence did their best to repel.   After a fifth Holyhead corner it was City who took the lead on 22 minutes as Sam Jones and Alex Boss combined to set up Robbie Parry who took his time before finding the bottom corner.  A sixth Holyhead corner followed but on the half hour mark Bangor doubled their lead as Alex Boss this time set up Jacob Farleigh to beat goalkeeper Carl Jones.   With City hoping to take the two goal advantage in at the interval Holyhead finally capitalised on the wind and scored twice in quick succession.   On 37 minutes a seventh corner was prodded home by Jon Littlemore and within a minute the scores were level via former blue Chris Jones.   With the elements dictating play Holyhead won a ninth corner which Bangor cleared but on the stroke of half time Jon Littlemore struck again, this time from the edge of the box, to put the Hotspurs ahead for the first time.   City then trailing by a single goal but with the wind at their backs in the second period.
	HALF TIME 3-2
No changes at the interval for either side.   Playing now with what one correspondent described as a gale at their backs City set about restoring their lead.   Five minutes after the restart Alex Boss went close but on 52 minutes it was Holyhead who struck as former blue Jon Littlemore grabbed his hatrick goal despite the best efforts of leftback  Kian Owen.   With a two goal deficit Bangor pushed forward and on 56 minutes Kian Owen crossed for player manager Gary Taylor Fletcher to make the score 4-3.   Robbie Parry fired over from distance from a Bangor freekick before centreback Mike Williams shot over the crossbar.   On 75 minutes City drew level as Gary Taylor Fletcher  scored from another Kian Owen cross. Young leftback Owen has seized his opportunity in recent weeks and seems set for a run in the side and the chance to establish himself at Nantporth.   It was Bangor's turn to force some corners with the wind but nothing that Carl Jones and the Holyhead defence could not clear.  With around ten minutes to go City were awarded a freekick which Gary Taylor Fletcher fired on target but Jones was in the right place to pull off a decent save.   Minutes later City went close Jacob Farleigh crossed but Alex Boss could not get his head to the ball.   In the final minute substitute Benn Lundstram trotted on to make his first team debut in place of Cian Williams. Benn is the son of Mike Lundstram who was a member of the Bangor squad which travelled to play Dinaburg Dugavils in June 2005.   And that was about it was referee Walker blew for time and both sides had to ready themselves for an extra time allowance of thirty minutes. EXTRA TIME 4-4   With Holyhead again enjoying the advantage of the wind it was went close after four minutes as Alex Boss picked out Jacob Farleigh who crossed but Benn Lundstram could not quite turn his effort on goal.   The home side capitalised in style on this let off with two goal in two minutes.   The first came on twelve minutes of the fifteen from defender Dan McGinness to make it 5-4 and the next from a long goalkick converted by Tomos Clarke.   The second period of extra time started with Bangor trailing 6-4 and once young again Benn Lundstram went close before with twenty minutes gone Mel McGinness made it 7-4 and seemingly all over.   But there was still hope for City as young substitute Dylan Summers Jones scored arguably the goal of the game with a long range shot into the top corner to reduce the defict.   It was not to be for Bangor but credit to all those involved in an end to end cup tie which certainly left no one short changed in terms of efforts on goal or goals.   Good luck to Holyhead in the final where they will play either Porthmadog or Airbus.   Conwy away next Friday evening.
FINAL SCORE 7-5 aet

25 18 January 2019	Holyhead Hotspur 1 v 4  Bangor City	Cymru Alliance
-   Colours   Blue & White   SCORERS  Luke McGivern     Man of The Match   Jon Littlemore  Match Official Arthur Smallman	-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Holyhead Hotspur Y R R Y Bangor City 1  Carl Jones Nathan Wolland. 1 2  Dan McGinness Mike Williams . 21 3  Kenleigh Owen Anthony Stephens . 3 4  Luke McGivern Yalany Baio . 4 5  Alex Jones Sam Barnes . 5 6  Caio Hywel Gary Taylor Fletcher . 16 7  Dean Garmey Jake Phillips . 7 8  Corey Jones Alex Darlington . 8 9  Jon Littlemore Marc Williams . 15 10  Mel McGinness Sam Jones . 18 11  Sam Ashworth Alex Boss . 17         substitutessubstitutessubstitutessubstitutes substitutessubstitutessubstitutessubstitutes         12  Dan Williams GK Jamie Menagh (81) for 8 Darlington . 2 14  Mike Kelly (70) for 11 Ashworth Jordan Piggott . 6 15  Tomos Clarke (80) for  8 Jones Robbie Parry (87) for 16 T-Fletcher . 10 16  Rees Brown (85) for  4 McGivern Jacob Farleigh (70) for 17 Boss . 11 17 Sam Dool . 22	-   Colours   Red & White   SCORERS   Alex Darlington   Sam Jones   Marc Williams   Jacob Farleigh   Man of The Match   Sam Jones  Official Attendance 416
Bangor ran out clear winners in the end but were made to battle all the way against defiant Holyhead.   On a windswept Friday night at The New Oval Nathan Wolland was restored between the posts and he pulled off an early save from Mel McGinness before player manager Gary Taylor Fletcher stepped in to clear a menacing corner.   But on eleven minutes Bangor had the lead as Alex Darlington turned home Jake Phillips’ corner thanks to Sam Barnes’ guided header. The consistent Phillips has emerged as a major provider for City as the season has progressed.   Understandably this spurred the home side forward but the experienced Taylor Fletcher did well to protect his back four.   Back against his former club the pacey Alex Boss was a handful for former blues youngster Caio Hywel who was booked before another former Citizens Sam Ashworth went close for the hosts with a header from a corner.   The hard working Marc Williams went close for City on the half hour and young Sam Jones threatened but Alex Jones did well to halt his progress.   Both sides had half chances as half time beckoned but it was Jon Littlemore who went closest as he forced a good save from Nathan Wolland to preserve the lead.   There was a late caution for Alex Jones before Referee Smallman blew for the break.   City then with a slender advantage but not one they could easily rest on. Alex Darlington photo with thanks Event Photo Wales
	HALF TIME 0-0
No changes at the interval for either side.    Playing with the wind Holyhead and urged forward by the home support won an early corner headed goalwards by Jon Littlemore but somehow kept out by blues keeper Wolland.    On the back of this let off City doubled their lead on 53 minutes. Yalany Baio won possession in midfield and released Sam Jones whose fierce cross shot flew past Carl Jones and into the top corner.   But the dogged hosts fought back and three minutes later halved the deficit as Luke Mcgivern cut inside and fired home beyond the diving Wolland.   Bangor went close to restoring their two goal advantage as Alex Darlington crossed but Gary Taylor Fletcher headed over.   Left footer Mike Williams went close, then leading goalscorer Alex Darlington crashed a free kick into the Holyhead defensive wall before Hotspur forced a couple of corners.   With twenty minutes left on the clock Jacob Farleigh replaced Alex Boss, City went close from a low corner before Nathan Wolland saved well from Mel McGinness.   Then with 79 minutes played Bangor went 3-1 ahead. A  long throw from Jake Phillips unsettled the home defence, Gary Taylor Fletcher found Marc Williams who beat Carl Jones back to goal.   Two minutes later a Bangor debut for recent signing Jamie Menagh who replaced Mosta bound Alex Darlington.   City had a "goal" disallowed for offside but on 86 minutes it was all over as substitute Jacob Farleigh headed home from Anthony Stephens left wing cross.   As time ran out Robbie Parry trotted on for Taylor Fletcher and the winger created a chance for Sam Jones but he fired narrowly wide.   And that was about it, a hard fought win for City with the defence tested by Hotspurs and the City front men taking their chances.   Caernarfon at home next Saturday evening
FINAL SCORE 1-4

23 5 January 2019	Buckley Town 0 v 2  Bangor City	Cymru Alliance
-   Colours   Red & White   SCORERS     Man of The Match   Callum Humphries  Match Official Alex Livesey	-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Buckley Town Y R R Y Bangor City 1  Joe Makaruk Gruff Evans . 1 2  Josh Gannon Mike Williams . 21 3  Dylan Roberts Anthony Stephens . 3 4  Josh Jones Yalany Baio . 4 5  Callum Humphries Sam Barnes . 5 6  Lewis Hone Gary Taylor Fletcher . 16 7  Aaron Williams Jake Phillips . 7 8  Kieron Moore Alex Darlington . 8 9  Shaun Tinsley Marc Williams . 15 10  Aled Bellis Robbie Parry . 10 11  Adam Eden Jacob Farleigh . 11         substitutessubstitutessubstitutessubstitutes substitutessubstitutessubstitutessubstitutes         12  Chris Roberts (78) for 2 Gannon   . Nathan Wolland. 13 14  Phil Molyneux (83) for 7 Williams Gethin Thomas (90) for 15 Williams . 14 15  Connor Littler (70) for  9 Tinsley Alex Boss (83 for 8 Darlington . 17 16 Sam Jones (70) for 10 Parry . 18 17 Luke Purcell . 20	-   Colours   Blue   SCORERS   Marc Williams   Sam Jones   Man of The Match   Yalany Baio  Official Attendance 212
Bangor beat battling Buckley thanks to two late second half goals after leading goalscorer Aled Darlington missed a first half penalty.   With Jordan Piggott and Sam Dool laid low by a midlands flu the starting Bangor line up included Gruff Evans in goal but otherwise was seasoned enough, whilst the substitutes bench had a very youthful hue. Most of whom were to play a part in that dramatic finale.   Attacking the changing room end at The Globe Bangor went close early on, Jacob Farleigh cut in from the right but fired straight at Joe Makaruk. Buckley responded with a corner which midfielder Josh Jones lifted high over Gruff Evans’ crossbar. To a certain degree this was the pattern of the first half.   On ten minutes Bangor were awarded a penalty as Gary Taylor Fletcher ran into the box and was brought down by Joe Makaruk. A yellow card for the tall glovesman but he was a hero moments later with a comfortable save from a weak Alex Darlington spot kick. For Buckley fans who had voiced their criticism of the penalty decision the shout was now justice...   Bangor continued to push the home side back, Mike Williams fired over before rightback Josh Gannon was shown a yellow card for a crude trip on Alex Darlington. Midway through the half a double chance for City as Darlington saw his shot blocked and moments later Makaruk did well to deny Jacob Farleigh.   On the half hour a yellow card for leftback Anthony Stephens for a foul on Aaron Williams. Buckley could make nothing of the freekick though and moments later Alex Darlington fired on target from outside the box but the calm Makaruk gathered once more.   Yalany Baio and Gary Taylor Fletcher had control in midfield and frustration might have provoked the foul on the former Leicester schemer by Josh Jones which earned him a yellow card.   The final action of the first half was a Buckley corner which came to nothing and referee Livesey blew for the break with City fans contemplating the missed penalty and weak shots on goal. Big Joe Makaruk guesses correctly a saves Alex Darlington's penalty
	HALF TIME 0-0
No changes at the interval.   The second half carried on in the same pattern as the first with Bangor controlling the ball and playing some neat passing moves emanating from Taylor Fletcher and Baio and involving pretty much every outfield player.   Yalany Baio forced a good save from Makaruk as Robbie Parry began to find more time and space to trouble the home defenders.   Right winger Jacob Farleigh sent over a high cross which dropped to Alex Darlington but his effort was blocked and pounced on by Makaruk. Credit the home centreback pairing of Callum Humphries and Lewis Done who stood up to the examination without resorting to illegal measures.   City deserved something to show for their efforts but when Gary Taylor Fletcher hit the side netting from a tight angle it seemed a goalless draw was the likely outcome. Moments later the blues player manager raced through and saw his shot pushed over by Makaruk but referee Livesey gave a goalkick and yellow carded Taylor Fletcher for his complaints.   With twenty minutes to go City sent on Sam Jones for Robbie Parry whilst Buckley introduced Connor Littler. Jones offered something different with his runs into the channel which made life more difficult for the big defenders.   The game changed, with Jones very much involved and City exploiting a hitherto unseen apprehension in goalkeeper Makaruk who seemed reluctant to come for high crosses. Or Bangor found a way to launch crosses over him. Either way Jake Phillips with a string of corners, crosses and long throws was his tormentor in chief.   Fittingly it was Phillips whose high corner from the left evaded everyone, Sam Barnes headed back across goal and Marc Williams flicked home at the near post for a well deserved  76th minute lead.   On 83 minutes former Bangor favourite Chris Roberts trotted on whilst young Alex Boss replaced Alex Darlington who may be Malta bound.    On 85 minutes it was two nil as Marc Williams unsettled the home defence before passing to substitute Sam Jones who took his time before slotting home from fifteen yards and celebrating pitchside with a very proud father.   In the closing minutes Gethin Thomas came on for goalscorer Williams and with the young goalkeeper, midfielder and forwards enjoying the afternoon City ran out clear winners. Alex Boss forced one final save from the impressive Makaruk as he enjoyed his late runout.   So a clean sheet for a confident Gruff Evans, well shielded by Sam Barnes, Mike Williams and co, a good passing display on the difficult Globe pitch and a late clincher for young Sam Jones.    All in all a good afternoon.   Denbigh at home next Friday evening Sam Jones celebrates with a proud dad!
FINAL SCORE 0-2

21 25 December 2018	Porthmadog 0 v 2  Bangor City	Cymru Alliance
-   Colours   Black & Red   SCORERS     Man of The Match   Ifan Emlyn Jones  Match Official Arthur Smallman	-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Porthmadog Y R R Y Bangor City 13  Paul Pritchard Chris Mullock . 1 2  Gruff John Williams Marc Williams . 15 3  Josh Banks Anthony Stephens . 3 4  Ceri James Mike Williams . 21 18  Ifan Emlyn Jones Sam Barnes . 5 19  Dan Dascalu Jordan Piggott . 6 7  Iwan Lewis Jake Phillips . 7 8  Iddon Price Alex Darlington . 8 25  Shaun Cavanagh Les Davies . 9 10  Julian Williams Robbie Parry . 10 11  Rob Evans Jacob Farleigh . 11         substitutessubstitutessubstitutessubstitutes substitutessubstitutessubstitutessubstitutes         31  Jac Davies   . Nathan Wolland  (59) for 1 Mullock. 13 9  Cai Henshaw Gethin Thomas . 14 12  Sion Edwards (46) for 7 Evans GTFletcher (76) for 9 Davies . 16 15  Sion Parry (83) for 4 James Sam Jones. 18 16  Tomos Emlyn Jones (55) for 25 Cav'gh Sam Dool  (66) for 8 Darlington . 22	-   Colours   Blue   SCORERS  Marc Williams  Sam Dool   Man of The Match   Jake Phillips  Official Attendance 576
Bangor won at Porthmadog on a grey cloudy afternoon illuminated by a fine second half solo goal from substitute Sam Dool.   With Yalany Baio ruled out City switched Jordan Piggott to right back to allow Sam Barnes to parnter Mike Williams in central defence. The ever dependable Anthony Stephens filled the left back berth.   But it was midfielder Jake Phillips who caught the eye as he put in a remarkable non stop display in a midfield which was at times over run by their home counterparts.   Porthmadog forged the first two openings as Shaun Cavanagh headed off target from an Ifan Emlyn corner before Dan Dascalu fired a low raking drive which forced a fine save from Chris Mullock who still needed the help of his right hand upright before seeing the ball crash out for a corner on the opposite side.   If the home side had enjoyed the majority of the opening spell it was Bangor who scored first on twelve minutes.   Alex Darlington lifted the ball over the Port defence and Marc Williams capitialised on a moments hesistation from Paul Pritchard to slot home from close range.   City won a freekick for a wild challenge by leftback Josh Banks on Jordan Piggott which in turn led to a couple of corners at the carpark end but with no real threat. The Port midfield built around Ifan Emlyn and Dan Dascalu had the edge whilst centrebacks Ceri James and Iddon Price were allowed too much time by Bangor.   On the half hour Gruff John Williams had a shot blocked and then headed weakly on target before Shaun Cavanagh tried to catch Chris Mullock off his line but failed to clear the retreating glovesman. Two minutes later a golden opportunity for rightback Gruff John Williams but he missed the target from four yards out. Paul Pritchard saved comfortably from Les Davies.   But if City were riding their luck it quickly ran out as goalkeeper Chris Mullock sank to the floor and despite the best efforts of the magic sponge man, had to be replaced on 35 minutes by debutant Nathan Wolland who has arrived from Accrington Stanley.   The 22 year replacement cut a nervous figure at first as Port forced a fifth corner of the afternoon but gradually gained composure and settled behind the no nonesense blues back four.   Jacob Farleigh lashed his shot into the side netting before Port won a sixth corner which Bangor dealt with. At the end of the half louds penalty shouts for City as Jacob Farleigh saw his shot blocked by the arms of a home defender but referee Smallman ruled his hands were by his side.   So a slender lead for City to take in at the interval. City celebrate the opening goal
	HALF TIME 0-1
No changes at the interval for City but Port introduced former Bangor favourite Sion Edwards for Rob Evans.   City now defending the car park end on a still December afternoon at Y Traeth.   A weak shot from Les Davies was comfortable enough for Paul Prtichard. Next a yellow card for right back Gruff John Williams for a poor challenge on Jacob Farleigh.   Ten minutes after the restart a further change for Port as Tomos Emlyn Jones joined his brother Ifan on the pitch as the expense of former blue Shaun Cavanagh. Bangor broke through the midfield but two home players committed evident fouls although only Sion Edwards had his  name taken by Referee Smallman.   On 66 minutes a second change for Bangor as Sam Dool replaced Alex Darlington and brought some stablilty to the blues midfield.   Substitute Sion Edwards made an impact on the attacking left and sent over a couple of dangerous low crosses and saw a shot on target saved by goalkeeper Wolland.   On 76 minutes a roar from the blues fans as Gary Taylor Fletcher made his return debut in place of Les Davies. The former Leicester striker immediately instilled a calm and order into the blue ranks whose control of the game increased markedly.   And five minutes later on 82 the changes worked as Sam Dool ran through the midfield and then at the backpeddling defence to beat Paul Pritchard via a clear deflection. A touch of fortune in the final action but a tremendous surging run that left the home defence flat footed.   Although the Port players did not give up the ghost the certainly seemed to lack the conviction that they could score twice in the small amount of time remaining and so it proved.   Port won a late corner which came to nothng, Robbie Parry ran across the edge of the box from left to right before he was flattened by the right hand corner flag. Freekick but no yellow card from the inept whistler who seemed at times to be tossing a coin before deciding which way to point. In fairness he was poor for both sides.   At the final whistle a close fought win made all the sweeter by news of defeats for Flint and Rhyl against Holywell and Prestatyn respectively.   Guilsfield at home next Saturday at one o clock.. Substitute goalkeeper Nathhn Wolland and (right) former blue Ifan Emlyn Jones
FINAL SCORE 0-2

18 30 November 2018	Rhyl 2 v 1  Bangor City	Cymru Alliance
-   Colours   Black & White   SCORERS  James Murphy  Max Peate     Man of The Match   Matthew Cook  Match Official Nick Pratt	-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Rhyl Y R R Y Bangor City 1  Jon Hill Dunt Nikki Lee Bulmer. 1 24  Joe Sullivan Marc Williams . 15 3  Cai Owen Mike Williams . 21 4  Max Peate Yalany Baio . 4 5  Reece Fairhurst Sam Barnes . 5 16  Ben Nash Jordan Piggott . 6 17  Aaron Hassall Jake Phillips . 7 18  Matthew Cook Alex Darlington . 8 21  Gareth Partridge Les Davies . 9 10  Mike Pritchard Robbie Parry . 10 11  James Murphy Jacob Farleigh . 11         substitutessubstitutessubstitutessubstitutes substitutessubstitutessubstitutessubstitutes         1  Rory Crowther   . Gruff Evans GK . 13 2  Joe Culshaw (69) for 17 Hassall Alex Boss (80) for 9 Davies . 17 15  Liam Chambers (80) for 9 Pritchard Sam Jones (59) for 11 Farleigh . 16 22  Liam Smith Sam Dool . 18 2  Kristian Pearce (73) for 21 Partridge Cian Williams . 24	-   Colours   Blue   SCORERS  Alex Darlington   Man of The Match   S  Official Attendance 473
Bangor lost at Belle Vue. Undeservedly perhaps on the balance of play and chances but if you defend badly and waste good opportunities defeat is the likely outcome. Not the start new manager Taylor Fletcher would have wanted but with the league season effectively over he has time to plan and rebuild.   City stuck with the team which had beaten a poor Prestatyn side a week earlier and kicked off attacking the Grange Road (Social Club) end.   They might have been surprised by the energy and workrate of a committed Rhyl side for whom the veteran Matthew Cook excelled in midfield alongside youngsters Joe Sullivan and Aaron Hassall.    Maverick referee Nick Pratt, sporting a Movember Moustache, upset the blues followers by awarding the home side an early corner which his linesman had not seen. But it was Bangor who fired the first warning shot as Robbie Parry burst in from the right but blazed over.   Referee Pratt was the centre of attention moments later as Les Davies' inadvertently poleaxed Max Peate with a very high foot. It seemed unintentional and the official flashed yellow when red was a real fear.   On the quarter hour the best chance of the match so far for Rhyl as Mike Pritchard headed over at the back post from Aaron Hassall's cross. Five minutes later left wing back Jacob Farleigh fired a shot against the woodwork.   But on 24 minutes the hosts went ahead. Jordan Piggott did well to block an intial effort from James Murphy but the former Newtown winger crashed home the rebound from eight yards. Murphy can be inconsistent but on his day he is The Lilywhites chief attacking threat, and so it proved.   City won a freekick as Reece Fairhurst was carded for a foul on Alex Darlington which the former Wrexham man claimed but fired wide. Bangor had a couple of corners which came to nothing as the home sdie continued to graft in midfield. Some comments amongst City fans about the state of the Belle Vue pitch. Without doubt City will not play on a better surface outside Nantporth for the next four or five months. Read into that what you will. The blues also won and wasted a couple of long range freekicks largely through poor delivery.   Three minutes before the break a Rhyl freekick just inside the Bangor half led to a City breakaway led by Alex Darlington but Fairhurst did well to recover on the edge of his box and the chance fizzled out.   So a half time deficit for blues boss Gary Taylor Fletcher to contemplate. City had been unsettled by the hard working Rhyl youngsters in midfield and allowed Matty Cook far too much time and space. He needed ratting out but the customary ratter-in-chief Yalany Baio was strangely subdued.   Could the words of wisdom from the new manager raise the bar for City after the break...
	HALF TIME 1-0
No changes at the interval.   City took the game by the scruff of the neck and should have been level inside ten minutes if not sooner.   A high ball down the left to Les Davies was headed on for Jacob Farleigh to cross but Robbie Parry headed over. Then a slip by Mac Peate let Alex Darlington in on goal but he fired weakly at Hill Dunt. On 52 minutes Marc Williams fashioned a cross from the right but Alex Darlington this time headed wide.   With that initial onslaught survived Rhyl pushed forwards and the veteran Cook shot towards the near post from the right but Bulmer saved well, the resulting corner was cleared.   City won a fourth corner of the afternoon which resulted in Marc Williams having his effort cleared off the line. Next a yellow card for Robbie Parry who was out of sorts on the right.   Alex Darlington again failed to convert a decent chance as he scuffed his shot on goal, but moments later Rhyl might have doubled their advantage as a sliced clearance from goalkeeper Bulmer fell invitingly for Gareth Partridge but the heavily tattoed midfielder fired well wide from distance.   On 59 minutes a first change for City as Sam Jones replaced Jacob Farleigh. This seems to co-incide with a change of shape as Jake Phillips slotted in at rightback, Jones in front of him, Marc Williams to leftback and Parry to left wing. Rhyl won and largely wasted a third corner of the evening.   Five minutes later the lively Jones got on the end of a good passing move from City but his shot on target lacked any real conviction. On 69 minutes former blue Joe Culshaw came on for Aaron Hassall who had worked hard in midfield.  Moments later a high cross from Marc Williams out on the right cleared Hill Dunt but Robbie Parry fired narrowly wide and across goal.   Rhyl replaced Gareth Partridge with former Denbigh schemer Kristian Pearce on 73 minutes as they prepared to take to take their fourth corner.   But on 75 minutes City deservedly drew level. Substitute Sam Jones got the better of Joe Culshaw on the right, fired goalwards and although Hill Dunt saved he could do nothing to prevent Alex Darlington from crashing home from six yards.   A yellow card for a weary Mike Pritchard for a foul on Jordan Piggott but next a freekick from Rhyl some fourty yards out to the left. City made a fine hash of clearing the danger and defender Max Peate guided the ball wide of Bulmer to the delight of the Rhyl fans at the Grange End.   Bangor promptly sent on Alex Boss for Les Davies who in fairness had led the line well. Boss took a left wing position. Rhyl replaced Mike Pritchard with Liam Chambers.   Boss immediately got the better of rightback Owen and sent over a tempting low cross which no one in blue anticipated. A sign that luck was well and truly against City came moments later as Mike Williams crossed from the left and watched in agony as the ball again hit the woodwork and bounced to safety.   A yellow card for Jordan Piggott was followed by Jake Phillips long throw down the right which led to a corner. The ensuing cross was punched away virtually from under his own crossbar and City were done. Owen, Murphy and Chambers had half chances for Rhyl as five minutes of added time were played out without serious threat on Dunt's goal.   Defeat for City, the end of a long winning sequence, luckless perhaps but credit The Lilywhites for their attitude and application from start to finish.   Holyhead in the Welsh Cup on Friday night...
FINAL SCORE 2-1