match

MATCH REPORT ARCHIVE

MATCH
REPORTS

SEASON
2000-01

Saturday 5th May 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	3	v	0	Inter Cardiff
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Danny Embleton	1
2	Steve Cooper	Marc Lloyd Williams 2			Adam Pitcairn	2
3	Clayton Blackmore	og Craig Lima			Craig Lima	3
4	Paul Sellers				Phil Joslin	4
5	Sean Hazelden				Tom Williams	5
6	Richard Owen				Gareth Wallowork	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Dan Locke	7
8	Mark Thomas	Subs:		Subs:	Huw Neale	8
9	Craig Roberts	Paul Roberts		Matt Mannering	Mattie Davies	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Matthew Bishop		Phil Clark	Matthew Williams	10
11	Aled Rowlands	Graham Brett		Gavin Beddard	Jason Hislop	11

   A bright sunny day at Farrar Road, a stiff breeze, City brought the curtain down on their season and ended the LoW existence of the club variously known as UWIC Inter Cardiff Cabletel.
   This was never a contest as the visitors fielded a side more in keeping with their Abacus destiny than LoW past.
   Steve Cooper fashioned the first opening with a run and cross headed wide by midfielder Richard Owen before inevitably perhaps the prolific Marc Lloyd Williams notched his 99th LoW goal with a well timed run into the box and finish past Merseyside based Danny Embleton on 12 minutes.
   Further chances fell to Marc Lloyd Williams before Adam Pitcairn forced a good save from Paul Evans on twenty minutes. City responded through the mercurial Rhodri Giggs whose 25 yard effort drifted wide, then the little winger had a shot blocked and Marc Lloyd Williams fired wide.
   Five minutes before half time Marc Lloyd Williams notched his 100th LoW goal after he calmly slotted home after good approach play involving Steve Cooper, Rhodri Giggs and Aled Rowlands.
   There was still time for Marc Lloyd Williams and Rhodri Giggs to narrowly miss and finally for Richard Owen to volley over as City opened up the Cardiff defence with ease.

HALF TIME 2-0

   A distinctly one paced second period had one bright spark when on 55 minutes a strange own goal signalled the final act of the season. In a goalmouth scramble a UWIC defender thrashed the ball against his team mate Craig Lima who watched in disbelief as it cannoned into the goal!
   Two minutes later Marc Lloyd Williams thought he had his hatrick when he clamly beat Embleton from ten yards but referee Bevan had whistled for a foul by him on Joslin.
   In the relative tedium that followed City used all three substitutes, starting on the hour with Graham Brett for Clayton Blackmore. Five minutes later a superb 40 yard pass from Aled Rowlands found Marc Lloyd Williams but he shot over. Then Aled himself made way for Matthew Bishop as did Mark Thomas for a grinning Paul Roberts.
   The final ten minutes might have seen a red card for the giant Locke whose intial block on Paul Roberts was followed up by a repeat effort on Marc Lloyd Williams but - to his credit - the referee took the commonsense view and contented himself with a verbal warning.
   Chances came and went to Rhodri Giggs and Marc Lloyd Williams but to no avail. Season over and time to reflect and recruit....

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Mark Thomas
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Dan Locke
ATTENDANCE

Tuesday 1st May 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	1	v	1	Aberystwyth Town
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Jason Matthews	1
2	Graham Brett	Marc Lloyd Williams		Steve Mardenbrough	Chris Hammond	2
3	Clayton Blackmore				Aneurin Thomas	3
4	Sean Hazelden				Gavin O'Toole	4
5	Paul Sellers				Steve Pope	5
6	Richard Owen				Gari Lewis	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Glyndwr Hughes	7
8	Matthew Bishop	Subs:		Subs:	Nigel Nicholas	8
9	Paul Roberts	Steve Cooper		Andrew Caree	Paul Evans	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Craig Roberts		Jon Tappin	Steve Mardenbrough	10
11	Aled Rowlands	Mark Thomas		Sean Hayes	Mark Gornall	11

   With both teams scoring once and failing to convert numerous other chances a draw was probably about right in this end of season run out at Farrar Road.
   Aber started the stronger with Gavin O'Toole prompting from midfield but it was a 25 yard screamer from Paul Roberts on the right that rattled the visitors crossbar as Jason Matthews could only stand and watch. On ten minutes a blow for the green & blacks as Nigel Nicholas hobbled off to be replaced by Andrew Caree.
   On 20 minutes Glyndwr Hughes missed a golden opportunity when he headed "down and over" from six yards, then Paul Evans made a good save from his namesake from 15 yards.   The next incident involving Hughes was less savoury as a late challenge on Paul Evans left the Llangollen stopper needing treatment - and smelling salts.
   Before half time Aber forced a succession of corners which City survived and eventually cleared upfield. Next City's keeper pulled off a tremendous one handed save from Jon Tappin whose 25 yarder seemed destined for the back of the net. Paul Evans made another good stop from a Gari Lewis effort before referee Hutchinson issued yellow cards to Sean Hazelden and Lewis in the space of three minutes.

HALF TIME 0-0

   After largely surviving the first period Bangor grew in confidence as Marc Lloyd Williams shot at Jason Matthews from close range in the first minute of the second period. However Paul Evans again saved well - this time from a Gavin O'Toole 30 yarder. Moments later the keeper let the ball slip from his grasp but help was on hand.
   On 50 minutes Marc Lloyd Williams raced past Mark Gornall on City's left and crossed to the oncoming Rhodri Giggs whose shot was too close to Jason Matthews. Five minutes later one of those contentious issues where the referee cannot win. Paul Roberts raced at and nearly past Aneurin Thomas on the attacking right only for the giant defender to block his path. Free kick, card - but what colour? Yellow. Home fans howled their derision for what was a lenient application of the law. On the hour another good save from Paul Evans as Chris Hammond drove cleanly from 25 yards. Then Steve Mardenbrough chased a through ball to clip home as home defenders failed to intercept.   Immediately Bangor replaced the tiring Matthew Bishop with Mark Thomas.
   Aber might have gone 2-0 up but for some brave defending, young Paul Sellers to the fore, and another good save from Paul Evans from a Gavin O'Toole shot. Paul Evans had a narrow escape as he dropped a right wing cross which Andrew Caree skied from close range.
   Moments later on 73 minutes Marc Lloyd Williams latched on to superb through ball from Rhodri Giggs to beat Jason Matthews from 15 yards. Bangor might have snatched a victory when Rhodri Giggs bewildered "right back" Chris Hammond to supply Marc Lloyd Williams who untypically missed from 5 yards! Stephen Pope was booked for a foul on the little winger as he became more dominant, the final significant act was a header from substitute Mark Thomas after Paul Roberts won a corner.
   The proverbial fair result? It all depends...

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Richard Owen
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Gavin O'Toole
ATTENDANCE

Saturday 28th April 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	3	v	2	Llanelli
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Jon Roberts	1
2	Steve Cooper	Ritchie Owen			Andy Hill	2
3	Clayton Blackmore	Rhodri Giggs			Steve Devonald	3
4	Sean Hazelden	Marc Lloyd Williams			Kris Thomas	4
5	Clive Brown				Marvin Arthur	5
6	Richard Owen				Mark Parfitt	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Leigh Randall	7
8	Mark Thomas	Subs:		Subs:	Adie Harris	8
9	Paul Roberts	Graham Brett		Gavin Chesterfield	Nicky Palmer	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Paul Sellars		Jamie Davies	Jamie Bowen	10
11	Aled Rowlands	Craig Roberts			Mark Dickeson	11

Tuesday 24th April 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	2	v	0	Aberystwyth Town
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Jason Matthews	1
2	Steve Cooper	Paul Roberts			Chris Hammond	2
3	Clayton Blackmore	Steve Cooper			Gary Finlay	3
4	Sean Hazelden				Gavin O'Toole	4
5	Paul Sellers				Stephen Pope	5
6	Richard Owen				Gari Lewis	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Glyndwr Hughes	7
8	Matthew Bishop	Subs:		Subs:	Nigel Nicholas	8
9	Paul Roberts	Craig Roberts		Aneurin Thomas	Paul Evans	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Mark Thomas		Andrew Caree	Steve Mardenbrough	10
11	Aled Rowlands	Terry Boyle		Jon Tappin	Mark Gornall	11

   Forget the ghosted newspaper reports, this was an entertaining clash at Park Avenue between two committed sides who fought for the points throughout.
   Bangor deserved to win. The defence, built around the towering Sean Hazelden, stood firm with the quietely impressive Paul Sellers and Clayton Blackmore also standing out. City also did well in midfield where the tenacious Matthew Bishop tackled for his life alongside Rhodri Giggs and Aled Rowlands. The Valley lad ran at and past his opposite number time after time whilst Giggs worked hard at denying Glyndwr Hughes time and space.
   City might have gone ahead in the fifth minute when a rare wayward pass from Nicholas was intercepted by Aled Rowlands who ran through but shot too close to Matthews. A couple of minutes later Marc LLoyd Williams hit a clean strike from 25 yards again too close to the keeper. Any nerves the visitors might have had were dispelled as Sean Hazelden won a number of aerial duels with the impressive Paul Evans, whilst the lively Glyndwr Hughes was largely contained by some hard work and tackling.
   Paul Roberts and Marc Lloyd Williams again had chances but to no avail, then on 20 minutes Paul Evans saved well from Hughes on the right. Just before the interval Marc Lloyd Williams raced down the left and crossed for Rhodri Giggs but header sailed narrowly wide. At the other end Paul Evans slipped his marker to send a header off target.

HALF TIME 0-0

   Deep breath, a clean sheet after 45 minutes. How would City perform in the second period?   As the first five minutes elapsed Rhodri Giggs showed excellent control to race clear on the right, cut inside and shoot across goal. Moments later Marc Lloyd Williams shot at Matthews from 25 yards whilst an effort from Glyndwr Hughes again went just wide.
   On 56 minutes Paul Roberts took a pass from Marc Lloyd Williams to confidently beat the exposed Matthews from the edge of the box.   Next Aled Rowlands created a wonderful opening for Marc Lloyd Williams but his shot went wide from ten yards. Not to worry. On 65 minutes another cross from Aled Rowlands on the left arrived at the feet of Steve Cooper who composed himself before dispatching a low drive past Matthews.
   Moments later the tiring Rhodri Giggs was replaced by Mark Thomas who added his considerable presence to the midfield battle. Next Paul Roberts ran through - despite a clear handball - to shoot over the bar. As time started to run out Criag Roberts replaced the exhausted Matthew Bishop with legend Marc Lloyd Williams unseflishly dropping into midfield. The dependable no-nonesense Richard Owen also stood firm as Glyndwr Hughes tried to run down the right channel.
   That was about it. Aberystwyth created half chances and kept playing, but City deservedly held on and picked up three priceless points. Both the result and performance offer genuine hope.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Sean Hazelden
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Nigel Nicholas
ATTENDANCE

Saturday 21st April 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	2	v	2	Port Talbot Athletic
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Gareth Scantlebury	1
2	Steve Cooper	Paul Roberts		David Brain	Billy Timothy	2
3	Clayton Blackmore	Rhodri Giggs		Richard Ryan	Craig Hanford	3
4	Sean Hazelden				Ian Morgan	4
5	Clive Brown				David Brain	5
6	Richard Owen				Robert Cockings	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Stephen Pockett	7
8	Mark Thomas	Subs:		Subs:	Kevin Chapman	8
9	Paul Roberts	Craig Roberts		Richard Ryan	Vince Lewis	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Ian Burgess		Ian Vaughan	Geza Hajgato	10
11	Aled Rowlands	Terry Boyle		Adam Bishop	Kevin Bartleyt	11

   A valuable away point for Bangor who led 2-0 at half time but were hanging on by the final whistle.
   City opened the scoring on the quarter hour. Mark Lloyd Williams ran into the right side of the box, Scantlebury half saved his low shot which ran for Paul Roberts to tap into the empty net from close range.
   On the half hour mark Rhodri Giggs doubled the advantage with a super goal. Again Marc Lloyd Williams was in the thick of the action, the ball broke for the little winger who lifted a superb effort over and slightly wide of the despairing Scantlebury from some 25 yards. City also had Sean Hazelden and Richard Owen yellow carded whilst scoring both goals.
   City had the bulk of possession but could not increase their lead and went in 2-0 ahead.

HALF TIME 2-0

   A very different second half as the home side took over and reduced the deficit within two minutes through David Brain whose powerful header beat Paul Evans.
   Port Talbot drew level on the hour mark thanks to a well struck shot from half time substitute Richard Ryan but then failed to secure the winner their dominance deserved. Rhodri Giggs was yellow carded as City endured periods of pressure; with five minutes remaining Craig Roberts replaced the tiring Richard Owen.
   Overall a point could make the difference, a much better performance from keeper Paul Evans, and something to take forward to Aber on Tuesday night.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Clive Brown
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION
ATTENDANCE	174

Monday 16th April 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	0	v	4	TNS
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Mark Deegan	1
2	Steve Cooper			John Toner 2	Colin Webster	2
3	Clayton Blackmore			Anthony Wright	Lee Coathup	3
4	Graham Brett			Nicky Ward	Tim Alexandra	4
5	Sean Hazelden				Timmy Edwards	5
6	Richard Owen				Maurice Doyle	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Gary Powell	7
8	Aled Rowlands	Subs:		Subs:	Maksim Rotskov	8
9	Paul Roberts	Anthony Hughes		Mark Powell	John Toner	9
10	Craig Roberts	Mark Thomas		Nick Welton	Ricky Evans	10
11	Matthew Bishop	Karl Roberts		Nicky Ward	Anthony Wright	11

   A resounding away win for TNS, a heavy home defeat for City, no complaints from this department. TNS look a decent side and could have won by a bigger margin.
   The dreaded early goal went in after five minutes when Anthony Wright met a deep cross with power and conviction to leave keeper Paul Evans no chance.
   City came back with a 20 yarder from Richard Owen who connected cleanly with a cross from Aled Rowlands on the right. Then there were loud appeals for handball against Alexander in the visitors box and finally Aled Rowlands shot at Deegan from the eighteen yard line.
   Finally? Well on 18 minutes John Toner slipped his marker and fired hard and low past a diving Paul Evans to double the lead - and end the match. Minutes later Sean Hazelden worked hard to get a faint touch to deflect a goal bound shot from Wright and almost immediately Timmy Edwards rose unmarked to "score" with a backpost header - but the offisde flag saved the day.
   On 26 minutes Sean Hazelden won a 50-50 tackle on the edge of the box and was committed to a repeat effort some 40 yards out - as was Colin Webster. The young Saint fell injured and had to be stretchered off - but to his credit he did not seek to get anyone booked nor did his team mates.
On the half hour Matthew Bishop might have reduced the deficit when good approach work from Richard Owen and Aled Rowlands created an opening, but his shot went to close to Deegan. Then Sean Hazelden headed straigth at the keeper from 15 yards and Marc Lloyd Williams won a freekick but Clayton Blackmore sent his effort wide.
   Just before half time TNS went further ahead as John Toner shot past Paul Evans.

HALF TIME 0-3

And that was it really. After 53 minutes Nicky Ward placed a header from the left side of the area past Paul Evans who had a game to forget. The young keeper has lost confidence and this game degenerating into shooting practice could not have helped.
With some twenty miinutes to go Mark Thomas replaced Craig Roberts then Marc Lloyd Williams fired over from a position on the right created by a good cross field ball from Aled Rowlands.
Paul Evans saved well from Nicky Ward, chances came and went, then on 75 minutes Clayton Blackmore forced a good save from Deegan after good approach play from Marc Lloyd Williams.
Steve Cooper also headed wide, but this paints an unfair gloss on what was a clear defeat at the hands and feet of a much better side.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Richard Owen
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	John Toner
ATTENDANCE

Saturday 14th April 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	2	v	3	Newtown
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Danny Jones	1
2	Graham Brett	Marc Lloyd Williams 2		Steve McCormick	John Cottrell	2
3	Aled Rowlands			Wayne Hewitt	Gareth Evans	3
4	Paul Sellers			Justin Wickham	Chris Taylor	4
5	Mark Thomas				Mark Thomas	5
6	Clayton Blackmore				Wayne Hewitt	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Justin Wickham	7
8	Matthew Bishop	Subs:		Subs:	John Leah	8
9	Paul Roberts	Richard Owen		Colin Reynolds	Steve McCormick	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Craig Roberts		Terry Green	Mark Williams	10
11	Steve Cooper	Sean Hazelden		Phil Bates	Jon Williams	11

A dismal opening ten minutes when City let in two soft goals settled this affair, although a strange offside decision ended up as the chief talking point on a bright sunny day in Mid Wales!
Newtown were ahead inside 30 seconds as Gareth Evans sped down the Newtown left and fired in a cross which the lanky Steve McCormick was able to flick past Paul Evans from point blank range. The next moment of truth came on nine minutes when City's keeper sliced a punch to the edge of the box for Wayne Hewitt to volley home past stationery visiting defenders. Two nil.
But on 13 minutes Paul Roberts reduced the arrears with a telling strike from 15 yards after good approach work from Rhodri Giggs and Marc Lloyd Williams.
The lanky McCormick was causing City's defence problems and winning everything in the air. Neither centreback seemed quite tight enough and it was no great surprise when Justin Wickham chipped Paul Evans from the right to make it 3-1 on 40 minutes. The lead was no more than Newtown deserved and - with steadier finishing - it might have been more.

HALF TIME 1-3

   At half time left back Gareth Evans was replaced by Phil Bates with Mark Thomas moving to the fullback position. City perhaps missed a trick in not getting Rhodri Giggs to pull wide an run at the ineffective little battler; within 15 minutes the winger was replaced by young Craig Roberts. On 66 minutes Richard Owen replaced Steve Cooper and promptly won two crash tackles on the edge of the Bangor box to inject some bite and verve into the visitors performance.
   Within minutes that talking point. Marc Lloyd Williams skipped past two or three Newtown defenders to plant the ball past Jones. As the ref returned to the middle, as the City fans celebrated the linesman stood with his flag held high. Offside. Which it could not have been.
   City were incensed and charged into the attack. Credit to Wayne Hewitt who panicked his own side with a series of alarmist "forget the pretty football bang it forward" barked out with a strong hint of panic. Newtown looked unsettled. Was Hewitt a tip from Barry Powell?
   With 15 minutes to go Sean Hazleden replaced a "tired out" Paul Sellers and promptly won a couple of emphatic headers which soon led to McCormick's withdrawl.
   On 85 minutes a penalty came when Bates clambered all over Marc Lloyd Williams who got up to convert the chance, and reduce the deficit. Both sides had their opportunities but City fans will wonder how a goalbound effort from Craig Roberts was deflected over.
   So 3-2 it finished, Newtown were the better team, but - bloody hell - that was a strange decision!

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Marc Lloyd Wiliams
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Mark Williams
ATTENDANCE

Tuesday 10th April 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	2	v	3	Barry Town
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Fraser Digby	1
2	Graham Brett	Paul Roberts 2		Gary Lloyd	Terry Evans	2
3	Aled Rowlands			John French	Gary Lloyd	3
4	Clive Brown			Jamie Moralee	Richard Kennedy	4
5	Paul Sellers				Andrew York	5
6	Clayton Blackmore				Lee Phillips	6
7	Matthew Bishop				Ken Brown	7
8	Steve Cooper	Subs:		Subs:	John French	8
9	Paul Roberts	Richard Owen		Simon Truman	Jamie Moralee	9
10	Craig Roberts	Jason Anthony		Neil Sharpe	Mike Flynn	10
11	Rhodri Giggs	Ian Burgess		Geoff McClean	Luke Staton	11

   Battling Bangor were pipped for the points but this performance shows a big improvement on the 6-1 debacle at Jenner Park in January and offers hope for the remaining seven games.
   City brought back Rhodri Giggs and Aled Rowlands in place of Richard Owen and Ian Burgess compared to the team which won at Haverfordwest, but Marc Lloyd Williams was still unfit.
   Paul Roberts might have swept City ahead in the opening minute as he shot wide when well placed. But it was the visitors who went ahead through Gary Lloyd whose close range header beat Paul Evans on 16 minutes.
Barry settled to play their customary passing game with City competing well and putting the man with the ball under pressure.

HALF TIME 0-1

   The remaining goals all came in a 20 minute period immediately after the interval.
   Impressive striker Paul Roberts struck a shot goalwards which former Manchester United reserve Fraser Digby could only parry, the former Porthmadog hot shot converted the rebound to tie th scores at one all.
   On 55 minutes Paul Roberts put Bangor ahead with a powerful shot from the edge of the box which appeared to pass under the diving Digby. However Barry fought back to equalise within a minute as Jon French headed home.
   Then on 65 minutes the visitors took the the lead as Jamie Moralee pounced on the some defensive uncertainty to score from close range.
   Both side had further chances but Barry ran out winners, City can take heart from a promising performance but must be concerned about three more home points dropped.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Paul Roberts
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION
ATTENDANCE

Saturday 7th April 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	1	v	0	Haverfordwest Cty
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Ben Miles	1
2	Graham Brett	Paul Roberts			Chris Fry	2
3	Richard Owen				Andrew Rickard	3
4	Clive Brown				Andrew Hughes	4
5	Paul Sellers				Mickey George	5
6	Clayton Blackmore				Paul Walker	6
7	Matthew Bishop				David Burrows	7
8	Steve Cooper	Subs:		Subs:	Chris Pridham	8
9	Paul Roberts	Sean Hazelden		Dylan Blain	Mainwaring	9
10	Craig Roberts	Jason Anthony		Matthew Price	Carl Thomas	10
11	Ian Burgess	Tony Hughes		David Burrows	Tom Ramasut	11

   Bangor had to win this away match and they did, thanks to a hard working performance from a makeshift midfield and some confident defending from Clayton Blackmore.
   City gave a full debut to young midfielder Ian Burgess who lined up alongside Matthew Bishop and Steve Cooper in midfield, with Graham Brett making a welcome return at right wingback
   The match was dominated by a strong wind which favoured the hosts in the first half and they applied some pressure in the opening quarter with Andrew Hughes and Carl Thomas going close. On the half hour Craig Roberts appeared to have lost the ball but his pace unsettled the home defence and he regathered twenty yards out to force a good low save from Miles.
   Before half time Blackmore and keeper Paul Evans were called upon as County pressed but again they could not make the pressure pay.

HALF TIME 0-0

   The second half turn around meant Bangor had the wind at their backs and were able to apply more pressure. Paul Roberts shot wide with one opportunity as he capitalised on some defensive uncertainty.
   Then on 72 minutes the all important goal. Craig Roberts made a run down the left, held the ball up momentarily and then sent a deep cross over which found Matthew Bishop in the box. The former Swansea apprentice controlled the ball and supplied Paul Roberts who fired past Miles from eight yards out. Immedtiately City replaced the tiring Graham Brett and Paul Sellers with Sean Hazedlen and Anthony Hughes. Universities defender Hazelden effected two goal line clearances as the home side pushed for an equaliser.
   So a hard fought victory for a much changed City line up which offers real hope for LoW survival as we move into the final matches.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Clayton Blackmore
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION
ATTENDANCE

Tuesday 3rd April 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	0	v	3	Rhyl
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Dave Williams	1
2	Steve Cooper			Billy O'Callaghan	Dewi Parry	2
3	Richard Owen			John Stannard	Gary Curtis	3
4	Clive Brown			Stuart Graves	Mark Antrobus	4
5	Mark Thomas				Jamie Brewerton	5
6	Clayton Blackmore				Mick Jones	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				John Stannard	7
8	Aled Rowlands	Subs:		Subs:	Gareth Wilson	8
9	Paul Roberts	Sean Hazelden		Andy Jonesr	Dan Barton	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Jason Anthony		Stuart Graves	Billy O'Callaghan	10
11	Paul Sellers	Matthew Bishop		Steve Joness	Wes Kinney	11

   Bangor were well beaten by a visitors Rhyl side despite a goalless first half.
   It was the visitors who started the better creating scoring chances in the first ten minutes, the best of which fell to Dan Barton who headed over from eight yards. City's first hance came when Gary Curties conceded a corner and lay injured off the pitch. As he received treatment a quickly taken kick was fired narrowly wide of the near post.
   On 20 minutes the diminutive Wes Kinney forced a good save from Paul Evans, then Clive Brown showed good pace and anticipation to intercept O'Callaghan who had slipped Mark Thomas. At the other end Rhodri Giggs beat a couple of Rhyl midfielders to shoot just over from 25 yards. Curtis became the second Lilywhite to be booked for a foul on Steve Cooper before Rhodri Giggs set up Marc Lloyd Williams but his shot was pushed over by Dave Williams. Barton headed over again, O'Callaghan was booked before Giggs again brought Williams into action with a good effort from outside the box after good approach play from Aled Rowlands.

HALF TIME 0-0

   The first half had seen both sides waste chances and Rhyl set about proving that they would not do so again. Within five minutes Billy O'Callaghan and then John Stannard scored from inside the box to put the visitors ahead.
   On the hour Craig Roberts replaced the tiring Paul Sellers who had performed well before the interval. Then Brewerton was booked for a late challenge on Rhodri Giggs and Paul Roberts was yellow carded for what may have been dissent.
   With ten minutes remaining Craig Roberts hit a powerful shot just wide from 25 yards and that was effectively that. For good measure Rhyl added a third with a wonderful strike from former TNS midfielder Stuart Graves.
   Rhyl were deserved winners, no hard luck stories, no problems with ref Boddenham. Just a poor second half performance which was punished by Twynham-less opposition.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Clayton Blackmore
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Jamie Brewerton
ATTENDANCE

Saturday 31st March 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	1	v	3	Carmarthen Town
1	Carl Mounty	Scorers:		Scorers:	Rob Fitzgerald	1
2	Aled Rowlands	Marc Lloyd Williams		Chris Summers 2	Sion Meredith	2
3	Richard Owen			Wyn Thomas	Wayne Jones	3
4	Paul Sellers				Wyn Thomas	4
5	Mark Thomas				Neil O'Brien	5
6	Clayton Blackmore				David Barnhouse	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Chris Summers	7
8	Craig Roberts	Subs:		Subs:	Dean Rossiter	8
9	Paul Roberts	Sean Hazelden		Richard Parker	Ryan Nicholls	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Jason Anthony		Wayne Evans	Shaun Chapple	10
11	John Paul Roberts	Matthew Bishop		Craig Evans	Dylan McPhee	11

   Two significant incidents in the first three minutes said much about the way this game would go. First the petulant Chris Summers struck Mark Thomas after the ball had gone in a clear act of intimidation, then Marc Lloyd Wiliams was narrowly wide from 30 yards.
   Carmarthen now had a license from the pathetic Gerald Davies to do pretty much as they pleased and they did - although in general this was not a dirty match. But on eight minutes John Paul Roberts had to be replaced by Sean Hazelden and the Bangor midfield was effectively ruptured.
   The rough stuff kept on coming; first the burly Rossiter clattered Paul Sellers and then the pedestrian Shaun Chapple was similarily "late" on Paul Roberts operating in midfield.
   Back to the football - and that opening sentence - as Marc Lloyd Williams received the ball on the right, beat two defenders and curled an effort across goal and just wide of the far post.    But the visitors were by now clealry the stronger, more experienced side, and Summers might have put them ahead on 25 minutes but headed over after a couple of corners. City were struggling to clear their lines and a defensive slip set up Rossiter but his shot went wide.
   On the half hour Chris Summers ran across the City box, eluded Clayton Blackmore and fired in low past Carl Mounty who might have done better. Then another sub-standard piece of refereeing as Paul Roberts fouled Sion Meredith, who promptly struck him in the face! Both players got yellow cards when to anyone with a passing interest in the rules the retaliation was a red card job!
   Just before the interval Carl Mounty made a great stop against the dangerous Summers. Then a foul on Aled Rowlands on the edge of the box set up a chance for Sean Hazelden but the big defender perhaps saw the opening late - and missed from close range.
   All this was forgotten when on 42 minutes Paul Sellers robbed Chapple in the centre circle, supplied Marc Lloyd Williams whose short ball to Rhodri Giggs was returned perfectly for the Llanberis marksman to chip Fitzgerald from the edge of the box.

HALF TIME 1-1

The first incident of the second period saw Marc Lloyd Williams held down on the edge of the box, by the last defender - no problem - but then a sleepy City defence paid the price as Wyn Thomas scored from ten yards following a freekick.
Carmarthen were now in charge and Carl Mounty again saved well from Rossiter after a sweeping move. Then another telling moment, Rossiter launched into a truly dreadful lunge on young Paul Sellers which should have been more severely punished than a yellow card. Happily the youngster was okay.
Marc Lloyd Williams set up a long range opportunity for Craig Roberts but his shot went wide, then on 75 minutes Carmarthen ended the contest at Chris Summers had two shots, one saved, before slotting home the decider.
City then replaced Paul Sellers and Paul Roberts with Jason Anthony and Matthew Bishop, but to no avail. The visitors ran out clear winners and left the Farrar Road faithful looking anxiously at some difficult forthcoming matches.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Marc Lloyd Wiliams
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION
ATTENDANCE

Saturday 24th March 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	4	v	2	Llanelli
1	Carl Mounty	Scorers:		Scorers:	Scott Alderman	1
2	John Paul Roberts	Marc Lloyd Williams 3		Marvin Arthur	Andy Hill	2
3	Richard Owen	Paul Roberts		Chris Thomas	Chris Thomas	3
4	Emrys Williams				Gavin Chesterfield	4
5	Mark Thomas				Jamie Davies	5
6	Clayton Blackmore				Marvin Arthur	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Leigh Randall	7
8	Rhodri Giggs	Subs:		Subs:	Adie Harris	8
9	Paul Roberts	Craig Roberts		Steve Devonald	Chris Watkins	9
10	Paul Sellers	Karl Roberts		Nicky Palmer	Jamie Bowen	10
11	Aled Rowlands	Ian Burgess		Nathan Cadette	Mark Dickeson	11

A vital win for City in a six point thriller at Stebonheath with striker Marc Lloyd Williams bagging his third hatrick of the season.
Llanelli deservedly went ahead in the first ten minutes when Chris Watkins crossed for the unmarked defender Marvin Arthur to score from close range. The home side proceeded to hit the woodwork and pull some good saves from local lad Carl Mounty, but as ofte happens a goal against the run of play levelled the scores. Marc Lloyd Williams headed home after his volleyed pass out to John Paul Robberts on the left wing set up the cross he converted. On 22 minutes Clayton Blackmore sent a long through ball which Marc Lloyd Williams pounced on to lift over home keeper Alderman to put City ahead.
The Reds were not to be easily beaten and it came as no surprise on 35 minutes when wideman Chris Thomas beat some indifferent visiting tackles to fire past Carl Mounty from close range to level the scorers.
However City were dealt a cruel blow on 40 minutes when Emrys Williams suffered a serious ankle injury which resulted in his being taken to a Swansea hospital; his replacement was young Craig Roberts.

HALF TIME 2-2

   The second period saw both sides force chances but it was Bangor who went ahead 0n 50 minutes when substitute Craig Roberts released Rhodri Giggs down the left wing, the ball travelled across the edge of the penalty area until it reached Paul Roberts who dispatched it firmly into the back of the net to again put Bangor in the lead.
On 75 minutes exciting teenage prospect Ian Burgess replaced Craig Roberts and added bite and competiveness to the City midfield.
   With the game flitting end to end battling midfielder Ian Burgess won the ball in midfield and found Marc Lloyd Williams with a simple pass. He raced forty yards to crash an unstoppable shot past Alderman to secure the win and the points with a couple of minutes to play. This completed another hatrick for the pride of Llanberis and confirmed his ranking as the outstanding striker in the LoW.
   There was still time for Llanelli to force a fabulous point blank save from Carl Mounty in what could well be his farewell appearance. If so - thanks a lot Carl.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Marc Lloyd Wiliams
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION
ATTENDANCE

Tuesday 20th March 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	0	v	5	Caersws
1	Carl Mounty	Scorers:		Scorers:	Matthew Griffiths	1
2	Steve Cooper			Graham Evans 2	Andrew Thomas	2
3	Richard Owen			Sean Jehu	Sean Jehu	3
4	Emrys Williams			Andy Davies	Antony Griffiths	4
5	Mark Thomas			Marc Hughes	Marc Howells	5
6	Clayton Blackmore				Marc Hughes	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Martin Griffiths	7
8	Aled Rowlands	Subs:		Subs:	Alex Fletcher	8
9	Paul Roberts	Craig Roberts		Gwyn Williams	Graham Evans	9
10	Scott Williams	Paul Sellers		Jamie Davies	Rob Hamer	10
11	John Paul Roberts	Ian Burgess		Lee Evans	Andrew Davies	11

A series of bad decisions cost City this match, allied to some rank poor defending and the fact that Caersws made good use of a strong wind at The Recreation Ground.
The first shocking decision was to kit the team out in a horrific yellow & green strip.
The second to play against the wind first half - although with better defending that might have worked. The "wind" was more akin to a blizzard gusting forcefully from the East.
Despite all this City started well enough, shared the spoils in the opening ten minutes, and looked the better footballing side. Then Caersws won a corner on their right which Sean Jehu swung straight in at the near post in the 12th minute. Minutes later Jehu pulled a good save from loan keeper Carl Mounty after a 25 yard strike was rushed goalwards in the near horizontal snow.
City then forced three openings into the teeth of the wind. First a corner from the right was headed goalwards by Emrys Williams but Thomas cleared, only for Marc Lloyd Williams to hook the follow up cross just over. Minutes later Thomas nearly turned the ball into his own net from a right wing cross from Steve Cooper.
But on 25 minutes a double strike made the misses very costly. Graham Evans and then his strike partner Andy Davies struck from within the box as the visiting defence failed to clear.
City rallied and Paul Roberts ran across the edge of the box but shot wide, then the former U21 International might have passed to Marc Lloyd Williams but elected to shoot - just wide.
Ten minutes before half time Graham Evans notched his second and Caersws 4th with a carbon copy of the low, clinical finishes seen earlier.

HALF TIME 0-4

   The second half, with the wind charging along in support, there was some hope. Richard Owen was replaced by Craig Roberts, within five minutes Scott Williams limped off with Paul Sellers coming on.
   Caersws showed more defensive cohesion whilst perhaps City stayed too deep and failed to apply the level of pressure the hosts had. Nevertheless on the hour City spurned a series of decent opportunities which ended the contest. First a good run down the left wing by Paul Roberts set up Craig Roberts but the youngster headed over, then Marc Lloyd Williams tested Griffiths with a clean strike. Next the Llanberis marksman cut in from the right, onto his left foot but fired into the side netting from ten yards. Perhaps if one - or two - of these chances had gone in...
   On 66 minutes City gave a debut to teenager Ian Burgess inplace of Steve Cooper. The youngster showed some neat touches in central midfield, and promoted anothe flurry of chances. The best of these saw Aled Rowlands and Marc Lloyd Williams combine for "Jiws" to head just over.
   Minutes later a Bangor freekick on the half way line, by the rightside flag, was taken by Clayton Blackmore. Griffiths realised he was in trouble but to his credit pushed the ball away for a corner.
   With around ten minutes left Marc Hughes beat two City defenders to plant the ball in the bottom corner and complete the rout.
   No hard luck strories here, some poor defending and missed chances.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Marc Lloyd Wiliams
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Graham Evans
ATTENDANCE

Tuesday 14th March 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	4	v	2	Rhayader Town
1	Carl Mounty	Scorers:		Scorers:	Mike Barton	1
2	Steve Cooper	Paul Roberts 3		Neil Cooper	Craig Williams	2
3	Aled Rowlands	Marc Lloyd Williams		Lee Farrell	Matthew Cross	3
4	Emrys Williams				Ray John	4
5	Mark Thomas				Gareth Wharton	5
6	Clayton Blackmore				Glen Willis	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Lee Matthews	7
8	Rhodri Giggs	Subs:		Subs:	Lee Farrell	8
9	Craig Roberts	Paul Roberts		Chris Morgan	Neil Cooper	9
10	Paul Sellers	Scott Williams		John Morris	Craig Hughes	10
11	John Paul Roberts	Richard Owen		Rob Kozak	Russell Wigley	11

A tremendous second half fightback inspired by a a triple substitution saw Bangor recover from two nil down to win 4-2 at Rhayader.
The home side got off to a perfect start in the sixth minute as Emrys Williams tripped Craig Hughes in the box to concede a penalty which Neil Cooper converted. Cooper brother of blues defender Steve.
City nearly struck back when some neat approach work involving Marc Lloyd Williams and Steve Cooper set up John Paul Roberts but his shot went narrowly wide. Overall though Rhayader were in charge and it was no surprise when they doubled their advantage on the half hour thanks to a super strike from Lee Farrell from 25 yards into the top right corner. Carl Mounty reached it but to no avail.
City had a couple of long range freekicks from Clayton Blackmore and then Marc Lloyd Williams but neither really threatened and it was Rhayader who could have increased the lead as half time approached when Steve Cooper cleared off the line.

HALF TIME 0-2

   The eleven which took the field for the second period saw Richard Owen, Scott Williams and Paul Roberts replace Steve Cooper, Paul Sellers and Craig Roberts. The effect was startling.
   With Richard Owen at leftback and John Paul Roberts on the right City now had the more experienced pair of Aled Rowlands and Scott Williams in midfield with Rhodri Giggs whilst Jiws now had Paul Roberts for company. The whole team played with greater purpose and verve.
   Rhodri Giggs hit the bar (again!) with a 25 yard chip before Paul Roberts converted a close range chance created by John Paul Roberts and then - inevitably - Marc Lloyd Williams. Within minutes the same combination again ended with Paul Roberts levelling the scores from close in.
   Rhayader had looked punch drunk but they found their feet and Carl Mounty was called into the action briefly, although Clayton Blackmore and the improving Mark Thomas held firm. That Salford winger flighted another 30 yarder towards goal, but with Barton beaten the ball drifted wide. Rhodri was making a monkey of former City leftback Matthew Cross on the right.
   Then on 72 minutes Bangor went in front for the first time as Marc Lloyd Williams set off on a left wing foray courtesey of a telling pass from Aled Rowlands. The Llanberis marksman surged in on goal but, with everyone expecting a finish, he calmly picked out Paul Roberts who drove the ball in for his hatrick. A hatrick from a substitute. A LoW first for Bangor?
   Mindful of my remark to Ray Rowlands that Jiws was unlikely to play so well and not score, Clayton Blackmore sent a booming ball into the left channel. Marc Lloyd Williams seized on the opening, ran goalwards but opted to thrash the ball past the exposed Barton for a deserved goal and City's fourth!
   That concluded the main event, although Marc Lloyd Williams was denied a penalty when he was tripped in the box, but never mind the points were safe. What a comeback, tremendous spirit, the only concern a knee injury to Scott Williams.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Marc Lloyd Wiliams
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Lee Farrell
ATTENDANCE

Saturday 10th March 2001

~ The Welsh Cup ~

	BANGOR CITY	0	v	3	Barry Town
1	Carl Mounty	Scorers:		Scorers:	Tony Tucker	1
2	Steve Cooper			Andrew York 2	Terry Evans	2
3	Aled Rowlands			Jamie Moralee	Gary Lloyd	3
4	Emrys Williams				Jamie Jenkins	4
5	Mark Thomas				Andrew York	5
6	Clayton Blackmore				Lee Phillips	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Ken Brown	7
8	Rhodri Giggs	Subs:		Subs:	John French	8
9	Craig Roberts	Paul Roberts		Geoff McClean	Jamie Moralee	9
10	Paul Sellers	Scott Williams		Neil Sharpe	Mike Flynn	10
11	John Paul Roberts	Jason Anthony		Briggs	Nicky Burke	11

A better performance than the score suggested but in the end a disappointing Welsh Cup for City at Jenner Park.
Barry took the early initiative with five corners in the opening quarter of an hour, but Bangor thought they had taken the lead through Rhodri Giggs when his near perfect curler from the edge of thebox hit the inside of the post but stayed out. The little winger wheeled away in celebration but his joy was shortlived!
Marc Lloyd Williams was causing problems for the one paced home defence but so too was left footer Gary Lloyd whose corners and freekicks troubled the visitors. However the picture changed on 24 minutes.
One corner from the left saw Andrew York tower above the Bangor defence to head home.
Then two minutes later a 25 yard freekick from the left footer hit the foot of Carl Mounty's post for Jamie Moralee to tap in from two yards.

HALF TIME 0-2

   The second period saw Barry make the running but Bangor retained an interest as Marc Lloyd Williams beat the home defence but sent his left footed curler narrowly wide of the post with Tucker well beaten.
   The sour point of the match then saw Steve Cooper sent off for a second bookable offence.
   With ten men and trailing 2-0 Bangor had little hope but kept on battling until Andrew York's diving header finished off the scoring the final minutes.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Gary Lloyd
ATTENDANCE

Friday 24th February 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	3	v	1	Cefn Druids
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	David Williams	1
2	Steve Cooper	Marc Lloyd Williams 2		Huw Griffiths	Paul Morris	2
3	Richard Owen	Rhodri Giggs			Mark Rutter	3
4	Emrys Williams				Aled Rowlands	4
5	Paul Sellers				Mark Allen	5
6	Clayton Blackmore				Huw Griffiths	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Jay Davies	7
8	John Paul Roberts	Subs:		Subs:	Rene Penaud	8
9	Craig Roberts	Paul Roberts		Simon Richards	Mike Davies	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Karl Roberts		Andy Davies	Kevin Scott	10
11	Aled Rowlands	Sean Hazelden		Stuart Thornley	Alan Williams	11

Despite some difficult moments in the first half City led 2-0 at half time thanks to two more goals from Marc Lloyd Williams and clinched in the second through Rhodri Giggs.
The visitors nearly took a first minute lead when Kevin Scott showed the pace to get behind the bangor defence but his shot was blocked by young Paul Sellers. The next meaningful action saw Marc LLoyd Williams have a shot saved by Williams. Then City fans held their breath as home keeper Paul Evans needed treatment for a dislocated finger which physio Arwel Jones popped back.
Bangor took the lead on 20 minutes when the impressive centre midfielder John Paul Roberts picked out Marc Lloyd Wiliams on the right side of the box. Jiws stepped left inside the defender and beat Williams at the keeper's right post.
On thehalf hour Steve Cooper was the hero with two goal line clearances at Cefn fought for an equaliser. City also had Paul Evans to thank with a good stop from Kevin Scott and on some cool defending from Paul Sellers who was in at centreback for Mark Thomas.
At the other end Rhodri Giggs could have opened up the Druids defence a couple of times but indecision struck and he was caught in possession. The little winger nearly increased the lead with a brave near post header from a Craig Roberts cross, but despite getting in front of the defender he sent the effort narrowly wide.
On 39 minutes Marc Lloyd Wiliams was on the end of an excellent threaded through ball from Rhodri Giggs to double the lead. But slack marking in midfield allowed big Huw Griffiths to run unchallenged before firing a thunderbolt effort over Paul Evans in injury time.

HALF TIME 1-2

The first meangingful action of the second period saw Aled Rowlands pick out Marc Lloyd williams on the right who turned to find Craig Roberts on the edge of the box. The tall youngster calmly supplied Rhodri Giggs who fired the ball into the bottom corner.
On 50 minutes Craig Roberts turned well and tore past the Cefn defence to be pulled down in the box. Play went on - and advnantage? - and the chance went begging. Penalty? Looked that way.
Five minutes later the youngster was replaced by Paul Roberts and received a warm round of applause from the home support. As the game progressed Paul Sellers grew in confidence, Richard Owen used his cultured left foot to good effect, both in defence and attack particularly snuffing out Simon Richards on a couple of occasions on the edge of the box.
If anything the game petered out, although Paul Evans made a couple of excellent saves - one from a close range downward header was outstanding. Cefn withdrew Mike Davies and encouraged fellow striker Kevin Scott to take throw ins, which realistically left the City defence without too many goal threats to mind.
So three valuable points for Bangor and perhaps the most controlled display in this sequence.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Paul Sellers
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Huw Griffiths
ATTENDANCE

Tuesday 20th February 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	3	v	3	Oswestry Town
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Dave Blower	1
2	Steve Cooper	Marc Lloyd Williams 3		Steve Rogers 2	Justin Bridges	2
3	Aled Rowlands			Jon Jones	Jamie Fairhurst	3
4	Emrys Williams				S.O.Shaughnessy	4
5	Mark Thomas				Brett Jeffries	5
6	Clayton Blackmore				Paul Langley	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Ross Holtom	7
8	Paul Sellars	Subs:		Subs:	Neil Wenham	8
9	Craig Roberts	Richard Owen		Ross Jeffries	Steve Rogers	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Karl Roberts		Ryan Jeffries	Jon Jones	10
11	John Paul Roberts	Sean Hazelden		Adam Burgess	Jason Jones	11

City got off to an excellent start with a sixth minute lead but - by the final whistle - they were hanging on with keeper Paul Evans sent off and hatrick hero Marc Lloyd Williams in goal at Park Hall.
The bright start came courtesy of Rhodri Giggs who robbed Paul Langley on the deadball line, squared the ball to Marc Lloyd Williams who tapped in the simplest of chances. Ten minutes later as Oswestry conceded frequent freekicks Clayton Blackmore forced a good save from Blower. The controvesy! Steve Cooper was fouled and - having received treatment - he was obliged to leave the pitch. With City down to ten men and lunatic referee GM Davies refusing his frantic attempts to get back on the pitch Steve Rogers thrashed home an equaliser from fifteen yards. Amazingly Cooper was not allowed to return even when played stopped and then restarted from the centre circle! He absence - of around three minutes - was to prove costly for Bangor.
Rhodri Giggs was then booked for dissent, then on 37 minutes Steve Rogers repeated the super finish of some fifteen minutes earlier when the Bangor defence froze once more. Rogers was proving to be a difficult opponent for young Mark Thomas and company, perhaps City tended to defend too deep which also suited Rogers.

HALF TIME 1-2

   Five minutes after the interval Marc Lloyd Williams charged down the left and crossed for Craig Roberts whose powerful strike hit the crossbar from 18 yards. Then it was the Llanberis lad's turn to fire a freekick from the right which was well saved by Blower.
   A couple more bookings for the strange little ref, Rogers for a foul on John Paul Roberts and Marc Lloyd Williams for dissent. But the striker had the last laugh as he pounced on some hesitancy in the home defence to convert a close range chance.
On 70 minutes Marc Lloyd Williams completed his hatrick and put City ahead when a lofted crossfield ball from Aled Rowlands caused panic in the home defence.   With Mark Thomas warming to the task of marking Rogers Bangor held out until the 83rd minute when Clayton Blackmore failed to cut out a hopeful through ball to allow Jon Jones the chance to chip Paul Evans for a deserved equaliser.
   Oswestry huffed and puffed, sending the ball forwards and - fortunately for Bangor - giving away some needless freekicks. Then on 90 minutes Steve Rogers collided with Paul Evans, free kick to Bangor, but the keeper literally saw red with a shove at Rogers. Who else but the larger than life Marc Lloyd Williams went in goal for the remaining three minutes of mystery time.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Marc Lloyd Williams
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Steve Rogers
ATTENDANCE

Saturday 17th February 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	3	v	1	Afan Lido
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Brian Thomas	1
2	Steve Cooper	Marc Lloyd Williams 3		Nick Jones	Andy Pitman	2
3	Richard Owen				Steve Parry	3
4	Emrys Williams				Greg Hurley	4
5	Mark Thomas				Phil Holmes	5
6	Clayton Blackmore				Andrew Rickard	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Mitch Patten	7
8	Paul Sellars	Subs:		Subs:	Paul Evans	8
9	Craig Roberts	Karl Roberts		Shaun Galsworthy	Nick Jones	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Paul Roberts		Andy Davies	Leighton Jones	10
11	John Paul Roberts	Daniel Grant		Justin Williams	Andrew Pearson	11

With a very youthful looking side Bangor outfought and outgunned visitors Lido who trailed for 85 minutes but never gave up, although hatrick hero Jiws was too hot to handle.
The pre-match doom and gloom regarding injuries to Sean Hazelden, Scott Williams and Clive Brown, plus a bout of flu which ruled out Aled Rowlands and Paul Roberts. The solution? Simple call up the reserves who have been oft touted on the city guestbook. Mark Thomas slotted in alongside Emrys Williams and Clayton Blackmore, Paul Sellars in midfield and Craig Roberts up front. And it worked a treat!
On a bright sunny Farrar Road pitch Marc Lloyd Williams led from the front a gave City a 5th minute lead with a tap in from a Steve Cooper cross. Lido, with the enormous Leighton Jones upfront, pressed forward. But Mark Thomas stood up mentally and physically to the challenge, winning tackles, headers and reading the game well. Also hitting the channels with some well struck passes off either foot.
The match was never a classic, but with Clayton Blackmore marshalling the defence and young Paul Sellars alongside Rhodri Giggs and John Paul Roberts in midfield City stuck to their task. Goalkeeper Paul Evans made a good low save from Pearson then Paul Sellars shot too close to the keeper after being set up by Marc LLoyd Williams.
With halftime approaching young Sellars won the ball on the half way line and took off for goal. The ball was returned to him, he played it to Marc Lloyd Williams who makde no mistake with a clever lofted fiinish over Thomas.

HALF TIME 2-0

The second period again featured excellent defensive work from Mark Thomas, but in truth lacked the flow of the first. There were injuries and bookings and substitutions. These included John Paul Roberts for Bangor and Lido pair Steve Parry and Andrew Pearson.
Then on 80 minutes Jones pulled a goal back for Lido with Paul Evans the busier keeper for a while. Happily a horrible mistake by visiting keeper Thomas saw the ball bounce over his head for Marc Lloyd Williams to complete another well deserved hatrick!
Lido did not give up but their forwards found Paul Evans in impressive form and City won by two clear goals. Three points. But what a gutsy performance with half the first choice side missing.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Mark Thomas
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Greg Hurley
ATTENDANCE

Saturday 10th February 2001

~ The Welsh Cup ~

	BANGOR CITY	3	v	2	Newtown
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Mark Jones	1
2	Steve Cooper	Marc Lloyd Williams		Steve McCormick 2	John Cotterell	2
3	Clayton Blackmore	Craig Roberts			Gareth Evans	3
4	Emrys Williams	Daniel Grant			Phil Bates	4
5	Clive Brown				Chris Taylor	5
6	Scott Williams				Terry Green	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Justin Wickham	7
8	Rhodri Giggs	Subs:		Subs:	John Leah	8
9	Paul Roberts	Paul Sellars		Steve McCormick	Mark Thomas	9
10	John Paul Roberts	Craig Roberts		Dave Timms	Mark Williams	10
11	Aled Rowlands	Daniel Grant		Tom Reynolds	Chris Adamson	11

What a game at Farrar Road! Five goals, extra time, a sending off - all played in a tremendous spirit - this Welsh Cup tie had just about everything.
With the strong wind from behind the Farrar End at the backs, Bangor troubled Robins' keeper Mark Jones with a couple of 25 yard strikes from Clayton Blackmore which the Bomere Heath farmer struggled to hold. One fell to Paul Roberts but the chance went begging from close range.
On 25 minutes Paul Sellars entered the fray as a replacement for the injured Scott Williams and took his place in centre midfield. The youngster battled well against the fluid Town midfielder.
Rhodri Giggs ran and passed to good effect and combined well with Marc Lloyd Williams, and sent one superb crossfield ball to the right wing and John Paul Roberts whose cross found Paul Roberts. His control and shot were good but the Newtown defence survived. At the other end Green blazed over whilst the sturdy Mark Williams was proving a difficult man to mark. The Robins also contrived to hit the post and crossbar in one attack!

HALF TIME 0-0

The 48th minute saw Marc Lloyd Williams put City ahead - for the first time - as he found time and space to control the ball a fire past Jones from 15 yards. City held the lead despite strong Newtown pressure, Emrys Williams and Clayton Blackmore worked overtime to repell wave after wave of wind assisted attacks. Rhodri Giggs set up John Paul Roberts who was now operating on the left, but the youngster fired wide. Giggs was then replaced by Daniel Grant, with Paul Roberts dropping into midfield.
Chances came and went at both ends before, in the final minute of the ninety, an inviting Dave Timms corner was met by the lanky Scot Steve McCormick to head the Robins level.
Despair, City players sank to their knees. Extra time.

FINAL SCORE ONE ALL

   Extra time saw Newtown miss two good chances within three minutes and then Marc Lloyd Williams strike a freekick just over from the left. Jiws was again involved as Phil Bates pulled him back when clear on goal for an inevitable red card. In the final minute of that goalless first period Paul Sellars trudged off wearily to be replaced by Craig Roberts, with Marc Lloyd Williams dropping alongside Paul Roberts and John Paul Roberts in midfield.
The second period burst into life in the 5th minute (ie 110th) as Jiws battled hard to win the ball in the box and supply young striker Craig Roberts on the right. The youth team star took a touch, steadied himself and placed the ball beyond Mark Jones. What a finish.
Three minutes later Steve McCormick lopped a header over Paul Evans who watched in disbelief as the ball rebounded off the post, off his shin, and across the line. Two all.
   With 12 minutes of the second period extra time gone Aled Rowlands ran - yet again - poewrfully down the left, struck a pass into Craig Roberts. The goalscorer controlled and shielded the ball, attracted the Newtown defenders, and then had the presence of mind to calmly supply the unmarked Daniel Grant who slid the ball past the motionless Jones for the winner!
   That was it, after a bizarre 2 mins 30 seconds of injury time the whistle went. Euphoria!

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Aled Rowlands
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	John Leah
ATTENDANCE

Saturday 3rd February 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	2	v	5	Cwmbran Town
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Pat O'Hagan	1
2	Steve Cooper	Marc Lloyd Williams		Jodie Jenkins 2	Mark Evans	2
3	Richard Owen	Aled Rowlands		Adam Moore	John Wile	3
4	Clive Brown			Nathan Cotterrall	Jodie Jenkins	4
5	Sean Hazelden			Mark Evans	Kurt Bettles	5
6	Emrys Williams				Richard David	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Nathan Wigg	7
8	Rhodri Giggs	Subs:		Subs:	Adam Moore	8
9	Paul Roberts	Scott Williams		Michael Pattimore	Neil Smothers	9
10	John Paul Roberts	Mark Thomas		Richard Carter	Lee Brown	10
11	Aled Rowlands			Richard Davies	Nathan Cotterrall	11

Cwmbran ran up a 4-0 interval lead thanks to some woeful defending by Bangor who could not come to terms with the pace of Nathan Cottrell on the City right. Strangely fitting for an athletics stadium!
The first goal came in the tenth minute when Adam Moore capitalised on confusion in the visiting defence caused by a Cotterrall cross.
Then Nathan Cotterrall cut inside to double the lead as Clive Brown struggled to keep his feet on the slippery Stadium surface, the winger netting from 25 yards.
Jodie Jenkins completed the rout in the first half with goals in the 24th and 39th minute but City conspired to miss an excellent chance when John Paul Roberts missed from a yard out from a right wing cross.

HALF TIME 0-4

The second half was a different story - perhaps the Crows rightly thought the job was done - but within three minutes of the restart Aled Rowlands scored from nearly 30 yards after running through on the right. In the 53rd minute the gap narrowed further as Llanberis lad Marc Lloyd Williams ripped the ball through the net and had to protest that he had scored - a fact confirmed by the sight of a foot wide hole in the Cwmbran net!
The hosts hit back through Mark Evans to complete the scoring on 64 minutes. The wingback took off his shirt for some celebratory purpose - and ten minutes later when he was yellow carded for a foul he consequently enjoyed an early bath!

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Aled Rowlands
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Nathan Cottrell
ATTENDANCE

Tuesday 30th January 2001

~ The Premier Cup ~

	BANGOR CITY	1	v	1	Carmarthen Town
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Robert Fitzgerald	1
2	Steve Cooper	Karl Roberts		Ryan Nicholls	Deryn Brace	2
3	Richard Owen				Wayne Jones	3
4	Clive Brown				Wyn Thomas	4
5	Sean Hazelden				Neil O'Brien	5
6	John Paul Roberts				David Barnhouse	6
7	Clayton Blackmore				Craig Evans	7
8	Rhodri Giggs	Subs:		Subs:	Dylan McPhee	8
9	Aled Rowlands	Mark Thomas/T Hughes		Ian Davies	Ryan Nicholls	9
10	Karl Roberts	Daniel Grant/Paul Sellars		Tomi Morgan	Shaun Cahppler	10
11	Craig Roberts	Tom Davies		Paul Walker	Richard Parkers	11

City finally broke their Premier Cup duck in the last match of their campaign against form team Carmarthen Town at Farrar Road last night.
The visitors started strongly with Sean Hazelden making a last ditch clearance from Shaun Chapple in the opening minute. Town had the better of the first half with the re-instated 'keeper Paul Evans making some fine saves.
Carmarthen took the lead as early as the sixth minute as Ryan Nicholls tapped home from close range following a Richard Parker cross.. City had an opening when a misplaced clearance by Fitzgerald fell to Rhodri Giggs but the winger failed to punish the mistake.

HALF TIME 0-1

The second half swung in Bangor's favour in the 47th minute when highly rated local youngster Karl Roberts touched home from close range after a Richard Owen left wing cross had not been cleared and an initial effort had rebounded off Robert Fitzgerald.
City then had most of the second period with Clayton Blackmore and Sean Hazelden going close. On the hour Paul Sellars replaced John Paul Roberts.
The final drama came in the 76th minute when Shaun Chapple was sent off for a two footed tackle on Rhodri Giggs. There then followed a melee in which several players became involved. City has a good spell in which substitute Daniel Grantwnet close. His introduction on 80 minutes for Craig Roberts followed two minutes afterAnthony Hughes had come on for goalscorer Karl Roberts.
Oh and substitute Tomi Morgan seemed to injure himself by treading on his own foot!

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION
ATTENDANCE

Saturday 27th January 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	2	v	2	Caersws
1	Carl Mounty	Scorers:		Scorers:	Matthew Griffiths	1
2	John Paul Roberts	Paul Roberts		Graham Evans	Andrew Thomas	2
3	Richard Owen	Rhodri Giggs		Rob Hamer	Sean Jehu	3
4	Clive Brown				Anthony Griffiths	4
5	Emrys Williams				Hugh Clarke	5
6	Scott Williams				Marc Hughes	6
7	Clayton Blackmore				Geraint Lewis	7
8	Rhodri Giggs	Subs:		Subs:	Martyn Griffiths	8
9	Aled Rowlands	Sean Hazelden		Damon Russell	Graham Evans	9
10	Marc Lloyd Williams	Daniel Grant		Alex Fletcher	Rob Hamer	10
11	Paul Roberts	Karl Roberts		Lee Harding	Andrew Davies	11

Too many missed chances and a woeful penalty decision cost City the points in this open, end to end affair.
Bangor gave a debut to Carl Mounty in goal and drew confidence from is assured handling and presence between the sticks. In front of him Emrys Williams, Clive Brown and Clayton Blackmore looked organised and purposeful. Brown in particular was outstanding, showing tremendous pace and excellent timing.
City took the lead in the eighth minute when John Paul Roberts exploited space on the right to set up Paul Roberts whose delayed finish beat the sprawling Griffiths. The relief all round was evident but moments later Carl Mounty was called upon to hold a difficult lofted cross. Paul Roberts then nearly paniced the visitors into conceding an own goal following a cross from Richard Owen, then Rhodri Giggs crossed for an unmarked Marc Lloyd Williams who headed over from close range.
Left wingback Richard Owen then sent over a swirling cross that Paul Roberts controlled for Marc Lloyd Williams who sliced his shot wide. Caersws retaliated with a ball across the City six yard box which Graham Evans nearly squeezed past Carl Mounty. Clive Brown then demonstrated his balance and poise with some excellent unhurried defending againt Davies.
Before the interval Marc Lloyd Williams had two stabs at a chance on the left, but pulled the second wide after the initial shot had been blocked. Finally Clive Brown again showed his class with a tremendous tackle on the pacey Davies in front of the mainstand.

HALF TIME 1-0

The second period started wtih Richard Owen running infield as the industrious Aled Rowlands led defenders off the ball, but his shot went wide. Moments later the little Valley midfielder found Rhodri Giggs with an excellent crossfield ball. His instant control and direct run led to a shooting opportunity which he unfortunately hit at Griffiths - who was surprisingly capless inspite of a low bright sun in his face.
   Then calamity. Clive Brown dawdled on the edge of the box and was dispossesed by Graham Evans who ran away from goal. The speedy defender recovered in a split second and won the ball cleanly with an excellent tackle. As Evans again recovered possession and Brown challenged, the referee stunned everyone by awarding a penalty which Graham Evans himself converted.
Despite looking visibly shaken by this injustice City rallied once more and Rhodri Giggs scored arguably the goal of the season at Farrar Road. The little winger controlled the ball some 25 yards out and sent a dipping volley over the (capless) keeper and into the net. Fanatastic.
   Then calamity again! A wildly hit and badly misdirected shot was instinctively headed or flicked on by Rob Hamer and looped over the otherwise impressive Carl Mounty and into the net.
   That was it, both sides had openings but neither could convert in an end to end finish. City were helped by a powerful performance from Aled Rowlands and a much more positive display from Rhodri Giggs whose confidence is growing.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Clive Brown
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Anthony Griffiths
ATTENDANCE

Saturday 13th January 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY.	1	v	6	Barry Town
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Anthony Tucker	1
2	Steve Smith	Deiniol Graham		Mike Flynn	Terry Evans	2
3	Richard Owen			John French	Gary Lloyd	3
4	Emrys Williams			Luke Staton	Jamie Jenkins	4
5	Sean Hazelden			Andrew York	Andrew York	5
6	Scott Williams			Jamie Moralee	Neil Sharpe	6
7	Aled Rowlands			Gavin Beddard	Kenny Brown	7
8	Marc Lloyd Williams	Subs:		Subs:	John French	8
9	Paul Roberts	John Paul Roberts		Nicky Burke	Jamie Moralee	9
10	Deiniol Graham	Clive Brown		Gavin Beddard	Mike Flynn	10
11	Rhodri Giggs	Karl Roberts		Geoff McClean	Luke Staton	11

This was an emphatic defeat for a City side who were out manouvered pretty much from start to finish by a vastly superior Barry side.
The first ten minutes were okay! City competed well and managed to work across the back and midfield. Then on ten minutes Barry kept the ball when frustrated on the left, switched to Terry Evans on the right. As his cross was headed back across goal Mike Flynn struck with a back to goal effort worthy of a higher stage.
Within three minutes it was 3-0 as John French fired low past Paul Evans and then Luke Staton (whatever happened to Candy?) seized on a terrible backpass to confidently beat the keeper.
   Game over. The dozen or so travelling supporters drew a deep breath as the very real possibility of a humilating double figures defeat loomed. On 20 minutes they had something to cheer as Rhodri Giggs created a half chance for Paul Robvets but his effort was blocked by Tucker.
   On 33 minutes it was 4-0 when Andrew York sent a looping header over Paul Evans and into the top right hand corner. Minutes on a late tackle by Sharpe on young Richard Owen sparked off a pushing confrontation in the centre circle which resulted in Gary Lloyd and Scott Williams joining the intial assailant in the book. Deiniol Graham was then booked in an attempted revenge lunge!
   Spurred on by this Bangor created a half chance for Rhodri Giggs which he lifted over from the edge of the box, and then a goal for Deiniol Graham following good work by Marc Lloyd Williams and Giggs again. Deiniol finished comfortably from the right well inside the box.

HALF TIME 1-4

The visitors rallied in the opening period of the second half, as Rhodri Giggs and Deiniol Graham combined to set up Scott Williams but his drive went just over. Giggs then has a shot saved at the near post by the composed Tucker which nearly led to a Barry goal as they swept forward.
   On the hour Deiniol Graham sent a 40 yarder over when attempting to to chip Tucker, on 67 minutes Marc Lloyd Williams made a chance for Deiniol but the shot was weak and at the keeper.
   But Barry were also creating chances and keeping Paul Evans busy. On 75 minutes Jamie Moralee slotted home from close range, moments later Steve Smith was replaced by Clive Brown. The pacey defender added some steel and commitment to the City rearguard, showing his ability with a number of abrupt wholehearted tackles.
   On 80 minutes John Paul Roberts replaced his namesake Paul and also looked confident and willing to receive the ball, once drawing an ungly challenge from the home midfield.
   Man of The Match Paul Evans then produced a series of saves that even had the ref applauding! One from a close range shot, the second from a point blank header from York.
   Finally Gavin Beddard rather undeservedly made it six with a tap in after Evans' attempted clearnace hit him in the stomach and rolled goalwards! Barry though did deserve six!
   A mention for Richard Owen who again looked composed and tidy at left back, and in fairness to the whole team who never gave up - against very good opposition.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Paul Evans
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	John French
ATTENDANCE

Friday 5th January 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	0	v	1	Connahs Quay Nomads
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Phil Collister	1
2	Steve Smith			Stuart Rain	Andy Thomas	2
3	Aled Rowlands				Steve Hopkins	3
4	Emrys Williams				Craig Hutchinson	4
5	Sean Hazelden				George Horan	5
6	Scott Williams				Carl Smyth	6
7	Clayton Blackmore				Steve Futcher	7
8	Marc Lloyd Williams	Subs:		Subs:	Stuart Terry	8
9	Robbie Williams	Ricky Lampkin		Paul Mazzarella	Jamie Hughes	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Richard Owen		Dean Tuft	Jon Kenworthy	10
11	Deiniol Graham	Karl Roberts		Andy Griffiths	Stuart Rain	11

The crucial moment in this bottom of the table clash was over whilst most supporters were still taking their seats.
A mishit shot by Stuart Rain went between two home defenders, surprised an unsighted Paul Evans whose late dive was defeated by a high bounce at this right post.
On ten minutes the keeper atoned for the error with a fine save from a Stuart Terry dipper. City moved upfield midway throuogh the half for Deiniol Graham to turn and cross for Scott Williams who saw his header fly over. The Bangor born midfielder then ran through the midfield to fire a 35 yard effort that Collister tipped for a corner.
In the final five minutes before the interval Marc Lloyd Williams teed up a difficult chance back to goal but again just failed to hit the target. The first half saw an improved performance (again) from the defence, with Sean Hazelden looking a far more mobile and commanding figure.

HALF TIME 0 v 1

The second half began with Paul Roberts winning a midfield tackle to supply Deiniol Graham but his shot went wide from 20 yards out. On 55 minutes Richard Owen replaced the disappointing Steve Smith whose right back berth was taken by Emrys Williams, Scott Williams moved to centre defence alongside Sean Hazelden with Aled Rowlands moving to midfield to accommodate the young left footer. Rowlands proceeded to run the show from the middle.
On the hour a moment of absolute class - and immense frustration - for Rhodri Giggs. Spotting Collister well of his line the winger controlled a clearance and drifted a shot goalwards that had the keeper beaten. Unfortunately at the last gasp the left post intervened then the ball ran along the goaline before Marc Lloyd Williams and then Deiniol Graham just failed to convert. In the meanwhile Rhodri had begun his celebrations - prematurely!
On 67 minutes Paul Evans pulled off an excellent save from the impressive Steve Futcher who 30 yarder looked a goal all the way and repeated the feat with an athletic stop from Jamie Hughes in a one-on-one situation.
Ten minutes from time Paul Evans again pulled off a good block from Stuart Rain, and with the early blemish behind him, came off his line to good effect and worked well with the rearguard.
In the closing stages Deiniol Graham missed the proverbial sitter from close range, Rhodri Gigggs shot wide from 20 yards and Richard Owen capped a fine debut with a 20 yarder which Collister fumbled - but got away with.
No excuses or scapegoats today, just some poor finishing from - what would seem to be - a very experienced and potent strikeforce. Oh - and a bit of bad luck....

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Aled Rowlands
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Stuart Terry
ATTENDANCE

Tuesday 26th December 2000

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	2	v	2	TNS
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Mark Deegan	1
2	Steve Smith	Deiniol Graham 2		John Toner	Dewi Parry	2
3	Aled Rowlands	(one pen)		Chris Edge pen	Lee Coathup	3
4	Emrys Williams				Tommy Holmes	4
5	Sean Hazelden				Timmy Edwards	5
6	Scott Williams				Chris Edge	6
7	Clayton Blackmore				Colin Webster	7
8	Marc Lloyd Williams	Subs:		Subs:	Maurice Doyle	8
9	Robbie Williams	John Paul Roberts		Paul Smith	John Toner	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Steve Cooper		Tim Alexander	Ricky Evans	10
11	Deiniol Graham	Paul Roberts		Mark Roberts	Nick Welton	11

Ten man Bangor grabbed a point at TNS thanks to a wonderful display from Deiniol Graham and Marc Lloyd Williams up front and an impressive debut from Paul Evans between the sticks.
It ws Evans who contributed to one of the first incidents when his fifth minute save denied John Toner. Minutes later Marc Lloyd Williams (Jiws) took on three Saints defenders on the edge of the box, the ball broke for Deiniol Graham whose shot was deflected wide. Next Jiws chased a ball to the right but his right footed shot drifted wide.
In an end to end half Jiws then set up Scott Williams who forced a good save from City old boy Mark Deegan. Toner and Welton were causing problems for City but Emrys Williams and big Sean Hazelden stood firm, so too fullbacks Steve Smith who had his best game for the club and the ever impressive Aled Rowlands.
On 28 minutes Deiniol Graham put City ahead with a wonderful volley after a feeekick for a foul on Emrys Williams had not been cleared. Five minutes later Emrys became the first City player booked for a foul on Toner.
City defended well enough, but on 40 minutes John Toner levelled the scores with a confidnet finish from a Jamie Webster right wing cross. A minute later the prolific striker nearly doubled his tally but luckily for City his effort went into the side netting.

HALF TIME 1 v 1

The home side forced an excellent double save from Paul Evans, first a brave stop with his feet off John Toner, then a high punch as the rebound floated goalward.
On 65 minutes disaster! Clayton Blackmore conceded a needless penalty with a push on Toner. Quite why he was red carded is unclear, nevertheless Chris Edge flicked the spot kick into the roof of the net, 2-1.
Ten men? TNS Boss kenny McKenna knew what to expect better than anyone!
City played some good football, Jiws struck a 22 yard free kick just over before the 70th minute substitution of Rhodri Giggs who was replaced by Paul Roberts. Instantly the competitive Roberts won the ball in midfield, found Jiws on the edge of the box who was fouled by Dewi Parry. Penalty but no card.
Never mind, up stepped loan hero Deiniol Graham to convert the opportunity and level the scores.
And that was that. There was still time for Paul Evans to deny Nicky Ward and Deiniol Graham to limp off to be replaced by Steve Cooper. A fair result? Most fans leaving the ground seemed to think so and neither manager seemed aggrieved.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Deiniol Graham (Paul Evans given Award)
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	John Toner
ATTENDANCE

Tuesday 19th December 2000

~The Premier Cup ~

	BANGOR CITY	0	v	4	WREXHAM FC
1	Ray Newland	Scorers:		Scorers:	David Walsh	1
2	Steve Smith			John Paul Roberts og	Lee Roche	2
3	John Paul Roberts			Hector Sam	Emad Bouanane	3
4	Emrys Williams			Steve Thomas	Gareth Owen	4
5	Sean Hazelden			Paul Barret	Adrian Moody	5
6	Scott Williams				David Ridler	6
7	Clayton Blackmore				Robin Gibson	7
8	Aled Rowlands	Subs:		Subs:	Steve Thomas	8
9	Paul Roberts	Ricky Lampkin		Paul Barrett	Craig Falconbridge	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Steve Cooper		Martyn Chalk	Hector Sam	10
11	Deiniol Graham	Mark Thomas		Carlos Edwards	Wayne Phillips	11

Hosts Wrexham deservedly won a competitive cup tie which was competently refereed by K J Parry of Anglesey. With Manchester United starlet Lee Roche and Frenchman Bouanane at the back, Gareth Owen and Wayne Phillips in midfield plus Hector Sam and Falconbridge upfront Wrexham had too much pace and movement for a hard working City side.
Debutant John Paul Roberts was unfortunate to concede an own goal in the 8th minute when he deflected a left wing cross from the pacey Hector Sam. This came moments after Clayton Blackmore's freekick has found Deiniol Graham in the box - but his header drifted wide. Rhodri Giggs was well found by a Deiniol Graham crossfield ball but he ran across the edge of the box and shot at keeper Walsh. Hector Sam added a second for The Robins.
City had cause to thank debutant keeper Ray Newland as Sam and Falconbridge caused problems but found the former Newtown man in fine form. However Bangor did fashion chances with Paul Roberts finding space to send a couple of headers at The Robins goal.

HALF TIME 0 v 2

The first opening of the second half was created by Aled Rowlands on the left in combination with Paul Roberts, but there was no one to convert the half chance. On 55 minutes it was all over as Steve Thomas saw his shot deflected past Newland after Hector Sam had caused City's defence difficulties. Falconbridge and Sam continued their running and opened up space adn angles for others.
Rhodri Giggs sent a 20 yarder goalwards buy Walsh tipped it over before Steve Cooper came on for the tiring John Paul Roberts in the 70th minute. Scoyy Williams then sent a 25 yarder wide after good build up play from Deiniol Graham. Next Ricky Lampkin replaced Steve Smith with around ten minutes remaining. The former Nomad promptly struck a firm low drive on target but too close to Walsh whilst Steve Cooper hit a long range shot off target.
Wrexham though were firmly in control and sealed the scoring with a fine run from Paul Barrett whose cool finish on 85 minutes was the goal of the night.
So deserved win for The Robins but a decent performance by Bangor who kept their shape and worked hard. Particular mention for Ray Newland who impressed on his debut and JP Roberts who is certainly one for the future.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Ray Newland
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Gareth Owen
ATTENDANCE	302

Saturday 16th December 2000

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	3	v	5	Port Talbot Ath
1	Dave Williams	Scorers:		Scorers:	Gareth Scantlebury	1
2	Steve Smith	Marc Lloyd Williams 2		Simon Dyer 3	Ian Morgan	2
3	Steve Cooper	Deiniol Graham		Vince Lewis	Ray Michael	3
4	Emrys Williams			John Anderson	Paul Haribson	4
5	Martin Morrey				Phil Holmes	5
6	Scott Williams				Kevin Chapman	6
7	Aled Rowlands				Lee Tapper	7
8	Clayton Blackmore	Subs:		Subs:	Paul Bromage	8
9	Deiniol Graham	John Paul Roberts		John Anderson	Jan Cegielski	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Paul Roberts		Adam Bishop	Simon Dyer	10
11	Marc Lloyd Williams	Sean Hazelden		Vince Lewis	Andrew Davies	11

This game was lost by a combination of two dreadful individual performances, one unfortunately by the 'keeper, some feigning and cheating by the visitors and some laughable refereeing.
On a soft pitch City started well enough with Rhodri Giggs sending a 25 yard effort just wide. Then the first nonesense - self inflicted - as some defensive uncertainty allowed Simon Dyer to tap in from close range to put the visitors ahead. Bangor responded with a Clayton Blackmore freekick which Deiniol Graham attacked well but headed wide. Moments later Swedish debutant Martin Morrey was booked for a perfectly good tackle on Cegielski.
Next Marc Lloyd Williams held the ball up well, turned and hit a shot goalwards which was too near the keeper. City exerted some pressure then with Clayton Blackmore forcing a decent save from Scantlebury after good approach play from Aled Rowlands and Deiniol Graham.
But on 34 minutes Dave Williams spilt a shot he should have saved to present Simon Dyer with his second early Christmas present. To make matters worse Steve Cooper and Ian Morgan, who had clashed earlier, collided in a 50-50 tackle which saw the young fullback stretchered off and Cooper precede him courtesy of a red card.
With seven minutes of injury time added Deiniol Graham raced clear to be pulled back on the edge of the box by Tapper. Despite being denied a goalscoring opportunity by the incident the decision was a yellow card. The 20 yard free kick which ensued saw Scott Williams' effort sail narrowly wide of the keepers right post.

HALF TIME 0 v 2

The second half saw ten men dominate, as often is the case. Aled Rowlands often looks a better player wide and as a replacement for Cooper at left back he was superb.
Marc Lloyd Williams shot at the keeper when put in by Rhodri Giggs who had controlled the ball impressively from above his head. Next Martin Morrey fed Clayton Blackmore who supplied Deiniol Graham but he shot wide. The referee then booked Deinio Graham for shooting at goal after the whistle had gone. Timewasting.
On 47 minutes City closed the gap with a Deiniol Graham finish from 22 yards after chasing a long clearance from Dave Williams. Moments later Marc Lloyd Williams nearly levelled things with a shot which was blocked after being set up by Deiniol Graham.
On the hour, following a Rhodri Giggs effort which drifted wide, City replaced Martin Morrey with Paul Roberts. On 67 minutes Steve Smith charged down the right to set up Deiniol Graham whose shot deflected for a corner. Emrys Williams hit the crossbar with his header.
On 68 minutes the scores were level at two all as Marc Lloyd Williams seized on a lose ball in the box to beat the keeper from ten yards. Moments later a Scott Williams clearance was picked up by Deiniol Graham whose shot was saved by Scantlebury.
Then Emrys Williams was booked for a supposed foul on Anderson whose rolling dive was a sight to behold. The referee did not see it - he was hoping to book Rhodri Giggs - but what the heck!
Then disaster. Dave Williams appeared to fell Cegielski and was sent off with a penalty also awarded. Deiniol took over in goal but could not quite keep out John Anderson's low shot which put Port Talbot 2-3 ahead. On 80 minutes Marc Lloyd Williams levelled the scores, but two minutes later the nine men gave space to Vince Lewis who restored the advantage and in the final minutes Port Talbot clinched victory with a via Simon Dyer fifth past Deiniol Graham.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Aled Rowlands
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Arwel Jones
ATTENDANCE	266

Saturday 9th December 2000

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	2	v	1	UWIC Inter Cardiff
1	Dave Williams	Scorers:		Scorers:	Nigel Williams	1
2	Steve Smith	Steve Cooper		Gavin Beddard	Logan Plant	2
3	Steve Cooper	Paul Roberts			Michael Copeman	3
4	Emrys Williams				Leigh Hall	4
5	Sean Hazelden				Daniel Lock	5
6	Scott Williams				John Williams	6
7	Clayton Blackmore				Adam Pitcairn	7
8	Aled Rowlands	Subs:		Subs:	Neil Buchanan	8
9	Deiniol Graham	J Roberts		Chris Bale	Gavin Beddard	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Daniel Grant		Darren Beckett	Anthony Hopkins	10
11	Paul Roberts	Ricky Lampkin		Mike Davies	Tom Williams	11

A strong first half performance saw City take an early lead and deservedly gain the points in this crucial relegation struggle in Cardiff.
Loan striker Deiniol Graham might have put City ahead in the opening minutes but volleyed over.
However the industrious Steve Cooper sent a cleanly hit shot curling into the net from 25 yards to give City the advantage on thirteen minutes. The ball had come into Deiniol Graham from the right for the loan striker to tee up for Cooper's excellent strike.
Clayton Blackmore might have doubled the lead before half time but he shot wide.

HALF TIME 0 v 1

The second half was more evenly contested with Gavin Beddard having a goalbound header cleared off the line midway through the half. Bangor's Aled Rowlands swept a crossfield ball to the left for Paul Roberts who ran at the home defence to put City 2-0 ahead on 72 minutes.
The students did not give up however and Gavin Beddard deserved his late goal albeit a consolation netted on 84 minutes. This came from a left wing cross which caught the City rearguard flatfooted as Beddard volleyed home.
Important points for City, a move off the foot of the table, and a welcome boost of confidence.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION
ATTENDANCE	85

Saturday 2nd December 2000

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	0	v	2	Newtown
1	Dave Williams	Scorers:		Scorers:	Mark Jones	1
2	Steve Cooper			Chris Adamson	John Cotterell	2
3	Matthew Cross			Mark Williams	Gareth Evans	3
4	Clive Brown				Colin Reynolds	4
5	Emrys Williams				Phil Bates	5
6	Scott Williams				Steve Ecclestone	6
7	Aled Rowlands				Justin Wickham	7
8	Clayton Blackmore	Subs:		Subs:	John Leah	8
9	Paul Roberts	Sean Hazelden		Robyn Onions	Steve McCormick	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Comley-Excel		Mark Thomas	Mark Williams	10
11	Deiniol Graham	Ricky Lampkin		Callum McKenzie	Chris Adamson	11

A fairly even match on a difficult Farrar Road surface decided by incidents either side of half time. And yes, inevitably, that inept plod Brian Lawler was central to proceedings - but was not the cause of this defeat.
It all started predictably enough with on form Newtown dominating the opening quarter of an hour which saw chances spurned by McCormick and Williams. City were defending like strangers in a 4-4-2 formation which produced better performances - initially at least - from the the fullbacks.
It was the 18th minutes before a chance came along, Paul Roberts pulled the ball back from the right wing but unhappily it ran just behind Deiniol Graham and was scrambled away. A tit for tat battle was developing between the beanpole McCormick and various City defenders which referee Lawler opted to ignore.
On the half hour Dave Williams threw the ball to Rhodri Giggs whose run ended in a shot which Mark Jones spilt but ran safely for Newtown who hacked clear. Moments later the little winger hit another shot which Jones this time held. The ability of the Newtown defenders to predict these spills by the keeper - and get the ball away - was the difference between the sides.
On 38 minutes the beginning of the real drama. McCormick lashed out with his elbow at City defender Emrys Williams and was red carded, the incident occured within yards of the referee - so no complaints there. One minute later John Cotterell, a puny but spiteful right fullback cited for spitting by Rhyl a fortnight ago, performed an elaborate dive in the box. No penalty - but no card!
Then Steve Eccleston went down as if suffering a broken leg or worse following a foul by Paul Roberts. Oddly the old Telford lad was up and about in minutes. With a minute to the break Paul Roberts struck a lofted shot which hit the woodwork but the rebound evaded Deiniol Grhaam.
Into injury time and Wickham threw a truly impressive dive which the ref rightly ingnored - but again no card.
Then disaster in the 48th minute as Dave Williams was fouled at the near post as he attempted to claim a right wing cross, the ball dropped to Chris Adamson who put Newtown one nil ahead.

HALF TIME 0 v 1

The second half was set for a City onslaught, the wind at out backs attacking the St Pauls End, the opposition down to ten men. Sorry wrong script.
Immediately from the restart Steve Cooper raced down the right and was fouled by Evans. The centre was flicked on by Deiniol Graham, half cleared to Aled Rowlands who shot wide. On fifty minutes Aled Rowlands crossed left footed from the right but Deiniol Graham saw his header drift over, then same combination created a cross the opposite side but this time Jones made a save.
On 56 minutes game over as Mark Williams showed purpose in the face of defensive indecision and raced through to shoot - possibly with the aid of a deflection - beyond Dave Williams.
City created chances but oddly rarely looked like scoring. Matthew Cross shot over from 35 yards, Deiniol Graham went close from a Steve Cooper cross, Rhodri Giggs headed just over from a Clayton Blackmore cross.
With around 20 minutes remaining Comley-Excel came on for Matthew Cross, City created half chances for and through Rhodri Giggs, although in injury time Gareth Evans hit his own post with a panic clearnace from a Deiniol Graham cross. That said it all.
This is a very limited Newtown side, hard working but ordinary. They are second or third now. It is arguably a poor standard this season - but we are statistically bottom of this pile.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Rhodri Giggs
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Mark Jones
ATTENDANCE	390

Saturday 25th November 2000

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	0	v	4	Carmarthen Town
1	Dave Williams	Scorers:		Scorers:	Robert Fitzgerald	1
2	Steve Cooper			Ryan Nicholls 2	Paul Walker	2
3	Matthew Cross			Dean Rossiter	Deryn Brace	3
4	Clive Brown			Deryn Brace	Gavin Rees	4
5	Emrys Williams				Neil O'Brien	5
6	Scott Williams				David Barnhouse	6
7	Aled Rowlands				Craig Evans	7
8	Clayton Blackmore	Subs:		Subs:	Dean Rossierl	8
9	Paul Roberts	Sean Hazelden		Sion Meredith	Ryan Nicholls	9
10	Comley-Excel	Jamie Jardine		Dylan McPhee	Shaun Chapple	10
11	Rhodri Giggs	Ricky Lampkin		Steve Williams	Richard Parker	11

A heavy defeat for City at the hands of another Aberystwyth old boy Tommy Morgan at Richmond Park
Carmarthen went ahead in the 23rd minute when Richard Parker exploited some space on the attacking right to cross for Ryan Nicholls to score for the edge of the box.
Parker was also the creator of the opening which Dean Rossiter converted on minutes to double the home sides advantage, Rossiter - a human bulldozer - may be exactly what City lack.
On 35 minutes a bad situation got worse when Clive Brown was sent off for a second bookable offence to end the contest.
Clayton Blackmore went close for City but unfortunately Paul Roberts was adjudged to have fouled Richard Parker and Ryan Nicholls converted the penalty for his second and Town's third.

HALF TIME 0 v 3

The second half held promise for City as Rhodri Giggs went close and then Aled Rowlands forced a fine save from the bulky Fitzgerald.
Carmarthen completed the scoring in the 67th minute when the blasted Parker (!) set up Deryn Brace who hit the ball in powerfully past Dave Williams from the edge of the box.
There was still time for Craig Evans to force a brilliant save from Dave Williams as the home side forced home their advantage.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Dave Williams
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Richard Parker
ATTENDANCE	464

Saturday 18th November 2000

~The Welsh Cup ~

	BANGOR CITY	3	v	0	Treowen Stars
1	Steve Thomas	Scorers:		Scorers:	Jon Thompson	1
2	Steve Cooper	Matthew Cross 2			Stuart Lee	2
3	Matthew Cross	Paul Roberts			Stuart Smith	3
4	Clive Brown				Mark Lewis	4
5	Emrys Williams				Joel Morgan	5
6	Scott Williams				Paul Cunningham	6
7	Aled Rowlands				Peter Thomas	7
8	Clayton Blackmore	Subs:		Subs:	Simon Evansl	8
9	Paul Roberts	Sean Hazelden		Simon Lewis	Andrew Davies	9
10	Comley-Excel	Daniel Grant		Paul Charles	Blake Parnell	10
11	Rhodri Giggs	Ricky Lampkin		James Jackson	Jon Jones	11

A deserved win on a difficult soft South Wales pitch for a skilful City side against determined opposition.
The pre-match drama, a road traffic accident involving Ray Newland, meant an SOS call for rookie keeper Steve Thomas who duly arrived in time for kick off. The first significant action of the match was a corner to Treowen which the youngster dealt with competently - allaying any fears amongst the visiting troupe. City also gace a debut to defender Clive Brown who showed some impressive touches and firm tackles on the left of the defensive three.
City quickly took control and man of the match Matthew Cross proved a class above the Stars with a number of incisive runs which he just failed to finish. The first was in the fourth minute, then a couple later Aled Rowlands danced through the home rearguard but shot wide with his right foot. Matthew Cross was in again thanks to a considered build up from Scott Williams, Aled Rowlands and Paul Roberts. This time the home keeper Thompson saved well low to his right.
Next some intricate approach work on the right created a long range opening for Clayton Blackmore which the midfielder hammered goalwards - to be palmed over by Thompson.
On the half hour the hard working Blake Parnell broke clear on the right for Treowen but Steve Thomas read the situation well and was quickly out to smother the shot which resulted in a throw.
With ten minutes of the half remaining Comley-Excel, Clayton Blackmore and Rhodri Giggs combined well for the former Salford striker to force a good save from Thomspon again.

HALF TIME 0 v 0

There was no wind or discernable slope so half time changed nothing, although The Stars where starting to tire, the tackles not as clean or well timed.
City created havoc in the opening minute with Comley Excel and Paul Roberts stabbing at half chances which eventually led to a clearance. The latest in a series of bookings (on both sides) came in the 55th minute when Davies needlessly clattered into Steve Thomas, happily the youngster was able to continue.
Bangor then forced a series of corners as Rhodri Giggs and Aled Rowlands proved too hot to handle for the home defence. Another booking - this time for rightback Stuart Lee for a foul on Giggs.
Paul Roberts was also impressing and a clever turn and run on the left past two defenders led to a well flighted cross which Comley Excel headed wide. This was his final action as a second City debutant Daniel Grant took to the field.
Within minutes Simon Evans hacked Steve Cooper down to earn a red card and City took complete control.
The impressive Matthew Cross deservedly snatched the lead on 70 minutes as he reacted first to a fumble from Thompson who failed to hold onto a 20 yarder from Paul Roberts. Within minutes Matthew Cross was the hero again as he scrambled the ball in during a goal mouth melee to put City 2-0 ahead.
On 82 minutes Rhodri Giggs again caused havoc amongst the home defence with a run and shot which hit the bar before dropping invitingly to Paul Roberts who tapped in the rebound. Within a minute the little winger sprinted clear and was about to shoot for goal from eight yards when he was pulled back by a despairing defender. As the travelling contingent awaited the penalty the ref waved play on!
Paul Roberts was then replaced by Ricky Lampkin, Rhodri Giggs struck another shot after leaving his marker on his backside. The last word nearly went to Treowen who were denied a consolation goal thanks to a goal line clearance from Scott Williams.
Overall a comfortable win in difficult conditions and the first clean sheet of the season for 17 year old keeper Steve Thomas!

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Matthew Cross
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Jon Thompson
ATTENDANCE

Tuesday 14th November 2000

~The Premier Cup ~

	BANGOR CITY	1	v	3	Aberystwyth Town
1	Steve Thomas	Scorers:		Scorers:	Jason Mathews	1
2	Steve Cooper	Carl Owen		Gavin Allen	Chris Hammond	2
3	Matthew Cross			Jonathon Williams	Gary Finlay	3
4	Emrys Williams			Glyndwr Hughes	Lee Barrow	4
5	Sean Hazelden				Nigel Nicholas	5
6	Scott Williams				Gari Lewis	6
7	Aled Rowlands				Glyndwr Hughes	7
8	Clayton Blackmore	Subs:		Subs:	Mark Gornal	8
9	Paul Roberts	Carl Owen/Burgess		Steve Mardenborough	Gareth Hughes	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Daniel Grant		Mulliner/Philpott	Gavin Allen	10
11	Comley-Excel	Mark Thomas		Tappin/A.Thomas	Tony Smith	11

As the week before City lost 3-1 to Aberystwyth in the Premier Cup. As the week before City had plenty of first half chances and failed to take them - and then old boy Gavin Allen made them pay.
The first half saw City force ten corners and Paul Roberts brought a good save out of impressive home keeper Jason Matthews. But Gavin Allen found space to hit a low shot past debutant 17 year old goalkeeper Steve Thomas on 16 minutes - against the run of play.
City continued to dominate and create openings which went begging, Clayton Blackmore forced a good save from Matthews. Then Glyndwr Hughes scored from an acute angle on the right, and the contest was effectively over in the 36th minute.
Paul Roberts then had what looked like a good appeal for a goal disallowed as the ball was ruled not to have crossed the line before a last gasp clearance. To make matters worse for City Mark Gornall crossed from the left to find Glyndwr Hughes who volleyed home confidently. Three nil.

HALF TIME 0 v 3

The second half sprang to life when Carl Owen replaced Nathan Comley-Excel on the hour and within minutes he had reduced the deficit with a shot from the edge of the box.
In reality though the mountain was too big to climb and Aberystwyth had their best spell of the match then but failed to increase their advantage. Steve Thomas was brought into action making a good save from Glyndwr Hughes as the flying postman sought his hatrick.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Rhodri Giggs
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Glyndwr Hughes
ATTENDANCE

Tuesday 7th November 2000

~The Premier Cup ~

	BANGOR CITY	1	v	3	Aberystwyth Town
1	Dave Williams	Scorers:		Scorers:	Jason Mathews	1
2	Steve Cooper	Paul Roberts		Gavin Allen	Lee Barrow	2
3	Matthew Cross			Jonathon Williams	Gary Finlay	3
4	Emrys Williams			Glyndwr Hughes	Gavin O'Toole	4
5	Sean Hazelden				Dean Philpot	5
6	Scott Williams				Gari Lewis	6
7	Aled Rowlands				Glyndwr Hughes	7
8	Clayton Blackmore	Subs:		Subs:	Jonathon Williams	8
9	Paul Roberts	Carl Owen/P Johnson		Steve Mardenborough	Paul Evans	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Ricky Lampkin		GarethHughes	Gavin Allen	10
11	Comley-Excel	Carl Roberts		Nigel Nicholas	Tony Smith	11

Local referee Brian Lawler took centre stage at Farrar Road early in this match as he denied City two penalty claims, one of which looked blatant. City started brightly enough as Comley-Excel caused problems on the left and forced a good save from matthews.
Likwise Aled Rowlands set up Paul Roberts whose fierce drive struck Jonathon Williams' arm (intent?) but claims were waived away. This could have seen Williams sent off - and a penalty - but led to nothing. Rhodri Giggs left the Aber defender trailing but his pwerful shot was pushed over by Matthews.
However the first goal - so often decisive - went to Gavin Allen on 38 minutes, the second time in four days a former favourite had returned to strike against City. Rhodri Giggs hit a superb 30 yard curler which Matthews stretched to tip over for a City corner as a Clayton Blackmore inspired Bangor took the game to the visitors.
With Aled Rowlands and Rhodri Giggs showing well, and Clayton Blackmore organising from the midfield, the home side had reason to feel confident despite the half time deficit.

HALF TIME 0 v 1

The second half saw Paul Roberts get the ball in the net only for the ref to rule offside, although this time there were no dissenting voices!
On the hour Nathan Comley-Excel and Aled Rowlands combined well to force a corner for City but ten minutes later a Gavin O'Toole shot was fumbled by Dave Williams and Jonathon Williams tapped in the rebound.
City struck back immediately as Emrys Williams fired a deep cross from the right which the onrushing Paul Roberts met pwerfully to head down and past Matthews.
However some poor defending allowed visitors Aberystwyth in again, a shot from the right turned in from a distinctly offside looking Glyndwr Hughes.
Once again City can curse their luck, someone somewhere must have reversed over a family of black cats.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Aled Rowlands
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Jason Matthews
ATTENDANCE

Friday 3rd November 2000

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	1	v	6	Rhyl
1	Dave Williams	Scorers:		Scorers:	Lee Williams	1
2	Phil Johnson	Paul Roberts		Chris Sherrat	Mark Powell	2
3	Matthew Cross			Danny Barton	Gary Curtis	3
4	Emrys Williams			Lee Trundle 2	Mark Antrobus	4
5	Sean Hazelden			Gary McGosh 2	Jamie Brewerton	5
6	Scott Williams				Steve Jones	6
7	Robbie Williams				Neil Gibson	7
8	Steve Cooper	Subs:		Subs:	Gary McGosh	8
9	Paul Roberts	Carl Owen			Dan Barton	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Ricky Lampkin			Lee Trundle	10
11	Aled Rowlands	Comley-Excel			Chris Sherrattr	11

Bangor were on the wrong end of a heavy defeat against coast rivals Rhyl.
The opening goal at Belle Vue scored by Chris Sherrat in the first minute was hotly contested with City defenders - and supporters - claiming offside. Unfortunately there was to be no doubt or dispute over the remaining five which condemned the visitors to a damning defeat.
Paul Roberts - leading the line alone - went close from ten yards, Phil Johnson missed when well placed, and City played some neat controlled football. Then Rhyl scored again; Sherrat's left wing cross was met back post by Oswestry leftpeg Dan Barton on the half hour for a decisive 2-0 advantage.
Rhodri Giggs, whose pace and contol were a handful for Rhyl, sped down the right wing and sent over a back post cross where Paul Roberts was crowded out by a host of Lilywhite defenders.

HALF TIME 0 v 2

The second half started evenly enough with Robbie Williams showing true grit in midfield and Aled Rowlands rolling up his sleeves. But City failed to capitalise on chances, Paul Roberts working hard to get a clear sight of goal but sending his shot narrowly wide.
On the hour Lee Trundle ended the contest with a fierce left foot finish as the defence dallied, Five minutes later things went from bad to worse as the inept Gary McGosh was unmarked to make it 4-0. Rhodri Giggs went close for City with a right foot shot and made a good impression without quite forcing the game.
City battled hard, the over worked defence tried to cope, but the tide was coming in!
A second goal for Gary McGosh made it 5-0 on 70 minutes with a clear header and then with around fifteen minutes left City's tormentor in chief Lee Trundle his a powerful shot which was deflected past Dave Williams for six.
Bangor replied as the determined figure of Paul Roberts swept in a late consolation which he richly deserved, but mattered little in terms of the overall result.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Robbie Williams
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Lee Trundle
ATTENDANCE	380

Saturday 28th October 2000

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	3	v	3	Rhayader Town
1	Dave Williams	Scorers:		Scorers:	Mike Barton	1
2	Phil Johnson	Scott Williams		Andrew Whitticase	Gavin Chesterfield	2
3	Aled Rowlands	Emrys Williams		Craig Hughes	Wayne Hewitt	3
4	Emrys Williams	Jamie Hughes		Lee Farrell	Ray John	4
5	Sean Hazelden				Chris Morgan	5
6	Scott Williams				Glen Willis	6
7	Robbie Williams				Lee Matthews	7
8	Steve Cooper	Subs:		Subs:	Lee Farrell	8
9	Jamie Hughes	Matthew Cross		Jarred Harevy	Craig Hughes	9
10	Paul Roberts	Ricky Lampkin		Craig Williams	Andrew Whitticase	10
11	Rhodri Giggs	Comley-Excel			Neil Cooper	11

The end result was just about fair, if you can't defend you wont win! But overall City looked the better side and the debutant Rhodri Giggs showed enough to suggest he will do well in the future.
But City were undone by some woeful defending after Robbie Williams had fluffled the first attacking opportunity on the tenth minute and then Jamie Hughes headed straight at a grateful Mike Barton moments later. Then yet another mistake by the back men, Sean Hazelden hit a reasonable backpass to Dave Williams who delayed his clearance, hit Whitticase who calmly rolled in the resulting loose ball. On twenty minutes Paul Roberts went through but shot wide whilst a mispalced pass from Robbie Williams allowed Gavin Chesterfield an opening but his 25 yarder dropped on the bar.
On the half hour City were level as Scott Williams thrashed a freekick into the net right footed from the left, past a stationery Barton. No time to celebrate though as Emrys Williams miskicked completely to gift Craig Hughes a simple opening within two minutes! The former Caernarfon captain is nothing if not courageous and following a shot from Rhodri Giggs which Barton tipped over, Aled Rowlands lifted a corner onto the edge of the six yard box which Emrys Williams headed home.

HALF TIME 2 v 2

The second period, on a soft and increasingly unpredictbale pitch, saw City favoured by a wind blowing from behind the Farrar Road goal. Seven minutes into the half Matthew Cross replaced the disappointing Phil Johnson with Steve Cooper slotting in on the right and Aled Rowlands moving to midfield. Within a minute Jamie Hughes put Rhodri Giggs through on the right but his low shot was stopped by Barton. The Rhodri Giggs and Paul Roberts combined for the former Porthmadog man to also shoot low on target, and win a corner.
On 63 minutes Paul Roberts was fouled on the edge of the box for a clear penalty which was neatly dispatched by Jamie Hughes for a 3-2 lead. For a period City played as if they were five goals up, passing and moving but without looking too threatening. The best move involved Rhodri Giggs, Aled Rowlands and Paul Roberts and led to a corner on the left.
Unhappily for Bangor they failed to block an effort from Lee Farrell whose shot from 22 yards levelled the scores on 72 minutes. With Paul Roberts proving more and more difficult to stop chances came, one in particular for the strudy striker after a run past three visiting defenders.
Overall a point which was hard won following poor defending, an entertaining match, and maybe the start of the an unbeaten run!

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Scott Williams
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Gavin Chesterfield
ATTENDANCE	350

Friday 21st October 2000

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	0	v	2	Cefn Druids
1	Dave Williams	Scorers:		Scorers:	Daniel Holcroft	1
2	Steve Cooper			Kevin Scott	Jay Davies	2
3	Aled Rowlands			Mark Allen	Mark Rutter	3
4	Emrys Williams				Aled Rowlands	4
5	Sean Hazelden				Mark Allen	5
6	Scott Williams				Huw Grifftihs	6
7	Robbie Williams				Simon Richards	7
8	Phil Johnson	Subs:		Subs:	Richard Bean	8
9	Jamie Hughes	Matthew Cross		Mike Davies	Frank Mottram	9
10	Paul Roberts	Ricky Lampkin		Tim Allen	Kevin Scott	10
11	Comley-Excel	Jamie Jardine		Andrew Davies	Alan Williams	11

This was unjust and unfair, but in the end City were beaten by a very ordinary looking Druids side who, like their near neighbours Oswestry, should have been beaten out of sight.
City started well, playing up the hill, with Aled Rowlands and XL taking advantage of the clear and obvious weakness on the home right. In the fifth minute home midfielder Simon Richards was booked for a wild challenge in that area, from the free kick Emrys Williams headed narrowly wide.
On ten minutes Jamie Hughes received a ball to feet on the edge of the Druids box, neatly set up Steve Cooper but his clean strike went just wide. On 20 minutes Phil Johnson swept over a high ball which Holdcroft fumbled for a corner, the little midfielder took the kick which the towering Sean Hazelden met at the near post but headed onto the top of the crossbar. Next Aled Rowlands released Steve Cooper down the right, his excellent cross was met by XL whose miss from eight yards was ominous. Cefn enjoyed occasional chances too which Dave Williams handled readily.
Ten minutes before half time Steve Cooper hit the bar from 20 yards, then on 43 minutes Paul Roberts hit a superb left foot drive which Holdcroft touched over. Astonishingly there was still time for Phil Johnson to hit a 20 yarder which the keeper held. On half time Huw Griffiths connected with a corner and then poked the rebound wide from close range.

HALF TIME 0 v 0

The outcome swung on two goalkeeping errors. In the 46th minute Aled Rowlands swung across a corner won by Phil Johnson. Holdcroft palmed the cross out onto the head of Paul Roberts, but his effort went narrowly wide. Within two minutes Dave Williams hesitated over a clearance, was dispossessed by Kevin Scott who curled the ball into the unguarded goal for his only contribution of the evening.
Within minutes Mark Allen stole in unmarked in the centre of the goal to double the advantage from a freekick. Game over.
On the hour former City favourite Frank Mottram was withdrawn along with the inept Jay Davies to be replaced by Mike Davies and Andy Davies respectively. City then sent on Matthew Cross for XL with Aled Rowlands moving infield.
The whole affair largely fizzled out, although on 75 minutes a Scott Williams freekick hit the wall, then Jamie Hughes shot over from 25 yards thanks to a deflection. The final real chance fell to the hard working Emrys Williams whose near post header went just wide.
A disappointing defeat, made all the harder to swallow by the insipid nature of the winners. Fair to say I would have no criticism of the referee in this outcome!

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Steve Cooper
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Huw Griffiths
ATTENDANCE	380

Saturday 14th October 2000

~The Premier Cup ~

	BANGOR CITY	0	v	1	CARMARTHEN TOWN
1	Dave Williams	Scorers:		Scorers:	Rob Fitzgerald	1
2	Steve Cooper			Ryan Nicholls (pen)	Gavin Rees	2
3	Aled Rowlands				Wayne Jonesr	3
4	Emrys Williams				Wyn Thomas	4
5	Sean Hazelden				Neil O'Brien	5
6	Scott Williams				David Barnhouse	6
7	Robbie Williams (25)				Paul Walker	7
8	Phil Johnson	Subs:		Subs:	Dean Rossiter	8
9	Jamie Hughes	Matthew Cross (89)		Steve Williams	Ryan Nicholls	9
10	Paul Roberts	Ricky Lampkin		Cerison Davies	Sion Meredith	10
11	Comley-Excel	Matthew Bishop		Steve Evans	Richard Parker	11

This Premier Cup match was marred by the wet and windy conditions prevalent at most League and Cup matches this weekend and evident here in West Wales.
City were grateful to goalkeeper Dave Williams who made some excellent saves and to the hard working defence - in particular after the red card shown to Robbie Williams in the first half. Dave Williams excelled himself with a double save. Firstly brilliantly blocking Parker's shot and then making an equally fine diving save from Siôn Meredith when he struck in the rebound.
Fitzgerald was rarely troubled but Bangor were dangerous on the break and the goalkeeper did well to block a close range shot from Paul Roberts and almost immediately made another great save from Jamie Hughes.
On 37 minutes City's hopes ended when Robbie Williams was sent off for a combination of misdemeanours including a foul, dissent and general daftness.

HALF TIME 0 v 0

The second half saw Comley-Excel continue to give veteran defender Neil O'Brien a difficult afternoon but without unduly troubling Fitzgerald. Carmarthen pressed for a winner and eventually won a penalty when burly midfielder Dean Rossiter charged into the visitors box only to be clearly upended. Ryan Nicholls slotted home the spot kick and the result was decided in the 68th minute.
City continued to work hard, ten men were never likely to upset good opposition, and the end result was a fair reflection of the match. Both sides deserve credit for their efforts in difficult conditions.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Dave Williams
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Ryan Nicholls
ATTENDANCE

Tuesday 2nd October 2000

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	0	v	1	Oswestry Town
1	Dave Williams	Scorers:		Scorers:	Dave Blower	1
2	Steve Cooper			Steve Rogers	Jason Jones	2
3	Matthew Cross				Paul Langley	3
4	Emrys Williams				Steve O'Shaughnessy	4
5	Sean Hazelden				Brett Jeffries	5
6	Scott Williams				Jamie Fairhurst	6
7	Robbie Williams				Neil Price	7
8	Aled Rowlands	Subs:		Subs:	Justin Bridges	8
9	Jamie Hughes	Comley-Excel		Steve Rogers	Neil Wenham	9
10	Paul Roberts	Carl Owen		Rob Morris	Ross Jeffries	10
11	Phil Johnson	Ricky Lampkin		Adam Burgess	Dave Norman	11

    Beaten? Yes, Oswestry created two openings and to their credit scored one. Had City matched this strike rate a 10-1 win would have been the outcome. Not to be.
   It all started brightly enough as City swept forward propelled by a strong wind and showers of rain from behind the Farrar End. With no exaggeration the hosts should have been 3-0 on ten minutes. In the third minute Aled Rowlands found space on the edge of the visitors box, turned a half volleyed the ball goalwards - unfortunately into the midrift of the magnetic Blower. Two minutes later Paul Roberts chased a ball down the right, cut inside and struck the ball cleanly - but straight at Blower. On ten minutes the pacey Robbie Williams sprinted into the box and hit a low shot from the right - at Blower! Good positioning? Five minutes later a superb through ball from Scott Williams found Robbie Williams but when he fed Paul Roberts an offside flag waved.
   On twenty minutes two more chances , a 35 yarder from Scott Williams and then some neat approach work created a chance for Robbie Williams - whose shot ended up in Blowers midrift!
   On 23 minutes tiny Neil Wenham was replaced by the "unfit" Steve Rogers. Within a minute Matthew Cross effected a superb stop on Justin Bridges whose run through the centre of the home defence seemed unstoppable.
On 27 minutes the prolific Steve Rodgers amazed and delighted the visiting contingent with a run past Sean Hazelden and shot under Dave Williams which without doubt the keeper should have stopped.
   City continued to attack, created chances, but Rodgers nearly doubled the advantage with a run on the left which ended with a shot pulled across the goal.

HALF TIME 0 v 1

   The interval served to strengthen the breeze (!) and with the elements behind them Oswestry seemed in command. However City had a one man advantage early in the second half when, in the 54th minute, Jamie Fairhust was sent off for a second rash tackle in the midfield. Phil Johnson then sent a freekick just over the bar from 20 yards.
   On the hour Robbiw Williams had a fiercely struck shot deflected over, from the corner big centreback Sean Hazelden had a shot cleared off the line then Blower grabbed at Robbie Williams rebound effort and watched as the ball was hacked clear.
   City replaced Matthew Cross with Carl Owen on 65 minutes.
   On 70 minutes Paul Roberts latched onto a well struck clearance from Sean Hazelden down the left wing, cut inside but saw his shot slide across the goalmouth, moments later the former Porthmadog striker repeated the move but this time Jamie Hughes failed to connect. On 78 minutes Paul Roberts again fired on target and Blower was happy to concede a corner. Next it was Steve Cooper's turn to shoot at goal but is effort went wide. With five minutes remaining Cooper was replaced by Nathan Comley-Excel and the big man immediately caused havoc as part of the four man City attack!
   In the final minute XL chased in from the right, evaded the Oswestry defence to set up Carl Owen who was about one yard out in the middle of the goal. To the astonishment of all and sundry the usuall dependable striker thrashed the ball up and over the bar!
   It was not to be, Oswestry heralded a remarkable victory, City fans voiced their displeasure. In truth it was one of those nights!

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Paul Roberts
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Dave Blower
ATTENDANCE	196

Saturday 30th September 2000

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	1	v	3	Afan Lido
1	Dave Williams	Scorers:		Scorers:	Brian Thomas	1
2	Steve Cooper	Jamie Hughes		Mitch Patten 2	Andy Pitman	2
3	Matthew Cross			Greg Hurley	Stephen Parry	3
4	Emrys Williams				Justin Williams	4
5	Sean Hazelden				Leighton Jones	5
6	Scott Williams				Andrew Rickard	6
7	Robbie Williams				Mitch Patten	7
8	Phil Johnson	Subs:		Subs:	Paul Evans	8
9	Jamie Hughes	Comley-Excel		Carl Edwards	Chris Piper	9
10	Paul Roberts	Carl Owen		James Taylor	Andrew Pearson	10
11	Aled Rowlands	Ricky Lampkin		Nicky Jones	Greg Hurley	11

    Bangor gave a debut to new fullback Steve Cooper with Phil Johnson moving to midfield, the second newcomer Ricky Lampkin was on the bench.
   The early exchanges were even enough but on 23 minutes Lido striker Chris Piper was fouled by Sean Hazelden and veteran Mitch Patten put the home side ahead.
   Minutes before half time Jamie Hughes levelled the scores, but before City could compose themselves Greg Hurley restored the advantage with a headed goal from a Pitman cross.

HALF TIME 1 v 2

   The second half had barely started when City made their first change, Carl Owen replacing Phil Johnson. As the xchanges got more heated Lido 9 and 10 Piper and Pearson were booked in successive minutes, 56th and 57th.
   City replaced Emrys Williams with Nathan Comley-Excel with emphasis on attack.
   The outcome was decided in the 83rd minute when Mitch Patten netted his second. City introduced a third and final sub in the closing minutes as debutant Ricky Lampkin came on for Aled Rowlands but the hosts held on for the points - as they had done last season in the corresponding fixture.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Jamie Hughes
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Mitch Patten
ATTENDANCE

Tuesday 26th September 2000

~The Gilbert League Cup ~

	BANGOR CITY	3	v	3	Connahs Quay
1	Dave Williams	Scorers:		Scorers:	Phil Collister	1
2	Phil Johnson	Jamie Hughes 3 (1 pen)		Jon Kenworthy	Gavin Edwards	2
3	Mike Foster			Stuart Terry (pen)	Aled Owen	3
4	Emrys Williams			Ben Carrigan	Craig Hutchinson	4
5	Sean Hazelden				Jamie Holmes	5
6	Scott Williams				Carl Smythe	6
7	Robbie Williams				Andy Griffiths	7
8	Aled Rowlands	Subs:		Subs:	Stuart Terry	8
9	Jamie Hughes	Lewis Coady		Barrowman	Ben Carrigan	9
10	Paul Roberts	Carl Owen		Andy Thomas	Jon Kenworthy	10
11	Matthew Cross	Matthew Bishop		Steve Futcher	Paul Mazzarrella	11

    Bangor bowed out of the Gilbert Cup but deserved more than a draw on a wet and windy night at Farrar Road.
   City took the lead with hatrick star Jamie Hughes heading over the stationery Collister in the 25th minute for another goal against his old club. The Nomads hit back within a minute as the gifted Kenworthy finished a fine solo effort to level the scorers.
   Jamie Hughes struck again on 35 minutes from the penalty spot and City held on to the lead to be ahead at half time.

HALF TIME 2 v 1

The second half was only five minutes old when Stuart Terry just converted a penalty which actually went in off a despairing Dave Williams.
With around 20 minuutes remaining a defensive mistake let Ben Carrigan in to put the visitors ahead. City desrvedly struck back as Jamie Hughes completed his hatrick with the last kick of the match as he swooped on a half chance created by a fierce 20 yard effort from Paul Roberts had been blocked by Collister.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Jamie Hughes
xMAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Jon Kenworthy
ATTENDANCE

Saturday 23rd September 2000

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	1	v	3	Cwmbran Town
1	Dave Williams	Scorers:		Scorers:	Gary Wager	1
2	Phil Johnson	Jamie Hughes p		Adam Mooore	Mark Evans	2
3	Matthew Cross			Dean Brown	Nathan Cotterill	3
4	Emrys Williams			Raith Plant	Richard Carterl	4
5	Mike Foster				Jimmy Blackie	5
6	Scott Williams				Richrad David	6
7	Robbie Williams				Nathan Wigg	7
8	Aled Rowlands	Subs:		Subs:	Adam Moore	8
9	Jamie Hughes	Sean Hazelden		Raith Plant	Mattie Davies	9
10	Paul Roberts	Carl Owen		Jodie Jenkins	Dean Brown	10
11	Lewis Coady	Matthew Bishop		John Wile	Phillip Jamies	11

    Bangor were well beaten by a Cwmbran side who led from midway through the first half. The home line up saw Scott, Emrys and Mike Foster in the centre of defence with Aled, Robbie and Lewis Coady in centre midfield.
   City had started brightly enough with some neat passing and a couple of Phil Johnson corners, then a mazy run from Aled Rowlands set up Paul Roberts but the alert Gary Wager saved. On ten minutes Scott Williams - playing at centreback - floated a freekick from the right edge of the box to the back post but Emrys Williams headed narrowly wide. The a bizarre incident when Crows striker Mattie Davies peeled his shirt off to replace the No 9 with the No 12!
   Unfortunately things took a turn for the worse when Adam Moore put the visitors ahead with a clean strike from the edge of the box which passed Dave Williams outstretched arms into the bottom corner. Cwmbran might then have wrapped up the points but a combination of some poor finishingand good goalkeeping kept City in touch. Just before the whistle Lewis Coady won a free kick on the edge of the box, Aled Rowlands shifted the ball to Jamie Hughes but his drive went just wide of the left post.

HALF TIME 0 v 1

   The second half saw City attacking the St Pauls End with a breeze at their backs and a bright sun dazzling over the Farrar End. Quite poetic?!
   With the score at 0-1 the game was quite even with Matthew Cross and Aled Rowlands working to inspire the hosts. Lewis Coady won another freekick on the edge of box but th e quickly taken effort was weak and never threatened. On 71 minutes Carl Owen replaced Lewis Coady and then Matthew Bishop came on for Robbie Williams. Carl Owen quickly brought a save from Wager and City forced a couple of corners but really the did not have the height to exploit them.
   With ten minutes to go Carl Owen created an opening for Paul Roberts but his powerful shot was saved point blank by Wager, the former Merthyr stalwart. Unhappily Cwmbran then exploited the lack of pace on City's right for Dean Brown to break clear and beat Dave Williams with a shot which he parried but span into the net.
   There was still time for Carl Owen to win a penalty on the 88th minuteas he was felled by Gary Wager who to be fair should have been sent off. Never mind. Jamie Hughes coolly converted the penalty kick and at 1-2 the game was on. In particular when the Caersws ref signalled 5 minutes injury time.
   Jamie Hughes is often a better player once he has scored and a minute later he sped through what was essentially a dodgy defence to fire just over from 25 yards. The last word deservedly went to Cwmbran whose Raith Plant fired home from the edge of the box as more defensive nonesens ended any fightback hopes.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Carl Owen
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Adam Moore
ATTENDANCE

Tuesday 19th September 2000

~The Gilbert League Cup ~

	BANGOR CITY	0	v	1	Rhyl
1	Dave Williams	Scorers:		Scorers:	Jason Turner	1
2	Matthew Bishop			Steve Jones	Ronnie Goldbourne	2
3	Matthew Cross				Dave Fuller	3
4	Emrys Williams				Mike Powell	4
5	Sean Hazelden (75)				Tony Hughes	5
6	Scott Williams				Steve Moran	6
7	Robbie Williams				Samuel Japah	7
8	Phil Johnson	Subs:		Subs:	Tony Rigby	8
9	Jamie Hughes	Gareth Parry (75)		Aaron Thomas	Danny Barton	9
10	Paul Roberts	Jamie Jardine (76)		Murray	Steve Jones	10
11	Carl Owen	Lewis Coady (85)		Danny Embleton	Nartin Doherty	11

    Bangor effectively bowed out of the Gilbert Cup following an evenly fought match between two understrength sides at Belle Vue. That it would be one of the numerous City old boys in the hosts line up that scored the only goal was probably fate!
   The first half was even and largely uninspiring. Dave Williams saved well from debutant Tony Rigby and then Matthew Cross was denied by his former City team mate Jason Turner.
   Another newcomer Samuel Japah went close for Rhyl whilst Paul Roberts carved an opening but then fired wide of the post.

HALF TIME 0 v 0

The second half was also even enough but the bad news for City when Jamie Jardine ended his return as a substitute for Carl Owen by aggravating his shoulder injury.
With around ten minutes remaining Rhyl won a corner from which Tony Hughes headed goalwards for the lurking Steve Jones to grab the decisive goal.
Good luck to Rhyl in their quest for The Gilbert Cup.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION
ATTENDANCE

Saturday 9th September 2000

~The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	3	v	2	Haverfordwest Cty
1	Dave Williams	Scorers:		Scorers:	Carl Thomas	1
2	Phil Johnson	Jamie Hughes		Chris Miller	Chris Fry	2
3	Mike Foster	Comley-Excel		Billy Timothy	Jamie Rickard	3
4	Emrys Williams	Paul Roberts			Phil Evans	4
5	Sean Hazelden				Derek Brazil	5
6	Scott Williams				Micky George	6
7	Comley-Excel				Dylan Blain	7
8	Aled Rowlands	Subs:		Subs:	Tom Ramasut	8
9	Jamie Hughes	Matthew Cross		Billy Timothy	Paul Burrows	9
10	Paul Roberts	Carl Owen		Simon Dyer	Chris Miller	10
11	Lewis Coady	Matthew Bishop		Alex Davies	David Burrows	11

City kicked off reverting to the 5-3-2 formation prevalent last season.
Bangor finally sprang into life to grab the points against a plodding County side who had taken a first half lead through Chris Miller.
The first 25 minutes went by largely without note, other than a stoppage for an injury to Scott Williams. County then replaced Burrows with Billy Timothy on the half hour. Ten minutes before half time Lewis Coady struck a long range shot which won City a corner. Minutes later Scott Williams hit a delighful crossfield ball which found Paul Roberts but his header to the foot of the post went just wide.
On 40 minutes Aled Rowlands danced his way through the County midfield, then squared the ball to Comley Excelon the edge of the box. The big striker shifted the ball from right to left foot and forced a good save from Thomas. Unfortunately for City moments later Chris Miller found time and space in the Bangor box to lift a shot into the roof of the net to put the visitors ahead.

HALF TIME 0 v 1

More was demanded in the second period and Scott Williams stole the ball in the box and got a shot in from close to the byline, but Thomas saved. On the hour Scott struck a 30 yarder which Thomas spilt but gathered quickly. Moments later Matthew Cross replaced Lewis Coady with wingback Aled Rowlands moving to midfield.
Five minutes after the substitution Paul Roberts chased down the left and crossed along the ground for Jamie Hughes to equalise from close range. On 70 minutes Jamie Hughes, viisbly inspired by the goal, repeated Robbo's run, set up Paul Roberts whose shot was blocked by the alert Comley-Excel tapped in the loose ball.
Paul Roberts hit a shot just wide but on 73 minutes indecision in the home rearguard allowed Billy Timothy to score from close range. Dave Williams was then forced to make a good save to keep the scores level.
With ten minutes remaining Carl Owen replaced Sean Hazelden with Scott Williams dropping back to the defence. The earlier substitute Matthew Cross launched a left footed crossfield ball which found Paul Roberts. The U21 International controlled the ball as he sped forward before lashing the ball into the net for what was to prove the winner. Both Paul Roberts and XL went close in the dying minutes whilst Dave Williams was brought into action by Chris Fry.
So three points, maybe a little fortunate, some poor defending and good work from the strikers.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Scott Williams
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Derek Brazil
ATTENDANCE

Tuesay 5th September 2000

~The Gilbert League Cup ~

	BANGOR CITY	0	v	2	Connahs Quay Nm
1	Dave Williams	Scorers:		Scorers:	Phil Collister	1
2	Phil Johnson			Stuart Terry	Andy Thomas	2
3	Mike Foster			Ben Carrigan	Steve Hopkins	3
4	Emrys Williams				Craig Hutchinson	4
5	Sean Hazelden				Jamie Holmes	5
6	Scott Williams				Carl Smyth	6
7	Carl Owen				Andy Griffiths	7
8	Aled Rowlands	Subs:		Subs:	Stuart Terry	8
9	Jamie Hughes	Matthew Cross		Mazzarella	Kevin Davies	9
10	Paul Roberts	Com-Excel		Mick Carroll	Jon Kenworthy	10
11	Lewis Coady	Matthew Bishop		Steve Futcher	Ben Carrigan	11

Connahs Quay al but assured themselves of progress in the Gilbert Cup courtesy of this 2-0 wint at the Deeside Athletics Stadium
Bangor kicked off in a 4-4-2 formation with Jamie Jardine again unfit. The first ten minutes belonged to Craig Hutchinson who managed to get booked for repeated fouling, but suddenly Stuart Terry took centre stage as he side footed a Jon Kenworhty cross into the roof of the City net for a 1-0 lead. Unfortunately the ex-Bangor winger injured himself in this act and played no real further part in the game.
Both sides had chances, Sean Hazelden headed a Lewis Coady freekick into Collisters arms, whilst Scott Williams almost repeated Terry's strike but Collister pushed it just over. City forced a corner which Colister dropped, but the scrambled clearance reached the other end and forced a calm defensive header from Scott Williams to Dave Williams.
Then on the half hour the busy Jamie Hughes created an opening for Aled Rowlands, who in turn fed Lewis Coady but his cross was headed too close to Collister - who again dropped the ball. Bald striker Kevin Davies raced in on the City goal but Dave Williams easily smohtered the shot.
Aled Rowlands was booked for a shoulder charge on Kenworthy minutes before half time, Lewis Coady struck a couple of shots from distance as City built up some pressure, but to no avail.

HALF TIME 0 v 1

Mike Foster struck a free kick narrowly wide immediately after the restart, then Paul Roberts, Jamie hughes and Aled Rowlands worked an opening on the left which Lewis Coady headed just over. On 55 minutes Ben Carrigan took advantage of arguably the worst offside decison of the season(s) by galloping on from ten yards offside to score with ease.
City came back with a Lewis Coady freekick and on the hour Nathan Comley-Excel replaced Carl Owen. Moments later Aled Rowlands was dismissed (without doubt a fair decision) for throwing the ball - dissent.
Oddly the ten men (well, history tell us...) did well, inspired by the galloping Excel who quickly latched onto a long goalkick to draw a good reaction save from Collister at his right post. Next Emrys Williams headed just wide from a Lewis Coady cross and Paul Roberts had a close range effort blocked. Davies forced another good save from Dave Williams but low and behold an offisde flag was waving. Good evening!
Excel then slipped a clever angled ball into Jamie Hughes but the effort went wide. Kenworthy showed his integrity next with a run across the box which included slight contact with a City defender, but the little winger kept going and shot over when others might have fallen.
The bald linesman then stepped into to deny Jamie Hughes with a very late offisde call partly due to his apparent interest in activity behind Collisters goal, then Excel nearly forced an own goal as he towered over Thomas but the backpass veered wide of the post.
Time slipped away, but in the final fifteen minutes - with the hosts playing keep ball - Jamie Hughes, Scott Williams and Excel all hit the target. Not to be!

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Mike Foster
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Jon Kenworthy
ATTENDANCE	215

Saturday 2nd September 2000

~The Premier Cup ~

	BANGOR CITY	0	v	6	Wrexham
1	Dave Williams	Scorers:		Scorers:	Kritian Rogers	1
2	Phil Johnson			Robin Gibson	Lee Roche	2
3	Aled Rowlands			Darren Ferguson 2	Mark McGregor	3
4	Emrys Williams			Hector Sam	Gareth Owen	4
5	Sean Hazelden			Dave Warren	Brian Carey	5
6	Scott Williams			Mark McGregor	David Ridler	6
7	Robbie Williams (25)				Robin Gibson	7
8	Mike Foster	Subs:		Subs:	Hector Sam	8
9	Jamie Hughes	Matthew Cross (25)		Barrett	Falconbridge	9
10	Paul Roberts	Com-Excel		Dave Warren	Darren Ferguson	10
11	Lewis Coady (68)	Carl Owen (68)		Kevin Dearden	Martin Chalk	11

City were finally outclassed by a Wrexham side they had matched quite comfortably for much of the opening half.
An early Aled Rowlands cross created an near opening for Jamie Hughes which forced Kristian Rogers into action. Carey, who had been booked earlier, clearly handled to prevent a through ball reaching Robbie Williams. After some discussion Carey was reprieved and allowed to continue!
However Wrexham started to take a grip when Robbie Williams was injured and replaced by Matthew Cross. The dominant players were Darren Ferguson and Gareth Owen.
However on the half hour came the incident which might have changed the game.
The opening goal came from Robin Gibson some five minutes before the interval.

HALF TIME 0 v 2

The second half saw Banofr go close asPaul Roberts lifted a decent chance over the bar before Matthew Cross handled in the box to allow midfielder Darren Ferguson to convert the inevitable penalty for a 2-0 lead.
City became demoralised as the fleet of foot Hector Sam extended the lead on the hour, then Dave Warren made it 4-0 with some fifteen minutes later.
Midfielder Darren Ferguson doubled his tally on 83 minutes which left Mark McGregor to complete the rout in the dying minutes.
Bangor ended the match well beaten, the choice of Man of The Match says it all.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Dave Williams
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Darren Ferguson
ATTENDANCE	350

Tuesday 29th August 2000

~The Gilbert League Cup ~

	BANGOR CITY	2	v	2	Rhyl
1	Dave Williams	Scorers:		Scorers:	Danny Embleton	1
2	Phil Johnson	Scott Williams		Steve Moran	Steve Cooper	2
3	Mike Foster	Aled Rowlands		Danny Barton	Gary Curties	3
4	Emrys Williams				Mark Powell	4
5	Sean Hazelden				Bradley Cullen	5
6	Scott Williams				Gary McGosh	6
7	Robbie Williams				Steve Moran	7
8	Aled Rowlands	Subs:		Subs:	Ron Gouldborne	8
9	Jamie Hughes	Matthew Cross		Dave Fuller	Dannny Barton	9
10	Paul Roberts	Com-Excel (65)		Steve Jones	Lee Trundle	10
11	Lewis Coady	Carl Owen		Jamie Brewerton	Aaron Thomas	11

City were made to fight for the points - often literally - by a committed Rhyl side.
The visitors took a seventh minute lead when Trundle found Steve Moran in the box after City had failed to clear their lines once too often. Within a minute Jamie Hughes burst into the box and forced a corner from Embleton. City were comfortable on the ball and passed confidently to induce errors from Rhyl. One led to a lon grange free kick from Jamie Hughes which went well over on sixteen minutes, on 23 Trundle charged through but pulled his shot wide.
The nature of the game was a considered approach from City in contrast to a more direct Rhyl plan based on Trundle and Barton upfront. Fair to say the two left footers form a considerable threat. On the half hour Robbie Williams was blocked by Curtis, from the freekick Aled Rowlands found Sean Hazelden but his header was directed at Embleton.
Next McGosh went through Jamie Hughes to earn a yellow card and City a 25 yard freekick.To say Scott Williams struck the equaliser well is an understatement! Top draw - just as I passed the comment that Paul Roberts might be the man for the job. One all.
Unhappily for Bangor Danny Barton raced past Emrys Williams, Trundle neatly tripped Sean Hazelden, and Barton confidently beat Dave Williams. City still had time for Phil Johnson and Robbie Williams to put Paul Roberts in, but to no avail.

HALF TIME 1 v 2

Substitute Matthew Cross replaced Sean Hazelden at the start of the second half.
Trundle - all left foot menace - charged clear immediately to force an excellent save from Dave Williams. City countered with a corner which saw Emrys Williams head narrowly wide. Then Paul Roberts saw Embleton kick his shot away.
On the hour Gary McGosh pulled Paul Roberts back and earned a second yellow and dismissal. From the freekick City forced a couple of corners before Trundle sparked a melee directly in front of the visitors bench. More than a dozen players were briefly involved before Trundle was booked - a trifle lenient - and it was the £7000 man who forced a good saving tackle from Matthew Cross.
With fifteen minutes to go Aled Rowlands jinked in from the left, weaving through the Rhyl defence before slotting a right footed shot low past Embleton, two all. Still time Phil Johnson to fire a fierce shot which was pushed over for a corner which led to Lewis Coady shooting wide.
City introduced Nathan Comley-Excel for the last five minutes in palce of Robbie Williams, both Trundle and Paul Roberts fired wide, then in injury time Paul Roberts and Lewis Coady both went close.
The draw a fair result? Possibly. Tremendous determined display from Emrys Williams up against the powerful Rhyl pair.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Emrys Williams
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Danny Barton
ATTENDANCE	210

Sunday 27th August 2000

~The League of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	1	v	1	Connahs Quay Nomads
1	Andy Mulliner	Scorers:		Scorers:	Phil Collister	1
2	Phil Johnson	Jamie Hughes		Steve Futcher	Andy Thomas	2
3	Matthew Cross (65)				Stephen Hopkins	3
4	Emrys Williams				Mike Carroll	4
5	Sean Hazelden				Jamie Holmes	5
6	Scott Williams				Carl Smyth	6
7	Robbie Williams				Steve Futcher	7
8	Mike Foster	Subs:		Subs:	Ben Carrigan	8
9	Jamie Hughes	Lewis Coady (65)		Adam Owen	Kevin Davies	9
10	Carl Owen (65)	Com-Excel (65)		Sam Pugh	Jon Kenworthy	10
11	Aled Rowlands	Dave Williams		Ricky Lampkin	Paul Mazzarella	11

City fought back to earn a point against a lively Nomads side which included Steve Futcher who had appeared for Bangor in pre-season friendlies.
The first half was disjointed and frequently interrupted by referee Parry, but it was Steve Futcher whose 25 yard free kick beat Andy Mulliner to put the hosts ahead on 25 minutes. Within a minute Phil Johnson forced Collister to make a good save from an identical situation.
Before half time Andy Mulliner did well to save from Holmes in a first half which lacked urgency and impetus.

HALF TIME 0 v 1

So to the second period and a mad few minutes which saw Andy Mulliner hand Kenworthy a chance which he hit wide, then Emrys Williams conceded a corner which resulted in Andy making amends with an excellent low diving save.
On 50 minutes Robbie Williams - Welsh Cup Final style - chased down the right but saw Jamie Hughes lift the ball over from close range. Next Matthew Cross saw a 20 yarder saved by Collister who was becoming far the busier keeper. Hover Andy Mulliner had to be alert on the hour when Kenworthy's long range shot needed keeping out at the expense of a corner. This in turn broke to Mike Foster who sped upfield, crossed to no avail - and ended up with Andy Mulliner again saving well.
On 65 minutes Lewis Coady and XL replaced Matthew Cross and Carl Owen, the formation changed to 4-4-2 and City finally took control. Crosses came in from the left courtesy of Aled Rowlands and Lewis Coady but Jamie Hughes - untypically - was hesistant or off target. Robbie Williams and XL also created chances with direct runs which failed to find a taker. With five minutes remaining Futcher broke through the midfield only to be chased and eventually robbed by the determined XL, who moments later placed a header wide of Collister but without enough power. On 90 minutes Phil Johnson had a freekick on the edge of the box after a foul on Lewis Coady but once again Collister saved.
So to injury time, a determined run by XL which took him into the box, a short pass to the eager Jamie Hughes - and at last an equaliser. The new striker was jubilant and his deriders in the stand silent - and quickly absent!

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Robbie Williams
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Phil Collister
ATTENDANCE

Thursday 24th August 2000

~The UEFA Cup~

	BANGOR CITY	0	v	4	HALMSTADS
1	Andy Mulliner	Scorers:		Scorers:	Svennson	1
2	Phil Johnson			Arvidsson 2	Gustavsson	2
3	Matthew Cross			Bertilsson	Arvidsson	3
4	Sean Hazelden			Selakovic	Jonsson	4
5	Mike Foster				Gustafson	5
6	Scott Williams				F.Andersson	6
7	Robbie Williams				Lennartsson	7
8	Jamie Hughes	Subs:		Subs:	Selakovic	8
9	Carl Owen	Steve Bird		Bertilsson	Carlsson	9
10	Emrys Williams	Com-Excel		Nilsson	R.Andersson	10
11	Aled Rowlands			Hansson	Svensson	11

City were again comfortably beaten by the slick Swedes but this time restored some pride both with a much improved performance and from a noisy travelling contingent.
Arvidsson put the hosts ahead in the fifth minute - to calm Swedish nerves - and doubled the advantage some twenty minutes later.
On 35 minutes Bertilsson made the score 3-0 which it remained until half time.

HALF TIME 0 v 3

Selakovic struck late in the second period to complete the 4-0 scoreline, although Carl Owen went close for City in a much improved performance.
City are considering an appeal to UEFA about the waterlogged state of the pitch (Not really!)

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Scott Williams
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Lennartson
ATTENDANCE	750

Thursday 10th August 2000

~The UEFA Cup~

	BANGOR CITY.............	0	v	7	HALMSTADS
1	Andy Mulliner	Scorers:		Scorers:	Svennson	1
2	Phil Johnson			R.Andersson	Gustavsson	2
3	Aled Rowlands			Svensson	Arvidsson	3
4	Jamie Jardine			Arvidsson	Jonsson	4
5	Mike Foster (83)			Selakovic 2	Gustafson	5
6	Scott Williams			Carlsson	F.Andersson	6
7	Aled Rowlands			Bertilsson	Lennartsson	7
8	Jamie Hughes (80)	Subs:		Subs:	Selakovic	8
9	Paul Roberts (RC 30)	Carl Owen (83)		Bertilsson ( )	Carlsson	9
10	Lewis Coady (68)	Com-Excel (80)		Nilsson	R.Andersson	10
11	Steve Bird	E Williams (68)		Hansson	Svensson	11
	YC -Yellow Card RC - Red Card				YC -Yellow Card RC - Red Card

City were outplayed by the impressive Swedes despite competing well for the first 25 minutes. During that time a long through ball from Steve Bird eluded Paul Roberts for what could have been a fairy tale lead for Bangor.
Unfortunately the fairly tale quickly became a nightmare as first Robert Andersson and then Svennson swept Halmstads 2-0 ahead. To make matters worse - and irreparable - Paul Roberts was sent off on the half hour for a clumsy tackle.
Arvidsson made it 3-0 just before half time.

HALF TIME 0 v 3

Selakovic struck twice - one just after the break - as the Swedes found time and space against the flagging ten men. His second heralded a run of three goals in the final ten minutes as Carlsson and Bertilsson completed the scoring.
For City Scott Williams held his composure whilst Andy Mulliner made some fine saves along with the occasional blunder.
The second leg in a fortnight looks a difficult task!

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Scott Williams
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Lennartson
ATTENDANCE	750