| MATCH REPORTS 2001-02 |
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MATCH REPORTS 2001-02 |
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| City
slumped to a 4-1 defeat on an arid, bumpy Park Avenue pitch in front
of more than 1500 travelling blues amongst the 2300 present.
It might have been so different had Marc Lloyd Williams converted an early chance. It began on the right through Kenny Burgess whose well placed through ball set up the 66 goal striker but his low right footed drive was well saved by Raynor in the Barry goal. City fell behind on nine minutes when Gary Lloyd found Jon French on the edge of the box, he controlled and shot on the turn and celebrated as his dipping volley dropped over a surprised Phil Priestley. The bigger, stronger full timers then dominated proceedings and might have added to their tally through French again but Alan Goodall stooped to head clear. On the half hour the lanky Dave Toomey replaced the injured Lee Phillips. On 35 minutes disaster struck as Bangor were caught two on two at the back, neither Chris Short nor Alan Goodall could clear, midfielder Mike Flynn rushed clear to thrash the ball past Phil Priestley who had no chance. The large visiting contingent knew something had to change before half time and roared their side on. On 42 minutes Paul Roberts was blocked by Scott Morgan on the attacking right. A freekick was awarded, taken by Simon Davies and met on the penalty spot by Huw Griffiths whose downward header left Raynor flatfooted. The big defender celebrated as much in relief and delight as the team's spirits rose visibly. |
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| Tails
up and wearing fresh hope City trouped out for the second period but
within minutes the two goal deficit was restored. A corner from
the defensive left was missed at the near post and landed invitingly
for Jamie Moralee to crash home from three yards. On 71 minutes a double roll of the dice as Craig Roberts and Steve Cooper replaced a tired looking Owain Jones and Aled Rowlands. The versatile Clayton Blackmore moved to centre midfield, Steve Cooper to right back and young Craig Roberts upfront in a three. Immediately the tall youngster caused problems up front and seemed to inspire a becalmed Marc Lloyd Williams who ran at and through the big Barry defence and found himself clear on goal to the right of the penalty spot. His deft left footed shot beat Raynor - but struck the left post - and the rebound evaded Paul Roberts. On 79 minutes Marc Lloyd Williams found himself taking a penalty won by Paul Roberts whose surging run on the left was stopped by Jarman. Unbelievably the Llanberis legend scuffed his kick a little - still managed to hit the bottom corner - but Raynor grabbed the ball. Minutes later Craig Roberts ripped past the tiring yellow rearguard to fire powerfully on target and force a brilliant two handed save from Raynor. It was not to be. Salt in the wounds into injury time as Jamie Moralee struck from 30 yards and saw his shot hit a City defender and deflect into the net. A disappointing end to an enjoyable season, but more good than bad and - when does next season start... |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Owain Tudur Jones, Alan Goodall, Chris Short, Aled Rowlands, Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd
Williams, Clayton Blackmore, Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Steve Cooper, Sean Hazelden, Craig Roberts, |
| Town: Simon Raynor, Lee Jarman, Gary Lloyd, Richard Kennedy, Scott Morgan,
Lee Phillips, Andrew York, Jon French, Jamie Moralee, Mike Flynn, Tom Ramasut Subs: Toomey, Pratt, Brown |
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| A
damp squid - a flat ending to the LoW campaign in this evenly contested
but goalless affair in wet West Wales. Results elswhere confirmed
City finished in third place. The pre match surprise was the pairing of Chris Short and Clayton Blackmore in central defence with Sean Hazelden amongst the subs and Huw Griffiths watching from the sidelines. Certainly the defence was well served by the wholehearted Chris Short who heading in particular was very impressive, based on sound technique. First half chances were few and far between as the pacey Keaveny caused some problems for City's rearguard whilst Neil O'Brien competed well against Marc Lloyd Williams. The home keeper looked a little nervous with more than a hint of teflon, but in all honesty he had few early tests and grew in confidence. City's best moment came when Chris Short gathered the ball 40 yards out following a Bangor corner, chested the ball down and hit a dipping volley which brought a superb save from Davies. |
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| The
second period opened with Kenny Burgess going close with a 20 yarder
which
lifted just over and then forcing a good save from Davies with a fierce
drive from the right after a good turn of pace. On the hour substitute Hicks raced clear and unleashed a tremendous 25 yard drive which Phil Priestley stretched to push over one handed for a Carmarthen corner. City responded with Steve Cooper involving Simon Davies in a one two before shooting from 20 yards, Davies saved but there was no City striker on hand for the rebound. The lanky O'Brien - who was later voted Carmarthen Supporters Player of The Season - then galloped through midfield to shoot on target. Phil Priestley saved well and jumped up to hammer the ball to safety. City's outstanding 'keeper also produced a great two handed save from a shot on the edge of the box from Johnson. With around a quarter of an hour remaining Chris Boulton replaced Aled Rowlands and some ten minutes later Sean Hazelden came on for Clayton Blackmore in the centre of defence. In the closing minutes Craig Roberts was introduced instead of Simon Davies. |
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City: Phil Priestley, Owaint Tudur Jones, Alan Goodall, Aled Rowlands, Steve Cooper,
Chris Short, Marc Lloyd Williams, Clayton Blackmore, Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Sean Hazelden, Chris Boulton, Craig Roberts, |
| Town: Davies, Sion Meredith, Wayne Jones, Wyn Thomas, Neil O'Brien,
David Barnhouse, Lee Jones, Dean Johnson, John Keaveney, Shaun Chapple, Chris Miller. Sub: Ryan Nicholls, Tim Hicks, R.Thomas |
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| Driven
from midfield by a powerful display from Paul Roberts City cruised to
a seven nil win against a spirited young Rhayader side who failed to control Marc
Lloyd Williams! Bangor started with little sense of purpose and some defensive slackness resulted in early Rhayader corners and culminated in Graham Hughes racing clear on the right to force a fine close range save from Phil Priestley. City forced corners of their own and with the extra height of Sean Hazelden causing problems 'keeper Morgan had some anxious moments. The reinstated defensive pair of Chris Short and Sean Hazelden were serving City well with the giant student dominant in the air. In midfield Paul Roberts had too much power and guile for his young opponents whilst Chris Boulton was in also in fine form up front. Then the first decisive moment came as the outstanding Paul Roberts raced down the left wing and crossed low into the six yard area where Marc Lloyd Williams converted from five yards. This knocked the stuffing out of the home side and provoked a hint of alarm from their bench. City then forced four corners in rapid sequence which resulted in Marc Lloyd Williams finishing once more from close range to draw level with Dave Taylor's 43 goal record. |
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| The
second period was more decisive for Bangor as Marc Lloyd Williams
converted a penalty he won to complete his hatrick and create a scoring
record of his own on 53 mins. On the hour it was 4-0 as Chris
Boulton struck a fierce volley towards the top corner which Morgan
could only parry to Marc Lloyd
Williams who scored from close range.
City replaced Pat Taylor with Aled Rowlands who immediately impressed on the left but the next incident was a sixth corner from which Sean Hazelden's goalbound effort was cleared off the line by McPhee. The new LoW record scorer then volleyed over before Matthew Bishop struck cleanly from 25 yard and watched as Phil Priestley completed a brilliant one handed stop his top right corner. On 72 minutes Graham Hughes - who had so nearly scored in the first half - was red carded as his goal line handball saved a certain goal. Up stepped Marc Lloyd Williams to make it 5-0 with a confident finish. Minutes later Iddan Williams and Craig Roberts came on in place of Chris Short and Simon Davies with the Porthmadog youngter slotting in at rightback and the versatile Steve Cooper moving alongside Sean Hazelden. Within seconds it was 6-0 as Kenny Burgess tore down the right and crossed perfectly for Marc Lloyd Williams to notch his sixth and establish a 47 LoW record. Both Craig Roberts and Alan Goodall went close before Paul Roberts seized upon a pass from Aled Rowlans to thrash the ball past Morgan from 20 yards to complete the 7-0 rout. All credit to Rhayader whose spirit was good and - despite the technical dismissal - never resorted to any form of foul play. |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Steve Cooper, Alan Goodall, Chris Short, Sean Hazelden, Pat Taylor, Marc Lloyd
Williams, Chris Boulton, Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Craig Roberts, Iddan Williams, Aled Rowlands |
| Town: Richard Morgan, Gareth Hughes, Andy Evans, Dylan McPhee, Jon Williams,
Jon Seymour, Mattie Bishop, Jamie Hammonds, Ben Bannon, Karl Jones, Rob Kozak, Subs: Carl Mounty, Kevin Percy, Alan Davies |
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| A
coach that needed regular "water stops" combined with motorway closure
meant City arrived late and the kick off had to be delayed by Referee
Hutchinson. Bangor never got over these setbacks and failed to
trouble the odious Lido goalkeeper Brian Thomas. City would have been reasonably happy with their opening quarter hour though as they struggled to settle after the hurried start. From a Clayton Blackmore cross Huw Griffiths headed down to Marc Lloyd Williams but his right footed effort hit the post and was scrambled clear. Minutes later Huw Griffiths headed over from a Kenny Burgess cross after City forced a second corner. Lido then had a half chance when Andrew Pearson shot well over from 25 yards before the diminutive Walkley ran clear but saw his effort booted away by Steve Cooper. Walkley must be the smallest player I have ever seen in senior football. Moments later Clayton Blackmore made a superb interception as Pearson threatened again. Referee Hutchinson was upsetting both camps and a flurry of yellow cards on or after 25 minutes hardly improved things. The first was against Pat Taylor for a rash challenge, then Rickard who was late on Alan Goodall and finally Carl Evans for dissent. In the midst of this yellow storm Clayton Blackmore struck a free kick too close to Thomas who held easily. With ten minutes remaining Marc Lloyd Williams shot over before Pearson chipped the stranded Phil Priestley but watched in amazement as the ball bounced steeply to clear the crossbar with Alan Goodall scrambling back! |
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| The
first chance of the second period fell to Paul Roberts after good work
on the left by Aled Rowlands but his shot went wide. Moments
later on 54 minutes City were behind after failing to clear a cross
from the left Chris Pridham
shot low from 20 yards past Phil Priestley
into the bottom corner. The mouthy Pitman then fouled Paul Roberts on the edge of the box but his effort hit the wall and out for a corner. Before this could be taken - on the hour - Chris Boulton replaced left winger Aled Rowlands. City forced a sixth corner immediately, when Pat Taylor showed remarkable skill on the left to beat two defenders. Marc Lloyd Williams then turned a fired over from 12 yards after Pat Taylor and Paul Roberts had combined well on the left. The LoW top scorer then shot at Thomas who spilt the ball, which was partly cleared to Simon Davies but his cross was met by Huw Griffiths who headed over. Pitman was then booked before City forced a seventh corner on 75 minutes which resulted in Kenny Burgess lofting the ball over. On 83 minutes Clayton Blackmore hit a freekick which was deflected wide off a City attacker before Pitman threatened some Blues followers "Skupski style" but decided against it. With around five minutes left Marc Lloyd Williams was fouled on the right, Simon Davies crossed the freekick but Huw Griffths could not keep his header down. A final roll of the dice saw Steve Cooper replaced by Craig Roberts but to no avail. All in, a disappointing outcome for a Bangor side who created enough chances to have netted a couple - but simply failed to hit the target often enough. |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Steve Cooper, Alan Goodall, Pat Taylor, Aled Rowlands, Huw Griffiths,
Marc Lloyd Williams, Clayton Blackmore, Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Craig Roberts, Chris Boulton, Sean Hazelden |
| Lido: Brian Thomas, John Walkley, Jerry Chandler, Carl Evans, Phil Holmes,
Andrew Rickard, Andy Pitman, Chris Pridham, Andrew Pearson, Paul Evans, Greg Hurley Subs: James Taylor, Leighton Jones, Mitch Patton |
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| Bangor
fell behind inside ten minutes and spent the rest of the match chasing
the game, which easily eluded them on a bumpy Latham Park pitch. Simon Davies and Kenny Burgess both had shots from the edge of the box in the opening stages as City forced a seventh minute corner. But the first action of note came a minute later as Mark Williams outjumped Sean Hazelden and headed on to leftpeg Chris Adamson who got the better of Huw Griffiths to fire left footed past Phil Priestley from 25 yards. Marc Lloyd Williams was scarcely enjoying the high bounce or close attention of Timmy Edwards, but he managed a shot on target whilst No 8 Mark Thomas went close for the hosts. On 18 minutes City fell further behind to classic Newtown goal. Pacey little Justin Wickham raced down the right wing and crossed low for Mark Williams to finish from close range. Bangor fought back to force three successive corners, the first when Aled Rowlands lashed a fierce shot on target but Welshpool cast off Bridges headed to safety. The fir trees took a pounding as Kenny Burgess failed to keep a couple of half chances down on the dusty surface before corner six was met by Sean Hazelden whose header landed on the roof of the net. In all City forced eight first half corners but to no avail - and without seeming to pose a real threat. |
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| Manager
Peter Davenport changed things at half time with Steve Cooper coming on
at right back and Clayton Blackmore replacing Sean Hazelden in the
middle. Immediately City showed a greater sense of urgency -
transmitted to and from the travelling support - and Kenny Burgess shot
too close to Whitfield then Marc Lloyd Williams just failed to reached
a "close in" cross from
the left from Clayton Blackmore. On 55 minutes Chris Boulton was replaced by Paul Roberts and within moments he was involved but Marc Lloyd Williams shot weakly at Whitfield. Next Simon Davies on the left fed Paul Roberts who worked an opening but fired just wide from 20 yards. Newtown were ahead and content to operate on the counter attack, and with Wickham they had the perfect outlet. On one such foray he cut inside past Alan Goodall and shot on target from 25 yards to force a brilliant one handed save from Phil Priestley. Clayton Blackmore boomed the resulting corner out of harms way. With around ten minutes to go Craig Roberts replaced Aled Rowlands but his chances were few, although Owain Jones struck cleanly from 20 yards but unfortunately jsut too high. In the dying minutes Mark Williams was sent off for a cowardly attack from behind on City centreback Huw Griffiths who was shielding the ball near his defensive left corner flag. All credit to Referee Ray Ellingham (who was pretty good all night) that he did the obvious. As if to sum up the evening Kenny Burgess then saw a cleanly struck shot deflect wide off a City striker! No sour grapes or hard luck stories, a bitter blow but one we have to take. Ten corners in all but precious few caused Whitfield much concern. |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Owain Tudur Jones, Alan Goodall, Sean Hazelden, Aled Rowlands, Huw Griffiths,
Marc Lloyd Williams, Clayton Blackmore, Chris Boulton, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Craig Roberts, Paul Roberts, Steve Cooper |
| Newtown: Paul Whitfield, Justin Bridges, Gareth Evans, Colin Reynolds, Timmy Edwards,
Antony Fenton, Justin Wickham, Mark Thomas, Watkins, Mark Williams, Chris Adamson. Subs: Mark Jones, Andy Thomas, Tom Reynolds |
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| Tired
and bloodied, Bangor stuck to their task in the face of intimidation
permitted by the inept dwarf KL Morris. A win which keeps the
pressure on the leaders and ensures a top three finish. City
brought in Sean Hazelden who impressed in the centre of defence and
Steve
Cooper at right back with Clayton Blackmore alongside a weary looking
Owain Jones in midfield. The chief culprit amongst the visitors was the shaven headed Jason Price who set his stall out with an elbow in th eface of Marc Lloyd Williams in the opening minutes. Referee Morris took no action. Paul Roberts went close for City but Phil Priestley pulled off a superb stop with his feet when the nomadic Chris Summers flicked a left wing cross on target from close range. The ball ran to Heall whose shot was bravely blocked by the alert Alan Goodall and finally cleared. On 14 minutes a penalty was awarded for a pull on Marc Lloyd Williams by Chiverton and the Golden Boot candidate stood up to send the dminutive Woodhouse the wrong way. Both Watts and Adams went close for the visitors with the latter forcing a good save from Phil Priestley low to his left. Marc Lloyd Williams then went close again with appeals for a penalty waved away. The aggressive Price then thrust his head against Kenny Burgess which resulted in the winger leaving the field with blood running from a hairline injury. On 38 mins, five or so after the injury, Chris Boulton replaced Kenny Burgess. After four minutes of stoppage time City were glad to leave the field! |
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| Within
minutes of the restart Chris Boulton took the ball on the left, beat
two defenders and shot right footed on target but hit the post.
The Mold lad then headed just wide from a right footed cross from Aled
Rowlands and generally stood up well to a buffeting from Price.
On
55 minutes Clayton Blackmore sent a 35 yard free kick just over the
crossbar
but moments later City were safe. A rightwing cross from Paul Roberts found Chris Boulton whose effort was deflected to Owain Jones. Lofty saw his shot cannon against the bar before rebouding to Paul Roberts who fired home through a crowd of players. The hard working Chris Boulton was then fouled twice in succession by Price who received a yellow card for the first offence. "Bull" then headed too close to the keeper beofre an uncharacteristic slip by Phil Priestley set up Heall but he lifted his shot over from 12 yards. With fifteen minutes to go Marc Lloyd Williams was fouled by Chiverton. Then a bizarre incident as a defensive clearance smashed the glass on the pressbox; fortunately the second sheet of the double glazing held firm. With ten minutes to go a weary Owain Jones was replaced by Pat Taylor who continued to give a favourable impression with important tackles and intelligent passes. To round things off Marc Lloyd Williams received the ball off Paul Roberts who had robbed Blain. With Brace charging back he raced clear, beat the keeper and Brace whose handball was rightly ignored as the ball finally bobbled into the net. Finally the disgraceful Price was sent off (second yellow) for a crude trip on Paul Roberts. Three points, a clean sheet, and a few days to recover before Tuesday night. |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Owain Tudur Jones, Alan Goodall, Sean Hazelden, Aled Rowlands, Huw Griffiths,
Marc Lloyd Williams, Clayton Blackmore, Paul Roberts, Steve Cooper, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Craig Roberts, Chris Boulton, Pat Taylor |
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County: Carl Woodhouse, Norman Parselle, Deryn Brace, Dylan Blain, Eston Chiverton, Matthew Price, Chris Summers,
Simon Heal, Richard Adams, Watts, Craig Evans. Subs: Neil Thomas, Andrew Smith, Craig Thomas |
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| Take
the lead, keep a clean sheet and win the game. Simple! And
that is exactly what City did last night against much fancied TNS - but
at a price. Graham Brett left the field on a stretcher following
a
serious hamstring injury. The first part of the plan clicked into place in the first minute. The visitors defence failed to deal with a long high clearance, the ball fell invitingly to Marc Lloyd Williams 35 yards out and his high sliced lob dropped over Doherty into the net! City then forced a couple of corners in an attempt to capitalise on The Saints uncertainties. However on nine minutes Nicky Ward nearly levelled the scores as his chip hit the City crossbar. On 15 miinutes Kenny Burgess and Paul Roberts combined well on the right but the wingers deep cross was headed just wide by Marc Lloyd Williams. TNS then lost defender Tommy Holmes whose place went to Tim Alexander. On 20 mins City forced two more corners and saw Owain Jones flick on for Huw Griffiths to force a good save from Doherty. The big defender had his revenge a moment later. From the second corner Clayton Blackmore to poked the ball goalwards from the edge of the box - and Huw Griffiths placed his low shot past the keeper! TNS struck back and forced three successive corners but at last Clayton Blackmore drove the third out to the half way line. Then disaster as Graham Brett stretched to clear a ball on the defensive left and fell to the floor. He was carried off - to warm applause - on a stretcher and replaced by Chris Short. City dropped Paul Roberts into midfield to stifle the growing influence of Ricky Evans and saw Kenny Burgess fire wide from the edge of the box. Niggly substitute Alexander was getting under the skin of the home contingent, a welcome half time whistle. |
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| City
knew TNS would come out firing on all cylinders and so it proved.
Nicky Ward shot just wide before John Toner replaced left-wingback
Robbie Wood and TNS went three up top. Toner immediately tested Phil Priestley whose brilliant save kept the visitors at bay. Then City won a sixth corner before the giant Steve Anthrobus replaced Justin Perry. At this point manager Peter Davenport sent Paul Roberts back to his normal striking position. Then a truly brilliant save from City's No 1 from a powerful drive from Scott Ruscoe, onto the post and finally cleared by the hard working Alan Goodall. Big Huw Griffiths was dominant but a mention for substitute Chris Short who battled gamely against Anthrobus. Also the vast experience of Clayton Blackmore left John Toner broken hearted on more than one occasion. Following what seemed like an eternity City began to push up the pitch, led by those two Port old boys. Paul Roberts, set up by a combination of Aled Rowlands and Alan Goodall on the left, but his shot went wide. Then some brilliant skill from Owain Jones who chipped his marker on the goalline before forcing a good save from Doherty at his near post. On 82 minutes it was all over as Simon Davies fed Paul Roberts who ran clear to thrash an unstoppable shot past Doherty from 18 yards. Everyone roared in relief - except the handful of miserable greens, sittingly glumly in the "visitors" box. With time running out Kenny Burgess "stepped over" a cross from Marc Lloyd Williams to set up Paul Roberts but his shot found Doherty in centre goal. Moments later with two minutes left to play Kenny Burgess and Paul Roberts were replaced by Craig Roberts and Steve Cooper. Game over, a brilliant result against a determined and well organised TNS side. |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Owain Tudur Jones, Alan Goodall, Graham Brett, Aled Rowlands, Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd
Williams, Clayton Blackmore, Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Steve Cooper, Chris Boulton, Chris Short |
| TNS: Gerard Doherty, Derek Ward, Robbie Wood, Tommy Holmes, Chris Taylor, Steve Evans,
Scott Ruscoe, John Leah, Justin Perry, Ricky Evans, Nicky Ward, Subs: Tim Alexander, Mark Anthrobus, John Toner |
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| A
bumpy, bouncy, dusty pitch which made summer football a little less
appealing but a decisive win for City against a hard working Cefn
Druids side at
Belle Vue. City started quite brightly and Marc Lloyd Williams shot over on the turn from 22 yards. The large travelling contingent did not have long to wait for a goal to cheer. Simon Davies and Aled Rowlands combined to force a corner on the left which was deflected for one on the right which was taken by Simon Davies. Owain Jones flicked the ball on to Kenny Burgess who clipped the ball in with his back to goal for a tenth minute lead. Cefn fought back to force a corner off Alan Goodall and might have drawn level when the ball dropped to Mark Allen but he shot narrowly wide from close range. With Aled Rowlands and Alan Goodall causing havoc on the left, more chances were sure to come. On the half hour the little left footers again opened up the Druids defence and created an opening when Dave Blower fumbled the ball to Paul Roberts who blasted goalwards. The giant keeper blocked the effort but was clearly winded. The ball was floated back from left wing to right post for Marc Lloyd Williams to head home from close range. Again Cefn rallied but the impressive Graham Brett was on hand to clear and Phil Priestley was scarcely troubled by direct attempts on goal. Owain Jones hooked a difficult chance just over from the edge of the box, the half time whistle saw the blue contingent in a good mood! |
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| Simon
Davies found himself in space on the left, cut inside and beat two
defenders before crossing for Marc Lloyd Williams who headed over when
well placed. Then Mark Allen headed wide when Cefn attacked down
the right and won
a freekick which dipped near post. On 62 minutes the contest was all but ended as Owain Jones headed against the bar but the ever alert Marc Lloyd Williams darted in to finish from close range. To their credit Cefn again tried to respond and Mike davies saw his goalbound effort cleared off the line by - who other - than Graham Brett. On 69 minutes it was 4-0 as Marc Lloyd Williams chased a long bouncing clearance, got the better of the covering defenders and chipped Blower from 30 yards. The blue army behind the goal signalled the end result before the ball bounced into the roof of the net. This hatrick took Jiws' tally to 13 in three games against the unfortunate Cefn side. City then drafted in substitutes Craig Roberts and later Steve Cooper for Owain Jones and Simon Daives respectively. Craig lined up alongside the hatrick hero whilst Paul Roberts dropped into midfield. On 79 minutes young Craig Roberts raced to the right, shrugged off a tug on his shirt, to blast the ball past Blower for the goal of the game. Then in the final five minutes Chris Short replaced Clayton Blackmore. A potential banana skin avoided, no injuries or bookings. In fact referee Arwel Jones did not issue a single yellow or red card throughout. |
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City: Phil Priestley, Owain Tudur Jones, Alan Goodall, Graham Brett, Aled Rowlands,
Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd
Williams, Clayton Blackmore Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Steve Cooper, Craig Roberts, Chris Short |
| Cefn: Dave Blower, Steve Cowap, Mark Allen, Aled Rowlands, Paul Morris,
Alan Williams, Jones, Craig Wilkinson, Mike Davies, Ross Jefferies, Craig Salisbury. Subs: Brett Jefferies, Dave Powell, Richard Snell. |
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| An
early goal from Paul Roberts set Bangor on the way to an important win
at a sodden Oval but the headlines will be taken by an act of lunacy by
home keeper Steve Skupski. The former Llanystumdwy striker headed City ahead in the third minute. A free kick on the right was delivered by Clayton Blackmore and Paul Roberts rose above the static Canaries to head past Skupski. With both sides struggling to find their feet on a firm pitch doused by an hours heavy rain, both Marc Lloyd Williams and Tommy Mutton were involved in the early exchanges. Midway through the first period the ginger one crossed for Paul Roberts but his header went wide. Then the same forward turned and shot but saw his strike fly well over. Right winger Kenny Burgess was causing Brandreth all sorts of problems and one marauding run ended in a firm near post shot which was blocked by Skupski. Minutes later inconsistent ref Gerald Davies booked the fit again Graham Brett for a pretty inoffensive foul on Danny Barton on the half way line. Marc Lloyd Williams then tried to chip Skupski but he handled cleanly, whilst Kenny Burgess blasted wide when well placed. |
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| Within
a minute of the restart Paul Roberts nearly doubled the advantage as
he turned past the pedestrian Antrobus and fired a low shot on target
but again Skupski saved well low down to his right. On 62 minutes
Simon Davies took a free kick on the right, rolled the ball to fellow
Cap Clayton Blackmore whose shot beat its way into the bottom left hand
corner. The referee was now showing a generous degree of inconsistency as he allowed the home side to foul their way back into the game, but the flying Mutton needed no such assistance as he forced a superb double save from Phil Priestley as he cut in from the right. On 75 minutes City's defensive pair Graham Brett and Huw Griffiths got caught too close together and allowed Llandudno based fullback Paul Roberts to run clear on the right and beat Phil Priestley from 15 yards. Game on! On 76 minutes - with the the home fans rubbing their hands in glee - another freekick given away for another unpunished foul on Kenny Burgess. Clayton Blackmore this time picked out 17 year old Owain Jones whose clean header flew into the net to restore the advantage. City boss then replaced Graham Brett with "homecoming" Chris Short whose arrival was greeted with cries of "Judas" from the home fans. Both City's strike pair went close before a corner was won to the delight of the homes fans. Then an amazing and unforgivable moment. Clearly unsettled by the travelling contingent Skupski picked up the ball and threw it full force into the crowd, striking a ten year old girl in the face and knocking her over. To his credit the ref saw this one - so did a local police officer - and the keeper saw red. Further chances came and went with the stand in keeper showing well, Emrys Williams slid his boot into Kenny Burgess who had to be replaced by Steve Cooper. In injury time crowd favourite Marc Lloyd Williams was replaced by the promising Chris Boulton. |
| City: Phil Priestley, Owain Jones, Alan Goodall, Graham Brett,
Aled Rowlands, Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd Williams, Clayton Blackmore, Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Steve Cooper, Chris Boulton, Chris Short |
| Town: Steve Skupsi, Paul Roberts, Tim Brandreth, Emrys Williams,
Mark Anthrobus, LeighWilliams, Ryan Baker, Tony Smith, Danny Barton, Tommy Mutton, Scott Millington Subs: Danny McGoona, Danny Jellicoe, Wes Kilgannon |
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| This
tremendous result and impressive performance settled an account from
last season and gained ample revenge for that home blemish earlier this
time around. But the down side was a red card for Simon Davies
which
could scarcely have come at a worst time with the small squad hit by
injury. Following a Clayton Blackmore throw, a dreadful mistake on the half way line by Pattimore let in Marc Lloyd Williams in the first minute and he galloped clear to lash the ball home from 20 yards to set City on the road. City strenthened their position when Clayton Blackmore struck a 22 yard shot goalwards following a freekick taken by Simon Davies. The ball rolled into the net courtesy of a cruel deflection on eight minutes. Five minutes later the shell shocked hosts fought back as a long clearance from O'Hagan was only partly cleared to set up Chris Watkins whose firm low drive beat Phil Priestley from the edge of the box. On 41 minutes Marc Lloyd Williams converted a penalty awarded for an off the ball incident involving Kenny Burgess. Oddly no card was shown to the defender involved. Calamity struck on the stroke of half time. Following an unpunished trip on Owain Jones, captain Simon Davies berated Phil Southall after he too had been clearly fouled - only to receive a red card for his efforts. Had the referee enforced the rule throughout it might have been interesting! |
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| With
a man advantage the hosts reduced the deficit on 49 minutes as Jason
Welsh converted from close range after a breakaway on the left.
However on 52 minutes Kenny Burgess supplied Paul Roberts whose 25 yard
drive dipped awkwardly for goalkeeper Pat O'Hagan and Marc Lloyd Williams put
the
Blues 4-2 ahead with a neat close range finish. On 62 minutes a rare occurence - a goal direct from a corner. With Simon Davies off the field Clayton Blackmore took the kick from the left and saw the ball hit the stanction adjoing the far post and roof of the net. Five two ahead, down to ten men, and half an hour to play! With a quarter of an hour to go Chris Boulton came on for Paul Roberts and soon after Steve Cooper replaced the industrious Aled Rowlands. On 86 minutes Marc Lloyd Williams netted his fourth of the match - to take his tally to 38 LoW goals for the season - and was promptly replaced by Sean Hazelden. This time the Llanberis lad latched onto a misplaced defensive pass, beat two men and scored from the edge of the box with a right foot curler. Cwmbran scored a third on the stroke of time through substiture Mark Dunn, but it scarcely mattered. A valiant peformance by the ten men and the top of the table looks better and better! |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Owain Tudur Jones, Alan Goodall, Chris Short, Aled Rowlands, Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd
Williams, Clayton Blackmore, Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Steve Cooper, Chris Boulton, Sean Hazelden |
| Town: Pat O'Hagan, Richard Carter, John Wile, Michael Pattimore,
Sean Wharton, Richard David, Nathan Wigg, James, Chris Watkins, Jason Welsh, Sean Mainwaring. Subs: Mark Dunn, Neil Smothers, Adam Moore |
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| With
Warren Gibbs slotting in alongside Huw Griffiths at the back, Owain
Jones likewise next to Simon Davies in midfield and those well known
former Port men returning up front, it was a more familiar looking
4-4-2 line up for City. Unfortunately in a damp squid of a first half it mattered little. Nomads won and kept the ball with consumate ease yet scarcely threatened the confident looking central pairing, the towering Warren Gibbs readily marshalling the niggly Rain. Practically the only moment of excitement in the first period came when Marc Lloyd Williams turned on the edge of the box and fell to the floor, but referee M Jones (Wrexham) waved play on to little remonstration. With Terry looking dangerous and Mazzarrella finding time and space, City had few chances but one which did come was spurned when Marc Lloyd Williams headed over in the closing minutes from a good cross from Kenny Burgess. With the queue at the tea hut building nicely Stuart Rain managed to back in and twist with considerable dexterity to cause Warren Gibbs to fly over him and land awkwardly. Although the big defender played on it was to be the end of his involvement. |
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| From
the kick off Steve Cooper replaced the hobbling Warren Gibbs with
Clayton Blackmore moving to centreback. Within a minute City were
ahead. Simon Davies found Aled Rowlands on the left, the little
winger had the presence of mind to dummy and cross right footed right
onto Marc Lloyd Williams head for a slightly unconvincing finish. On 51 minutes it was 2-0 as the visitors lost their composure and allowed Kenny Burgess to latch onto a pass from Simon Davies, rush into the box, lose and re-gather the ball and then appear to clip the ball over Mulliner from eight yards. City then took charge and Paul Roberts ran through from deep to capitalise on a firm tackle by Huw Griffiths in midfield. Next Marc Lloyd Williams span and shot low on target but as Mulliner parried the ball no one in a blue shirt reacted in time. On the hour Paul Roberts fired over following a corner won by Kenny Burgess on the left. With the points looking secure Simon Davies got caught in possession in midfield by the industrious Stuart Terry who ran across to his left before firing past Phil Priestley on 67 mins. Bangor responded with Alan Goodall shooting from long distance but too close to Mulliner before the odious Rain fired over from six yards with City fearing the worst. On 76 minutes Steve Cooper was rightly booked for throwing the ball at Hopkins but moments later the dark side of Rain saw him red carded for a nasty lunge on Huw Griffiths on the City goaliine. And that was about it, scarcely a classic, but three points. Sad to see Nev Powell sulk off without exchanging handshakes with his opposite number but then these things happen. |
| City:
Paul Priestley, Owain Tudur Jones, Alan Goodall, Warren Gibbs, Aled Rowlands, Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd
Williams, Clayton Blackmore, Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Steve Cooper, Chris Boulton, Sean Hazelden |
| Nomads:
Andy Mulliner, Steve Hopkins,
Dean Tuft, Carl Smythe, George Horan, Gary McGosh, Paul Mazzerrella, Stuart Terry, Stuart Rain, Jon Kenworthy, L.Roberts Subs: Julian Pepper, Andy Griffiths, Mike Carroll |
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| As the
infant River Severn wends it way from The Cambrian Mountains to
Shrewsbury and on to Bristol it snakes around the Roman outpost of
Caersws. Where the Aberystwyth to Salop railway line meets the
A470 the embankment and bridge create a bottleneck which often causes
floodwater to disgorge onto the adjacent mudflat. The local
village football team take on all comers on this unlikely surface in a
game known throughout time as "kick and rush". A Bangor side, shorn of the leagues best strike partnership, took up the gauntlet and for forty five minutes played the crafty locals at their own game. Early chances fell to Kenny Burgess and Steve Cooper but they went wide and too straight respectively. However the travelling horde soon had reason to smile as Phil Priestley sent a thunderous clearance upfield which the selfless Chris Boulton squared for strike partner Kenny Burgess to strike home. The flying winger turned goalscorer then spurned a chance provided by Clayton Blackmore, got himself yellow carded for querying yet another abysmal decision, then ran clear down the right and forced a good low save from the spreadeagled Griffiths. Unhappily the well placed Chris Boulton just failed to capitalise on the parried clearance. Left back Sean Jehu then hit the Bangor bar from 25 yards before on the half hour both sides forced a couple of corners which came to little or nothing. On the half time whistle home defender Hugh Clarke headed just over from a long ball off Fletcher. |
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| With
the light breeze now at their backs the hosts came out full of
verve. Within a minute Graham Evans struck a cross from
the right which deceived Phil Priestley and dipped under the
crossbar. Steve Cooper vented his frustration with a late
challenge on Antony Griffiths and received a yellow card off the
bizarrely inconsistent Rees. The blue defence creaked as
defensive headers met the resistance of the Easterly breeze, the
midfield perhaps dwelt too long on the ball on the unforgiving two
paced sand strewn surface. Left wingback Aled Rowlands then skipped past two home defenders but got a bit carried away with the cross. On 68 minutes Paul Roberts replaced the disappointed Steve Cooper and was quickly on the scene as a clear handball by Howells was waved away. Then a truly surreal moment as Bluebirds 'keeper Matthew Griffiths flung himself face down on the mud with Clayton Blackmore about to cross from the right. Referee Rees stopped the game as the former Welsh cap sent the ball into the net. This decision - one of many that upset both contingents - was utterly wrong and at odds with fairness and logic. Suited him though. On 82 minutes the points were lost as Hugh Clarke won a header in the box to set up little Graham Evans who nodded past Phil Priestley. Five minutes later enter Marc Lloyd Williams to raise the hopes of the blue horde but to no avail, although he instantly latched on to a right wing cross but directed the effort too close to Griffiths. Finally Alan Goodall shot cleanly on target but again too close to the Caersws custodian. And so three points lost, three more gained by the local ace exponents, and a gleeful afternoon for yet another pitiful South Wales ref. Surely Treharris is a suburb of Swansea... |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Steve Cooper, Alan Goodall, Chris Short, Sean Hazelden, Huw Griffiths,
Aled Rowlands, Clayton Blackmore, Chris Boulton, Simon Davies, Kennny Burgess. Subs: Warren Gibbs, Marc Lloyd Williams, Paul Roberts |
| Caersws:
Matthew Griffiths, Andy Thomas, Sean Jehu, Andy Griffiths, Hugh Clarke, Martyn Griffiths,
Mark Howells, Graham Jones, Graham Evans, Alex Fletcher, Andy Davies Subs: Craig Richards, Gwyn Williams, Jamie Davies |
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| Pedestrian
in the first half, hampered by a inept referee, City roared back from
an interval defecit to win by a margin that spoke volumes for visiting
keeper Danny Embleton. With a stiff breeze at their backs Oswestry kicked off attacking the St Pauls End and belied their lowly position with a determined first half display. Whilst Kenny Burgess sent an early chance into the side netting, the niggling figure of Mick Jones fired over from outside the box to signal the visitors defiance. City played in patches, with the midfield misfiring it was left to Clayton Blackmore to pick the passes and show the deftness of touch which had abandoned the quartet ahead of him. One such pass set up Kenny Burgess on the right who forced Embleton into a fine point blank save and produce City's second corner on 15 minutes. Oswestry were dangerous on the break with MacKenzie and Collins running with purpose at Sean Hazelden and Huw Griffiths. On 24 minutes 18 year Mick Collins chased a long clearance, beat the home defence to the ball and calmly lobbed Phil Preistley from outside the box. The visitors celebrated to a stunned silence! Referee Hutchinson then mindlessly booked Owain Jones for an innocuous trip in the centre circle before Marc Lloyd Williams and then Sean Hazelden went close as half time drew closer. Oswestry then threatened again as the other 18 year James MacKenzie chased in on goal before Sean Hazelden ended the move with a well time challenge inside the box. A truly bizarre decision next as Kenny Burgess was adjudged to have fouled Curtiss on the right before the former Rhyl left footer was penalised - but not carded - for a foul on City's winger. |
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| Trailing
by that solitary goal, City resumed with the breeze at their backs and
the manager's words ringing in their ears. But some shocking
loose play the back almost proved costly as 17 year old Gary Byrne
fired over after
being the presented with the ball 25 yards out. On 49 minutes Bangor fans finally had something to cheer about as Simon Davies sent over City's sixth corner of the night which big defender Huw Griffiths met with unstoppable force from close range. The big defender celebrated as the home crowd roared in relief. Five minutes later it was 2-1 as Huw Griffiths turned provider as he guided Aled Rowlands' cross to Marc Lloyd Williams whose flick was parried by Embleton into the net. With the visitors still dangerous on the break, City now started to test Embleton who proved unbeatable for the reamaing half hour. Owain Jones shot wide before Paul Roberts ran down the left, beat the keeper, shot but saw his effort cleared off the line. Then Aled Rowlands shot from 25 yards but the keeper tipped it over for City's 8th corner. Next Paul Roberts struck a superb shot against the cross bar the rebound was lifted over by Marc Lloyd Williams. On the hour Huw Griffiths was about to celebrate his second before the referee invented an infringement, before Collins reminded City of the danger of complacency when he forced City keeper Phil Priestley into a low save. With twenty minutes remaining Simon Davies, by know enjoying his evening, picked out Paul Roberts but he lifted his shot just over. Minutes later the same provider supplied Kenny Burgess but his header landed on the roof of the net. After a stoppage for a head injury to Huw Griffiths City sent on Steve Cooper for young Owain Jones. Then Marc Lloyd Williams span past his marked on the half way line, ran to th edge of the box before setting up Kenny Burgess who mishit his shot. Curtis then found time and space to fire over from 30 yards before Aled Rowlands crossed for Steve Cooper whose clean strike was somehow pushed over for another corner. Paul Roberts then went close twice in quick succession as City forced their 11th and 12th corners of the evening which saw the visitor's heroic 'keeper save from Paul Roberts and Steve Cooper, whilst Huw Griffiths saw his effort cleared off the line! |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Owain Tudur Jones, Aled Rowlands, Sean Hazelden, Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd Williams,
Clayton Blackmore, Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Warren Gibbs, Chris Boulton, Steve Cooper |
| Town:
Danny Embleton, Gary Byrne, Gary Curtis, Dewi Parry, Mark Hobson, Mike Jones, Phil Johnson,
Mick Maloney, Mike Collins, James MacKenzie, Paul Wilson Subs: Dave Norman, Kevin Bullen, Danny Kibblewhite |
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| Astonishing!
The perfect antedote to the midweek display at Oswestry, a ten goal
thriller with that Llanberis lad scoring five against The Druids for
the second time this season. City started at a pace with early chances created for Clayton Blackmore, Aled Rowlands and Owain Jones. But gutsy Cefn showed their determination on ten minutes when Graham Brett was forced to clear off the line from the lively Mike Davies. Kenny Burgess was causing havoc to makeshift defender Steve Cowap with Cefn resorting to a succession of fouls. On 17 minutes one such trip took place in the box, penalty given, but to the astonishment of all concerned Marc Lloyd Williams shot weakly and Blower guessed right. As the home fans roared their relief City simply stepped up the pace, driven on by the centre midfield combination of Owain Jones and Simon Davies. A minute later, on 18, allowed a measure of time and space in the box Marc Lloyd Williams turned placed the ball past Blower, this from an Aled Rowlands cross from the left. Marc Lloyd Williams headed over from an Aled Rowlands cross, then the league's top scorer was fouled before Kenny Burgess lifted his effort over the bar. Minutes later another foul on the impressive Kenny Burgess led a free kick which Clayton Blackmore placed in the top left corner from 22 yards. On the half hour Marc Lloyd Williams made it 3-0 with a right footed tap in after good work from Paul Roberts on the left. |
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| With
Bangor fans anticipating a bagful Cefn stole their thunder with a quick
repost courtesy of a calm finish from Ross Jeffries on 51 minutes, but
on 54 Marc Lloyd Williams completed his hatrick to make the score 4-1 after a
great
right wing run by Paul Roberts. On 56 minutes Mike Davies
converted a pretty unlikely penalty to pull Cefn back into contention
at 4-2. Oddly there then followed ten minutes of relative calm before Marc Lloyd Williams netted his fourth after a blistering run from the half way line from Paul Roberts. The selfless striker beat four home defenders before teeing up his freescoring team mate who finished with a neat clip over the towering Blower. On 71 minutes Cefn again fought back as Mike Davies raced past the injured Graham Brett to fire through Phil Priestley from 15 yards, 5-3 and a few nerve ends jangling... Moments later the little Irish sweeper was replaced by fellow student Sean Hazelden. With a fine sense ot timing Paul Roberts chased a long ball down the right and scored from a tight angle to establish a 6-3 advantage on 72 minutes. The industrious Aled Rowlands was working hard in defence and in one such incident the "rather odd" linesman was crunched and needed City's physio to come to his aid. On 75 minutes Cunnah was sent off for a second yellow offence, punching the ball away. This was a little harsh, but Ref Boddenham is fusy. On 78 minutes Clayton and Paul Roberts were replaced by Chris Boulton and Steve Cooper. The last word went to - yes you guessed - Marc Lloyd Williams whose headed fifth came from a fine cross from the left off substitute Chris Boulton. Unbelievably the ginger one then missed two of the easiest chances on offer all night, both free hits from 15 yards. Never mind! |
| City: Phil Priestley, Owain Tudur Jones, Alan Goodall, Graham Brett,
Aled Rowlands, Huw Griffiths, Mark Lloyd Williams, Clayton Blackmore, Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Sean Hazelden, Chris Boulton, Steve Cooper |
| Druids: Dave Blower, Steve Cowap, Mark Allen, Aled Rowlands,
Paul Morris, Steve O'Shaughnessy, Dave Cunnah, Craig Wilkinson, Mike Davies, Ross Jeffries, Kevin Breeze. Subs: Dave Powell, C.Davies, Alan Williams |
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| A
battling if vaguely unconvinving win at Park Hall for a City side
starting to feel the effects of the congested end of
season. After weeks of 4-4-2 injuries inspired a change of
shape with Sean Hazelden operating alongside Huw Griffiths with Graham
Brett sweeping up. City might have gone ahead in the fourth minute when Marc Lloyd Williams headed over from a corner, then Steve Cooper sent a dipping volley on target but Embleton tipped the ball over. Next Paul Roberts forced a good save from Embleton but the former Inter Cardiff custodian could do nothing with the shot from the edge of the box on 26 minutes. Owain Jones latched onto the loose ball and managed to place his shot into the bottom righthand corner which beat the diving keepers outstretched hand. Minutes later Chris Boulton raced in on goal and brought a superb double save from Embleton who blocked successive efforts low to his left and finally held onto another drive from the edge of the box from Owain Jones. Oswestry had the odd chance, but the defensive triangle was coping effectively whilst the young goalscorer was making his presence felt in midfield. Marc Lloyd Williams then collected the ball back to goal, turned but shot wide before on 35 minutes battling Mick Jones sent a long range shot over an untroubled Phil Priestley's crossbar. |
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| If
City had dominated the first period the home side came out with a
clearer
will to win after the break and quickly built up a good share of
possession. In a way though this also showed why they are
struggling at present, as the end result of this was very little in the
way of clear cut chances. What they did do though was over-run
Bangor's two man midfield although City's Simon Davies showed his touch
with successive nutmegs on Oswestry midifelders soon after the restart.
Chris Boulton won City a corner ten minutes into the second period, which unhappily resulted in Marc Lloyd Williams being yellow carded for disputing a dreadful decision by referee Randles (say no more). The LoW's top scorer then had a header cleared of the line as City forced a couple of corners, although the hosts were enjoying a good share of possession. On 66 minutes Kenny Burgess replaced Chris Boulton who could feel quite pleased with his effort. The pacey winger soon made his presence felt both with his pace and willingness to run at defenders and keep the ball. Steve Cooper was also booked for dissent. Oswestry then saw Maurice Doyle go close with a rising 25 yarder before Paul Roberts headed a left wing cross back across goal but Marc Lloyd Williams sent his effort wide. And that was that. A pretty relieved visiting party left the field with three points bagged and a difficult match on a tricky surface out of the way. |
| City: Phil Priestley, Steve Cooper, Alan Goodall, Graham Brett,
Sean Hazelden, Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd Williams, Owain Tudur Jones, Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Chris Boulton. Subs: Aled Rowlands, Kenny Burgess, Craig Roberts |
| Town: Danny Embleton, Gary Byrne, Gary Curtiss, Marcus Lokier, Mark Hobson,
Paul Wilson, Phil Johnson, Mike Jones, Jon Jones, Mike Collins, Maurice Doyle. Subs: James Mackenzie |
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| The
pre match speculation about injuries and availabity fell to nothing as
both sides fielded full strength sides on a dry, bright and breezy
afternoon at Richmond Park. The fact that City ended up comfortable
winners was scarcely obvious following an evenly contested first half.
With the wind at their backs City knew a first half advantage was important but early chances for Paul Roberts and Huw Griffiths only resulted in corners, at the other end Wayne Jones forced Phil Priestley to palm over a vicous cross from the left. On 20 minutes Alan Goodall won a corner following a cleanly struck shot from 22 yards from which Steve Cooper fired a shot to close to the bulky Fitzgerald. Then Paul Roberts chased a long bal which the keeper might have cleared, robbed him and set up Marc Lloyd Williams but his weak shot was easily cleared. For Carmarthen the giifted Ryan Nicholls caused problems for Huw Griffiths & Graham Brett as the ball bobbled awkwardly in the visitors box. Next a last ditch clearance saved City's blushes as Carmarthen caused some confusion with a couple of well taken corners. Bangor won but could not capitalise on a couple more corners and Marc Lloyd Williams lined up a couple of freekicks before the impressive Goodall grabbed the lead. Aled Rowlands gathered the ball on the half way line, scurried upfield to the edge of the box, before unselfishly setting up Alan Goodall whose clean strike went straight through Fitzgerald. |
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| Buoyed
by the late goal, City emerged full of confidence despite facing the
gusty wind. The defence stood firm as Carmarthen redoubled their
efforts, but on 62 minutes Bangor's lead was doubled. A weaving solo run from
left to
right opened up a shooting opportunity which Paul Roberts exploited as he
blasted home past Fitzgerald from 20 yards. The travelling
contingent rose as one to acclaim this critical strike. Substitute Fayers shot wide from 25 yards for Carmarthen who also saw a header drift just over from eight yards. Next Alan Goodall raced in to fire just over from 15 yards as the immaculate Simon Davies pulled the midfield strings. With City's midfield having far the better of the battle, more chances were sure to come. On 75 minutes Paul Roberts ran onto a diagonal through ball from Simon Davies but Thomas jsut managed to slide in as the goal beckoned. However two goals in a minute settled the issue. On 83 minutes Marc Lloyd Williams picked his way past two home defenders to sweep the ball past goalkeeper Fitzgerald. Then in the next attack unfortunate Black and Gold defender Wayne Jones bungled the ball into his own net from close range! On 87 minutes Bangor sent on al three subs, Owain Jones, Sean Hazelden and Craig Roberts with Clayton Blackmore, Huw Griffiths and Kenny Burgess departing. With time all but gone Craig Roberts nearly added to the scoreline but unfortunately his back post header went just wide. |
| City: Phil Priestley, Steve Cooper, Alan Goodall, Graham Brett, Aled Rowlands, Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd Williams,
Clayton Blackmore Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Sean Hazelden, Owain Tudur Jones, Craig Roberts |
| Town: Robert Fitzgerald, Sion Meredith, Wayne Jones, Wyn Thomas,
Neil O'Brien, David Barnhouse, Chris Summers, Lee Jones, Ryan Nicholls, Shaun Chapple, Craig Evans. Subs: Luke Fayers, Dean Rossiter, Tim Hicks |
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| Two
of the top sides in the LoW served up an attractive, evenly contested
match
on a surface affected by the endless rain. A fair outcome, even
if
it perhaps favoured the visitors from their lofty perch at the top of
the table, and well refereed by local official Arwel Jones.
Bangor looked a little nervous at first although Aled Rowlands quickly won a corner on the left but Clayton Blackmore failed to test the massive Rayner. Marc Lloyd Williams nearly set up Moralee when running into his own box before Kenny Burgess stormed down the right but again Rayner held imperiously. City's outstanding performers early on where fullbacks Steve Cooper and Alan Goodall, and it was the latter whose excellent tackle stopped another Barry counter on 13 minutes. Moments later Flynn calmly chipped Graham Brett in close company but dragged his 15 yarder wide. It was slightly against the run of play that Bangor went ahead when Steve Cooper ran at the heart of the yellow's defence and unleashed a low drive that Rayner - showing fraility at last - could only parry to Marc Lloyd Williams who crashed in the rebound. Barry responsed instantly with Phil Priestley saving from Flynn and then Graham Brett having to clear from Moralee. City came back through Alan Goodall who effectively won two tackles on the half way line to supply Aled Rowlands who won a corner, enter Rayner once more. A second offence from Clayton Blackmore earned him a yellow card on 35 minutes but with half time beckoning worst was to come as Mike Flynn struck a superb 25 yard equaliser which left Phil Priestley grasping thin air. |
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| The
second period was barely five minutes old when Kenny Burgess forced a
corner
which Clayton Blackmore placed on Huw
Griffiths head for a 2-1 advantage.
Minutes
later a fierce shot from Paul Roberts span over for another corner but
on
55 minutes Jamie Moralee was unmarked in the box for a simple headed
equaliser.
Marc Lloyd Williams fired at Rayner as the midway point in the second
period
passed, then on 73 mins Owain Jones replaced the tiring Steve
Cooper.
Kenny Burgess also fired at the well positioned giant before Simon
Davies
lofted a good chance on the left well over. When Barry did attack
the alert Alan Goodall was often in the right place with the necessary
amount of aggression and poise. On 81 City sent on Chris Boulton for Aled Rowlands, but moments later disaster nearly struck as Graham Brett sent a poorly directed crossfield pass to Toomey, but typically the little sweeper sped across to block the ensuing shot. Marc Lloyd Williams was denied by a clever interception from Phillips before Paul Roberts fired just wide from 15 yards after good build up play involving Chris Boulton. So at the whistle a two all draw, honours even and a tribute to how far City have come under the thoughtful guidance of Peter Davenport. |
| City: Priestley, Cooper, Goodall, Brett, Rowlands, Griffiths, ML Williams, Blackmore P.Roberts, S.Davies, Burgess. Subs: Hazelden, O.Jones, Boulton |
| Barry: S.Raynor, J.French, G.LLoyd, J.Jenkins, S,Morgan, L.Phillips, K.Brown, D.Toomey, J.Moralee, M.Flynn, T.Ramasut. Subs: L.Jarman, N.Burke, L.Pratt |
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| This
was a hard fought win against a rugged Aber side who had two sent
off. Typically then the pugnacious Steve Cooper led from the back
with some strong tackles, timely interventions, and a goal line
clearance. City kicked off into the wind and with a low sun in
their eyes. The first half saw two significant bookings, for Bari Morgan and Lyndon Gregson, two of the youngsters in the greens line up. However when the football started, former City favourite Gavin Allen shot wide from 20 yards on the quarter hour before Kenny Burgess supplied top scorer Marc Lloyd Williams but he ballooned his effort high over the Farrar End. On 20 minutes a real scare as Anthony "Bagger" Wright beat the home offside trap but ignored his strike partner to shoot at Phil Priestley who saved well with his feet. With half an hour gone Aled Rowlands found Marc Lloyd Williams but his low shot lacked a real threat. Moments later Glyndwr Hughes - bereft of that trade mark mop of hair - found time to turn and shoot on the edge of the box but this too lacked menace. Second later Paul Roberts joined the legion of the booked with a challenge on the diminutive Morgan. City centrehalf Huw Griffiths was asserting more control at the back, but Simon Davies was struggling to find his touch in midfield. Ten minutes before half time Gary Finley crashed into Marc Lloyd Williams who reacted angrily to the challenge, referee Arwel Jones thankfully settled for yellows all round. On the stroke of half time Marc Lloyd Williams headed wide from close range before both Hugh Jones and Gavin Allen went close for Aberystwyth. |
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| With
the wind now assisting, top man Steve Cooper was suddenly thrust into
the limelight with a goal line headed clearance from a shot sent
towards
the top corner by Bari Morgan. This seems to instil a sense of
urgency
in the City ranks and the former Wrexham fullback forced a corner on
the
right which resulted in Cooper himself winning two difficult challenges
as the ball broke clear. Chances fell to "Bagger" Wright who forced a good save from Phil Priestley and Gavin Allen who fired over from the edge of the box. On the hour, with the match swinging end to end, Kenny Burgess won a corner off Gary Finley which resulted in Lyndon Gregson heading off his own line. Clayton Blackmore then struck a freekick goalwars but the impressive Kinsella handled comfortably. Burrows was then cautioned for dissent directly in front of the stand. On 67 minutes Brynmor Jones replaced Hugh Jones for Aber, on 73 promising young striker Chris Boulton came on for a tiring Aled Rowlands. With Kenny Burgess more prominent as the game "broke up" Jon Tappin was yellow carded for a foul on the pacey winger - who was a central figure in the penalty won on 79 minutes. Kenny Burgess ran clear through the centre circle with Bari Morgan in hot pursuit, the little grafter clipped him and referee Jones duly awarded the spot kick - and a second yellow to the offender. On a difficult afternoon for the league's top scorer Marc Lloyd Williams stepped up to convert the penalty with ease. Credit to the visitors they continued to battle - a little to literally as substitute Jones tried to flatten Chris Boulton, yellow card! On 84 minutes Marc Lloyd Williams was fouled on the right wing by Lyndon Gregson who was sent off for his second bookable offence. Moments later the nine men had a lucky escape as Chris Boulton's goalbound effort did not pack enough punch and was scrambled away. On 87 minutes though the Mold Alex record scorer raced clear with Marc Lloyd Williams for company - thanks to good defensive work from the hard working Paul Roberts. With only the keeper to beat Chris Boulton calmly slotted home from ten yards for a certain victory. Immediately Pat Taylor replaced Paul Roberts who had been "in the wars" and with time running out a subdued Glyndwr Hughes shot wide from 20 yards. |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Steve Cooper, Owain Tudur Jones, Graham Brett, Aled Rowlands, Martyn Griffiths, Marc Lloyd Williams, Clayton Blackmore Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Sean Hazelden, Pat Taylor, Chris Boulton |
| Aber:
Mike Kinsella, David Burrows, Jon Tappin, Ged Hennigan, Gary Finley, Lyndon Gregson,
Glyndwr Hughes, Bari Morgan, Anthony Wright, Gavin Allen, H.Jones Subs: Rhyddian Garner, Chris Hammond, Brynmor Jones |
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Steve Cooper |
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Dave Burrows |
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| City
led 3-1 at half time and went on to record a comfortable victory as
the manager has the luxury of a goalscorer on the bench who came on to
score. City went ahead in the fourth minute when Marc Lloyd Williams scored, and proceeded to dominate the early stages. However there were worrying moments on 27 minutes as a penalty was awarded which saw yellow cards awarded against goalkeeper Phil Priestley and leftback Alan Goodall. Craig Draper stepped up to convert from the spot and level the scores. On 34 minutes Marc Lloyd Williams struck from a corner to put Bangor ahead once again, and with City now seizing the initiative right winger Kenny Burgess scored an all important third on the stroke of half time. |
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| The
hosts sensed some complacency in the Bangor ranks and pushed to reduce
the deficit, on 70 minutes they did thanks to a well struck shot from
Lee
Devulgt, 3-2 and all to to play for. Immediately City boss Peter Davenport replaced Alan Goodall with recent forward signing Chris Boulton who promptly scored on 78 minutes to make the score 4-2. Shaken out of their lethargy - and mindful of the hosts ability to come back from behind - The blues drove forward to put the result beyond doubt. Another substitution did the trick five minutes later as Owain Jones replaced Steve Cooper and on 84 minutes Kenny Burgess doubled his match tally for a 5-2 advantage. With two minutes remaining Paul Roberts notched his 11th goal of the campaign and ensured a 6-2 which incidentally brought the goal tally for the week to twenty one! |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Steve Cooper, Alan Goodall, Graham Brett, Aled Rowlands, Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd Williams,
Clayotn Blackmore Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Sean Hazelden, Owain Tudur Jones, Chris Boulton |
| Llanelli:
Ben Miles, Nicky Palmer, Andrew Rickard, Chris Thomas, Leigh DeVulgt, Sean Wharton, Jamie Bowen, Craig Draper, Chris Thomas, Carl Mainwaring, Steve Devonald. Subs: Mark Jones, Geraint Twose, Richard Hurlin |
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| A
wonder goal from the promising Pat Taylor lit up a one sided romp
againt Llangefni. City led 5-0 at half time and it was leftback Alan Goodall who started the romp on 14 minutes when his lob beat 'Gefni keeper. On 18 minutes Pat Taylor collected the ball on the left side of midfield, looked up, and sent a 35 yard rocket whistling into the top corner of the net where it lodged in the stanction! City boss Peter Davenport later described this strike as one of the best he had seen! With Simon Davies pulling the strings in midfield alongside Paul Roberts, the inevitable happened - another Jiws hatrick. The prolific Marc Lloyd Williams struck twice in 90 second after 32 minutes, and then secured his hatrick with another on the stroke of half time. That was to prove his final touch as he was withdrawn during the interval. |
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| With
the home side now coasting it was a fair bet that the hard working
visitors would narrow the margin, and so it proved on the hour when
former Citizen Andy Wagstaffe pulled one back from close range. However this was cancelled out ten minutes later Paul Roberts netted from a corner of his tenth of the season and City's sixth on the night. Llangefni continued to work hard and gained a second on 77 minutes when Tryfan Prosser closed the gap - but to no real effect. So a comfortable victory for City who progress into the next round and the possibility of a meeting with one of the other bigger fish of North Wales Coast football. |
| City:
Paul Pritchard, Graham Brett, Alan Goodall, Aled Rowlands, Huw Griffiths, Sean Hazelden, Marc Lloyd Williams,
Pat Taylor, Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Chris Boulton. Subs: Warren Gibbs, Idan Williams, Craig Roberts |
| Llangefni: |
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| City
marched through to the Welsh Cup Quarter Finals with a resounding win
over spirited Cardiff Civil Service who deserve credit for their honest
endeavour. The largely drab first half was pretty much one way traffic was Simon Davies and young Owain Jones dominated the midfield. City forced a string of corners and on 20 minutes managed three in succession with Owain Jones's header going closest. On 25 minutes the impressive Paul Roberts grabbbed the lead from close range after the plucky O'Connell had managed to parry an initial effort. The pacey Kenny Burgess was proving a handful as he an Aled Rowlands swithced wings to good effect, one such foray lead to O'Donnell saving with his feet. On 38 mintes Owain Jones smashed a shot goalwards which was just touched onto the crossbar, moments later another storming run from Kenny Burgess resulted in the giant Kinsey scrambling the ball off the line. Former Wales U21 striker Paul Roberts was causing problems as he dropped into midfield, reminiscent of Gavin Allen, showing intelligent link up play. With around a minute remaining Aled Rowlands won a corner on the left. Midfielder Simon Davies sent the flag kick arching into the middle for Marc Lloyd Williams to crash home from five yards. |
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| If
the first half has seen some narrow escapes, the second period was to
one of conversion. Inside the first minute after the restart Paul Roberts beat three defenders with a deft dragback and turn but his shot resulted in the ninth corner of the match. On 55 minutes City went 3-0 ahead as Steve Cooper played a one-two with Paul Roberts to place the ball past O'Donnell. Just a City fans were settling back into their seats Paul O'Neill was penalised for a foul in the box and the "silver fox" Ashley Griffiths converted the penalty with ease. On 63 minutes Kenny Burgess found himself unmarked to set up Marc Lloyd Williams for his second and City's fourth. Two minutes later it was 5-1 as Marc Lloyd Williams completed a hatrick with a close range header. Then came corners 15 and 16 for City. On 70 minutes substitutions, as Owain Jones and Graham Brett were replaced by Paul Sellars and Sean Hazelden. Moments later Kenny Burgess shot over when well placed on the right. On 75 minutes calamity! Goalkeeper O'Donnell was unbelievably red carded for a foul on Marc Lloyd Williams when surely a yellow - along with penalty - would have been suffice. The Llanberis goal machine converted casually for his fourth, overall 6-1. With around ten minutes remaining Pat Taylor, another University student, replaced leftback Alan Goodall, although Aled Rowlands moved to defence and the youngster slotted into the midfield alongside Paul Sellars and Mastercraftsman Davies. The student was in the thick of things when his composure set up Simon Davies whose cross enabled Marc Lloyd Williams to net his fifth for a 7-1 advantage. Corners 18 and 19 followed, so too a second goal for Paul Roberts whose supreme 40 yard strike caught the sub keeper off his line. With time running out Sean Hazelden flicked a header into the side netting before Marc Lloyd Williams grabbed a double hatrick with a clever near post finish after crossing in front of the defender. Oh and corner number 20 too! |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Steve Cooper, Alan Goodall, Graham Brett, Paul O'Neill, Aled Rowlands, Marc Lloyd Williams,
Owain Tudur Jones, Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Sean Hazelden, Paul Sellars, Pat Taylor |
| Cardiff CS:
D.O'Connell, A.Griffiths, Price,
Kinsey, Bettles, Cochlin, Pioyrowski, Loosemore, Simon, Kiyasa,
Owen. Subs: Harry, Redwood, Smith |
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| Bangor
were blown out of the League Cup by a determined Caersws side who are
also the current cup holders. It could have been so different if City had make the most of the first half chances, many created by the in form Kenny Burgess on the right wing. After Phil Priestley saved a long range effort from Jehu it was the flying winger who forced a good save from Matthew Griffiths before the league's top scorer Marc Lloyd Williams shot wide from infront of goal. Graham Evans was proving a menace and Phil Priestley was again called into action following a shot from the edge of the box, but on 20 minutes the little striker went one better. Davies and Jehu were involved in the build up which resulted in an edge of the box xhnace which Graham Evans fired home. Within three minutes City were level as Simon Davies shot right footed from 15 yards and saw hit effort pass under Matthew Griffiths and into the net. There was time for Graham Brett to scoop a Graham Evans lob off the line. |
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| Kenny
Burgess opened the second half strongly and gave Jehu a torrid time,
but chances which fell to Marc Lloyd Williams and Paul Roberts did no
more than rattle the woodwork. On the hour Caersws grabbed a second as Graham Evans capitalised on some defensive uncertainty to slot the ball passed the exposed Phil Priestley. Caersws drew strength from the lead and posed an increasing threat, with Evans again threatening the City goal with his pace and movement. Marfell also had a great chance to settle things, but City fought back and Paul Roberts forced a great save from Matthew Griffiths when well placed inside the box. As time ran out Chris Boulton and Sean Hazelden were sent on in a positive effort aimed at levelling the scorers, but it was not to be. The visitors ran out deserved winners and now meet TNS in the Northern Semi Final. |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Steve Cooper, Alan Goodall, Graham Brett, Paul O'Neill, Aled Rowlands, Marc Lloyd
Williams, Owain Tudur Jones, Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Chris Boulton, Sean Hazelden, Paul Sellars |
| Caersws:
Matthew Griffiths, Andy Thomas, Sean Jehu, Andy Griffiths, Hugh Clarke, Martyn Griffiths, Mark Howells,
Graham Jones, Graham Evans, Andrew Marfell, Andy Davies Subs: Jamie Davies, Alex Fletcher, Craig Richards |
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| City
were deserved winners against visitors Rhyl as Marc Lloyd Williams again netted
a hatrick in a game bossed from midfield by Welsh Internationals
Clayton Blackmore and Simon Davies. The pre match news that young Owain Jones was on the bench following a gruelling series of matches for City and that Paul O'Neill was in at No 5 caused a murmur amongst the home fans. However the opening stages, with City benefitting from a stiff breeze from the Farrar End, was quite even, Kenny Burgess featured well both in defence and attack before Paul Roberts screwed a shot wide from 20 yards. On 25 minutes Rhyl keeper Billy Stewart made a superb save, falling back to push the ball over the bar, as Brewerton nearly gifted City an own goal. On 28 minutes Stannard fired over from outside the box before Stewart made a mistake which allowed City to go ahead. A shot from Simon Davies rebounded off the former Chester No 1 into the path of the ever alert Marc Lloyd Williams who scored from close range. The little Llanberis marksman continued to terrorise the trio of sixfooters in the visitors defence, sent a headed just wide and then watched in disbelief as Clayton Blackmore's pinpoint header was cleared off the line as half time beckoned. |
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| The
second period promised a stiffer examination of the new look defence as
Rhyl had the win at their backs; in truth it may have dropped slightly
as the players changed around! Either way Marc Lloyd Williams again exploited defensive indecision to shoot right footed on target and then fire goalwards again within five minutes of the restart. The supply was flowing from Clayton Blackmore and Simon Davies, with the visitors midfield chasing shadows. On 51 minutes Rhyl introduced million pound man Ricky Otto for the wholly disappointing Brewerton. Five minutes later Marc Lloyd Williams saw his effort saved by the feet of Billy Stewart as Simon Davies opened up the Rhyl rearguard. On the hour Coathup was lucky not to be cautioned for a block on the marauding Kenny Burgess. From the freekick Marc Lloyd Williams again saw an effort hit the keepers shins! Steve Cooper was deservedly yellow carded for a late clip on Otto, Robbie Williams likewise for a lunge on Kenny Burgess. Rhyl midfielder Nicky Brookman raced twenty yards before shooting over from 30 yards moments after Marc Lloyd Williams lifted a freekick over the bar from 22 yards. With some 20 minutes remaining Owain Jones replaced Steve Cooper although it was Clayton Blackmore who took up the right back duties. City lifted the tempo with a sweet passing move involving Marc Lloyd Williams and Paul Roberts which created an opening for Kenny Burgess who fired just over. Ricky Otto then forced a good save from Phil Priestley who also gathered a right wing cross from Stannard at his near post. On 80 minutes the points were sealed as Marc Lloyd Williams exploited some space on the left edge of the Rhyl box to beat Stewart from ten yards. The cheering had hardly died down when Owain Jones won the ball on the half way line, looked up and found Paul Roberts in the box with a supreme pass. "Robbo" was about to shoot when he was scythed down for a clear penalty. Up stepped Marc Lloyd Williams to complete a deserved hatrick. More chances came as Aled Rowlands and the hatrick man had shots but to no avail. Three points, three goals, a clean sheet and against a Rhyl side who have beaten Cwmbran and Barry this season! |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Steve Cooper, Alan Goodall, Aled Rowlands, Paul O'Neill, Graham Brett, Marc Lloyd Williams
Clayton Blackmore Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Chris Short, Owain Tudur Jones, Paul Sellars |
| Rhyl:
Billy Stewart, Colin Webster, Lee Coathup, Michael Jackson, Jamie Brewerton, Ged Hennigan, John Stannard,
Robbie Williams, Nicky Brookman, Andy Green, Andy Moran Subs: Ricky Otto, Nick Welton, Steve Futcher |
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| City
were second best for too much of this game and deservedly lost to a
hard working Port Talbot side. On a wet but playable pitch nurdish referee Simon Jones was the early centre of attraction with a rash of bookings of which only the first - a late clip on Huw Griffiths off Bartley - was merited. Otherwise City started reasonably well with Marc Lloyd Williams and his strike partner Paul Roberts having chances. Owain Jones won the ball on the right, supplied Clayton Blackmore whose pass picked out Paul Roberts fifteen yards out, unhappily he delayed and then crashed his shot wide. The referee then booked Aled Rowlands for diving (when he was pushed over) and added the name of Paul Roberts before accepting the cries of home supporters that he had the wrongman! On the half hour Port Talbot struck the only goal. A wayward goalbound header from the normally reliable Clayton Blackmore eluded Phil Priestley for the alert Kevin Bartley to nod into the empty net. Before the interval Sean Hazelden headed against the crossbar, then young Owain Jones blazed over from close range. |
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| Talbot
might have doubled the advantage on 55 minutes when Huw Grififths made
an uncharacteristic slip which allowed Bartley on goal - but the big
Gresford lad recovered well to stub out the threat. Next Owain
Jones won the ball and supplied Paul Roberts but his shot was too close
the burly Wager. The Welsh U21 striker's afternoon of woe
continued
as another chance was fired wide on the hour. Moments later Sean Hazelden was replaced by Graham Brett who slotted in alongside Huw Griffiths. This prompted Simon Davies to gallop along the left channel before firing just wide. Winger Kenny Burgess was coming more and more into the match , but more substitutions took place as Steve Cooper came on for Paul Roberts. He slotted in at rightback, Clayton moved to midfield with young Lofty upfront with Marc Lloyd Williams. Simon Davies again ran at goal but had his shot blocked, although Bartley was still causing problems for the Bangor rearguard with his pace and determination. Burgess still troubled the Talbot defence, but Steve Cooper surged down the wing to cross for Huw Griffiths whose header was gathered by Wager. Next Owain Jones chased down the right but the hard working home defence conceded the corner which in turn came out to Aled Rowlands on the left. The little Valley left footer crossed to Huw Griffiths who once again got in a header but to no avail. The emerging Burgess than beat half a dozen defenders in a mazey run which created an opening for Aled Rowlands before Simon Davies again found Huw Griffiths who must have wished he'd never kicked that black cat as his header met the crossbar! Farrell then sent a long range effort just over the bar. On 80 minutes Chris Short replaced a tired Aled Rowlands and moments later Bartley raced clear on goal before a combination of Huw Griffiths and keeper Phil Priestley saved the day. There was still time for Simon Davies to loft the ball over, but this was a game City were not going to score in. No sour grapes, no hard luck story, but three points gone. |
| City: Phil Priestley, Owain Tudur Jones, Alan Goodall, Aled Rowlands,
Sean Hazelden, Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd Williams Clayton Blackmore Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Chris Short, Graham Brett, Steve Cooper |
| Port: Gary Wager, Hayden Fleming, Allan Clarke,
Jamie Murray, Andy Davies, Jason Bird, Russell Wigley, Lee Farrell, Nicky Burke, Mark Evans, Kevin Bartley. Subs: Richard Ryan, Michael Regan, Vince Lewis |
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| City
overcame a difficult and wholly negative opposition to secure the
points thanks to headed goal from teenager Owain Tudor Jones.
Mike The Groundsman had worked hard to ensure the match went ahead, but he could not dry out a wet pitch or smooth away all the bumps and lumps. Nevertheless 600 turned up thanks to his efforts. With a low sun behind the Farrar End City chose to attack the St Pauls! From the kick off City might have gone in front had Kenny Burgess managed to control the ball on the edge of the box as he ran in on goal, unfortunately Brian Thomas was able to gather. Then on five minutes Simon Davies hesitated whenset up by a right wing cross from Paul Roberts. A rare Lido attack saw Phil Priestley gather comfortably from a Greg Hurley drive. On the quarter hour a corner from the right was attacked by Sean Hazelden whose flick found Kenny Burges unmarked but he headed over from five yards. Next a series of chances created by a sublime left wing pass by Simon Davies which found Marc Lloyd Williams who in turn crossed to win a corner. The Llanberis marksman himself then hit the cross bar before big Sean Hazelden has a header slapped clear. At the other end James Taylor stopped his barrage of spite to head on goal but Phil Priestley saved. Huw Grifiths then headed on target but again Thomas saved before a truly horrible miskick from Phil Priestley luckily rolled back to him with Taylor lurking. On the half hour yet another corner from the right was flicked on by Huw Griffiths but Sean Hazelden found the top of the net. The Lido No 4 Evans then lifted the over the Farrar End covers from 20 yards! As the half ran out Huw Griffiths, Clayton Blackmore and Paul Roberts went close whilst Sean Hazelden was yellow carded for a tackle on the odious Taylor. |
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| With
the sun having gone down defending the St Pauls End was a bit less
troublesome but unhappily for Brian Thomas the City fans had followed
him to the
Farrar End! Simon Davies and Phil Evans were yellow carded by local ref Arwel Jones before centreback Huw Griffiths required attention after a brave block on James Taylor who had chased a hopeful throughball. Simon Daives then raced into the Lido box but his shot was blocked to a chorus of "handball" from the High Street side. In a melee which followed a corner half a dozen blue shirts might have converted before theball was hacked clear. Finally on 70 minutes the breakthrough. A Simon Davies freekick on the right was met by the unmarked Owain Tudor Jones whose firm header left Thomas helpless. Simon Davies had now regained his focus and fired a superb left wing pass out to Kenny Burgess, his cross was met by Paul Roberts whose effort was blocked before Afan Lido rushed upfield and Taylor screwed his shot wide. With then minutes remaining Clayton Blackmore found Huw Griffiths whose header found Marc Lloyd Williams but his close range shot was deflected over. Then Paul Roberts shot straight at Thomas from five yards after good work from Simon Davies and Kenny Burgess. In the final minutes Aled Rowlands was replaced by Richard Owen before Phil Priestley was tested by a deflected 25 yard effort. However having played for most of the game with only one man upfront Lido could have few complaints and City were deserved winners. |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Owain Tudur Jones, Chris Short, Aled Rowlands, Sean Hazelden, Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd Williams
Clayton Blackmore Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Aled Jones, Paul Sellers, Ritchie Owen |
| Lido: Brian Thomas, James Taylor, Jeremy Chandler, Paul Evans,
Phil Holmes, Andrew Rickard, Mitch Patten, Chris Pridham, Pearson, Shaun O'Leary, Greg Hurley. Subs: Craig Martin, Sacha Walters, Karl Reynolds |
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Bangor fought back from behind three times to grab a share of the
spoils in which
referee Boddenham sent of three players, including home defender Huw
Griffiths. Griffiths was first to go after reportedly head butting an opponent following a tenth minute melee in the visitors goalmouth in which Marc Lloyd Williams was clearly pushed. The game immediately swayed to the City goalmouth and Danny Barton who headed Caernarfon ahead in the 15th minute. No sooner had the shouting died down than Tony Smith became the second justifiable dismissal when his late lunge on recalled rightback Steve Cooper again raised the noise level and temperature. Two minutes later, on 18 mins Danny Barton did it again, running through to beat Phil Priestley despite a suspicion of offside. With Bangor fans roaring the blues forward Paul Roberts underlined his reputation as one of the most consistent strikers in the league with a much needed goal to close to gap to 2-1. City rallied and had the better of the closing stages, Marc Lloyd Williams was clear but failed to convert. |
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| After
the interval City continued to press and Marc Lloyd Williams
equalised on the hour to the delight of the home crowd. But within ten minutes the visitors again went ahead with more controvesy, Dan Barton ran through but his shot was parried by Phil Priestley to the previously offside Tommy Mutton was was allowed to tap in! The second Caernarfon Town to be sent off, No 4 Danny Jellicoe was dispatched for a second yellow after a clash with Marc Lloyd Williams, which seemed a little harsh. However never one to let a chance go begging Marc Lloyd Williams stepped on 68 minutes up to convert a free kick which slipped under visiting keeper Steve Skupski. City replaced Alan Goodall with former Canary Chris Short to add defensive stability, in fairness to him he did just that. Both sides has their chances, Steve Cooper had to clear off the line for City, but overall in difficult conditions a draw was probably about right. |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Owain Tudur Jones, Alan Goodall, Steve Cooper, Aled Rowlands Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd Williams
Clayton Blackmore Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Chris Short, Aled Jones, Paul Sellars |
| Town:
Steve Skupski, Emrys Williams, Scott Millington, Danny Jellicoe, Mark Antrobus, Leigh Williams,
Ryan Baker, Tony Smith, Danny Barton, Tommy Mutton, Gwyn Peters. Subs: Tim Brandreth, Jason Sadler, Mick Moore. |
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| Bangor
stuck to the 4-4-2 formation as Marc Lloyd Williams notched a hatrick as
City gained another valuable win at inconsistent Haverfordwest.
City settled quickly and took control with home goalkeeper Blain and his defenders in the thick of the action. Certainly former striker Estyn Chiverton found the going tough in the middle of the County defence. On 18 minutes, against the run of play Richard Adams capitalised on some hesitant defending to put County ahead. This only served to spur the visitors who equalised two minutes later as Marc Lloyd Williams headed home from close range. Both strikers Marc Lloyd Williams and Paul Roberts had efforts cleared off the line before right winger Kenny Burgess drove home on the half hour to put City ahead. Bangor had control for the remainder of the first period but failed to add to their lead, with wingers Aled Rowlands and Kenny Burgess showing well. |
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| After
the interval City confirmed the victory in emphatic style. On 51 minutes a foul on Kenny Burgess led to a penalty converted by Marc Lloyd Williams. On 55 minutes with home supporters claiming an offside Marc Lloyd Williams again struck to complete his hatrick and secure the victory. With twenty minutes remaining Steve Cooper replaced Paul Roberts. Moments later former City striker Gary Twynham scored a consolation but the points were secured. In the closing minutes Owain Jones was replaced by Paul Sellers; it has been a tiring few weeks for the hugely talented teenager! |
|
City: Phil
Priestley, Owain Tudur Jones, Alan Goodall, Graham Brett, Aled Rowlands Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd Williams
Clayton Blackmore Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Steve Cooper, Peter Davenport, Paul Sellars |
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County:
Peter Blain, Dylan Blain, Lee Hudgell, Eston Chiverton, Gavin Rees, Richard Jones, Geoff Maclean, Norman Parselle, Richard Adams, Gary Twynham, Dean Busby. Subs: Marcus Taylor |
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| City
were
worthy winners as a new look formation gave fresh impetus to the
established
first team squad. Bangor opened brightly with Marc Lloyd Williams and his strike partner Paul Roberts causing early problems for The Crows defence. The first clear chance fell to Paul Roberts after a run down the left resulted in a low cross and shot deflected wide for a corner. Then midfield general Simon Davies ran through the middle but fired wide. On 18 minutes City went ahead as Paul Roberts headed down past Fitzgerald from a well flighted cross from the right from Clayton Blackmore. Moments later he nearly doubled the lead but saw his shot blocked. On 23 minutes Marc Lloyd Williams half turned to hook a 30 yard effort which Fitzgerald did well to turn over for City's fourth corner of the match. The Aled Rowlands danced down the left to cross for Marc Lloyd Williams but his header was held. City were denied a penalty appeal when Paul Roberts was pushed in the back. On the half hour City captialised on a bizarre incident as Chris Summers ignored the ball to lace his boots. With a clear man advantage City raced goalwards but for once Simon Davies took the wrong option and sliced a weak effort wide. Next Kenny Burgess raced down the right wing to win a corner, which was half cleared, Simon Davies crossed for Huw Griffiths whose header was saved low by Fitzgerald. |
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| As the
second half commenced Kenny Burgess, revelling in space on the right,
took a pass from the immaculate Clayton Blackmore the resulting cross
was fired on target by Paul Roberts but scrambled clear. The visitors attacks were largely contained by Huw Griffiths and Graham Brett, whilst Phil Priestley competently handled some high crosses despite the presence of the lanky O'Brien. With Marc Lloyd Williams and Kenny Burgess showing well City were always liable to net a second. On 53 minutes Owain Jones won the bal on the right, swept past two opponents before Simon Davies stepped in to fire a 40 yard diaganol back out to the right and into the path of Kenny Burgess. His surging run was crying out for a cross, but a fierce shot took Fitzgerald by surprise and his block ran to Paul Roberts who crashed home from close range. Cwmbran won a corner but Phil Priestley held easily to feed Paul Roberts who beat the keeper and a couple of defenders but his shot was cleared off the line. The combatative striker was then booked following a clash with the odious beanpole O'Brien before Kenny Burgess shot wide from the left after good build up play involving the impressive left peg pairing Aled Rowlands and Simon Davies. Clayton Blackmore followed Robbo into the refs book for a trip before Graham Brett kept the visitors at bay with a goalline clearance. Nicholls then fell over when he might have scored to complete a miserable afternoon for the gifted midfielder. With five minutes to go Steve Cooper came on in place of Marc Lloyd Williams but took up a midfield berth with Owain Jones moving upfront alongside Paul Roberts. The tall youngster adapted the position is father filled for Porthmadog with ease. He won headers, controlled ther ball comfortably and involved others whenever possible. Coops also enjoyed his central role with a supremely flighted through ball which just eluded the double goalscorer. On 88 minutes Owain Jones raced down the right, with only Paul Roberts for company, cut inside and thrashed the ball past the exposed Fitzgerald with only Paul Roberts for company! A resounding win and overall a benificial tactical change from the start which saw the midfield much more competitive and defence better protected. |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Owain Tudur Jones, Alan Goodall, Graham Brett, Aled Rowlands Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd Williams
Clayton Blackmore Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Steve Cooper, Peter Davenport, Warren Gibbs |
| Town:
Roberts Fitzgerald, Sion Meredith, Wayne Jones, Wyn Thomas, Neil O'Brien, David Barnhouse, Chris Summers,
Lee Jones, Ryan Nicholls, Shaun Chapple, Craig Evans Subs: Tim Hicks, Dean Rossiter, Chris Miller |
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| Cwmbran
blitzed Bangor with three goals in ten minutes to lead 0-3 at half
time.
Despite a second half penalty converted by Marc Lloyd Williams City were unable to recover what was by then a hopeless situation. The Crows took the lead on 24 minutes when former Rhayader striker Craig Hughes scored his first, swiftly followed by his second on twenty seven minutes. Hughes' first was a clean strike from the edge of the box, his second a close range header. The game was effectively over as a contest on 35 minutes when former Llanelli man Anthony Wright netted a third with a close range shot past Phil Priestley. City's best effort came from Paul Roberts whose solo run ended when he allowed the ball to run too close to experienced Cwmbran 'keeper Pat O'Hagan. |
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| At
half time City replaced Sean Hazelden with Aled Rowlands and converted
to a more compact 4-4-2 with the little Valley left footer attacking
from
a left wing position. On 69 minutes a chink in the armour as Marc Lloyd Williams converted a penalty to bring fresh hope to the home supporters but it was to prove too little too late. The penalty was awarded against Smoothers for a foul on Kenny Burgess. Other second half chances came as City forced the visitors onto the defensive but although Huw Griffiths, Alan Goodall, Paul Roberts, Clayton Blackmore and Marc Lloyd Williams all went close, it was not to be. In the dying minutes the goalscorer was replaced by Steve Cooper. |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Owain Tudur Jones, Alan Goodall, Graham Brett, Sean Hazelden (45) Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd
Williams
(88) Clayton Blackmore Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Aled Rowlands,(45) Paul Sellers, Steve Cooper (88) |
| Cwmbran: Pat O' Hagan, Richard Carter Neil Smothers (Richard David 23') Sean Wharton, Phil
James Michael Pattimore (Rhys Griffiths 81') Anthony Wright Adam Moore (Nathan Wigg 73') Craig Hughes, Chris Watkins Mainwaring. |
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| Bangor
were "defeated" by a Caersws side whose persistent offside trap worked
to perfection, aided in the first half by a veritable lunatic of a
linesman
who flagged whenever called upon - with complete disregard for the
"when
the ball was played" ruling. That said the visitors would feel unhappy themselves that numerous chances either hit the woodwork or found Phil Priestley in excellent form. In the opening quarter Graham Evans headed onto the bar then Sean Jehu forced an excellent save from the City keeper. On twenty minutes Marc Lloyd Williams raced down the right and won a corner taken by Simon Davies who gathered the clearance to lob deep to Huw Griffiths lurking beyond the far post. His header across goal evaded all lunges and went out for a goalkick. Next Caersws forced three corners - all from the right - before the lunatic linesman made his first telling contribution. Paul Roberts shot from the edge of the box through a crowd and into the bottom right corner, only for a waving flag to halt the celebrations. Caersws continued to exploit their unwitting ally with consistent offsides which City fell for by failing to run through with the ball. On the half hour Andy Marfell put the visitors ahead when a neat controlled build up saw the youngster sidefoot past Phil Priestley from 12 yards. City pushed for an equaliser - and despite being caught again by a flag - the inevitable happened as Clayton Blackmore sent a superb through ball for Marc Lloyd Williams to finish right footed for his 20th strike of the season. Paul Roberts then fired over after good work from Kenny Burgess, then Marc Lloyd Williams was put in space by Alan Goodall in a rare forward foray, but his cross was too high. Then the red card incident. Sean Hazelden chipped the ball wide of a Caersws striker on the left, collected the ball, beat another and then a third in a long-legged run down the wing. The ball unfortunately ran out of his reach and ended in a challenge on Anthony Griffiths which resulted in the visitor kicking at the big student as he lay on the floor. After the resulting melee referee Davies red carded both Griffiths and Hazelden, and yellow carded Phip Priestley. |
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| Ten
minutes after the interval - with the game swinging from end to end -
an excellent move involving Kenny Burgess, Alan Goodall and Simon
Davies
on the left set up Marc Lloyd Williams whose header was saved by
Griffiths.
Then Kenny Burgess was put in by a combination of Marc Lloyd Williams
and
Simon Davies but his shot struck the well placed Griffiths again.
Moments later, after a brief stoppage for an injury to Owain Jones,
City's
top scorer went just wide with a 25 yard right footer! Caersws were also finding space and Graham Evans in particular caused problems for the re-organised back four. On 65 mins Marfell chipped over from the left, then Paul Roberts flicked onto Marc Lloyd Williams whose brilliant reverse pass set up Kenny Burges but the winger shot wide from close range. Next Simon Davies - revelling in the space - combined with Paul Roberts to set up Marc Lloyd Williams but he shot weakly at Griffiths. "Shaker" then set up Marc Lloyd Williams again with a superb crossfield ball but shot wide. As Caersws swept forward the re-instated Graham Brett moved swiftly across to the right with Jehu threatening. Then Kenny Burgess thought he had grabbed the winner but another pestering flag ended his brief moment of joy. On 87 minutes Aled Rowlands replaced the tiring Burgess but he had precious little time to make an impact. |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Owain Tudur Jones, Alan Goodall, Graham Brett, Sean Hazelden, Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd Williams,
Clayton Blackmore Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Aled Rowlands, Paul Sellars, Steve Cooper |
| Caersws:
Matthew Griffiths, Andy Thomas, Sean Jehu, Antony Griffiths, Hugh Clarke, Marc Hughes, Mark Howells, Alex Fletcher, Graham Evans, Andrew Marfell, Andy Davies, Subs: Martyn Griffiths, Craig Richards, Mark Rutter |
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| Bangor were convincing
winners against a hard working Cefn side who eventually failed to cope
with the constant wave of attacks. The opening exchanges were fairly even with Phil Priestley brought into play, but on 20 mins City finally went ahead. There seemed little danger on the right as Kenny Burgess ran crossfield, beat three defenders and chipped the keeper with a delightful flighted effort. On the half hour City went two nil in front as Marc Lloyd Williams latched onto a fine through ball from Owain Jones and exploited a faulty offside trap to calmly finish past the exposed Blower. Mike Davies forced a good save from Phil Priestley as Cefn rallied with Steve O'Shaughnessy working overtime to stemmed the blue tide. City has the outstanding midfielder in Owain Jones whose industry and composure stamped his mark on the game. Just before half time Alan Goodall fired over from 25 yards after a fine run on the right from Kenny Burgess. |
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| If the first half had
been even the second was one way traffic with the tiring visitors
defence
failing to cope with Paul Roberts, a rampant Kenny Burgess and of
course
Marc Lloyd Williams. The match was over as a contest on 50 minutes as Marc Lloyd Williams took a superb pass from Simon Davies to turn and beat Blower from the edge of the box. After further City pressure Marc Lloyd Williams secured his hatrick on 63 minutes when the impressive Clayton Blackmore intercepted a loose clearance. With boss sides reduced to ten men following the dismissal of Ross Jeffreys and Chris Short Marc Lloyd Williams grabbed his fourth on 76 minutes following a good left wing foray by Simon Davies. Then a Marc Lloyd Williams grabbed a fifth - and City's sixth - with two minutes remaining as Steve Cooper exposed a space on the left wing to cross for Jiws to side foot home. All three Bangor subs came on in the final quarter as Manager Peter Davenport took th eopportunity to rest Paul Roberts - still recovering from injury - and others. |
| City: Phil Priestley, Owain Jones, Alan Goodall, Chris Short,
Sean Hazelden,
Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd Williams, Clayton Blackmore Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Aled Rowlands, Graham Brett, Steve Cooper |
| Cefn:
Dave Blower,
Jay Davies, Gary Lewis, Steve O'Shaughnessy, Paul Morris, Alan Williams, Simon Richards,
Dave Powell,
Ross Jeffreys, Craig Salisbury Subs: Aled Rowlands, Steve Cowap, Craig Wilkinson |
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| Totally
on top by the end of the match, Bangor were troubled in the first half by the skill
and
endeavour of right winger Stephen Pugh who ran amok at times.
However he did so with Port trailing by a Marc Lloyd Williams opener in the third minute which settled any nerves for the visitors. His chance came when the lanky Webber miskicked to Paul Roberts who neatly supplied Marc Lloyd Williams to chip the advancing Jones from 25 yards. Pugh then caused a number of problems for Alan Goodall and Sean Hazelden on the Bangor left but it was Huw Griffiths who had the next clear chance with a powerful header which went wide. For Port Carl Owen shot wide when well placed after a fortunate deflection off Marc Lloyd Williams had seen the ball run towards the City goal. Ten minutes before the interval Paul Roberts blazed over after City forced a couple of corners, then Kenny Burgess and Simon Davies combined to create an opening for Huw Griffiths but his header went wide. On 39 minutes Paul Roberts raced through to score with some authority but a linesman's flag halted the celebrations. A minute later Pugh again caused confusion which resulted in leftback Alan Goodall fouling the winger. Penalty. Dafydd Evans scored with ease to level the score. With home fans still celebrating Simon Davies fed Marc Lloyd Williams whose firmly struck shot beat the rotund Jones from 20 yards. Moments later the pride of Llanberis was in again but Jones belied his appearance to race out and clear effectively. |
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| With
17 year old Owain Tudur Jones winning the midfield battle City took control
in the second period. On 46 mins "Lofty" might have scored but
his shot flew wide after Marc Lloyd Williams saw two efforts blocked on
the edge of the box. Further chances fell to Alan Goodall and
Paul Roberts before the inevitable third goal. On 55 mins a Simon Davies corner from the left found Huw Griffiths who scored from close range and celebrated with gusto! Two minutes later Lofty fired over, then Paul Roberts set up Kenny Burgess but he struck his shot wide of the target. On 69 mins Owain Tudur Jones got a deserved goal with a cleanly hit strike from 15 yards after Marc Lloyd Williams had been half stopped. Minutes later it was 5-1 as a brace of corners finally set up Huw Griffiths to bundle the ball goalwards only to see Marc Lloyd Williams sneak in for his hatrick strike. City sent on all three named substitutes on the 75 mins as the game was well won, further chances fell to all and sundry including Kenny Burgess and Paul Roberts but to no avail. |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Owain Tudur Jones, Alan Goodall, Chris Short, Sean Hazelden, Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd Williams,
Clayton Blackmore Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Aled Rowlands, Steve Cooper, Graham Brett |
| Port:
K.Jones, Martin Jones, Mike Foster, Pat Johnson, Lee Webber, Dafydd Evans, Danny Hughes, Stephen Pugh,
Dave Farr, Carl Owen, Steve Fisher. Subs: Gareth Caughter, Neil Fisher, Neil Roberts |
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| By
the final whistle Bangor were well beaten in a game they could - and
perhaps should - have sown up in the opening quarter hour.
The first chance fell to Marc Lloyd Williams after rebound of ref Hutchinson ran to Kenny Burgess, his cross found Marc but he lofted over. On seven minutes the City paid combined again for Marc Lloyd Williams to capitalise from close range. Lloyd Roberts then crossed from the Nomads left but Phil Priestley pulled off a superb save from Rains header. Hopeless ref Hutchinson they booked Alan Goodall for nothing before Marc Lloyd Williams again failed to find the target from the edge of the box with only the keeper to beat. With Clayton Blackmore working hard in midfield City were causing problems for the home rearguard. On 14 mins a poor free kick decision against Huw Griffiths resulted in a Nomads corner which Gary McGosh headed home from 15 yards. Immediately from the kick off Chris Short was luckly not to be red carded for a wild lunge on Hopkins - a lengthy stoppage ensued - before an ugly clash of heads between Rain and Graham Brett resulted in another lengthy stoppage. On 25 mins Kenny Burgess raced clear only to fire at Turner before the ref was in action again booking the muscular Hutchinson for a foul on Alan Goodall. On 35 mins Marc Lloyd Williams again honed in on goal - only to fire at Turner. On the stroke of half time Sean Hazelden won the ball on the left, moved infield to cross to Chris Short who chipped off target. Amazingly referee Hutchinson added only 50 seconds despite to lengthy stoppages. |
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| The
hosts went ahead on 50 mins when Lloyd Roberts again exposed a weakness
on the City right to cross for Stuart Rain to tap in from close
range.
On 55 miniutes Paul Roberts replaced the unhappy Chris Short but lined
up alongside Marc Lloyd Williams up front. Within minutes Clayton
Blackmore was cautioned for a clattering tackle on Lloyd Roberts.
Then a bizarre moment as Marc Lloyd Williams despite being clearly
offside raced alongside sub Roberts but wastefully dragged his shot
wide. On 75 mins Marc Lloyd Williams was held down in the box for the second time in two minutes, the penalty awarded but Jason Turner guessed right - literally - to save the spot kick. This appeared to deflate City who fell further behind within minutes as a defensive blunder let in Stuart Rain who finished without mistake. On 83 mins Owain Jones replaced Graham Brett and three minutes later Marc Lloyd Williams set up Paul Roberts who firm finish beat Turner from ten yards. Any lingering hopes of a revival were dashed when Phil Priestley saved well from Terry but then pushed the striker over to concede a blatant penalty. Stuart Terry converted with ease. In injury time Danny Glyn Roberts replaced Marc Lloyd Williams. |
| City: Priestley, Brett, Goodall, Short, Hazelden, H.Griffiths, ML Williams, Blackmore Rowlands, S.Davies, Burgess. Subs: P.Roberts, O.Jones, D.G.Roberts |
| Nomads:
Jason Turner, Steve Hopkins, Dean Tuft, Craig Hutchinson, George Horan, Gary McGosh, Paul Mazzarella, Stuart Terry, Stuart Rain, Jon Kenworthy, Lloyd Roberts Subs: Julian Pepper, Andy Griffiths, Mike Carroll |
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| A
pretty poor overall performance, perhaps a harsh result - but City made
few clear
cut chances and gave probably their poorest performance of the
season It started well enough for City as Marc Lloyd Williams fired at Bryant from 20 yards then Clayton Blackmore sent a lob towards Kenny Burgess on the edge of the box but he failed to connect. Huw Griffiths was then felled by a late challenge which saw the big defender leave the pitch before Clayton Blackmore supplied Marc Lloyd Williams whose cross-shot just evaded Kenny Burgess' attempted header. On 37 mins referee Richards awarded a ridiculous penalty for a foul on Marc Lloyd Williams. The Llanberis lad stood up to slot the kick home for a one nil lead. As befits one of those days Aberystwyth drew level immediately as the powerful Gari Lewis stooped to send a diving header low past Phil Priestley. Just before the interval Chris Short was booked for a foul on O'Sullivan as the loan striker nearly broke through, then Hunt chipped just over from outside the box. |
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| Aber
started the brighter in the second period with some promising attacks
on the left which culminated in another shocking penalty decision for a
foul Huw Griffiths. Unfortunately for Aber Hunt sent the spot
kick wide of the target. On the hour Paul Roberts came on for Alan Goodall who had a dead leg. City won a freekick which Clayton Blackmore struck well from 30 yards but Bryant held it comfortably. Aber went close following a poor clearing header before Marc Lloyd Williams ran past three home defenders on the left but could only muster a weak shot at Bryant. The petty refereeing - annyoying to both sides - now reached farcical levels. Clayton Blackmore was booked for a foul which was followed moments later by a card for Simon Davies for throwing the ball at an opponent. From a throw in! Truly dreadful. Next Phil Priestley held a cross which for a moment looked goalbound. Then substitute Paul Roberts fired over from a Huw Griffiths knock down, then delayed his shot too long and allowed the keeper out to smoother inside the box. With 82 mins gone Paul Hunt capitalised on defensive indecision to lob Priestley and seal the points. City came back through Marc Lloyd Williams and the industrious Aled Rowlands to set up Huw Griffiths but the emergency centre forward headed wide. On 86 mins Owain Jones came on for Simon Davies but the final act fell to Aber sub Huw Jones who pondered an open goal only to allow Priesltey to grab the loose ball. |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Graham Brett, Alan Goodall, Chris Short, Sean Hazelden, Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd Williams,
Clayton Blackmore, Aled Rowlands, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Paul Roberts, Owain Tudur Jones, Ritchie Owen, |
| Aber:
Mark Bryant, Chris Hammond, Jason Drysdale, Matthew Coupe, Lee Barrow, Gari Lewis, David Burrows, Bari Morgan, Stuart Slater, Paul Hunt, Chris O'Sullivan. Subs: Huw Jones, Lyndon Gregson, Gavin Allen |
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| A pretty drab affair
but one which yielded three points and another clean sheet. The first incident of note in a brilliantly sunny first half came on 12 minutes when Simon Davies was fouled on the left wing. Alan Goodall's free kick was met by Marc Lloyd Williams whose header beat Thomas' outstretched arm. On 25 minutes John Wile should have been sent off for a violent flying lunge at Kenny Burgess but was merely yellow carded by that inept wretch Lawlor. On the half hour City's top scorer nearly doubled the lead but his header lacked power. Just before half time Kenny Burgess, again operating as a frontman, cut inside from the left but his weak right footed shot was easily gathered by Martin Davies. When Llanelli did threaten Sean Hazelden and his defensive colleagues dealt calmly with aerial and ground threats. Hazel is a powerful figure in the Bangor backline these days, a tribute to the new regime and the hard work in training. |
|
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| The second period was
a little better with the visitors enjoying a good period and forcing a
couple of early corners. Ten minutes into the half Wile sent a
forty yard special just over. On the hour it looked for a moment
as if Richard
Parker has levelled the scores - but his close range effort brushed the
side netting. Moments later Huw Griffiths headed a Ken Burgess
cross
just over. Then Sean Hazelden headed over after a melee in the
visitors
goalmouth. On 72 minutes it was 2-0 and effectively game over. Marc Lloyd Williams found himself clear on goal to calmly place the ball wide of Davies. Twelve minutes before time Sean Hazelden won the ball on City's left and ran out to send a superb pass into the left wing but Marc Lloyd Williams just failed to control the ball and exploit the opening. With ten minutes left Paul Roberts replaced Clayton Blackmore and might have added a third when a great rightwing cross from the impressive Marc Lloyd Williams found him unmarked five yards out! Llanelli meanwhile hit the bar with a long range freekick to serve notice that they were in no mood to concede. In the final minute Owain Jones came on for Alan Goodall and immediately put in some trademark tackles in the engine room. In injury time Marc Lloyd Williams might have doubled the tally but could not quite put the ball where he wanted. Nevertheless a welcome win against dogged opposition. |
|
City: Phil Priestley, Graham Brett, Alan Goodall, Chris Short, Sean Hazelden, Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd
Williams, Clayton Blackmore. Aled Rowlands, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Paul Roberts, Owain Tudur Jones, Ritchie Owen, |
| Llanelli:
Martin Davies, Mark Evans, Geraint Twose, Chris Thomas, Marvin Arthur, John Wile, Nicky Palmer, Adie Harris, Nicky Burke, Jamie Murray, Richard Parker. Subs: Santine DiBattista, Ray John, Mark Jones |
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| This
was a far more one sided than the scoreline suggests. Simon
Davies dazzled Rhyl with a tremendous performance which was matched
only by
the excellence of Neville Southall. City dominated the opening half hour with Davies prominent; when Rhyl did try to threaten big Huw Griffiths and Sean Hazelden won every header. Kenny Burgess has the first opportunity when a solo run from wingback Aled Rowlands set him up on the box. Southall pulled off an excellent save but from the next flowing move Simon Davies thrashed home a thirty yarder which the Welsh legend would have struggled to reach in his Goodison prime. Minutes later it was his opposite number Phil Priestley who saved well from Robbie Williams. For a full twenty minutes City dominated and Southall saved. Marc Lloyd Williams, Davies, Huw Griffiths and Aled Rowlands fashioned openings as Webster and Jackson were run ragged. City also capitalised on Rhyl's best attacking force - Nicky Brookman - being weak defensively. The pick of the stops from Big Nev came from Marc Lloyd Williams, Ken Burgess and Alan Goodall. Referee Ellingham incensed the travelling blues when he booked Marc Lloyd Williams for "scoring" after being whistled offiside - but ignored fouls by Durnin and Stannard on Simon Davies right in front of his nose! On the half hour Alan Goodall forced another good save from Southall. On 33 minutes Rhyl gatecrashed the party with a crashing equaliser from Gareth Wilson from ten yards. The barmy ref then booked Simon Davies for something he said. City raged back and Marc Lloyd Williams has a shot blocked as the hosts defence reeled under increasing pressure. |
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| City
began the second period with a sense of purpose as impressive debutant
Chris Short raced in on the right but fired at goalkeeper Southall from ten yards
out. On 47 minutes Simon Davies controlled the ball on the left, beat a couple of opponents before looping a cross or lob into the Rhyl net. Simon Davies continued to prompt and cajole City forwards, Wilson was withdrawn by Rhyl, but it all resulted in Southall again saving from Short and then punching a cross to safety. On the hour Kenny Burgess was fouled by Jackson - who was carded - then City were caught offside three times in close succession as Rhyl tried defending higher up the pitch. On 65 minutes Phil Priestley raced out to the leftback position and volleyed a clearance into the linesman's midrift. City were in complete control now, with Alan Goodall and Ken Burgess prominent, Marc Lloyd Williams squeezed out of a tight position by the corner flag to cross for Huw Griffiths who headed over. Minutes later the red head repeated the trick only to see Ken Burgess crash a header onto the bar and over. Into the final quarter hour - more of the same - Alan Goodall ran through the middle to set up Ken Burgess who shot went wide, then Simon Davies fed Marc Lloyd Williams who pulled his shot across goal from the left. On 80 minutes sub Dave O'Gorman had Rhyl's only shot at goal from 30 yards. Simon Davies again showed excellent control to set up Marc Lloyd Williams but he shot wide. As often happens, a late scare as Dave O'Gorman appeared to be clear but the pacey Chris Short raced in to clear and effectively end the contest. This win was built on sound defence marshalled by Graham Brett, dominant midfield by Alan Goodall but most definitely a dazzling display by Simon Davies. |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Graham Brett, Alan Goodall, Aled Rowlands, Sean Hazelden, Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd
Williams, Clayton Blackmore Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Warren Gibbs, Owain Tudur Jones, Ritchie Owen, |
| Rhyl:
Neville Southall, Nicky Brookman, Gary Curtis, Michael Jackson, Colin Webster, Robbie Williams, John Stannard,
Gareth Wilson, Nicky Welton, John Durnin, Matthew Cross. Subs: Andy Jones, Steve Futcher, Dave O'Gorman |
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| A
deserved draw at Jenner Park where the home side had the greater share
of possession whilst City created more goalmouth incidents.
The first clear chance fell to Marc Lloyd Williams who ran right to left across the edge of the Barry box on ten minutes, his shot was blocked a fell to Simon Davies whose goalbound effort was deflected for a corner. This in turn created an opportunity for Huw Griffiths who headed over. Next Kenny Burgess took a through ball from the impressive Clayton Blackmore but his cross flew high and wide. A freekick from the former Welsh midfielder reached Sean Hazelden but his knock down was placed to close to Forde by Marc Lloyd Williams. Barry enjoyed a good share of possession, passing the ball around comfortably but creating few clear openings. Sean Hazelden stood tall in the Bangor defence, alongside Huw Griffiths and sweeper Graham Brett. They were under increasing pressure as Barry forced a succession of corners on the half hour, but again keeper Phil Priestley showed impressive handling and judgement to calm any nerves. Slightly against the run of play Marc Lloyd Williams might have put City ahead. A cleanly hit through ball from Clayton Blackmore cleared Paul Roberts and his marker to leave "Jiws" clear on goal but he shot tamely at Forde. Then on 41 minutes Mattie Davies cut inside from the left, turned onto his right foot as he passed three visiting defenders to slide the ball past Phil Priestley from 12 yards. |
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| Half
time allowed the vociferous Bangor contingent to gather self belief and
conviction. But it was Barry who nearly scored when Phil
Priestley held a close range header from Moralee. The impressive Alan Goodall, again featuring in midfield, ran at goal from a wide left position but unfortunately dragged his shot wide. Then Kenny Burgess raced down the right to cross for the waiting Marc Lloyd Williams but his shot was blocked. This served to add volume to the support which was temporarily subdued by two bookings either side of the hour for Clayton Blackmore and moments later Simon Davies. City responded with Aled Rowlands and Alan Goodall creating an opening for Marc Lloyd Williams but his back-heel failed to find Paul Roberts. On 67 minutes City were level. Paul Roberts and Marc Lloyd Williams were involved in the build up before the Llanberis striker hit a shot on target which was parried by Forde into the path of the predatory Alan Goodall who scored from six yards. What a noise! The instant response from Barry was to force a brilliant save from Phil Priestley before acting manager Brown replaced Jenkins and Davies with Morgan and Flynn. At last perhaps City gained some control of possession, forcing corners and throw ins in the attacking third. Kenny Burgess became more and more dangerous, with a one ball into the box resulting in loud appeals for a penalty. Then Forde rushed out of his box to boot the ball into the stand. Next the winger raced onto a bouncing through ball but - having lifted the ball over the exposed Forde - watched in dismay as the Irish keeper turned and gathered in mid air. With 88 minutes gone Owain "Lofty" Jones replaced Marc Lloyd Williams and once again made a favourable impression. However the Yellow Dragons nearly had the last laugh in the fourth minute of stoppage time as the outstanding Phil Priestley saved low to his right. A fair result overall, a determined and disciplined performance, and more evidence of the progress made so far. Great! |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Graham Brett, Alan Goodall, Aled Rowlands, Sean Hazelden, Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd
Williams, Clayton Blackmore Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Warren Gibbs, Owain Tudur Jones, Ritchie Owen |
| Barry:
David Forde, Terry Evans, Gary Lloyd, Jenkins, Andrew York, Lee Phillips, Lee Jarman, Jon French,
Jamie Moralee, Mattie Davies, Richard Kennedy, Subs: Scott Morgan, Adam Russell, Michael Flynn |
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| A
late winner by Marc Lloyd Williams sent City through to the Quarter
Finals of the League Cup after a less than inspiring local derby at Farrar Road.
Without the calming influence of Clayton Blackmore and midfield schemer Simon Davies, City suffered a further blow when Paul Roberts withdrew through injury. In came Warren Gibbs, a full debut for 16 year old Owain Jones, and up front the flying machine - Danny Glyn Roberts. In a flat first half Huw Griffiths headed narrowly against the woodwork whilst Caernarfon midfielder Ryan Baker fired over from outside the box. |
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| The second
half sprang to life on 47 minutes as Kenny Burgess put City
ahead with a close range header from a right wing cross. However within ten minutes the lead was lost as former City utility man Anthony "Tobo" Smith celebrated his arrival from Aberystwyth Town with a header from a Caernarfon freekick. With a raised tempo the match swayed from end to end, Sean Hazelden went close to yet another goal for City but his header went wide. The impressive Alan Goodall continued his hard work whilst Phil Priestley again showed clean handling. Then with 87 minutes on the clock Marc Lloyd Williams snatched the decider with a short range finish from an Aled Rowlands cross. A mention for young debutants Owain Tudur and Danny Glyn who worked hard and made a favourable impression in place of their more experienced counterparts. |
|
City: Phil Priestley, Graham Brett, Alan Goodall, Warren Gibbs, Sean Hazelden, Huw Griffiths,
Marc Lloyd Williams, Aled Rowlands, Danny Glyn Roberts, Owain Tudur Jones, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Ritchie Owen, Anthony Hughes, Ioan Williams |
| C'fon:
Dave Williams, Wayne Phillips, Ben Johnson, Chris Short, Mark Antrobus, Tony Smith, Darren Wynne, Ryan Baker,
Lee Evans, Jason Sadler, Scott Millington. Subs: Adam Lillis, Tommy Mutton, Danny Jellicoe |
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| Clearly
the better team for the opening twenty minutes or more, City were glad
to hear the final whistle following Sean Hazelden's late headed winner.
Bangor started like an express with a doddery Newtown there for the taking. On five minutes Alan Goodall fired home a 25 yarder fast and low below the bulky Jones to put City ahead. The left footer revelled in his midfield role and set up Kenny Burgess on the right whose quick fire cross to Marc Lloyd Williams ended up in the side netting. On 12 minutes Burgess was again involved with Marc Lloyd Williams creating an opening for Paul Roberts which resulted in loud penalty appeals for handball. Moments later Mark Williams was replaced by Cotterill which seemed a strange decision with Rogers on the bench. On 20 minutes Sean Hazelden had a header saved and then almost immediately Alan Goodall struck another fierce drive just wide of target. On the half hour Paul Roberts chased down the left, squared for the unmarked Marc Lloyd Williams, but Jones grabbed the ball at his feet, then Goodall again lashed a 25 yard drive just over. With just the solitary goal to show for a dominant spell something had to give; gradually the visitors showed more control and forced Phil Priestley into action, largely displaying impressive handling from crosses. On 37 minutes McCormick took time off from moaning and arguing with spectators to head on target from close range - Priestley held - then Aled Rowlands and Goodall combined to again cause a widely supported handball penalty claim. |
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| The
visitors had control either side of the interval with Reynolds and the
promising Edwards prominent, again Priestley to the fore. But on 51
minuutes Simon Davies forced a corner then came "minute 58". Marc
Lloyd Williams shot over from ten yards before - with the game wide
open Steve McCormick stooped to head
home from close
range. One all. Moments later the turning point - with
Newtown
rampant - Clayton Blackmore then deflected a goalbound effort to safety
in the home box. Newtown still held sway, but Aled Rowlands was a growing influence. On 65 minutes tall sixteen year old Owain Jones replaced Richard Owen with Alan Goodhall switching to leftback. The promising youngster proceeded to win tackles, headers and generally make a positive contribution to the cause. Giant defender Sean Hazelden was working overtime to help shackle the lively Wickham whose right wing forays tested Goodhall and Owen earlier. On 72 minutes Marc Lloyd Williams headed down for Paul Roberts who unhappily blasted over, then another handball penalty claim again involving the wide left pairing of Aled Rowlands and Alan Goodall. Into the last ten minutes and Clayton Blackmore blocked a point blank effort from Justin Wickham when the little winger thought he had scored. Brilliant defening, heart and soul. Up the St Pauls end and on 85 minutes a deep left wing cross from Aled Rowlands was met at the far post by Sean Hazelden who towered above the visitors rearguard to head home! There was still time for a near miss at both ends but nothing to trouble the scorers. Hard work, three points still top - but that was too close for comfort. |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Ritchie Owen, Alan Goodall, Sean Hazelden, Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd
Williams, Aled Rowlands, Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Warren Gibbs, Owain Tudur Jones, Paul Sellars |
| Newtown:
Mark Jones, Mark Thomas, Chris Taylor, Colin Reynolds, Markus Lokier, Terry Green, Justin Wickham, SteveEdwards, Steve McCormick, Mark Williams, Chris Adamson Sub: Cotterill, Steve Rogers, Colin Reynolds |
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| City
never recovered from a bizarre goal credited to the othewise anonymous
Mick Jones in the opening minutes in a match between two weakened teams.
Rhyl went ahead as Mick Jones sent a strangely miscued header over a stranded Phil Priestley in the second minute as the home side exploited a weakness on the Bangor right. The hosts - hit by injury and illness - continued to dominate and dictate play with chances falling to Welton who blazed against the bar, and the normally ineffectual Wilson. However Gareth Wilson showed good tight control to turn and shoot home from close range on 36 minutes and follow this up two minutes later with a looping header from some six yards. Three nil down and hardly a complaint to muster. Other than - well inevitably - some truly inept refereeing from the awful KL Morris who failed to book Welton for a clear handball effort at goal but then booked Richard Owen for a similar midfield offence. But this had not affected the scoring or inspired the woeful defending. Moments before the whistle the primary school kids had their rattles in the air again, but a keen eyed linesman (there is one) spotted Welton head the ball out of Phil Priestley's hands. |
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| It could
not be any worse - and thankfully things rallied immediately.
On 53 minutes, with City gaining the upperhand, Kenny Burgess found
himself
unmarked in the box but miskicked horribly, then Aled Rowlands shot
over
from the edge of the box. On 57 minutes Marc Lloyd Williams chased down the left following some clever play from Aled Rowlands but his cross was too deep. With the hour gone Huw Griffiths replaced the tiring Emrys Williams at rightback and effectively sealed that area. Five minutes later Marc Lloyd Williams, finding more time and space against the young centre back pairing of Brewerton and Webster, fired goalwards, hit the post, but saw the ball hacked away for a corner. On 70 minutes Kenny Burgess again skinned Cross and Fuller, but his corss was scrambled away to safety. At the other end Nick Welton forced a good save from keeper Phil Priestley before Dave Fuller received a second yellow card for yet another foul on Burgess. Then young Owain Jones replaced Richard Owen who had worked hard in midfield. With fifteen minutes remaining Simon Davies supplied the improving Aled Rowlands on the left, his cross found Marc Lloyd Williams but hus effort flew over.. On 78 minutes the wholly inept Cross fouled Burgess yet again, this time in the box, and even KL Morris gave the penalty. Up stepped Marc Lloyd Williams to thrash the ball past a stationery Lee Williams. Five mintes later - with the game swinging end to end - Sean Hazelden defended calmly to set up the ball for Aled Rowlands to rush down the left and cross for Marc LLoyd Williams - whose markers were by now nowhere to be seen - to head down to the foot of the post where home keeper Lee Williams saved well. The corner came to nothing. Paul Roberts, a disappointing and often disappointed, figure crashed a shot from the edge of the box which was deflected to safety, Huw Griffiths headed on target but to close to the keeper. Finally Huw Griffiths did "score" but the linesman flagged and the ref whistled. |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Emrys Williams, Alan Goodall, Warren Gibbs, Sean Hazelden, Aled Rowlands, Marc Lloyd Williams,
Ritchie Owen, Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Owain Tudur Jones, Huw Griffiths, Paul Sellars |
| Rhyl: Lee Williams, Michael Jackson, Dave Fuller, Jamie Brewerton,
Colin Webster, Robbie Williams, Andy Jones, Mark Jones, Gareth Wilson, Nicky Welton, Matthew Cross Subs: Gary Curtis, Nicky Brookman, Steve Futcher |
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| With
a stiff breeze at their backs Bangor dominated the first half, but with
only one goal to show for their efforts were glad to hear the final
whistle as the hosts turned the table after the break. Two chances in the opening ten minutes set the scene. Firstly Clayton Blackmore struck a 20 yard freekick just over, then Sean Hazelden won the ball off Anthony Wright before sending a 30 yarder which didn't dip early enough to trouble Williams. On 20 minutes Kenny Burgess fired at goal from the edge of the box but Williams willingly conceded the corner. The kick eventually fell to Marc Lloyd Williams whose goalbound effort resulted in second corner which was easily cleared by the tall home centreback trio. City were causing the three big lads problems, and with no obvious sweeper and evident disharmony between keeper Williams and his defenders - chances came. This was evident on 25 minutes when Kenny Burgess charged past Coathup on the right, sent in a near post cross which nearly produced an own goal but instead resulted in a corner. Bangor's defensive triangle of Huw Griffiths and Sean Hazelden marshalled by sweeper Graham Brett coped well, with "Hazel" getting to grips with former Premiership strike Steve Antrobus. In midfield Simon Davies was pulling the strings, picking the passes and bringing the forwards into the game at will. Timmy Edwards then appeared to leave a ball he should have cut out and allowed the normally reliable Marc Lloyd Williams in on goal - but his right footed shot was saved. The affable giant Edwards quickly had some harsh words for his goalkeeper indicating he'd heard a call. Bridgwater, a largely anonymous figure in midfield, went close following a clever one two, but on 37 minutes City finally went ahead. A long punt from 13 Phil Priestley found Kenny Burgess on the right, his shot flew over Williams and into the net to the delight of the travelling hordes. There was still time for the imperious Clayton Blackmore to strike just over from the right before referee Davies blew for the interval. |
|
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| Changed
ends, the wind if anything slightly strengthened, TNS came out looking
purposeful. What followed was a virtual mirror image of the first
period as City's rearguard had to work overtime to protect their lead.
Again it was the "triangle" who stood firm, aided by Clayton Blackmore and the industrious Richard Owen. The dangerous Anthony "Bagger" Wright shot wide on 50 minutes and, in fairness, the inept Steve Antrobus failed to hit the target three or four times. On the hour City keeper Phil Priestley saved impressively from substitute Nicky Ward (on for Bridgwater) then Wright quickly closed down the No 13 but his block went wide. On 70 minutes Steve Evans headed narrowly off target from a corner, then Kenny Burgess gained City some respite with a run down the right which won a corner. Moments later Paul Roberts was waved on when visibly offside but the alert Williams raced fully 20 yards out of his box to tackle the striker before he could gather the ball. On 83 minutes Marc Lloyd Williams was harshly adjudged to have fouled Evans, from the ensuing freekick Phil Priestley parried a goalbound effort but Steve Evans was the first of three charging greens to the ball for a point blank equaliser. Two minutes later the towering Warren Gibbs replaced Paul Sellars who had run himself into the ground against experienced campaigners like Alexander and Ricky Evans. There was still time for Marc Lloyd Williams to cause chaos twice more, once skimming the woodwork and then earning an injury time corner - but a draw it was. |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Graham Brett, Ritchie Owen, Paul Sellars, Sean Hazelden, Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd Williams,
Clayton Blackmore, Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Owain Tudur Jones, Paul Rowlands, Warren Gibbs |
| TNS:
Dean Williams, Tommy Holmes, Lee Coathup, Steve Evans, Timmy Edwards, Chris Taylor, Tim Alexander,
Dave Bridgwater, Antrobus, Ricky Evans, Anthony Wright. Subs: Chris Edge, Nicky Ward, John Toner |
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ran out winners in this keenly fought local derby which restored some
credibility to the much maligned League Cup and its group stage format. The Bangor side featured Emrys Williams on the right of midfield, Aled Rowlands on the left, Richard Owen and Simon Davies in central midfield. With both teams intent on attack it was Bangor who took the lead in the 10th minute when debutant keeper Dave Williams failed to hold onto a goalbound shot and Sean Hazelden netted from close range. Both teams had chances but City would have been disappointed that both Paul Roberts and strike partner Marc Lloyd Williams failed to increase the slender lead. Another former blue - in addition to the keeper - levelled the scores on 35 mins as Tommy Mutton reminded the travelling fans why he was sold for £22000 from Farrar Road. |
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second half was littered with goals and bookings as referee Hutchinson
awarded freekicks, penalties and yellow cards in abundance! Dangerous City striker Paul Roberts put City ahead once again three minutes after the break with a run and finish that left Williams beaten at his near post. No sooner had the celebrations died down than Sean Hazelden made the slightest of contact with Mutton to encourage the referee to award a penalty which the experienced Adam Lillis duly converted. To rub salt into Bangor's wounds little Tommy Mutton then put The Canaries ahead when his pace and control was too much for the City defence on 77 minutes. City's defence was struggling at times to cope with the traffic flowing through the midfield. With a sense of injustice as the driving force the mercurial Marc Lloyd Williams responded to some barracking from the Caernarfon fans by unleashing a thunderbolt into the top corner of the net for a deserved equaliser on 79 minutes. Time had all but elapsed when the outstanding Paul Roberts thrashed the ball past Williams to silence the home crowd and settle the issue. |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Graham Brett, Alan Goodall, Emrys Williams, Sean Hazelden, Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd
Williams, Ritchie Owen, Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Aled Rowlands. Subs: Owain Tudur Jones, Danny Glyn Roberts, Warren Gibbs |
| Town: Dave Williams |
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first half which yielded fourteen goalmouth incidents - all in City's
favour - and probably half that number of corners, ended
goalless. This was due in no small part to some truly defiant
defensive work by the Thin Red Line as keeper Richard Morgan overcame
his initial nerves to put together a very impressive display.
With a breeze at their backs Bangor attacked the Farrar End with relish; Aled Rowlands on the left, Clayton Blackmore the right and Marc Lloyd Williams and Paul Roberts up front all to the fore. Chances in the first ten minutes fell to Paul Roberts who shot across the goalmouth, Robbo again before Simon Davies had a shot blocked and then Marc Lloyd Williams and the returning Emrys Williams - and to round off a shot from Huw Griffiths which went through Morgan's legs but was scrambled away by a Rhayader defender. The next ten minutes saw Emrys hit the bar, Huw have an effort well saved and Clayton fire over from 30 yards. Then on 20 minutes a superb 45 yard pass from Clayton to MLW on the right, his cross found Paul Roberts whose header flew just over. So it continued, occasionally Phil Priestley held a cross or fielded a backpass, but Rhayader resisted stubbornly with Paul Roberts just failing to connect with a Marc Lloyd Williams cross and then having an effort cleared off the line. Further near misses right up to the whistle involved Marc Lloyd Williams, Aled Rowlands and Huw Griffiths. Another lceared off the line. To no avail |
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first opportunity of the second period fell to Huw Griffiths who header
hit the upright, then the big defender had an effort saved low down by
Morgan. Two more chances came and went to Marc Lloyd Williams,
then on 63 minutes Richard Owen replaced Emrys Williams in
midfield. Simon Davies' deft touch and sutble prompting very much
in evidence. On 65 minutes Clayton Blackmore sent a free kick from the right onto Paul Roberts head for the overdue breakthrough. City then created an opening for Aled Rowlands but that flew over. Rhayader then changed their game plan and came at City more, creating periods of pressure but few if any clear cut openings. Huw Griffiths and Sean Hazelden stood firm in the middle whilst Phil Priestley's clean and safe handling avoided any mishaps. Further chances fell to Richard Owen and Marc Lloyd Williams but it was not to be, and with Rhayader having a good share of possession home nerves were jangling. In the closing minutes Danny Glyn Roberts replaced the exhausted Marc Lloyd Williams and the pacey youngster carved an opening on the left for Paul Roberts at the far post - but his effort went wide. The final whistle was greeted with a mixture of relief and annoyance by the home fans, and with a look of resignation by the small travelling contingent. |
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City: Phil Priestley, Graham Brett, Alan Goodall, Emrys Williams, Sean Hazelden, Huw Griffiths,
Marc Lloyd Williams, Clayton Blackmore, Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Aled Rowlands. Subs: Ritchie Owen, Danny Glyn Roberts, Warren Gibbs |
| Town: Richard Morgan, Neil Williams, Gavin Perry,
Dylan McPhee, Gareth Abraham, Neil Williams, Matthew Williams, Cohen Griffith, Dino Tedaldi Craig Reddy, Jamie Hammond Subs: Edward Hare, R. Adriene, Steve Arthur |
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draw was probably a fair result at the end of this League Cup group
match, coming as it did just five days after the LoW encounter at Belle Vue.
Bangor made a number of changes, with Brett, Blackmore and Simon Davies replaced by Warren Gibbs, Emrys Williams and Richard Owen. Big Huw Griffiths moved to rightback in a back four with Warren Gibbs alongside Sean Hazelden and Alan Goodall at leftback. The centre midfield pairing was Richard Owen and Emrys Williams. None the less City dominated the first half with Kenny Burgess tormenting Jackson on the City right. Chances fell to Marc Lloyd Williams and Paul Roberts but big Lee Williams was determined to improve on the events of Friday night. |
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often happens the visitors found confidence in staying on even terms,
and took the lead through Chris Sharratt who converted a right wing cross from Steve
Futcher. Within a minute City were level as Huw Griffiths fired home a half hit clearance following an Aled Rowlands corner. Chances came and went, with Lee Williams and Phil Priestley saving from Marc Lloyd Williams and Danny Barton respectively. The former blue Nicky Brookman was probably the pick of the visitors with his craft and industry on the right. On the opposite flank his team mate Jackson was still being tormented by Kenny Burgess. The final whistle, all square, a reasonable outcome and one which sets up the return match at Belle Vue in a fortnight. As if you didn't know Caernarfon are the third club in the group. |
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City: Phil Priestley, Emrys Williams, Alan Goodall, Warren Gibbs, Sean Hazelden, Huw Griffiths,
Marc Lloyd Williams, Aled Rowlands, Paul Roberts, Ritchie Owen, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Sellars, S.Davies and Bishop |
| Rhyl: Lee Williams, Nicky Brookman, Michael Jackson, Jamie Brewerton,
Colin Webster, Robbie Williams, John Stannard, Steve Futcher, Danny Barton, Dave O'Gorman, Chris Sharratt. Subs: Gareth Wilson, Alan Jones, Andy Jones |
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late arrival meant the match had kicked off but - according to all
accounts
- the opening ten minutes where quite even. The first impact came when Danny Barton tried for a penalty when he ran into Sean Hazelden, but thankfully referee Hutchinson was having none of it. When Rhyl did attact City's big centrebacks Huw Griffiths and the "born again" young giant Sean Hazelden where in control, with the added security of Graham Brett sweeping. The only goal of the first half came on 25 minutes when Lee Williams failed to hold a firmly hit shot from big Huw Griffiths and the ever alert Marc Lloyd Williams popped up to score from close range infront of the voiciferous City fans. The Llanberis striker went close on a couple of other occasions, once attempting to chip City's former manager - but no effect. |
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after the interval Marc Lloyd Williams combined well with the rampaging
Kenny Burgess who was felled by Jamie Brewerton. The penalty was
calmly placed beyond the desparing Williams to give Marc Lloyd Williamshis
fourth of the season. The scorer nearly completed his hatrick with a left footed curler which Williams saved, a feat repeated by City's Phil Priestley from a firmly struck Steve Futcher drive. Paul Roberts forced a good black from the Rhyl keeper again when he picked up an excellent crossfield ball from the peerless Clayton Blackmore. The midway period of the second half drifted almost quietely by as the home side failed to seriously challenge, although they did force a couple of corners and attacking freekicks. The referee took centre stage with some needless bookings. With Aled Rowlands replacing Paul Sellars in midfield City gained fresh impetus, so it was no real surprise when Marc Lloyd Williams set up debutant fullback Alan Goodall for a third from close range - although Lee Williams shoud really have done better. Overall a satisfying outcome, a clean sheet and a competent performance. Well done! |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Graham Brett, Alan Goodall, Paul Sellars, Sean Hazelden, Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd Williams,
Clayton Blackmore, Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Warren Gibbs, Aled Rowlands and Matthew Bishop |
| Rhyl: Lee Williams, Nicky Brookman, Matthew Cross, Jamie Brewerton,
Colin Webster, Robbie Williams, John Stannard, Steve Futcher, Danny Barton, O'Gorman, Chris Sharratt. Subs: Gareth Wilson, Alan Jones, Andy Jones |
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big kick off was a little late as everyone - players, officials and
supporters - were snarled up in the heavy slow moving A55
traffic. Nevertheless City proceeded to pick up three goals and
points to match with a promising performance. The opening five minutes generated as many corners and openings for a brisk City side eager to impress the new manager. Marc Lloyd Williams, Huw Griffiths and Paul Roberts were in the thick of the Farrar End action as goalkeeper Gareth Scantlebury proved equal to the task. Then Clayton Blackmore, operating alongside young Paul Sellers in midfield, fired a 30 yarder which again forced Scantlebury to concede a corner. On the half hour a Simon Davies corner was headed goalwards by the towering Sean Hazelden to lob over the keeper for a deserved lead. Unfortunately the visitors struck back within a minute when Ceri Thomas seemed to have time and space to shoot home following a freekick on the right. No sooner had the travelling supporters retaken their seats than another corner was flicked on by centrebacks Sean Hazelden and then Huw Griffiths for Marc Lloyd Williams to score from close range. Port Talbot again sought an early reply and it nearly came from Kevin Bartley whose 20 yard strike was palmed wide by the impressive Phil Priestley. Just before half time Paul Roberts ran through from half way, goalscorer Ceri Thomas brought him down, but referee Boddenham fairly adjudged that he had goalside cover. |
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| Sean
Hazelden had the first chance of the second half but his header was too
close to Scantlebury, within seconds Phil Priestley rushed off his line
to save bravely of the lively Ryan. Marc Lloyd Williams then combined with Simon Daves to create a difficult chance for Paul Roberts but his header lacked direction. As the half progressed City grew in confidence, Simon Davies and Richard Owen having opportunitiess, then the unthinkable - Jiws missed a chance! Put through by the perceptive Paul Roberts, MLW slashed a shot into the side netting. Unbelievable the situation was repeated with the Llanberis striker firing at the keeper. In between winger Kenny Burgess warmed to his task with a mazey run past four visiting defenders only to clip his goalbound effort narrowly wide. On 73 minutes Aled Rowlands came on for Paul Sellers. Three minutes later Marc Lloyd Williams tapped in from close range after an initial shot from Paul Roberts. The dangerous Kevin Bartley ran powerfully along the left but his path was blocked by Sean Hazelden with Phil Priestley clearing up the danger. The remaining highlights saw Town rightback Billy Timothy shoot just over from fully 30 yards and Marc Lloyd Williams turn and shoot too close to Scantlebury. |
| City:
Phil Priestley, Graham Brett, Ritchie Owen, Paul Sellars, Sean Hazelden, Huw Griffiths, Marc Lloyd Williams,
Clayton Blackmore, Paul Roberts, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Warren Gibbs, Aled Rowlands, OwainTudur Jones. |
| Town: Gareth Scantlebury, Billy Timothy, Jordan Pearson, Chris Morgan,
Davies, Carl Thomas, Robert Cockings, Russell Wigley, Richard Ryan, Anthony Wright, Kevin Bartley. Subs: Adam Bishop, Gary Underwood and Geza Hagjato. |
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