| MATCH REPORTS |
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SEASON 2002-03 |
| MATCH REPORT
ARCHIVE |
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Another cup defeat on penalties was
a pretty raw return from a pulsating cup final which City could - maybe
should - have won during the second half. However it was Rhyl who started at a gallop with Marc Limbert forcing a goalline clearance which in turn fed Lee Hunt whose pass to strike partner Ross Jefferies forced a good save from 'keeper Paul Smith. This broke to Alan Goodall whose shot flashed wide. With the wind at their backs Rhyl pushed forward for referee Simon Jones to award a rather harsh penalty against Chris Short for alleged handball. Andy Moran scored confidently to put the Lilywhites ahead on 15 mins. City fought back for Owain Jones to cross onto Lee Hunts head but Smith denied the young striker with a fine close range save. On 25 mins Rhyl doubled the advantage when a long ball skimmed over Chris Short for Chris McGinn to fire home as Phil Priestley ran out to close the angles. The abrasive Limbert forced a good save from Phil Priestley ten minutes before the interval, and his well taken corner needed a goal line clearance from Aled Rowlands to keep deficit within manageable proportions. The inconsistent Jones walked off at the interval with the names of Ricky Evans, Lee Hunt and Owain Jones in his little black book, along with Rhyl midfielder Atherton. |
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With the win at their backs
Bangor had to do better, which is precisely what they did, forcing an
amazing seven corners in the opening fifteen minutes. During this
spell City's Welsh International connection came to the fore, with
Clayton
Blackmore once and Simon Davies twice going close.
On 65 mins City were back in contention as Ricky Evans sent a 30 yard scorcher past Smith into the top corner with unstoppable force. Bangor pushed for an equaliser as Alan Goodall forced another good save from Smith before young Owain Jones headed home from a Simon Davies cross despite the attention of Rhyl defenders. City then sent on Marc Lloyd Williams for Ross Jefferies with Gareth Williams replacing Chris Short ten minutes from time. With fifteen minutes remaining Alan Goodall had to clear with Moran ready to pounce. Rhyl went close again through Moody before Lee Hunt again forced a superb save from Smith after deceiving Mark Powell with a clever flick and turn. And so to extra time. Gareth Williams saw his shot palmed over whilst fellow substitute Marc Lloyd Williams missed out from two yards. Jackson went close for the hosts whilst the ginger sub sent a clean 25 yard strike on target. Penalties? Well Paul Smith covered himself with glory, Rhyl won 4-3 and that was that, a disappointing finale to an enjoyable season. |
| Bangor City: Phil Priestley, Aled Rowlands, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Clayton Blackmore, Chris Short, Ross Jefferies, Ricky Evans, Lee Hunt, Simon Davies, Owain Jones Subs: Gareth Williams, Marc Lloyd Williams, Kenny Burgess |
| Rhyl: P.Smith, M.Powell, A.Moody,
M.Jackson, T.Edwards, M.Limbert, P.Atherton, G.Wilson,
G.Powell, C.McGinn, A.Moran, Subs: N.Brookman, M.Chalk, M.Billingsley |
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Paul Smith |
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Bangor stumbled to defeat in this
"dead rubber" fixture which nevertheless featured six goals, many more
chances and end to end football pretty much throughout.
City were 2-0 down inside eight minutes and must have feared the heavy defeat which might have handed TNS the title, had Barry lost to Aberystwyth. The first strike came in two minutes when Justin Perry headed home from a right wing corner. Then on eight minutes it was 2-0 as John Toner tapped in after Perry dummied a ball which had penetrated straight through an ineffective blues rearguard. The blue contingent held their breath as the full timers surged forward with confidence flowing. However City struck back as Ricky Evans found Marc Lloyd Williams whose header put Gareth Williams in fifteen yards out but he sliced wide when well placed. On 19 minutes Bangor pulled one back as Kenny Burgess beat Dean Williams from inside the box to the obvious relief of the winger and his team mates. As TNS moved forward, inspired by regular crossfield punts by the foul mouthed Brabin, leftback Alan Goodall and Eifion Jones stood tall and largely restricted Phil Priestley's involvement to fielding long range shots. Moments before half time Ricky Evans, who was enjoying a lively afternoon in midfield, sent a 30 yard free kick against the outside of the post with Williams reduced to the role of spectator. There were positive signs from both Ricky and his engine room partner Simon Davies , so too right winger Kenny Burgess. Upfront enigmatic Marc Lloyd Williams was also more involved and showed a willingness to work back into midfield and an ability to bring others into play. |
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The interval change saw
Lee Hunt replaced Ross Jefferies. As in the first half City
started
off with one eye closed to allow the diminutive Simon Heal to bundle
home from
close range following a right wing cross. With an intermittent breeze at their backs Bangor struck back in the 51st minute as Lee Hunt headed powerfuly over Williams from a Marc Lloyd Williams cross from the left. However thoughts of a winning comeback were quashed on 58 mins when the dangerous Justin Perry finished from close range after good work from Ruscoe. At 4-2 down and with half an hour remaining City might have gone down without trace, but a combination of some brave defending from Eifion Jones and wasteful finishing from TNS meant a goalless closing period. On 60 mins the tiring Gareth Williams was replaced by Owain Jones who slotted into a left wing berth. The lively Kenny Burgess popped up on the left, chased towards goal and forced a full length dive from Williams with a clean hit from the edge of the box. The next incident of note was Aled Rowlands replacing the fit again winger who would have been reasonably pleased with his performance. TNS were creating openings but the final effort from City came as Ricky Evans barged his way past Heal to thrash a 25 yarder on target which Williams again tipped over to the dismay of the travelling blues. So a final league defeat - albeit of no consequence - but a welcome return to form from Simon Davies and a couple of others who have bolstered City's League Cup hopes for next weekend. |
| Bangor City: Phil Priestley, Gareth Williams, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Clayton Blackmore, Chris Short, Marc Lloyd Williams, Ricky Evans, Ross Jefferies, Simon Davies. Subs: Owain Jones, Aled Rowlands, Lee Hunt, |
| TNS: D.Williams, D.Bridgwater,
A.Porter, T.Holmes, S.Evans, S.Heal, S.Ruscoe J.Toner, J.Perry, G.Brabin, N.Ward Subs: R.Wood, M.Wilde, P.Gedman |
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Steve Evans |
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Two points dropped against
a struggling Caernarfon side that had narrowly clinched WP survival
with
a one nil win at Afan Lido two days earlier.
It had started promisingly enough with Lee Hunt twice close to opening the scoring inside the first five minutes before Caernarfon midfielder Chris Tamm forced a good save out of Phil Priestley with a 25 yard strike. However City deservedly went ahead on 18 minutes after Clayton Blackmore won a corner which was taken from the right by Alan Goodall. The diminutive Willcock failed to deal with the cross, Eifion Jones turned the ball goalwards and Owain Jones rattled the ball into the net from eight yards. Phil Priestley then saved well from former City favourite Chris Moores, and as the game flowed from end to end City forced a couple of corners in quick succession midway throught the half. On the half hour the large travelling contingent celebrated as Clayton Blackmore's freekick sailed into the net but referee Jones had signalled that the award was indirect and a goalkick was awarded. Caernarfon defender Craig Hogg was then cautioned for another infringement before Lloyd Roberts raced down the left, cut inside and fired a low shot which made Phil Priestley scramble by his left post. Bangor doubled the advantage on 41 mins when some woeful goalkeeping from Willcock allowed Lee Hunt to rush in and bundle the ball past him from two yards. |
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A superbly constructed move
in the opening minute of the second period saw Alan Goodall sidefoot
the ball on target but too close to Willock. On the hour the home
keeper did well to tip a deflected shot from Ricky Evans onto his
crossbar
and was relieved to see Roberts scramble the ball away. On 65
mins
City sent on a fit again Kenny Burgess for Gareth Williams and minutes
later Simon Davies came on for the wilting Ricky Evans with old
favourite Frank Mottram replacingg Chris Moores.
The more impressive defensive figure for Caernarfon was Paul Roberts whose interceptions and ability to be in the right place when needed frustrated both Lee Hunt and Ross Jefferies. On 75 mins it was 2-1 as Danny Barton clipped a right wing cross from Leigh Williams past Phil Priestley from 20 yards. City were in a battle now and with Owain Jones toiling - often unaided - in the engine room wrost was to follow. A minute later the scores were tied as Lloyd Roberts fired a pass from Danny Barton past the despairing Phil Priestley from outside the box. City sprang to life and Alan Goodall raced down the left but pulled his shot across the face of the goal from a tight angle with Lee Hunt perhaps better placed. The spring heeled left footer then reverted to leftback in place of Aled Rowlands as Marc Lloyd Williams made his entrance to a chorus of worried boos from the Cofi horde. With five minutes remaining the Llanberis lad fired a shot which Willcock held after good combination play involving Ross Jefferies. City forced a couple of late corners and Lee Hunt fired wide from the right but on the balance of play a draw was about right and the 650 strong crowd left with the yellow and greens celebrating some unseen cup success. |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Aled Rowlands, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Clayton
Blackmore, Chris
Short, Gareth Williams, Ricky Evans, Lee Hunt, Ross Jefferies, Owain Jones. Subs: Anthony Fenton, Simon Davies, Marc Lloyd Williams |
| Caernarfon: I.Willcock, P.Roberts,
J.Keegan, C.Hogg, T.Brandreth, C.Rodgers, C.Tamm L.Williams, D.Barton, C.Moores, L.Roberts Subs: L.Williams, D.McGoona, F.Mottram |
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Paul Roberts |
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A comfortable home win for
a reshuffled Bangor side which featured the return of Phil Priestley in
goal and Ross Jefferies who slotted in alongside Lee Hunt. Gareth
Williams made a rare start on the right wing with Simon Davies joining
Marc Lloyd Williams on the bench. The early signs were good as Ricky Evans tested Wager with a 25 yard free kick although Richard Ryan caused problems on the left with a surging run. However on 14 minutes City went ahead when Lee Hunt chased a bouncing ball from Eifion Jones into the box, chipped Wager only to hit the bar with Ross Jefferies slotting in the rebound. Tall and hard working, Mark Dodds was causing problems for Eifion Jones and Clayton Blackmore in the blues defence and the big Llanrug defender responded well shortly after the goal to cut out a goalbound effort. Then the tall striker caused havoc in the home defence which saw the determined Clayton Blackmore clear off the line twice - from Ryan and then Twynham - to keep the visitors at bay. With time running out at the end of the first half City struck again. A Clayton Blackmore corner from the right was met by Ross Jefferies whose looping header flew over Wager on 40 minutes for a clear advantage. The final action saw Clayton Blackmore pull rank on Ricky Evans to send a dipping free kick narrowly over the bar from around 22 yards. |
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Five minutes after the interval
Alan Goodall sprinted through the middle to set up Ross Jefferies on
the left, but his attempted lob flew over the bar. On 64 mins
Alan
Goodall was in the thick of the action again with a shot against the
crossbar from ten yards and then a scrambled effort from the rebound
which
was smothered by Wager. With the slow moving 5 handicapped by a heavily strapped knee, City were now in a position to add to the scoreline but failed to grasp the opportunity. The third goal finally arrived on 73 mins when a good run down the right by Gareth Williams, supplied by Ross Jefferies culiminated in a delightful chip over Wager which allowed Lee Hunt to head in from close range. Peter Davenport withdrew Ross Jefferies who enjoyed a warm ovation as he departed, Marc Lloyd Williams taking his place before Anthony Fenton came on for Owain Jones. As time ran out Clark went close for the visitors before Lee Hunt lofted over the final opportunity for Bangor. City have therefore done the double over Port Talbot and gained more points than last season, but the reality that third is the most likely finishing position is still a touch disappointing. |
| Bangor City: Phil Priestley, Aled Rowlands, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Clayton Blackmore, Chris Short, Gareth Williams, Ricky Evans, Lee Hunt, Ross Jefferies, Owain Jones. Subs: Anthony Fenton, Simon Davies, Marc Lloyd Williams |
| Port Talbot: G.Wager, L.Matthews, Clark, 4, G.Davies, 6, H. Fleming, R.Shugar, M.Dodds, G.Twynham, R.Ryan Subs: |
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City crashed to a 2-1 defeat on the
wholly unacceptable Deeside Stadium surface which makes controlled
football
impossible - for both teams. This must particularly frustrate the
likes of Stuart Terry and Andy Griffiths but after picking up three
points
in this drab affair they may be placated for a week or two.
The opening play came as leading scorer Lee Hunt forced a good save from David Walsh after a clever set up by Marc Lloyd Williams. But on five minutes the hosts took the lead as George Horan kept up the goalscoring repuation of the Nomads defenders with a ten yard finish after Andy Griffiths saw his shot hit the bar. The lively Lee Hunt then got on the end of a long ball but his flick did more damage to Horan's head than the Nomads net. Burly Craig Hutchinson then tested Jon Hallworth with a clean strike that the former Cardiff 'keeper saved at full stretch. Up the other end and a handball by Stuart Terry - or a push by Walsh - led to a penalty won by Marc Lloyd Williams which Simon Davies confidently converted beyond the reach of the diving home keeper. City won their first corner on 25 minutes which eventually ran to Simon Davies who supplied Ricky Evans whose cross just eluded the sprawling Lee Hunt. Referee Mike Jones then cautioned Owain Jones and Nomads midfielder Andy Griffiths for a brief squabble. The final action of the first period saw Stuart Terry raid down the right and cross for Stuart Rain to head over from ten yards. |
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| Bangor started the brighter as Ricky Evans set up Marc
Lloyd Williams but his overhead kick was held by Walsh before Jon
Hallworth saved well from Stuart Rain. City forced
three corners in succession but could not carve a clear cut chance
before
the hosts replied with couple of their own. Minutes later a fifth
corner kick led to Eifion Jones heading over. A great ball in from the right by Chris Short was flicked goalwards by Lee Hunt but slid narrowly wide. City then won a freekick which was lined up by Ricky Evans whose shot struck the wall and ran to Clayton Blackmore whose 35 yarder flew over the bar. On 78 minutes the tasteless tannoy man was able to announce Tommy Mutton goal in the worst traditiion of radio city as the little striker ran clear to beat Jon Hallworth from ten yards. In the final minutes Lee Hunt headed onto the bar from a sxith corner before Owain Jones shot on the turn from six yards but narrowly wide. So a single goal defeat which brings the curtain down on City's slender title hopes. With third place assured a difficult handful of league games remain. |
| Bangor City:
Jon Hallworth, Aled Rowlands, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Clayton
Blackmore, Chris
Short, Marc Lloyd Williams, Ricky Evans, Lee Hunt, Simon Davies, Owain Jones. Subs: Anthony Fenton, Kenny Burgess, Lex Piper |
| Connahs Quay: D.Walsh, S.Hopkins,
J.Kenworthy, C.Hutchinson, G.Horan, G.McGosh, A.Griffiths T.Mutton, C.Lawton, S.Rain, S.Terry Subs: P.Mazzarella, J.Roberts, C.Butler |
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Stuart Terry |
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Before kick off, players and supporters
alike stood in silence as a mark of respect for former Cwmbran Town
manager
Tony Wilcox who died earlier that day. Many were clearly stunned
by the news of the death of the widely respected figure whose Cwmbran
side won the first ever LoW championship. At kick off City fans were able to discern some positional changes in the blues line up, most notably in midfield where Aled Rowlands and Simon Davies occupied the wide positions with Owain Jones bringing pace and mobility to the engine room alongside the power and guile of Ricky Evans. City started the brighter and it was no surprise who notched the opener inside nine minutes. Clayton Blackmore won the ball on the left and found Eifion Jones in space on the edge of the circle. His intelligent through ball was taken in full stride by Marc Lloyd Williams who beat the advancing McIntosh from the edge of the box. Bangor could and should have run away with the match as Eifion Jones and Owain Jones went close before Marc Lloyd Williams was again in on goal but lifted his 20 yarder over the bar. Ricky Evans also had three long range efforts, the closest of which struck the advertising boards by McIntosh's post. On the half hour a Paul Dowridge free kick was caught by Jon Hallworth who looked confident and secure in the continued absence of Phil Priestley. Scarcely the most enthralling 45 minutes but a welcome lead. |
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| Jon Hallworth then repeated the feat with a more
impressive palm over from Dave Cunnah's 30 yard special. The
lively Shannon then missed a sitter from infront of the City goal as
Cefn pushed for an equaliser. The first corner of the second period, won by Marc Lloyd Williams, resulted in a strong header from towering defender Eifion Jones. Aled Rowlands than ran down the right to see his cross/shot held at the near post by McIntosh. On 73 miinutes City doubled their advantage. A left wing cross from Simon Davies dropped on the edge of the Druids six yard box. With Marc Lloyd Williams causing confusion the chance fell to Owain Jones whose low drive found the corner of the net. As time ran out City boss Peter Davenport used all three substitutes, the first Paul Friel for Simon Davies with some ten minutes remaining. The young Irishman made a good impression with his composure and willingness to pick a pass and compete for possession. With five to go Marc Lloyd Williams was replaced by Lex Piper who worked hard and finally Anthony Fenton for Owain Jones, with the big utility man finding time to incur the wrath of Craig Wilkinson who moments earlier had tried to annoy Ricky Evans. So three points, a clean sheet, and confirmation of European entry. One humourous incident, a well meaning Druids fan singing "One Aled Rowlands, there's only..." when in fact there was one in each team! |
| Bangor City:
Jon Hallworth, Aled Rowlands, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Clayton
Blackmore, Chris
Short, Marc Lloyd Williams, Ricky Evans, Lee Hunt, Simon Davies, Owain Jones. Subs: Anthony Fenton, Paul Friel, Lex Piper |
| Cefn Druids: S.McIntosh, M.Allen,
P.Dowridge, A.Rowlands, B.Jefferies, D.Watkin, D.Cunnah D.Desormeaux, A.Shannon, J.Desormeaux, M.Dabbs Subs: C.Wilkinson, A.Williams, R.Jones |
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D.Cunnah |
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Wastleful Bangor stumbled to their
customary defeat at Latham Park as the home side adapted better to the
dry bouncy surface and some truly inept refereeing from Collins of
Swansea.
Beneath the burning Mid Wales sun it was difficult to see if this
dreadful
official favoured either side. City started the better and forced a couple of early corners but on their first forward move Newtown took the lead as Justin Wickham fired home from a left wing cross. The nervous Hamam then bungled a shot from chief marksman Marc Lloyd Williams but without any punishment. Inside ten minutes City had forced their fourth corner but failed to score as the ginger stiker missed from close range. At the other end Eifion Jones blocked a goalbound effort before slamming the second effort out of play. On twenty minutes Owain Jones sent a clean strike just over from the wide right with former City favourite Sean Hazelden lying injured on the penalty spot. On 27 minutes City were level. Owain Jones crossed from the right, Alan Goodall fired the ball back into the box and Lee Hunt snatched on the half chance to drive home from 15 yards. City were unsettled by the dry surface, became prone to launching the high ball, and played to the strengths of Hazelden and Jellicoe in the Newtown defence. Jon Hallworth then pulled off a great save to deny Justin Wickham before Eifion Jones again intervened with a brave block. Moments later Hamam was called into action as Clayton Blackmore's freekick had to be turned out for a corner via the foot of the post. Alan Goodall and Lee Hunt both went close before Clayton Blackmore was yellow carded as was Chris Adamson for kicking the ball away. In three minutes of injury time Bangor wasted guilt edged chances, most notably Marc Lloyd Williams from less than three yards with the goal at his mercy! |
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| The first move of the second period came in the opening
minute
as Lee Hunt supplied Owain Jones on the right. His cross to the
back
post was headed over by Alan Goodall who held his head in
disbelief. A false dawn moments later as Lee Hunt thought he had
put City infront but instead found only the side netting as he cut in
from the right. Then Ricky Evans struck cleanly from 25 yards but
Hamam held comfortably. City visibly tired in the mid summer conditions. The with around fifteen minutes remaining Marc Loyd Williams was replaced by Lex Piper who slotted in alongside Lee Hunt. The willing student instantly firted wide from close range before Alan Goodall was cautioned for precious little. On 75 mins Newtown took the lead when a left wing corner was hammered home by Sean Hazelden in a moment of particular significance for the former blue. Moments later Chris Short replaced Anthony Fenton and City charged forward in search of an equaliser. The best effort came from Eifion Jones whose goalbound shot was hacked away after a firm header from the tiring Ricky Evans had also been blocked. This signalled the end of the road for Bangor who had long since sensed the eventual outcome was beyond their control. And that was it, the end of the unbeaten run. No hard luck stories, wasted chances and a laboured heavy legged performance which probaly signals the end of title aspirations. Time will tell. |
| Bangor City: Jon Hallworth, Aled Rowlands, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Clayton Blackmore, Anthony Fenton, Marc Lloyd Williams, Ricky Evans, Lee Hunt, Simon Davies, Owain Jones. Subs: Chris Short, Paul Friel, Lex Piper |
| Newtown: G.Hamam, A.Thomas, G.Evans,
D.Jellicoe, S.Hazelden, S.Futcher, Subs: |
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Sean Hazelden |
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With Alan Goodall missing through
suspension City started with Kenny Burgess on the left, Owain Jones on
the right and Lee Hunt re-instated alongside Marc Lloyd Williams.
However this counted for precious little in a dreadful first half which did nothing to enthuse either set of fans. In fact no sooner had the action started than Rhyl midfielder Steve Walters lay motionless following a block tackle on Owain Jones and had to be stretchered off. Although three minutes elapsed whilst Joh Hulse contemplated his options, Walters was replaced by former Blues favourite Nicky Brookman on six minutes. Clear cut chances were few and far between. For Rhyl Gary Powell and Adrian Moody sent efforts well wide, as did Ricky Evans and Marc Lloyd Williams for Bangor. The outstanding performance during this stalemate was Eifion Jones who defensive work was very impressive, both in terms of tackling and composure. For Rhyl Timmy Edwards dealt competently with any high balls in his vicinity. On the half hour a cross from Aled Rowlands put visiting custodian Paul Smith under pressure for the first time, but his clean punch sailed out for a throw. Michael Jackson was then yellow carded for a trip on Kenny Burgess as was Owain Jones for a clash with Paul Smith which saw the Rhyl 'keeper receive treatment. The final whistle brought to the end a goalless, cornerless and chanceless 45 minutes which will not last long in the memory. At least the playing surface looked okay after quite heavy overnight rain. |
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| Attacking the St Pauls End, aided by a slight breeze,
City pushed for an early breakthrough after the restart. An early
chance for Aled Rowlands saw the valley lad strike off target right
footed from the edge of the box. But it was the diminutive Scott
Millington who went closest when his clean strike from the left cleared
the upright with John Hallworth nearly called into action.
On 62 minutes Bangor won the first corner of the evening which Simon Davies sent on target to force a second but to no avail. Minutes later Eifion Jones ventured upfield but lofted high over the bar. Ricky Evans then stepped up to take a freekick he won several yards out of the box. His slow drive was well placed but lacked sufficient power to trouble Smith who saved low to his left. On 72 minutes it all happened. Lee Hunt chased a ball into the Rhyl box, Paul Smith tripped him and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. With City fans chanting "off off" the yellow card was shown before the unflappable Simon Davies stepped up to place the ball into the bottom corner. This follows the basic rule that visiting goalkeepers cannot be red carded at Farrar Road. By now City had re-organised with Kenny Burgess moving to the right, Owain Jones stepping into midfield and Simon Davies operating wide on the left. The shuffle seemed to help as the right winger crossed superbly to force Jackson to head over his own bar with Lee Hunt lurking. With ten minutes remaining Lex Piper was introduced in place of the tiring Kenny Burgess, with Lee Hunt switching to the wing. The tall student made a decent impression, winning corners and throw ins and generally occupying the three Rhyl centrebacks. His first touch sent Lee Hunt in behind the Lilywhites defence but his shot was held by Smith. The elegant Eifion Jones showed his pedigree with a well timed interception in the centre cirle, a flick beyond Wilson and a pinpoint pass to Piper on the left. After a couple of minutes of stoppage time the whistle blew to herald three more points, another clean sheet and all but ensured European competition again next season. |
| Bangor City:
Jon Hallworth, Owain Jones, Aled Rowlands, Eifion Jones, Clayton
Blackmore, Chris
Short, Marc Lloyd Williams, Ricky Evans, Lee Hunt, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Anthony Fenton, Paul Friel, Lex Piper |
| Rhyl: P.Smith, G.Powell. A.Moody,
M.Jackson, T.Edwards, S.Millington, L.Atherton, G.Wilson, A.Moran, C.McGinn, S.Walters Subs: R.Baker, N.Brookman, J.Fisher-Cooke |
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T.Edwards |
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Sheltered by the Cambrian mountains,
the River Severn wends eastward to Welshpool and Shrewsbury, passing
through the village of Caersws as road, river and rail come together
where once the Romans built a fort. The Recreation ground, the home of Caersws FC, is a fortress to this day. The floods now long gone, the dusting of sand tossed high each time the ball bounced. Shorn of the dominant Phil Baker the blue rearguard - albeit decked in red - looked vulnerable to the long ball. With a new goalkeeper Jon Hallworth between the posts, the apprehension was there for all to see. On 13 minutes the fears were confirmed when the Caersws whippet Graham Evans stole in behind the Bangor backline to chip Jon Hallworth from the edge of the box. The hosts celebrated, the grins evident on the face of both TNS supporters who had made the short trip south. City responded with Alan Goodall and Aled Rowlands forcing saves from Andy Mulliner with long range shots. The normally dominant midfield mavericks, Ricky Evans and Simon Davies, were bothered by the high bounce and dancing sand. Home combatants Alan "Slap" Williams and Graham Jones adapted better. However on 20 mins the scores were level when Simon Davies pounced on a fumble by Mulliner from a left wing corner to drive home from the edge of the box. City held sway for a period now, forcing corners, one of which saw Eifion Jones head wide. But with Referee Boddenham contemplating his timepiece Graham Evans might have put the Bluebirds ahead but his run to the right left an impossible angle which forced hos shot wide across goal. |
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| Ten minutes after the interval Marc Lloyd Williams,
operating upfront alongside Owain Jones, seized on a loose ball on the
edge of
the box and struck the crossbar with a fierce strike. Adapting
to the bizarre conditions, midfield maestro Simon Davies strode
through,
passing Williams and Jones, before attempting to set up a chance for
Kenny
Burgess on the edge of the box, but the pass scurried through.
Caersws' main threat came from the left with former Chirk striker Kevin Scott booming long clearances and launching a series of long throws into the City box. As the second half progressed so Jon Hallworth warmed to the task and pulled off a series of saves which home and visiting fans alike applauded. The first a block with his feet from the pacey Evans on the right, the second even more impressive off Kevin Scott whose close range effort seemed a certain goal. However both paled into insignificance when Sean Jehu was astonished to see his effort tipped over "Banks" style from low at the post. With a quarter of an hour remaining Kenny Burgess delivered a cross from the right which sped beyond the inrushing Marc Lloyd Williams, before Geraint Lewis was booked for a late challenge on Clayton Blackmore. The freekick was fired long to the left, collected by Owain Jones but sadly fired over the crossbar from the left of the box. Evans replied for Caersws with a goalbound effort which beat Hallworth but was cleared off the line by the ever dependable Chris Short. Spurred on by the travelling blues City chased forward for Alan Goodall to send a looping header onto the roof the net from the left edge of the box. The final action saw Geraint Lewis shown the yellow card for the second time and allowed first use of the showers for a dull challenge on Chris Short. A point, honours even, but "Shaker & Ricky" were left to contemplate that a career in beach soccer with Cantona and his crew might be best avoided. |
| Bangor City: Jon Hallworth, Aled Rowlands, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Clayton Blackmore, Chris Short, Marc Lloyd Williams, Ricky Evans, Owain Jones, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Anthony Fenton, Paul Friel, Steve Owen |
| Caersws: A.Mulliner, A.Thomas,
S.Jehu, C.Reynolds, H.Clarke, A.Williams, K.Scott, G.Lewis G.Evans, G.Jones, A.Davies Subs: A.Marfell, J.Davies, G.Williams |
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Graham Evans |
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Bangor thumped a poor Llanelli side
whose manager Leighton James seemed resigned to defeat the moment the
opening goal flew in on 38 minutes. Up until that opening strike this had been a pretty tepid affair. True Alan Goodall might have done better from Chris Short's right wing cross, but chances in the opening quarter were few and far between. Indeed Llanelli forced three corners in that opening spell and had a reasonable share of possession. City began to pick up the pace on 25 minutes when midfielder Simon Davies cut inside his opposite number from 30 yards out to unleash a drive which rose just over Alex Davies' crossbar. Marc Lloyd Williams then headed on target from Alan Goodall's cross before Ricky Evans and Simon Davies had shots from the edge of the box. The breakthrough came on 38 mins when the towering Eifion Jones sent a long clearance towards the lurking Alan Goodall. His header infield fell to Marc Lloyd Williams whose right foot shot cleared Davies from 30 yards and sailed into the visitors goal. The sense of relief was widespread; experienced Jiws watcher pondered what might be to follow... On 42 mins it was 2-0 as Eifion Jones picked up lose ball on the edge of the visitors box, found Ricky Evans whose cross was side footed home from Alan Goodall from ten yards out. The party atmosphere gained momentum when, seizing on a lose ball some 35 yards out, Marc Lloyd Williams sent a fierce dipping volley searing beyond Davies into the net. To his credit even one of the Llanelli strikers congratulated the scorer! |
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| The Bangor team which took the field after the break
saw Anthony Fenton slot into right back for Chris Short but otherwise
it
was business as usual. Five minutes into the second period Lee
Hunt was shown the yellow card for a challenge on rightback Chris
Thomas
who screamed loudly to attract the referee. On 53 mins it was 4-0 as a right wing cross from Anthony Fenton dropped to Ricky Evans whose unstoppable blast from 20 yards would have felled a buffalo. Moments later Alan Goodall sent a shot narrowly wide before Paul Fowler went close in a rare Llanelli attack. The unpleasant Thomas then tried to get Alan Goodall sent off by stepping into his path but a sharp eyed linesman held his flag high to dampen his ambitions. On 72 mins it was five as Alan Goodall crossed for Marc Lloyd Williams to complete his hatrick from close range. Three minutes later Steve Mardenborough replaced Jennings and then Owain Jones came on for a grinning Ricky Evans who enjoyed a warm reception from the City faithful. On 80 mins Marc Lloyd Williams again struck when a cross from Owain Jones found the rampant striker on the edge of the box, converting at the second attempt. The hardworking Lee Hunt raced through the middle, played a one-two with Marc Lloyd Williams who scored from the left side of the box on 85 mins. With 88 gone it was 8-0 as Eifion Jones charged clear on the right to supply Anthony Fenton whose cross found Marc Lloyd Williams to complete his double hatrick! In the closing minutes Lee Hunt went close on three occasions but luck was against him. Still a job well done, three more points and a boost to the goal difference which could prove crucial. |
| Bangor City: Matthew Parry, Aled Rowlands, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Phil Baker, Chris Short, Marc Lloyd Williams, Ricky Evans, Lee Hunt, Simon Davies, Clayton Blackmore. Subs: Anthony Fenton, Owain Jones, Kenny Burgess |
| Llanelli: A.Davies, C.Thomas,
M.Jones, R.Penny, R.Jennings, A.Bishop, A.Hill, A.Wright, G.Aspell, P.Fowler, D.D'Aurian Subs: S.Mardenborough, S.Crabb, L.Williams |
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Anthony Wright |
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| A crowd of more than 400 filed into Belle Vue for this
hard fought Welsh Premier encounter, won in the final minutes by a
close range finish by Lee Hunt. For the best part of ninety minutes the two goalkeepers held sway, the experienced Paul Smith for the hosts and 19 year old Matthew Parry for City. Bangor contributed to the blank half time scoreline by sending too many efforts off target, but would have been pleased with the level or possession enjoyed in the opening half hour. Lee Hunt, Owain Jones and Marc Lloyd Williams all failed to hit the target as the ball bounced high on the dry Belle Vue surface. The giant figure of Timmy Edwards also stood tall, dealing with high crosses and long clearances with consumate ease. With ten minutes to go before half time a superb end to end move by Bangor nearly brought the lead, but instead yielded only a third corner. With Rhyl attacking Cty cleared the ball to Marc Lloyd Williams whose instant volleyed pass found Alan Goodall charging down the left. He carried the ball deep into Rhyl territory before supplying Lee Hunt whose low shot was pushed wide by the diving Paul Smith. Five minutes later - with Rhyl enjoying their best phase - Lee Atherton curled a freekick goalwards but young goalkeeper Matthew Parry span acrobatically to keep the ball out of the top corner. The resulting corner saw another goalbound effort from Mark Powell was hacked clear by Chris Short on the goalline. The half time whistle was met with relief by the blue contingent who, although deserving of some reward for the opening half hour, might have slipped behind immediately before the interval. |
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| Aled Rowlands exploited some space on the left to shoot
on target but Smith again saved impressively, before Millington chased
down the left to cross for McGinn who set up Moran but he lifted his
shot over. City struck back through Clayton Blackmore whose shot
was cleared, then Rhyl sub Michael Jackson was yellow carded following
a push on Lee Hunt. City settled into a period of dominance, troubled only by counter attacks often featuring Millington on the left. Smith had to save sharply from Clayton Blackmore when a Marc Lloyd Williams header set up a close range chance, then the Llanberis lad won a corner as his effort was blocked. A second kick followed which might have seen City take the lead but Alan Goodall saw his effort cleared off the line. Rhyl oved upfield but again City's young goalkeeper impressed with clean handling under pressure to release Marc Lloyd Williams who def the maruading Alan Goodall on the left but his long range lob was cleanly held by Smith. City's record breaking striker then missed a close range chance carved out by a supreme crossfield ball from Ricky Evans and set up by Alan Goodall. Moran thought he should have had a penalty - City fans appealed for a caution for a dive - with twenty minutes to go, referee Kevin Parry decided against either course of action. Matthew Parry then made another great save from Lee Atherton whose 30 yard curler looked a sure goal. Rhyl pushed for a lead when McGinn set himself for a close range goal but Chris Short beat him to it to concede a corner. Marc Lloyd Williams went close on 83 mins but on 86 City had the lead when Ricky Evans teed up a 20 yard shot which Smith could not hold. The predatory Lee Hunt pounced for a calm close range finish to the delight, even the disbelief, of the blues behind the goal. And that was it. Both keepers featured prominently and City fans will have been impressed by the clean handling and composure of former Liverpool reserve custodian Matthew Parry. |
| Bangor City:
Matthew Parry, Aled Rowlands, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Phil Baker, Chris Short, Marc Lloyd Williams,
Ricky Evans, Lee Hunt, Clayton Blackmore, Owain Jones. Subs: Anthony Fenton, Kenny Burgess, Steve Evans |
| Rhyl: P.Smith, M.Powell, A.Moody,
R.Baker, T.Edwards, S.Millington, L.Atherton, G.Wilson, A.Moran, C.McGinn, N.Brookman Subs: G.Powell, M.Jackson, J.Fisher-Cooke |
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Paul Smith |
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| Bangor finally lost on penalties
to cautious Cwmbran who seemed set on containment from a very early
stage. Home supporters were shocked by the absense through illness of Simon Davies and winger Kenny Burgess who had not recovered from the midweek league visit of Connahs Quay. Cwmbran lined up with five across the back and veteran striker Chris Summers often alone upfront. Bangor, with Anthony Fenton partnering Ricky Evans, had more possession, territory, shots on and off target and forced ten corners but failed to score. The first real chance fell to Marc Lloyd Williams whose shot was blocked by Ellacott on ten minutes, following which City had loud claims for handball refused by Brian Bevan. Five minutes later City thought they had scored as Lee Hunt nodded home but the linesman flagged to end the celebrations. Sean Wharton was hardly endearing himself to the home fans with a clear dive in a penalty bid and a late challenge on Ricky Evans which shackled the big midfielder. The talkative Wigg was then late on the Wrexham midfielder who kept his calm but showed his discomfort. On 42 mins Smothers headed over for Cwmbran in what was a rare raid by The Crows, but if referee Bevan had been charged with finding a pulse in this tepid affair he would have struggled. In the bright sun both teams were sluggish and one paced, even the normally noisy Bangor supporters were strangely subdued. |
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| At half time Sean Wharton was replacing by Sean
Mainwaring but if anything Bangor, attacking the St Pauls, took the
initiative after Chris Summers fired wide from 15 yards.
City won three corners in the opening quarter hour which saw Lee Hunt head narrowly wide and some clever ball skills from Ricky Evans on the left wing. On the the hour the hard working Lee Hunt was late on Ellacott which Richard David took exception too, but again Brian Bevan calmed things without over reacting. Minutes later a right wing cross from Owain Jones was flicked goalwards by Marc Lloyd Williams but again Ellacott conceded the corner which was played short to Clayton Blackmore who forced a great save from the visiting custodian. If City were dominating possession they were not creating clear cut chances, but when Alan Goodall fizzed a left wing cross into the box, he might have hoped for someone to get a touch. With 20 mins remaining Cwmbran replaced Mark Morris with former Man United youngster Rhodri Jones. The impressive Eifion Jones then strode out of defence with imperious ease to set up another Bangor attack before Owain Jones was replaced by sub Gareth Williams. There was still time for Marc Lloyd Williams to have two efforts, one high over the bar from 20 yards, the second on target from beyond the left post. That was it. Extra time was pretty drab, Jason Welsh went closest for Cwmbran and Clayton Blackmore for Bangor. The penalty shoot out saw the first five kicks converted, but when Alan Goodall saw his effort blocked it enabled Chris Summers to convert the visitors fifth to secure the 5-3 success, with Marc Lloyd Williams not needed to take City's final effort. What a way to go out of the cup. |
| Bangor City:
Matthew Parry, Aled Rowlands, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Phil Baker, Anthony
Fenton, Marc Lloyd Williams, Ricky Evans, Lee Hunt, Clayton Blackmore, Owain Jones. Subs: Gareth Williams, Chris Short, Stephen Owen |
| Cwmbran Town: M.Ellacott, R.Carter, Neil
Smothers, N.Wigg, G.Wharton, R.David, C.Summers,
A.Moore, J.Welsh, S.Wharton, M.Morris Subs: R.Hurlin, R.Jones, S.Mainwaring |
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Richard Carter |
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| City gave a debut to 19 year old
Matthew Parry in goal, switched Clayton Blackmore to right back in
place
of the injured Chris Short, and finally moved Kenny Burgess upfront for
bad back victim Marc Lloyd Williams. Lee Hunt lifted over a chance in the first minute after a good ball from Aled Rowlands before Nomads keeper David Walsh made a mistake which opened up for Owain Jones but Kenny Burgess shot weakly on goal. The first of a number of home penalty claims came on 25 mins when George Horan pushed Lee Hunt in the box but wayward ref Gerald Davies waved play on. Before the half hour City forced three corners which culminated in Owain Jones flashing a near post header narrowly wide. On the half hour a high swirling ball from Phil Baker caught the visitors defence napping, Kenny Burgess was tripped and the charging Ricky Evans blocked off - but again no penalty! A minute later Hopkins was clearly holding Owain Jones in the box but nothing given. Former Man United apprentice Craig Lawton showed brilliant control to nutmeg both City midfielders and create unease amongst the home fans. For Bangor the powerful Phil Baker was impressing with some balanced runs from deep combined with intelligent defending alongside Eifion Jones. The poor refereing seemed to distract City who reacted slowly to a ball into the box from the attacking right. Although the first effort was scrambled off the line, the rebound ran to Craig Hutchinson who fired home from ten yards out. The visiting bench celebrated, so too Mrs Powell in the mainstand. Otherwise a stunned silence. Bangor bounced back to win a fifth corner which resulted in an Owain Jones shot hoofed off the line. |
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| As the subs warmed up at half time Marc Lloyd Williams
was summoned to the dressing room as a limping Kenny
Burgess headed for the stand. And inevitably perhaps the
ginger
one immediately threatened the Nomads defence with shot blocked at
close
range after Owain Jones headed down a Ricky Evans cross.
The "Golden Boot" striker quickly gave Bangor a stronger back to goal presence, bringing left wing raiders Alan Goodall and Aled Rowlands into play. Inside three minutes Alan Goodall raced down the left and slid an inviting cross into the six yard area, unhappily Marc Lloyd Williams got a touch which both evaded Lee Hunt and missed the righthand post. On 55 minutes Marc Lloyd Williams hit the post from close range. A minute later a foul on the marksman set up a freekick which Clayton Blackmore saw held from 25 yards. A penalty was finally awarded on the hour when Steve Hopkins handled under pressure. With other potential penalty takers gathering Simon Davies assumed the responsibility and sent Walsh the wrong way to level the scores. With 25 mins remaining veteran Stuart Rain replaced Jon Kenworthy and immediately tested Matthew Parry with a firm header. There then followed a bizarre melee in the visitors box which sprang from a right wing cross and ended up with Owain Jones slipping at the far post, the ball cannoning off him and - after blocked shots - being scrambled away. On 75 mins Craig Lawton was yellow carded for a foul on Marc Lloyd Williams. Then Owain Jones, a growing force on the right wing, headed wide from an Alan Goodall cross. With ten minutes to go City snatched the lead when Marc Lloyd Williams headed home from close range with David Walsh again looking ill at ease. The final minutes were played out with yellow cards displayed by referee Davies before Stuart Rain drove their final chance from wide on the right. |
| Bangor City: Matthew Parry, Aled Rowlands, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Phil Baker, Clayton Blackmore, Owain Jones, Ricky Evans, Lee Hunt, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Marc Lloyd Williams, Gareth Williams,, Anthony Fenton |
| Connahs Quay: D.Walsh, S.Hopkins, D.Tuft,
C.Hutchinson, G.Horan, G.McGosh, A.Griffiths, T.Mutton, C.Lawton, J.Kenworthy, S.Terry Subs: P.Borrowman, S.Rain, C.Butler |
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George Horan |
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| What ended up as a draw was in fact a game dominated -
both in terms of territory and possession - by a Bangor side who ran
the game from midfield. In particular the selection
decison which saw Clayton Blackmore supplement the middle pairing of
Ricky
Evans and Owain Jones gave the blues an edge they held throughout.
Welsh Premier officials asked top ref Ray Ellingham to make the 400 mile round trip from Cardiff to take charge and in the opening ten minutes he might have brandished his yellow plastic as Jarman and French took the man when the ball evaded them. On seven minutes Kenny Burgess raced clear on the right, his cross evaded Marc Lloyd Williams but Lee Hunt made up ground to hook narrowly wide from close in. The eccentric Baruwa then fumbled a Clayton Blackmore freekick at his left post which might have been seized upon by a Bangor foot. Barry countered but current player of the month Chris Short sped in to clamly nod the ball back to Phil Priestley. City won a corner on the right which resulted in noisy penalty appeals from the Farrar End faithful before the powerful Jarman again fouled Lee Hunt whose movement and enthusiasm were unsettling the visiting defence. On 18 minutes City were ahead as the cumbersome Scott Morgan fouled Lee Hunt in the box. With "Shaker" watching from sidelines Ricky Evans stepped up to clout the ball past the Nigerian 'keeper hard and low. However, with City fans still grinning and anticipating a rare win over the Yellow Dragons, the ever dangerous Jamie Moralee pounced on a ball in from the right to rocket a shot past Phil Priestley from 20 yards. With 25 mins gone Marc Lloyd Williams latched onto a lose ball on the right, brushed his way past Morgan before unleashing a thirty yarder which dipped but cleared the bar with Baruwa beaten. Moments later the big keeper was injured as Kenny Burgess contested a fifty-fifty ball but struck the man and not the ball. Again Chris Short defended calmly, alongside him the Eifion Jones and Phil Baker were solid and determined, likewise the immensely talented and versatile Aled Rowlands. Clayton Blackmore intercepted a lose pass to send a 25 yard shot on target but Baruwa held cleanly. Phil Priestley was pleased to see Phil Baker clear a dangerous situation in the Bangor box before Cotterrall fired over from the edge of the box. Then a moment that only Ray Ellingham could explain. Goalkeeper Baruwa gathered the ball to the right of his box, slid out of the area, and then grabbed it again. On standing up he threw the ball out of play to prevent a quick free kick with Kenny Burgess waiting. With the visiting fans fearing the worst the official opted for a yellow card to the anger of the home contingent demanding red! |
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| The first action of the second period again involved
some unpleasant work by the Barry rearguard, notably Gary Lloyd as the
Yellow shirted visitors got to terms with the low sun glaring in their
faces. Another foul led to an overdue yellow card for Jarman who
looked immobile, Clayton Blackmore whizzed in the freekick from wide on
the left which nearly curled inside the far post. Marc Lloyd
Williams then picked up a Clayton Blackmore pass inside the box but
dragged
his shot wide. That was Jiws' final contribution as he was replaced by Gareth Williams, then Chris Short was cautioned for obstruction in midfield, before Gary Lloyd hit the resulting freekick straight at the alert Phil Priestley. Former Port Talbot striker Leon Jeanne then replaced French. When Barry threatened Phil Baker was in the right place and made the right decision, showing good balance and positonal sense. Robust Ricky Evans won the ball on the right edge of the Barry box and lashed a left footer on target but Baruwa held cleanly. Moments later Owain Jones saw the Nigerian scramble his shot away. On 77 mins the eager Simon Davies replaced Clayton Blackmore who had excelled on the left. Immediately "Shaker" combined with Ricky Evans whose shot went well wide. Ricky Evans and Owain Jones continued their grip on the midfield with the young Bangor lad having his best game since that long injury lay off. A counter attack on the left allowed Gary Lloyd a shot on target which Phil Priestley held easily. On 81 minutes Anthony Fenton went on upfront in place of Kenny Burgess, but it was Eifion Jones who had the crowd gasping with a shot from five yards inside his own half which had Baruwa beaten but unfortunately cleared the cross bar. The final incident of the match saw Gary Lloyd cautioned for a mid air collision with Chris Short on the half way line. The whistle went minutes later, and for the first time in years blues supporters applauded what was in effect a disappointing draw having dominated the match. But well played! |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Owain Jones, Aled Rowlands, Eifion Jones, Phil Baker, Chris Short, Marc Lloyd Williams,
Ricky Evans, Lee Hunt, Clayton Blackmore, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Simon Davies, Gareth Williams,, Anthony Fenton |
| Barry Town : Baruwa, Jarman, Lloyd,
Kennedy, Morgan, Phillips, Brown, French, Moralee Ramasut, Cotterrall Subs: Jeanne, Burke, Karl Brown |
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Kenny Brown |
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| A chill evening at Park Hall was warmed by two
outstanding first half goals and finally settled in the
closing stages by substitute Owain Jones. The frost was literally freezing the 300 strong crowd as Bangor quickly established a grip on proceedings as midfielder Clayton Blackmore warmed Danny Embleton's hands from 25 yards, before Marc Lloyd Williams saw his drive blocked by Antrobus. Midway throught the first period the Llanberis lad saw his flicked header drift wide before City went ahead on 25 minutes. A long punt from Eifion Jones on the right was headed on by the leaping Lee Hunt for Marc Lloyd Williams to control and fire home in style. City continued to dominate possession but inevitably Owestry fashioned chances, Mike Maloney ran unchallenged through the blues midfield to fire home from fully 30 yards past a despairing Phil Priestley. There was bad news for City with some five minutes of the first period remaining when Ricky Evans limped off to be replaced by Owain Jones who slotted into his centre midfield berth. This raised the tempo with Chris Short prominent in defence before referee Mike Jones whistled for the interval, hot drinks all round! |
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| Bangor started the brighter after the break, forcing
early corners before Lee Hunt sliced wide when well placed.
The large travelling contingent were cheered by the
onslaught but a combination of determined defence and some slack
finishing
left the scoreline unaltered. Alan Goodall, operating in front of
Aled Rowlands on the left, fired wide and then saw his corner from the
right hit the crossbar! Oswestry replaced young Dean with Paul Wilson, then Alan Goodall's ball down the left was cleared but struck the referee, the ball ran to the maruading Chris Short but he fired wide. The left peg then struck a freekick hard and low but straight at Embleton as time started to run out. With ten minutes remaining Clayton Blackmore strode forward from midfield to strike his shot just over before the decisive moment. On 85 mins City won a corner on the right. Alan Goodall stepped up and sent the kick into the danger zone which Embleton failed to clear. Struggling to keep his feet, former Bangor defender Antrobus scrambled his clearance to Owain Jones who calmly shot into the net. This was tough luck on Oswestry, a jubilant moment for the City fans, and in particular the noisy chanting and singing individual who stood drinking an ice cold drink on an even colder night! |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Aled Rowlands, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Phil Baker, Chris Short, Marc Lloyd Williams,
Ricky Evans, Lee Hunt, Clayton Blackmore, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Gareth Williams, Owain Jones, Anthony Fenton |
| Oswestry Town : D.Embleton, M.Maloney,
G.Curtis, M.Antrobus, M.Hobson, J.Dean, P.Johnson K.Robinson, K.Leach, T.Draper Subs: P.Wilson, J.Black, D.Watkins |
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Mike Maloney |
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| City cruised to a 5-0 win at Victoria Road despite
making a number of changes - mainly positional - from the eleven which
won at Caersws. With Simon Davies injured Clayton Blackmore moved into midfield with Aled Rowlands making a welcome return at leftback. Alan Goodall retained his left wing role with Kenny Burgess stepping in for Owain Jones. Up front Marc Lloyd Wiliams partnered Lee Hunt. Bangor went ahead on 20 mins when Alan Goodall scored from a Keny Burgess cross. Port Talbot threatened early on with Dodds going close and troubling the visiting centrebacks, but the threat gradually subsisded. On 40 mins Clayton Blackmore's superb free kick was inadvertently struck past Gary Wager by home defender Craig Lima, under pressure from Eifion Jones. City comfortably held onto this advantage to lead 2-0 on the night and 4-0 on aggregate. |
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| The second period was dominated
by the midfield pairing of Clayton Blackmore and Ricky Evans, with the
former TNS man picking out right winger Kenny Burgess at will.
'Talbot did not help themselves when Wayne Savage was sent off following a late challenge on Ricky Evans, referee Hames issuing his second yellow card. Minutes later Lee Hunt scored an outstanding goal, a powerful overhead kick from the edge of the box. City boss Peter Davenport then replaced Alan Goodall with Gareth Williams, and then Anthony Fenton for Chris Short and finally Owain Jones for Lee Hunt as time ran out. The fourth goal came from Marc Lloyd Williams before substitute Gareth Williams added a fifth in the final minute to wrap up an emphatic victory for the blues. The 7-0 aggregate scoreline means a League Cup Final showdown with local rivals Rhyl who beat Aberystwyth in the other semi final at Belle Vue. |
| Bangor City: Phil Priestley, Aled Rowlands, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Phil Baker, Chris Short, Marc Lloyd Williams, Ricky Evans, Lee Hunt, Clayton Blackmore, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Gareth Williams, Owain Jones, Anthony Fenton |
| Port Talbot : G.Wager Subs: |
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| Bangor eventually ran out comfortable winners in this
hard fought cup tie, but the fact that Phil Priestley
was City's man of the match suggests that the scoreline was a little
misldeading. City's 'keeper was quickly into action with successive saves from Kevin Scott and Graham Jones in the opening five minutes. Ricky Evans hammered a 25 yard free kick over the Bluebirds bar before Kevin Scott's cleanly struck volley hit the woodwork from fully 30 yards. With the game ebbing end to end Lee Hunt darted in at the near post but lofted over before Clayton Blackmore fired wide from the edge of the box. Scott was proving a threat on the left and Reynolds gaining possesson in midfield as the hosts moved forward wtih Graham Jones and former Aston Villa youngster Andy Marfell going close. However on 31 minutes Bangor took the lead. Alan Goodall, operating on the left wing, ran powerfully past Thomas, the ball ran to Ross Jefferies who supplied Simon Davies on the edge of the box. His left foot special left former City stopper Andy Mulliner grasping thin air as it flew into the net. Moments later Lee Hunt scrambled in at the left hand post but failed to connect with an Owain Jones header down. Buoyed by the strike, and driven on by the silky skills of Simon Davies and the unique blend of power and poise that is Ricky Evans, City had control for the remainder of the first period. Against this Kevin Scott hurled a long throw into the Bangor box which Colin Reynolds headed wide. Then with referee Brian Lawlor contemplating his watch, Clayton Blackmore forced Andy Mulliner to concede a corner with an effort from the half way line. |
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| The blue horde migrated at half
time to fill the space behind the goal in front of the trees.
Inside
two minutes they were watching City's fourth corner of the game create
an opening for towering Eifion Jones which he nodded over.
Marfell
headed off target after Scott and Jehu created an opening on the
left.
The tenacious Chris Short then won an important challenge inside the
Bangor
box to break up another Caersws attack. What was frustrating the hosts was the impeccable handling displayed by Phil Priestley, both from crosses and shots at goal. On 59 minutes Simon Davies shaped to take a freekick on the left. Instead he passed to Clayton Blackmore whose cross caught the home defence napping for Lee Hunt to head home from close range. Caersws struck back through Sean Jehu whose freekick was held by Phil Priestley before City might have extended their lead had Ross Jefferies capitalised on some time and space in the box. Graham Evans sprang to life to shoot low on target but again Priestley was in command. With fifteen minutes remaining both sides made changes with Geraint Lewis replacing Graham Jones and then Ross Jefferies making way for record marksman Marc Lloyd Williams. It was Lewis who was first into action with a header than flew over before Kevin Scott saw his goalbound effort held by the hugely impressive Priestley. Bangor then sent on Kenny Burgess on for Owain Jones before making the game safe on 85 mins. Marc Lloyd Williams exploited space on the left, cut inside a defender and found the corner of the net from ten yards. The travelling blues celebrated the certain victory, Colin Reynolds headed over in a last chance for Caersws, and in the closing minutes Gareth Williams raced on for Clayton Blackmore. A decisive victory in the end, but far closer for much of the match than the final scoreline would suggest. |
| Bangor City: Phil Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Phil Baker, Chris Short, Lee Hunt, Ricky Evans, Ross Jefferies, Simon Davies, Owain Jones. Subs: Gareth Williams, Kenny Burgess, Marc Lloyd Williams |
| Caersws: A.Mulliner, A.Thomas,
S.Jehu, A.Griffiths, H.Clarke, C.Reynolds, K.Scott, A.Marefll,
G.Evans, G.Jones, A.Davies Subs: G.Lewis, D.Pierce, G.Williams |
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| A match punctuated with regular
blasts from fussy referee Jones was always going to be decided on
penalties,
and despite being reduced to ten men in the second half it was Bangor
who
ran out deserved winners. City offered a debut to centreback Phil Baker, with Alan Goodall moving to midfield and Clayton Blackmore shifting to left back. Owain Jones was on the right as Kenny Burgess took up a seat on the bench. The greasy pitch proved difficult for both sides and Lido left back in particular as he was quickly booked aftert a couple of blatant fouls. Fittingly then another transgression, this time in the middle of defence, saw a penalty awarded for a trip on Alan Goodall. Calm as you like Simon Davies converted the chance to the delight of the expectant Farrar End for a 12th minute advantage. Marc Lloyd Williams turned a shot from 25 yards but Thomas held cleanly before Ricky Evans also forced a good stop from the visitors 'keeper. Player of The Month Chris Short emerged from a typical wholehearted challenge in midfield moments after debutant Phil Baker had also won over the City support with a similar tackle. If anything Bangor's midfield were trying to be artistic when the direct approach might have paid off, but City forced a string of corners and might have had another penalty on the half hour after good approach play on the right from Owain Jones. Shaun O'Leary then went close for Lido before another flurry of corners with Clayton Blackmore and the powerful Ricky Evans prominent. The shaven headed Bartley then charged down the left and crossed low into Sasha Walters who flicked the close range opening just wide. City rounded off the stop start first period with a seventh corner as the nit picking Llanelli official left the field to a round of disgruntled noises from both parties. |
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| Attacking the St Pauls End with
a bright sun setting behind the Farrar End and a breeze at their backs,
Bangor seemed well placed for more goals and a clear victory.
Afan
Lido though are competitive and determined and quickly ofrced a corner
which Phil Baker was relieved to concede on the defensive left.
Almost immediately Alan Goodall sent over a left wing cross which Marc Lloyd Williams failed to connect with before running to Clayton Blackmore whose 25 yard strike drifted wide. On 55 minutes Chris Short won the ball on the right, ran at goal before sliding a ball inside the fullback which Owain Jones latched onto but his cross was scooped up by Thomas. On the hour goalkeeper Thomas sliced a clearance which Alan Goodall struck from the half way line, but his Beckamesque strike drifted to the left with the 'keeper well beaten. On 63 mins it was all square as Kevin Bartlett appeared to be tripped in the box by Eifion Jones, stood up and beat Phil Priestley despite the City keeper guessing the right way. This heralded a series of cautions as Ricky Evans, Simon Davies and Alan Goodall argued that the striker had dived. In the middle of this dispute Lee Hunt replaced Marc Lloyd Williams on 65 minutes and five minutes later Alan Goodall was sent off for a second offence, a late challenge on the Lido centreback Carl Evans. Down to ten men City rallied and took the game to the visitors. The impressive Phil Baker ran out of defence and evaded a lunge from O'Leary that earned him a yellow card. On 75 mins Lee Hunt was hauled down in the six yard box for a second penalty. Despite an indifferent performance referee Jones was willing to make the big decisions, and Simon Davies again slotted home although Thomas was much closer this time. Bangor had the lead and were now determined to keep it, the tiring Chris Short earned a standing ovation as his trudged off to be replaced by Kenny Burgess. Owain Jones flashed a shot on target but Thomas clutched the ball in his midrift. With five minutes to go Dave Lewis replaced Carl Evans but Lido could not find a way through as new signing Phil Baker and defensive partner Eifion Jones stood firm. |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Phil
Baker, Chris
Short, Marc Lloyd Williams, Ricky Evans, Ross Jefferies, Simon Davies, Owain Jones. Subs: Gareth Williams, Kenny Burgess, Lee Hunt |
| Afan Lido : B.Thomas, S.Walters,
S.Parry, P.Evans, C.Evans, A.Rickard, A.Pearson, C.Pridham,
K.Bartley, S.O'Leary, L.McReesh Subs: D.Platt, D.Lewis, M.Patten |
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| Bangor took the lead in the third minute and eased to a
comfortable win which emphasised the gulf between top and bottom Welsh
Premier clubs. It was the livewire Alan Goodall whose freekick was turned away for a corner which Simon Davies took from the right. Everyone watched the ball land in the 'Pool box but only Ross Jefferies reacted to tap in from close range. Ben Kinsey then found himself clear on goal but he hesitated and allowed Phil Priestley to charge off his line and smother the effort. Kenny Burgess was causing havoc on the right - with Gareth Williams equally effective on the left - both were prominent in winning a stream of corners. Welshpool were hampered by the loss of midfield Mark Roberts on the quarter hour as he departed to be replaced by young striker Marc Griffiths. On 22 minutes a fourth corner was half cleared to Alan Goodall whose sweet volley found the bottom corner of the net from fully 25 yards. City were quickly in for a decisive third on 26 minutes when another corner was cleared to Kenny Burgess whose return found Simon Davies to fire home from 12 yards. However Welshpool were dangerous on the break and a minute later Ben Kinsey galloped onto a through ball from former Newtown midfielder Mark Thomas to beat Phil Priestley from the edge of the box. Marc Griffiths was proving a handful for the blues defence who, fortunately, were able to group around him in numbers when danger threatened. Immediately Marc Lloyd Williams gathered the ball barely six yards out but Steve Goodwin pulled off a tremendous low save. Within minutes Marc Lloyd Williams headed over from a Simon Davies cross which was the final act of the first period. |
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| The first incident of the second period saw Ricky Evans
thrash a free kick just wide from 25 yards before the fourth a final
goal of the afternoon. A seventh corner for Bangor was cleared by the blues came back with Kenny Burgess crossing from the right to Marc Lloyd Williams whose shot was parried by Goodwin for Ross Jefferies to bag his second of the match from close range. The tricky Gareth Williams was proving too hot to handle for the Black & Whites and his clever curling effort sailed a foot over from 25 yards. Kenny Burgess saw his shot saved for another corner before the hosts made a double substitution with Lance Parkes and schoolboy Gareth Jones replacing Craig Saunders and Rob Cookson. Ricky Evans fired another freekick over from distance before City also made a double substitution with Anthony Fenton and Lee Hunt replacing Clayton Blackmore and Marc Lloyd Williams. Seconds later the hugely impressive Simon Davies crossed onto Ross Jefferies head but his effort slipped wide. Joel Kinsey was carded for a rough and ready end to another Gareth Williams run which generated another freekick which Ricky Evans placed narrowly wide of the left post. On 80 minutes Lee Hunt also headed wide from a Kenny Burgess cross before Simon Davies left the field with a slight hamstring pull. With Owain Jones also declarfed unfit City played out the final ten minutes with ten men - to no visible disadvantage. There was still time for the visitors to fource an eleventh and final corner but to no avail. A comprehensive win for Bangor, a spirited display from Welshpool who had no real answer to Ricky Evans and Simon Davies in centre midfield. They would though be encouraged by a promising display from young striker Marc Griffiths who troubled the City rearguard with his pace, control and general enthusiasm. |
| Bangor City: Phil Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Gareth Williams, Chris Short, Marc Lloyd Williams, Ricky Evans, Ross Jefferies, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Anthony Fenton, Owain Jones, Lee Hunt |
| Welshpool Town : Goodwin, M.Thomas,
Saunders, Ingram, G.Windsor, J.Kinsey, M.Roberts, G.Evans,
B.Kinsey,C.Roberts, Cookson. Subs: Parkes, M.Griffths, G.Jones |
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| City take a 2-0 advantage into the second leg at
Victoria Road in a fortnight thanks to a late Lee Hunt strike which
left the hard working visitors deflated as the final whistle blew.
But Bangor were often forced onto the back foot with the powerful Mark Dodds causing problems for the home rearguard. City keeper Phil Priesltey was forced into action before Ricky Evans sent a 25 yard power drive on target but veteran Gary Wager pulled off a superb save. Bangor might have taken the lead when Wager and his defence managed to repel three efforts on target from Kenny Burgess, Ricky Evans and Ross Jefferies. On 34 minutes City took the lead. Midfield supremo Ricky Evans supplied Marc Lloyd Williams on the left who checked inside before chipping Wager from outside the box. Both sides had their chances but Bangor took a slender advantage into the second period. |
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| Both sides needed a goal and so the match swung from
end to end. Port Talbot nearly hit back with Phil Priestley making impressive saves from midfielder Wayne Savage and then substitute Alan Clark. Alan Goodall was also on hand to effect a goalline clearance when Talbot thought they had finally beaten the City stopper. Right back Chris Short was to the fore as pressure mounted on the home defence. As time ran out City boss Peter Davenport used all three substitutes, the tiring Ross Jefferies being replaced by Lee Hunt, then Gareth Williams for Kenny Burgess and versatile Anthony Fenton for Marc Lloyd Williams. It looked as if time had run out, but one of the three replacements had other ideas. Owain Jones gathered the ball on the left, looked up and picked out Lee Hunt in the centre, whose close range header beat Wager for a crucial second strike. A 14th goal of the season for the striker and his fifth in the league cup. The final whistle blew with the visitors visibly stunned by this late, decisive blow. |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Owain
Jones, Chris
Short, Marc Lloyd Williams, Ricky Evans, Ross Jefferies, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Anthony Fenton, Gareth Williams, Lee Hunt |
| Port Talbot : Wager, Folland,
Hanford, Cockings, G.Davis, Bird, Wigley, Savage, Dodds, A.Jones,
Sherman Subs: Ryan, Matthews, Clark |
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| Three more points - the unbeaten start to the new year
continues - but this entertaining contest owed
much to the spirit and attitude of the West Wales visitors.
Bangor won a corner inside thirty seconds as they attacked the St Pauls End, aided by a stiff breeze and driven on by the powerful figure of Ricky Evans in midfield. But on the quarter hour Wyn Thomas found the galloping Jon Keaveney who exploited the space at the centre of the Bangor defence to calmly beat Phil Priestley from fifteen yards. Carmarthen continued to work hard, with the shaven headed Dale Price prominent in midfield, and it was his dipping volley that skimmed the Bangor bar before young Owen Thomas forced a superb save from Phil Priestley who pushed the ball over as he fell back towards his own line. City hit back for Ross Jefferies to hit the post after good work from Ricky Evans and Simon Davies on the left. The visitors defensive work begain to look more desperate as Owain Jones struck a volley just over from the edge of the box and clearances failed to effect much of a relief. On the half hour City were level as Ricky Evans squared the ball to Alan Goodall whose 25 yard low drive eluded the flat footed Williams. Moments later Eifion Jones ventured forward and saw his right footed effort skim the bar from the edge of the box, but end up amongst the St Paul supporters. Owain Jones again went close with a twenty yard dipper With five minutes remaining City went ahead for the first time when Simon Davies slid the ball to Kenny Burgess on the left whose cross was confidently turned home by Marc Lloyd Williams with Williams again a touch slow to react. Carmarthen struck back immediately as Dale Price saw his fierce volley palmed over by Phil Priestley. The corner was taken quickly for Wyn Thomas to exploit non existent marking to head home from six yards. City tried to respond through Alan Goodall but his left footed strike flew narrowly wide before referee KL Morris whistled for the break. |
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| With Bangor fans hoping for a positive start it was
Carmarthen who nearly took the lead. With Keaveny and Lee Thomas
shooting on target home custodian Phil Priestley made an astonishing
triple save, the first from a 20 yard drive, the second from eight
yards and then third - whilst conceding the corner - from closer still. Leftback Steve Devonald became more prominent for the visitors as the second half progressed, but it was a mistake - and trip - by the towering O'Brien which nearly put City ahead. His foul on Kenny Burgess provided a freekick which found Eifion Jones who mishit across goal before Ricky Evans crashed an effort just wide. On the hour Bangor took the lead when a cross from Kenny Burgess was flicked on to Marc Lloyd Williams whose right footed effort was deflected by 'keeper Williams for Ross Jefferiesto slot home. Eifion Jones and Chris Short were enjoying impressive performances in the City rearguard, both showing bravery and aggression when required. On seventy minutes Lee Thomas was replaced by Tim Hicks, then on eighty a double substitution as Bangor sent on Anthony Fenton and Lee Hunt for Owain Jones and Marc Lloyd Williams. The irrepressible Hunt sent Kenny Burgess in on goal but Williams made a fine save, Simon Davies pounced on the parry but sent his effort high and wide. Another substitution for Town saw Steffan Davies replace Owen Thomas before Kenny Burgess blazed over from ten yards. In the final moments a Kenny Burgess cross from the right found Lee Hunt at the back post but his header scraped narrowly wide. The final whistle blew, City deserved winners, but ran very close by the Black & Ambers whose spirit and footballing ethic impressed the home crowd. Credit too for the warm applause afforded by the travelling contingent as the visitors left the field after a brief "warm down" session. |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Owain
Jones, Chris
Short, Marc Lloyd Williams, Ricky Evans, Ross Jefferies, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Anthony Fenton, Gareth Williams, Lee Hunt |
| Carmarthen Town : Williams,
Meredith, Devonald, W.Thomas, O'Brien, Barnhouse, O.Thomas, Price,
Keaveny, L.Thomas, Ryan Subs: Hicks, Davies, Morgan, |
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| A hard fought victory for a Bangor, pressed into the
final moments by an Aber side determined not to forfeit
their fine ubeaten run. Marc Lloyd Williams came in for flu victim Lee Hunt which simplified Peter Davenports selection headache. The hosts started the stronger and Anthony Wright missed an early chance created by Lee Spike's cross from the left. On ten minutes City won a corner as Greens 'keeper Mike Kinsella fumbled a ball at his near post. A half chance fell to Eifion Jones but the Llanrug lad could not quite capitalise in front of the noisy Dias Stand. The Blues line up allowed Owain Jones to continue his comeback on the right, forming a considerable obstacle for dangerous wingback Mark Duckett. Kenny Burgess enjoyed a productive afternoon on the left. Paul Abbott then forced a superb low save from Phil Priestley with a curling right footed shot from the left. Aber forced a second corner instantly but the blue line held firm. Alan Goodall was getting forward to good effect on the left and his low cross caused uncertainty before Abbott again went close after clever approach play from Wright who run and pull back opened up the city defence. In the closing five minutes of the first period City built up some pressure as left winger Kenny Burgess won a corner which Aber struggled to clear. Simon Davies lofted the ball back into the box, Ricky Evans picked up the half clearance and was fouled by Abbott. Up stepped Alan Goodall whose left footed curler seemed destined for the bottom corner but instead span inches wide. On the stroke of half time Glyndwr Hughes raced down the right and sent in a high cross which Lee Spike met infront of goal but his effort flew off target. |
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| As half time drew to a close a large number of City
fans gathered behind Kinsellas goal. The first
incident was scarcely credible when Kenny Burgess roared into a 50-50
challenge with Gary Finley and left the player boss injured by the
corner
flag. Referee John Collins rightly yellow carded the offender but
the "tough as teak" Aber defender was soon back in action.
On 55 minutes City were ahead with the winger once more involved. Gary Finley's forward pass was intercepted by Ricky Evans whose clearance to the left struck Tony Smith. The lose ball was gathered by the flying Kenny Burgess who ran on goal to slide the ball past Kinsella and into the gaping net, much to the delight of the blue horde. Two minutes later Marc Lloyd Williams headed wide and then Ross Jefferies pounced on some indecision in the box to sieze on the ball but fire to close to Kinsella who held cleanly. Aber were far from finished though and manager Gary Finley headed over from a cross. The City defence held firm with Eifion Jones and the peerless Clayton Blackmore outstanding, ably assisted as ever by Chris Short and the springheeled Alan Goodall. As the match moved on both Ricky Evans and Simon Davies gained a measure of control in midfield with the restless Kenny Burgess impressing as the outlet on the leftwing. With ten minutes to go Marc Lloyd Williams failed to convert a back post opening created by Alan Goodal on the left, then Owain Jones struck a 20 yarder on target which Kinsella held comfortably. City won a freekick 20 yards out to the left as Gari Lewis fouled Ricky Evans, then Marc Lloyd Williams' lob saw Ross Jefferies head downwrds and nearly into the net as Kinsella slipped on his line. Into injury time, and the almost inevitable last chance for Aber. A corner from the left met by Finley whose point blank blast was held by Phil Priestley with the Dias Stand ready to cheer an equaliser. That was the final action and the blues contingent could celebrate a tremendous away win, three points and - when other results came through - a positive start to the new year. |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Owain
Jones, Chris
Short, Marc Lloyd Williams, Ricky Evans, Ross Jefferies, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Anthony Fenton, Gareth Williams, Steve Owen |
| Aberystwyth : Kinsella, Burrows,
Duckett, G. Lewis, Finley, B.Morgan, G.Hughes, Abbott, Wright, Smith,
Spike Subs: Allen, Olaleye, |
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| With Marc Lloyd Williams watching from the touchline
twin strikers Ross Jefferies and Lee Hunt scored the goals which keep
City in third place. Also on a positive note Owain Jones stepped
in when Clayton Blackmore withdrew through injury.
The first half was pretty much one way traffic with Bangor making - and largely wasting - a series of openings against a flimsy Caernarfon defence. With a low sun setting behind the Farrar End Canaries keeper Ian Wilcox was up against it from the start, although an early save from Phil Priestley kept Frank Mottram's well placed header out by his right post. The first two chances fell to Alan Goodall and then Ricky Evans whose freekick and shot respectively had Wilcox srambling around his goal. On ten minutes Owain jones drifted in from the right but dragged his shot across goal, then on 20 mins the hard working Lee Hunt escaped down the left to set up left winger Kenny Burgess with a neat pull back but his effort struck the upright. The out of sorts Burgess then sliced his shot wide after Ricky Evans had slotted the ball into his path on the left. Craig Hogg was then booked for a foul on Lee Hunt who promptly forced a good save from Wilcox. The ensuing corner saw the ball pass untouched along the goal line with Eifion Jones missing a close range chance. Phil Priestley made a good save from an overhead kick before punting a long clearance for Lee Hunt to chase. Ross Jefferies was then cautioned for a late challenge on Craig Hogg. Ricky Evans went close on 35 mins before City finally went ahead on the stroke of half time. Simon Davies placed an inviting ball for Kenny Burgess on the left behind right back Roberts. Burgess in turn took the ball at pace and set up Ross Jefferies who clean strike flew past Wilcox from twelve yards. |
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| Caernarfon started the brighter in the second period
and Phil Priestley did well to thwart Dan Barton whose clean run on
goal ended in a goalkick. But on 50 mins Frank Mottram latched
onto a through ball from Rogers to fire hard and low past Phil
Priestley to level the scores. Wilcox was becoming a Jekyll & Hyde figure, mixing up some excellent saves with woeful clearances, one of which set up Owain Jones but the 'keeper was back in position to hold the shot. Aled Rowlands then crossed from the left but Ross Jefferies headed wide. Eifion Jones had to be alert to concede a corner on the right, whilst Chris Short was getting the better of a tussle with Dan Barton. On the hour Ricky Evans, a massive presence in the Bangor engine room, charged through to fire a rocket which struck the inside of the post and raced out to Owain Jones, but the cross was eventually cleared. Minutes later Aled Rowlands was injured and had to be replaced by Anthony Fenton with Alan Goodall moving out to leftback. Phil Priestley then mishit a clearance but made a wonderful save to keep out a Carl Rogers drive from more than 25 yards. Again Eifion Jones showed good awareness to close down Scott Millington on the left. On 75 mins City regained the lead. Lee Hunt fired a remarkable overhead kick past Wilcox from 15 yards with the visitors defence bemused. Moments later Owain Jones was understandably replaced by Gareth Williams. Two minutes after his goal Lee Hunt forced a superb low save from Wilcox and then flicked an Alan Goodall cross narrowly wide. In injury time Lee Hunt grabbed his second when Ricky Evans worked the ball back from the deadball line to set up a close range tap in which wrapped up the scoring. |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Owain Jones, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Aled
Rowlands, Chris Short, Lee Hunt, Ricky Evans, Ross Jefferies, Simon
Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Anthony Fenton, Chris Moores, Gareth Williams |
| Caernarfon : Wilcox, Roberts,
Millington, Hogg, Brandreth, Tamm, Peters, Rogers, Barton, Mottram,
Williams Subs: Smyth, Pyrs, Towey |
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| A draw at Cwmbran is never a bad result but City
created enough chances to have come away with all three points which
would have been a fairer reflection of the balance of play.
Both teamed had early opprtunities to take the lead. Phil Priestley was in the thick of the action as one goalbound effort hit the bar and then he made a fine save from Chris Summers who had broken clear of the City cover. Defender Neil Smothers sent a shot wide of the City goal from long range before City got into their strike. At the other end Ellacot was also busy as he got the better of Ross Jefferies twice and saw an effort from the lively Lee Hunt miss the target from ten yards. City won corners on the right which Alan Goodall delivered with menace but The Crows defence stood firm, as did the defensive wall when the leftback moved struck the ball powerfully into their number later in the match. On the half hour Maiinwaring was caught by the enthusiastic Lee Hunt when attempting to win back possession, the defender was replaced by Howe. Half time fell with a subdued atmosphere, worsened by the drizzle which dampened the spirits of the travelling blues who had to chose between watching from the main stand 40 yards back from play or getting closer and wetter! |
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| With the Bangor midfield was not exerting its usual
dominance, the forward pair Lee Hunt and Ross Jefferies were working
hard for little reward. The chief frustration was the final ball which
often lacked the accuracy needed to give the forwards a clear
opportunity. Home attacker Anthony Wright had the first opening of the second period but his shot was comfortably saved by Phil Priestley. Second half freekicks came and went in good attacking positions, with Ricky Evans takin gover from Alan Goodall but without success. As time ran out a chance fell to Lee Hunt but the young striker sent his effort flash narrowly wide. In the closing minutes City introduced Chris Moores for Lee Hunt but to no avail. It ended up all square on an afternoon of missed chances on an increasingly difficult playing surface as the rain set in with a purpose. The one bright spot for City was the inclusion on the bench of young midfielder Owain Jones, with the promise of more active involvement over the festive period. |
| Bangor City: Phil Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Aled Rowlands, Chris Short, Lee Hunt, Ricky Evans, Ross Jefferies, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Anthony Fenton, Chris Moores, Owain Jones |
| Cwmbran : Ellacott, Carter,
Smothers, Mainwairing, Wharton, Welsh, Summers, Moore, Dunn, Wright,
Watkins. Subs: Parrimore, Howe, Jenkins |
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| A hard fought win for a Bangor side
who never really got our of first gear but were worth the three points
largely due to the limitations of the opposition.
However it was the visitors who might have taken the lead on three minutes when former Rhayader midfielder Colin Loss saw his shot cleared off the line by Chris Short. Moments later Rhys Griffiths also went close as the home side looked uneasy at the back. City forced a couple of corners but did not threaten Gary Hamam and on 17 mins Griffiths again swung a boot from 30 yards which hit the post with Phil Priestley in close proximity. City's first serious opportunity fell to Chris Moores who hooked the ball high over the bar. Moments later Kenny Burgess won a freekick on the right which was driven across and nearly yielded an own goal as County looked nervous in their own area. As the ball was cleared Ricky Evans and Colin Loss became embroiled in a disagreement which led to referee Kevin Parry "yellow carding" both. Within minutes Lee Hunt was also carded - more harshly perhaps - for contesting a 50-50 ball with Hamam. By this stage Alan Goodall has switched from centreback to midfield with Anthony Fenton lining up alongside Eifion Jones. This worked well for both, with the left footer supplying Chris Moores whose low shot earned a corner. Anthony Fenton got to heavy a touch on the place kick but he generally looked happier in defence. Kenny Burgess then dragged wide from a good position on the right before City finally took the lead. On 44 mins Estyn Chieverton fell as he lunged at a bouncing ball, and as he fell scooped the ball with his hand. Ref Parry was well placed to award the penalty which Ricky Evans boomed home with training ground ease. There was still time for Ricky Evans to blast a 35 yard freekick on target which Hamam spilt but Eifion Jones hit the opening straight at the grateful keeper. |
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| Five minutes into the second period the luckless Gareth
Williams hobbled off to be replaced by Ross Jefferies. Bangor
forced a couple of corners but offered no real threat. The
dominant force in the game was Aled Rowlands whose composure and
awareness lit up a bleak afternoon, turning defence into attack with
ease. On the hour Chris Moores was replaced by Paul Sellars who slotted into right midfield. With an quarter of an hour remaining Kenny Burgess hit the target with a powerful drive which Hamam saved one handed and within a minute the lead was doubled. Alan Goodall seized on the ball in midfield, ran at goal and saw his crisp drive evade Hamam and settle in the bottom left corner of the net on 76 mins. With ten minutes remaining Paul Sellars nodded the ball to Alan Goodall but his sho tflashed wide from then yards. On 85 mins Hookings replaced Jones and not one supporter clapped, the first time in my memory. There was scarcely a polite applause on 88 mins when County pulled on back as Chris O'Sullivan found time and space on the right to beat Phil Priestley from 12 yards. That was enough to ensure an unpleasant last few minutes for the home fans but in fairness County did not seriously threaten to grab a point and the final whistle blew. |
| Bangor City: Phil Priestley, Gareth Williams, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Aled Rowlands, Chris Short, Lee Hunt, Ricky Evans, Chris Moores, Anthony Fenton , Kenny Burgess. Subs: Clayton Blackmore, Ross Jefferies, Paul Sellars |
| County : Hamam, Gilderdale, Blain,
Harris, Chiverton, Rees, O'Sullivan, Adams, Griffiths, Loss, Jones
Subs: Hookings, Hudgel, Price |
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| City crashed out of the Premier Cup as they failed to
beat a Newport side who fought back from being a goal down at the
interval to secure a quarter final berth. It was to their credit
that County were urged on by a noisy following who added to the
atmosphere as the match drew to an exciting finale.
Bangor will rue failing to capitalise on their early dominance which generated five corners in the opening 20 minutes. The first of these came after Simon Davies forced a low save from Pat Mountain after Kenny Burgess and the impressive Chris Short had fashioned an opening on the right. The same two combined again to set up Burgess moments later to force a third corner as Mountain became the focus of attention. Aled Rowlands ran purpoefully down the left flank to force a fourth and fifth corner in quick succession but Ross Jefferies failed to muster any power into his ten yards shot. County forced their way upfield to force a couple of corners on twenty minutes when Alan Goodall made a crucial goal line clearance. With the match swinging from end to end Simon Davies and engine room partner Ricky Evans were at the hub of most of Bangor's better moves. For the visitors No 6 Nathan Davies caught the eye both in defence and attack where he launched a dipping, curling strike from 25 yards which Phil Priestley, who had a fine game, did well to pluck out of the air. City forced a couple more corners before Raith Plant fired across goal when Shepherd was awaiting a cross. Then on 44 mins City had the lead. Lee Hunt was fouled by Plant whose clumsy challenge sent the young striker sprawling. Midfielder Simon Davies stepped up to convert the penalty kick past Mountainwith with ease. |
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| City started the second period attacking the St Pauls
End with a sense of confidence and determination. Early openings
fell to Ross Jefferies and then to Ricky Evans whose 30 yard
screamer dipped just over the bar. Newport responded by pushing centreback Jeff Eckhardt into the forward line. It was his pass which sought out Gary Shepherd who made the most of some slack defending to beat Phil Priestley from close range. Minutes later Alan Goodall scooped the ball of the line as County nearly took the lead. Bangor seemed temporarily stunned and Shepherd grew in confidence as his side held onto possession and took the wind out of City's sails. The initiative was seized when Simon Davies swept a glorious crossfield ball to Aled Rowlands on the right. His cross found Kenny Burgess but Mountain saved low to his right. On 74 mins Anthony Fenton replaced the injured Clayton Blackmore in the heart of the defence. With ten minutes to go City built up the pressure as Lee Hunt just failed to get on a touch on a right wing cross. The impressive Aled Rowlands was causing havoc, ably assisted by Chris Short, but all too often the openings made were not taken. With even minutes to go Ricky Evans struck a superb crossfield ball out to Aled Rowlands on the right. The Valley lad gathered the ball and crossed right footed for Lee Hunt whose "back to goal" effort was brilliantly saved by Mountain's outstretched hand. With five minutes remaining Kenny Burgess was replaced by Chris Moores, but it was Phil Priestley and Anthony Fenton who combined to clear after some defensive indecision. Moments later, with City unhinged once again by a long clearance, Gary Shepherd was foiled by Phil Priestley. There was still time for Eifion Jones, who had pushed upfield, to head just over and finally for Ross Jefferies to see his close range effort cleared off the line. No hard luck stories, no complaints about the ref. Credit to Newport and their fans. |
| Bangor City: Phil Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Aled Rowlands, Chris Short, Lee Hunt, Ricky Evans, Ross Jefferies, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Chris Moores, Craig Roberts, Gareth Williams, Anthony Fenton, Darren Jones |
| Newport : Mountain, Perry, Walker,
Eckhardt, Thomas, Davies, Stevenson, Flower, Plant, Shepherd, Powers
Subs: Dupres, Hart, Jones, Stone |
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| TNS are now Welsh Premier title favourites after an
impressibe win at Farrar Road, but this match will be remembered for
some truly woeful refereeing which makes a nonesense of
the "Premier" caption. However it should be said that TNS were
deserved
winners as they won practically every fifty fifty ball and competed
with
commitment from start to finish and front to back.
The first opening of note fell to Chris Moores inside ten minutes but unfortunately the chance went begging, next John Toner sent over a cross from the right which Phil Priestley was relieved to push over as it dipped under the bar. Moments later the visitors forced a good save from City's keeper as the bulky Anthrobus caused problems for the blues defence. On twenty minutes Ross Jefferies thought he was about to score but the outstanding Steve Evans threw himself in the way before City won - and wasted - a freekick on the edge of the Greens box as Taylor fouled Clayton Blackmore. On 25 minutes TNS went ahead when Clayton Blackmore was harshly penalised on the left wing. The low free kick evaded Phil Priestley and Steve Evans exploited the uncertainty to score from close range. Minutes later John Toner might have doubled the disavantage when he failed to capitalise on a week back pass. City fought back and a deep cross from Chris Moores was met by Ross Jefferies whose header flashed wide. Then controvesy. Chris Moores outpaced the plodding Chris Taylor who pulled the young striker back a couple of yards outside the box. He was last man and should have seen red, but as Evans had covered back after the incident Referee Southall used his yellow card instead. To say this incensed the home fans would be about right. Five minutes before the interval Clayton Blackmore was yellow carded for a foul on Anthrobus, which again seemed a little harsh. However the fact that the Lewisham Lump was allowed to barge City's No 2 over with no retribution - okay it was never a red card offence - was again annoying. The final action though saw TNS on the attack with Chris Short, a lesson in industry and perspiration, block a goalbound effort. |
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| Five minutes after the restart Alan Goodall struck a 30
yard shot on target but the confident Dean Williams saved
comfortably. Phil Priestley then made a brilliant point blank
stop from Justin Perry after a mis-understanding had let the former
Cardiff man in on goal. Anthrobus was barging and attempting to
tackle, a big difference from the apathetic figure in green last
season. His lack of timing was again ignored.
The giant Anthrobus hit the bar with a clean header before City embarked on their best move of the game. Chris Short won the ball on the right and supplied Ross Jefferies who lay off let in Chris Moores but his shot was gathered by Williams. Both Anthony Fenton and Ricky Evans sent long range efforts towards goal but, unhappily, the former Saint was clearly handicapped by a leg injury. Ths was City's best spell of the game with the livewire Aled Rowlands swapping wings with Kenny Burgess to good effect. The Valley lad was causing problems for the big TNS back three as he exploited space left by the wingback. Anthrobus had been sailing close to the wind - albeit with a blind eye from the officials - so it was no surprise when he was replaced by former Oswestry striker Steve Rogers on 67 mins as City brought Lee Hunt on for Anthony Fenton. Moments later - on 70 minutes - more controvesy and rank bad officiating. Phil Priestley went to take a freekick outside his box but a TNS striker - within five yards of the ball - blocked the clearance which ran to John Toner who scored with ease. City boss Peter Davenport was sent to the stand by Ref Southall as even the visiting contingent looked on in disbelief; truly abysmal. This would have passed for farce in less upsetting circumstances. With belief suspended and nonesense in charge, pointlessly City fans launced a verbal tirade against the podgy linesman who must be looking forward to nice new computer. On 82 mins Paul Sellars made a welcome re-appearance as Clayton Blackmore limped off, and did well at centreback alongside Eifion Jones. There was still time for Steve Rogers to escape unpunished from a body check on Phil Priestley and from Chris Moores to find himself on goal twice but to no avail. Ross Jefferies sent a header wide as City's final chance - three in five minutes of injury time - slipped away. Southall left the field to chants of "cheat cheat cheat". Ken McKenna shook hands with some familiar faces and one Llansantffraid "old boy" reckoned the referee could not disallow the second goal because he was not watching! |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Aled
Rowlands, Chris Short, Chris Moores, Ricky Evans, Ross Jefferies, Anthony Fenton , Kenny Burgess. Subs: Lee Hunt, Gareth Williams, Paul Sellars |
| TNS : Williams, Bridgewater, King,
Holmes, Steve Evans, Taylor, Ruscoe, Perry, Anthrobus, Toner, Leah
Subs: Wood, Rogers, Wilde |
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| City must win their final Group A match to qualify for
the quarter final stages after this disappointing home defeat against a
Connahs Quay side who were already out of the reckoning.
The first action of note fell on 8 mins when Andy Griffiths was yellow carded. To make matters worse for City midfielder Ricky Evans and striker Chris Moores were injured and were forced off the pitch. In a drab first half Ricky Evans went close for City before the visitors struck twice in the closing stages to open up a 0-2 interval lead. The first came from veteran Stuart Rain on 43 minutes and deep into injury time former City favourite Tommy Mutton netted a decisive second. However of equal concern was the departure of the injured Chris Moores five minutes before the interval when he was replaced by top scorer Lee Hunt. |
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| The second period saw little improvement and hopes
faded when Ricky Evans left the field to be replaced by the hero of
Port Talbot Gareth Williams. Referee Bodenham was busy througout
the second period showing his yellow card on six occasions, only once
to
a home player - Alan Goodall - on the hour. Home fans were incensed when Tommy Mutton ran through from a clear offside position to score a third goal. At least this served to inspire Bangor who suddenly forced their way into the match. On 76 minutes left winger Darren Jones replaced the tiring Ross Jefferies. On 78 mins right winger Kenny Burgess lobbed Walsh to reduce the deficit. Then on 86 mins Nomads young defender Carl Butler fouled Lee Hunt in the box to concede a late penalty. Simon Davies stroked the spot kick home but there was not enough time for Bangor to force an aqualiser as referee Bodenham atoned for his lengthy extension of the first period by blowing on 46 mins. By then the names of Mutton, Kenworthy, Hutchinson, Terry and Tuft had been added to those yellow carded, most in the closing stages. |
| Bangor City: Phil Priestley, Anthony Fenton, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Aled Rowlands, Chris Short, Chris Moores, Ricky Evans, Ross Jefferies, Simon Davies , Kenny Burgess. Subs: Lee Hunt, Gareth Williams, Darren Jones, Steve Owen |
| Connahs Quay : Walsh, Lawton, Tuft,
Hopkins, Horan, Mazzarella, Griffths, Mutton, Rain, Kenworthy, Terry
Subs: Butler, Arkle, Chambers, Roberts, Borrowman |
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| A hard fought victory on a slippy, damp Victoria Road
ground gave City's title hopes a timely boost. The team news saw Gareth Williams on the bench after returning from injury with Clayton Blackmore fit to resume. The mist and drizzle, blown by a light breeze, favoured Bangor in the first period but it was Phil Priestley who made the first telling contribution with a low save from Dodds. The big 'Talbot striker was closely marked by Eifion Jones who had a solid match in the heart of the blues defence. City's first corner was won midway through the half. The ball was pulled back to Clayton Blackmore whose first time strike was blocked before it could reach the veteran Wager. Leftback Allan Clark then hit a 20 yard freekick at Phil Priestley which the City keeper held cleanly. Port Talbot pushed forward but met stern resistance from Chris Short on the City right before Chris Moores flicked a shot from Ricky Evans narrowly off target. Then Ross Jefferies went close when Chris Moores raced down the right and crossed to the near post where the former Gresford youngster had escaped his marker. The closing five minutes saw Alan Goodall yellow carded for a foul on Jason Bird. Finally Ross Jefferies gathered the ball close to the half way line before unleashing a 35 yard effort which the visibly injured Wager held cleanly. Level at half time was just about right, City would have been pleased to have a clean sheet based on sound defence and the powerhouse contribution of Ricky Evans and Anthony Fenton. |
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| The question amongst the travelling blues was how
playing into the elements would affect City. The hope
was that Port Talbot would overhit their passes and the gusting wind
would
unsettle the home sides defence. To a large degree this just
about
worked out. Port Talbot took advantage of the backing but Eifion Jones, Chris Short and Phil Priestley - who held a sharp catch from a sliced defensive header - resisted well. City's hopes seem to fade on 62 minutes when the hard working Clayton Blackmore left the field to be replaced by Gareth Williams, making his first appearance since the Sartid Racecourse fixture in August. The little winger slotted in at left wing, Aled Rowlands moved to leftback and Alan Goodall lined up alongside the towering Eifion Jones. Two minutes later - on 64 - City were ahead. The inspirational Chris Short charged down the right and sent in a curling cross which left Wager stranded on his line. Left winger Gareth Williams arrived at the back post to drive home low into the net to the delight of the travelling contingent. What a return for the Gresford lad after months of injury misery! Again Chris Short was prominent as City exploited the Port Talbot left. On one such charge past two home defenders resulted in a menacing low cross into the home box which Wager gathered low. On 75 mins the hard working Anthony Fenton was carded for a foul then referee Whitby had to talk to Chris Short and former Aberystwyth wideman Hayden Fleming for a brief disagreement. In the closing ten minutes Bangor forced a couple of corners with Ross Jefferies in the thick of things. A ten yard shot from Anthony Fenton forced the second before Chris Moores hit the underside of the bar from eight yards. On 88 minutes he had his revenge when a long clearance down the left found Chris Moores who kept his cool to slot home past Wager with Ross Jefferies for company. With the victory assured the blue horde could enjoy the closing minutes and celebrate a hard fought but worthy victory with some chanting and lively support. Also a mention for the developing understanding between City's young frontmen Ross Jefferies and Chris Moores who augurs well for the months ahead. |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Aled
Rowlands, Chris Short, Chris Moores, Ricky Evans, Ross Jefferies, Anthony Fenton, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Gareth Williams, Craig Roberts, Steve Owen |
| Port Talbot : Wager, Folland, Clark,
Cockings, G.Davies, Lima, Bird, Fleming, Dodds, Jeanne, Matthews
Subs: Ryan, Wigley, A.Jones |
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| Bangor eased to a 2-0 win over
Cefn after a well contested match in which the visitors shared
possession
but rarely threatened City's goal. The pre match news surrounded
Clayton Blackmore whose injury meant a switch to centre defence for
Alan
Goodall, as part of the re-shuffle Simon Davies played wide left whilst
Chris Moores partnered Ross Jefferies upfront.
Early chances fell to Ricky Evans and Joe Desmormeaux as the match switched end to end, next Chris Moores set up Kenny Burgess whose low drive curled just wide of the left post. Ross Jefferies - tightly marked by his twin brother Brett - lifted over following a Chris Moores cross. On 26 mins Kenny Burgess won a corner on the right which induced a melee around the Druids penalty box - anothe corner - and finally a goalkick. Ten minutes before the interval the outstanding Alan Goodall was yellow carded for a foul on Wilkinson who was set to run in from the half way line. City won the ball back, Ross Jefferies supplied Chris Moores on the left whose short pass picked out Ricky Evans but his 30 yarder fizzed over Blower's bar. On half time Dave Cunnah tried his luck with a long range effort for The Druids but this ended up well off target behind the goal. |
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| A half time blow for the visitors
saw the replacement of influential defender Aled Rowlands by Steve
Cowap
who once played junior league football on Anglesey. City took the
initiative and forced a couple of corners before the powerful midfield
menace of Ricky Evans surfaced as he beat his man on the left, switched
the ball to his right foot and sent a fierce half volley narrowly past
the right post from 25 yards. On 55 minutes Bangor took the lead. Ricky Evans supplied Chris Moores on the right who ran to the right of the box before finishing low past Blower from 15 yards. This seemed to inspire the young striker who promptly sent a clean 20 yard effort on target. Druids left back Dowrdige was then carded for a clumsy challenge on right back Chris Short. The hard working Aled Rowlands was having a good game on City's left both in defence and attack, allowing Simon Davies to forage forwards. Ross Jefferies and Simon Davies went close before the 72nd minute substitution of Lee Hunt for goalscorer Moores. Moments later the disappointing Wilkinson was replaced by Salisbury. Inevitably the non stop humna galloping machine that is Lee Hunt got the visitors pulses racing but his pursuit was halted by referee Bevan who yellow carded the young striker for a challenge on Dowridge. As the game again swung end to end, Lee Hunt and Kenny Burgess went close before City's right winger controlled the ball on the right edge of the box. With home fans suggesting he make for the corner flag Burgess instead crossed on 89 mins for Ross Jefferies to convert from close range - twin brother or not - for a definite win. In the closing minutes Craig Roberts replaced Ricky Evans who won a noisy ovation from the blues fans for another powerful performance. Amazingly young Craig proceeded to be at the heart of everything in the City engine room before the final whistle confirmed the three points. |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Anthony Fenton, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Aled
Rowlands, Chris Short, Chris Moores, Ricky Evans, Ross Jefferies, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Lee Hunt, Craig Roberts, Warren Gibbs |
| Cefn Druids: Blower, Allen,
Dowridge, Rowlands, Jefferies, Cunnah, D.Desmormeaux, Wilkinson,
Pierce, J.Desmormeaux, Jones Subs: Cowap, Wynne, Salisbury |
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| City dominated this match, led into the closing
minutes,
but conceded a late equaliser to allow the home side a point they
scarcely
deserved. Shorn of the outstanding Alan Goodall and striker Lee Hunt due to work commitments - lets not mention the injured quartet - Peter Davenport switched Aled Rowlands to left back, Anthony Fenton into midfield and played Simon Davies on the left flank. The new look formation settled quickly and early chances fell to Chris Moores who was thwarted by the alert Mountain who came out on top in the first half. Ross Jefferies also went close with a shot that Mountain somehow managed to block. Kenny Burgess went close as he watched his 25 yard effort hit the County crossbar with Moutain for once beaten. Operating wide on the left may not have been ideal for Simon Davies but he thought he had scored when his 30 yard volley shot narrowly wide. With City dominant it seemed as if a goal had to come but it was not to be. Phil Priestley made one save as the home side struggled to get invovled. |
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| The second period saw Newport
start more brightly after - presumably - some well chosen words from
new manager Peter Nicholas. Eifion Jones and Clayton Blackmore
coped comfortably with this early pressure and City again secured
control. Simon Davies set up an opening for Chris Moores but his over eager touch sent the ball wide from close in, whilst "Shaker" himself then fired wide from further out. City finally got the goal they deserved on 70 minutes. Aled Rowlands chased down the left before supplying winger Simon Davies whose cross was headed ferociously by Ricky Evans who beat Mountain from 15 yards. There was still time for both Chris Moores and midfielder Anthony Fenton to go close for City. With time running out Bangor seemed destined to take the points north, but a sloppy back pass by the oterwise impressive Chris Short was intercepted by Scott Walker who beat Phil Priestley to level the scores in the final minute. City boss Peter Davenport was furious, the travelling contingent natually disappointed, but overall this was another point towards the knockout stage given the depleted nature of the blues line up. |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Anthony Fenton, Eifion Jones, Aled
Rowlands, Chris Short, Chris Moores, Ricky Evans, Ross Jefferies, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Darren Jones, Craig Roberts, Steve Owen |
| Newport County: Mountain, Stanton,
Benton, Clarke, Thomas, Stevenson, Rose, Fowler, Plant, Walker, Lowe
Subs: Dupres, G.Jones, Gittings, N.Davies, Hart |
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| After a dismal, goalless first half City ran riot in
the second period to set up a Fourth Round trip to Caersws.
However halkyn can be proud of their efforts - particularly in the first half - and deserved a warm ovation from the home fans for refusing to resort to foul play as the match slipped from them. Bangor's best player in the first half was Aled Rowlands who injections of urgency into the proceedings won a couple of corners and set up a shooting opportunity for Ricky Evans which flashed over from 25 yards. The visitors best chance fell to the ever alert Gareth Thomas whose shot was saved by Phil Priestley. On thehalf hour Aled Rowlands forced a shot on target after he had created the chance with a determined run along the left, whilst Ricky Evans saw his point blank effort deflected away by some latch ditch defence and outstanding goalkeeping from the tall Tyrrell. As the home fans contemplated a fine meat pie Aled Rowlands again created an opportunity for Ricky Evans but the former Oldham professional blasted his shot over the bar and into the crowd at the St Pauls End. |
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| It had to get better and happily for the home fans it
did, although it was Richard Laughton who had the first chance when
he headed wide inside five minutes of the restart. Both Kenny
Burgess
and Chris Moores went close for Bangor before the opening goal on 55
minutes.
Gathering the ball on the half way line Ricky
Evans ran straight at the Halkyn defence
before
unleashing a thunderbolt from 30 yards which skimmed in off the foot of
the
post. The sense of relief - one and off the pitch - was immediate.
Three minutes later on 58 Eifion Jones repeated the midfielder's run, but instead of shooting played the ball in to Chris Moores who deft flick found Ross Jefferies who finished from close range. Ricky Evans set himsefl for a left footed curler which Tyrrell saved comfortably. Then on 66 mins it was 3-0 as Simon Davies picked up a short pass from Kenny Burgess to fire home from the edge of the box. Immediately Anthony Fenton replaced "Shaker" and settled into his centre midfield spot with ease. Minutes later Kenny Burgess made way for Lee Hunt who linked up with Chris Moores and Ross Jefferies in a menacing three man attack. On 73 mins it was 4-0 after Aled Rowlands and Alan Goodall worked an opening on the left, the cross was met by Ross Jefferies for his second of the afternoon. Substitute Lee Blythin then went close for Halkyn before young Craig Roberts replaced Clayton Blackmore in the heart of the Bangor defence! Ricky Evans was desperate to increase his tally and sent a couple more long range efforts on target but to no avail. Then on 81 mins it was 5-0 as Ross Jefferies completed his hatrick with a 30 yarder which the hard working Tyrrell could not reach. With Chris Moores drifting wide right and showing some fine crossing skills, a sixth goal was always on the cards, and so it proved when his delightful 85th minute centre was headed home from close range by the predatory Ross Jefferies to grab his fourth on the afternoon. In the end a job well done, but credit to the visitors for continuing to play football. |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Aled
Rowlands, Chris Short, Chris Moores, Ricky Evans, Ross Jefferies, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Anthony Fenton, Lee Hunt, Craig Roberts |
| Halkyn United: Tyrrell, Wild, Jones,
Davies, Jones, McIntyre, Sweet, Horne, Laughton, Thomas, Wood
Subs: Blythin, Williams |
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| City cruised to a 5-2 win against a youthful Llanelli
at Stebonheath despite having Simon Davies sent off in the first
half.
This match also marked a useful debut from former Cefn striker Ross
Jefferies,
one of three who scored his first goal of the season for City.
However Llanelli could hardly have made a beeter start when centreback Stephen Healy scored from close range following a corner from the left in the sixth minute. The persistent drizzle made the hard surface skiddy and both teams overhit a number of passes as City struggled to level the scores. After a 17th minute corner was cleared debutant Ross Jefferies was booked for a foul on 7. Bangor established some control middway through the period with the lively Kenny Burgess involved in most attacking situations. On 20 mins he won City second corner and on 25 it was not surprise that his chip looped over Aled Davies for a well deserved equaliser. On 28 mins it was 2-1 as Ross Jefferies marked a fine debut with a confident finish from a Kenny Burgess cross from the right after good build up play involving Lee Hunt. Ten minutes later calamity when Simon Davies was red carded for a petulant kick at 7 who moments earlier had his hands around the midfielders neck. Reduced to ten men City decided to stay in attacking mode and on 37 mins Aled Rowlands hit a low drive past a static Davies to increase the advantage to 3-1. This was the Valley lads first goal of the season. |
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| Immediately after the break Llanelli
pushed forward to close the deficit and did just that when Carl
Mainwaring
scored on 49 minutes to raise home spirits. At 3-2 with a man
short
City had to dig deep. With the home side forcing forward City
defense
worked hard to keep them out, none more so than centreback Clayton
Blackmore
and right back Chris Short who covered across intelligently on more
than
one occasion. The turning point - if one was needed - was provided by the industrious Chris Short whose run into the bright edge of the box was checked by David Joseph. The pull resulted in yellow card for the midfielder but more importantly a penalty kick which Ricky Evans duly dispatched beyond Davies for a 4-2 lead. When City moved forward Kenny Burgess and Aled Rowlands were prominent, it was the right winger who cleverly won a corner on 80 mins to ease the pressure. With ten minutes to go Anthony Fenton replaced the tiring Ricky Evans to take up a position in centre midfield, which he did with calm authority. Lee Hunt and Ross Jefferies then combined to create an opening for the newcomer but his show was well saved by Davies. Moments later Lee Hunt was replaced by Chris Moores who instantly had a shot blocked on the line as the home side visibly wilted. In the closing minutes Craig Roberts came on for Ross Jefferies and immediately linked up with the pacey Kenny Burgess to race clear of the home defence and crash the ball past Davies for a decisive fifth goal and his first in a blue shirt this season. |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Aled
Rowlands, Chris Short, Lee Hunt, Ricky Evans, Ross Jefferies, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Anthony Fenton, Chris Moores, Craig Roberts |
| Llanelli: Davies, Jones, Lewis,
Thomas, Healy, Maclean, Hill, Joseph, Mainwaring, Hughes, Palmer
Subs: Williams, Penny, Jenkins |
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| This was a comprehensive defeat in the end after what
had been quite an evenly contested first half. The first incident of note in the first period was John Leah's stunning 25 yard opener which flew past City 'keeper Phil Priestley. The little midfielder was given time and space on the left before sending his cleanly hit shot inside the right post. City rallied and created openings which went unconverted. Clayton Blackmore twice went close for City but saw his 20 yard effort saved by Doherty and then sent a 25 yard effort over the crossbar. Simon Davies then worked his way down the right - evading two home defenders - before finding Kenny Burgess who progress was crudely halted by a wild lunge from Steve Evans on the right edge of the TNS box. Sadly the freekick came to nothing whilst the big defender was lucky to escape a caution. On the half hour Aled Rowlands raced down the left before his scorching drive fizzed across the goal, then Phil Priestley made a good save from Wilde after he struggled to hold a shot from Steve Anthrobus. With young Craig Roberts growing in stature City finished the half strongly but he failed to connect cleanly with an Aled Rowlands cross from the left. Moments later the teenager flicked on a long clearance from City's keeper but Kenny Burgess and Clayton Blackmore failed to exploit the chance - and corner - which ensued. Then - with half time looming - Craig Roberts chested the ball down for Kenny Burgess who shipped it on to Aled Rowlands but his cross eluded Lee Hunt. |
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| The second half began promisingly
with Bangor forcing two early corners which TNS struggled to clear
before
Alan Goodall blasted over from 25 yards. Then Kenny Burgess raced
through the middle but his shot blasted narrowly wide.
And then calamity. On 55 substitute Chris King thrashed home a 15 yard effort to double the home sides advantage before Mike Wilde fired home from the edge of the box to make it 3-0. Aled Rowlands the hit the target from 30 yards but his shot lacked real power before Gary Brabin was yellow carded for a foul by the strangely inconsistent ref Kevin Parry. Clayton Blackmore continued to work hard and saw his 30 yard effort drift wide. On 70 mins Chris Moores replaced Craig Roberts to link up with Lee Hunt in the City frontline. Moments later it was 4-0 after a strong run from Gary Brabin was turned in at the near post by Mike Wilde who completed his hatrick five minutes later after a solo run through the heart of the Bangor defence. There was still time for Alan Goodall to suffer an injury following a heavy tackle and be replaced by Darren Jones who slotted in on the left. Inevitably this scoreline was the source of dismay to the travelling contingent amongst the sparse crowd, yet had chances been converted earlier in the proceedings it might have been so different. |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Aled
Rowlands, Chris Short, Lee Hunt, Craig Roberts, Anthony Fenton, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Chris Moores, Shaun Monument, Steve Owen, Darren Jones |
| TNS: Doherty, Naylor, Wood, Holmes,
Evans, Taylor, Ruscoe, Wilde, Anthrobus, Brabin, Leah Subs: Williams, Perry, King, Bridgwater, Alexander |
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| A solitary goal from left winger Chris Adamson - who
had earlier been booked for diving - settled this scrappy affair played
out on a sodden Farrar Road surface. City forced the early pace and forced a couple of corners inside five minutes with Chris Moores featuring, but the visitors equalled the feat before Phil Priestley pulled off off two breathtaking point blank saves from Adamson who must have thought he had scored. The industrious Ricky Evans stole the ball midway inside the attacking but his powerful shot drifted wide. On 25 mins the unheard of, a round of applause for Brian Lawler! The Holyhead ref made the decision to yellow card Adamson for a theatrical dive which was designed to win a penalty. Many of City's brighter moments came when Chris Short exploited space on the right and crossed intelligently - but Ricky Evans fired wide. Then Gareth Evans hit the crossbar with a 25 yard freekick as the visitors gave as good as they got. Former City striker Mark Williams was giving Eifion Jones a difficult time whilst former Welsh International Clayton Blackmore was working overtime to shore up the home defence. City enjoyed their best spell during the ten minutes before the interval. Livewire striker Lee Hunt, back after injury, saw his shot scrambled away and a close range header held by Hughes. Moments before the break it was Hunt again who controlled a fired across goal after a long clearance down the left. |
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| With the slightest of breezes
behind them, Bangor kicked off attackng the St Pauls End and inside two
minutes the pattern of the game was re-inforced as Lee Hunt missed the
ball when well placed inside the six yard box. With the luck
against him the former Helsby striker then hit the target but his shot
lacked
power, before the pacey Justin Wickham forced a rare mistake from Alan
Goodall who was yellow carded for a clumsy tackle.
On 50 mins City forced a couple of corners but to no avail. City then got the ball into the net but a linesman's flag cut short the celebrations. The game was flowing end to end with the lightweight Newtown midfield getting the better of their opponents. On 79 mins Phil Priestley sliced an attempted punch to the feet of Chris Adamson whose calm finish put the visitors ahead. Bangor responded with corners 8, 9 and 10 but to no serious threat, as the returning Sean Hazelden stood out amongst the visitors defensive ranks. With seven mins left Anthony Fenton was sent on for Aled Rowlands which allowed Clayton Blackmore to move into midfield and Simon Davies go wide right. It was "Shaker" who came closest to levelling the scorers with a crisp left foot drive which skimmed the keeper's left post - it looked in until the last moment - and then Ricky Evans fired narrowly wide from ten yards after a clever build up involving Simon Davies and Alan Goodall. The final action saw Eifion Jones perhaps a little fortunate only to be yellow carded for a wild lunge on former Rhayader midfielder Gareth Hughes. |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Chris
Short, Lee Hunt, Aled Rowlands, Ricky Evans, Chris Moores, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Anthony Fenton, Shaun Monument, Craig Roberts |
| Newtown: Hughes, Thomas, Evans,
Jellicoe, Hazelden, McPhee, Wickham, Hughes, Adamson, Williams,
Shakespeare Subs: Bridges, Brown, Edwards |
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| After a fairly even first half City fell away after the
interval as Barry won on convinving and deserved winners on a bright
sunny afternoon at Jenner Park. The team news saw Chris Short continue at right back, likewise Clayton Blackmore in the middle with broken nose victim Lee Hunt replaced by upfront Kenny Burgess. Alan Monument's lad Shaun was on the bench. Buoyed by a noisy travelling party, City worked hard to share the spoils in a largely uneventful opening half. Neither goalkeeper had too much to do as Simon Davies and Ricky Evans competed well in the midfield as paly was contantly interrupted by a series of unnecessary freekicks. Barry fashioned the first serious chance when Lawrence Davies gathered the ball on the edge of the penalty area but placed his short on the turn wide of Phil Priestley's goal. As the home side pressed forward Chris Short defended well on the right before Aled Rowlands lifted a rare shot over Grainger's goal from twenty yards. City's closest effort came on the stroke of half time when Clayton Blackmore went for goal with a cleanly struck free kick from the half way line! Grainger probably had the area covered but it was a dramatic effort nonetheless. |
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| City started the second period
brightly enough with Ricky Evans playing the ball up to Chris Moores
but his shot on the turn went over the Barry crossbar. And to
some
degree that was the beginning of the end. On 54 mins a powerful strike from Richard Kennedy shot past the outstretched hands of Phil Priestley and into the net from 22 yards. Chris Moores was involved from the kick off and his speculative flick skimmed just over as the former Warrington marksman tried his luck with back to goal. With an hour gone Steve Cooper was replaced by Craig Roberts who lined up alongside Chris Moores to allow Kenny Burgess back into his customary right wing position. Instantly a Clayton Blackmore freekick was met by the hard working Ricky Evans but his back header was caught by Grainger. On 62 mins Barry doubled their lead when Tom Ramasut scored after a period of pressure which City failed to clear effectively. Bangor responded with a couple of corners and a measure of pressure and a quickly taken free kick which Aled Rowlands fired over. With twenty minutes remaining Chris Moores was replaced by Anthony Fenton who stepped in at the back to allow Eifion Jones a striking role. Simon Davies then helped set up Alan Goodall on the left but his cleanly struck shot failed to find the net. Ricky Evans shot wide after a patient build up before City forced a third corner and Alan Goodall jsut failed to connect properly with a cross from the right. However Barry were still causing problems and it was no surprise when Tom Ramasut finished from close range to complete the scoring on 87 mins. Indeed but for a couple of fine late saves from Phil Priestley the end result might have been a good deal more painful to bear. |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Chris
Short, Steve Cooper, Aled Rowlands, Ricky Evans, Chris Moores, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Anthony Fenton, Shaun Monument, Craig Roberts |
| Barry Town: Grainger, Jarman, Lloyd,
Kennedy, Morgan, Phillips, Brown, French, Davies, Ramasut, Jenkins
Subs: Moralee, Cotterrall, Toomey |
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| Both teams contributed fully to a competitive Premier
Cup tie that TNS led at the interval but could not deny City a share of
the spoils in the closing minutes. In the opening exchanges Chris Short was booked for a foul on Leah but Gary Brabin got away with a lunge on Ricky Evans which he repeated in the tenth minutes. Brabin is variously described as "tough tackling" and "a cult figure" and boasts more than 200 English Football League appearances. On this showing he is sluggish, sometimes thuggish and clearly adept at outwitting LoW refs. The first reasonable opening in the first half saw Clayton Blackmore lift a freekick over from 20 yards with Ricky Evans itching for a chance to settle some old scores. Midway through the half Anthrobus wasted a good opening created by Naylor on the right as City defended the St Pauls End with a bright sun glaring in their eyes and a breeze in their faces. City finally forced a corner on 26 mins but Alan Goodall and Ricky evans failed to make the most of their chances before Brabin lunged with his foot up against Simon Davies. Oddly the inoffensive giant Anthrobus was yellow carded for a genuine mistimed tackle on Rickc Evans! With ten minutes remaining Chris Moores latched onto a ball into the right channel, raced into the box and rounded Doherty but was startled by the pacey intervention of Steve Evans as the goal beckoned. A minute before the interval a strange freekick decision gave Martin Naylor the chance to shoot from 35 yards. To his astonishment and the dismay of the home crowd the ball sailed over Phil Priestley and into the City net. |
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| Ironically the first action of
the second period saw referee Hames yellow card Ricky Evans for a foul
on Brabin as the ex Chester veteran chugged out of his penalty
area.
Trailing by a single goal and with little in the way of goal threat,
City
replaced Chris Moores with Lee Hunt on 55 mins.
Phil Priestley was now achieving impressive length with clearances and one nearly fell to Kenny Burgess but the winger just failed to make contact. On 65 mins Ricky Evans forced a good save from Doherty following a 30 yard drive after Kenny Burgess had run well crossfield to set up the opening. Naylor was next in the book as the winger lunged at Kenny Burgess after the plodding Brabin had missed his target. On 70 mins City welcomed Aled Rowlands back to the fray as he replaced 19 year old Craig Roberts who had battled well against the imposing Steve Evans. Immediately Chris Taylor fouled Kenny Burgess on the edge of the box but with the official showing little interest in moving the wall back ten yards Alan Goodal saw his drive palmed over. TNS then panicked and with Lee Hunt lurking menacingly they failed to clear effectively as the ball bounced around. Aled Rowlands then shot into the side netting from 12 yards after Steve Cooper and Lee Hunt had again caused problems for the visitors defence now shorn denied the calming presence of Steve Evans who had been replaced. In the closing minute Kenny burgess won a corner which was initially cleared to Clayton Blackmore who right footed return was flicked on by Anthony Fenton and was met by Eifion Jones who flicked the ball home from close range. There was four mins of stoppage time which saw Brabin finally booked for an elbow in the face of Lee Hunt which left the youngster with a broken nose. Referee Hames yellow - and momentarily red - carded the TNS midfielder but revoked the red on consultation with his fourth official. Proof perhaps that the man on the touchline could count even if Hames himself found that difficult. So "honours even" although TNS gained a point with only effort on target in 95 minutes! |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Chris
Short, Steve Cooper, Craig Roberts, Ricky Evans, Chris Moores, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Anthony Fenton, Lee Hunt, Aled Rowlands |
| TNS: Doherty, Naylor, Ward, Holmes,
Taylor, S.Evans, Ruscoe, Toner, Anthrobus, Brabin, Leah Subs: D.Williams, King, Wood, Bridgwater, Wilde |
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| City fought back from an early setback to run out
worthy
winners at The Deeside Stadium and make a positive start to the
season's
Premier Cup campaign. The pre match news was that Craig Roberts
lined up alongside Chris Moores whilst Chris Short began at rightback
with Steve Cooper in front of him on the wing, allowing Kenny Burgess
to
switch to the left. That early strike from former Colwyn Bay defender Gary McGosh came as he stole in for a free header six yards out from a second corner won after only 90 seconds of the match. The Nomads settled quickly as a result whilst City struggled to come to terms with the dry and rutted playing surface. Connahs Quay might have gone further ahead but chances came and went as Tommy Mutton and Stuart Rain caused problems but generally missed the target. Phil Priestley recovered from the early blow to command his area more condfidently and ease the defensive burden on Eifion Jones as the sole tall defender. Thankfully on 23 minutes the teams were tied at one all. A Steve Cooper throw in on the right was headed home powerfully by midfielder Ricky Evans whose goalscoring form continues. The home side continued to press but as the interval drew closer Steve Cooper shot across goal, minutes later Chris Moores gathered the ball and fired on target but unfortunately at Walsh. In injury time a cross from the left by Simon Davies just eluded Craig Roberts. |
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| Showing far greater urgency Bangor forced two early
corners, the second from a Steve Cooper shot which deflected off Geoge
Horan. On 53 mins City built up an attack on the left which saw
Alan Goodall cross high into the box but Craig Roberts headed
wide.
Ten minutes later the young striker set up Chris Moores with a clever
through ball but his shot drifted wide of the right post.
Enjoying the majority of possession City were now playing most of the football in The Nomads half. A long throw from Steve Cooper found Chris Moores but his shot lacked conviction, then Kenny Burgess shot wide when the former Warrington marksman set him up following a good flowing move. With a quarter of an hour remaining City substitute Lee Hunt replaced Chris Moores. Midfielder Ricky Evans was at the heart of most of Bangor's better moves, he latched onto a short pass from Kenny Burgess on the left but fired wide. However on 87 mins another long throw from Steve Cooper was met by the ever alert Lee Hunt to score from close range on his Premier Cup debut. Rather than run the clock down City stayed on the attack and won a freekick 35 yards out. Ricky Evans saw his long range effort held by Walsh but - no matter - the final whistle blew and the win was secured. This was never a classic but the visiting contingent were happy enough with a job well done. |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Chris
Short, Steve Cooper, Craig Roberts, Ricky Evans, Chris Moores, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Anthony Fenton, Lee Hunt, Darren Jones, Aled Rowlands |
| Nomads: Walsh, Lawton, Tuft,
Hutchinson, Horan, McGosh, Mazzarella, Mutton, Rain, Kenworthy, Terry
Subs: McCormick, Griffiths, Butler |
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| This was City's poorest performance of the season, and
worryingly perhaps the first league game in which the defence has
looked
vunerable. Perhaps the first ten minutes hold the clue. City created and wasted enough chances to have blown the visitors away, but didn't. Simon Davies hit a right footer narrowly wide in the opening minute before Lee Hunt and then Kenny Burgess failed to capitalise on an inviting cross from Alan Goodall. Kevin Scott forced a decent save from Phil Priestley before Chris Moores hit the side netting as City created openings at will. On ten minutes Bangor adopted a more direct approach as Phil Priestley sent a long clearance which found Chris Moores, his shot was palmed wide for a corner. Left back Alan Goodall then shot wide before centreback Eifion Jones made a timely tackle on Steve Rogers. The middle of the half saw City lose direction and in particular struggle in midfield. On the half hour calamity struck as a defensive header from Eifion Jones was not anticipated by Phil Priestley, the alert Steve Rogers intercepted to net condifently. Simon Davies was out of sorts on the left and his comments to referee Jones of Swansea earned him a yellow card. Although City finished the half with a couple of corners nothing of note happened and if anything the mediocre visitors might have doubled their tally when Hobson headed over. |
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| Taking the game by the scruff of the neck City's
outstanding
perfomer Alan Goodall equalised within minutes as his one two with Simon
Davies allowed him to shoot home from twelve yards past Embleton low
into the net. On 51 mins Bangor rattled the woodwork twice as
Clayton
Blackmore and winger Kenny Burgess fired at goal from close
range.
However on 53 mins it was 2-1 as Kenny burgess measured his cross from
the right for a determined Clayton
Blackmore to clip home.
City were on charge and Lee Hunt went close as did Kenny Burgess who forced City's sixth corner of the afternoon. Referee Jones - of the inane grin - then got a penalty decision wrong and to support his point of view booked Chris Moores for "diving" when he had been tripped. Moments later Phil Priestley was also yellow carded for dissent. Alan Goodall continued to impress and fired a left footoed curler just wide with Embleton standing in admiration. On 65 mins Paul Roberts made a welcome return in place of Lee Hunt. A flick header from Chris Moores landed on the roof of the net, after a wonderful sweeping pass from Ricky Evans had found Kenny Burgess on the right. Three more corners around the 70 min mark yielded little or nothing but on 85 mins Steve Rogers got his head to a left wing cross and watched the ball loop over Phil Priestley and into the net. A minute later Paul Roberts lifted the ball well over from ten yards before Chris Moores made way for Craig Roberts on 89 mins. To add misery to a flat afternoon Paul Roberts was stretchered off - five yards from the dug out - with a knee injury. His replacement was Steve Cooper. City forced a corner in the 95th minute but when Hobson headed behind again Referee Jones tired of the location and awarded a goalkick. However, this was no "hard luck" or "bad ref" story - we missed chances and paid the price. |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Chris
Short, Anthony Fenton, Lee Hunt, Ricky Evans, Chris Moores, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Steve Cooper, Paul Roberts, Craig Roberts |
| Oswestry: Embleton, Parry, Curtis,
Antrobus, Hodson, S.Rogers, Johnson, Scott, Norman, Robinson, Dean.
Subs: Wilson, O'Hanlon, D.Rogers |
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| Level at the end of ninety minutes, including a penalty
apiece, this blockbuster match was finally settled by an own goal
scored
in the 117th minute by returning Citizen Carl Smythe.
With Aled Rowlands absent injured City brought in Darren Jones and re-instated Simon Davies in centre midfield, but it was Alan Goodall and Anthony Fenton who were called into defensive action in the opening minutes as Caernarfon pressed forward. Ricky Evans replied with a 30 yard dipper beofre Lloyd Roberts caught Simon Davies in possession before firing off target. Simon Davies saw his goalbound effort hit a defender, then Lee Hunt screwed a header wide from in front of goal. City then played for four minutes with ten men as Eifion Jones left the field with a facial injury before finally being replaced on 35 minutes by Chris Short. Two minutes later a laughable tumble in the box deceived burly ref Lawlor, the perpetrator Dan Barton dusted himself off to convert the penalty to Phil Priesley's right. The lively, whirlwind Lee Hunt failed to connect with an overhead kick as a disappointing first half wound down. |
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| The half time news saw Steve Cooper summoned from his
warm up to replace Darren Jones, with Simon Davies moving to the left
wing. City forced a couple of corners in the opening minutes but
on 52 a defensive mix up involving Clayton Blackmore and Anthony Fenton
let in Dan Barton who scored with ease to double the lead.
This stung City in action and Simon Davies ran to the left of the box, cut inside and was brought down for a penalty. Again he was the spot kick expert who converted with conviction past Stufhelder. City created more openings with Lee Hunt watching as Carl Smythe cleared off the line before Chris Short was yellow carded for a foul - as last man - on Lloyd Roberts. More corners came, Kenny Burgess went close, Simon Davies fired over before Ricky Evans sent a warning shot over from 20 yards. On 70 minutes Richard Owen replaced the tiring Chris Moores. With Steve Cooper adding bite to the midfield City had an edge but no proof! Time was running out, the visitors sensed victory. Give it to Ricky! With 88 minutes gone Ricky Evans charged down the middle to unleash a cannonball past Studhelder and into the roof the net! Bangor moved in for the kill and had claims for a penalty turned down for a clear handball in the Caernarfon box. At the final whistle, two all, extra time and City in the box seat. But the first period was a flat affiar which yielded no clear cut chances. At the interval - 105 mins gone - the blue horde swarmed from the Farrar End round to the St Pauls. Goalkeeper Stufhelder hobbled the 100 yards at a snails pace. If anything should have inspired the home side it was a limping goalkeeper. But on 108 minutes Frank Mottram ran down the right before unleashing a powerful drive which fizzed past Phil Priestley's near post for a 3-2 lead and third away goal. Spurred on by a noisy crowd City replied instantly with Simon Davies swerving an equaliser from the corner flag round and over the stationery Stufhelder. Moments later Richard Owen's clever header back across goal was missed by Clayton Blackmore to the dismay of the St Pauls End. However on 117 minutes Kenny Burgess got the better of Millington and crossed; Carl Smythe took a wild swing and sent the ball crashing into his own net! At the final whistle City celebrated whilst the beaten Canaries gathered in the centre circle for a warm down and gloomy assessment of another defeat. Rhyl next up for City! |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Aled
Rowlands, Anthony Fenton, Lee Hunt, Ricky Evans, Chris Moores, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Steve Cooper, Chris Short, Richard Owen |
| Caernarfon: D.Stufhelder, P.Roberts,
Millington, Peters, Jellicoe, Smythe, Baker, L.Roberts, Barton,
Mottram, L.Williams Subs: D.Jones, Mackenzie, Brandreth |
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| A tale of determination on a bouncy pitch by a Bangor
squad carrying the worrying news of Simon Davies' daughter. His
withdrawal left City with just Steve Cooper on the bench but
fortunately
this was never an unduly physical game. Attacking the "social club" end City created early openings for Lee Hunt who headed over and his strike partner Chris Moores who scuffed his shot when well placed. Lido's best chance fell to Greg Hurley who shot at Phil Priestley from close in on the left. Midway through the half O'Leary struck at 25 yard free kick at Phil Priestley before Chris Short crossed for Lee Hunt who rose well but sent his header off target. On 25 minutes City were denied a penalty by referre Hames who promptly booked Kenny Burgess presumably for a comment. On the half hour Lee Hunt won City's first corner despite being two yards offside; Ricky Evans heading over from the resulting centre. Brian Thomas was quickly off his line to clear from Chris Moores before midfielder Clayton Blackmore was booked for a wild challenge on Pearson. With the interval whistle imminent Kevin Bartlett chased a long clearance to lob Phil Priestley who had come to the edge of his box. At the break City's keeper earned himself a yellow card for comments passed to the official. |
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| Tight at the back and wholly committed, Lido are a
difficult
nut to crack at home. City needed to hit the target and create
more
definite openings to have a realistic chance of altering the scoreline.
This they did immediately when the industrious Aled Rowlands shot right footed at Thomas from 20 yards before a swift volley from Kenny Burgess was heading into the roof of the net before the athletic keeper pushed the ball over for a corner. Both Ricky Evans and Lee Hunt went close as City began to dominate largely through the presence of Ricky Evans in centre midfield and twin centrebacks Eifion Jones and Anthony Fenton. On 55 minutes City were level to the delight of the travelling fans lining the right touchline. Kenny Burgess controlled the ball on the left, beat one defender before crossing right footed to Lee Hunt whose back post header exposed some poor marking. Within minutes Phil Priestley made a brilliant stop from Bartley as Liod tried to respond before Ricky Evans unleashed a thunderbolt strike just wide of Thomas' post from thirdy yards. Aled Rowlands crossed from the right for Lee Hunt but this time his back post header looped over. Next Ricky Evans gathered a pass into the right channel before his cross/shot was grasped low by Thomas. Lido were far from out of it and Pearson forced a good save from Phil Priestleybut Brian Thomas again defied City with a superb double save from Lee Hunt, both from within the six yard area! As the minutes ran out both teasm pushed for a winner, which might have come at either end. Whilst City were dominating possession Lido were quite capable of causing problems on the break; Chris Short and the tall centrebacks defending bravely. Clayton Blackmore was prompting from midfield, Lee Hunt and Chris Moores creatign havoc, but chances came and went. Phil Priestley save well before the defining moment; a penalty awarded for a clear foul in the box on Chris Moores who had twisted and turned past three defender before playing a one two - and being felled. The penalty was "spotted" by Ricky Evans whose cannonball shot left Brian Thomas beaten - a feat in itself. That was it, scarcely time for the restart, an exhilerating second half and three more valuable points. Great! |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Chris Short, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Aled Rowlands,
Anthony Fenton, Lee Hunt, Ricky Evans, Chris Moores, Clayton Blackmore, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Steve Cooper, Steve Owen. |
| Afan Lido: B.Thomas, Pitman, S.Parry,
P.Evans, Holmes, Rickard, Pearson, Shrimpton, Bartley, O'Leary, Hurley
Subs: Patton, McCreesh, Chandler |
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| Despite falling behind to an early penalty City fought
back and would have gained an advantage for the second leg but for a
late
Caernarfon equaliser. The pre match news saw Clayton Blackmore
switched
to midfield to compensate for the unavailable Ricky Evans with Chris
Short slotting in at right back. Huw Griffiths started alongside
Anthony Fenton with Eifion Jones on the bench. The penalty was conceded by Phil Priestley who was left without cover on the right which Scott Millington ran into to force the mistake. Paul Challinor emphatically converted the spot kick for a one nil lead. The Canaries held this lead at the interval although Lee Hunt headed over for City, whilst former blues favourite Frank Mottram hit the post on the stroke of half time. His shot struck an upright before cannoning out past strike partner Dan Barton who was following in. |
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| Ten minutes after the restart Phil Priestley made an
important save and within minutes City were level. Midfield
maestro Simon Davies found time and space on the edge of the box to shoot home right footed with a little assistance from the upright. At last the travelling blues had something to cheer. Lee Hunt then crashed a close range effort against the crossbar with Willcock helpless. With a quarter of an hour remaining City went ahead. A move involving Kenny Burgess and Simon Davies saw the right winger shoot at goal. The rebound ran to Lee Hunt who notched his ninth goal of the season to the delight of the visitors. City rang in the final stages the changes with Anthony Fenton making way for Eifion Jones, Huw Griffiths being replaced by Steve Cooper, and Kenny Burgess making way for Darren Jones. Unhappily Caernarfon capitalised on any advantage this may have given them by levelling the scores late on through former Connahs Quay winger Lloyd Roberts who scored from from the edge of the box. |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Chris Short, Alan Goodall, Huw Griffiths, Aled
Rowlands, Anthony Fenton, Lee Hunt, Clayton Blackmore, Chris Moores, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Steve Cooper, Eifion Jones, Darren Jones |
| Caernarfon: Willcock, P.Roberts, Milligan,
Challinor, Brandreth, Smythe, Baker, Peters, Barton, Mottram, L.Williams
Subs: Jellicoe, L.Roberts, McKenzie |
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| City secured three points from a pretty ordinary
display
against another defence minded visiting team who prompted one City fan
to comment "I hope they're not all going to come here and play like
this".
However league newcomers Welshpool were in no mood to lie down and
deserved
credity for a dogged if unambitious defensive display.
On a bright sunny day City opened with three corners inside ten minutes whilst Ricky Evans sent two long range efforts towards goal. This period culminated in the powerful midfielder hammering a freekick just over before Lee Hunt headed a Kenny Burges cross at Goodwin with the goal at his mercy. Minutes later the Eifion Jones sent a towering header down the right wing, again Kenny Burgess chased and crossed for City's top scorer to head just over. On twenty minutes Kenny Burgess crossed, Ricky Evans caused panic but Chris Moores lifted the ball over from eight yards. Five minutes later Chris Moores shielded the ball, turned and sent a right footer over the bar from twenty yards. On 32 minutes a goal to cheer. Alan Goodall sent in a dipping cross from the left which Lee Hunt headed powerfully past Goodwin who seemed rooted to his line. In the remaining quarter hour Simon Davies sent a cross over from the right which Ricky Evans header over before Anthony Fenton and Chris Moores also went close. On the stroke of half time 'Pool left back Rob Cookson spooned the ball to Ricky Evans whose firmly struck volley again tested the busy Goodwin. |
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| The second half saw City attacking the St Pauls End and
'keeper
Goodwin having to contend with a bright sun in his eyes. Again
Bangor set off with a couple of corners which ended in Eifion Jones
forcing
a high catch from Goodwin. Twice Kenny Burgess set up Lee Hunt
but the livewire striker was denied by Goodwin before a long clearance
from Clayton Blackmore found Chris Moores upfield but his weak shot was
comfortably held. Referee Bevan had let a lot go - although nothing particularly unpleasant - before he yellow carded visting rightback Lee Davies and Alan Goodall for a minor disagreement. Seconds later a seventh corner yielded a clear header from Eifion Jones which sailed past Goodwin to double the lead. City finally looked as if they could press home the advantage with Kenny Burgess firing over before a third , conclusive goal arrived as Ricky Evans latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the box to crash home past Goodwin. Manager Peter davenport then sent on Steve Cooper for Kenny Burgess and minutes later Chris Short took over from Simon Davies with Clayton Blackmore slotting into midfield. The classy midfielder went close almost immediately before Steve Cooper created a chance for Lee Hunt but his effort flashed wide. City's top scorer then went close from twenty yards before defender Mark Thomas seized on some space and curled a twenty yarder past Phil Preistley on the stroke of time. So three points on a sunny day when results elsewhere added a smile to departing blues fans. |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Aled
Rowlands, Anthony Fenton, Lee Hunt, Ricky Evans, Chris Moores, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Steve Cooper, Chris Short, Steven Owen |
| Welshpool: S.Goodwin, L.Davies,
R.Cookson, P.Ingram, M.Thomas, J.Kinsey, N.Pryce, M.Roberts, S.Bird,
C.Roberts,
G.Windsor Subs: L.Parks, G.Jones, S.Loughnane |
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| Bangor were battered and beaten by a determined
Aberystwyth
side whose player manager Gary Finley resorted to foul play from the
offset. However, the game also featured below par performances
from
several of the leading lights in the City side and some determined
defending
from The Greens. Early chances in a dreary first half featured Chris Moores and Anthony Wright who both shot wide from long range. City's first genuine opening fell to Lee Hunt who was put in by Chris Moores but the normally lethal striker dragged his shot wide. By now the pattern of play was dominated by Finley whose "off the ball" elbows and body punches were unsettling the home crowd. Referee Jones did not see anything! On the quarter hour mark City forced a couple of corners but minutes later Glyndwr Hughes used his pace to create an opening but Phil Priestley held comfortably. Then a strange incident when Alan Goodall left the field following an accidental clash of heads, his nose streaming blood. It was close to ten minutes before he came back on. Chris Moores then forced his way past Gary Finley but the impressive Mike Kinsella held at the near post. With half an hour gone a third corner and a chance for Lee Hunt but again Kinsella was where he needed to be, on 34 mins Kenny Burgess yellow carded for kicking the ball away. The half closed with Glyndwr Hughes going close twice on the right, before City strike Chris Moores cut in from the left but saw his shot pushed for a corner by Kinsella. |
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| A minute into the second half and Chris Moores crossed
but Lee Hunt miskicked in a moment which summed up the evening.
The niggle level was rising with Finley the chief protaganist.
But
on 48 minutes Anthony Godfrey struck Lee Hunt in the face and - look
out
the ref saw it - a red card. Aber promptly replaced Anthony
Wright
with Gari Lewis who slotted into the vacant centreback berth.
City fashioned openings for Ricky Evans who fired over from outside the box, then Chris Moores took the ball on the left, span infield but saw his right footed curler drift wide. Then - against the odds - Aber were ahead. Lee Spike gathered the ball upfield and despite the attentions of City's centrebacks, found the advancing Mark Duckett on the left. His shot deceived Phil Priestley and found its way inside the near post into the net, possibly with the aid of a deflection. Anthony Smith then went close to making it 2-0 with a powerful run which culminated in a shot from outside thebox which Phil Priestley held. Ironically now reduced to ten men Aber played their best football and defended stubbornly on the edge of their box. City saw an effort from Clayton Blackmore deflected for a corner before Ricky Evans was yellow carded for a late challenge on Tony Smith. On 67 mins sub Paul Roberts came on for Aled Rowlands. With fifteen minutes remaining Alan Goodall set up Ricky Evans but his 25 yard curler was off target, moments later Huw Griffiths also joined the attack as he came on for Lee Hunt. With ten minutes to go Alan Goodall set to take a freekick 25 yards out - ala Carmarthen - but again Kinsella held impressively. Two openings in the closing minutes saw Kenny Burgess denied at point blank range by Kinsella and then Clayton Blackmore cross for Huw Griffiths who headed wide from six yards. That was it, final whistle, and some very glum faces amongst the blue contingent. |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Aled
Rowlands, Anthony Fenton, Lee Hunt, Ricky Evans, Chris Moores, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Paul Roberts, Huw Griffiths, Chris Short |
| Aberystwyth: Kinsella, D.Burrows,
M.Duckett, A.Godfrey, G.Finley, B.Morgan, G.Hughes, P.Abbott, A.Wright,
A.Smith, L.Spike. Subs: M.Ooalaleye, G.Lewis, G.Allen |
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Mike Kinsella |
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| City stormed to a crushing 6-0 away win at
Richmond
Park in a sizzling West Wales afternoon. Setting the early running through Simon Davies and Alan Goodall, the blues quicky established a stranglehold on proceedings. The first substantial incident came on 12 minutes when the lively Alan Goodall took a freekick on the left which was half cleared to Kenny Burgess lurking on the right. His cross sailed over the stationery O'Brien for Llanrug's finest Eifion Jones to head home from close range. With Simon Davies finding time and space where none existed Bangor dominated. In the baking sun a lead was always going to be a boost and so it proved. City then forced a couple of corners before referee S.Jones made his first telling decision of the game. City fans had appealed for a penalty minutes earlier, but when Alan Goodall sent a shot goalwards the outstretched arm in a golden shirt was spotted - and the kick awarded. Despite some pushing shoving on the edge of the box the calmest man was Simon Davies who converted the penalty for a 2-0 lead on 35 minutes. As City pressed for a decider Chris Moores had a twenty yard effort saved by Blain who then watched helpless as the impressive Ricky Evans lifted a first time pass from Lee Hunt just over from ten yards. Moments before halftime Carmarthen dangerman Richard Parker was replaced by Andrew Hughes, which made the lead more secure. |
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| With a Tomi Morgan team talk ringing in their ears,
Town came out with renewed vigour and had a good deal of possession in
the opening twenty minutes. Bangor lost direction, sent too many
high clearances at Chris Moores and Lee Hunt which O'Brien won.
Phil
Priestley though was largely dealing with overhit crosses and enjoying
the
catching practice. In a rare forward move City saw Ricky Evans
flagged
for offside at the hosts struggled to clear following a raid inspired
by
Chris Moores and Lee Hunt. However midway through the second period Anthony Fenton was booked for a pull on the left which conceded a freekick to Carmarthen. Fittingly the big defender rose to win the header from the resulting cross and clear the danger On 68 minutes it was all over when Lee Hunt headed home from a right wing corner won by Kenny Burgess but delivered by Simon Davies. City then replaced Anthony Fenton with Huw Griffiths whilst Carmarthen sent on Luke Fayers for Miller. On 78 mins it was 4-0 as Lee Hunt and Aled Rowlands combined to set up Chris Moores whose shot beat the dispirited Blain. Before the wobbly home defence could regroup Chris Moores returned the complement by racing down the right and pulling the ball back for Lee Hunt to arrive late and crash home from eight yards. With then minutes remaining City made a further double substitution with Steve Cooper and Chris Short on for Clayton Blackmore and Ricky Evans. However this only served to drive the side forwards and Simon Davies had a shot held by Blain as did Steve Cooper who slightly mishit his effort from twelve yards. On the 90 minute mark Alan Goodall curled the ball round a five man wall to hit the back of the net from twenty yards with a left foot curler. With the score at 6-0 Jones blew up and the travelling party celebrated on and off the field. Even GPO bought a drink! |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Aled
Rowlands, Anthony Fenton, Lee Hunt, Ricky Evans, Chris Moores, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Steve Cooper, Huw Griffiths, Chris Short |
| Carmarthen: P.Blain, D.Johnson, Lee
Jones, W.Thomas, N.O'Brien, D.Barnhouse, C.Miller, D.Rossiter,
R.Parker, S.Chapple, T.Hicks. Subs: L.Fayers, A.Hughes, S.James |
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Shaun Chapple |
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| A hatrick in three minutes midway through the first
half
settled this match - and sent Lee Hunt hurtling to the top of City's
goalscoring
charts. Newtown opened brightly with Adamson squandering a good chance before Gareth Evans fired over. Then Chris Short threw himself into the path of a fiercely struck from Gareth Hughes and after good work on the right from Wickham. City's first effort came from Aled Rowlands on the quarter hour when his right footed shot was comfortably held by Hughes, then Chris Moores also forced a save from the tall youngster. However on 19 mins everything changed. Ricky Evans found Lee Hunt on the right and he comfortably beat Hughes from the edge of the box. A minute later Lee Hunt charged in from the left to finish from a tight angle. A minute later again - on 21 minutes - Kenny Burgess struck a booming cross from the right and Lee Hunt headed home emphatically from ten yards. Game over. On the half hour Alan Goodall spotted a gap in the Robins defensive all and scored low to the 'keepers right for a 4-0 advantage. To be fair Newtown competed well for the remainder of the half, but with Ricky Evans and Simon Davies bossing the midfield they remained unrewarded. A word for Chris Short who dealt impressively with left winger Gareth Hughes. |
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| Newtown sent on all three subs at the restart.
Within a minute of the restart Anthony Fenton conceded a penalty which the plodding Leon Brown converted. The second half continued to be an even contest with City now losing urgency and with it passes went astray. One better moment on the hour saw Chris Moores chase a lost cause on the right to pull back into the path of the charging Ricky Evans whose power drive crashed into the boards to the left of the goal. On 65 minutes Simon Davies was withdrawn with Steve Cooper slotting into midfield, minutes later the non stop Lee Hunt was substituted by Darren Jones. Robins sub Jamie Edwards made a good impression on the right wing with his pace and control. On 72 mins Newtown closed the gap once again. Justin Wickham raced down the right and delivered an inviting cross which substitute Adam Shakespeare headed home firmly from five yards. Moments later it took a brave block from Eifion Jones to prevent another goalbound effort finding its target. With a quarter of an hour left Alan Goodall was replaced by Huw Griffiths who took up a striking role alongside Chris Moores. In a final move Kenny Burgess raced past Sean Hazelden to send a powerful strike onto the crossbar from 15 yards out on the right. Referee Woodthorpe then yellow carded Eifion Jones and blew up! |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Chris Short, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Aled Rowlands,
Anthony Fenton, Lee Hunt, Ricky Evans, Chris Moores, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Steve Cooper, Darren Jones, Huw Griffiths |
| Newtown: A.Hughes, Justin
Bridges, Gareth Evans, Sean Hazelden, Chris Morgan, Dylan McPhee, Justin Wickham, Chris Adamson, Leon Brown, Mark Williams, Gareth Hughes. Subs: Andy Thomas, Jamie Edwards, Adam Shakespeare, |
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Dylan McPhee |
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| A classy display from Bangor which was well received by
another healthy Farrar Road crowd and emphasised by an astonishing
corner count of fifteen. With Kenny Burgess and Chris Moores prominent, City forced three corners in the opening five minutes before finally taking the lead in the ninth. Twisting and turning on the left Chris Moores struck a shot goalwards that took a wicked deflection off Griffiths over Sillitoe and into the net. Minutes later the former Warrington marksman hit the target again but this time the keeper gathered. On 20 minutes City forced a couple more corners the second of which - timed at 22 mins - was played short by the alert Clayton Blackmore for Kenny Burgess to rifle into the net from 25 yards. Playing with calm control reminscent of Rutter & Wiggins, the City rearguard were enjoying possession and using it to good effect. One such move resulted in Kenny Burgess crossing for Lee Hunt but his header went just off target. Caersws resorted to the occasional heavy tackle to try and stiffle the onslaught but with Ricky Evans and Simon Davies repeatedly making a monkey of Reynolds and Graham Jones, this was a doomed tactic. By half time City had won ten corners and forced a string of errors out of the hapless Sillitoe. Welsh Caps Clayton Blackmore and Simon Davies combined but the tanned one sent his lob wide. The ever lively Graham Evans lobbed just over in a rare Caersws attack whilst the half ended with a Bluebirds freekick after referee Hames booked Clayton Blockmore for a foul - but no serious threat materialised. |
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| The first half lead had been achieved against the wind;
with a bright sun setting behind the Farrar End and shining into the
faces of the despondent visitors, there was a promise of things to
come. Two more quick corners, havoc wreaked by the tireless Lee
Hunt and Chris Moores, the visitors defence hanging on by a
shred. Next Simon Davies fired wide after good build up on
theleft involving Alan Goodall and Aled Rowlands.
On 55 minutes it was 3-0 and all over. Clayton Blackmore drove a freekick to Lee Hunt whose clean low strike found the back of Sillitoe's net. With the midfield dominant and the forwards running hard off the ball, Bangor were now rampant. On 58 minutes Eifion Jones headed home from City's 13th corner of the afternoon swung over from the right by Simon Davies. Minutes later City fans were celebrating again before an offside flag held up the melee. With twenty minutes remaining Chris Moores tested Sillitoe twice, from 22 and then 35 yards. He was then replaced - nursing a groin strain - with the ever popular Steve Cooper rushing on. Simon Davies then supplied the willing Aled Rowlands on the left but his shot went wide. Moments later Graham Evans found time and space to hit a shot on target but hit the upright. City then sent on Chris Short for Ricky Evans with Clayton Blackmore moving into midfield before the rout was completed on 79 minutes. Kenny Burgess chase a crossfield ball and managed to scoop the half chance over the stranded Sillitoe left footed and into the St Pauls net. On the stroke of time Lee Hunt saw a shot saved, the visitors were out on their feet. A comprehensive win but unlikely as it may seem, they got off lightly! |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Ricky Evans, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Aled Rowlands,
Anthony Fenton, Lee Hunt, Clayton Blackmore, Chris Moores, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Steve Cooper, Chris Short, Huw Griffiths |
| Caersws: Sillitoe, A.Thomas,
A.Fletcher, A.Griffiths, Clarke, Reynolds, Hamer, Marfell, G.Evans,
G.Jones, G.Lewis. Subs: Craig Richards, Jamie Davies, Nick Bellows |
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| City take a fair advantage into the second leg of this
league cup tie next week, but will be mindful that in a similar open
game goals could flow at either end. It was a much changed Bangor side that took the field, with Ricky Evans and Chris Moores making their debuts and others such as Chris Short, Steve Cooper and Anthony Fenton being offered starts. However it was one of this number, the versatile Steve Cooper, who stole the show with a hard working and creative midfield display alongside newcomer Ricky Evans. First to impress though was No 9 Chris Moores whose general link up play was central to early attacks, one of which saw the former Warrington marksman win a corner via a deflected shot. Leon Brown went close at the other end before City's new midfield general notched a surpise opener. Aled Rowlands won a corner on the left which young goalkeeper Andy Hughes misjudged for Steve Cooper to score direct on 26 minutes. The home fans were still celebrating when a poor clearance fell to Justin Wickham in the City box for the winger to hook home from twelve yards. On 34 minutes City restored the advantage as some calm defending by Alan Goodall on the left released Aled Rowlands. His incisive pass picked out Kenny Burgess who skinned Sean Hazelden to fire past Hughes low into the net. Just before halftime the ever dangerous Justin Wickham shot on target but Phil Priestley gathered. |
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| After the interval Chris Moores continued to impress
with a neat shot on the turn which Hughes did well to save, then Steve
Cooper crossed from the right for the tireless Lee Hunt to sweep just
over the Robins bar. This was by a now an end to end affair and
City
had good cause to be grateful for the calm presence of Anthony Fenton
and the safe hands of 'keeper Phil Priestley. On 53 minutes though a third goal gave Bangor a clear advantage to take to Latham Park. The growing presence of Ricky Evans was prominent as his inch perfect pass was met by a galloping Alan Goodall on the left. His run took him past the visitors defence, to the deadball line, to set up Chris Moores for a close range tap in on his debut. Moments later Leon Brown forced a good save from Phil Priestley who had no time to relax as the visitors pushed to close the gap. Man of The Match Steve Cooper then supplied Kenny Burgess whose shot was too close to the tall young keeper before Chris Short crossed to the unmarked Lee Hunt but he headed at the exposed Hughes. On 68 minutes Chris Moores also headed too close to the keeper before he was replaced by Darren Jones. Another City player who improved visibly as the evenng progressed was Aled Rowlands whose close control and work ethic made life difficult for the visitors, so too Ricky Evans who appeared marginally short of match fintess. However the big Wrexham based midfielder showed excellent close control to wriggle past three defenders and set up Lee Hunt who unfortunately pulled his effort wide. There was still time for Referee Lawler to caution Alan Goodall and award a string of freekicks to Newtown but to no avail. A great team effort, a word for the work-aholic Lee Hunt who unsettled the opposition defence, and for the debutants who had fine games. Well done! |
| Bangor City: Phil Priestley, Chris Short, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Aled Rowlands, Anthony Fenton, Lee Hunt, Steve Cooper, Chris Moores, Ricky Evans, Kenny Burgess. Subs: Darren Jones, Warren Gibbs, Steve Owen |
| Newtown: A.Hughes, Andy Thomas,
Gareth Evans, Adam Shakespeare, Sean Hazelden, Dylan McPhee, Justin
Wickham, Chris Adamson, Leon Brown, Mark Williams, Gareth Hughes. Subs: Justin Bridges, Tom Reynolds, Jon Reynolds |
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| City were beaten by a goal in each half but battled to
the end and might have grabbed that all important away goal on a number
of occasions. The hosts dominated the opening period and at times lay siege to the blues goal, but found Phil Priestley in imperious form. He held shots, gathered crosses and generally marshalled his troops impressively at all times. On the 14 minute mark Sartid finally - and deservedly - went ahead when Zoran Kulic raced down the left and crossed for Zecevic to head home at the near post. City might have wilted under the pressure but with central defenders Eifion Jones and Huw Griffiths standing up bravely, a second goal was not forthcoming. As half time drew nearer City started to make inroads into the Sartid half. Experienced duo Simon Davies and Clayton Blackmore started to make their presence felt in midfield, which they had manned gamefully alongside the hard working Steve Cooper. On 37 minutes a pivotal moment, involving The Racecourse matchwinner Paul Roberts. Aled Rowlands found the striker alone upfield, he turned a barged his way past Spasic, but as he steamed into the six yard area the ball bobbled away and was gathered by the obnoxious Zilic. Moments later City won a corner and this time Zilic was yellow carded for another blatant assault on City's frontman. This brief interlude confirmed a visible "glass chin" in the Sartid rearfguard who quickly resorted to pushing and intimidation when under any pressure. |
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| After the break Sartid came out strongly and in one
attack Mirosavljevic hit the woodwork, but it was not until the 58th
minute that they finally snatched the all important second goal.
The industrious Mirosavljevic played a one two on the edge of the box,
avoided a super
challenge from Eifion Jones on the right, before curling the ball
passed
Phil Priestley from ten yards. Minutes later Paul Roberts was felled by an elbow off Damjanovic who was eventually red carded for his sins with half an hour remaining. This increased the mental pressure on the home side who readily resorted to off the ball malice as a means of retaining the advantage. In the closing quater Lee Hunt replaced Graham Brett and Bangor lad Darren Jones came on for the exhausted Paul Roberts. The clearest opening fell to Kenny Burgess who ran in from the right to meet a left wing Aled Rowlands cross but unfortunately he hooked his effort narrowly wide. City forced a corner deep into the eight minutes of injury time but again could not quite get anyone on the end of an Eifion Jones header. Simon Davies was yellow carded for a foul which provoked a pathetic gesture from the Sartid midfielder. Lee Hunt went close, then City had an appeal for a penalty turned down when a Sartid defender appeared to control the ball with his hand, but to no avail. So beaten, hugely disappointed, but in all honesty City had done their best and had every reason to feel proud of their mammoth effort. |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Graham Brett (Lee Hunt 78), Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones,
Aled Rowlands, Huw Griffiths, Clayton Blackmore, Paul Roberts (Darren Jones 73), Steve Cooper, Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess, SUBS: Chris Short, Peter Davenport, Steve Owen |
| Sartid: Zilic, Dukovic, Radoslavic,
Damjanovic, Spasic, Socanac, Kekezovic, Vaskovic, Mirolsavljevic,
Kulic (Savic 83) Zecevic SUBS: Rankovic, Djovic, Kokic, Paunovic, Kizic |
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| Cwmbran battled hard in the tense match but in the end
Bangor deservedly took the points. However the match - and the
win
- was overshadowed by a injury to hugely talented youngster Owain Jones.
The first opportunity fell to Paul Roberts who clean strike was well held by Ellacot, before Kenny Burgess sliced a long range shot on target following some calm defensive play from Eifion Jones and Graham Brett. Moments later Phil Priestley saved well from Anthony Wright beofre the lively Lee Hunt hit the target with a shot from the right. On twenty minutes Paul Roberts shot narrowly wide with the keeper glued to the spot. On the half hour Paul Roberts was in the thick of the action again with a header which drifted wide after a good cross from midfield general Clayton Blackmore. City's keeper then saved well from Rhys Griffiths. At the other end Lee Hunt won the ball to set up Paul Roberts but his rising shot was pushed over by Ellacot. However - against the run of play - Cwmbran went ahead on 43 minutes. Eifion Jones struggled to reach a long clearance on the slippery surface and the ball fell for Chris Summers who took the chance with ease. To their credit the travelling Crows contingent made a fair old din. |
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| The first chance after the interval fell to Owain Jones
but somehow the ball just would not drop, then the tall youngster
headed just over from an Alan Goodall cross. On the hour Ellacot
made a good save at the feet of Kenny Burgess before Cwmbran survived a
couple of
goalmouth scares. However on 63 minutes the scores were level. Aled Rowlands crossed from the left for Kenny Burgess to nod home from close range. This was a deserved equaliser which came after City had started to look destined not to score. Five minutes later though physio Davey Crocket was calling for a stretcher after Owain Jones lay prostrate after a seemingly innocuous challenge. The situation worsened as - minutes later - an ambulance took the 17 year old to hospital with what was reported as a "locked knee". Home debutant Anthony Fenton came on for "Lofty" to take up a left back berth with Alan Goodall moving into centre midfield. The big sub made a positive impression with some calm defending and distribution. On 77 minutes City players and St Paul's End supporters were appealing for a penalty as Huw Griffiths was visibly restrained in the visitors box, but to no avail. Two minutes later on 79 minutes Bangor had the lead. Aled Rowlands again the provider with Paul Roberts getting the slightest of touches for Lee Hunt to finish bravely from close range. With Anthony Fenton now dominating the midfield area City were well placed to see out the remaining ten minutes, which were extended by an injury to Ellacot. The final whistle came as a relief with Cwmbran, with Mattie Davies always a threat, with City preserving the winning run. |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Graham Brett, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Aled
Rowlands, Huw Griffiths, Lee Hunt, Clayton Blackmore, Paul
Roberts, Owain Jones (Anthony Fenton 69), Kenny Burgess, Subs: Chris Short,Peter Davenport |
| Cwmbran: Ellacot, Carter, Smothers,
Jenkins, G.Wharton, David, Summers, C.Watkins, Griffiths, Wright,
O'Connor, Subs: Mattie Davies, Michael Pattimore, Jason Welsh |
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| City were full value for this emphatic victory at
Bridge Meadow which featured a hatrick from Paul Roberts.
The team news saw Graham Brett in at right back, Clayton Blackmore slotting into midfield and Lee Hunt alongside Paul Roberts in a 4-4-2 line up. City forced five corners in as many minutes as Paul Roberts had a shot blocked and later Eifion Jones volleyed over. The big defender also headed just over from another corner kick, before Clayton Blackmore also shot high when set up by Aled Rowlands and Alan Goodall on the left. With Phil Priestley largely confined to handling the occasional cross, the blues finally took the lead on the half hour. A cross from Aled Rowlands led to confusion in the hosts box, Paul Roberts thrashed home from eight yards with Lee Hunt also on hand. Five minutes later Kenny Burgess was booked for kicking the ball away - in fairness to referee Southall he applied this rule consistently throughout. County then had two free kicks from wide on the right with goalkeeper Phil Priestley holding both comfortably. On 38 minutes City doubled their advantage when Huw Griffiths was unmarked in the six yard area to power home a header from a right wing cross. The big defender celebrated as City relaxed into the half time break. |
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| County started brightly after the interval and pushed
forwards but failed to trouble the City goal thanks to the dominant
presence of centrebacks Eifion Jones and Huw Griffiths. On the
hour the lively Lee Hunt nearly increased the advantage when he ran
onto a Kenny Burgess pass but Haman saved well.
However on 65 minutes it was 3-0 as Paul Roberts picked up a pass from the Huw Griffiths to beat Haman from the edge of the box. A minute later Lee Hunt chipped the keeper from close range but he responded with an acrobatic push over the bar. On 69 minutes Huw Griffiths was replaced (uninjured) by Anthony Fenton who made a competent debut alongside the impressive Eifion Jones. Moments later Lee Hunt caught Deryn Brace in possession and selflessly supplied Kenny Burgess but his clean strike hit the woodwork. City were cruising now and manager Peter Davenport sent on Chris Short for Graham Brett and immediately he watched as Lee Hunt was clearly "blocked off" by a Coutny defender as he ran in on goal, but to no avail. The final substitution came on 77 minutes as Owain Jones strode on instead of Simon Davies. With ten minutes remaining Haman saved well from Paul Roberts and sent the ball upfield where Eifion Jones had to be alert to thwart Morgan as he ran in on goal. On 83 minutes Paul Roberts completed his hatrick and the rout as he gathered a wonderful pass from Clayton Blackmore to belt home past Haman. The final action saw Phil Priestley save from Morgan whose clean shot from the right was arguably County's best effort ont he day. |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Graham Brett (Chris Short 75) , Alan Goodall, Eifion
Jones, Aled Rowlands, Huw Griffiths (Anthony Fenton 69), Lee Hunt, Clayton Blackmore, Paul Roberts, Simon Davies (Owain Jones 77), Kenny Burgess, |
| County: Haman, Allan, Brace,
Harris, Chiverton, D.Blain, O'Sullivan, Heal, Catlin, Loss, Hudgell.
Subs: Price, R.Jones, R.Morgan |
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| A truly epic perfomance by a well drilled and
disciplined Bangor side which were a credit to the manager and the
pride of the thousand or so noisy supporters. This was a deserved win built on firm defence and opportunist attack, although the last ten minutes seemed to last an hour! City were never overwhelmed or daunted and stuck to their task with evident purpose. The opening salvo was fired by lone striker Paul Roberts whose 25 effort was saved by Zilic, the Sartid keeper who was very lucky to last the ninety minutes. City No 1 Phil Priestley then saved well from Zilic before Huw Griffiths headed narrowly wide from a corner in the tenth minute. Sartid worked the ball around and seemed intent on working a space beyond Alan Goodall at leftback, but his combination with Aled Rowlands blunted this initiative. City were shaken on 25 minutes when Gareth Williams was carried off with a serious ankle injury to be replaced by former Wrexham professional Steve Cooper. The sub took up a central midfield position alongside Owain Jones and the hugely impressive Simon Davies. On 40 minutes a bizarre incident. Paul Roberts positioned himself infront of Sartid 'keeper Zilic for a Bangor corner. The tall custodian clearly pushed him causing the referee to delay the kick and speak to both. Moments later with the ball on the way Zilic forcibly pushed him again; the clearest penalty - and card - imaginable. Perversely the official awarded a freekick to the visitors! |
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| The second period opened with some more sparring, Paul
Roberts shielding and distributing the ball intelligently, supported by
the occasional burst from Kenny Burgess or Simon Davies.
On the hour one such move saw a rightwing cross just elude Owain Jones as he slid it at the left post. A dangerous position for a freekick conceded on the edge of the box saw Spanic fire into the wall to huge relief from the blues followers. On 69 minutes City struck ahead. The ever composed Clayton Blackmore found right winger Kenny Burgess, his cross was collected by Paul Roberts who fired home from 20 yards! If the dark haired striker had enjoyed his winner in the 2000 Welsh Cup Final he certainly did this one! The Racecourse resounded to noisy acclaim - some of us were speechless. Inevitably Sartid were stung into action but conspired to create precious little and scarcely trouble Phil Priestley other than with hopeful crosses. The closest call came in the 81st minute when Branezac fired wide from six yards. With four minutes left the exhausted Paul Roberts was replaced by Lee Hunt to deafening applause, in the closing moments local flier Darren Jones came on for young Owain Jones whose football education continued with another impressive display. At the final whistle the partisan blues were in raptures at what ranks as one of the outstanding performances by a Bangor side, one which keeps interest alive for the return visit a fortnight later. |
| Bangor City:
Phil Priestley, Owain Jones (Darren Jones 89), Alan Goodall, Eifion
Jones, Aled Rowlands, Huw Griffiths, Gareth Williams (Steve Cooper 24), Clayton
Blackmore, Paul Roberts (Lee Hunt 86), Simon Davies, Kenny Burgess,
SUBS: Stephen Owen, Graham Brett, Chris Short, Warren Gibbs. |
| Sartid: Zilic, Damjanovic,
Kekezovic (Dukovic 65), Kizic, Spasic, Socanac, Bogdanovic, Vaskovic,
Mirolsavljevic, Kulic (Romanovic 80) Zecevic
(Branezac 60) SUBS: Rankovic, Savic, Paunovic, Dokic |
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