| MATCH REPORTS |
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SEASON 2003-04 |
| MATCH REPORT
ARCHIVE |
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This was a comfortable as the scorline suggests for City
against a Carmarthen side whose selection owed much to Monday's
Loosemores Cup encounter with Rhyl and their guaranteed survival in the
Welsh Premiership. City boss Peter Davenport was without Paul Friel who has a calf strain and so reverted to a 4-4-2 formation with Paul Gedman alongside Paul Roberts and Ross Jefferies on the bench alongside Frank Mottram and Mark Connolly. Both wingers Kenny Burgess and Les Davies went close in the opening stages as City set the pace against a largely youthful looking home side. Midway through the half first Alan Goodall and then Paul Gedman fired off target from outside the box before Kenny Burgess tested Rob Thomas with a low shot from the edge of the box. City's right winger was running amok on the flank and attracting some harsh treatment from Hayward and his team mates. Paul Roberts also fired off target and the City faithful started to fear a frustrating afternoon when referee Ceri Richards finally put a stop to some crude defending by showing his yellow card to Leigh De Vulgt whose exotic name belies a very ordinary player. When the dust had settled Steve Hitchen centred for Paul Roberts to head home from twelve yards to give City a deserved advantage as the interval loomed. There was time for Clayton Blackmore to pick out Paul Gedman on the edge of the Carmarthen box but his shot flew narrowly wide. |
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The one paced Adam Moore was the first player into the
referee's notebook after the interval for a badly timed challenge on
Alan Goodall. Five minutes after the restart left winger Les
Davies roasted replacement right back Owen Thomas and delivered an
inviting cross for Paul Gedman
but his header flew wide. Midfielder Moore advised upimg Thomas
to
"push him into the stand" but there seemed little likelihood of the
runaway
truck being derailed! On 54 mins it was 2-0 as Kenny Burgess ran infield from the right and - with players moving off in all directions - wrong footed Thomas from 18 yards with a left footed finish. The home side then went for a double susbtitution with Steffan Davies and Luke Sayers making way for Dale Price and Nicky Burke. However it was City who continued to dominate and a deep freekick by Alan Goodall was given up by everyone but Paul Gedman whose late lunge nearly clipped the ball goalwards. Moments later Captain Goodall saw his shot saved by the hardworking Thomas ebfore the home side won a corner which Moore failed to convert at the back post. Les Davies then supplied Paul Gedman but he was crowded out but the clearance was returned by the inrushing Alan Goodall for Thomas to smother. City won their fifth corner of the afternoon as Thomas fumbled a 30 yarder from Alan Goodall and from the kick Eifion Jones header over the bar. With just over a quarter of an hour remaining the industrious Paul Gedman chased a through ball which he attempted to flick over the home keeper but the youngster held cleanly. With 75 mins on the clock Bangor made a triple substitution as Paul Roberts, Les Davies and Clayton Blackmore made way for Frank Mottram, Ross Jefferies and Mark Connolly to great effect. On 80 mins it was 3-0 when Mark Connolly swept on a lose ball on the edge of the box to drive home with the aid of a slight deflection. Bangor fans were rubbin gthei rhands in expectation of a late rally. However the immediate result was a goal for Carmarthen as substitute Nicky Burke lofted into an unguarded net from 35 yards after a mix up in the City defence for 3-1. City forced a seventh corner and moments later on 87 mins Ross Jefferies crossed from the right for Frank Mottram to head home from six yards to complete an impressive contribution from the trio of substitutes. So the final match of the season won 4-1 and an enjoyable afternoon at a sunny Richmond Park. |
| Bangor City:
Phil
Priestley, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones,
Steve
Hitchen, Gareth Evans, Kenny Burgess, Clayton Blackmore, Paul
Gedman, Paul Roberts, Les Davies Subs: Ross Jefferies, Frank Mottram, Mark Connolly, |
| Carmarthen
Town: Thomas, Evans, Hayward, De Vulgt, Barnhouse, Price,
Davies, Davies, Jones, Fayers, Moore Subs: Thomas, Price, Burke, Ried |
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A tense a evenly fought first half gave way to a second half
dominated
by some dubious freekick awards and offside decisions. Needless
to
say Gerald Davies was involved. Rhyl needed to win and started as if they intended to settle the issue in the opening minutes forcing three corners early on and testing young goalkeeper Craig Bryan, who it must be said stood up well to the examination. Moran shot narrowly wide before Gary Powell saw his shot cleared as the impressive Eifion Jones and Peter Hoy rose to the challenge. On the twenty minute mark City shook off the shackles and raided upfield with Kenny Burgess crossing to Les Davies but his right footed effort missed the target. City's 19 year old winger then shot wide from outside the box and Paul Roberts lifted Bangor spirits further with a shot which Paul Smith held comfortably enough. Marc Limbert then saw his goalbound effort headed off the line by Peter Hoy for a fourth Rhyl corner. Clayton Blackmore was to the fore with his experience and positioning vital as City cleared. From this Bangor broke upfield with Alan Goodall seeing his shot saved by Smith who is unrecognisable from his TNS days. With the wind at their backs City pushed forwards and the home defence obligingly lost control. Paul Roberts was making Timmy Edwards look awkward and uncomfortable as he twisted and turned past his marker. On the half hour a dreadful backpass by Lee Atherton let in Paul Roberts but he slipped as he chased in on goal and the chance was gone. On 33 mins City forced their first corner as Roberts unsettled the Lilywhites on the left. Smith looked lest than sure of his position has he immediately conceded a second corner. By now Paul Roberts was in full sway and the normally reliable centreback alignment of Edwards, Atherton & Brewerton looking decidedly shakey. Kenny Burgess crossed from the right but Eifion Jones and Paul Roberts both jumped for the same header which flew over the bar. A third bangor corner resulted in a free kick for Rhyl before Paul Roberts collected a superb ball to feet from leftback Gareth Evans, span past Edwards but dragged his shot wide from 15 yards. Lee Atherton was all over the shop and his slip let in Les Davies but the alert Smith parried his close range effort with Paul Roberts hoping for a cross. With five minutes to the interval a fourth City corner ended in more frustration as Alan Goodall's shot was saved after a telling pass from the industrious Paul Friel. As time ran out Les Davies fluffed a golden opportunity from six yards after great approach play from Paul Roberts who had run at goal from the right corner flag beating three defenders en route. Finally the big winger chase down the left with Atherton gasping in his wake but saw his shot held by Smith once again. As City trouped off the players could feel pleased with their effort, both in surviving the opening quarter and then dominating the remainder. But the blank goal tally would have been the major cause for concern. Credit to the referee who had managed proceedings competently. |
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A game of two halves? Something along those lines but
the opening chance came to Les Davies who, back to goal, turned
and fired at Smith after an accurate pass from Paul Friel.
This stung the home side into action who forced an early corner but
with little end product. Enter the jester. Marc Limbert reacted angrily to a foul by Alan Goodall and struck City's captain in the face. Play on. Next Marc Limbert fired a free kick at Paul Friel which the Irishman avoided. The man in black ordered the kick to be retaken, booked Friel and duly awaited the outcome. Odd to say the least. Limbert sent his freekick deep into the six yard box where Brewerton was three yards offside, his header back across goal was charged home by Timmy Edwards for a one goal lead. Limbert quickly realised referee Davies was on his side and lashed out at Goodall as he ran past, again nothing given. Moran fired on target but young Bryan held cleanly. On 68 mins the second significant moment as Stuart Graves lost the ball on the edge of the box and was awarded a freekick which also resulted in Steve Hitchin being shown a yellow card. The free kick from Limbert was palmed away by Bryan for a corner, a superb one handed save at full stretch. The little midfielder lay on his back in some dramatic gesture but was cheered seconds later as the resulting corner from Graves was headed home by Timmy Edwards for his second goal of the evening. By now the home side were in full sway, Steve Hitchin and Peter Hoy were in the teeth of the battle, the match was all but done. City sent on Frank Mottram and Mark Connolly for Kenny Burgess and Clayton Blackmore on 75 mins and then Paul Gedman for Paul Friel seven minutes later. Uncharacteristically Gedman was yellow carded within seconds for a blatant foul on Mark Powell right in front of the referee. This was a disappointing end to events for a City side who had perhaps a dozen efforts on goal but must have felt hard done to by the vindictive refereeing of Mr Davies who made his feeling felt with a foul mouthed volley at the City camp as he left the field of play. |
| Bangor City:
Craig Bryan, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones,
Steve Hitchen, Gareth Evans Kenny Burgess, Paul Friel, Paul Roberts, Les Davies, Clayton Blackmore, Subs: Frank Mottram, Paul Gedman, , Mark Connolly, |
| Rhyl:
Smith, Brewerton, Powell, Atherton, Edwards, Walters, Wilson, Limbert,
Moran, Powell, Graves Subs: Adamson, |
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This final home match was won with two first half half
goals, one apiece from strike partners Paul Roberts and Paul Gedman, as
City overcome stubborn Nomads resistance and some inconsistent
refereeing from local official Kevin Parry. A mention too for 18
year old Craig Bryan who enjoyed a fine debut in the Bangor goal. City started the brighter attacking the St Pauls End with Paul Roberts heading over from a sixth minute corner with visiting keeper Lee williams rooted to the spot. No sooner had this kick been taken than the visitors replaced Craig Hutchinson with Paul Mazzarella following a late challenge. On the quarter hour Paul Gedman raced through a gap in the visitors defence but sliced his shot off target before the lumbering Chris Wiliams was yellow carded for a wild lunge on Kenny Burgess. When the Noamds did attack the home defence stood firm, with Peter Hoy and Eifion Jones both enjoying fine pefromances, ably assisted by nimble Steve Hitchin and determined Gareth Evans. However City quickly switched up through the gears with two goals in ten minutes, and might have had three. The first came from Paul Roberts who seized on loose ball outside the Nomads box, raced goalwards before shooting right footed at Lee Williams who parried the effort back for the onrushing striker to smash home left footed from ten yards. This came about on 28 mns and two more had passed when Alan Goodall sent a perfect freekick curling into the visitors net for what looked like a perfectly good second. However the inept Kevin Parry found some obscure reason to disallow the effort and frustrate the home fans. Dean Tuft was alert to clear a goalbound effort from Eifion Jones but could do nothing but watch on 39 mins when Peter Hoy embarked on a cavalier run on the left to pull the ball back to the edge of the box for Paul Gedman to rifle home with a clean low drive for his third goal in five games. Referee Parry then waved away loud penalty appeals with the ball in the Nomads box before Paul Roberts went close to adding a third goal with a run which ended in a low shot beyond Lee Williams' desparing finger tips but also the far post. The young keeper? He was scarcely busy but handled crosses confidently and punched away one awkward centre which seemed to impress his defence. |
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As the second half got underway Connahs Quay introduced
former City leftwinger Alun Evans in place of Andy Griffiths. Mr
Parry quickly yellow carded Eifion Jones for a foul on the substitute
who could only watch as Mark Connolly met Kenny Burgess' right wing
cross but directed his fifteen yard header wide. Undeterred by
his caution the impressive Jones blotted out a Noamds attack with a
perfect tackle on Tommy Mutton who had skipped past Peter Hoy at pace,
moments later leftback Hopkins fired well wide.
An early second half corner from Connahs Quay produced an excellent low save from Craig Bryan as Stuart Rain's low drive was angling insdie the upright. Clayton Blackmore was forced to clear off the line before the objectionable Kenworthy dived and rolled with some conviction in a bid to produce a yellow card, thankfully the official decline. On the hour both Eifion Jones and Kenny Burgess went close. Then a wholehearted crunching challenge between Steve Hitchin and Steve Hopkins direclty infront of the Bangor dugout saw the visiting defender need treatment and then be replaced by another former Citizen Stuart Terry. Bangor went close once more as Eifion Jones' powerful header hit the side netting but on 75 mins the visitors halved the deficit at Tommy Mutton danced past the City defence to fire home from close range on the right. Bangor hit back as Alan Goodall's freekick was defelcted for a corner which Lee Williams punched clear. On 77 mins Frank Mottram replaced goalscorer Paul Gedman, within minutes the Weston Rhyn striker set up Paul Roberts in the box but he delayed and finally shot straight at Lee Williams who clutched the ball comfortably. Mutton was causing City some problems with his pace but he lacked genuine support. On 83 mins a double substitution with Paul Friel and Les Davies coming on for Mark Connolly and the other goalscorer Paul Roberts. In the closing minutes Connahs Quay won a couple of corners, the second of which saw Peter Hoy head off the line and City win an injury time corner as time finally ran out. A welcome three points, a win over a typical Nomads side, and a final home match of the 2003-04 season. |
| Bangor City:
Craig Bryan, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones,
Steve Hitchen, Gareth Evans Kenny Burgess, Clayton Blackmore, Paul Gedman, Paul
Roberts, Mark Connolly, Subs: Paul Friel, Frank Mottram, Les Davies, |
| Connahs
Quay: Williams, Hopkins, Tuft, Hutchinson, Brookman, Williams,
Griffiths, Mutton, Rain, Kenworthy, Owen Subs: Mazzarella, Evans, Terry |
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An Easter Monday draw was a fair result at the end of this
entertaining if vaguely tame local derby. Bangor were hit by the withdrawl of leftback Gareth Evans through illness which meant Alan Goodall reverted to his old position whilst Frank Mottram and Paul Roberts were paired in attack. Caernarfon featured four former Wrexham professionals - Durkin, Phillips, Watkins and Chalk - and promising teenager Dylan Owen on the bench. In a largely forgettable opening twenty five minutes chances fell to Paul Roberts who shot over the bar and visting midfielder Leigh williams who sliced wide. On target effort came from former Oswestry defender Mark Hobson whose header was cleanly held by Phil Priestley and then Paul Roberts again who se fine drive was palmed wide by Willocks. On the half hour Bangor forced a couple of corners, the second from a goalbound shot from Clayton Blackmore which provoked cries for handball from City supporters. When the visitors did attack City's defensive pairing of Peter Hoy and Eifion Jones dealt confidently with any danger, whilst Stve Hitchin did much to prompt attacking moves from his right back berth. Steve Hitchin and Paul Roberts combined on the right to set up Les Davies but his shot flew off target and minutes later the big winger returned the compliment but City's former Wrexham striker saw his shot held by Willocks. As half time approached young Irishman Paul Friel worked th egoalkeeper with two twenty yard efforts but neither had the pace or venom to trouble the Canaries custodian. No goals at the interval and not too much to talk about over a half time cup of tea. |
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The second half began with another former Oswestry Town
defender Mike Maloney being yellow carded for a foul on Clayton
Blackmore. City
enjoyed a promising pen ten minute spell with Frank Mottram having a
shot
blocked, Alan Goodall seeing his held before Frank Mottram fired over
from
the left edge of the box. Caernarfon responded by replacing the
tiring
Leigh Williams with young Dylan Owen, whose father Ken also wore the
town's
colours. This seemed to do the trick as Wayne Phillips saw his shot deflected for a corner off Alan Goodall. Three old Robins then combined as Martin Chalk to the corner short to Phillips who crossed for Steve Watkins to head home at the far post. City were caught napping and paid the price. Chalk was then yellow carded for a foul on Alan Goodall before Les Davies and Paul Roberts failed to convert half chances for City. However on 65 mins the scores were level as Bangor's teenage midfielder Mark Connolly pounced on a lose ball in the Caernarfon box to smash the ball home from ten yards for his first competitive goal in a City shirt. To some degree that was about it, although Steve Watkins might have stolen all three points for the visitors whilst both Paul Friel and Peter Hoy also worried the visting goalkeeper but without finding the back of the net. So a one all draw and honours even, a reasonable display too from referee Hames who appeared to have a rapport with both sets of players. |
| Bangor City:
Phil
Priestley, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones,
Steve
Hitchen, Paul Friel, Mark Connolly, Clayton Blackmore, Paul Roberts, Frank
Mottram, Les Davies, Subs: Kenny Burgess, Ross Jefferies, Paul Gedman |
| Caernarfon
Town: Willcocks, Roberts, Maloney, Phillips, Brandreth, Hobson,
Durkin, Williams, Watkin, Davies, Chalk Subs: Owen, Norman, Campbell |
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City fought back to secure a point against in form Caersws
after having goalkeepr Phil Priestley sent off whilst conceding a
second half penalty
when trailing 1-0 to Caersws. It all started brightly enough with Paul Gedman going close and City forcing a succession of corners in an impressive, composed opening 25 minutes spell attacking the Farrar End. The clearest shooting chance was created by Kenny Burgess whose right wing run left defenders trailing but his shot span wide of the far post. Caersws hit back with young midfielder Chris Venables but his right footed curler also flew the wrong side of the upright. On the quarter hour mark City forced a fourth corner as Steve Hitchin ran purposefully down the right. Caersws cleared the initial centre but City regathered and supplied centre forward Paul Gedman on the edge of the box, but rather than shoot he laid the ball back to Ross Jefferies whose hurried shot was scuffed wide. Moments later an uncharacteristic mistake by Gareth Evans let Marfell in but Eifion Jones was alert to the danger an intercepted on his six yard line. On 21 mins Peter Hoy was harshly booked for a mistimed tackle on speedy striker Graham Evans on the half way line before Andy Mulliner pulled off a superb save from Clayton Blackmore whose dipping volley seemed destined for the net. On two occasions referee Mike Jones waved away Caersws penalty claims for what was obvious diving but - despite gesturing to this effect - refused to caution the offenders. But on 24 minutes disaster struck as Steve Hitchin was caught in two minds, dispossesed and the ball squared to Geraint Lewis to fire home from 20 yards with a clean low drive. From the kick off Bangor charged upfield but Paul Gedman headed off target from six yards. Eifion Jones was again in the right place at the right time to deny Graham Evans as danger threatened before play switched to the Farrar End and Clayton Blackmore's attempted overhead kick from Paul Gedman's cross. Before the interval there was time for City to force a seventh corner but manager Peter Davenport must have been disappointed with the lack of openings created from these set piece plays. The last word fell to Andy Marfell whose firm drive hit the advertising boards on the safe side of Phil Priestley's right hand post. |
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Five minutes after the restart Les Davies robbed Geraint
Lewis on the left and fired a low cross into the six yard area but Andy
Mulliner gathered cleanly on the floor. Caersws forced
their second corner of the game but Bangor cleared. Battling play
on the attacking left by Alan Goodall unsettled the visting defenders
but resulted in a goal kick. Winger Les Davies sent
in a rightfooted cross from the left but Ross Jefferies saw his header
saved by Mulliner. A half chance opened up for Gareth Evans but
his effort lacked conviction. A right wing cross from Paul Gedman was attacked by Kenny Burgess but his header flew off target before Les Davies was yellow carded for a heavy tackle on Graham Jones. Bluebirds boss Micky Evans then sent on Jamie Davies for Chris Venables in a midfield swap. Referee Mike Jones scarcely endeared himself to the Bangor faithful in the incident which saw Geraint Lewis flatten Peter Hoy with a straight arm blow to the face in the Bangor box. Whilst the City defender was receiving treatment Mr Jones yellow carded Lewis for what can only have been described as violent conduct and surely merited a straight red. On 64 minutes came the moment that was to change the game. Phil Priestley chased a Caersws forward to the edge of his box along the right touchline and in a moments madness tripped the striker as he meandered towards the corner flag. The incident was clearly inside the box and a penalty was unavoidable. Worse was to follow though as Mr Jones then produced a red card to the 'keeper for comments passed to the linesman. Down to ten men, a penalty awarded and no goalkeeper. Things couldnt get much worse. Alan Goodall quickly put on the 'keeper jersey and gloves and prepared to face Graham Evans. The little striker stepped up, blasted the ball down the middle and to his immense credit the stand in stopper pulled off a smart save! As a wave of relief surged around Farrar Road manager Peter Davenport reorganised his depleted side with Paul Friel taking the place of Gareth Evans. Bangor forced corners eight and nine and the match assumed a more passionate edge. Les Davies was fouled on the edge of tbe box but there was no yellow card, Peter Hoy fired off target from ten yards. Geraint Lewis - who had no right ot be on the pitch - headed over as Caersws won their third corner of the afternoon. On 82 mins the last roll of the dice saw a double substitution with Paul Gedman and Kenny Burgess making way for Paul Roberts and Mark Connolly. On 86 mins the changes paid off. Mark Connolly helped on a ball from the right which found Paul Roberts on the left hand edge of the box. He cut back to his right leaving two Caersws defenders static before powering a low drive past Mulliners left hand and into the bottom corner. By now Bangor had a surge of self belief and pushed forward, ten men or not, to force a tenth and final corner kick, but again to no avail. This was by far the closest of this season's encounters with The Bluebirds but from City's point of view a hard earned point and as usual one laced with controvesy and questionable decisions from another batch to woeful officials. |
| Bangor City:
Phil
Priestley, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones,
Steve
Hitchen, Gareth Evans, Kenny Burgess, Clayton Blackmore, Paul Gedman, Ross
Jefferies, Les Davies, Subs: Mark Connolly, Paul Roberts, Paul Friel, |
| Caersws:
Mulliner, Thomas, Scott, Reynolds, Clarke, Lewis, Venables, Marfell,
Evans, Jones, Davies Subs: Howells, Davies, |
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Bangor slipped to a disappointing defeat against a Port
Talbot side who in the previous 24 hours had beaten visitors Cefn
Druids 3-2 and then travelled for five hurs in a coach.
There could be no hard luck stories or blame attached to the woeful officials as - despite the dreadful incompetence of Mike Jones & Co - Port Talbot deserved to win. Bangor started brightly enough winning a corner on the right which Eifion Jones headed wide from eight yards. But it was the lanky Gavin Beddard who sent as dipping volley over the Bangor bar to fire the first warning and left back Allan Clark should have scored when he blazed wide inside ten minutes. Alan Goodall sent a freekick over the bar after a foul on Kenny Burgess as City attacked the Farrar End, unhindered by a stiff breze. Frank MOttram and Clayton Blackmore then combined to set up Mark Connolly but the young midfielder sent his effort off target. Next Paul Gedman pounced on a loose ball on the right, ran inside courtesy of a lucky bounce and beat three Talbot defenders but shot wide. Midway through the first period Richard Carter was yellow carded for kicking the ball away when Bangor tried to take a quick freekick. Paul Gedman set up a shooting chance for Mark Connolly which he fired off target again, with Les Davies calling from the on the left wing. On the half hour a mistake by Alan Goodall let in Beddard but he also missed the target. City forced their second corner of the match with five minutes of the half remaining but Mark Connolly's inswinger was cleanly held by the towering Rayner. With time running out Phil Priestley made a superb one handed save from Clark and from the ensuing corner Healey headed onto the Bangor bar. That was about the sum total of a bleak and largely uninspiring first half which deserved the goalless scoreline. |
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The first action of the second period saw Rayner pull off a
smart save from Clayton Blackmore before Frank Mottram lifted a shot
over the bar
from twelve yards. With the game swinging end to end Richard
Carter made a fine run down the right which forced the hard working
Eifion Jones to concede a fourth Talbot corner which Jones headed
clear. The action raced to the St Pauls End where Rayner raced
out to get the better of Les Davies who was chasing a through ball.
On 55 minutes the inevitable controvesy as Rayner rushed out of his goal and handled the ball three yards out to the left it ran out of play. With most City supporters debating the colour of the card, bald referee Mike Jones ignored the incident and awarded a corner which the Canadian easily held! Smothers was then yellow carded for a lunge on rightback Steve Hitchen before on 63 mins the visitors took the lead. A break on the left enabled Wigley to thread the ball through to the lively Mike Waters - two yards offside - to run on goal and thrash home past Phil Priestley. The linesman was too busy rushing along the line to bother checking and the goal was never in doubt. Frank Mottram and Paul Gedman battled to win the ball upfront but the former British University striker shot wide. Bangor boss Peter Davenport responded by replacing Kenny Burgess and Frank Mottram with Gareth Williams and Paul Roberts. With twenty mintues to go Carter was about to be booked for a foul on Mark Connolly but referee Jones realised he had already taken his name and brushed the offence aside. Gareth Williams upset the visitors defence with a mazey run which offered a chance to Mark Connolly but his shot fired over. That was to be his final action as Paul Friel came on to line up in midfield alongside Clayton Blackmore and Gareth Wiliams in a 4-3-3 formation. Immediately Gareth Evans sent a superb dipping centre into the feet to Clayton Blackmore but he could not get his shot away and the young Irish substitute launced his effort over from ten yards. Moments later Evans pulled off a great last ditch tackle as Waters raced clear on goal. Waters was duly replaced by Nathan Cotterell. On 82 mins Bangor were level as Clayton Blackmore sent a high ball into the box, Paul Gedman clearly fouled the keeper and hooked the ball home from close range! With two minutes remaining Cotterell picked race down the right - offside inevitably - but the linesman had a greater purpose to serve as he flagged manicly when Alan Goodall brushed the pacey striker in the box. Referee Jones had waved play on - he had a clear view - but never mind. Nathan Cotterell sent Phil Priestley the wrong way and the match was won, which was fair enough on chances created and for a spirited display by the visitors. |
| Bangor City:
Phil
Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Alan Goodall, Eifion
Jones,
Steve Hitchen, Gareth Evans, Kenny Burgess, Les Davies, Paul Gedman,
Frank Mottram, Mark Connolly, Subs: Paul Roberts, Paul Friel, Gareth Williams |
| Port
Talbot Town: Rayner, Cockings, Clark, Smothers, Carter, Healey,
Fleming,
Wigley, Beddard, Waters, Wigg Subs: Cotterell, Watkins, Skyrme |
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What might have been a comfortable win turned out to be
anything but as a spirited Barry Town side went close to snatching a
point at Farrar Road. City enjoyed the support of yet another strong wind as they attacked the St Pauls End in the first period and led at half time by two goals to nil. The first opening came in the third minute when Mark Connolly's right footed curler went a yard wide of Rudall's left post. Bangor forced their first corner on five minutes but moments later Phil Priestley wasa scrambling at the feet of visting striker Jamie Mitchell after some defensive indecision on the edge of the Bangor box. On ten minutes City forced a couple more corners the second of which saw Peter Hoy head over from close range with the keeper no where to be seen. Barry struck back and City were grateful to the alert Eifion Jones whose timely interception halted Mitchell's progress on the right. Les Davies and former Citizen Gavin Allen went close before Bangor took the lead on 23 minutes. Chasing a ball into the box Frank Mottram was pulled back by defender Shakespeare which tempted referee Nigel Richards to point to the spot. The penalty kick was taken by Paul Gedman who placed the ball to Rudall's right for a one nil lead. Immediately City thought they were 2-0 up when Mark Connolly headed home from a deep cross from the right but this time the official ruled in favour of the visitors for a supposed push by City's teenage midfielder. This prompted a wonderful run through the midfield and heart of City's defence by Leyton Maxwell, which the Prestatyn lad finished off with a low strike off target. Frank Mottram then tested Rudall from 25 yards before Barry won their first corner on the half hour. On 35 minutes it was 2-0 as the excellent Eifion Jones crashed the ball home after Mark Connolly's effort had been blocked from a corner. The young midfielder then fired off target from 30 yards before a Paul Gedman effort brought appeals for a handball, the ball broke to Clayton Blackmore who saw his shot blocked. With half time looming Bangor won their sixth and final corner kick of the half following a surging run from Gareth Williams. There was still time for a freekick from Mark Connolly to flash over the visitors bar before referee Richards blew for the interval. City trooped off 2-0 ahead but fully aware that a tougher second period awaited, into the teeth of the gusting wind. |
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The second half was about to kick off when visting
goalkeeper Rudall was taken ill and declared unfit to continue.
After a few minutes former Aberystwyth fullback Mark Duckett put on a
garish orange top and took over between the sticks at the Farrar End.
In the opening ten minutes of the second period Duckett was in the thick of the action as Frank Mottram thought he had scored but the stand in stopper produced a tremendous one handed save onto the crossbar. Then the same combination saw Duckett save easily from an understrength shot. City attacked down the left as Gareth Evans combined with the tricky Gareth Williams but his cross was headed off target by Paul Gedman. On the hour Barry pulled a goal back through Gavin Allen who took his chance coolly after another good run from Leyton Maxwell. City hit back but again Duckett was up to the task, this time thwarting Paul Gedman who had been picked out by Les Davies. Moments later Eifion Jones was again in the right place as Barry used the wind to drive them forwards. Jones was ably supported by his backline, including Steve Hitchen whose determination was plain to see, Peter Hoy and Gareth Evans who also battled purposefully. With some 25 minutes remaining Barry sent on Dave Sherman and Mattie Davies for Michaels and Picknell. City promptly forced a couple more corners through Les Davies and Gareth Williams, the second of which culminated in Eifion Jones having his goalbound effort hacked away. The ball switched to the opposite end for Mattie Davies to shoot tamely at Phil Priestley from ten yards. City then replaced Les Davies with Kenny Burgess. Frank Mottram cut in from the right after good work from Eifion Jones but sliced his shot off target, then Jones himself was again on targetfollowing a freekick. A clever lay off from Paul Gedman set up a chance for Clayton Blackmore but his effort went over as anxiety in the home support began to grow. With fifteen minutes remaining Paul Roberts came off the bench in place of Frank Mottram but could only watch as Barry forced a couple of quick corners which resulted in former Port Talbot midfielder Dave Sherman heading wide from close range to the relief of the City camp. In the closing minutes Barry forced a couple more corners, Mark Connolly sent a lob of target for City, and finally the whistle blew for fulltime. It may sound a back handed compliment but this Barry side must rank amongst the best "bottom placed" clubs to visit Farrar Road in recent years. With a touch more quality in front of goal they might yet escape the trapdoor. For City Eifion Jones was outstanding both with and against the wind, whilst Layton Mazwell showed glimpses of the quality which took hime to Liverpool and Cardiff City. |
| Bangor City:
Phil
Priestley, Peter Hoy, Gareth Williams, Eifion Jones, Steve
Hitchen,
Gareth Evans, Clayton Blackmore, Les Davies, Paul Gedman, Frank Mottram, Mark Connolly, Subs: Kenny Burgess, Paul Roberts, Paul Friel |
| Barry
Town: Lee Rudall, Gareth Picknell, Martyn Giles, Leyton Maxwell, Dean Philpott, Adam Shakespeare,
Luke Sherbon,
Lee Matthews, Jamie Michaels, Gavin Allen, Mark Duckett. Subs: Mattie Davies, Dave Sherman, Steve Minett, Gareth Elliott |
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Bangor slipped out of the Loosemores Cup following this
second leg defeat to Rhyl played before a noisy travelling contingent
at Farrar Road. As so often recently the match was dominated by a strong wind blowing from Coed Mawr and assisting City in the first period as they attacked the St Pauls End. However the wind was not on the scoresheet after referee kevin Parry disallowed what would have been an own goal from visting keeper Smith inside two minutes. The former Colwyn Bay stopper misjudged a swirling high cross and palmed the ball home but was rescued by the official. Minutes later Clayton Blackmore - again operating in midfield - shot into the side netting from 20 yards out on the left. Alan Goodall saw Smith hold his free kick and moments later was yellow carded for a challenge on Mark Powell. As Rhyl broke on their right wing Eifion Jones raced to snuff out the danger with a forceful tackle on McGinn. It was a quarter of a hour before Bangor forced a corner but that came to nothing, then Clayton Blackmore was alert to danger in his own box as The Lilywhites cuntered quickly. The former Welsh International then fired over from 30 yards as the blustery conditions worsened with the onset of rain. On the half hour Gareth Williams miskicked from twelve yards out before referee Parry yellow carded Peter Hoy for a trip on Moran. Too often City's attacks floundered on the commanding figure of Timmy Edwards who dominated the visitors backline. Brewerton and Paul Friel were then also cautioned by the over fussy referee who made a visible point of holding his watch when the visitors resorted to timewasting. However half time came with only a minute added, more cautions than shots on target, and City rueing that early disallowed effort. |
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Rhyl had the wind but City seized an early initiative when
Clayton Blackmore fired a half volley on target from ten yards but
Smith's handling was clean. On 52 minutes the match was
effectively over as Chris
McGinn nodded home a back post header
which was ruled to be over the line by the linesman but
disputed by Bangor defenders. That was the signal for City to replaced the largely ineffective Connolly with Paul Gedman who immediately added some drive to the forward line. However it was the hard working Eifion Jones who was called into action as Moran created space on the right before the tall defender moved to block his goalbound effort for a corner. Clayton Blackmore then raced down the left wing and delivered an arching cross which Paul Gedman steered off target from ten yards. With City battling gamely against the wind a deep cross from the right was headed down by Les Davies for Kenny Burgess but his effort flew over the crossbar. Former Crewe midfielder Stvee Walters was then relieved that referee Parry took a lenient view of his purposeful stamp on winger Les Davies as he picked up a yellow card. Big Les then fired on target but Smith held cleanly before Gareth Williams was replaced by Frank Mottram with some 66 minutes gone. Goals bring confidence and Rhyl striker Andy Moran displayed plenty as he sent a spinning, dipping volley onto the woodwork from 30 yards with Phil Priestley motionless. On 75 minutes it was 2-0 on the night when Marc Limbert, who had enjoyed a productive evening alongside Walters, cut in from the right to drive home past Phil Priestley. Bangor sent on Paul Roberts in place of Les Davies, Clayton Blackmore saw his shot pushed away for a corner. Paul Roberts combined well with Paul Gedman but fired off target but it was Rhyl who nearly scored again when Phil Priestley saved well from Gareth Wilson as the former TNS midfielder ran clear on goal. This was not to be City's night, Rhyl were tireless in closing the ball down, and deserved to progress to the final in May and a date with Carmarthen. |
| Bangor City:
Phil
Priestley, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Steve Hitchen,
Paul Friel, Kenny Burgess, Les Davies, Clayton Blackmore, Mark Connolly,
Gareth Williams Subs: Paul Gedman, Frank Mottram, Paul Roberts |
| Rhyl:
Smith, Brewerton, Wood, Atherton, Edwards, Walters, Powell, Limbert,
Moran, McGinn, Adamson Sub: Jackson, Wilson, Powell |
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City won 2-1 at Park Avenue on Saturday and were good value
for all three points. Manager Peter Davenport re-instated Phil
Priestley behind a three man defence of Eifion Jones, Peter Hoy and Jim
McNulty. Elvis held his crosses and marshalled the
defence well but in truth had precious few saves to make as the three
man defence stood firm. In midfield Clayton
Blackmore, Gareth Williams and Alan Goodall generally got the better of
an
Aber contingent including a lacklustre Ricky Evans who looked
uncomfortable in the wrong colour shirt!
City enjoyed the wind at their backs, attacking the Dias Stand End in the first period, whilst Gary Finley's powerful clearances held up to offer some hope to his three man attack of Marc Lloyd Williams, Lee Spike and Bagger Wright. The opening goal came in the 13th minute courtesy of Aber goalkeeper Jon Worsnop whose attempted punch went the wrong way. Bangor paired Les Davies and Kenny Burgess upfront and the big Maesgeirchen winger went close twice in succession from the edge of the box, his second effort producing a fine dave from Worsnop and City's fourth corner. City then saw Alan Goodall strike the post from 30 yards with Worsnop saving well from Gareth Williams and Les Davies as his defence could only stand and watch. Eifion Jones was enjoying a fine afternoon for City and got the better of lanky striekr Lee Spike whose flick ons were largely ineffective. Kenny Burgess found himself in space on the right but Worsnop made a good stop at his near post. On the half hour a fifth bangor corner saw Eifion Jones latch onto Kenny Burgess' flick but sky the ball from six yards. With half time approaching Les davies saw his twenty yarder held by Worsnop before Steve Hitchen had to be alert in defence as Marc Lloyd Williams looked to get in behind the Bangor defence. The closest Aber came to troubling Phil Priestley was a cross from Andy Lee which found Marc Lloyd Williams but his effort was blocked by the alert Peter Hoy who gave a powerful and committed display in the City defence. |
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Within the first minute of the second half Bangor indicated
that playing into the wind would not be a big problem as Gary Finley
was yellow carded for a foul on Kenny Burgess but Clayton Blackmore saw
his free kick comfortably saved by Worsnop. Gareth Williams then
ran on goal and shot from twenty yards but again Worsnop held
cleanly. Aber hit back though Ricky Evans whose long range
effort was also cleanly collected by Phil Priestley.
Ten minutes after the restart Wright and Ben Jones combined on the right but the near post cross was turned wide by Marc Lloyd Williams. On 57 minutes though City doubled their interval lead when Alan Goodall collected the ball on the left hand edge of the box, ran to his left before crossing beyond Gareth Williams for Les Davies to drive home from six yards. Aber responded with afreekick five minute later but Phil Priestley again held cleanly. The home side then forced a series of four corners which saw Steve Hitchen head calmly over at one point and culminated in Ben Jones sending a controlled drive wide from the edge of the box. If Aber enjoyed some possession they were guilty of overhitting the ball with the wind leaving the forwards out of the game. The closing twenty minutes saw City fail to convert a stream of chances as Les Davies and Kenny Burgess expolited the lack of pace in the home defence. The seventh bangor corner came when Clayton Blackmore fed Kenny Burgess but Worsnop again proved himself an outstanding shot-stopper. City's left wingback Gareth Evans capped a fine display with some important headers but with then minutes left his short pass to Kenny Burgess saw the hard working winger fire over from 20 yards. Moments later Les Davies sent a fierce effort off target from the same position. Big Les then raced down the left, brushing aside the home defender before sending a curling pass towards the unmarked Burgess but Worsnop raced out to gather. With five minutes remaining John Lawless forced an eighth Aber corner as Phil Priestley tipped over before the home side halved the deficit on 88 mins with an low drive from the right by Anthony "Bagger" Wright which shot under Phil Priestley. Unhappily for Aber this produced some ugly scenes as Phil Priestley held onto the ball and was kicked by Lee Spike. As referee Whitby sought to restore control he red carded John Lawless for a headbut and then Spike for his petulant kick. City played out the remaining minutes in the Aber half against the nine men to claim three well deserved points. Credit to the all eleven players for a genuinely impressive display but the man of the match had to go to Eifion Jones who won his headers and generally got the better of Lee Spike, Marc Lloyd Wiliams and co. |
| Bangor City:
Phil
Priestley, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Jim McNulty, Eifion Jones, Gareth
Evans, Kenny
Burgess,
Les Davies, Clayton Blackmore, Steve Hitchen, Gareth Williams Subs: Mark Connelly, Frank Mottram, Paul Roberts |
| Aberystwyth:
Worsop, Short, Lee, Jones, Finley, Baker, MLWilliams, Wright, Spike,
Evans, Lawless Subs: Hennigan, L.Hughes, Lewis, Spain |
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Bangor have a mountain to climb in the second leg next month
after conceding two second half goals at a wind swept Belle Vue last
night. City kicked off with the gusty wind at their backs, buoyed by the presence of fit again Clayton Blackmore in midfield. With the unpredictable nature of the elements it was ten minutes before City created the first opening of the evening, a header off target from left winger Les Davies. On the quarter hour mark City should have gone ahead as midfielder Gareth Williams led a breakaway down the right which saw City hold a 5 on 2 advantage. His cross found Kenny Burgess unmarked infront of goal but he skied the ball over to the disappointment of the frozen few behind Paul Smith's goal. Those who sought refuge in the Meccano stand fared little better as the wind alternated between blowing right to left - in support of Bangor - or veering crossfield into the seats. Wherever they cowered there was more disbelief as Paul Gedman headed off target before Les Davies won the first corner of the evening on the left. City had two goalbound efforts blocked before Smith eventually clasped a clean strike from Mark Connolly. If City had a weakness in this first period it was a tendency to flick the ball forwards rather than look for measured control, neither winger saw enough of the ball. On the plus side Paul Gedman enjoyed a fine battle with towering Timmy Edwards whilst Rhyl seemed bereft of attacking ideas. Before half time Rhyl forced a couple of corners, one under dubious circumstances involving the former Connahs Quay midfielder Mark Limbert. He had been yellow carded for a pull on Gareth Williams who was breaking clear on the half way line, and then threw ina laughable dive inside the box with the clear intention of "conning" a penalty out of referee GM Davies. A stronger official might have had the courage to issue a second yellow but Mr Davies, who overall enjoyed a reasonable evening, decided to be lenient. |
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The second half was bound to favour Rhyl who now enjoyed the
backing of the gusting wind. With an element of farce the home
side
went ahead on 53 mins following a slip by young goalkeeper Daniel Evans
which presented a chance to Steve
Walters who scored from eight yards.
This ssignalled a period of pressure from Rhyl which saw Moran fire
over
from twelve yards and City struggle to clear their lines. Chris
McGinn
also fired over after puncing on a downwards header from Timmy
Edwards. With twenty minutes remaining a mistake on the right let in Kenny Burgess but his hurried effort sliced yards wide of goal with Smith in disarray. The Gareth Williams made a valiant effort to reach a looping cross from Alan Goodall but he could only screw his shot away from goal. City held up well to the second half barrage with Peter Hoy competing manfully alongside young Jim McNulty in the middle of the Bangor defence. So it was particularly ironic that on 82 mins he should concede a penalty for a needless push on top scorer Andy Moran who confidently converted the resultant spot kick. Hoy was then withdrawn and replaced by Eifion Jones in the centre of defence. At eh very end Paul Frield replaced Gareth Williams who could not shake off a heavy tackle from Brewerton. There was still time for City to push forward but the nearest to a goal saw Clayton Blackmore fire over from 25 yards before referee Davies signalled the end of a difficult evening. This was a tale of missed chances, with perhaps the much improved Moran being the main difference betweent he two sides on a bitterly cold evening. At least the heated seat worked on the way home! |
| Bangor City:
Daniel Evans, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Jim McNulty, Steve Hitchen,
Gareth Williams, Kenny Burgess,
Clayton Blackmore, Paul Gedman, Mark Connelly, Les Davies
Subs: Eifion Jones, Paul Friel, Paul Roberts |
| Rhyl:
Smith, Brewerton, Powell, Atherton, Edwards, Walters, Wilson, Limbert,
Moran, McGinn, Graves Subs: Adamson, Powell, Jackson |
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As bad as it looks and just about as bad as it gets, beaten
three nil by arguably the poorest side to visit Farrar Road this
season.
A bold opening statement perhaps, but in the opening twenty minutes
City
could and should have put the game out of sight as the inexperienced
Druids
reeled like a punch drunk boxer. However no one could deny The
Druids
their final whistle celebrations or manager Steve O'Shaughnessy's
satisafaction
on seeing his young side take all three points.
It started as early as the first fifteen seconds when Kenny Burgess found time and space to lob a perfect pass into Paul Roberts whose wayward header squandered a wonderful opportunity. The second effort came minutes later when Alan Goodall, operating in midfield, drove narrowly wide from 25 yards. Paul Roberts then fired over from 25 yards after robbing Jefferies outside the Druids box. Alan Goodall then invited Kenny Burgess to cross for Paul Gedman but his header also flew off target. The City faithful sat back and waited for the goals to come, but instead more chances went begging. On 15 mins Les Davies dispossessed the sleep walking Stacey to set up Paul Roberts who rushed near post and sidefooted wide from three yards with former Brymbo 'keeper Michael Price flat-footed. The agony continued as City forced four corners in six minutes, the first won on the right by Kenny Burgess, the second conceded when Price did well to palm away Paul Roberts' goalbound shot, the third immediately from a defensive header, the fourth a deflection off Alan Goodall's shot which culminated in the left footer sending a rising effort into the Farrar End. What problems City had were of their own making as defenders committed the cardinal sin of letting the high ball boune. Ironically with Denis Smith watching from the stand young defender Jim McNulty was strangely nervous in comparison to his assured performances at Cwmbran and Porthmadog. This all came to a head when Paul Gedman rushed in to "score" but the linesman had his flag held high and it was a freekick rather than a restart. On the half hour Cefn had their first opening when Daniel Evans bungled a low shot but Brett Jefferies sent the half chance off target from close range. A fifth Bangor corner followed as Mark Connolly saw his shot turned away by Rowlands following good work by Gedman and Goodall. Alan Goodall then saw his lofted effort drift off target before Cefn took an unlikely lead on 40 minutes as former Colwyn Bay midfielder Jason Jones reacted first to a goalmouth bagatelle to drive home from seven yards. City rushed back with Kenny Burgess seeing his 15 yard effort held by Price before a sixth Bangor corner on the stroke of half time saw Alan Goodall's goal bound effort cleared before referee Davies blew his whistle. |
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At half time Cefn introduced new signing Alan Morgan for Dan
Desmoreaux but he had little to do with the farce than was the second
goal
on 51 minutes. The normally reliable Peter Hoy made a hash of a
header
back to Daniel Evans and young Anthony
Williams capitalised
to convert the easiest of chances. Worse was to follow on 55 mins
when City allowed centreback Brett
Jefferies to run unchecked down the right
and fire home with a fierce
drive which beat Evans into the far post. Bangor were visibly shellshocked. Manager Peter Davenport sent on Gareth Williams for Kenny Burgess on 62 mins and switched a tired looking Les Davies to the right. But the visitors now had the wind in their sails and goalscorer Anthony Williams forced a great save from Daniel Evans from 15 yards. A seventh corner midway through the half resulted in Jim McNulty seeing his low shot deflected wide. Corners eight, nine and ten followed but with precious little real threat on Price or the Druids goal. The visitors were dangerous on the break with former Wrexham apprentice Osian Jones enjoying possession and creating chances as Bangor were forced to regroup and push men forward. Manager Peter Davenport urged his side on from the touchline but there is a limit to what anyone can do when nothing seems to work on the night. The final act came as Paul Friel replaced Paul Gedman on 88 mins before Les Davies headed wide from a Steve Hitchin freekick. Referee Mike Davies blew his whistle - no point or purpose blaming him for this - and the handful of Druids supporters celebrated an unlikely win at the ground which had seen them trounced so often before. For City supporters ths was a wholly disappointing evening with echoes of the red card marred defeat at Welshpool six weeks earlier. |
| Bangor City:
Daniel Evans, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Jim McNulty, Steve Hitchen,
Gareth Evans, Kenny Burgess,
Les Davies, Paul Roberts, Mark Connelly, Paul Gedman Subs: Eifion Jones, Paul Friel, Gareth Williams |
| Cefn
Druids: Price, Parry, Stacey, Rowlands, Jefferies, Main, Jones,
Desmoreaux, Williams, Jones, Shannon Subs: Morgan, Cardous, Cooper, Desmoreaux |
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After a disappointing first half City rallied after the
restart
to beat a spirited Porthmadog side featuring several former Blues.
The contests were mouthwatering, Les Davies against his big brother Ryan, flying Port winger Stephen Pugh against Gareth Evans and Paul Roberts back on his old turf against the towering Lee Webber. City started well with Gareth Williams and Alan Goodall seeing long range efforts fail to unduly trouble Caernarfon based McGuigan in the Port goal, The hosts bounced back as Carl Owen caught yung City custodian dawdling on the ball but failed to find the target from wide on the left, moments later another former Citizen Daffydd evans fired off target from twenty yards. Gareth Evans did well to concede a corner on the left before he combined with Jim McNulty and Gareth Williams to play the ball out of a tight situation on the left. The young Scottish defender McNulty then rescued City after his leftback conceded possession in a dangerous position. On the half hour referee Lawler yellow carded Peter Hoy for a tackle on Tony Williams. Moments later City's young goalkeeper did well to palm a dipping cross over for a third Porthmadog corner with Stephen Pugh denied. As the half progressed Bango relied more and more on young McNulty whose firm footed tackling and positional sense denied Owen and Williams. At the other end older brother Ryan was getting the better of Les Davies as City struggled to exercise any control in midfield; Port centreback Webber also moved forward to win a headers in midfield as Evans struggled to get his kicks away. As half time approached City had three sights of goal. The first saw Les Davies charge clear on the right and force a good save from McGuigan, Then Mark Connolly forced the Port stopper into an acrobatic save from his 25 yard piledriver before finally Les Davies again sneaked in but this time Webber recovered to clear the danger. So a goalless first half which was probably about right although Port must have felt they had shaded the half territorially. |
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Opening salvoes from Alan Goodalla and then Tony Williams
opened
the second period, the Gareth Williams saw his header held by
McGuigan.
Again City were grateful to young Jim McNulty who rectified his won
mistake
against Carl Owen. On 58 mins Bangor scored what proved to be the only goal of the game. Alan Goodall crossed from the left, Les Davies flicked the ball on for Kenny Burgess to drive home from some ten yards out on the right. The relief in the travelling camp was obvious whilst Port responded by introducing Gareth Parry at the expense of Ritchie Owen. Carl Owen went close for the hosts, then Paul Roberts turned on a Steve Hitchin cross but McGuigan held comfortably. With 65 mins gone Gareth Evans made a superb last ditch tackle on the marauding Carl Owen before another ex Bangor man Mark Williams replaced Tony Williams. The hardworking Peter Hoy then blocked a clean strike from Carl Owen which promted Bangor to replace Gareth Williams with Paul Gedman whilst allowing Les Davies to revert to his normal left wing berth. The blues quickly looked more balanced and City's young winger gave rightback John Gwynfor Jones an uncomfortable closing phase. Lee Webber might have done better when he rose to head a 70th minute corner narrowly wide, whilst Paul Gedman was alert to rob Ryan Davies and unleash a 30 yarder which McGuigan could only watch as it skimmed his crossbar. With 77 mins gone Paul Friel replaced the injured Gareth Evans to fill the midfield berth vacated by Alan Goodall who switched to leftback. The City side again looked more purposeful with the lanky Irishman quickly setting about winning and keeping the ball. Paul Gedman forced a low save from McGuigan before referee Lawler waved aside penalty claims when Webber clearly fouled Paul Roberts in the box with only the keeper to beat. The move of the game saw Paul Roberts find strike partner Gedman who in turn suplied the galloping Burgess but his cross was blasted wide by Mark Connolly. City finished strongly with three corners as time ticked away and the whistle blew on a narrow away win which was hard work against determined opposition. |
| Bangor City:
Daniel Evans, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Jim McNulty, Steve Hitchen,
Gareth Evans, Kenny Burgess,
Les Davies, Paul Roberts, Mark Connelly, Gareth Williams Subs: Eifion Jones, Paul Friel, Paul Gedman, |
| Porthmadog:
McGuigan, Jones, Foster, Owen, Webber, Evans, Davies, Pugh, Williams,
Owen, Caughter Subs: Parry, Williams, Hughes |
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Another afternoon dominated by a strong wind saw City win after
building
a 2-0 interval lead with the elements which Newtown could not overturn
in the second period. This ensured that all three goals
were
scored at the St Pauls End. Bangor gave home debuts to loan defender Jim McNulty, right back Steve Hitchen, leftback Gareth Evans and midfielder Mark Connolly. Upfront their was a recall for Paul Gedman alongside Paul Roberts with left winger Gary Roberts slotting in for Les Davies who honoured his agreement to play for Glantraeth at Welshpool in the Welsh Cup. Attacking the St Pauls End the first chance fell to Mark Connolly whose header flew wide of the Newtown goal. Both sides forced early corners before Gary Roberts fooled Adrian Moody into a yellow card issued by referee Hames on 18 mins. This led to a freekick on the left infront of the old social club. The alert Connolly took the kick quickly and forced Edwards into a lunging save at the near post, the ball cannonned to Paul Gedman for strike partner Paul Roberts to head home from point blank range. Minutes later former City defender Anthony Fenton followed him into the book with a reckless challenge on Paul Gedman which again led to a freekick 25 yards out in front of goal. The impressive Mark Connolly stepped up to unleash a powerful drive which forced a good save from the veteran Edwards whose previous experiences of Farrar Road may well have been with Altricham in the Eighties. This generated a second Bangor corner which ended in Peter Hoy heading over. City keeper Daniel Evans then saved well from the dangerous Futcher before home fans were applauding some calm defending by new right back Steve Hitchen who calm presence was welcomed by his young team mates. Paul Roberts failed to control a long clearance on the half hour which might have led to more before a 5th Bangor corner resulted in a dreadful freekick award in the goalkeepers favour. Midfielder Gareth Hughes was the third Robin in referee Hames book for a late challenge on young Jim McNulty in front of the dugouts. Unhappily Gary Roberts had also been fouled moments earlier which led to him being replaced on the left by Gareth Williams. The tall slim McNulty - a younger version of Joey Jones in appearance - showed a cool head under pressure from Smith before Mark Connolly stepped in to launch a counter attack. As half time drew closer Paul Gedman doubled City lead as he slotted home a low cross from right winger Kenny Burgess following a neat pass from Paul Roberts on the edge of the box. Timed at 42 mins this was to prove a crucial strike as City trooped off to warm applause. |
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The second half opened with Newtown enjoying the backing of
a strengthening wind and occasional heavy wintry shower. The
confident
figure of Steve Hitchen quickly stole in to rob Smith and Barton as the
Newtown pair appeared free on the edge of the box. On 51 mins
Futcher
again struck a freekick goalwards but this time narrowly off target,
then
Barton headed over from close range. Newtown then forced three corners on the hour as City struggled to clear, but did so with Mark Connolly sending a powerful low drive on target which Edwards was pleased to hold. Midway through the half Connolly supplied Gareth Williams but his low cross was just behind Paul Roberts which enabled Edwards to save. Newtown forced a seventh corner which ended in a counter attack but Kenny Burgess failed to capitalize. Then Mark Connolly released paul Gedman on the right, his low cross was bundled goalwards by Paul Roberts but Edwards saved with his legs. Young Newtown winger Richard Harris brought a good save from Daniel Evans before both clubs sent on subs, Tom Reynolds for Dan Barton for the visitors and then Huw Griffiths for Paul Gedman for City. Gedman appeared to have aggravated a leg injury and promptly left for hospital. With ten minutes remaining Steve Hitchen swept across to deny Peter Smith, then Evans reacted well after his initial mistake had given Reynolds a glimpse of goal. Winger Gareth Williams then fired well wide from the right, Harris agains tested Evans, before with three minutes left Eifion Jones came on for Kenny Burgess. On 89 mins Newtown narrowed the deficit as Peter Smith tapped in from twelve yards, but after Reynolds had missed a decent chance to level the scores referee Hames blew for time to the relief of the home support. This was a fine performance form a City side missing several regulars and resting heavily on the guile of Steve Hitchen and his youthful team mates, and of course the St Pauls marksmen. |
| Bangor City:
Daniel Evans, Peter Hoy, Gareth Evans, Jim McNulty, Steve Hitchen, Paul
Friel, Kenny
Burgess,
Paul Gedman, Paul Roberts, Mark Connelly, Gary Roberts,
Subs: Gareth Williams, Huw Griffiths, Eifion Jones |
| Newtown:
Edwards, Moody, Giles, Hughes, Fenton, Sudlow, Wickham, Futcher,
Barton, Smith, Harris Subs: Reynolds, Webb, Powell |
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Depleted by injuries and now a wave of suspensions, Bangor pulled off a
welcome win at a chilly Cwmbran Athletics stadium with winger Kenny
Burgess
hitting a second half winner from outside the box.
Manager Peter Davenport gave debuts to newcomers Jim McNulty and Gareth Evans. Scottish youth international McNulty lined up in a three man defence alongside Eifion Jones and Huw Griffiths, whilst Evans slotted in at left wingback with Kenny Burgess on the right. The midfield comprised Gareth Williams, Paul Friel and Les Davies behind a strike pair of Ross Jefferies and Paul Roberts. City's hopes hit a setback on 23 minutes when experienced Crows marksman Chris Summers put the home side ahead from six yards despite the best efforts of young goalkeeper Daniel Evans. The Crows might have increased their lead but Chris Summers fired over the bar and Adam Jones saw his effort brush the outside of the upright. Bangor struck back on 37 minutes when Ross Jefferies sent a right footed curler inside the post from the edge of the box, past the despairing Wesson. |
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The second period saw Cwmbran create - but fail to convert -
chances which included shots from outside the box.
Bangor grabbed the crucial second goal on the hour. From a Bangor corner the ball ran out to right wingbackKenny Burgesswhose long range effort flew beyond Wesson and into net to the delight of his team mates. Cwmbran again forced openings but could not get the ball in the back of the net. On one occasion young defender Jim McNulty cleared off his own line with Daniel Evans beaten. However the 17 year old keeper made good stops from former Newtown winger Jamie Edwards and Jason Wlsh. City thought they had added a third when Paul Roberts netted but his effort was ruled out by a linesman's flag for offide. With time running out manager Peter Davenport sent on Gary Roberts for Les Davies who had worked hard in the City midfield. In the closing minutes Cwmbran won a corner which was intially spilt by City's teenage 'keeper who promptly clutched the loose ball. Moments later referee Morgan blew for time and the points were in the bag. |
| Bangor City:
Daniel Evans, Jim McNulty, Gareth Evans, Eifion Jones, Gareth Williams,
Huw
Griffiths, Kenny Burgess, Les Davies,
Paul Roberts, Ross Jefferies, Paul Friel, Subs: Paul Gedman, Gary Roberts, Peter Davenport |
| Cwmbran:
Wesson, James, Green, Perry, Wharton, Fowler, Summers, Jones, Welsh,
Mohammed, Edwards Subs: Dimond, Hurlin, Wallace, Fernquest |
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A solitary second half strike by TNS defender Steve Evans
settled
this uninpiring clash after a goalless and largely featureless first
forty
five minutes. Bangor enjoyed more of the play and created
openings
but failed to cash in and paid the price. Beset by injuries City gave a debut to 17 year old Wrexham FC youth goalkeeper Daniel Evans and were pleased to recall midfielders Gareth Williams and Irish dynamo Paul Friel. On the negative side Aled Rowlands and Owain Jones both watched from the stand, joining Phil Priestley, Rae Ingram and Paul Gedman on the sidelines. With a strong wind blustering its way from Coed Mawr towards Bangor Pier, City attacked the St Pauls End with the elements in their favour but failed to seriously trouble visting keeper Dean Williams. Enjoying a foray against diminutive fullback Naylor, Maesgeirchen winger Les Davies unsettled the Saints defence in the opening quarter with a run infield past three opponents which enabled Alan Goodall to shoot but his 25 yarder flew over. The pair combined again minutes later with City's new captain this time seeing his 30 yarder drift wide of the righthand upright with Williams in line if needed. Midway through the half Martin Naylor ventured upfield for TNS' first threat on goal, a 20 yarder which sped over debutant 'keeper Evans' bar. The stalemate which ensued left much to be desired, although manager Peter Davenport could be pleased with an impressive return in midfield for Irishman Paul Friel and a solid display at the back from re-instanted Huw Griffiths. Five minutes before the interval City had their best moment. A strong run by Ross Jefferies on the right, his cross was attacked near post by Paul Roberts but Naylor was on hand to deflect the shot for a corner. Alan Goodall jogged over, delivered an inswinging cross from the right again which was partly cleared to the edge of the box. Clayton Blackmore was alert to fire goalwards but unfortunately his dipping volley sliced wide. |
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Facing the wind, and with a young goalkeeper, Bangor might
have
feared the worst as they filed out for the second
period.
The young custodian soon settled a few nerves with a clean take from
Naylor's
cross. Minutes later Referee Whitby was in the limelight when
left
winger Nicky Ward kicked Clayton Blackmore in the small of the back as
he
lay on the floor. In fairness to Ward there was little if any
malice
in the contact, and perhaps the official was right to take no
action.
Ironically though a week ago the Welsh International was red carded for
the
same or less at Welshpool. But two wrongs don't make a right and
this
official was probably justified. On 50 mins Paul Roberts shook off the attentions of the three Saints centrebacks to fire narrowly off target after showing good control from the crossfield delivery from the impressive Alan Goodall. Peter Hoy then had to be alert as Michael Wilde threated to race clear, but the young defender has grown in stature during the injury crisis and stuck to his task well all afternoon. As if to contradict this Wilde then found time and space in the box but sent his shot wide from ten yards. A long clearance sent Paul Roberts into space alongside Taylor and Evans, the stocky striker committed both before laying the ball to his right along the edge of the box to Alan Goodall who curler snaked six inches wide of the far post. On the hour Les Davies, again showing well this time against full time opposition, won a corner on the left. Clayton Blackmore's delivery was exquisite but Huw Griffiths watched in disbelief as his flick header sped narrowly wide. Scott Ruscoe then fired high and wide from 25 yards before the lumbering Aggrey was replaced by former Cemaes striker John Toner. Taking advantage of the defenive reshuffle Ross Jefferies and Kenny Burgess caused disarray but the ball was hacked clear. However on 72 mins TNS made the crucial strike as Steve Evans headed home from Chris King's left footed corner despite the efforts of City defenderson the goal line. Three minutes later Gary Roberts replaced Kenny Burgess to take City's contingent of nineteen year olds to three alongside Paul Friel and Les Davies. Jamie Wood delivered TNS' second on target effor with an overhead kick which rattled the Bangor crossbar and was scrambled away. With around five minutes on the clock Les Davies sent a left footed curler just wide from the right, then the livley Naylor effected a last ditch goalline clearance from Alan Goodall's shot which seemed destined to level the scores. With time running out big Steve Evans fouled Paul Roberts on the edge of the box. Wwith Clayton Blackmore shaping to take the kick, Alan Goodall saw his left footed effort cleanly held by the commanding Williams. And that was about it. TNS would be pleased with three points, Bangor naturally disappointed, but the home supporters were comforted by the skill and effort displayed by what is a predominantly young side in difficult conditions. |
| Bangor City:
Daniel Evans, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Paul Friel, Gareth Williams, Huw Griffiths, Kenny Burgess, Les
Davies,
Paul Roberts, Ross Jefferies, Clayton Blackmore Subs: Eifion Jones, Gary Roberts, Peter Davenport |
| TNS:
Williams, Naylor, King, Aggrey, Evans, Taylor, Ruscoe, Wilde, Wood,
Bridgwater, Ward Subs: Lewis, Beck, Davies, Toner, Prescott |
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Some dubious refereeing by Rhondda official Paul Thomas
initially
ruined this game as a spectacle and then handed all three points to the
home side on a dull, dismal Mid Wales afternoon on the Maesydre Ground.
Opening exhanges suggested Welshpool were up for the contest with midfielder Mark Roberts firing over inside five minutes. Bangor replied with recalled Owain Jones shooting wide moments later. The first incident came as rightback Peter Hoy attempted a clearance but was caught by a full blooded challenge from Christian Courtney. Referee Thomas awarded the inevitable freekick but made no comment to the former Shrewsbury apprentice. On ten minutes Courtney was again in the thick of the action as he raced clear on the right - two yards offside perhaps - to cut inside and shoot goalwards. Peter Hoy threw himself at the low drive which initially struck his face and then knee and cannoned out for a corner. The linesman on the right failed to flag, but Mr Thomas, from a distant position obscured by Hoy, expertly judged that the original shot and ensuing deflection were heading goalward and that the defender used his hand. Penalty and red card. How he reached this conclusion is not clear, but former Preston starlet Craig Wilkinson converted the kick for an eleventh minute opener. Down to ten men Bangor settled to play some calm and contructive football, with Owain Jones impressing on his return. By the quarter hour mark City had forced their third corner and seen Eifion Jones head over from six yards and Owain Jones fire off target. The free running Kenny Burgess then latched on to a knock down from Ross Jefferies but Goodwin held the shot cleanly. On 24 mins Courtney again exploited space on the right to run goalwards before squaring to Chris Roberts whose low shot beat the exposed Lee Wiliams from twelve yards. On the half hour a fourth corner resulted in Eifion Jones blazing over, then Les Davies saw his twenty yarder curl away from goal. On the stroke of half time Alan Goodall responded angrily to some rough treatment in the midfield with a wild challenge on Wilkinson which saw him issued with a yellow card. Goodall was pushed and jostled by several Welshpool players, directly in front of the official, but no action was taken. |
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The second period saw Bangor comforted by the defensive
attentions
of the linesman who flagged for everything and Welshpool contend with
the
one who seemed loathe to flag at all. Ten minutes after the restart Owain Jones limped off - ominously holding his sock and boot - to be replaced by Gary Roberts. Two mins later, on 58 the former Denbigh winger raced clear to slot the ball past Steve Goodwin and cut the deficit in half. City had the initiative now as the ten men exploited the audible panic in the home defence. A sixth corner came, moments later Les Davies headed down but this time Gary Roberts saw his drive fly over. Then on 70 mins Clayton Blackmore appeared to stamped on by Courtney, reacted angrily with an attempted push, and was triumphantly dismissed by Referee Thomas. Moments before half time a similar incident had been wholly ingnored. Even with nine men City continued to create chances and worry the home defence. Kenny Burgess fired over from the edge of the box, then Alan Goodall hit a firm low drive which Goodwin spilt for a eighth corner. Welshpool broke away on the right but Lee Williams did well to thwart Courtney before City again sought an equaliser as Alan Goodall's twenty yarder was well saved by Goodwin. The final action saw Sion Meredith tap from close range as Welshpool counter attacked to good effect in the 89th minute to secure the win and three points. An exhausted Aled Rowlands made way for Huw Griffiths who joined the frontline but time quickly evaporated and the final whistle blew on a bleak afternoon for Bangor. |
| Bangor City:
Lee Williams, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Aled Rowlands, Owain Jones, Kenny Burgess, Les
Davies,
Paul Roberts, Ross Jefferies, Clayton Blackmore Subs: Huw Griffiths, Peter Davenport, Gary Roberts |
| Welshpool:
Goodwin, Davies, Windsor, Stevenson, Wilding, Barton, M.Roberts,
Wilkinson, Courtney, C.Roberts, Meredith Subs: Loughnane, Kirkham, Jones |
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This is what Boxing Day derbies are all about. Around
800 fans - not a neutral in site - noisy contingents behind both
goals.
Add in a slippery pitch, nine goals and not a dirty tackle all
game,
just right. And of course Bangor won!
City started brightly with another new look lineup forced on Peter Davenport as Paul Friel and Gareth Williams were added to the injury list following the Afan Lido success. Warren Gibbs came in alongside Eifion Jones and Peter Hoy in a three man defence with captain marvel Alan Goodall moving into midfield with Clayton Blackmore and Les Davies. It was Kenny Burgess who forced a good save from Ian Willcock before Eifion Jones was perhaps harshly yellow carded for a pull on the left against former team mate Chris Moores. City took the lead on 6 mins when Alan Goodall kept his eye on the ball to drill a right footer past Willcock from 18 yards. Les Davies was enjoying an outing in centre midfield and launched a powerful run through the Canaries rearguard which ended ina third corner. On 23 mins it was 2-0 to Bangor as Ross Jefferies ran down the middle, enjoyed a lucky bounce but kept his composure to supply strike partner Paul Roberts who tapped home from eight yards. Goalkeeper Willcock was becoming a touch erratic as his sliced clearances helped Bangor move forward to the delight of the travelling horde behind his goal. But Caernarfon started to find their feet as Willcock's opposite number Lee Williams made a smart save from the pacey Calvin Davies. As the game swung end to end a Kenny Burgess cross was headed goalwards by Ross Jefferies but Willcock saved. A clever combination between Aled Rowlands and Ross Jefferies enabled Clayton Blackmore to shoot goalwards but his rising effort skimmed over. On the half hour the balance of play swung back towards the home side as Carl Rodgers slid home from five yards to cut the deficit. With ten minutes of the half remaining Caernarfon won their first corner off Warren Gibbs which the tall postman headed then clear. It had been an impressive return for the 26 year old Bangor lad who generally stuck to his task of marking the elusive Watkin with relish. In the closing minutes Aled Rowlands drew a superb save from Willcock with a left footed drive from 20 yards after his first effor thad been blocked. The home side sprang back but Eifion Jones stood firm and Alan Goodall, foraging tirelessly in the midfield, cleared the danger, effecting an opening for Ross Jefferies who narrowly failed to send the visitors in two goals clear. |
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Right from the off Bangor moved forward, now attacking the
end
opposite the social club, with Les Davies curling a superb pass out to
the rampaging Paul Roberts who instantly supplied Ross Jefferies but
his
effort was saved. The Canaries were denied by Eifion Jones
who
defended well but on 50 mins it was all square as Steve Watkins struck from
eight
yards. Typically though, as the home fans celebrated Bangor went ahead once more with two minutes. Captain Alan Goodall combined well with Ross Jefferies to offer Paul Roberts a sight of goal twenty yards out which he exploited with a powerful drive past Willcock. The slippery surface now led to mistakes at both ends as Clayton Blackmore went close, then Chris Moores shot wide from five yards, Paul Roberts sent a clean low drive off target from the left, Lee Williams saved well from Steve Watkins. Petr Hoy continued to marshall his defence manfully whilst Clayton Blackmore remained a calming influence in the heart of the battle. Moments after Danny McGoona replaced Calvin Davies City had a 69th minute goal to celebrate. A sliced defensive clearance appeared to strike Willcock in the face and fall invitingly to Ross Jefferies who crashed home the lose ball for a 4-2 lead. Moments later a calm decision by referee Brian Bevan who yellow carded Lee Williams for a foul outside the box despite shouts for red from the home fans. Fortunately for Bangor Aled Rowlands and Warren Gibbs were amongst those goalside of the big stopper. The freekick resulted in a corner which tall defender Eifion Jones did well to clear. Ross Jefferies had a shot held by Willcock before on 81 mins it was 5-2. Les Davies capitalised on the withdrawl of the beleagured rightback Paul Roberts to charge clear, cut inside and pull back for Paul Roberts who finished calmly from around the penalty spot. City fans celebrated, anticipating a certain victory and a handful of home supporters trooped off to the club. They should have stayed put! On 83 mins the emerging menace of Steve Watkins struck from the penalty spot after a harsh handball decision against Eifion Jones given by Llanrug linesman MA Williams despite the ball hitting his thigh. In the last minute it was 5-4 as Steve Watkins shot span up and over Lee Williams to the horror of the blue horde. Happily the game then drifted into injury time and a minute of that resulted in Brian Bevan blowing for time with the nine goals allocated! City ran to applaud the noisy support, then trooped off with heavy legs but doubtless high spirits after a wonderful derby win. |
| Bangor
City: Lee Williams, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Aled
Rowlands, Warren
Gibbs,
Kenny Burgess, Les Davies, Paul Roberts, Ross Jefferies, Clayton Blackmore Subs: Rhys Roberts, Gary Roberts, Huw Griffiths |
| Caernarfon:
Willcock, Roberts, Maloney, Mark Antrobus, Brandreth, Williams,
Rodgers, Philips Watkins, Davies, Moores Subs: McGoona, Roberts, Harden |
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A deserved victory for Bangor - but at a price.
Midfielder Paul Friel ended up in casualty after the final whistle to
receive 11 stitches in a gashed shin and will be out of action for 3-4
weeks. The pre match news surrounded Lee Hunt who had failed to turn up and would appear to be bound for Belle Vue after Rhyl served a seven day notice of approach on the young striker. With Ricky Evans departed for Aberystwyth the gloom mongers looked anxiously at the Lido side suspecting another tough defensive display lay ahead. The first half saw Lido defend confidently aided by a strong wind gusting from the Farrar End. In the first few minutes City appealed for a penalty but Referee Andy Richards pointed fto the corner. The ever dangerous Kevin Bartley forced the first save of the match from Lee Williams as play swtiched to the other end. City's first chance came on 12 mins when Paul Friel showed great dexterity to enable Gareth Williams to cross but Les Davies sent his header over from six yards. On 18 mins controvesy as Chris Pridham repeated his ungly challenge of mid August with a distasteful two footed lunge on right winger Kenny Burgess which appeared a clear red card. However Referee Andy Richards consulted his assistant and opted for a yellow. Lido pressed forward for Lee Williams again to save well from the shaven headed Bartley with Alan Goodall clearing the resulting corner. The versatile left footer carried the captain's armband with pride and defended well alongside Peter Hoy. Indeed Hoy stuck to his task well as Bartley threatened on the left. The final action of note in the first period was a clean strike from Les Davies which 'keeper Cropley held comfortably. |
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The second half was a different story as Bangor surged
forward with the advantage of the wind and Lee Wiliams' powerful
clearances with hand
and foot. However it was the visitors who forced the first corner
which
was headed clear by Les Davies. City pushed forward with Paul Friel and Gareth Williams prominent in midfield, and Paul Roberts was put in by Ross Jefferies who flicked on Lee Williams long clearance but Cropley saved well. On the hour Chris Piper lay prone for a worrying moment after he unwisely ran straight into City's "brick wall" goalkeeper. Fit again Aled Rowlands, making an impressive return at leftback, sent a long range effort on target which Cropley held. Credit also to Ross Jefferies whose workrate and endeavour created time and space for everyone around him. On 66 mins City finally had the lead. A fifth corner proved awkward for Cropley and as the ball dropped Peter Hoy capped a fine personal performance with a crashing volley which bulged the net. Two more corners and Gary Roberts replaced Kenny Burgess and nearly saw an own goal as a Lido defender touched the ball onto the near post. The Clayton Blackmore, a model of composure at right back, struck a superb 30 yard rocket which skimmed the top of the bar. On 75 mins City doubled the advantage as giant winger Les Davies gathered the ball on the edge of the box and fired low past Cropley. An eighth corner resulted in Alan Goodall shooting on target, then Lido struck back with a freekick which shot narrowly wide. Paul Evans was lucky not to be carded for a vicious lunge on Paul Friel who in turn retaliated with a kick at his opposite number. By now Referee Andy Richards had lost the plot completely. Lido were hanging on for a 2-0 scoreline when a tenth second half corner was met by Les Davies whose intial effort was blocked but who made no mistake with a crashing close range finish. The big youngster has made a tremendous impression since his move from Glantraeth and more than made up for the reported departure of Lee Hunt. |
| Bangor
City: Lee Williams, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Aled Rowlands,
Clayton Blackmore, Paul Friel, Kenny Burgess, Les Davies, Paul Roberts, Ross
Jefferies, Gareth Williams Subs: Rhys Roberts, Gary Roberts, Eifion Jones |
| Afan
Lido: Cropley, C.Evans, Walters, P.Evans, Martin, Rickard,
McCeesh, Pridham,
Bartley, O'Leary,
Piper Subs: Felton, Kinsey, Patten |
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City through away two points with some careless play in the
final
minute of a game they should have won by a 3 or 4 clear goals.
There was little to hint at the drama to come in a dour opening half hour, the highlight of which was a corner to Bangor and a "goal" disallowed when Moss netted but the linesman had long since flagged. Things got better the half hour when Paul Roberts, enjoying a stroll in midfield, spread the ball out to right winger Kenny Burgess whose lofted cross was headed wide by Lee Hunt. However on 32 mins Kenny Burgess fed Les Davies back to goal on the edge of the box. The talented youngster turned and fed the ball into the box for Lee Hunt to finish calmly from ten yards. Carmarthen looked pretty poor and, driven on by a strong wind as they attacked the St Pauls End, Bangor assumed command. Les Davies dribbled past three Town defenders, delivered a short pass to Gareth Williams who in turn supplied Paul Roberts but his powerful drive crashed just wide. With the industrious Paul Friel impressing alongside Gareth Williams in the engine room the departed No 10 was scarcely missed as his replacement Paul Roberts raced froward but fired over from 25 yards with some five minutes remaining. Tony Pennock then became involved in a scramble at the left hand post which saw Lee Hunt have a shot blocked, produced a second corner from which Peter Hoy headed over. On the stroke of half time Bangor forced two more corners but the end result was a high over the bar header from Eifion Jones. |
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Playing into the wind proved no real problem for Bangor,
certainly
Lee Williams still got good value for his clearances. Lee Hunt
again
went close in the opening minutes but his weak effort from the edge of
the
box was off target. On 50 mins Carmarthen were level as a left wing diagonal from David Moss sought out Dale Price whose first time effort left Lee Williams with no chance. City had now switched Les Davies to run at the spiteful Leigh Pratt whose fiesty attitude seemed strangely out of place in tiny frame. The big winger ran him ragged on the right, lost possession to Paul Reid, but regained the ball with a goalline tackle to deliver an impressive near post cross which Pennock intercepted. On 55 mins referee Whitby - who had enjoyed a trouble free afternoon - yellow carded Eifion Jones for a late tackle on Fayers. The impressive Friel then sent Les Davies on another run but the ball ran away from him. On the hour Lee Hunt skipped past three defenders on the right before lifting his cross beyond the reach of Paul Roberts. On 63 mins it was 2-1 but that does not tell the story. A run on the right, a dribble through three or four defenders as he set the ball onto his left foot and a thunderbolt finish into the top left hand corner, where the ball momentarily stopped in the stanction. Who by? Nineteen year old Les Davies who punched the air as the crowd rose to acclaim a goal which was if anything better than his strike at Connahs Quay a week earlier. The Town defence had now collapsed on the right, Gary Roberts ran into the space but delivered a wild cross with Lee Hunt unmarked but unable to convert. On 67 mins Huw Griffiths replaced Kenny Burgess before City forced a sisxth corner. Gareth Williams and Eifion Jones combined well to create an opening but Carmarthen nearly managed a counter but were denied by Alan Goodall's timely interception. On 78 mins Ross Jefferies came on for Paul Roberts but it was Fayers who forced a save from Lee Williams. Then Gareth Williams sent a superb pass to Ross Jefferies but Pennock gathered. With 89 mins up City had the ball in the visitors half but lost possession, Eifion Jones was forced to conceded a corner from which Luke Fayers snatched an equaliser which stunned the home support which was contemplating a happy trip home. |
| Bangor City:
Lee Williams, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Gareth Williams, Paul Friel, Kenny Burgess, Lee Hunt,
Paul
Roberts, Gary Roberts Subs: Peter Davenport, Ross Jefferies, Huw Griffiths |
| Carmarthen:
Pennock, Pratt, Reid, Barnhouse, York, Moss, Thomas, Rossiter, Fayers
Price, Davies
Subs: Chapple, Keaveney |
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LEAGUE CUP |
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Bangor fought their way into the Semi Finals despite
trailing
4-1 on the hour to double strikes from Dan Barton and Peter Smith.
Newtown started well and went ahead on three minutes when Jason Turner did well to get a hand to a low shot from Peter Smith but the predatory Dan Barton tapped in the loose ball. Stunned into action Bangor bounced back when a deep cross from the right found Paul Roberts whose sliced effort fell to Lee Hunt to drive the ball through Edwards' legs from close range. City then took a grip on things. Ricky Evans fired a 25 yard freekick over and Lee Hunt turned a low cross from Les Davies into the side netting. Newtown retaliated with Dan Barton setting up strike partner Peter Smith but his long range shot flew over. A clever combination between Lee Hunt and midfielder Gareth Williams saw the Gresford lad's shot saved by Paul Edwards. At the other end Paul Roberts battled his way to the edge of the box but saw his deflected effort saved. However, against the run of play, Newtown took a half time advantage. Peter Smith ran infield from the right before sending a low shot past Jason Turner into the bottom corner. City tried to level things but found Edwards in fine form in the Newtown goal. |
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Once again the hosts started well with Justin Wickham
causing
havoc on the right wing outside Barton and Smith. On 53 mins Peter Smith scored his
second
to bring Newtown level 5-5 on aggregate. On 57 it was 4-1 on the
night
as Dan Barton
tapped
in at the left hand post with the visitors defence at sea.
Trailing 4-1 on the night and 6-5 overall City at last got a toehold on the tie on the hour. Paul Roberts ran at the heart of the Robins defence, his shot through Edwards squirmed goalwards for Lee Hunt to bundle in from close range. On 70 mins Ross Jefferies replaced a tired Paul Roberts. Newtown surged forward but Jason Turner saved well at Dan Barton's feet. On 75 mins it was 4-3 as the home defence failed to stop Les Davies advancing down the left before he dispatched a firece drive past Edwards' near post before the veteran stopper could react. The big winger had switched to the left on the hour when Kenny Burgess replaced Gary Roberts. Now the balance tipped well and truly in Bangor's direction with a 7-6 overall advantage plus the all important away goal, Newtown needed to score twice in the closing ten minutes. As it turned out the Bangor scorer was well known the The Robins, as Lee Hunt calmly converted a chance created by Ross Jefferies for his hatrick and seventh goal against the Latham Park outfit this season. |
| Bangor City:
Jason Turner, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Clayton
Blackmore, Gareth Williams, Paul Roberts, Les Davies, Lee Hunt, Ricky Evans, Gary Roberts Subs: Paul Friel, Kenny Burgess, Ross Jefferies |
| Newtown:
Edwards, Evans, Moody, Hughes, Fenton, Sudlow, Wickham, Futcher,
Barton, Smith, Giles Subs: Reynolds, Harris, McKenzie |
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A dreadful defensive performance which meant that two away
goals
did not yield any points was the cause of City's downfall at the
Deeside
Stadium. The opening action of the match was a good reflex save by Jason Turner from former City man George Horan who got across his man from a left wing cross. City struck back with Gary Roberts picking up an intelligent bal from Ricky Evans but he delayed his shot and Hopkins cleared off the line. The Nomads defender was the withdrawn and replaced by another Bangor old boy Nicky Brookman who slotted in at left back. In an untidy first half chances were at a premium but Bangor managed to win four corners without ever really threatening from them. However as half time drew near Gary Roberts found space on the left to pick out young striker Les Davies at the back post but his weak effort was gratefully clutched by the nervous Hughes. On 42 mins a disturbing moment as Ricky Evans and George Horan clashed heads which left both players in need of treatment. Referee Parry - who had enjoyed an untroubled first period - brought a truly dismal first half to a close to the relief of most present. The only positives from bangor's perspective would be the confidence of stand in 'keeper Jason Turner and the displays of nineteen year olds Paul Friel and Les Davies. |
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No sooner had the whistle blown than the Connahs Quay went
ahead
as Stuart Rain tapped in at the far past after Jason Turner had done
well to parry an intial shot from the right. Spectators hoping
for
an announcement had to wait as while as the PA operator had apparently
gone
elsewhere. Ricky Evans was evidently still groggy from the clash of heads and was replaced by Rae Ingram with rightback Clayton Blackmore moving into midfield. This move had scarcely been effected when Jon Kenworthy was allowed time and space to convert from close range to double the deficit. On 62 mins the impressive Les Davies brought City back into the match. A cross was only partly cleared to the edge of the box by the flapping Hughes and the big teenager fired a fizzing volley into the roof of net. Noamds struck back and Jason Turner made a sharp save from Griffiths with Rae Ingram heading the lose ball out for a corner. The on 70 mins Paul Roberts entered the fray instead of Kenny Burgess. In a matter of mnutes though it was 3-1 as Craig Hutchinson managed to turn in the box and finish from eight yards. Lee Hunt came close to pulling one back but delayed momentarily and pulled his shot wide, then Les Davies ran across field from the right and shot left footed on target but Hughes held comfortably. A limping peter Hoy then made way for Ross Jefferies who took his place at right back. Bangor forced a couple of corners, the second of which saw Les Daives flash a shot wide from six yards in a croweded box. In the final minute Lee Hunt sped onto an incisive pass from Paul Roberts to coolly drive the ball past Hughes and close the gap to 3-2. However moments later the energetic striker sent a header over form a Les Davies cross and the whistle sounded. A defeat borne of shoddy defending and self induced errors. |
| Bangor City:
Jason Turner, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Clayton Blackmore,
Paul
Friel, Kenny Burgess, Les Davies,
Lee Hunt, Ricky Evans, Gary Roberts Subs: Paul Roberts, Ross Jefferies, Rae Ingram |
| Connahs
Quay: Hughes, Hopkins, Tuft, Hutchinson, Horan, Mazzarrella,
Griffiths Mutton,
Rain, Kenowrthy, Owen Subs: Brookman, Chesters, Lawton |
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A fortnight after winning 6-1 at The Recreation Ground, City
ran riot against a full strength Caersws with an eight goal display the
highlight of which was a hatrick from new father Paul Roberts.
City played Peter Hoy alongside the recalled Eifion Jones in the middle of the defence, and Paul Friel in the engine room with Ricky Evans. Upfront Paul Roberts lined up with 19 year old Bangor lad Les Davies. With wingers Gary Roberts and Kenny Burgess causing havoc on the flanks goals were always on the cards against a Bluebirds side whose minds seemed elsewhere. The opening goal on 23 mins came after Les Davies and Paul Roberts combined to set up Kenny Burgess who netted confidently. Fit again Paul Roberts then doubled the advantage on 39 mins when he picked his spot before beating former blue Andy Mulliner with a clean strike. City were creating chances thanks to the wing supply and Paul Roberts might have increased his tally but he fired wide when well placed. Just before half time Gary Roberts was yellow carded but in general this had been an easy 45 mins for referee Woodthorpe. |
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City swept into action straight after the interval and on 52
mins the contest was over as Paul
Roberts again scored with
a confident finish. This signalled an onslaught on the
visitors
goal which saw Kenny Burgess double his tally on 55 mins when he lobbed the
exasperated
Mulliner from outside the box. On 59 mins centre half Eifion Jones was on hand to turn in a cross from Kenny Burgess for a five nil advantage before a limping Ricky Evans was replaced in midfield by Gareth Williams. On 63 mins it was 6-0 as flying left winger Gary Roberts to cut in from the left and score his first goal for the club. City were in no mood to declare and on 70 mins another 19 year old Les Davies also notched his first goal for the club. Manager Peter Davenport sent on Ross Jefferies for birthday boy Alan Goodall who must have enjoyed his 22nd birthday. There was still time for Paul Roberts to secure his hatrick with an 85th minute strike but in the final moments the ever dangerous Graham Evans scored a consolation goal for the punchdrunk visitors. This was a great evening for the City faithful in what was billed as a "dead rubber" but clearly defied its billing! |
| Bangor City:
Darren Owen, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Clayton Blackmore, Paul Friel, Kenny Burgess, Les Davies,
Paul Roberts, Ricky Evans, Gary Roberts Subs: Rae Ingram, Ross Jefferies, Gareth Williams |
| Caersws:
Mulliner, Thomas, Howells, Reynolds, Venables, McPhee, Scott, Marfell,
Evans, Jones, Davies Subs: Davies, Pierce, Rubery, Lewis, Williams, Jones |
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This was being billed as a "must win" game for Bangor, the
defeat
leaves City well behind the leading pack as Autumn gives way to
Winter.
It would be comforting to refer to the injured list of absent friends,
or to blame the referee, but this defeat owed much to poor defending
and
slack marking was City conceded their eleventh goal in four
games.
As you might imagine though the referee was pretty awful.
It all started brightly with Rhyl's defence looking jittery and the elements driving City towards the St Pauls End. Lee Hunt, who led the line with tenacity, saw his second minute goalbound effort strike visting goalkeeper Paul Smith, the ball broke to Ricky Evans whose low drive fired a yard off target. With Gary Roberts and Gareth Williams snapping into tackles City held sway in the opening half, forcing nine corners and taking the lead on 17 mins through Lee Hunt who followed in a 30 yd dipper from Clayton Blackmore which former Colwyn bay 'keeper Smith fumbled. Minutes later he slipped up again, a corner delivered from the right was headed just over by Huw Griffiths who found himself operating on the right of the Bangor rearguard. From the seventh Bangor corner on 35 mins Gary Roberts had a shot blocked, then Alan Goodall sent a clean strike goalwards but this time Smith held cleanly to the relief of his visibly unsettled defence. The visitors struck back and forced three corners, the first of the sequence after a great save from Jason Turner from the dangerous Andy Moran. City fans were contemplating their half time cuppa when Rhyl unexpectedly drew level. Marc Limbert found time and space on the right which allowed him to cross to Gary Powell wholly unmarked in the middle for simple close range finish. The fact that Powell and strike partner Moran were visibley offside was brushed aside. City forced a ninth corner as Gareth Williams shot was deflected, but could not make it count. |
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With the wind at their backs Rhyl and buoyed by the late
equaliser
Rhyl must have fancied their chances and sent on Chris McGinn in place
of the injured Gareth Wilson. The opening exchanges saw Moran
shoot
wide, then Marc Limbert and Ricky Evans shot over from long distance.
However home hopes soared on 55 mins when Clayton Blackmore was on hand to drive home after good work on the left from Gary Roberts whose run and cross opened up the Lilywhites defence. Moments later the former Welsh International was called upon at the back to make a telling block as Rhyl forced a corner, then stand in keeper Jason Turner pulled off a good save from Moran before conceding a penalty to the marksman as he charged in on goal. Moran dusted himself down but sent the spot kick crashing against the foot of the post. But on 67 mins the scores were level once more as Andy Moran gathered the ball on the edge of the six yard box, turned and saw his shot squeeze through Rae Ingrams legs into the net. Inspired by this effort Moran then ran amok, hitting the crossbar from fifteen yards. Unfortunately Holyhead referee Brian Lawler seldom visits Farrar Road without making a hideous mistake. Today he made two, the first with 20 mins on the clock when Timmy Edwards pushed Kenny Burgess over in the Rhyl box. With City fans rubbing their hands in glee referee Lawler waved play on. Ricky Evans then sent Kenny Burgess clear on the left, his inviting header was header just over by the luckless Gary Roberts. The Holyhead official scarcely redeemed himself on 75 mins with a yellow card for Brewerton for a block on Lee Hunt who was also cautioned for his response. Lee Hunt continued to run at the visitors defence and in one such foray cut in from the right but could not get a shot away. With five mins remaining Brewerton was rightly sent off for a trip on Kenny Burgess but another howler from the ref ended City's chances of victory when a visiting defender clearly punched the ball away from the penalty spot. License to kill. In the final minute the ten men ventured forward, Moran's run led to a left wing cross which McGinn turned back to peroxide striker Gary Powell who scored his second point blank goal of the afternoon. Jubilation for the vistors, desparation for Bangor whose defence was as leaky as an old umbrella. Good luck to Rhyl, they have a chance of the title, and with wins at Bangor and TNS must feel very upbeat. |
| Bangor City:
Jason Turner, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Gareth Williams, Huw Griffiths, Rae Ingram, Kenny Burgess, , Lee Hunt,
Ricky Evans, Gary Roberts Subs: Eifion Jones, Ross Jefferies, Paul Friel |
| Rhyl:
Smith, Brewerton, Wood, Atherton, Edwards, M.Powell, Wilson, Limbert
Moran, G.Powell, Graves.
Subs: McGinn, Adamson |
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Andy Moran |
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For the first time in living memory Bangor shared a ten goal haul at
Farrar
Road as this pulsating Premier Cup clash ended up five all!
Unhappily
this draw meant City could not longer qualify for the quarter final
stages. Heavy rain meant conditions were difficult but Bangor started well enough with Alan Goodall forcing a superb save from Worsnop who happily conceded a corner before the re-instated Clayton Blackmore fired wide from outside the box. Aber retaliated as Lee Spike took advantage of some indecision on the left to fire a low shot goalwards but Lee Williams saved well at his near post. On 18 mins City had the advantage as the impressive Alan Goodall crossed from the left for Lee Hunt to turn home a near post header to the delight of the Farrar End faithful. However within a minute a dubious free kick awarded on the left following what looked like a dive by former Burscough winger Lawless enabled former City favourite Marc Lloyd Williams to level with a similar headed goal. Lee Williams had to be alert to save from Lee Spike again with Glyndwr Hughes lifting the ball over from ten yards. Lee Hunt then hooked over from the penalty spot before Aber went ahead on 32 mins. Another unlikely free kick produced left wing cross from Lawless which was converted by Glyndwr Hughes for a 2-1 advantage, before Chris Short was booked and taken off in the space of 30 seconds! City then forced three corners in as many minutes but Worsnop saved well from Eifion Jones and eventually the danger passed. As half time approached Aber went further ahead as Ben Jones powered in an unstoppable shot which blazed past Lee Williams' near post from the right. The home side trooped off to a subdued reception. |
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With Huw Griffiths replacing Eifion Jones at half time City
charged forward. Alan Goodall charged down the left, crossed for
Lee Hunt, the ball deflected into the path of the inrushing Kenny
Burgess
but his shot was blocked on the line. Moments later the ball
dropped
to Marc Lloyd Williams whose sharp turn on the edge of the box produced a
left
footed curler which beat Lee Williams as it span into the keepers left
hand corner. Four one down on 48 minutes and City fans fearing
for
the worst. Bangor though were far from beaten. Manager Peter Davenport sent on Les Davies for Ross Jefferies. Two more corners were added, taking the tally to seven, from which an inviting opening fell to substitute Huw Griffiths who drove home decisively from eight yards. At 4-2 and with the elements behind Bangor attacking the St Pauls End, hope rose once more. Another corner conceded by the Aber defence saw young fullback Luke Berridge turn the ball into his own net for the first own goal scored "for" City all season. Big Les Davies was causing a good deal of discomfort for the Greens defence with his physical presence and back to goal play giving a platform for the rest of the attackers. On 72 mins Gary Roberts replaced Kenny Burgess and he watched as Worsnop pulled off a great save from the rampaging Alan Goodall, cleverly supplied by Ricky Evans. On 78 mins Bangor were level as Lee Hunt latched onto a cross from Ricky Evans to bag his second of the night from close range. As thoughts turned to a sensational win young Luke Sherbourne thrashed home a 30 yarder which would hve graced a higher stage to put the visitors ahead once again. Again City fought back with Huw Griffiths and Clayton Blackmore in the thick of the action, Alan Goodall hit the post, then on 85 mins Ricky Evans popped up to steer the ball past Worsnop for 5-5. Oddly enough the last five minutes passed without a goal, although why the fourth official displayed 2 mins of injury time for the ref to play 45 second is mystifying - but little more. A great open game of football, two more goals for Lee Hunt and "homecoming King" MLW. |
| Bangor City:
Lee Williams, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Gareth Williams,
Rae Ingram, Kenny
Burgess, Ross Jefferies, Lee Hunt,
Ricky Evans, Clayton Blackmore. Subs: Paul Roberts, Gary Roberts, Les Davies, Paul Friel, Huw Griffiths |
| Aberystwyth:
Worsnop, O'Sullivan, Burridge, Short, B.Jones, Baker, ML Williams,
Hennigan, Spike,
Hughes, Lawless Subs: Shelbourne, Kellaway, Spain, Lee, Griffiths |
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With both sides again disrupted by injuries it was Bangor's
patched up side which gave the absentees something to worry about with
a
display which merited more than the four goals scored.
With Les Davies reverting to CA action another 19 year old Gary Roberts made the most of his opportunity with an impressive display on the left which unhinged the Bluebirds defence. City might have gone ahead in the opening minutes as Ricky Evans rose unchallenged from a corner but his downwards header flew wide. However on 11 mins Bangor did have a lead thanks to Ricky Evans and Kenny Burgess who combined on the right for the No 7 to cross from the byline to Lee Hunt whose unselfish lay off was pounced on by Paul Friel for his first goal in a City shirt. Lee Williams had to be alert as Caersws looked for an equaliser and City enjoyed some good fortune as new midfield signing Chris Venables headed wide from a corner. Much of the first period drfited by until on the half hour Lee Hunt rushed goalwards, saw Andy Mulliner slip, but then thrashed his shot too close to the former City stopper who pulled off a superb save. The half ended with Bangor getting little joy from a third corner and then Lee Williams saving confidently from Garah Evans who struck from 25 yards out on the left. |
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The second half had only just started when Gary Roberts took a corner
on
the right which Ricky Evans again headed unmarked and this time celebrated as the
ball bulged the 'Sws net to the delight of the travelling blues.
This goal served to deflate the home side and on 50 mins it was 3-0 as Ricky Evans supplied Gary Roberts on the left. His cross was headed home by Lee Hunt from point blank range for his fifth goal in as many games. Moments later another corner, won by Gary Roberts on the left, was headed goalwards by Eifion Jones but cleared off the line by Kevin Scott. City were now attacking with venom and a break away led by Alan Goodall on the right resulted in a cross which Lee Hunt headed narrowly wide. Right winger Kenny Burgess then won a 6th corner of the afternoon on the right but after that was scrambled away Gary Roberts crossed for Kenny Burgess to convert from close range on 61 minutes. City then sent on Paul Roberts for Ross Jefferies as he continued his comeback from injury. Caersws kept coming forwards and 18 year old Chris Venables shot wide when well placed. From another corner Paul Roberts crashed the ball into the side netting from ten yards out before Kenny Burgess saw his shot saved by Andy Mulliner as he ran clear on goal. The hosts then mounted concerted pressure on the Bangor goal, forcing three or four corners in quick succession in the middle of which Lee Williams made a fantastic save from Jamie Davies whose low drive seemed destined for the bottom corner. On 85 mins a left footed corner from the rigth by Kevin Scott seemed to find tis way into the Bangor net without a touch for a consolation goal. So 4-1 it was, three welcome points, and with Rae Ingram and Paul Roberts evidence of a strengthening squad, a definite boost ahead of the Aberystwyth and Rhyl games. |
| Bangor City:
Lee Williams, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Gareth Williams,
Paul Friel, Kenny
Burgess, Ross Jefferies, Lee Hunt,
Ricky Evans, Gary Roberts Subs: Paul Roberts, Rae Ingram, Huw Griffiths |
| Caersws:
Mulliner, Thomas, Howells, Reynolds, Griffiths, Davies, Scott, McPhee,
Evans, Venables,
Davies Subs: Pierce, Probert, Williams |
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Andy Mulliner |
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LEAGUE CUP |
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Lee Hunt became the second City striker to score a hatrick
against
Newtown this season as Bangor built up a useful advantage to take to
Latham
Park in three weeks. With City fielding an unchanged team the only positional changes were Gareth Williams switching to right back, Peter Hoy alongside Eifion Jones and Alan Goodall reverting to leftback. On the sidelines Huw Griffiths took charge with Peter Davenport keeping abreast of developments from his sick bed! City kicked off attacking the St Pauls End with a stiff breeze at their backs. Injured marksman Paul Gedman had put The Robins to the sword at Latham Park but there was no sign of anyone emulating that feat as Newtown took an early lead. City went close when Gareth Williams' deft lay off was crashed goalwards by Kenny Burgess but Edwards willingly conceded the corner. Moments later centre half Eifion Jones hesitated to allow Peter Smith space to run into and drill a low shot past Lee Williams. City pushed forward to win a couple of corners but needed Peter Hoy to be alert as he dispossessed dangerman Smith in a one on one situation on the half way line. On the half hour the emerging Les Davies went past rightback Nick Evans and was fouled to result in a yellow card for the beleagured defender. Five minutes later Ross Jefferies appeared to be pulled in the box but a corner was given, admittedly to little protest. On 40 mins City were level as the hatrick started to take shape. Gareth Williams and Peter Hoy were involved on the right before a long cross eluded the visitors defence for Lee Hunt to score from close range. Ricky Evans then sent a long range freekick on target before being yellow carded for a wild challenge on Giles. Lee Hunt and Alan Goodall both went close as City seemed to gather momentum but could not add a deserved second goal as the interval approached. Newtown would hope to capitalise on the wind at their backs in the second period whilst veteran blues watchers suspected playing against the elements might help. |
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Left winger Les Davies fired over with City's first opening
of
the second period but Lee Williams continued his fine form with a smart
stop
from a cross/shot from Nick Evans. Eifion Jones then ran at the
heart
of the visitors defence, played in Lee Hunt whose shot was blocked as
was
Kenny Burgess' effort from the rebound. The game swept end to end
with
Lee Williams saving from Peter Smith. The midfield battle was gradually being won by the tenacious Paul Friel and powerhouse Ricky Evans with the Irish battler in particular taking the opportunity to impress his fellow students amongst the home fans. On 60 mins City went ahead as Kenny Burgess converted from close range after good work on the left from the industrious Lee Hunt. The beleagured Nick Evans then gave way to Richard Harris but the change had scarcely had time to be effected when City doubled their lead on 66 mins when Lee Hunt got the better of former team mate Anthony Fenton to drive through Edwards' legs from ten yards. Acting boss Huw Griffiths then sent on fit again Paul Roberts for a twenty minute run out in place of Ross Jefferies. Next Kenny Burgess hit the post with a blinding 18 yard drive which Edwards scarcely saw. With Dan Barton making way for Reynolds the visitors' chances looked to be gone but on 76 mins the ever dangerous Peter Smith rushed through to once more drive low past the exposed Lee Williams. City brought on one nineteen year for another as Gary Roberts came on for Les Davies who left to a warm ovation from the appreciative home support. Gary Roberts immediately broke clear twice on the left. The first ending in a weak chip which Edwards easily held but the second producing a rasping drive into the net. The former Denbigh winger's celebrations were cut short by a linesman's flag which City supporters described as totally wrong! Paul Roberts went close to marking his appearance with a goal but Paul Edwards again pulled out a good save. With Newtown sensing that a 3-2 defeat would be within their remit the livewire Hunt struck again. This time the provider was Gary Roberts who scorching run on the left again allowed Lee Hunt to notch his hatrick goal from close range. That was it, a convincing win and clear advantage to take to Latham Park, and a welcome tonic for the manager. Credit also to Huw Griffiths who showed again his value to the club by stepping into the breach at short notice. Well done Palmer. |
| Bangor City:
Lee Williams, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Gareth Williams, Paul Friel, Kenny Burgess, Ross
Jefferies,
Lee Hunt, Ricky Evans, Les Davies Subs: Gary Roberts, Paul Roberts, Huw Griffiths, |
| Newtown:
Edwards, Evans, Moody, Hughes, Fenton, Sudlow, Wickham, Futcher,
Barton, Smith, Giles
Subs: Reynolds, Harris, Goodwin |
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With seven first team players missing due to injury City
were
unable to share the spoils with a hard working County side who sneaked
ahead
seconds before the half time whistle. The absentees were Phil Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Rae Ingram, Owain Jones, Aled Rowlands, plus strikers Paul Gedman and Paul Roberts. Having said which the players on duty worked hard, never gave up hope and in left wing debutant Les Davies had the outstanding young talent on the pitch. In a first half of few clear cut chances Bangor thought they had gone ahead on 12 minutes when Les Davies sent in a curling left wing cross which Lee Headed firmly past Lee Kendall but they linesman had already flagged for offside. City were enjoying possession in midfield were young Irishman Paul Friel was busying himself, whilst Gareth Williams was also impressing in a rare outing at left back. The Gresford winger did well to dispossess Rhys Griffiths on the edge of the box before Lee Williams cleanly held a cross from the right wing. Lee Hunt then worked hard to win possession in midfield, played a one two with Kenny Burgess but scooped the half chance high over Kendall's bar. On the half hour Gareth Williams was shown the yellow plastic for a trip whilst laying prostrate, then Simon Heal shot wide from ten yards after some ineffective defending. Williams and young Les Davies were combing well on the left, whilst Alan Goodall and Eifion Jones settled into a competitive centreback pairing. Alan Goodall then sent a freekick over from 20 yards but moments later captain Eifion Jones had to be alert to snuff out an attack involving Rhys Griffiths. Haverfordwest then saw Nicky Palmer fire off target but would have been surprised to go in with a one goal advantage. With no real sign of danger Tim Hicks seized on a lose ball soem thirty yars out to the left to fire a dipping volley over Lee Williams and into the roof of the net. There codl be no blame on the "debutant" 'keeper; if Hicks could do that even 7 times in 10 he would be playing down the road for Deryn Brace's old boss Brian Flynn. Then the half time whilst blew. |
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Bangor started the second period with a corner which was
only
cleared as far as Alan Goodall, his return was turned goalwards by
Kenny
Burgess but this flew off target. Five minutes after the break Les Davies beat two defender to fire a fierce volley on target but Kendall's catch was clean, the Gareth Williams picked up a lose ball 25 yards out, danced forwards but saw his low curling shot stray beyond the right post. Les Davies again impresed with a run and cross which Lee Hunt met at the near post, but his flicked header drifted beyond the far upright. Goalkeeper Lee Williams only had two saves to make in the second period, the best of which was a fine low stop against Robert Jones whose header from a corner looked destined for the net. On 67 mins a tiring Paul Friel made way for Huw Griffiths in a move which enabled Alan Goodall to switch to leftback and Gareth Williams to move to midfield. Five minutes later Kenny Burgess made way for Gary Roberts who took up his right wing berth and caused County some problems with his ability to cut inside. The home defence was built around two centrebacks plus player manager Deryn Brace marshalling from sweeper in a wholehearted performance evocative of Graham Brett. Ther former Wrexham defender did as much as anyone to ensure a clean sheet for his County side. In the closing minutes manager Peter Davenport took to the field in place of Ross Jefferies but could not alter the course of events, although he did allow referee Collins to add a new name to his list of cautions. The final whistle saw the home side celebrating deliriously as the travelling contingent were left to reflect on what might have been. |
| Bangor City:
Lee Williams, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Gareth Williams, Paul Friel, Kenny Burgess, Ross
Jefferies, Lee Hunt, Ricky Evans, Les Davies Subs: Gary Roberts, Huw Griffiths, Peter Davenport |
| Haverfordwest:
Kendall, Brace, W.Jones, Heal, Thomas, R.Jones, Palmer, Hicks, Griffiths
Loss, Ryan
Subs: Miller, Chiverton, Blain |
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Leading by a Gareth Williams goal at half time Bangor fell
to
3-1 defeat against a TNS side who would be relieved to finish the match
with eleven players. The first half was pretty sterile with neither side able to impose a definite pattern of play on the opposition. City were having some success in midfield where Owain Jones and Ricky Evans were enjoying the battle with their former team mate Simon Davies. Davies was joined in the middle by Steve Beck on the quarter hour when he replaced the injured Scott Ruscoe. On 23 mins City went ahead when Gareth Williams picked up the ball 35 yards out, beat a couple of TNS defenders and let fly from 25 yards. His effort deceived Dean Williams in the visitors goal and perhaps fortunately ended up in the net. TNS came back to create chances for Nicky Ward and former blue Chris Taylor, but the best opening came to Jamie Wood whose close range effort was brilliantly saved by Phil Priestley. In the closing stages Owain Jones miskicked when well placed when a cleaner contact might well have sent the home side in with comfortable 2-0 advantage. |
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The second half kicked off with Gary Roberts replacing Owain
Jones who had a foot injury. Perhaps inevitably given the presence of
the
appalling Gerald Davies this was quickly followed by controvesy.
On 49 mins City leftback Alan Goodall was struck in the face by TNS
striker
Jamie Wood in clear view of the New Broughton official. The man
in
black immediately spotted the incident, called the player to him, and
produced
a yellow card. In any level of football this was a strange
decision,
but par for the course for GD. Wood had performed a similar act
by
striking Rae Ingram in the corresponding fixture at Llansantffraid on
23rd
September, and again received yellow rather than red.
The Bangor defence suffered the departure of injured Rae Ingram to be replaced by Huw Griffiths on 59 mins with former favourite Simon Davies withdrawn in favour of Mike Wilde moments later. On 69 mins the scores were level when Martin Naylor crossed from the right for Dave Bridgwater to score from the edge of the box. Clayton Blackmore was the next the depart injured, to be replaced by Paul Roberts who received a warm welcome from the City faithful following his long injury absence. On 74 mins it was advantage TNS when substitute Mike Wilde got the better of Eifion Jones to fire past City keeper Phil Priestley. On 81 mins it was all over as Martin Naylor continued his bizarre goalscoring record against City with a clean strike from outside the box. Lee Hunt went close for City but to no avail. TNS were deserved winners by the end but inevitably the inept official was a topic of conversation as the home supporters trooped out of Farrar Road. Bangor must now win both remaining Premier Cup matches to qualify, with Caersws and Aberystwyth still to visit Farrar Road. |
| Bangor City:
Phil
Priestley, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Clayton Blackmore, Rae Ingram, Gareth Williams, Owain
Jones,
Ross Jefferies, Ricky Evans, Lee Hunt Subs: Paul Roberts, Gary Roberts, Huw Griffiths, Paul Friel |
| TNS:
Williams, Naylor, King, Holmes, Aggrey, Taylor, Ruscoe, Wood, Ward,
Davies, Bridgwater Subs: Doherty, Beck, Wilde, Perry, Hesketh |
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Martin Naylor |
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Bangor finally layed that Jenner Park bogey and in so doing
drove another nail in the coffin of the cash strapped - and disgraced -
reigning champions. The home hero was a debutant 28 year old goalkeeper Quinn McCarthy who signed from Cardiff Corinthians, who gave an impressive performance to rival those of the long departed Mark Ovendale. But it was the home side who made a good start and former Cwmbran striker Mattie Davies had the ball in the net, but the linesman had already flagged for offside. After some early nerves City began to get a grip, with Owain Jones showing well in midfield and the movement of top scorer Paul Gedman unsettling the new look Yellow Dragons defence. It was fitting then that the former Cefn Druids striker was the man to break the deadlock on the half hour after he was fouled by Rees. A low driven freekick from the right, propelled goalwards by Ricky Evans, was guided home by Paul Gedman from close range to the delight of the three dozen or so travelling blues. The goal boosted the Bangor side who ended the half comfortably on top. |
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The second half saw Bangor in control but McCarthy and the
home
defence marshalled by former Newtown defender Adam Shakespeare perform
heroics. Fifteen minutes into the second period Clayton Blackmore
replaced right winger Kenny Burgess, with Peter Hoy moving to sweeper
in
a 3-5-2 formation. Workaholic striker Lee Hunt doubled the lead on 62 mins with an tap in from a Clayton Blackmore cross which was flicked on by Paul Gedman. On 66 mins it was all over as Paul Gedman was fouled in the box to allow Ricky Evans to convert the penalty kick and complete the scoring. With the result beyond doubt City sent on Gary Roberts for Gareth Williams and then ten minutes from time Ricky Evans made way for Ross Jefferies. City continued to create chances, Lee Hunt and Owain Jones hit the woodwork, but McCarthy continued to work overtime and his defence rode their luck. |
| Bangor City:
Phil
Priestley, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Gareth Williams, Rae Ingram, Kenny Burgess, Owain
Jones,
Paul Gedman, Ricky Evans, Lee Hunt Subs: Gary Roberts, Clayton Blackmore, Ross Jefferies |
| Barry
Town: McCarthy, Harris, Minett, Elliott, Rees, Shakespeare,
Hughes,
Sloman Davies,
Bale, Sherman Subs: Brown, Jones, Williams |
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Quinn McCarthy |
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City defensive failings were exploited by former favourite Marc Lloyd Williams who
twice took advantage of poor marking to head home from left wing
crosses and steer his new side to victory.
The visitors took the lead on 14 minutes when John Lawless made space for a cross from the left which found Bangor based Marc Lloyd Williams unmarked in front of goal. His well placed header left Phil Priestley with no chance. Referee Richards hardly endeared himself to the Bangor faithful with a harsh booking of Alan Goodall for an inoffensive trip. A good run by Kenny Burgess on the right created an opening for Paul Gedman but a mix up involving Owain Jones saw the chance disappear. City had a measure of control in midfield where Owain Jones and Ricky Evans had a distinct physical advantage over their opposite numbers Hennigan and Morgan. However Lawless was menancing down the left and the former Llanberis lad difficult to keep hold of in the middle. When City did attack they found the Aber centre backs Phil Baker and Gary Finley in uncompromising mood. |
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The second half started with a re-run of the first goal, when on 47
mins
another left wing cross met the head of the unmarked Marc Lloyd Williams whose
header again left City's keeper with little hope of a save.
On 52 mins it was all over as young Ben Jones drove home to make it 3-0 and send the visiting fans into raptures. This signalled some activity amongst the City substitutes as Peter Hoy came on at right back for Huw Griffiths who had experienced a difficult afternoon against Aber's FA Trophy medalist. However whilst this change may have served to halt the supply of goals, it did not bring about a change of luck in front of goal. On 65 mins City sent on Gary Roberts and Lee Hunt in place of Gareth Williams and Ross Jefferies, with the former Denbigh youngster making an impression on the left flank. The returning Marc Lloyd Williams then "scored" but was adjudged to be offside. Three minutes later it was 3-1 as Lee Hunt's shot rebounded to Owain Jones who kept his shot low to notch his ninth goal of the season on 68 minutes. Aber sent on another Bangor old boy Chris Short in place on Hughes on 76 mins and referee Richard yellow carded Eifion Jones. "Jiws" then hit the post. On 89 minutes Marc Lloyd Williams left the field to what might be described as a mixed reception, hisjob done, to be replaced by Kelloway. City enjoyed a determined climax to the afternoon and it was no surprise that the action went on into stoppage time. The gap closed to 3-2 in the final minute. City won a freekick on the edge of the box, upstepped midfielder Ricky Evans to steer his low shot past Worsnop and into the bottom corner. |
| Bangor City:
Phil
Priestley, Gareth Williams, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Huw Griffiths, Rae Ingram,
Gareth Williams, Owain Jones, Paul Gedman, Rikcy Evans, Ross Jefferies Subs: Gary Roberts, Peter Hoy, Lee Hunt |
| Aberystwyth:
Worsnop, Burrows, Lee, Hennigan, Finley, Baker, ML Williams, Morgan,
BJones, Hughes, Lawless
Subs: Kelloway, O'Sullivan, Tappin |
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John Lawless |
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With both teams lining up without key defenders, Peter Hoy
and
Clayton Blackmore for City, Hugh Clarke and Colin Reynolds for Caersws,
it was likely to be a night full of goals. The scoreline reflects
on
the ninety minutes that unfolded in their absence.
On a still damp evening, Bangor settled quickly to force three corners in the opening minutes but Andy Mulliner foiled Kenny Burgess and the opportunity passed. Caersws broke upfield and former Chirk striker Kevin Scott saw his shot deflected for a corner for a first corner for The Bluebirds.. City forced a fourth corner as Ricky Evans and Owain Jones began to get a grip on the midfield and on the quarter hour mark should have taken the lead. A deep cross from Ricky Evans was bungled by Graham Jones on the penalty spot but Kenny Burgess snatched left footed effort flew off target. Ricky Evans was then booked by referee Hames for a foul on Thomas. But the big fella was revelling in the skiddy conditions and, on 20 mins, put City ahead. Kenny Burgess ran down the right, slid a ball infield to Ricky Evans who slotted the ball past the exposed Mulliner from twelve yards. Paul Gedman then flew past the rightback, ran into the box along the goalline, picked out the rampaging Evans but his low drive crashed into the hoardings. On 26 mins Huw Griffiths was booked for a pull in midfield which seemed harsh, but minutes later his deep cross from the right swung and dipped under the bar to force Mulliner to concede a fifth corner. Moments later Jamie Davies powered a 25 yard strike on target but the alert Phil Priestley held calmly. On 39 mins it was 2-0 as Gareth Williams ran at goal from the left wing, supplied the overlapping Alan Goodall whose superb cross was bundled home by Ross Jefferies from close range. City had one more chance when a great ball from Huw Griffiths found Kenny Burgess but his shot from the right was smothered by the busy Mulliner. |
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The opening five minutes of the second period were likely to
dictate the course of the remaining 45mins, and so it proved as Caersws
attacked - but City drove upfield to have a penalty appeal denied when
Paul
Gedman appeared to be fouled. Referee Hames opted for a yellow
card
for diving. Even a lone loud voice in a small crowd can influence
officials. On 47 mins it was done and dusted. A long clearance found Paul Gedman whose flick set up a clear chance in front of goal which Ross Jefferies converted from ten yards. Andy Davies then blazed over for Caersws before a sixth corner finally yielded a goal for Rae Ingram on 51 mins as he headed home Gareth Williams' left wing centre. With half and hour to go and leading 4-0 City could afford to relax. But they didnt! Instead Paul Gedman fired just wide off Ross Jefferies pass, who then headed wide from infront of goal. On 65 mins Owain Jones made way for substitute Gary Roberts who took up a left wing berth allowing the versatile Gareth Williams into centre midfield. A minute later Paul Friel replaced Kenny Burgess on the right wing and immediately capitalised on half chance from Paul Gedman but his low shot was saved by Mulliner. On 71 mins Caersws pulled one back through that pest Graham Evans whose close range shot converted a cross from strike partner Andy Marfell. City promptly replaced Paul Gedman with Lee Hunt who joined the action with a 30 yard special which Mulliner held above his head. Bangor then forced three more corners in succession with ten minutes to go, Andy Mulliner saving well from both Lee Hunt and Ross Jefferies. Gareth Williams went close as did the home side's Kevin Scott whose effort was held by Phil Priestley. On 84 mins it was 5-1 as Ross Jefferies completed his hatrick from Gary Roberts' left wing cross. The former Gresford striker then shot over from ten yards before Gareth Williams missed the target from six yards. With home fans drifting away sub Lee Hunt scored a sixth by cutting across two defenders from the left and curling the ball past Mulliner from 20 yards. |
| Bangor City:
Phil
Priestley, Gareth Williams, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Huw Griffiths,
Rae Ingram, enny Burgess, Owain Jones, Paul Gedman, Ricky Evans, Ross Jefferies Subs: Gary Roberts, Lee Hunt, Paul Friel |
| Caersws:
Mulliner, Thomas, Howells, Probert, Davies, Lewis, Scott, Marfell,
Evans, Jones, Davies Subs: Pierce, Lewis, Williams |
|
|
|
|
|
Andy Mulliner |
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This was a wasteful display from a Bangor side which fired
blanks
in a first half dominated by midfielder Clayton Blackmore's clever use
of
the ball from set pieces and open play. The home side's bench betrayed their main concern with manager Mark Jones continually berating his midfield for allowing the former Wales International time and space. Prompted by Blackmore, City forced a couple of early corners, the second of which encouraged Lee Hunt to try and overhead kick but he failed to hit the target. On ten minutes Gary Roberts raced inside from the left, beat two or three Town defenders, but the linesman wrongly flagged for offside when Lee Hunt walked back as Paul Gedman galloped through. This was already the fourth of fifth poor decision - against either side - which gave the impression that the officials were not entirely on top of their game. Miinutes later a foul on Lee Hunt by Liam Hancock enabled Clayton Blackmore to drift in a ball which in turn led to a third corner of the afternoon which Huw Griffiths headed at the towering Rayner. Mark Dodds then sped down the right to send a low drive across goal before Clayton Blackmore fired wide from 30 yards. On the half hour Clayton put Gary Roberts in on the left but the young winger drifted wide and tried to lob Raynor from a difficult angle which never looked likely to threaten. The only consequence was an accidental collision between the onrushing Lee Hunt and the young Canadian who needed attention to his groin. Next Clayton Blackmore supplied Gary Roberts who cross reached Paul Gedman but his looping header missed the target with Rayner rooted to the spot. Lee Hunt then fired wide from the right before a fourth corner for City produced no goal threat. Ten minutes before the interval City broke "3 on 1" thanks to a daydreaming centreback, but Paul Gedman could not find Lee Hunt which meant Gary Roberts was forced to snatch at a shot with Carter rushing out to block. A miinute later Alan Goodall's freekick was comfortably held by Rayner, then Owain Jones sent a shot off target from twenty yards after good approach work involving Gary Roberts and Alan Goodall. The final action saw Mark Dodds shoot weakly at Phil Priestley. |
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At the interval Ricky Evans was seen tying his socks up and generally
looking
purposeful, all of which made more sense when Clayton Blackmore was
withdrawn
due to a thigh strain with the Wrexham midfielder taking his place
alongside
Owain Jones. Five minutes into the second period Gary Roberts was blatantly blocked by Haydn Fleming inside the Talbot box, but referee Collins waved play on. This was not a penalty, but a clear freekick for a block, but the Swansea official perhaps has not got to O for Obstruction in his "Dictionary of Refereeing" just yet. Gary Roberts then sent a 22 yard freekick wide before a poor decision by the linesman pulled Paul Gedman back when he seemed destined to run clear on goal. On the hour the former Denbigh winger was again in the the thick of the action as a he latched onto a long clearance from Peter Hoy, capitalised on a miskick from Hancock, but lifted his shot over the bar. That was his final contribution as on 63 mins Kenny Burgess replaced Gary Roberts, with Gareth Williams moving from right to left wing. This seemed to herald a revival in Port Talbot's fortunes and with Savage and Wigg evident, they caused City more and more awkward moments and brough the previously redundant 'keeper Phil Priestley into the action. With ten minutes remaining City forced three corners in quick succession but failed to seriously test Rayner. Phil Priestley then saved well from Craig Hughes before Lee Hunt forced another corner. On 83 mins Ross Jefferies replaced Gareth Williams, Huw Griffith saw a header drift wide, then 10 sent a shot off target after a good run on the right. Phil Priestley then produced a briliant save from, Jamie Michaels which denied the home side all three points before referee Collins whislted for time. Two points dropped or one gained? Only time will tell, but Port Talbot scarcely look like relegation material on this showing. |
| Bangor City:
Phil
Priestley, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Clayton Blackmore, Rae Ingram, Huw Griffiths, Gareth Williams, Owain
Jones, Paul Gedman, Gary Roberts, Lee Hunt, Subs: Kenny Burgess, Ross Jefferies, Ricky Evans |
| Port
Talbot: Rayner, Carter, Fleming, Hancock, Lima, Mainwaring,
Johnston, Savage, Dodds, Hughes,
Wigg Subs: Cockings, Michaels, Matthews, Franckom, Williams |
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Wayne Savage |
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After a lifeless first half display which saw them trailing
2-0 City swept back in the closing minutes to earn a point and deserve
three. The first chance of the match came inside five minutes when Gareth Williams skipped past two County defenders but saw his deflected shot held by Lee Kenall. Seconds later fit again Phil Priestley was relieved to see a long range effort away for a corner from which he saved confidently from Harris. But on 8 mins Haverfordwest went ahead as a dubious freekick award enabled Rhys Griffiths to head home unmarked from close range. County sensed the unease in Bangor's defence and attacked again forcing another good save from Phil Priestley. City responded through Kenny Burgess who was put in by Lee Hunt but could only win a corner. County might have won a penalty when Hicks ran into the box, got away with a subtle handball before seeming to be tripped. No penalty was the refs decision and City played on. On the half hour Lee Hunt found time and space middway into the visitors half, ran directly at goal but then sent his shot high over Kendall's bar. Within seconds Bangor keeper Phil Priestley was forced into a tremendous save from the impressive Rhys Griffiths who cut in from the right wing. On 33 mins it was 2-0 and the home fans silenced. Tim Hicks was left unmarked in front of goal for the simples of finishes. One minute later Ricky Evans was replaced by Clayton Blackmore who took up the central midfield berth. Before the interval City had a penalty claim for a handball waved away, whilst both Lee Hunt and strike partner Paul Gedman went close, but it was Haverfordwest who led 2-0 as they walked off. |
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Within five minutes City had wasted a corner and Phil Priestley pulled
off
another great save from a close range header. Then on 53 mins a
penalty
awarded by a tenacious linesman who flagged as play continued.
Referee
Woodthorpe accepted his judgement and promptly booked Lee Kendall for
dissent. However Lee Hunt saw the resulting kick saved as was
Owain Jones' follow
up effort. Former Carmarthen defender Wyn Thomas was then cautioned for a foul on Lee Hunt on the right wing, but City looked unlikely to make much impression as time ebbed away. Miller might have made it 3-0 as he cut in from the right but sent his shot narrowly wide of the far post, then Owain Jones and Kenny Burgess failed to capitalise on a half chances in the County box. On 69 mins Ross Jefferies replaced Kenny Burgess and immediately saw Paul Gedman pounce on a loose ball but pull his shot wide. Rhys Griffiths was giving Eifion Jones a torrid time and again raced in on goal but was thwarted by Phil Priestley's acrobatics. Clayton Blackmore then defended well as County came forward again, before using precison crossing to land a freekick on Owain Jones' head to cut the deficit in half on 76 mins. Griffiths spoilt his afternoon with a yellow card for timewasting before the lanky Nicky Palmer raced past City's defence but again saw Phil Priestley save well. However on 83 mins it looked all over as Rhys Griffiths thrashed the ball into the Bangor net from close range for a 3-1 advantage. Far from giving up Bangor suddenly sprang to life. Gary Roberts came on for the ailing Eifion Jones and quickly made his presence felt with a cross which Lee Hunt headed just over the bar. On 91 mins, playing time added, a foul on Lee Hunt gave Paul Gedman a chance from the spot which he converted with glee. Then on 94 mins another cross found Owain Jones who levelled the scores with his second of the match. The ref was now adding time for endless wasting stategies employed by County, and Lee Hunt twice went close to grabbing all three points. In the end a better outcome than seemed likely on 90 mins, and a team who came off the field to a warm ovation. |
| Bangor City:
Phil
Priestley, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Gareth Williams, Gary
Roberts, Kenny
Burgess, Owain Jones, Paul Gedman, Ricky Evans, Lee Hunt,
Subs: Ross Jefferies, Gary Roberts, Clayton Blackmore |
| Haverfordwest:
Kendall, Brace, Ryan, Harris, Thomas, Chiverton, Miller, Hicks,
Griffiths, Loss,
Palmer Subs: Blain, Jones, Ralph. |
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Rhys Griffiths |
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Three late withdrawls left City sending out a patched up
side
which - in the end - could not cope with an Aber side in a good run of
form.
Rae Ingram, Clayton Blackmore and Ricky Evans all cried off during the
afternoon
which meant Huw Griffiths started for the first time this season and
Gareth
Williams slotted into midfield. City fell behind on 17 mins when Phil Priestley saved from a corner but Lee Spike headed home from close range. Left winger John Lawless, who had impressed with Burscough last season, was causing Peter Hoy trouble on the City right and it was no surprise when he was yellow carded for a foul on the flying winger. One Citizen worthy of special mention was Huw Griffiths who battled gamely despite his lack of fitness, working hard to qwell the threat of Lee Spike and co. Despite falling a goal behind Bangor played well and had a good share of possession without managing to beat home custodian Worsnop. However this revival took a body blow when Peter Hoy was yellow carded for a second time for a foul on Lawless and sent to the dressing room. |
|
|
| Soon after the interval Bangor were back on
level
terms when on 48 mins Gareth Williams crossed from the right for winger
Kenny Burgess to fire home from infront of goal. The scores stayed level from much of the second period but as Bangor tired Phil Baker fired a freekick from his own half over Phil Priestley and into the Bangor net. City claimed the award was indirect but the goal, timed at 75 mins, stood regardless. On 85 mins Lee Spike made it 3-1 with before City replaced goalscorer Kenny Burgess with Ross Jefferies. A second strike inside a minute made it 4-1 on 86 mins when John Lawless scored from another freekick as the ten men finally wilted in the closing stages. |
| Bangor City:
Phil
Priestley, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Huw Griffiths, Gary
Roberts, Kenny
Burgess,
Owain Jones, Paul Gedman, Gareth Williams, Lee Hunt,
Subs: Ross Jefferies, Paul Friel, |
| Aberystwyth:
Worsnop, Burrows, Lee, O'Sullivan, Short, Baker, ML Williams, Morgan,
Spike, Hughes, Lawless
Subs: Jones, Hennigan, Tappin |
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John Lawless |
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Calamity. Bangor were stiffled, smothered and eventually put to
the
sword by a well organised Glantraeth side whose players - by and large
- live within a mile or two of Farrar Road.
Those City followers hoping for a goal feast were given an early warning when giant left winger Les Davies ran in past Peter Hoy & Eifion Jones twice in the opening moments to force three corners in as many minutes; it might have been worse but for Rae Ingram's timely interception. Kenny Burgess had City's first chance with a volley from Peter Hoy's right wing cross, then Lee Hunt headed off target as Bangor - back in blue for the occasion - seemed to be getting on top. But Mark Thomas again upset the predictions with a superb crossfield ball which invited Mark Owens cross but Richard Owen headed wide. It was 32 mins before Bangor could force a corner but even this culminated in Peter Hoy being forced to defend gamely as last man on the half way line. Moments later Lee Hunt raced in behind the impressive pairing of Warren Gibbs and the pacey Ryan Davies but blasted high into the Farrar End. As pressure began to mount midfield maestro Ricky Evans sent a glancing header narrowly wide. Striker Ross Jefferies enjoyed his best moment of the match on the stroke of half time with a 20 yarder which Pritchard did well to save. |
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City opened the second half with something to prove and duly
forced four corners inside ten minutes but the nearest these came to
any
real reward was a 22 yard dipping volley from Ricky Evans which
sped
over the bar. Mark Thomas, who generally impressed, was fortunate to escape a yellow card after booting the ball out of the ground in a petulant display of timewasting. The enormous 18 year Les Davies then inspired the visitors once again with a powerful run which resulted in two corners. With 64 mins gone Clayton Blackmore replaced winger Gary Roberts, seconds later Owain Jones sent a 30 yard curler narrowly wide of the right post following another intelligent pass from Ricky Evans. The hard working Ryan Davies was then replaced by Carl Thomas which might have offered City a glimmer of daylight, and so it seemed on 75 mins when referee Gerald Davies made a dreadful decision. Lee Hunt sped on goal with Gareth Owen at his heels, the resulting pull ended his advance and should surely have seen the fullback head for an early shower, but the card was yellow despite his last man position. With 86 mins gone Paul Gedman replaced Ross Jefferies and as injury time seeped away Eifion Jones was rightly red carded for a trip on the edge of the Bangor box. Into the first period of stoppage time and Kenny Burgess made way for Paul Friel after 8 mins, Paul Gedman saw his shot pushed over, then City won their 8th & 9th corners of the match the second of which saw Lee Hunt head over. More corners for Bangor who held sway but failed to hit the target often enough. The second period saw Paul Gedman race into the box but pull his shot narrowly wide, then a final chance at the hardworking Ricky Evans saw his 20 yarder pushed away bu Pritchard at the foot of the post. Ironically young Les davies then saw red after a daft kick on Alan Goodall, City forced corners 14 & 15, but nothing ensued. The penalty shoot out was astonishing, with the first six on each side (12 in all) converted convincingly. It was the unfortunate Rae Ingram who missed, Glantraeth celebrated their victory - the ref then realised the visitors had to actually score to win - which after a bit of confusion they duly did. |
| Bangor City:
Phil
Priestley, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Gary Roberts, Rae
Ingram, Kenny
Burgess,
Owain Jones, Lee Hunt, Ricky Evans, Ross Jefferies,
Subs: Paul Gedman, Paul Friel, Clayton Blackmore |
| Glanrtraeth:
P.Pritchard, G.Owen, D.Jones, W.Gibbs, R.Davies, N.Roberts, M.Owens,
M.Thomas R.Williams,
R.Owen, L.Davies Subs: K.Roberts, P.Whelan, C.Thomas |
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|
Ryan Davies |
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Confidence is a high at Farrar Road after an Owain Jones
hatrick sank a spirited Porthmadog side who contributed fully to an
entertaining match. This was an outstanding team performance with right winger Kenny Burgess prominent in the early stages. Inside five minutes he latched onto Paul Gedman's cross and sent a shot against the woodwork and then hit the rebound off target. On the quarter hour mark Bangor forced a couple of corners and from the second delivered by Ricky Evans a half hit clearance allowed Kenny Burgess to put City ahead with a rising drive beyond the despairing McGuigan. Somewhat against the run of play Porthmadog got back on level terms thanks to three former Bangor players. Carl Owen made a good run on the left, found Ritchie Owen, who spottedd to Mark Williams who comfortably beat Phil Priestley from eight yards. Top scorer Paul Gedman raced goalwards and sent a powerful strike on target but McGuigan saved low to his left. However on 41 mins Bangor went ahead once more as Owain Jones connected with a Gary Roberts corner and saw his header seal a deserved first half advantage and fine personal performance. |
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On 47 mins City snatched a third goal which effectively
settled the outcome. Paul Gedman sent a arching pass out to Gary
Roberts and when Porthmadog failed to clear his cross Owain Jones steered the
ball home with McGuigan out of position. However the 'keeper made
a fine save to deny Lofty a hatrick shortly afterwards, with Phil
Priestley also impressing as he denied Gareth Parry whose freekick to a
wicked deflection. Carl Owen and Emrys Williams went close for the visitors but in truth Phil Priestley had little cause for alarm. The busier keeper though was McGuigan who saved well from Gary Roberts and Lee Hunt as Bangor created but failed to convert a series of chances. A deserved fourth goal came on 89 mins when Campbell Harrison fouled Kenny Burgess in the visitors box. Midfield general Ricky Evans placed the ball on the penalty spot, but it was 18 year old Owain Jones who stepped forward to score and secure his first ever Welsh Premier hatrick. On 85 mins Ross Jefferies replaced Paul Gedman but nothing happened which changed the outcome. |
| Bangor City:
Phil
Priestley, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Gary Roberts, Rae
Ingram, Kenny
Burgess,
Owain Jones, Paul Gedman, Ricky Evans, Lee Hunt,
Subs: Huw Griffiths, Ross Jefferies, Paul Friel |
| Porthmadog:
McGuigan, JG Jones, Hughes, Webber, Harrison, Caughter, Parry,
E.Williams R.Owen,
C.Owen, M.Williams Subs: Pugh, Wagstaffe, Williams, B.Evans |
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Gerard McGuigan |
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City battled hard and played well but ultimately were
thwarted by a bad mistake and some frankly dreadful refereeing on a
chilly Llansantffraid evening. The visitors took the lead in the second minute as Ricky Evans found Lee Hunt on the edge of the box with time to turn a drive low past Dean Williams from fifteen yards. Top scorer Paul Gedman then fired a long range effort off target before calamity struck on nine minutes when Martin Naylor's 55 yard freekick sailed over a back peddling Phil Priestley into the Bangor net. Former Cemaes striker John Toner went close for TNS before on 27 mins Gareth Williams was replaced by young Gary Roberts after a heavy tackle. On 31 mins City deservedly took the lead when the former Denbigh flyer cut in from the left, glided past two or three defenders before sliding a well weighted pass to Lee Hunt who calmly drove the ball under the exposed Williams from the edge of the Box. The first controversial moment of the evening came on 35 mins when Jamie Wood struck Rae Ingram in the face as he attempted to break clear. The linesman flagged earnestly but, after a brief consultation, the card selected and shown was a more lenient yellow than the red it deserved. TNS fought back with Phil Priestley quickly atoning for his earlier mistake with fine saves from Scott Ruscoe who excelled for The Greens and then from centreback Gary Brabin. Finally a bizarre incident in the closing stages of the first half as Eifion Jones' header was scrambled off the line to Lee Hunt whose goalbound effort struck Gary Roberts and cannoned to safety! |
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City could scarcely have expected the turn of events that
was to unfold as South Wales ref Ceri Richards made a series of poor
decisions to the evident advantage of the full time outfit.
The first came on 50 mins when Jamie Wood thrashed a shot off target which bounced back into play off the hoardings for John Toner to convert. All this while Rae Ingram lay on the ground - in the box - with a head injury. Needless to say a goal was duly awarded despite the linesman being well placed. On 61 mins it got worse as a Martin Naylor corner led to Scott Ruscoe shooting weakly, falling - without complaint - over Alan Goodall and then watching with amusement as a penalty kick was awarded. Up stepped Jamie Wood - who perhaps might have enjoyed an early shower - to send Phil Priestley the wrong way. This saw City slip 3-2 behind which seemed undly harsh. Bangor were not to be beaten though and on 69 mins a left wing corner was headed against Martin Naylor by wounded defender Rae Ingram who was on hand to thrash the rebound home from close range. Ten minutes later a low drive from Alan Goodall was spilt by Williams but Owain Jones was ruled offside as he slid the ball into the empty net from eight yards. In the closing stages City sent on Ross Jefferies for the tiring Kenny Burgess and City finished with a flourish but could not convert this to the advantage they deserved. A good performance but a disappointing final outcome. |
| Bangor City:
Phil
Priestley, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Gareth Williams,
Rae Ingram, Kenny Burgess, Owain Jones, Paul Gedman, Ricky Evans, Lee Hunt Subs: Huw Griffiths, Ross Jefferies, Gary Roberts |
| TNS:
Williams, Naylor, King, Brabin, Aggrey, Taylor, Ruscoe, Wood, Toner,
Davies, Leah Subs: Perry, Wilde, Beck, Bridgwater, Doherty |
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Scott Ruscoe |
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A Paul Gedman hatrick and a rampaging performance from winger Kenny
Burgess were the highlights of this telling Welsh Premier victory at
Newtown. On a superb Latham Park playing surface City started well with an early effort from Kenny Burgess who cut inside from the right but shot at ‘keeper Steve Goodwin. On 8 mins City took the lead as Kenny Burgess sent over a first time cross which the all action Lee Hunt headed in from six yards. Then Bangor won a penalty when rightback Nick Evans fouled the goalscorer but to general disbelief Ricky Evans’ weak kick was held by Goodwin. On 11 mins it was all square. Phil Priestley made a hash of a clearance and allowed St Asaph born striker Peter Smith a simple tap in. This unexpected turnaround seemed to lift the home side with Wickham forcing an acrobatic save from City’s custodian. Gareth Williams made space for himself on the left but his cross shot landed on the roof of the Robins net, then Owain Jones raced goalwards, saw his long range shot spilt by Goodwin, but no one had followed in. Former Telford defender Wooliscroft then got caught in possession but Lee Hunt’s effort drifted wide of the empty goal. With two minutes to go before the interval City went ahead once again. A long ball to the edge of the box deflected off Lee Hunt and dropped to Paul Gedman who span past the home defence before arching a low drive into the Newtown net. |
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Early efforts from Gareth Williams, Owain Jones and Lee Hunt
failed
to add to the scoreline whilst Dan Barton missed a close range
opportunity for the hosts. On 56 mins City increased the lead as Ricky Evans took a short corner on the left to Alan Goodall whose low drive was deflected home at close range by Rae Ingram. Three mins later it as 4-1 when Kenny Burgess latched onto a superb crossfield ball from Ricky Evans and saw his cross converted by Paul Gedman’s emphatic downward header. Wickham and Wooliscroft went close for Newtown before City boss Peter Davenport sent on Gary Roberts and Ross Jefferies in place of Ricky Evans and Lee Hunt, who had both just been yellow carded by the referee Hames, on 71 mins. Moments later City were on five as Peter Hoy’s right wing cross was chipped back into the box by Gary Roberts for Paul Gedman to complete his hatrick with a well place header. Kenny Burgess, running riot down the right, crossed for Ross Jefferies but the inrushing striker saw his effort crash off target. The Peter Hoy sent a powerful drive across the face of goal but narrowly wide. Substitute Tom Reynolds went close for Newtown before a final replacement for Bangor saw Huw Griffiths enter midfield duty in place of Owain Jones. With the game won City relaxed and the home side finally grabbed a second goal as Peter Smith tapped in from close range to make the final scorer 5-2. |
| Bangor City:
Phil
Priestley, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Gareth Williams, Rae Ingram, Kenny Burgess, Owain
Jones, Paul Gedman, Ricky Evans, Lee Hunt Subs: Huw Griffiths, Ross Jefferies, Gary Roberts |
| Newtown:
Goodwin, Evans, Bishop, Hughes, Jellicoe, Wooliscroft, Wickham,
Futcher, Barton,
Smith,
McKenzie Subs: Reynolds, |
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Peter Smith |
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LEAGUE CUP |
|
Bangor were deserved winners in this league cup second round
encounter
but only after surviving some awkward moments in the opening half hour.
The first chances fell to Emrys Williams and then Paul Gedman who both pulled their shots wide from around the edge of the box. As the first half progressed the Port striking duo of Mark Williams and Carl Owen were proving a handful for the three man Bangor defence. Former Newtown marksman Williams’ power and Owen’s pace led to a brace of corners on the quarter hour whilst right winger Tony Williams was also exploiting space behind wingback Alan Goodall. Carl Owen raced clear to fire a low shot which drew a superb save from City custodian Phil Priestley. On the half hour manager Peter Davenport called and end to the 3-4-3 formation and returned to the customary 4-4-2. The midfield seemed more comfortable with this structure which saw Ricky Evans and Owain Jones become prominent. It also enabled Gareth Williams to switch to the left wing and leave John Glyn Jones flat footed on a couple of occasions. However Port continued to threaten, Tony Williams nearly added to his first leg strike with a low shot which almost embarrassed Phil Priestley. Gerard McGuigan then stooped low to stop a drive from Ross Jefferies before Alan Goodall unleashed the marauding Gareth Williams on the left who again skipped past Jones but his deep cross was headed over by Ross Jefferies. |
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The second period began with Stephen Pugh replacing another
Bangor old boy Tony Williams. Carl Owen showed good pace and
control to race in on goal but the ever alert Rae Ingram cleared his
effort. Alan Goodall fired wide from outside the box before referee Richards ignored a blatant push on Paul Gedman whose presence was growing. Ten minutes after the interval Emrys Williams was yellow carded for a foul which led to a free kick which Ricky Evans hammered goalwards, a good save from McGuigan, but a goalkick. Ross Jefferies and Carl Owen both went close as the game swung end to end, but as the final 25 mins loomed Bangor seemed to be attacking more and Port defending became less composed. Kenny Burgess made space for himself in the box but lifted his shot over the bar, then Peter Hoy galloped forward but Ricky Evans sent his header over. Paul Gedman and Ross Jefferies continued to cause problems and it was no surprise when the breakthrough came on 79 mins. Alan Goodall seized on a lose ball on the left before hitting low drive past McGuigan’s right hand post to the delight of the travelling blues. Kenny Burgess was now running Harrison ragged, McGuigan spilt his shot, but the ball was scrambled clear. However the Caernarfon based keeper regained confidence with a great save from Paul Gedman who was now getting the better of Webber. On 85 mins Gedman turned Webber, raced inside from the right and pulled a low cross towards the penalty spot which found Owain Jones waiting to finish with a crisp low drive. With victory assured City replaced Ricky Evans on 88 mins and then Ross Jefferies on 90 for Gary Roberts and Huw Griffiths respectively. |
| Bangor City:
Phil
Priestley, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Gareth Williams,
Rae Ingram, Kenny
Burgess, Owain Jones, Paul Gedman, Ricky Evans, Ross Jefferies, Subs: Huw Griffiths, Gary Roberts |
| Porthmadog:
McGuigan, JG Jones, Harrison, Parry, Webber, E.Williams, Hughes, T.Williams, M.Williams, Carl Owen,
Caughter Subs: Pugh, Morgan, Wagstaff |
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Carl Owen |
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The key to this thrashing was manager Peter Davenport's pre
match plan which saw City switch to a three man defence with Alan
Goodall and Clayton
Blackmore deployed as wingbacks whilst Peter Hoy slotted in alongside
regular
centrebacks Eifion Jones & Rae Ingram.
However it all started sensibly enough with Chris Summers testing Phil Priestley and Kenny Burgess forcing a save from Ellacott. Somthers then crossed from the left but Wallace headed wide and then fired over from outside the box, as did former Manchester United youngster Rhodri Jones. On the quarter hour mark Paul Gedman caused Ellacott to parry the ball to Alan Goodall who lifted the ball onto the woodwork from five yards out. The former TNS striker was causing Cwmbran problems with his running and close control and was involved again when Kenny Burgess went close. Moments later Clayton Blackmore lost the ball to left winger Jamie Edwards but quickly atoned with a telling tackle. On 19 mins City made the breakthrough. Centreback Welsh fouled Paul Gedman and referee Collins rightly awarded the penalty. Without waiting to be asked Ricky Evans stepped up to send Ellacott the wrong way with an unlikely deft kick. Two minutes later Bangor doubled the advantage when Ross Jefferies struck a low shot in off the post and past the despairing Ellacott from the edge of the box. The Crows keeper regained some confidence with a good save from Kenny Burgess who was suppied by Ricky Evans, but could only watch when Eifion Jones headed over from a Clayton Blackmore corner. On the half hour a handling error by Phil Priestley enabled Rhodri Jones to halve the deficit with a shot from the edge of the City box. Smothers then went close to levelling the scores but City's keeper was equal to the challenge. The Crows then enjoyed a passing move which saw 15-20 players involved but to no end result and later forced a couple of corners which saw Chris Summers and Phil Priestley yellow carded for a dispute. With the game running into injury time before the interval a corner won by Owain Jones culminated in the tall youngster scoring from close range to restore the two goal advantage. |
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With a breeze at their backs, attacking the St Pauls End,
Bangor set about securing an unlikely high scoring success against the
normally miserly
visitors. Paul Gedman set the standard; won the ball in midfield
and
sent a 25 yard effort just off target. When Cwmbran did threaten
Rae
Ingram impressed, whilst the decision to employ Peter Hoy as a
centreback also seemed to work. On 52 minutes City were 4-1 ahead. Ricky Evans sent Alan Goodall scampering down the left, he found the mobile Ross Jefferies whose crossfield pass was dispatched by Clayton Blackmore into the net with the keeper flatfooted. Three minutes later it was 5-1 as Paul Gedman seized upon a loose ball, ran past Smothers and fired in off the post with Ellacott beaten. The visitors were now looking a touch bedraggled although they continued to play football. On 64 mins it as 6-1 as Ross Jefferies stabbed in a close range effort after Owain Jones went close from a second successive corner. Cwmbran struck immediately when substitute Mohammed raced past Peter Hoy to beat Phil Priestey from 12 yards out. Peter Davenport chose that moment to replace Rae Ingram with Huw Griffiths and then withdrew Ross Jefferies in favour of Gareth Williams. Alan Goodall sent over an inviting cross but Clayton Blackmore headed wide. The largely ineffective Jamie Edwards then studded Huw Griffiths' shin, before on 75 minutes left winger Gary Roberts replaced Clayton Blackmore. Kenny Burgess and Paul Gedman again went close before the final telling action of the ninety. Paul Gedman raced into the Cwmbran box and was tripped by Marty Ellacott. Penalty. Up stepped midfield maestro Ricky Evans whose more normal penalty - a boomer - beat the offender all end ups on 80 mins. There was time for City to force a couple more corners and for Kenny Burgess and Paul Gedman to trouble the keeper with cleanly hit shots. Rhodri Jones sent a shot wide for the visitors. Final whistle, 7-2 and what can only be described as a Murder of Crows! |
| Bangor City:
Phil
Priestley, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Clayton Blackmore, Rae Ingram, Kenny Burgess, Owain
Jones, Ross Jefferies, Ricky Evans, Paul Gedman Subs: Huw Griffiths, Lee Hunt, Gary Roberts |
| Cwmbran:
Ellacott, Carter, Smothers, Jones, Mainwaring, David, Summers, Moore
Welsh, Wallace, Edwards
Subs: Hurlin, Mohammed Green |
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Rhodri Jones |
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LEAGUE CUP |
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This was a game City started brightly, enjoyed a good measure of
possession but were eventually grateful to an unlikely last minute goal
from substitute Huw Griffiths to level the scores. Eifion Jones was the first to go close for Bangor from a clean header from one of two early corners. Midfield powerhouse Ricky Evans then located Kenny Burgess on the edge of the box but he failed to make contact. The big midfielder then found himself in space on the edge of the box but his shot struck the side netting. On the quarter hour City forced a third corner as McGuigan saved well from Paul Gedman whose ensuing header was cleanly held. Peter Hoy then gathered a telling pass from Gareth Williams but again McGuigan held cleanly. Left winger Gary Roberts raced down clear to supply Paul Gedman but he lost possession on the edge of the six yard area. Alan Morgan then sent a free kick over the bar from 25 yards. Port were defending well with Lee Webber and Danny Hughes marshalling the rearguard and former City workhorse Emrys Williams battling in the midfield. On 23 mins won a corner on the right which resulted in big defender Eifion Jones heading wide. Ross Jefferies caught Danny Hughes napping and tried to pass to fellow striker Paul Gedman but the ball rebounded to the former Gresford marksman but his shot was blocked. Peter Hoy chased down the right, his low cross found Paul Gedman back to goal whose layoff was picked up by Gareth Williams. His snap shot was deflected for a sixth corner from which Eifion Jones saw his header once again saved by McGuigan. On 40 mins Carl Owen capitalised on a rare mistake by Eifion Jones to race clear on the left. His clean low strike forced Phil Priestley to concede a corner which resulted in noisy appeals for a handball in the box. Worse was to follow as postman Tony Williams popped up at the back post to deliver a simple tap in and send the visiting Port contingent into raptures. |
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Port fans were quitely confident at the interval and must have been
more so as Morgan won an early corner which enabled the menacing Lee
Webber to venture forward. Alan Goodall then sped past the former
Tranmere professional ony to fire over from 25 yards.
On 50 mins City had their seventh and eighth corners with both Paul Gedman and Peter Hoy firing powerful shots on target, and then a ninth as Gareth Williams jinked his way into the visitors box before being tackled. Port replied through the ever dangerous Carl Owen who looked offside as he pulled a second impressive stop from Phil Priestley before Morgan was lucky to escape being cautioned for a lunge on Gary Roberts. City then made two substitutions, on 60 and 63 mins, with Owain Jones and then Lee Hunt replacing winger Gary Roberts and striker Ross Jefferies respectively. Moments later Gareth Parry was cautioned for a clear pull on Lee Hunt as he raced towards the Port box. On 73 mins City forced a tenth corner as Danny Hughes was dispossessed but recovered well. Then a final throw of the dice on 80 mins as Huw Griffiths replaced Kenny Burgess and took up a centre forwards position! The big defender caused a measure of chaos in the visitors defence with neither centreback looking as sure of winning the headers as before. Lee Hunt went close as the pressure grew - and eleventh corner came and went - before - after a twelth - justice. With home supporters making for home, one last charge. A high ball, competed for and won by Huw Griffiths who was on hand to stab the half chance into the Port net. There was still time for the marauding Peter Hoy to lash a fierce dipping volley against the bar, but McGuigan deserved a stroke of luck. One all, the second leg in a fortnight, all to play for. |
| Bangor City:
Phil
Priestley, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Gareth Williams, Eifion Jones, Rae Ingram, Kenny Burgess, Ross
Jefferies, Paul Gedman, Ricky Evans, Gary Roberts Subs: Huw Griffiths, Lee Hunt, Owain Jones |
| Porthmadog:
McGuigan, JG Jones, R.Owen, Parry, Webber, E.Williams, Hughes, Morgan, T.Williams,
Carl Owen, Caughter Subs: Harrison, Hughes, Wagstaff |
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Gerard McGuigan |
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Championship favourites and now boasting the considerable
support of former Oswestry Town supporters, Llansantffraid based TNS
were made to fight every inch of the way by Peter Davenports's Bangor
side. In fact the visitors shocked the full timers with goal inside three minutes. Lee Hunt took a pass with his back to goal, waited for the run from Kenny Burgess who cut in from the right to fire past Williams to the delight of the Bangor gathering behind the Primary school end goal. City gained confidence from this early strike and Alan Goodall moved forward to test Williams with a strike from distance which was parried and then and held. On 12 mins Clayton Blackmore sent a freekick wide from 25 yards out. Minutes later both sets of fans were applauding a superb save from "father" Phil Priestley who palmed a clean strike from Nicky Ward past his left hand post. TNS pushed forward again, Phil Priestley displayed good handling skills, but the tide was turning. On 34 minutes a penalty was awarded when Gareth Williams was adjudged to have tugged Chris Taylor's shirt. Up stepped Jamie Wood to convert the spot kick with ease. The home sides were now enjoying their best period of the game and it came as no surprise when, after City striker Lee Hunt missed the target, they took the lead. A deep cross from the left found Jamie Wood unmarked four yards out for the simples of back post headers. The yellow coated stewards in the mainstand cheered. It would scarcely be Bangor City without an incident involving the referee! It came on 40 mins when 'keeper Phil Priestley went to launch a goalkick with a 2 on 2 situation upfield. Giant defender Jimmy Aggrey bauked him to prevent the kick, then threw the ball away, and then raised his fists aggressively to Bangor defenders. The tiny South Wales ref saw the lot. To the odd chant of "off off!" he did nothing. But three minutes later the lumbering stopper was yellow carded for a foul on Lee Hunt which should have confirmed his departure. City had a penalty claim of their own for handball but this - along with a push on Gedman -came to nothing. The final act of the first period saw Lee Hunt meet a cross from Clayton Blackmore but send his header wide. |
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The first action of the second period saw Phil Priestley
make another superb save, this time from Jamie Wood who looked the only
TNS player likely to discomfort the commanding Eifion Jones and Rae
Ingram. Moments later Lee Hunt just failed to get a touch to a
long ball as it was caught by Williams. The lively Hunt was causing Aggrey and his towering sidekicks a few problems, one run in from the left created a good opening for Gareth Williams but the Gresford winger fired over. On 55 mins Nicky Ward headed over from a TNS corner before a truly strange decision by referee Whitby. Lee Hunt against unsettled the home defence and his run ito the box was halted by Chris Taylor. The former City defender must have feared for the worst when the official took out his yellow card, but fear not, it was the Bangor striker he cautioned! Paul Gedman was finding the going tough against the big defenders and his cross found Lee Hunt whose back to goal effort failed to trouble Williams. On 65 mins Hunt was replaced by Ross Jefferies and he played his part in winning a corner which was only partly cleared to Clayton Blackmore but was eventually boomed away. Another substitution on 72 mins saw Gareth Williams make way for left winger Gary Roberts. City were now fashioning chances more regularly, but a failure to hit the target was adding to the frustration. Alan Goodall rushed upfield to supply Paul Gedman but he shot over the bar into the mainstand. Moments later sub Ross Jefferies also lifted his effort over and then Gedman repeated the mistake from outside the box. With ten minutes remaining Gary Roberts - perhaps not fully into the swing - missed a golden opportunity when he sidefooted at the 'keeper from close range at the left hand post. The ineffective Simon Davies was then booked for petulance before Owain Jones fired over from 25 yards after a searching pass from Ricky Evans. Into the final minutes a measured build up from Bangor saw Clayton Blackmore cros from the right but the unmarked Ross Jefferies headed off target from eight yards out. Ricky Evans shot over from outside the box before City forced a couple of late corners but to avail. A disappointing outcome, but an evenly contested match which suggests that both teams will be amongst the leading placings when the season reaches a conclusion. |
| Bangor City:
Phil
Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Gareth
Williams, Rae
Ingram,
Kenny Burgess, Owain Jones, Lee Hunt, Ricky Evans, Paul Gedman Subs: Huw Griffiths, Ross Jefferies, Gary Roberts |
| TNS:
Williams, Toner, King, Brabin, Aggrey, Taylor, Ruscoe, Wood, Ward,
Davies, Leah Subs: LBridgwater, Wilde, Beck, Edwards, Hamer |
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Jamie Wood |
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The proverbial game of two halves. A lacklustre first
half display in which the visitors defended doggedly gave way to a
second period of constant attacking which merited a more conclusive
scoreline. Early bookings for centre halves Eifion Jones and Peter Wilding on the quarter hour might have led to an early bath for the 'Pool blocker had Referee Bevan punished another late challenge on Lee Hunt. The young striker needed treatment but the offender got off with a quiet word. Paul Gedman, fresh from his four goal blitz at Cefn, went close with a low 25 yard drive which Scott Brown handled well. Moments later Phil Priestley raced off his line to clear from Rogers as chased a long ball into the Bangor half, and followed it up with a good save from Courntey. Lee Hunt sent a shot on target and then watched as Paul Gedman pounced on a half chance created by a header from Owain Jones but lifted his effort over the visitors bar. City ended the half with some pressure on the Welshpool goalmouth, Gareth Williams went close, but nothing that seriously troubled Brown. Manager Peter Davenport marched purposefully towards the dressing room - was that smoke coming out of his ears or my imagination - and set about putting things right. |
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Attacking the St Pauls End things had to get better. Lee Hunt
went close following a good run from the ever impressive Gareth
Williams, and moments later on 48 minutes the breakthrough. Lee
Hunt raced in on goal, Scott Brown tripped him, and Referee Bevan
awarded the penalty. Up stepped Paul Gedman whose shot
was partly saved but bounced in off the 'keeper.
City visibly grew with a goal under their belts, Clayton Blackmoe combined with Gareth Williams to win a corner kick on the left. Seconds later though Phil Priestley saved well low to his right at Chris Roberts shot from ten yards out. On 56 minutes it was 2-0 as Gareth Williams was on hand to tap in an chance caused by a Lee Hunt header which Brown blocked but could not hold. Welshpool continued to carve out chances but Rae Ingram stood firm and calm in the blues defence. Alan Goodall then forced a good save from Brown before Steve Rogers ran upfield to fire a warning shot into the sidenetting. The lively Lee Hunt then won a couple of corners on or around the hour mark, but on 66 mins it was 3-0 as Owain Jones headed home a Clayton Blackmore corner. On 71 mins Ross Jefferies replaced Paul Gedman with the game won. City immediately forced their seventh and eighth corners of the match - Lee Hunt again to the fore - and then on 75 mins the livewire striker set up a simple chance which Ross Jefferies converted at close range after a blatant handball in the box was waved on by the referee. Lee Hunt finally had the ball in the net with some ten minutes remaining but the referee over ruled his linesman and gave an offside decison. Rob Cookson was then a little fortunate to see only yellow when he threw the ball at Clayton Blackmore, but it mattered little. By now City were rampant and a fifth on 85 mins settled the scoring as Gary Roberts crossed for Ross Jefferies to double his tally following City's tenth corner. |
| Bangor City:
Phil
Priestley, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Clayton Blackmore, Rae Ingram, Kenny Burgess, Owain
Jones, Lee Hunt, Paul Gedman, Gareth Williams Subs: Huw Griffiths, Ross Jefferies, Gary Roberts |
| Welshpool: Brown,
Thomas, Windsor, Cookson, Wilding, Stevenson, G.Evans, Rogers, C.Roberts, Courtney Subs: Loughnane, Ingram, Jones |
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Scott Brown |
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Before kick off the question the Bangor fans were asking
concerned Paul Gedman. "What's he like? Can he play?
Will he score goals?" Wait and see was the answer, but yes, he
can play. He lined upfront alongside the tireless Lee Hunt, the
versatile Gareth Williams slotting into midfield with Owain Jones and
the left wing berth filled by Gary Roberts.
On six minutes they had an answer. A left wing corner was delivered to perfection by Gareth Williams and met unchallenged by Paul Gedman whose header crashed into the Druids net. The travelling blues celebrated whilst the home fans held their breath. Seven minutes later their worst fears were confirmed when Paul Gedman finished from close range when a chip from Lee Hunt was adjudged to have hit the crossbar although it did seem to have hit the net. The double goal scorer went close again from a left wing cross from Gary Roberts who was marked by one of the Dowridge twins, his brother was attempting to shackle Kenny Burgess. On the half hour City were denied a blatant penalty when Lee Hunt was clearly fouled by Mark Allen, then the hard working Owain Jones fired over after a flowing move started at the back by the impeccable Rae Ingram. Leftback Alan Goodall then shot wide from 25 yards after collecting a short pass from Gary Roberts. However on 40 minutes Paul Gedman snatched his hatrick as he tapped in following an impressive run infield from Gary Roberts and ineffective block from giant keeper McIntosh. The half time whilstle blew, the Bangor fans had some answers about the new striker, and must have been impressed by the performance of midfield combination Owain Jones and Gareth Williams. |
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The second half saw Cefn surge forward, clearly keen to put
things right, and Anthony Williams hit the post with Phil Priestley
well beaten. Then a truly dreadful linesman's decision led to a
yellow card for Joe Desmoreaux whose dissent was understandable if
pointless. Paul Gedman then followed him into the book for
failing to back off from a Druids freekick.
On 62 minutes Gareth Williams capped a fine display with a close range finish after McIntosh had parried a header from Lee Hunt. Four minutes later a lucky penalty award as Kenny Burgess' cross struck Dowridge on the arm. Who else but Paul Gedman stepped up to send McIntosh the wrong way and net his fourth goal of the evening. With around a quarter of an hour to go City received a wake up call when Eiifon Jones lost possession on the half way line, Cefn supplied Shannon on the left who crossed for Richard Snell to slide home from close range. Moments later Ross Jefferies replaced Rae Ingram with Peter Hoy slotting into centre defence, the versatile Gareth Williams to rightback and Ross into centre midfield. The game petered out. City sent on Gary Reah and Huw Griffiths for Lee Hunt and Owain Jones in the closing stages but the scoring was done. A good win, three points and an impressive performance by a number of blues, most notably four goal Paul Gedman and midfield orchestrator Gareth Willliams. |
| Bangor City:
Phil
Priestley, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Gareth Williams, Rae Ingram, Kenny Burgess, Owain
Jones, Lee Hunt, Paul Gedman, Gary Roberts Subs: Huw Griffiths, Ross Jefferies, Gary Reah |
| Cefn Druids:
McIntosh, Allen, Paul Dowridge, Steve Cowap, John Dowridge, Alan
Williams, Cunnah, Dan Desmoreaux, Snell,
Joe Desmoreaux, Ricky Jones Subs: Osian Jones, Shannon, |
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Joe Desmoreaux |
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On a day when England's cricketers were hoping for uneven
bounce at Trent Bridge, both teams found plenty amongst the stubble and
straw on Aberavon Beach on Saturday afternoon. Even the most
fervent proponents of summer football would have winced.
Added to which the hosts set about "roughing up" the blues with some strong arm tactics, with Kenny Burgess singled out for a kicking. Both Rickard and Pridham were late on the winger, neither received anything other than a word from Referee Hames. The first chance came from one of the ensuing freekicks which Alan Goodall directed towards the bottom right hand corner but 'keeper Thomas fumbled the ball out for a corner. Ricky Evans then entered the fray with a low drive which was deflected for City's third corner before Holmes became the first of many to be shown a yellow card for a foul on Lee Hunt. Eifion Jones and Rae Ingram looked in commanding form at the back for City and it was the tall Llanrug defender who was alert to Bartley's run on the right middway through the first period. On the half hour Owain Jones fired over after debutant Paul Gedman set up Ricky Evans to cross. Moments later Pridham was yellow carded for a shocking "tackle" on Kenny Burgess which was lenient to say the least. A rampaging run by Alan Goodall - who stepped in from the left to fire right footed - struck the underside of the crossbar but Lee Hunt's header from the rebound was held by Thomas. Before the interval Clayton Blackmore was yellow carded for a deliberate trip on the left. |
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An opening salvo from Bangor seemed destined to create an
opening goal, but Lee Hunt and Alan Goodall both failed to find the net
as City forced two more corners. Clayton Blackmore, operating on
the left wing, then got into the action with a shot which flew over and
a close range header which
went narrowly wide. On the hour rightback Peter Hoy found himself
in
behind the Lido defence but his low cross shot evaded the incoming
blues. On 62 mins Clayton Blackmore was replaced by Gary Roberts before Peter Hoy was yellow carded for a block on Steve Parry. Lido sub Sasha Walter joined the yellow brigade for a foul on Alan Goodall. On 71 mins Pridham was deservedly red carded (second yellow) for another brutal challenge but the ten men defended purposefully to deny City clear cut chances. Alan Goodall was also carded for a challenge as was young sub McReesh for a foul on Gary Roberts. The match was now a series of freekicks and bookings with referee Hames trying to stamp down on the behaviour he had sanctioned in the first half. With ten mins left Lee Hunt was also carded for a challenge and then replaced by Ross Jefferies who took his place alongside the hard working Paul Gedman who had suffered the high bounce and scruffy surface. Owain Jones headed wide from an Alan Goodall cross on 83 mins before Bangor forced a couple of corners and then replaced Kenny Burgess with Gareth Williams. Young Lofty went wide with a more difficult header, Gedman had a shot blocked and then the towering young midfielder saw another header saved. With two minutes remaining Gareth Williams sent over an inviting cross which Owain Jones headed over. There was still time for a final chance to fall to Eifion Jones but his downward header was saved by Thomas. All in all, a satisfactory first outing, a long journey on a hot day. |
| Bangor
City: Phil Priestley, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones,
Clayton Blackmore, Rae Ingram, Kenny Burgess, Owain Jones, Lee Hunt, Ricky
Evans, Paul Gedman. Subs: Gareth Williams, Ross Jefferies, Gary Roberts |
| Afan
Lido: Thomas, Shrimpton, Parry, Evans, Holmes, Rickard, Walters,
Pridham, Bartley, O'Leary, Felton Subs: Lewis, Martin, Kinsey, McCreesh, Osbourne |
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Phil Holmes |
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For a precious eight minutes it seemed as if the miracle could happen
when Ricky Evans levelled the aggregate scores with a wonder
goal. But then... City took the lead on 16 minutes when Clayton Blackmore rolled a free kick to Ricky Evans whose cannonball 30 yard strike went in off the post with the 'keeper beaten all ends up. City fans rejoiced as thoughts of a trip to Italy and dreams of Roberto Baggio sprang to life. Unhappily Anca equalised for Gloria on 24 minutes with a header that deflected of Chris Short, and with the scores level City saw their chance start to fade. To be fair the hosts then dominated proceedings but City worked hard in the afternoon sun and deserved to go in level at the interval with Phil Priestley once again impressing. |
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A telling moment at the start of the second period when Peter Hoy was
"butted" but the referee must have unaware of the incident. Minutes
later Clayton Blackmore limped off to be replaced by Kenny Burgess.
The second half belonged to the home side who stretched their lead through Lucian Sanmartean and then Sergio Mindrean. Inbetween City sent on Gareth Williams for Peter Hoy. City defender Alan Goodall was then mysteriously sent off by the referee before Gloria went further ahead with Sanmartean netting his second and Ciprian Bucuroaia completing the scoring. Gary Reah then replaced Gary Roberts. On a brighter note Ross Jefferies won a penalty in the final minute which Ricky Evans converted in his customary emphatic manner to become the first Bangor player to score twice in a European tie. However before the kick could be taken the referee dismissed Ross Jefferies, the defender who handled on the line, and one other for good measure! |
| Bangor
City: Phil Priestley, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Aled Rowlands,
Chris Short, Peter
Hoy, Ricky Evans, Owain Jones, Ross Jefferies, Gary Roberts, Clayton Blackmore Subs: Gareth Williams, Kenny Burgess, Gary Reah, Huw Griffiths, Steve Owen, Peter Davenport |
| Gloria: P Subs: N |
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Lucian Sanmartean |
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City slid to a single goal defeat to Gloria which means
progess in the Inter Toto cup will be much more difficult with the
second leg next weekend. Manager Peter Davenport gave debuts in midfield to Peter Hoy, on the left wing to Gary Roberts and upfront to Gary Reah who played alone in the 4-5-1 formation. Of the three it was former Denbigh Town flyier Roberts who made the immediate impression with a combination of pace, good control and awkward crosses which bred some incertainty in the visitors defence. Attacking the Coronation End the blues won a corner in the third minute amidst appeals for a penalty but moments later Phil Priestley was at full stretch to save as Gloria countered. The former Rochdale 'keeper was called into action again moments later as he dived low to keep out a close range header. The game switched from end to end with Aled Rowlands and newcomer Gary Roberts causing problems for the tall Gloria keeper before City forged two opening midway through the half which would have changed the course of the game. A forceful run by Ricky Evans - using Gary Roberts as a decoy - culminated in an intelligent ball into the box which Gary Reah connected with but could not convert. Then the big midfielder again created an opening with a driven cross but the debutant striker just failed to make contact. The dependable Chris Short cut out a dangerous move down the Bangor left before Ricky Evans again set up Gary Reah - this time on the right - but the 'keeper was out quickly to smother. As the half drew to a close left back Aled Rowlands sent over a brace of cleanly struck crosses but to no avail before Gary Roberts showed his defensive skills by conceding and then clearing a corner on the defensive left. Finally credit to Peter Hoy for a brave block in his penalty area from a powerful strike from 12 yards out. |
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Bangor might have taken the lead moments after the interval
as a foul on right winger Kenny Burgess led to cross which the Peter
Hoy headed wide. The pacey wideman then crossed dangerously from
the right Gloria scrambled the ball away before his 15 yard strike
seemed destined for the bottom corner before a defender got in the
way. Young Owain Jones was working hard in the blues midfield
against the powerful Bistrata line up. Wit 60 mins gone Phil Priestley again excelled with a one handed push over the bar before Chris Short stepped in to clear the ensuing danger. Moments later Gary Reah left the field to be replaced by Lee Hunt who had been hospitalised ony days earlier. Running crossfield Ricky Evans sent a left footed shot just over only to be replaced on 67 mins by Gareth Williams. On 69 mins the only goal as a ball to the right was pulled back by Sandu Negrian for Vasile Jula to side foot home from close range. City had switched off for a split second and paid a heavy price. City responded with Gary Roberts' diving header wide and then a Lee Hunt attempt which hit the crossbar after an impressive leap. But Phil Priestley was again called into action to blast clear as the defence let a ball run unchallenged too deep, next Gary Roberts made way for substitute Ross Jefferies whose first impact was to send an effort off target following good approach play from Owain Jones and Gareth Williams. Phil Priestley made yet another crucial stop in the closing minutes as Gloria moved the ball at pace. In stoppage time Ross Jefferies was yellow carded before two such infringements from xx the second for kicking the ball away, meant he also saw red. However after five minutes of added time the Norwegian refereee blew time and City's followers trooped away, knowing the second leg will be a difficult task. |
| Bangor
City: Phil Priestley, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Aled Rowlands,
Chris Short, Peter
Hoy, Ricky Evans, Owain Jones, Gary Reah, Gary Roberts, Kenny Burgess
Subs: Gareth Williams, Lee Hunt, Ross Jefferies, Huw Griffiths, Steve Owen, Peter Davenport |
| Gloria: P Subs: N |
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