| BANGOR
CITY MATCH REPORTS 2009-10 |
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| BANGOR
CITY MATCH REPORTS 2009-10 |
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| MATCH REPORT
ARCHIVE |
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| The Welsh Cup Final 2009-10 |
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| 46 |
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The Welsh Cup |
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 Bangor clinched a third successive Welsh Cup
win thanks to a late Dave Morley winner against plucky Port Talbot at
Parc Y Scarlets.It started promisingly for Bangor who took an sixth minute lead thanks to a dreadul mistake from Port Talbot goalkeeper Lee Kendall. Jamie Brewerton's long clearance tempted the little stopper to the edge of his box and - anxious about handling outside his area - he opted to head clear but misjudged the bounce and gifted Lee Hunt a close range finish he could not resist. Liam McCreesh went close with a shot from the right which Paul Smith parried and midfield man lashed the rebound wide. Right winger Drew Fahiya fired on target from 25 yards but Smith saved easily. On the quarter hour Dave Morley's freekick was half cleared by Lee Surman but Eddie Jebb shot wide from the left edge of the box. Seconds later though it was 2-0. Peter Hoy crossed from the right and Jamie Reed headed home with Kendall flatfooted in the Port Talbot goal. Port Talbot responded with a corner which Bangor cleared and sent Lee Hunt running on goal but the chance went. On the half hour Talbot pressed and Martin Rose cut in the form the left but his final touch was too heavy and Paul Smith dived at his feet to gather. Michael Johnston was yellow carded for a clear trip on the troublesome Fahiya and Scott Barrow's freekick from the right was gathered by Smith. Port Talbot continued to press and young Barrow took a couple of freekick which both hit the Bangor wall. Ten minutes from time Eddie Jebb set up Peter Hoy on the right to cross for Jamie Reed but his spectacular overhead kick was well saved by Kendall at the foot of his post. The abrasive Phillips was yellow carded for a trip on Lee Hunt as he threatened to break on half way. In the closing minutes of the half Matthew Rees headed wide and Danny Thomas saw his shot pouched by the impressive Smith. Dean John blew for the interval and City fans roared their side off. Half way there! |
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| HALF TIME 2-0 |
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No changes at the interval but Bangor were now attacking the end where
most blues fans were gathered. The first incident to the second period was a clash of heads involving Lee Hunt and Lee Surman which saw the Bangor striker needing treatment for some time. On 58 minutes Port Talbot struck back. Martin Rose held off the blues defence on the right to set up Drew Fahiya who hammered home from six yards. Moments later Rose ran into the box from the right but shot wide, to the relief of the Bangor contingent. On the hour Jamie Reed was chasing in on goal, reached the very edge of the box but was pulled down by Leigh DeVulgt. No movement from Referee John but linesman Hywel James flagged furiously and - eventually - a freekick was awarded and DeVulgt shown the yellow card. From the set piece Reed saw his shot blocked and Craig Garside's effort was deflected for a corner which Kendall claimed confidently. Rather than clearing upfield though Kendall bowled out to DeVulgt who was promptly robbed by Mark Smyth. He passed infield to Lee Hunt but his shot flew over from 25 yards. Not long after DeVulgt was replaced by former Llanelli midfielder Nicky Holland, and on 66 minutes Karl Lewis and Lee John came on for Drew Fahiya and Danny Thomas. There was just time for a Bangor corner which Smyth delivered, Kendall could not reach, and was again rescued by Referee John before Sion Edwards replaced Mark Smyth on the left. Into the final twenty and more controvesy as Jamie Reed ran into the box and was clearly flattened by the one paced Rees, penalty shouts - but nothing given! Ten minutes left and Marc Limbert came on for Eddie Jebb on the right. Next a huge clearance from Peter Hoy found Lee Hunt in space on the right with Jamie Reed for company, he ran infield before setting up Sion Edwards infront of goal but he fired wide. Five minutes from time it was all square. Rose again the provider with a neat lay off to Liam McCreesh who crashed home from close range to leave Paul Smith without a prayer. With two minutes remaining Scott Barrow cut in from the left but sent his right footer narrowly wide. Into the five minutes of stoppage time, Lee Hunt was sandwiched on the right corner of the box, and a Bangor freekick. Sion Edwards' inswinger found Dave Morley towering over Rees and the strangely subdued Kendall to head home from point blank range. In the closing minutes Les Davies came on for Jamie Reed and was clattered by Rees who was still fuming from his role in the decisive goal. His hack on City's replacement in the corner flag merited a caution by none given. It hardly mattered after six minutes of stoppage time when Referee John blew for time and the celebrations began! |
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| 45 |
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WELSH PREMIER |
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 This was far from a bore draw but ended
up a tale of wasted chances, chief amonst them that of finishing fourth
and qualifying for Europe.There were enough openings for City but the first belonged to Newtown whose left footer Ross Stephens hit a tame effort on target which Paul Smith gathered. On seven minutes Lee Hunt was yellow carded after a foul on former Caersws defender Andrew Thomas. He in turn pushed Hunt to the floor but referee Jones deemed that acceptable. Moments later Robins 'keeper Dave Jones fumbled a Peter Hoy long throw and the ball ended up with Nicky Ward on the edge of a crowded box. His calm chip beat the youngster and hit the crossbar but was crashed wide by Jamie Reed from close range. Chris Roberts sent a long ball up to Lee Hunt but his header was easy enough for Jones. On the quarter hour a foul on Eddie Jebb yielded a freekick which Lee Hunt headed over. Next up Nicky Ward crossed by Lee Hunt this time header off target. Midfielder Craig Garside released Lee Hunt on the right, he outpaced Thomas, but fired well over from a wide position. On 25 minutes a first Bangor corner saw Garside and Jamie Reed set up Eddie Jebb but shot flew over. Moments later Jebb and Peter Hoy combined to cross from the right but this time Lee Hunt's header was saved by Jones. In a rare Newtown attack Ross Stephens found time and space on the edge of the box but his chip landed on the roof of the St Pauls End net. In the closing fifteen minutes City rattled up four more corners, the lanky Cadwallader got his head in the way, Craig Hutchinson battled fiercely and Newtown - seemingly intent on a draw - survived. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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Before the restart Mark Smyth replaced Craig Garside who has felt a
slight strain, with Nicky Ward moving infield from the left. Five
minutes later young Dan Dawson came on for Craig Williams at rightback. On 62 mins Les Davies replaced Eddie Jebb and with his first touch the truck headed narrowly over from Smyth's cross. Peter Hoy was yellow carded for a clear trip on Stephens on half way before the visitors won their only corner of the afternoon off Dave Morley, but Paul Smith's goal was not threatened. Dave Morley blasted on goal but Thomas blocked for a seventh Bangor corner. Callum Wright replaced Mitchell who had made little impression on Jamie Brewerton before Nicky Ward's clean strike hit goalkeeper Jones and flew out for another corner. The young custodian hit his head on the goalpost and needed treatment before he could continue. Newtown cleared their lines and another stoppage followed as Stephens lay injured on half way. Former blues favourite Paul Roberts had been quiet all afternoon but he was suddenly in space in the box with no cover - until that is Chris Roberts raced back to clear to the relief of the blues support. The niggly Andrew Thomas was then yellow carded and Mark Smyth sent the resulting freekick into the box but Jones was on hand once again. Smyth found space on the right and fired left footed into the six yard box but Lee Hunt - at full stretch - could not get that vital touch as we moved into the final five minutes. Three remained when Sion Edwards came on for Chris Roberts with City now playing something akin to 3-2-5! There was a late card for Craig Hutchinson for a wild challenge, another stoppage as goalkeeper Jones needed more treatment, and a tenth Bangor corner headed over by Jamie Reed. The added time had reached 5 mins 35 seconds when Referee Jones blew for time and the visitors celebrated wildly as they got the point that ensured, well absolutely nothing, but thats life. City had the chances but could not take them. |
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| 44 |
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WELSH PREMIER |
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| This was a tense, hard fought win in which Bangor took
an early lead but failed to add to their goal advantage and were forced
to scrap by a determined home side. City took the lead on 85 seconds when Jamie Reed was on hand to convert Peter Hoy's long throw from the left with Nomads goalkeeper McCormick unable to respond. The City fans - dominant amongs the 270 or so present - cast their minds back to Saturday and rubbed their hands in anticipation of a goal fest. That is failed to arrive owed more to the dusty, uneven surface than any shortcomings on those in blue. The lanky McNutt got himself cautioned for blocking a quick goalkick, Jamie Reed fired over from another long throw and Andy Alston headed over from a Connahs Quay freekick. On 13 mins Michael Johnston fell prone on the bone hard pitch following a challenge on Aaron Burns. Following a stoppage of three minutes he resumed, groggily at first, to play his customary competitive game. In an end to end sequence Craig Garside fired wide for Bangor before Stuart Scheuber gathered his own corner on the left to fire low at the near post where Paul Smith stooped to save. When the home side pressed it was defenders Chris Roberts, Brewerton, Johnston and Hoy who cleared without allowing the ball to bounce. With ten minutes left before the scheduled interval another Hoy missile was headed over by Reed, then with less than five to go Eddie Jebb crossed from the right but Nicky Ward's left footed volley sped wide. Again Scheuber put in an effort for the hosts before Jamie Petrie was yellow carded for a knee in the back of Lee Hunt. Three minutes into added time Lee Hunt and Aaron Burns charged for a loose ball which injured both but referee Petch only cautioned the Bangor player. With five added minutes up Jamie Reed crossed but McCormick caught Lee Hunt's goalbound header. Half time, City one nil up and a queue for the tea bar. |
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| HALF TIME 0-1 |
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From the restart Connahs Quay tried to force the pace and won a couple
of corners, the first following a brave tackle by Michael Johnston on
former Manchester United starlet Aaron Burns. Next Paul Smith's long
clearance was headed on by Lee Hunt for Jamie Reed but his shot flew
over from fifteen yards. On the hour a daft sending off - correct nonetheless - for James Petrie for smashing the ball away after it ran out for a throw to Bangor. Referee Petch showed a second yellow and red and the little midfielder trooped off. Midway through the half Eddie Jebb, out of sorts on the corrugated compound, made way for Les Davies. Immediately a Bangor freekick delivered by Dave Morley fell to Jamie Brewerton but his shot was hacked off the line. Michael Hayes ran on goal but Peter Hoy slid in to clear, seconds later Lee Hunt latched onto a loose ball but fired wide on the turn. With an extra man Bangor were creating more chances, another Morley freekick this time found Les Davies but McCormick, who had grown in confidence, saved. Again Connahs Quay responded and Hayes blazed over from in front of goal. Seconds later their best moment of the evening when Sam McNutt sent a 30 yard freekick smashing against the Bangor bar and City were forced to defend and resist throws, crosses and corners. Both Nicky Ward and Dave Morley went close to putting the issue beyond doubt, then Lee Hunt broke clear but lofted over from twenty yards. In the closing minutes Aaron Burns was replaced by Chris Herbert but he could only stand and watch as Lee Hunt found Les Davies in front of goal but he hit the bar. Tom Baker replaced the petulant if diminutive Rob Jones before the inevitable controvesy. Jamie Reed ran into the box on the right and was clearly fouled. Penalty? No, the nearside assistant ruled that the initial tug - of many - took place outside the box. Freekick and Nicky Ward's low inswinger was held low by McCormick. Sion Edwards made a late appearance for Nicky Ward before Connahs Quay threatened an even later figthback but time was up and - under difficult, thankless conditions - three hard earned points. |
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| 43 |
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WELSH PREMIER |
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| City took the lead inside ten seconds and
never looked back against what must be described as woeful opposition.
The league table tells the truth and this is a Caersws side waiting for
the drop. On a bright sunny day the opening strike came on nine seconds. Nicky Ward sprayed the ball out to Mark Smyth on the left and his chip sailed over the head of Bluebirds goalkeeper Dave Jones and inside the far post. Bangor sensed the opportunity to kill the game off quickly and Mark Smyth tried to repeat his success but sent an effort over. Peter Hoy and Eddie Jebb combined to set up Nicky Ward but he dragged his left footer wide. The excellent Jebb then sent a lofted effort on target but Jones was on his line and caught confidently. Caersws were still alive and kicking though and after a corner young Scott Williams sent a clean 30 yard shot on target but Paul Smith was in line. A second corner for the visitors was cleared but on 18 mins Bangor doubled their advantage. Jamie Brewerton blasted the ball clear, Lee Hunt gave chase and got the better of the goalkeeper Jones before racing into the box and scoring from close range with the 'Sws defence distracted by Jamie Reed. Peter Hoy then released Eddie Jebb whose mazey run ended with a telling pass to Jamie Reed but he shot wide. It scarcely mattered though as on 27 mins it was 3-0. Lee Hunt ran into the box, away from goal, and was felled by an ill timed challenge from Matthew Holt. Penalty and up stepped Jamie Reed to score with ease. Nicky Ward shot wide under pressure from Rowland and Jenkins, then Geraint Lewis charged through midfield but his low drive lacked venom and Smith saved comfortably. The Bluebirds outstanding player was Matt Prosser who then sent a 25 yarder curler just wide. Before the interval Lee Hunt and Craig Garside headed off target and Mike Jones blew for half time. |
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| HALF TIME 3-0 |
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At the interval both sides made a change. Sion Edwards came on for Mark
Smyth, and Nick Beddoe for Lee Jenkins who was injured just before the
interval. Craig Garside sent a thirty yarder off target before
James Colemere came on for Jacob Smith for the visitors. The change certainly worked as moments later, on 56 mins, Caersws striker Matt Prosser capped a fair game with a calm low finish from just inside the box. Bangor responed but Jamie Reed failed to make the most of Eddie Jebb's cross from the right. Reed went close again but Caersws might have grabbed a second when Chris Roberts cleared Matthew Holt's goalbound effort off the line. It served to stir Bangor into action and on 69 mins Lee Hunt headed home a cleanly struck cross from Chris Roberts to restore the three goal advantage. Eddie Jebb was tormenting the wretched Jones on the right and his cross was headed on target by Lee Hunt headed too close to Jones. On 80 mins a hatrick for Lee Hunt after Craig Garside had crossed from the right. It was a fitting reward for the hard working Hunt who has won over any doubters amongst the home support. Peter Hoy fired on target from 40 yards but Jones held before, with some five minutes left, Craig Garside and Lee Hunt made way for Matty Hurdman and Les Davies. The sixth goal came in the final minute, Sion Edwards ran down the left and cut inside to fire low shot beyond the exposed Jones. Caersws rightback Rowland should have been sent off for wild challenge on Sion Edwards but received yellow instead before a final Bangor corner yielded a seventh goal as Jamie Brewerton headed home Sion Edwards' corner from the right. And that was about it, a convincing 7-1 win over Caersws and three more points to the total. |
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| 42 |
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WELSH PREMIER |
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| Bangor secured a top six finish with this
emphatic 3-0 win over Airbus, close on the heels of a five goal success
at The Airfield just weeks earlier. All this before a disappoiting
crowd of less than 300. With Dave Morley suspended Nicky Ward was recalled in midfield whilst up front Lee Hunt passed a fitness test. For the visitors there was an unfamiliar subs role for leading goalscorer Marc Lloyd Williams. City took the lead on 25 minutes when Jamie Reed chased a through ball and capitalised on a mix up between goalkeeper Chris Doran and his defence to score with a calm finish. Minutes later Jamie Brewerton was harshly yellow carded by referee Harms for what seemed like ball to hand. Half time came with City leading by that solitary goal and still in search of a conclusive second. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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With no changes at the interval City pushed for a second goal.
Both Tom Rowlands and Jack Abraham were shown the yellow card.
Seven minutes after the restart Marc Limbert replaced Nicky Ward.
Bangor has to wait until the 53rd minute for the all important second
strike when a long range shot from Eddie
Jebb took a wicked deflection and swerved beyond the hapless
Doran. Moments later both Marc Limbert and Michael Johnston were shown the yellow card. Fifteen minutes from time both sides replaced their centre forwards, Les Daves coming on for Lee Hunt and Marc Lloyd Williams for young Paul McManus. On 82 minutes Sion Edwards came on for Eddie Jebb and three minutes later a third goal. A corner invited a close range finish from captain Jamie Brewerton whose third goal of the season put the game beyond date. Airbus UK manager Harrison responsed with a couple of late substitutions, bringing on Gareth Sudlow and Jack Rowlands, but it made no difference. And that was about it, a telling win for Bangor which all but guaranteed a top six finish but left Airbus looking over their shoulders for a place in the top ten. |
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| 41 |
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The Welsh Cup |
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| Bangor clinched a third successive Welsh Cup
Final berth with a comprehensive 2-0 win over coast rivals Prestatyn at
Latham Park. Both sides brought noisy travelling support but it was those in blue who had most to cheer. The opening goal came inside 12 minutes when Eddie Jebb's cross from the right sped just beyond Lee Hunt but only as far as Mark Smyth whose angled drive beat Jon Dunt and crashed into the far top corner of the net. Moments later Dunt saved well from Lee Hunt as City looked to finish the tie. Prestatyn rallied when the pacey Ian Griffiths got in behind the blues defence but snapped his shot wide. Jamie Reed then got into the action with a run on the left but also fired off target. Mark Smyth went close to a second with a fierce drive that Dunt did well to push over as City forced a couple of corners. Peter Hoy launched a high crossfield ball which Lee Hunt gathered but fired wide from the left. Prestatyn were still in it though as player manager Neil Gibson's penetrating run on the left produced a low cross which Steve Rogers blasted over. Bangor went closer still to that all important second goal as Mark Smyth released Eddie Jebb who ran into the box but crashed his shot against the bar. Minutes later Dave Morley saw his effort hit the bar, but as half time approached Bangor grabbed the second. When Prestatyn did threaten Jamie Brewerton and Michael Johnston stood firm, but with the four across the middle in outstanding form, they have had busier afternoons. Peter Hoy's long throw was flicked on by Lee Hunt and headed home from close range by Craig Garside. Two nil and that was how the scores stood at the interval with the Bangor support full of hope and good voice. |
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| HALF TIME 2-0 |
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For the reds to make any impact they needed an early goal and Ian
Griffiths went close in the opening moments but his threatening run
fizzled out. Minutes later Lee Hunt was floored in the box, City
appealed for a penalty, but no response from referee Ceri Richards. Mark Smyth was in outstanding form and he again went close to his second goal with a rising drive which Hunt, whose bulk should not distract from his goalkeeping ability, once again pushed over for a sixth Bangor corner. Next it was Paul Smith's turn to get involved with a long clearance headed down by Lee Hunt for Mark Smyth to gather and run into the box from the left. Lewis got across and partly blocked the shot which Dun then caught. On 65 minutes Ian Griffiths was replaced by Jon Fisher Cooke but it was Bangor who continued to press through another Peter Hoy long throw which was half cleared as far as Chris Roberts who shot wide. Ross Hannen then went close to pulling one back for Prestatyn after good work from Gibson but he could not keep his shot down. With twelve minutes left Steve Hoult came on for Ross Hannen, then to much applause Les Davies replaced Jamie Reed. The big left footer quickly made his mark with some well placed headers, the first chased goalwards by the ever willing Lee Hunt and clearly handled outside his box by goalkeeper Dunt but Mr Richards saw nothing. It seemed like a big mistake, given the likely consequences, but fortunately had no impact on the eventual outcome. Five minutes from time Les Davies, under pressure from Paul O'Neill, headed off target after a near post cross from Eddie Jebb who also impressed from start to finish. In the closing minutes Marc Limbert came on for Mark Smyth and saw City through to what was a confident and professional semi final win over Prestatyn, and a third successive Welsh Cup Final appearance. The one sour note was a quick brace of yellow cards shown to Dave Morley which saw the influential midfielder red carded and dismissed early. But victory was secured by then and the blue horde was singing in the sun. |
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| 40 |
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WELSH PREMIER |
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| A comfortable enough two nil win - given that Port
worked hard and caused the odd scare - and a tireless performance from
the luckless Lee Hunt. On a drier and bouncy pitch both sides found the crossfield wind a problem. But Bangor settled the quicker and inside three minutes a Mark Smyth cross from the left found Jamie Reed whose header beat goalkeeper Richard Morgan from close range. This was followed seconds later by a low cross from goalscorer Reed from the right which Lee Hunt turned against the post. Port rallied and young striker Cai Jones got in behind the blues defence but chipped wide from twenty yards. Jamie Reed was enjoying some space on the right, his cross again found Lee Hunt but Morgan saved before the league's top scorer raced on goal but fired well over from outside the box. City forced a couple of corners which Lee Hunt headed on target but Morgan saved instinctively, the second being cleared. Mark Smyth delivered a third corner which was cleared at the near post before the left footer sent over an inviting free kick which Jamie Reed header over. More corners and chances followed, Eddie Jebb crossed and Lee Hunt again saw Morgan save at close range, a fifth and sixth flag kick were cleared, but on the stroke of half time all the good work was nearly wasted. Former Airbus striker Aden Shannon found himself in on goal, headed over Paul Smith but was denied by a great goal line clearance from Michael Johnston who somehow managed to get back. Half time and a welcome warm break for all concerned, City ahead by one goal to nil and the outcome still very much in the balance. |
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| HALF TIME 0-1 |
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Two minutes after the restart it was 2-0 and effectively game
over. Jamie Reed passed out to Eddie Jebb on the right and the
little wingman dropped the ball bang in front of goal fro Lee Hunt to prod home from close
range. If ever hard work had deserved a reward it was here and
had Lee Hunt's name. On the hour John Keegan was yellow carded for a foul on goalscorer Hunt who headed narrowly wide moments later after Peter Hoy and Eddie Jebb combined on the right. On 67 mins the petulant Shannon was replaced by Sion Meredith and the former Aber midfielder almost capitalised on a defensive mix up but sent his 25 yarder wide. With twenty minutes remaining Marcus Orlick clattered Paul Smith who needed treatment for the third time in the match as the offender was yellow carded when red might have been more fitting. Next Stokoe limped off for Steve Jones and Mark Smyth shot over from the edge of the box. On 78 minutes a double change for Bangor with Jamie Reed and Mark Smyth departing in favour of Les Davies and Sion Edwards. A welcome run out for Les, who promptly sent a right footed reverse pass through for the ever willing Hunt but Morgan raced out to smother the ball. Port nearly halved the deficit as Morgan's thumped the ball forward and found Meredith who shot wide from outside the box. With five minutes remaining Dan Pyrs left to be replaced by Jamie Rogers but he could only stand and watch as a Les Davies' lay off let in Lee Hunt but his shot flew over. One final Bangor corner came courtesy another good save off Eddie Jebb who was replaced by Marc Limbert before the kick could be taken.Over it came and Lee Hunt again saw his effort fly just over. So a 2-0 win for Bangor which, on another day, could have been far more emphatic, but the luck was generally against the blues. |
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| 38 |
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WELSH PREMIER |
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| The proverbial game of two halves ended
with a deserved draw as both sides contributed fully to an entertaining
match on heavy Farrar Road. It has seemed set fair on Saturday morning but some heavy showers spoilt all that. On a cloying surface Bangor had the better of the first half attacking the Farrar End. An early corner from Mark Smyth went deep to Dave Morley who headed back across goal for Jamie Reed who headed just over. Next Smyth ran through midfield but sent his twenty yarder well over. Port Talbot were threatening on the break but Chris Roberts - who had an outstanding afternoon - and the ever dependable Michael Johnston were up to the challenge. On 19 mins Johnston was shown the yellow card for a strong challenge on Lloyd Grist. Moments later more danger as Fahiya threatened but first Roberts and then Johnston snuffed the danger. On the half hour a Peter Hoy missile dropped to Jamie Brewerton at the near post. His shot on the turn stunned the acrobatic Kendall into a reaction save which produced third Bangor corner. Minutes later Lee Hunt harried right back DeVulgt into conceding a corner on the left which Mark Smyth delivered and Dave Morley lifted over from the near post. Eddie Jebb seems to go from strength to strength and his right wing run ended in a dipping strike which Kendall again did well to keep out. On 38 mins a yellow card for the shaven headed Matthew Rees for a trip on Jamie Reed but the freekick came to nothing. But on 43 mins the pressure finally paid off. A booming crossfield ball from Peter Hoy was controlled by Jamie Reed who turned to slide Mark Smyth who beat Lee Kendall from the left. The joy was nearly shortlived though as Danny Thomas crossed from the left and watched as Drew Fahiya's backpost header hit the side netting. In the one minute added time referee Huw Jones harshly yellow carded Lee Hunt for kicking the ball away before blowing for a well earned rest given the demanding conditions. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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No changes at the interval other than Bangor were now attacking The St
Pauls End. Paul Smith was quickly into the action to claim a catch of Jamie Brewerton's sliced clearance. Moments later Smith's attempted clearance hit Chris Roberts and let in left winger Thomas but the 'keeper atoned for his error with a fine low stop. Five minutes after the restart Port Talbot were level. A strong run from Lloyd Grist into the right of the blues box, a shot which deflected off the despairing Peter Hoy and sped over Paul Smith. Two minutes on and Chris Roberts was yellow card for a supposed foul on Fahiya. Next loud shouts from the Bangor bench as Jamie Brewerton was clearly pushed in the back in the visitors box by Matthew Rees. Then a stoppage as referee Jones took no action as Johnston needed treatment following a blatant boot from behind by the frustrated Rose who was closely watched by the vigilant Brewerton. Lee Surman though was cautioned for a clattering foul on Lee Hunt before on 68 mins Marc Limbert replaced right winger Eddie Jebb. Moments later Craig Garside lashed wide after Jamie Brewerton had headed down from a deep freekick from the right. On 71 mins the strange site of a triple substitution from Port Talbot as Karl Lewis, Neil Thomas and Lee John came on for Grist, Fahiya and Phillips. But it was City who went close as Michael Johnston's marauding run opened up a crossfield ball to Marc Limbert but Surman blocked. Sion Edwards then replaced a weary Mark Smyth before Port Talbot threatened with Peter Hoy heading off the line as Matthew Rees threatened from a long throw. A Bangor freekick almost brought a goal for Port Talbot as Kendall's huge clearance found Thomas in on goal on the left but Paul Smith saved. Seconds later Thomas was in again but this time Peter Hoy charged back with a well timed tackle. Bangor forced a late chance when Brewerton was denied for what looked like a corner, nothing doing, then substitute Sion Edwards limped off with Ashley Stott coming on. Port Talbot forced one last chance through the lively Thomas on the right but Paul Smith grabbed Rose's header and that was about it, one all and a tremendous game given the state of the pitch. |
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| 38 |
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WELSH PREMIER |
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| A battling win for Bangor against big spending Neath
on what must the worse pitch in the league. Neath rugby club have
first call on the ground and the wear and tear - and mud - is evident. City began brightly and dictated terms in the opening quarter hour and Sion Edwards fired over from the left after Lee Hunt had flicked on Paul Smith's long clearance. Moments later Hunt ran in on goal from the left but Ian Hillier's perfectly timed challenge saved the day. Then the first of a number of penalty claims when Jamie Reed went down under pressure from Liam Hancock, but nothing doing. Next Eddie Jebb gathered the ball and crossed from the right but Lee Hunt lifted his near post effort well over. Neath suddenly rallied and the pacey Chris Jones went close to getting on the end of Ashley Evans' straight free kick. Former Wrexham striker Chris Llewellyn then fired wide from the edge of the box and Craig Steins wasted a chance from the right. As Neath pressed Dave Morley was shown the yellow card by Mr Morgan who had no cause to resort to the plastic again. Michael Johnston and Jamie Brewerton stood firm in the heart of the blues defence. And that was about it for a goalless first half with Bangor pleased with a clean sheet and all still to play for. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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No changes at the interval and the home side fashioned the first
opening when Chris Jones released Steins whose rising shot
forced a superb one handed save from Paul Smith. Then another penalty claim as Lee Hunt was pulled by Jarman but again nothing given. Bangor continued to press with an Eddie Jebb corner inviting a clean header from Hunt which Anthony Williams saved well, before the ball was returned by Jebb and Dave Morley's header was also saved by Williams. Another penalty claim this time by Neath for a supposed foul on Steins which Mr Morgan ignored, then Chris Jones blazed over from the left. Bangor then went close twice as Lee Hunt saw his effort cleared off the line before the ball ran out to the left but Jamie Reed sliced wide. Yet another penalty claim - this time as Jamie Reed went down - but again Mr Morgan said no. To be fair to the ref he was consistent and worked on the principle of the benefit of doubt going to the defencers throughout. The on 81 minutes what turned out to be the only goal. Mark Smyth's corner from the right was partly cleared but Marc Limbert turned the ball back towards the right hand upright and Jamie Reed pounced from close range for his 20th league goal of the season. It was far from over though as Neath won a corner on the left which saw Carlos Castan head on target twice but Bangor refused to buckle, and finally Steins saw his low shot blocked by the fearless Johnston whose close range block saved the day. And that was about it as Les Davies made a welcome return to first team action in the closing minutes and referee Morgan blew for time as City celebrated a rare one nil win. |
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| 37 |
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WELSH PREMIER |
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| This high scoring drama was dominated by some great
goals and went from bad to worse for home goalkeeper Kristian Rogers. City lined up attacking the runway end on an uncharacteristically still and mild evening at Broughton. It was goalkeeper Rogers' opening gaffe, in missing a clearance, that allowed an optimistic Jamie Reed to slide home from twenty yards to give City a fifth minute lead. Seconds later the former Wrexham stopper could only admire the technique of Craig Garside whose twenty yarder bounced into the bottom corner after Dave Morley's high swirling cross had bemused the home defence. It was 3-0 on thirteen minutes as Jamie Reed crashed home an unstoppable volley which flashed past Rogers from pretty much the same spot and with the same result. On 25 minutes Airbus found their uncertain defence even more unsettled when Matty Woodward limped off in favour of winger Josh Johnson. Bangor went close to a fourth goal but Sion Edwards saw his goalbound effort pushed over by Rogers. A third corner followed before Marc Lloyd Williams was replaced by James McIntosh after suffering a bang on the rib case. Jamie Reed was approaching top gear by now and roaring past the home rearguard. His fierce drive was blocked by Mark Allen, two more corners followed as Eddie Jebb also saw a shot hit a home defender. On this form is just about unstoppable and in tandem with Lee Hunt a defenders nightmare. As time ran out Airbus pushed City back and Carl Owen fashioned two openings. The first a clean strike from the right which Paul Smith did well to push onto the post, the second moments later from a near post corner when his header skimmed the top of the crossbar. But referee Jones blew on a comfortable 3-0 lead for Bangor. |
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| HALF TIME 0-3 |
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|
Within seconds of the restart Lee Hunt headed on and Jamie Reed forced
a save from Kristian Rogers. Moments later Eddie Jebb chased down the
right and his square pass found Craig Garside but again Rogers was on
hand. The home side then rallied and won three corners in quick
succession but Bangor, with Dave Morley to the fore, defended stoutly. Then on 55 minutes Nicky Ward surged down the right and his low cross prompted what looked like an innocent collision between Lee Hunt and home keeper Rogers. It proved to be serious though and a stretcher was called after a lengthy stoppage. There was no angry reaction from the home side which confirmed the unfortunate nature of the incident. Five minutes later James McIntosh took over in goal with Gareth Sudlow the final Airbus replacement. The injury and stoppage appeared to deflate Bangor and the home side pushed forward with Tom Rowlands heading over. But on 70 mins a long throw from Peter Hoy was punched out by McIntosh but only as far as Eddie Jebb who crisp rising drive smashed into the top corner. Bangor lad Carl Owen was the main threat for Airbus but Paul Smith comfortably held his shot before Mark Allen was shown the yellow card for a lunge on Lee Hunt. Eddie Jebb and Peter Hoy combined but Craig Garside headed wide. But on 83 mins Carl Owen found space on the left and slid past Paul Smith for a consolation goal for a well beaten Airbus side. Mark Smyth came on for Chris Roberts on 87 mins and was quickly into the action with a left footed strike which was deflected past McIntosh by Jamie Reed for his hatrick and City's fifth of the night. In the lengthy added time Ashley Stott and Matty Hurdman came on for Jamie Reed and Craig Garside, Eddie Jebb fired on target but Feliciello blocked, and finally Mr Jones blew for time. Breathtaking and some great goals to boot. |
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| 36 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
| Leading three nil ten minutes before half
time, Bangor wasted enough chances to have doubled that lead and ended
up calling for referee Evans to whistle for time. Bangor goalkeeper Paul Smith was the first into action when Tim Hicks ran in on goal and he was forced to tackle at the feet of Hicks again moments later as Carmarthen threatened. Things got worse for City on eleven minutes when Jamie Brewerton limped off clutching his hamstring, to be replaced by Peter Hoy who slotted in at right back with Dave Morley moving to centrehalf. Lee Hunt was still searching for his first Bangor goal and a surging run resulted in a fierce low drive but Neil Thomas, stocky and abrasive in the visitors goal, pulled off a fine save. But on 16 mins he could do nothing when Nicky Ward ran in from the left and pulled the ball across goal for Lee Hunt to net that all important goal from close range. Moments later Hunt found space on the left but his chip drifted wide. City were still warming up, Paul Smith bowled the ball out to rightwinger Eddie Jebb who ran and crossed for Nicky Ward but Thomas saved well at the foot of his post. A Bangor corner but Carmarthen countered and a Craig Hughes header forced a sharp save from Smith. On 24 minutes it was 2-0 for City. Lee Hunt ran down the right and pulled the ball across the face of goal, just beyond Jamie Reed but just right for Sion Edwards to slot home at the back post. Sion Edwards then sent a rising volley against the crossbar from fifteen yards and skied the follow up from close range. Eddie Jebb played infield to Nicky Ward and his low right foot drive skimmed the side netting at the Farrar End. Paul Fowler then latched onto the ball to the left hand side of goal, cut inside and shot rightfooted on goal but Paul Smith was on hand to repel the effort. Nathan Cotterrall fired on target but this time Smith caught cleanly. With this presure absorbed Bangor moved upfield, Peter Hoy's throw picked out Jamie Reed whose turn and lob beat Thomas all ends up for a 3-0 lead. Sion Edwards forced another good save from Thomas as he dived to his right, both sides won corners but it was Jebb who led countered for City with a low cross which Jamie Reed blasted over. Cotterrall again tested Paul Smith but with City seemingly on course for a clean sheet Sasha Walters turned home a low cross from Cotterrall and the visitors were back in it at 3-1. |
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| HALF TIME 3-1 |
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|
Before the restart Carmarthen replaced Nantlle lad Dyfan Pierce with
Mark Pritchard and he tested Paul Smith in opening seconds. This
was a sign of things to come with Deryn Brace's side determined to get
something from their long trip north. The excellent Sion Edwards supplied Jamie Reed but he fired over, then Reed saw his goalbound effort scrambled off the line by the retreating Hanford. Ten minutes into the second period Hicks was yellow carded for a trip on Eddie Jebb who had a fine afternoon on the right. A freekick twenty five yards out, but crashed over by Jamie Reed. Three minutes later Dave Morley was also carded for a slide in on Cotterrall, but on the hour he was forced to concede a corner on the right which was crossed deep by Pritchardflicked on by substitute Palmer and headed home by Tim Hicks for 3-2. Bangor were stung into action and Nicky Ward found Eddie Jebb but he fired well over. Minutes later a yellow card for Ward for handball in the Carmarthen box. 68 mins gone and Nicky Palmer replaced tiny Danny Thomas. Ward raced down the left but his looping cross was fired into the ground by Jamie Reed. End to end doesnt quite describe the open nature of the action, Lee Hunt and Craig Garside both went close before Garside made way for substitute Mark Smyth, back after a lengthy absence. Immediately Smyth released Sion Edwards down the left but Thomas again saved well. A fifth Bangor corner was just about cleared at the near post but seconds later a rare slip from Chris Roberts let in Sasha Walters who dragged his shot across goal. As the visitors grew more desperate it was Michael Johnston who stood firm alongside Dave Morley in the blues defence. Ten minutes from time Hicks went down in the box and appealed for a penalty which referee Lee Evans dismissed instantly. Carmarthen were now throwing all caution to the wind and forced a couple of late corners which exploited the absence of the injured Brewerton, one forcing Peter Hoy to block Pritchard' sclose range effort with Paul Smith injured as he saved the follow up effort from Hughes. City held on, perhaps a game they could have won by four or five clear goals, but a truly entertaining game for all concerned and - in the end - justice done with all three points won. |
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| 35 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
| After making a bright start Bangor slid to an
undeserved
2-1 defeat at Park Avenue against an Aber side bent on securing third
place. The early signs were very promising for City with Lee Hunt heading against the crossbar in the opening five minutes, and Ashley Stott racing through minutes later only to be denied by an acrobatic save from goalkeeper Stephen Cann. City continued to press and a determined Eddie Jebb fired on target but giant defender Aneurin Thomas cleared off the line with Cann beaten. But on the half hour it was Aber fans who had something to cheer as Tranmere Rovers loanee Ryan Fraughan converted after a Geoff Kelloway cross following a breakway from a Bangor corner. Three minutes later Peter Hoy was shown the yellow card by Neil Morgan. Bangor were struggling at times to come to terms with the pace of Kelloway who has progressed through the club's youth and reserve system, but overall could count themselves unlucky to leave the field at the interval trailing by that solitary Fraughan strike. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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|
Five minutes after the restart Bangor were level. A great jinking
run and
cross from Eddie Jebb caused confusion in the home defence and Aneurin
Thomas - or was it Bari Morgan - somehow diverted the ball into
his own net. But the lead was shortlived. On 57 minutes goalscorer Fraughan supplied on loan midfielder Connal Murtagh on the edge of the box to beat Paul Smith with a shot into the top corner to the delight of a noisy horde of students behind the goal in the Dias Stand. Bangor were far from beaten though and went close on three occasions when Dave Morley and Sion Edwards - a 76th minute replacement for Peter Hoy - hit the woodwork before Jamie Reed had another goalbound effort scrambled off the line. Goalkeeper Stephen Cann was the busier of the two custodians but for all their efforts City could not beat the South African. As home nerves frayed Aber manager Morgan sent on Glyndwr Hughes three minutes from time and then in a last delaying move Graham Evans five minutes into stoppage time. It just about worked as The Seasiders clung on for the win and confined Bangor to an underserved lead which all but ends realistic hopes of a third placed finish. One strange aspect of this defeat was that both home goalscorers were loanees and the Bangor goal came from an Aber player, which must be some kind of league record. |
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| 34 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
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|
|
| After ninety or more minutes at a chilly Bastion Road
there was nothing between these Welsh Cup semi final opponents. Bangor were grateful to Jamie Brewerton for a clearing head after the home side won an early corner. In the fifth minute referee Bridges took the unusual step of showing a yellow card to substitute Fisher Cooke for some remark passed to a linesman. He was less inclined to book home players beyond that point. City carved the first real opening for the afternoon on the quarter hour when rightback Dave Morley picked out Lee Hunt whose cushioned header fell for Jamie Reed to force a smart save from the bulky Dunt. On fifteen minutes Gareth Wilson, who fell awkwardly and appeared to have damaged his collarbone, was replaced by Fisher Cooke. Next it was Nicky Ward's turn to test Dunt with a freekick which he failed to hold and conceded the first of two successive corners. But it was Prestatyn who took the lead on 25 minutes when Jack Lewis' freekick was not cleared and Mike Parker netted his eighth league goal of the season. Five minutes later Chris Roberts was shown the yellow card by Mr Bridges who had let much worse go, City won a corner but it was easily cut out by Paul O'Neill. Eddie Jebb had the beating of leftback Lewis but could not quite find the telling ball but it was Andy Moran whose snap show forced a good save out of blues keeper Paul Smith. Moments later O'Neill was close to a second but Smith was down to snuff out the danger. With half time approaching Bangor built up some pressure. Eddie Jebb passed back to Dave Morley whose deep cross was headed goalwards by Craig Garside but held by Dunt. Lee Hunt thought he had broken his goalscoring duck since his return but instead his low shot crashed into the billboards. But minutes from the interval it was Prestatyn who went close as Paul Smith was forced to bring down Rogers and earned a yellow card of Mr Bridges. The last word nearly went to Lee Hunt though as Dunt did well to keep out his low header after a deep cross from Sion Edwards after a half cleared corner. At the break though it was advantage Prestatyn. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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|
As Bangor attacked the playground end, City fans would have hoped for
an early reply. They got one. Jamie Reed was fouled by Paul
O'Neill on the edge of the box and Nicky
Ward sent a perfectly placed freekick out of the reach of the
Prestatyn 'keeper to level the scores on 51 minutes. On 57 minutes Dave Morley was yellow carded for a trip but Hannen, who flew in two footed seconds later, received no punishment. On the hour Peter Hoy replaced a hobbling Craig Garside with Dave Morley moving to midfield. Sion Edwards took up the challenge and raced beyond rightback Davies who promptly fouled him but the official allowed an unlikely advantage which constituted a corner rather than a freekick closer to goal. With 63 minutes gone more controvesy as Jamie Brewerton was yellow carded for foul which appeared to have yielded a penalty. But the determined near side linesman had his flag up for offside and the spot kick was denied. Mike Parker then latched onto a through ball into the left channel but fired across goal before he limped off with a hamstring problem, Steve Hoult the replacement on 71 mins. Immediately another foul on Sion Edwards, this time a freekick, delivered by Nicky Ward but headed over by Dave Morley. On 73 mins the sustitutions reached fever pitch with Marc Limbert and Ashley Stott coming on for Jebb and Reed, then Dan Evans replacing substitute Fisher Cooke. Bangor went close again as Lee Hunt saw his low shot on the turn flash wide then, with ten minutes remaining, a yellow card for the Paul O'Neill for a Joe Jordan style punch in the Bangor box, Steve Rogers fired on goal and forced a great save from Paul Smith before Ashley Stott went galloping down the right but his cross went without contact across the home goal. Nicky Ward ran round Davies and crossed, Dunt dropped and scrambled on the floor, Sion Edwards pushed the ball just wide. Prestatyn were threatening through Lewis's long throws and Paul Smith did well to punch clear, then Rogers raced on goal but his shot was blocked by Peter Hoy with his goalkeeper for once beaten. So honours even after four minutes of added time and still one match to play between the two sides... |
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| 33 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
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|
|
| What might have been seen as a banker
home win ended up anything but that as Huw Griffith's Welshpool
battled from start to finish on a bright and sunny Farrar Road. The prematch news confirmed that Les Davies was not in the sixteen and that Nicky Ward was the replacement for the suspended Dave Morley with injury victim Matty Hurdman forced to watch from the sidelines. The opening minutes saw the pacey Steff Edwards force Paul Smith to clear under pressure and then referee Harms to yellow card Eric Ramsay for a rash challlenge on Clive Williams. But Bangor were soon into their stride and a Jamie Reed shot flew off target before Nicky Ward crashed wide from the right. Welshpool striker Michael Cronshaw shot at Paul Smith before Ashley Stott fired well wide as City countered. All the sparring finally produced a goal when on 23 minutes Jamie Brewerton headed home Eddie Jebb's inviting cross and City fans rubbed their hands in expectation of a goalfest. Lee Hunt shot over the bar before, as you might expect, controvesy! Jebb was mesmerising John Boardman at times and the little winger crossed and the defender blocked with both hands. Penalty they cried. No said Mr Harms. A hard one to fathom perhaps but play on it was. On 33 minutes calamity for City as Gareth Williams low shot was not held by Paul Smith and Michael Cronshaw tapped hom the rebound. One all. Jamie Reed ran on goal from the left, passed to Nicky Ward but his twenty yard effort was held by McGuire. On 45 minutes further defensive disarray allowed Michael Cronshaw to run on goal and beat Paul Smith despite appeals for offside. Within a minute City should have pulled level as a concerted attack involving Reed, Ward and Jebb ended with Ashley Stott being forced out on the goal line and taking a blow to the face for his troubles. With a few seconds under 49 minutes played Chris Roberts found Jamie Reed with a well flighted pass and the newly capped Wales U23 International beat McGuire to delight of the home fans and the visible annoyance of the Welshpool management. Half time, two each and all to play for. |
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| HALF TIME 2-2 |
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|
Playing into the St Pauls End and with Paul Smith happy to have the
shadow of the Farrar End to cut out the glaring sunlight, City went
close early on through Nicky Ward after good approach play from Jamie
Reed. On 53 minutes a truly dreadul lunge on Clive Williams from goalscorer Cronshaw who was not even carded. But referee Harms, who looked out of touch, yellow carded Nicky Ward for something he said. Minutes later young Williams was stretchered off with Peter Hoy slotting in at rightback. Reed won City a fourth corner of the afternoon but Welshpool countered and Michael Johnston at full throttle snuffed out the danger despite odds of 4 against 1! Bangor needed a goal and the outstanding striker in this league since Christmas has been Jamie Reed. He duly delivered with a telling run into the Pool box which tempted a rash challenge from the dreadul Pritchard. Penalty and yellow card for the former Llandudno defender. Goalkeeper McGuire was also carded. Back to the action and up stepped Jamie Reed to score with confidence and put Bangor in front once again. The pacey Edwards was still causing problems down the left and his run ended in a lofted effort which bounced just wide of the far post with Paul Smith forced to come out and meet him. With twenty minutes remaining Jordan Kane replaced Mark Griffiths and seconds later Sion Edwards came on for a battered Ashley Stott. With fifteen minutes remaining Joe Price was yellow carded and City, through Lee Hunt and Jamie Reed, went as close as you could without scoring before McGuire, already seated, clasped the ball in relief. Marc Limbert came on for Nicky Ward before Michael Cronshaw's shot was held by Paul Smith. In the closing minutes Lee Hunt saw his shot deflected and Eric Ramsay hit the target from well outside the box, but the scoreline remained at 3-2 when referee Harms blew for time and City celebrated a hard fought win. But much credit goes to Welshpool who worked hard and unsettled the home defence on a regular basis. |
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| 32 |
|
|
The Welsh Cup |
|
|
|
 A Welsh Cup semi final awaits after Bangor beat
WP table toppers 2-0 at Farrar Road.And as usual there was controvesy as the opening goal in the sixth minute came from the penalty spot. Reinstated striker Ashley Stott raced into the Llanelli box and was felled by Stuart Jones. Penalty said Mark Whitby and, given that Jones was last man, a red card for the visitors centreback. TV replays would prove both decisions correct. Up stepped Jamie Reed, now the club's leading goalscorer, to plant the ball into the corner for a one nil lead to the delight of the Farrar End masses. It was not the first chance of the game though as the livewire Stott had already fizzed one rising volley over the bar from the right. If anything though the Reds now had nothing to lose and Moses and Rhys Griffiths proved a menace for the blues defence. Llanelli won a corner as Michael Johnston defender bravely as Venables shot from ten yards. Brewerton cleared in no nonesense fashion. Next Moses ran on goal but Paul Smith raced off his line to clear. Corbisiero was excellent but his dissent following a handball appeal against Clive Williams earned him a yellow card from Mr Whitby. Ashley Stott won City's first corner on the left, Jebb delivered but Brewerton turned the ball into the side netting. On the half hour Jebb won as second corner the ball was half cleared and Clive Williams shot wide from the edge of the box. Paul Smith was back into the action with a high lofted cross which was punced to the edge of the box, Venables shot but Chris Roberts blocked bravely and the danger passed. Goalkeeper Morris caused some anxiety in the visitors camp with some erratic kicking. Venables was on target again by Michael Johnston blocked once more. Moses ran to the right of the bxo but his low shot scarcely troubled Smith who saved comfortably, But after being forced to defend for much of the first half it was Bangor who went close when Jamie Reed's arching shot from the right was deflected off a red shirt and looped up for Morris to catch. After a minute of added time the teams trouped off with Bangor by far the happier with a job half done. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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|
The first chance of the second period came when Jamie Reed won a corner
on the left. Stott crossed but Craig Garside sent his header
looping over into The St Pauls End. But it was Venables who
should have done better when a neat pass through from Moses sent the
midfielder in on the right but he shot across goal from close range.
Next up Moses on the right but his efforts ballooned wide. Bangor sprang to life ten minutes after the restart when Lee Hunt's low cross from the right picked out Ashley Stott but his clean strike swept just over the crossbar. Michael Howard's run on the left set up Stephen Evans on the edge of the box and his mishit shot forced a retreating Paul Smith to push over for a corner. On the hour Sion Edwards replaced Eddie Jebb. But it was Llanelli who went so close when Paul Smith's wayward clearance fell to Chris Venables but he just missed the target from 35 yards. On 68 mins Ashley Stott ran in on the right but his shot lacked conviction and Morris saved. Llanelli broker and Michael Johnston was yellow carded for a trip but Corbisiero lashed the freekick well wide. Manager Legg had seen enough and came on for Phillips. His first action was to take a long throw from further down the line than he should and referee Whitby awarded it to Bangor. His presence may have contributed to his side winning a couple of corners and Nev Powell responded by sending Marc Limbert on for Lee Hunt with thirteen minutes remaining. A great flowing move involving Dave Morley and Jamie Reed ended with Ashley Stott crashing the ball against the post, and moments later Sion Edwards helped provide Stott again but his effort flew over. But Llanelli were still a real threat and with Legg now able to deliver his trademark torpedo throws, Jamie Brewerton and Dave Morley both stood strong with clearing headers. Seven minutes left and Andy Mumford came on for leftback Howard, Llanelli won a ninth corner which Brewerton defended well and led to a mass break out of Bangor players which saw a 4-1 advantage squandered. Clive Williams defended well, City sent on Peter Hoy for Jamie Reed and then two minutes into added time Dave Morley latched onto a deflection off Holloway to score with a low shot from the edge of the box. Moments later it was all over! |
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| 31 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
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|
|
| Trailing inside three minutes Bangor
bounced back to win this six pointer thanks to a late strike from
substitute Ashley Stott. Farrar Road was wet and sticky, the surface difficult for both teams who did their best to serve up a competitive and entertaining match. That early strike came when the gifted Tom Ramasut swung the ball in left footed from the right, Nick Woodow caused confusion and Jack Christopher crashed home off Michael Johnston from close range. Bangor responded through Eddie Jebb whose low shot was blocked but County nearly doubled their lead as the blues defence, hesitant throughout, allowed goalscorer Christopher to turn and shoot but he just missed the target. Centrehalf Gareth Elliot was yellow carded a moments later, on 13 minutes, when Eddie Jebb's corner was headed goalwards by Lee Hunt and span up off Terry Evans for Craig Garside to slot home again from close range. When he wasnt trying to win freekicks with some threatrical falls Tom Ramasut showed glimpses of his quality, none more so than a solo run which saw him glide through the blues midfield and test Paul Smith from twenty yards. A generous moment then from Referee Swindley who watched Christopher boot the ball into the empty net after being flagged offside without resorting to a card. Lee Hunt and Jamie Reed both went close before Bangor's second goal arrived on 37 minutes. Nicky Ward, hard working an purposeful in midfield, swept the ball out to Eddie Jebb whose booming cross was headed on goal by Lee Hunt and parried to the feet of Jamie Reed who netted from close range despite the best efforts of Dodds. Bangor had the initiative now and a third corner saw Eddie Jebb smash the ball into the side netting. Ramasut then conned a freekick out of the official and had clearly incensed Nicky Ward who was yellow carded for a rash challenge on the little midfielder with County manager Brazil shouting for red. Moments later Christopher - pardoned for his time wasting boot - was also shown the yellow card for a retaliatory lunge on Ward on the half hour. Both wingers were making inroads despite the tricky surface. Eddie Jebb won a freekick on the right, then Sion Edwards won another on the left and Jebb launched a low drive which was blocked. County came back to threaten through Christopher but his overhead kick landed on the roof of the Farrar End. Half time and City led 2-1. |
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| HALF TIME 2-1 |
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|
No changes at the interval with Bangor attacking the Farrar End. No
sooner had the game restarted than Jamie Reed fired on target but it
was County who had something to cheer. Jack Christopher ran around
Michael Johnston on the edge of the box to slide the ball past Paul
Smith from the right and level the scores. Moments later Ross Jones limped off to be replaced by Jamie Bradford. A touch of contovesy next as Lee Hunt was galloping on goal when Terry Evans put all his eggs in one basket and through himself to the floor. The referee blew for a foul to the astonishment of just about all concerned. A flowing passing move through the middle involving Lee Hunt and Jamie Reed released Craig Garsdie but young Lee Idzi saved confidently. Haverfordwest won a freekick on the right and Ramasut saw his shot blocked and hacked away. On 62 minutes a double change, Ashley Stott for Sion Edwards and Josh Hartrick for O'Sullivan. Stott promptly raced past the cumbersome Dodds on the right and fired across goal but the ball pretty much hit Lee Hunt as he ran in and flew over the bar. On 72 mins Dave Morley was booked for preventing a throw in from being taken quickly - remember Christopher in the first half - Paul Smith was forced to pull off a great double save as Haverfordwest threatened, the second at point blank range. With 76 minutes gone a double change for Bangor with Clive Williams and Marc Limbert replacing Craig Garside and Eddie Jebb. Two minutes later it worked a treat as Dave Morley, pushed forward into midfield, passed along the line to Jamie Reed who ran in from the right to slide in Ashley Stott who beat Idzi from eight yards. Moments later Stott went close again but this time Idzi saved at his near post. In the closing minutes Lee Bevan came on for Gareth Elliott but when the whistle blew after three minutes for stoppages, it was Bangor who celebrated and Haverfordwest contemplate life in the Welsh League. |
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| 30 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
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|
|
| A tale of two penalties sums up this end to end
match, with referee Brian James awarding one for TNS but turning down
loud claims from Bangor. That said this was a battling performance from a City wide which had to dig deep in the opening quarter as Aeron Edwards and Steve Evans were amongst those who missed decent chances. The worst offender though was Jamie Wood who headed down and over from close range with an open goal awaiting. City did manage a couple of early efforts, Jamie Reed seeing his twenty yarder saved by Harrison and Nicky Ward driving the ball at the former Southport 'keeper after a good run and cross by Sion Edwards. Young Clive Williams had his hands full with Matthew Berkerley and was yellow carded by Referee James for a wild challenge on half way. Minutes later Berkerley was in on goal but betrayed his lack of confidence by taking too much time and the chance was gone. On the half hour Bangor won a freekick on the left which Eddie Jebb swung goalwards and Harrison gathered. Moments later Craig Garside limped off to be replaced by Mattie Hurdman who slotted in alongside Dave Morley and Nicky Ward in midfield. City enjoyed a period of parity with the new look midfield competing well and Jamie Reed as ever looking classy upfront, albeit against experienced pair Steve Evans and Phil Baker. As half time approached TNS again gathered momentum and Jamie Brewerton and Michael Johnston had to be at their best to keep them out. Paul Smith and Eddie Jebb combined to repel one final surge and the half time whistle came as a relief to the hundred or so blues followers in the ground. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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|
As the second half got underway Bangor forced an early chance when
Nicky Ward fought his way in from the left but Harrison held cleanly. Then on 54 minutes City had the lead. Ward passed down the left to Jamie Reed who got the better of Harrison to fire goalwards and watch the ball trickle over the line despite the best efforts of Steve Evans who slid into the net as he tried to keep the ball out. Bangor held the lead for a quarter of an hour before the first of the two penalty claims. Matthew Berkerley cut in from the lefthand corner flag and was felled by Michael Johnston. Penalty. Up stepped Scott Ruscoe to beat Paul Smith despite City's keeper gettting a hand to the ball. On 74 minutes Bangor sent on Ashley Stott for Sion Edwards and moments later Barry Hogan was shown the yellow card for a trip on Jamie Reed. Reed saw his twenty yarder held by Harrison before Paul Smith pulled off a similar stop from Scott Ruscoe. On 79 minutes a double change for the home side as Christian Seargeant and Alex Darlington came on for Barry Hogan and Jamie Wood. The change certainly worked as three minutes later Alex Darlington fired home from twelve yards to put TNS ahead. Then the inevitable controvesy as Dave Morley was clearly pushed in the back by Steve Evans as they challenged for a cross from the right at the near post. Penalty? Mr James was not interested and Bangor replaced Nicky Ward with John Owen for the closing minutes. Both sides had chances in added time. Mattie Hurdman, who grew into the game after a difficult start, headed over from eight yards, and Craig Jones hit the post from the right. Few would argue that TNS were not worth the three points but as ever refereeing decisions make or break teams and this case Mr James favoured the home side. |
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| 29 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
| Bangor gained a deserved win over coast
rivals Rhyl thanks to a double goal salvo some five minutes before half
time. With both teams depleted blues manager Nev Powell brought young Clive Williams in at rightback with Dave Morley slotting in alongside Michael Johnston. Craig Garside and Nicky Ward started in midfield. Rhyl gave debuts to Ojapah at centreback and Andy Owens on the left. Neither will have enjoyed their first visit to Farrar Road. Bangor started the stronger with a couple of early corners which culminated in a fierce rising drive from Eddie Jebb which flashed into the Farrar End after some clever play from Jamie Reed. Matty Williams was fortunate when his late lunge on Paul Smith was dealt with leniently by referee Ceri Richards. Sion Edwards outflanked Dowling but his shot was deflected for a corner before Eddie Jebb crossed from the right but Dave Morley headed wide at the back post. On 25 minutes Jamie Reed was pushed over by the lanky Owens but there was no penalty. Five minutes later Lee Hunt squared across the box but Nicky Ward shot wide. Sion Edwards popped up on the right, won the ball in a frenetic battle and crossed for Jamie Reed whose header was held by young Cudworth. Then the break through. On 38 minutes midfielder Craig Garside headed home Eddie Jebb's cross from the right. No sooner had the celebrations died down than Nicky Ward picked out Jamie Reed controlled the ball on the left and chipped the young stopper for a clinical finish which provoked even noisier applause. It nearly got better still when the hugely impressive Nicky Ward fired at goal but his effort rose and cleared the bar. Yet with time running out it was Rhyl through Doran on the left who carved an opening which City were relieved to scramble away. But it was Bangor who walked off the happier and visiting manager Greg Strong with much to ponder. |
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| HALF TIME 2-0 |
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|
Attacking the St Pauls End - kept empty for safety reasons - Bangor
took up where they left off. Lee Hunt ran down the right and
squared for Sion Edwards but he fired over. However within minutes The
Lilywhites went close when Rob Turner headed against the woodwork from
Doran's corner. Young Cudworth then produced the save of the day as he palmed away Craig Garside's powerful volley and was quickly in the action again to deny Jamie Reed's 25 yard strike. Nicky Ward then fired wide after good build up play involving Sion Edwards and Jamie Reed on the left. The decisive third goal arrived on 65 minutes. Again it was Hunt breaking on the right who pulled the ball across the edge of the box but this time Sion Edwards found the net with a clean low strike which left Cudworth helpless. It capped a fine individual goal for the winger. By now the legs had gone in the visitors midfield where Owen and Leah looked spent as Garside and Ward ran the show, whilst Dave Morley and Michael Johnston stood firm at the rear. Matty Williams shot for goal from 25 yards but Paul Smith held comfortably and then the same pair were involved again as Williams fired a freekick on target. With ten minutes remaining Lee Hunt headed wide from Nicky Ward's cross. Moments later the inevitable controvesy as Chris Roberts was adjudged to have tripped Dowling in the box and Matty Williams placed the penalty kick wide of Paul Smith for a consolation goal. City sent on subs Marc Limbert and Ashley Stott for Sion Edwards and Eddie Jebb on 84 minutes and in the added time Doran was red carded for a mindless lunge on Chris Roberts which pretty much summed up his day. Bangor replaced Lee Hunt with John Owen and referee Richards blew for time with the home fans roundly amused by the 30 or so hapless soles who had seen their side embarrassed by a determined City side. |
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| 28 |
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The Welsh Cup |
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|
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| Bangor dominated this game for long spells yet
were not certain of their Quarter Final spot until Jamie Reed won and
converted a penalty in stoppage time. Manager Nev Powell gave a debut to right winger Eddie Jebb following the departure of Chris Sharp who watched from the touchline. Defending the St Pauls End with a glaring low sun to contend with Bangor looked uncomfortble at the back at times. Referee Harms yellow carded Marc Limbert inside two minutes but the opening quarter belonged to Bangor with early chances not being taken. Peter Hoy crossed from the right but Ashley Stott saw the ball bounce off him and into the hands of keeper Gareth Williams. Jamie Reed went close with a shot on the turn and a second deep cross from rightback Hoy found Ashley Stott but he headed wide. City continued to press but could not force the ball home. On 18 minutes they got an object lesson in taking chances. A throw in from the right fell to John Phillips who swept the ball beyond Paul Smith to hand the visitors a shock lead. Moments later they might have doubled their lead as Palmer won the ball with a heavy challenge on Peter Hoy and crossed for Jon Kift but his weak shot lacked venom. Hoy was not to recover and on 23 minutes Craig Garside came on, with Dave Morley slotting in a rightback. The substitutes first touch was a low shot from the right which Williams held comfortably. Bangor were shocked but continued to press through the impressive Reed whose overhead kick ended up on the roof of the net. On the half hour Dave Morley released Reed on the right but his shot flashed wide. A third corner of the afternoon for City saw Garside lift the ball high into the Farrar End. On 33 minutes Bangor drew level. Jamie Reed controlled a cross in from Eddie Jebb and fired past Williams from 15 yards to the relief of the Farrar End. A minute later Kift was yellow carded for a foul on Reed who was at the heart of all City's attacking moves. The freekick saw Reed's curler trouble Williams who was also in the thick of the action. A fourth blues corner fell to Eddie Jebb but his left footer was saved by Williams who was busy again seconds later to deny Ashley Stott. In the four minutes of stoppage time played there was no further incident or change to the scoreline, all square at one all. |
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| HALF TIME 1-1 |
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The opening stages again belonged to Bangor with that low sun now to
their advantage. Marc Limbert went close with a left footer, then Jamie
Brewerton headed wide at the back post from a left wing cross. Five minutes after the restart City had the lead. Dave Morley played the ball upfield to Ashley Stott whose layoff was guided forward by Reed into the path of Craig Garside who stepped around Williams to slide home from the right. Chances came and Eddie Jebb blazed over from the right, then better still from Jamie Reed who pounced on a defensive howler but saw his shot cleared off the line by Jacobson. Ashley Stott headed over whilst back peddling before an excellent passing move involving Chris Roberts and Sion Edwards on the left carved an opening for Stott but his first time effort clipped the crossbar. Moments later Edwards hit the post and then Ashley Stott saw his twenty yarder turned away following a stoppage as Paul Smith received treatment for an injury. With ten minutes remaining Matthew Hurdman came on for Sion Edwards but it was business as usual as Stott crossed from the right but Reed's effort was charged down. An eighth Bangor corner brought no reward and in the closing minutes John Owen replaced Ashley Stott who had worked hard with little luck or reward. Referee Harms used injury time to show yellow cards to Jamie Brewerton and then Samir Misbah for a foul on a goalbound Jamie Reed as he ran into the box from the left. Penalty or freekick? City fans shook their heads but did not complain as Jamie Reed placed the ball on the penalty spot and beat Williams confidently for the final 3-1 scoreline. After five or six minutes of added time it was all over and City had booked their place in the Quarter Finals, and as it would turn out, a home draw against Llanelli. Credit to Aberaman who played their part in an enteraining game and in particular to goalkeeper Gareth Williams who never lost heart. |
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| 27 |
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WELSH PREMIER |
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| Leading for close on an hour Bangor were overhauled
and finally beaten by title hopefulls Llanelli in a fast and open game
at Stebonheath. Not that the win - a repeat of the scorline at Farrar Road - was without controvesy as Rhys Griffiths was clearly offside when coming from behind Paul Smith to notch the equaliser midway through the second half. It all went well for Bangor early on with Mark Smyth effective down the left and both Chris Sharp and Peter Hoy heading wide from Marc Limbert freekicks. Promise turned to reality on 13 minutes when Chris Roberts' long throw down the left ran to Mark Smyth who had the simple task of rounding goalkeeper Ashley Morris to slide the ball home from the edge of the box. Jamie Reed went close to extending the lead whilst Corbisiero did his best to equalise for The Reds but his shot flashed wide of the upright. Bangor continued to press and the home side struggled to cope, the low sun in their eyes a nuisance. On 27 minutes Marc Limbert played the ball in from the right and as Chris Sharp chased across the box Morris lunged in and referee John awarded a penalty. Chris Sharp got up to score from the spot despite a full length dive from the guilty goalkeeper. Wyn Thomas went close for Llanelli, Nicky Ward forced Morris into a last ditch dive at his feet, but City led two nil at the interval and were good value for their double advantage.. |
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| HALF TIME 0-2 |
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No changes at half time but moments after the restart - on 48 minutes -
Chris Venables
latched onto a long clearance from Jarman to prod the ball past Smith
from 15 yards. Again the defence - this time Bangor's - were
clearly handicapped by the now even lower sun. Andy Legg came on for Michael Howard five minutes later to take up his role as long throw king and general organiser of dead ball operations. He was quickly into action with a couple of long deliveries from the right. The first ended up in the net but Rhys Griffiths was offside. The second on 69 minutes was headed goalwards by Stuart Jones and turned in by Rhys Griffiths from right infront of Paul Smith. He had come from behind the goalkeeper and was offside when the header came off Jones but the goal stood. On 74 minutes a double change for Bangor. Clive Williams and Ashley Stott came on for Peter Hoy and Marc Limbert respectively. No sooner had he come on than young Williams was clattered by the ungainly Thomas and was later replaced by Matthew Hurdman. Llanelli were no in full flow and Craig Moses should have put them ahead but he sliced wide from close range. Then the defining moment, in the third minute of injury time. A corner from the left crossed by Andy Legg and who else but Rhys Griffiths to head home at the near post for a third goal for the home side. Bangor could scarcely believe their ill luck but Llanelli celebrated loudly and secured the three points that kept them in touch with table toppers TNS. |
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| 26 |
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|
WELSH PREMIER |
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| Football finally returned to Farrar Road and it
Bangor who continued their December form with a 3-1 defeat of
struggling Cefn Druids thanks to hatrick from Chris Sharp. But the scoreline does not do justice to a battling Druids side who just never gave up and - in the tricky, diminutive Josh Griffiths - had the games most exciting performer. Attacking the St Pauls End, pushed forward by a strong wind on the surprisingly dry pitch, Bangor took an early lead which they never lost. It came on 14 minutes when a superb angled through ball from debutant midfielder Nicky Ward released the galloping Chris Sharp who finished confidently past the exposed Mullock whose wayward goalkick had supplied Ward. Moments later Sharp broke again but this time Mullock saved bravely. Cefn bounced back with a square ball from Craig Whitfield which found John Rush unmarked but his weak shot was easy for Paul Smith. Midway through the half Mullock lashed wildly at a back pass but Jamie Reed sent his cross shot over from the right. Nicky Ward was impressing on his debut alongside Dave Morley and his low shot troubled Mullock, goalscorer Sharp rushed in but somehow Cefn cleared. On 34 minutes it was 2-0 for Bangor. After a couple of corners a cross from Nicky Ward from the left was scrambled home - in the midst of a goaline melee - by Chris Sharp for his second of the game. Moments later a deep cross from Peter Hoy on the right found Sharp lurking at the back post but Mullock saved defiantly. The visitors threatened through Rush but Brewerton stood firm. Five minutes from half time Cefn won their first corner before former Porthmadog midfielder Gareth Caughter shot well over from twenty yards. A minute later a yellow card for Ashley Stott who went in low to try and poke the ball home which in the view of referee Lee Evans was already in the goalkeeper's hands. In the closing moments City had the ball in the net again, a rampaging run from Chris Roberts produced a low shot which Jamie Reed prodded home but an offside ended the celebrations. The half time whistle blew with City 2-0 up. |
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| HALF TIME 2-0 |
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If Blues fans expected the young Druids to fold they were wrong. But
Bangor did open strongly, Chris Sharp shooting on target and Mullock
again in the right place. The Druids found an unlikely dangerman in the form of Adam Hesp whose long throws offered hope. But on 52 minutes Cefn were back in business from open play with the goal of the game. Young Josh Griffiths cut in from the left to send unstoppable strike beyond Paul Smith into the top right hand corner. This clearly lifted the visitors and John Rush forced a good save from Smith before repeating the feat seconds later, first on the right and then left. City responded as Ashley Stott cut in from the right but again Mullock saved. Seconds later, on the hour, a yellow card for goalscorer Griffiths for kicking the ball away on halfway followed by a double substitution as assistant manager Marc Limbert and left winger Sion Edwards came on for Ashley Stott and Mark Smyth with Jamie Reed pushing up alongside Chris Sharp. Cefn were still alive and kicking though and a second corner ended in a goalline clearance. Chris Roberts raced forward down the left but his inviting low cross was steered just off target by Jamie Reed. On 65 minutes a change for the visitors as former Mold youngster Jamie Crowther made his WP debut in place of Josh Russell. Cefn kept coming though Craig Whitfield who raced to the edge of the box but Michael Johnston was on hand to snuff out the danger. Bangor countered and Jamie Reed ran into the box to be brought down by Dan Barnett. Penalty and yellow card - was he last man or moving away from goal - plus a yellow for player manager Wayne Phillips for noisy dissent. Chris Sharp stepped up and tucked the spot kick away with ease for a 3-1 advantage and his first hatrick of the season. In the closing quarter Wayne Phillips forced a good save from Paul Smith with a longe range effort before a flurry of substitutions including a late debut for Matthew Hurdman in place of Dave Morley but the scoreline stood at 3-1 and City fans applauded as Chris Sharp was photographed with the match ball. |
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| 25 |
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|
WELSH PREMIER |
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| This
tough local derby was in the balance was in doubt until the third
minute of added time when Jamie Reed bagged his second goal of the
game, and tenth WP strike of the season. Attacking the Farrar End Bangor opened brightly and Reed was in the action early on with a shot on the turn from Ashley Stott's cross. Inside the first five minutes a Sion Edwards corner was headed over by Peter Hoy who started in midfield alongside Dave Morley. Dave Swanick went close from a second City corner before Gareth Parry was denied by Paul Smith for a corner for the visitors which ended in Ceri James shooting low on target but too close to Smith. On 25 minutes though Bangor had the lead. A storming run down the right by full back Dave Swanick, a pacey low cross and a close range finish from Jamie Reed. Bangor continued to press, Sion Edwards got the better of Port goalkeeper Richard Morgan but a third blues corner was cleared. Then as the game switched end to end Aden Shannon sent a dipping volley onto the roof the Bangor net. Chris Jones caused a problem or two on the right and his low shot flew over The St Pauls crossbar. Chris Sharp was shown the yellow card by referee Parry before Chris Jones again tested Paul Smith with a clean low strike from the right. As half time approached Bangor forced a fifth corner but could not create a clear opportunity and were happy enough to take their one nil lead into the break. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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Before the restart Craig Garside replaced Peter Hoy in central
midfield. Almost immediately Mike Foster was yellow carded for a
foul on Jamie Reed. Worst was to come for Bangor as Dave Swanick
was helped off with what looked like an ankle injury. Young Mark
Evans replaced Mike Thompson for Port on 49 mins, two minutes later
Clive Williams took over at rightback from Swanick. Porthmadog now threw caution to the wind and won a couple of corners, the second of which fizzed across the goal with no one alert enough to take an easy chance. Bangor countered, won three more corners of their own, but would have to have been disappointed with the delivery. Sion Edwards launched a telling run from the right, was blocked by Ryan Davies, but the ball ran to Ashley Stott whose shot lacked power. Port pressed again and Jamie Brewerton and Michael Johnston were at full stretch to contain the visitors. Young Mark Evans was causing problems down the right. On the hour Bangor countered, Jamie Reed found Ashley Stott but Morgan collected comfortably. Ceri James had run himself out and former Aberystwyth defender Mark Gornall took his place before Marc Limbert came on for Sion Edwards on 65 minutes. A long range freekick from Aden Shannon forced Paul Smith to palm over and City were relieved to see the corner turned away . A tenth Bangor corner ten minutes from time saw Ashley Stott denied twice in quick succession. With eight minutes left Mike Foster was replaced by young Jack Jones but it was Jamie Reed who caught the eye with a long range lob from the right which had Morgan back peddling furiously. Port pressed once more and City were grateful to Clive Williams' clearing header but the ball was soon back and this time it was Chris Roberts who hacked clear. Into injury time Jamie Reed gathered the ball inside the visitors half, ignored cries of "take it to the corner" and sent a 22 yard curler beyond Morgan - courtesy a deflection - and into the corner of the net! And that was just about it, a two nil win which was never a comfortable as the scoreline might suggest. |
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| 24 |
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|
WELSH PREMIER |
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|
City
hit Bala for six in amazing match that saw the visitors
finish with just eight men as they lost their discipline in the face of
a Bala set their stall out from the start and a wild two footed lunge by Mark Harris after just NINE seconds ended Mark Smyth’s slice of the action, the defender extremely lucky to see just yellow from a lenient Huw Jones who more than made up for the decision by giving Harris a second yellow in the second period together with Peter Moore, while sub Osian Jones received a straight red. Only a handful of the Bala players escaped the book while Peter Hoy was unlucky to be booked in the first half.Visiting custodian Leon Bimpson denied Sean Edwards on 14 minutes before saving superbly two minutes later when Ashley Stott got his head to a Jamie Reed cross. Former
Leading goalscorer Chris Sharp broke
the deadlock on 21 minutes when he headed
home a Stott corner at the far post, and he should have scored again
thirty
seconds later when Steve Fisher miscued a clearance, but his close
range shot
was blocked. The ball was played downfield to Evans and he found John Toner –
so often the thorn in the flesh of Craig Garside – looking sharper than of late – saw a twenty yard thunderbolt pushed away by the busy Bimpson, but the hosts had a let off on 37 minutes when Smith punched an Owain Roberts flag kick to Peter Moore thirty yards out and the Bala player returned the ball over the stranded keeper only for Michael Johnson to head off the line under the bar. Bimpson saved from Sharp as City responded, but the keeper’s long clearance found John Toner just inside the home box and he hammered home to give Bala a shock lead on 39 minutes. Worse was to come a minute before the break when Johnson’s challenge on Wayne Duckett was adjudged to be unfair and Ricky Evans hammered home the spot kick to stand the game on its head. |
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| HALF TIME |
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| Bangor were back in the match four
minutes into the second
half when Reed’s cross from right saw Ashley Stott
stoop to head home at the far post. Marc Limbert replaced Garside
on 65 minutes and an impact
within a minute when his corner was headed home majestically by Dave Morley.
Game on! Limbert set up Edwards on seventy minutes but he fired over from close range just before Peter Moore received his marching orders with his second yellow. Marc
Limbert hit the post on 77 minutes just before a concerted
shout for handball on the line was turned down by referee Osian Jones received a straight red for a touch of the verbals, before Jamie Reed scored with an excellent shot from the edge of the box right at the death. |
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| 23 |
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|
WELSH PREMIER |
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| A harsh but
understandable red card shown to Dave Swanick could not dampen City's
spirits who romped to a second win on the banks of The Severn in a week. With Marc Limbert on the bench Chris Sharp started alongside Ashley Stott with Jamie Reed moving to the right wing. However well intended it did little to inspire a goalless and sometimes drab first half with neither side able to seize the initiative. Thats not to say there were not chances though. Inside five minutes Chris Roberts' crossfield ball baffled leftback Damien Daniels and Jamie Reed tried to lob Dave Maguire from wide on the right but just missed the target. Next City broke down the left, Mark Smyth sent Jamie Reed wide but his low cross was turned the wrong side of the near post by Ashley Stott. Newtown's dangerman Ross Stephens lashed a dipping volley which Paul Smith was relieved to see land on the roof of the net. Moments later, on the quarter hour, Stephens passed infield to Nicky Ward whose fierce strike hit the bar and ran to Neil Mitchell but he lashed high and wide at the carpark end. Newtown were threatening now and a deep cross from Gavin Cadwallader found Nicky Ward but his weak header went straight to Paul Smith. On the half hour there was a lengthy stoppage as Robins centrehalf Rob James received treatment for a head injury which was to see him later return with heavy bandaging. Ten minutes before half time Chris Sharp won a corner on the left, Ashley Stott delivered once and then twice but Jamie Brewerton crashed over from close range. With half time virtually upon us the pacey loanee Obi Anorou raced on goal but with seemingly only Smith to beat he was stopped in his tracks by a perfect challenge from Michael Johnston who generally proved too good for the little Nigerian all afternoon. Mr Morgan - who refereed with a smile - blew for the interval and both sides trundled off as the floodlights began to shine on a gloomy afternoon. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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Three minutes into the second half the nature of the game
changed. Dave Swanick delivered a freekick from half way which
nineteen year old Maguire made a hash of, Jamie Reed hooked the ball
across goal and with the Robins defence stationary Ashley Stott headed home. Three minutes later it was 2-0. Chris Sharp started the move in central midfield with a ball out to the right which Jamie Reed carried forward before releasing the charging Dave Swanick whose low cross was headed deftly passed the diving Maguire by Ashley Stott. Ten minutes after the interval Peter Hoy was injured. A minute later it was 3-0 as Ashley Stott's corner was flicked on at the near post by Jamie Reed and stabbed home from close range by Chris Sharp. On 59 minutes Hoy limped off to be replaced by Craig Garside who took up his midfield berth alongside Dave Morley. On 61 minutes it was all over bar the shouting. Jamie Brewerton's clearance found Craig Garside whose low pass picked out Jamie Reed close to the Newtown box. He got the better of Andrew Thomas and chipped Maguire whose lack of inches scarcely helped. Chris Sharp raced through on the left but fired narrowly wide before Jamie Breeze replaced Nicky Ward. Two minutes after his introduction young substitute Jamie Breeze was sent clear by Ross Stephens and fired home past Paul Smith from twenty yards. Moments later Chris Sharp thought he had made it 5-1 but a linesman's flag ruled otherwise. On 71 minutes Dave Swanick saw red after the social club side linesman wrongly ruled his last ditch tackle as a foul on Obi Anorou. It was deparately tight, TV replays belatedly vindicated the fullback but referee Morgan stood by the flagwavers decision, penalty and sending off. Ross Stephens converted confidently for 4-2. Suddenly the home crowd were shouting. Bangor withdrew Jamie Reed to allow Clive Williams to replace Swanick at rightback and Breeze promptly raced clear to set up Anorou at the back post but he missed completely. Newtown won a couple of corners but lacked the height or power to upset the Bangor defence. With thirteen minutes left and anxiety creeping in Marc Limbert came on for the hugely impressive Stott. Calm was restored and moments later Michael Johnston's clearance found Chris Sharp galloping clear courtesy of the dawdling Daniels to beat Maguire for the seventh and final goal of a pulsating second half and his tenth goal of the season. There was still time for Mark Smyth to fire into the sidenetting but at the final whistle it was Bangor who celebrated as Robins manager Ryan berated his players, Hull City style, in the centre circle. |
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| 22 |
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|
WELSH PREMIER |
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|
|
| Bangor were
well worth the win on a damp, soft Recreation Ground but all credit to
the home side and match referee Paul Thomas for providing an open
entertaining match which was in the balance throughout. City boss Nev Powel sprang a surprise as he paired Peter Hoy and Dave Morley in midfield and started with Mark Smyth on the left. The opening moments though brought some alarm as a number of City players slid awkwardly on the soft surface. It was down the left that Bangor attacked in the early stages with Chris Roberts supplying Mark Smyth who ran at right back Matty Roberts to good effect whilst his father was kept busy as a ball boy on that open side. City's first chance though fell to Ashley Stott - starting in place of injury victim Chris Sharp - but he fired wide from the right. Caersws on a corner on the quarter hour but Bangor - led superbly by the towering Brewerton - cleared. On the half hour City had the lead. A high bouncing ball disturbed goalkeeper Jones and his hesitation allowed Ashley Stott to snatch the ball and cross from the left for Dave Swanick to rifle home from the right. Moments later a freekick centred by Marc Limbert from the right was headed over by Dave Morley. Bangor were in control for much of the first half, Peter Hoy winning tackles and Dave Morley passing confidently, and five minutes before the interval Marc Limbert found Mark Smyth but he lofted his shot well over from ten yards. There was still time for Limbert to pick out Dave Morley but his twenty yarder crashed wide. As injury time beckoned Chris Melia ran down the left for Caersws and his a fierce low drive that Paul Smith did well to smother. Referee Thomas blew for half time and both sides ran off for a warm dry interlude. |
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| HALF TIME 0-1 |
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|
No sooner had the second half got underway than Bangor, attacking the
river end, doubled their lead. A ball infield from leftback Chris
Roberts invited a low drive from Marc
Limbert which skidded in along the ground to beat Jones at his
left hand post. On 55 minutes young Scott Williams was replaced by Corey Jenkins which involved tiny winger Jacob Smith switching from left to right. Two minutes later it payed dividends as Jacob Smith crossed from the left only for the ball to veer on goal and dip over Paul Smith for the most unlikely of goals. If Bangor felt under any pressure it didnt last long. A surging run down the left from Mark Smyth produced a low cross which Ashley Stott stepped over at the near post and Dave Morley smashed home from close range. The first booking of the day - credit again to Mr Thomas - came for Hugh Clarke and moments later Chris Melia was taken off in favour of Matt Prosser. City forced the pace again with a deep cross headed down by Peter Hoy but Jamie Reed's overhead kick was off target. Twenty minutes from time substitute Jenkins was himself replaced by Simon Jones and The Bluebirds pressed for another goal back in a spell which yielded four corners but no direct threat on Paul Smith's goal. With some ten minutes left on the clock Jamie Reed was injured with Hugh Clarke scarcely covering himself in glory with a series of unwarranted comments aimed at the prone striker. Veteran midfielder Geraint Lewis had a fine afternoon and his cleanly hit thirty yarder raised home hopes before with five minutes left Sion Edwards came on for Marc Limbert who had revelled in the swampy conditions. In the closing stages Clive Williams came on for Ashley Stott and went close to repeating Smith's feat with a cross shot which swerved a dipped before striking the crossbar. But that was about it and the final whistle was greeted with a noisy cheer from the travelling blues sheltering beneath the conifers. |
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| 21 |
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|
WELSH PREMIER |
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|
|
| <>
Before
the kick off both sets of
players, match officials and
supporters took part in a
minute's applause in memory of City legend George McGowan whose widow
Pat was a match day guest of the club. And if ever a Bangor side needed George McGowan it was today as what followed was a largely drab stalemate between these two North Wales rivals. Bereft of suspended pair Peter Hoy and Dave Morley, manager Nev Powell was pleased to welcome Michael Johnston back alongside captain Brewerton with Clive Williams returning in midfield. What was to prove arguably the best chance of the day came in the opening minute. A booming crossfield ball from Marc Limbert on the right picked out Sion Edwards rushing into the box but his low drive sped wide with Terry McCormick a virtual spectator. City enjoyed a period of pressure, won a couple of corners, but typical of the afternoon failed to force McCormick into meaningful action. On twenty minutes he was forced into a save of sorts when Clive Williams won the ball and passed to Jamie Reed but his low strike was comfortably held. Bangor pressed again and from a third corner Chris Roberts' header invited a spectacular overhead kick which flew over. Connahs Quay responded with a corner of their own which former Heswall striker Michael Hayes headed over. Bangor forced a couple more corners before Jamie Brewerton handled on the edge of the box but Tom Baker fired the ball into the wall and Jamie Petrie blasted over. The final half chance of the first half fell to Chris Sharp who rose above McCormick from Chris Roberts high cross but saw his headed loop over. So an goalless first half ended with City fans anticipating better things to come playing towards the St Pauls End. |
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| HALF TIME 3-0 |
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| The
damp conditions have now degenerated in to light rain as City
attacked the St Pauls End in the second half. An early exchange of
corners brought no joy for either side before Chris Roberts crossed but
Chris Sharp could not get a touch. Seven minutes after the restart Connahs Quay took off Danny Forde in favour of Alan Hooley (or was it Herbert wearing the wrong shirt?) before the inevitable controvesy. As Sion Edwards chased the ball outside the left edge of the box McCormick so obviously slid out of his area and handled the ball that a freekick and red card seemed a formality. Not to Mr Jones unfortunately who inexplicably waved play on. Incredible. Moments later there was a lengthy stoppage as Michael Johnston, outstanding at the back, lay injured on the damp turf. On the hour Clive Williams fired over from 30 yards and then two more corners for Bangor, the second took the tally to eight, crossed deep for Jamie Brewerton but he headed off target. On 66 minutes Sion Edwards was replaced by Ashley Stott as a tenth corner resulted in a breakaway led by the pacey Petrie and only stopped at the last by a superb tackle by Chris Sharp. Petrie had launched himself into a couple of wild challenges and came off worse moments later after a lunge on Jamie Reed. Moments later he was replaced by Chris Herbert (or was it Hooley...) and as Ashley Stott broke down the left Ben Alston intervened with a perfectly timed challege. With ten minutes left Craig Garside made a long awaited debut as Chris Sharp was carried off. Garside lined up in central midfield with Mark Smyth out to the left and Stott upfront alongside Reed. Stott instantly gathered a well placed pass from Chris Roberts and turned in the box - but shot just wide. Minutes later Jamie Reed was off target at the back post from Marc Limbert's cross. Hooley saw his low drive turned away by Paul Smith - who might have as well have taken a copy of Sporting Times onto the pitch - but Bangor broke upfield and had a penalty claim turned aside following a trip on Reed. That was about it, a late change saw the impressive Ben Alston replaced by manager McGregor and City defend a couple of late corners without alarm. Referee Jones blew and, flanked by his assistants, left the field to a largely silent home crowd despite the odd comment. |
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| 20 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
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|
|
| Bangor
slipped to a single goal defeat at Port Talbot and to make matters
worse had Peter Hoy and Dave Morley dismissed for second yellow card
offences by referee Darren Adie. In difficult wet and windy conditions, Bangor struggled to get going in the first half. Port Talbot, who had seen defender Lee Surman limp off inside the opening quarter hour, went close through former blues midfielder Neil Thomas who followed up his own cross from the left to crash the ball into the side netting. Talbot went close again when a bouncing ball got the better of Chris Robert and Peter Hoy to allow the marauding Martin Rose a run on goal but Paul Smith saved with his legs to keep the scoreline blank. Of the ten cards shown in total only three featured in the first half as Chris Roberts, Marc Limbert and Danny Thomas entered Mr Adie's busy little book. No card though for the rough and ready Matthew Rees whose answer to most problems was to push or pull. So the whistle blew on a goalless first period with City having every reason to feel confident about the second. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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|
The second half was a far more action packed affair, featuring three
goals and several cards of different shades and colours. The second
home player to join the carded club was substitute Phillips on 47
minutes. Ten minutes later football took centre stage as Martin Rose ran directly through a gaping hole in the Bangor defence to slide home past Paul Smith who had little chance from a clean low drive. Manager Nev Powell responded by sending on Ashley Stott for left winger Sion Edwards. A sign of things to come on 74 minutes was a yellow card for Dave Morley and a moment later yellow card peril for Peter Hoy as he was ajudged to have tripped the dangerous Rose as he cut in from the left. Martin Rose picked himself up and drove the penalty straight down the middle and into the net. On 80 minutes Peter Hoy was sent off by referee Adie who was now warming to his task for a second yellow offence - Matthewe Rees was also cautioned - as Hoy sought to retrieve the ball as the home side resorted to blatant timewasting and the bald centreback would simply not return the ball. City gave themselves a potential lifeline with seven minutes left. Jamie Reed crossed from the left, Chris Sharp challenged with little Lee Kendall and Dave Swanick headed home at the back post. Next in the book was substitute Clive Williams who had replaced Mark Smyth on 68 minutes. There was still time for one last piece of theatrics. Drew Fahiya took the ball to the flag to waste time, Dave Morley challenged and the former Bridgend striker flung himself down to tempt Mr Adie to once again dust off his plastic and show yellow - and therefore red - to a disbelieving Morley. So a long trip south for no reward, and one which has ramifications for the Friday night visit of Connahs Quay which both Hoy and Morley will now miss. |
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| 19 |
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|
WELSH PREMIER |
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| This was a
hard earned point at Richmond Park in what were at times terrible
conditions in driving rain. Manager Nev Powell was forced to rule out Michael Johnston due to a wrist injury and drafted Peter Hoy in along side Jamie Brewerton with Dave Swanick at right back. Midfielder Mark Smyth was also ruled with Steve Connor making his full debut. Bangor caused some anxiety in the home defence as Chris Sharp ran on goal but Dodds intervened, then Smothers managed to thwart Jamie Reed as he shaped to shoot in front of goal. But it was Carmarthen who made the early breakthrough as Hanford and Cotterrall combined on the left to set up Tim Hicks who turned a finished in one swift action to put the home side ahead. It took a great double save from Paul Smith to keep the deficit at one, with a point blank save from Mark Pritchard before captain Jamie Brewerton kept out goalscorer Hicks with a full length dive. On the quarter hour City were level. A long throw from Peter Hoy on the left was half cleared, Sion Edwards picked up the ball and passed to Hoy who was still out on the left whose inviting cross was headed home by Jamie Reed at the near post. However on the half hour Carmarthen went ahead once more. Cotterrall ran down the left and sent over a deep cross which evaded the blues defence for Nicky Palmer to drive home at the back post. Referee James blew for the interval with both sides very much in the game. |
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| HALF TIME 2-1 |
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The second half saw the home side push for a third goal with Nicky
Palmer's low drive sliding under Paul Smith but to the astonishment of
the Town fans, Peter Hoy slid back to effect a last gasp goalline
clearance. On the hour young Clive Williams replaced Steve Connor, and on 64 mins Ashley Stott came on for Sion Edwards. On 65 minutes City drew level. A foul by Craig Hanford on substitute Ashley Stott led to a ffreekick on the edge of the home box was lined up by Marc Limbert who celebrated his appointment as assistant manager with a curler which left Neil Thomas flatfooted. The pacey Danny Thomas came on for goalscorer Palmer before Paul Smith, backpeddling furiously, did well to tip over a goalbound effort from Richard Hughes from the right. City though defended strongly with Hoy and Brewerton prominent, whilst Jamie Reed, Chris Sharp and substitute Stott troubled the home defence. The final action saw Paul Smith again save well as the ever dangerous Cotterrall fired on target from the left but a low near post save kept the scorelines even. Referee James had enjoyed a busy afternoon, with yellow cards for Richard Hughes along with four citizens, Jamie Brewerton, Jamie Reed, Marc Limbert and Sion Edwards. But his final action signalled a two all draw which both sides might have settled for before kick off - but would have hoped for more. |
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| 18 |
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The
Welsh Cup |
|
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|
 This was a
hard fought win against the best Cymru Alliance sideBangor have faced
since Glantraeth won at Farrar Road several years ago.Manager Paul Davies has moulded a physically strong, skilful and well organised side that are a credit to the league and would - on the evidence of this showing - more than hold their own in the Welsh Premier. But this was a "winner takes all"cup tie and blues boss Nev Powell would be the happier at the final whistle with a win in his home town. City kicked off towards the Dee Estuary, with a low sun and fitful breeze at their backs. The early exchanges saw Stewart Carroll injured and replacement Paul Davies come on in the seventh minute to line up in centre midifeld. Fellow midfielder Mike Thelwell was yellow carded for a crude challenge on Sion Edwards but it was Flint who forced the first opening as Shaun Beck raced on goal but Paul Smith smothered theball at his feet. On 12 mins Jamie Brewerton was injured in a collision with Paul Smith partly caused by a push from centre forward Alan Dawson. City's first chance fell to Dave Morley whose clean header from Marc Limbert's corner was well held by Alan Jones. Minutes later a note of controvesy. Paul Williams shot on target, Paul Smith saved, the home supporters roared for a goal but referee Huw Jones ruled that the ball had not crossed the line. On 25 mins Jamie Brewerton limped off to be replaced by Dave Swanick with Peter Hoy slotting in at centre half alongside Michael Johnston. The ever reliable Hoy was into action with his trademark long throws and one dipped at the near post but Jamie Reed could not quite scramble the ball past Jones. Moments later City had the ball in the net as Chris Sharp headed home from another long throw - but referee Jones evened up his earlier judgement with a freekick for a supposed push by a Bangor player. Bangor were on top now, with control in midfield from Dave Morley and Mark Smyth generating problems for the home three man rearguard in which John Davies and the towering Stefan Halewood were outstanding. City forced a couple of corners. On 36 mins City had the lead. A fifth corner from Marc Limbert on the left was headed home by Peter Hoy with tremendous power from six yards. But the home side were far from dispirited and Stefan Halewood won the ball in centre midfield and showed plenty of ambition with a clean low strike which just skidded wide of the lefthand upright. Flint won a corner from which the impressive John Hill headed over before Bangor went close again as a goalbound effort from Dave Morley was deflected for a goalkick by Jamie Reed. So a slender lead at half time, but with a second period into the wind to negotiate. |
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| HALF TIME 0-1 |
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Before the second half got underway Bangor replaced Sion Edwards with
Ashley Stott. City nearly doubled their advantage right away as Peter Hoy's long throw from the right fell to Marc Limbert but his fierce twenty yard drive flew over the bar. Flint went periously close as Shaun Beck charged into the box from the right, got the better of Michael Johnston, but saw his goalbound effort blocked by Peter Hoy's full length slide which turned the ball away for a corner. Marc Limbert supplied Mark Smyth on the right, he slid in Dave Morley but again his low drive struck Jamie Reed. On 64 mins an amazing effort from Reed who scrambled on the floor for the ball and somehow chipped the keeper as they both lay on the ground only to see John Davies head off his line. On 72 mins the veteran Jon Kenworthy replaced Mike Thelwell. Flint won a freekick on the left but the close range cross was headed clear by Chris Roberts. City responded with Jamie Reed whose unstoppable run down the right and cross to Chris Sharp created a chance for Ashley Stott who hit the bar. The home side were still very much involved and Paul Williams could hardly believed he had steered his header straight at Paul Smith with all the goal to aim at. Flint saw a corner turned behind and the next ended in substitute midfielder Paul Davies firing over from close range. On 81 mins Simon Thelwell replaced left wingback Mike Alsop who had enjoyed a fine afternoon. The home side won their sixth corner of the afternoon and blues midfielder Dave Morley was shown the yellow card for no obvious reason, possibly dissent. On 85 minutes Clive Williams came on for Mark Smyth and was quickly into the battle in central midield and United pushed for an equaliser. But City held firm and defended well enough to preserve the one nil advantage. There was satisfaction and relief at the final whistle and a place in the Fourth Round in the new year. |
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| 17 |
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|
WELSH PREMIER |
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It may sound harsh
to criticize such a sparking Bangor
performance, but if City had taken half of the chances they created,
their
final tally could have been in double figures! Poor Prestatyn were run
ragged at times by the slick City side in an superb team display which
made a mockery of the current league table. Bangor started in the same
vein as that against Aberystywth but maintained the momentum throughout
apart from a dodgy five minute spell before the break. But back came Bangor and another superb Sharp run on the right drew the defence before squaring for the unmarked Sion Edwards to sidefoot home from six yards on 39 minutes. |
| HALF TIME 3-0 |
| City
picked up where they left off after the break with Reed
releasing Smyth who was denied by a superb saving tackle by Russell
Jones, then
Edwards beat two defenders in a mazy run that saw his twenty yard
effort
whistle the wrong side of the upright. The game had a flashpoint on the hour when Adrian Moody cynically ankle tapped Smyth as he was about to break through and a mini melee ensued that saw Moody booked for the challenge with Dave Hayes and City’s Dave Morley seeing yellow and Jamie Brewerton escaping any action after becoming involved. After the dust settled City then began to create a catalogue of good chances, Ashley Stott replaced Reed on 68 minutes and was unlucky when Limbert tried to chip the stranded keeper with the sub free on the left. Sharp then had an effort blocked and when the ball ran to Limbert, his cross found Edwards unmarked eight yards out, but his header missed the gaping goal. Stott broke clear on 81 minutes, but fired across the face of goal, but the miss of the match came at the other end three minutes later when sub Steven Harris set up Parker, who ballooned over from six yards as Smith challenged. |
