| BANGOR
CITY MATCH REPORTS 2010-11 |
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| BANGOR
CITY MATCH REPORTS 2010-11 |
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| MATCH REPORT
ARCHIVE |
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| 47 |
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The Welsh Cup |
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 Bangor were well
beaten by a purposeful Llanelli who won in their own back yard.The Reds started the brighter with more early pressure betrayed by a poor final pass. But the first clear chance yielded the opening goal on the quarter. Bowen crossed from the right Rhys Griffiths headed on target and wrong footed Paul Smith to net at the near post. Five minutes later it got worse as a lacklustre City watched Corbisiero cross for Craig Moses to head home from close range.
Two nil down and twenty minutes gone. The watching Jamie
Brewerton might have cleared both.
Chris Venables and Corbisiero caused problems which City struggled to overcome, falling deeper into defence as the red tide pushed forwards. The best Bangor could muster in the opening half hour was a couple of over hit freekicks and a corner which went straight out for a goalkick. Then on 34 mins Clive Williams ran into the box but Wyn Thomas snuffed out the danger. Would this lift blue hopes? Not really as Paul Smith was flying across his box to stretch towards Ashley Evans' low drive which thankfully flashed wide.
If anything summed up the aerial uncertainty in the blues
defence it came when Wyn Thomas was given time and space to head
goalwards from a second Llanelli corner. Paul Smith dived low to save.
Minutes later Craig Moses ran through on the left but sent a low shot
harmlessly wide.
Another low cross from the right forced Peter Hoy to clear for a corner three minutes before the interval but Paul Smith held comfortably. Moments later Craig Moses fired goalwards but Smith palmed over. Corner but a freekick for a push. On the stroke of half time City came closest when a freekick from Peter Hoy cannoned off a Reds defender and out for a corner but that came to nothing. Half time at last and a chance for Nev Powell and Marc Limbert to rally the troops... |
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| HALF
TIME 1-1 |
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| City
came out with more
resolve and purpose. A trademark long throw from Peter Hoy earned an early corner but Morris caught easily. But dreadful defending suddenly let in Craig Moses but his weak shot was blocked by Michael Johnston. Better play from Bangor, begun at the back by the mercurial Johnston, ended with Thomas forced to scramble. Moments later on 52 minutes Peter Hoy crossed and Alan Bull guided his header low inside the far post beyond Morris to halve the deficit. Next goalscorer Bull turned provider but Chris Jones sent his shot over the bar from eight yards. There was hope as Llanelli finally looked less certain at the back. But Kris Thomas cut in from the left and forced Peter Hoy to block. But on the hour Llanelli restored the two goal advantage. City failed to clear and Rhys Griffiths pounced to smash home from close range for his 27th goal of the season. Two minutes later Clive Williams made way for Mark Smyth. It got worse within three minutes as Chris Venables cut in from the left and fired home across Paul Smith and into the bottom corner. Chris Roberts was yellow carded for a high kick which caught Chris Holloway. Peter Hoy crossed but Chris Roberts shot well wide from distance as did Moses moments later for Llanelli. Peter Hoy flattened Kris Thomas and was carded. Wyn Thomas sent a long range freekick high and wide as the game drifted towards an inevitable conclusion. With fifteen minutes left Jason Bowen wandered off to warm applause from both sets of fans as Jordan Follows came on. City responded with a double change as Sion Edwards replaced Chris Jones and then Eddie Jebb came on for Alan Bull. A final roll of the dice.
Mark Smyth was carded for a late challenge on goalkeeper
Morris who twitched anxiously on the pitch. Precious little conctact to
be fair. Thankfully the air ambulance stood down as Morris stood up.
Les Davies headed on target but Morris held with ten minutes left on
the clock. The final action saw Craig Moses denied by Paul Smith. Three
minutes added time saw Chris Roberts denied and Peter Hoy head over,
but it was not to be.
All credit to Llanelli who were deserved winners as they ended City's three year long Welsh Cup winning run. For City there was comfort to be found in winning the league if not the double. |
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| 46 |
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welsh premier |
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 Bangor won their
first Welsh Premier title for fifteen years thanks to a second home
defeat of reigning champions TNS. And in the final analysis City's
ability to take seven points compared to four in their league
encounters was the difference
between the two sides.With Farrar Road packed on a bright sunny day it was Bangor who started the better with Les Davies dragging an early shot wide, then heading too close to Paul Harrison before Alan Bull veered goalwards from the left but the former Southport stopper dealt easily with his low shot. City attacking the St Pauls End in the first period and playing into a light breeze. Former blue Chris Sharp shot wide from distance then Dave Morley ballooned over after a good pass from Les Davies to cap a fine passing move. The first save of the game from Paul Smith came after Craig Jones inswinging cross from the left threatened to dip under the crossbar. Corner to the visitors but easily cleared. Aeron Edwards lashed a shot well wide from the left after brave tackling by Scott Ruscoe on twenty minutes set up the chance. On the half hour Phil Baker dived in on Alan Bull near the corner flag and was promptly yellow carded, the freekick was easily cleared. Ten
minutes from time Chris Jones forced a great low save from
Paul Harrison with a low drive after good work on the left by Les
Davies. Bangor ended the first half on top with Les Davies
prominent but with TNS managing to keep clear shots to a minimum. Dave
Morley and co in midfield were on the front foot with Scott Ruscoe
working overtime for the visitors.
But the final moment of the first period belonged to TNS as Craig Jones drove on target from the right after some indifferent defending, but in reality his shot lacked spite or power. So half time and no goals, all to play for, although still advantage TNS. |
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| HALF
TIME 1-0 |
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interval a migration of hundred of blues fans from the St Pauls to the
Farrar End, City attacking with the wind at their backs. TNS won a corner ten minutes in but Nicky Ward headed clear comofrtably enough. Danny Holmes became agitated as he left the field to change his boots and struggled to get back on with Referee John waiting for play to move away from his vicinity. On the hour City built up some pressure through a Peter Hoy long throw and Chris Jones corner but Craig Garside headed high over at the back post. Minutes later another long throw and Chris Jones fired on target but Harrison saved. Alan Bull nearly latched onto a loose backpass from Phil Baker but failed to make contact. The game was decided on and around the 66 minute mark. First a long hard season caught up with Phil Baker who sat down in the box before limping off to be replaced by the diminutive Barry Hogan. A Bangor throw in was due and in it came - courtesy of Peter Hoy - for Dave Morley to head on and Craig Garside to slide home from close range. Relief and delight swept Farrar Road in equal measure. Immediately the
disappointing Partridge was
replaced by
Matt Berkley as TNS went hunting the all important equaliser.
Nicky Ward dragged his twenty yarder wide as Bangor attacked again.
With fifteen minutes to go Chris Sharp's shot tested Paul Smith but he gathered thanks to Chris Robert's presence but bad news quickly followed as Craig Garside landed awkwardly and left the field on a stretcher. Clive Williams galloped on to take up his midfield berth. Credit the youngster for a determined display in the time remaining. Nicky Ward ran down the left, crossed in to Les Davies whose layoff found Dave Morley but his side footer flew over. With ten minutes remaining TNS mounted some pressure, a free kick on the edge of the box, but Ruscoe's shot struck the wall and Chris Roberts belted the loose ball upfield. Chris Seargeant made way for Alex Darlington but it was City who went closest as Dave Morley's header was cleared off the line before Alan Bull hooked his effort wide. Last minute changes saw Sion Edwards and Eddie Jebb come on for Alan Bull and Chris Jones. Five minutes were added. But City held firm and with one loud blast of his whistle Referee John set loose loud celebrations. Champions! |
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| 45 |
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welsh premier |
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Bangor pulled off the second win of a
memorable weekend to set up a title showdown with TNS at Farrar Road
next Saturday. The record book will show it was a brace of goals from midfielder Craig Garside which won the match, but this was very much a team effort and owed something to the noisy travelling support which sang and chanted the blues to victory. After Jamie Brewerton had headed over in the fifth minute Chris Jones went agonisingly close with a right footed curler which just swerved to the left of goal. But on eleven minutes City had the lead when Craig Garside headed over Lee Idzi from Michael Johnston's straight ball forward and watched as the ball bounced into the empty net. Neath were stung into action and dangerman Lee Trundle fired at goal but Paul Smith, calm and composed all afternoon, held confidently. Garside was close to a second, then City went close again as Alan Bull met Chris Jones' low cross from the right but his shot lacked power and was to close to Idzi. Dave Morley was enjoying a fine afternoon and his ball up to Les Davies was flicked on to Nicky Ward on the left but he dragged his shot across goal. Bangor worked another opening but Idzi somehow saved from Alan Bull at point blank range after Darren Moss' long throw upset the Eagles defence. On 23 minutes Bangor doubled the lead. A long throw from right from Darren Moss flicked on by Dave Morley caused confusion in the Neath box and allowed Craig Garside to notch his second with a close range finish. Minutes later Garside could have completed his hatrick as Dave Morley crossed from the right but he sent his glancing header just wide. Neath responded with a fine run and shot from their Chris Jones (also wearing seven) but he shot just wide. Michael Johnston headed calmly back to Paul Smith as Craig Hughes threatened and then reacted quickly to redeem his own mistake when Hughes momentarily dispossed him on the edge of the box. The home side pressed and Darren Moss and Chris Roberts had to be alert to deny Lee Trundle who shot off target under pressure. Seven minutes before the interval former Rhyl striker Trundle was lucky to get away with an elbow in the face of blues midfielder Chris Jones which went unnoticed by the officials. There were corners at either end before half time but nothing to trouble the keepers or scorers and at the interval City held a two nil lead. |
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| HALF
TIME 0-2 |
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The second
half was a less fluent affair but the question was - could City take
the three points? It was a pretty uneventful opening quarter hour as both sides struggled to build from the back. City won a corner but could not force a clear chance and on the hour the first change of the afternoon as Chad Bond replaced Kevin Cooper for Neath. Five minutes later the first real shot in anger came from Lee Trundle who lashed a fierce drive at goal but Paul Smith was on hand to collect. Neath won a corner on the right but leftback Paul Cochlin headed wide. By now the heat and impact of two games in three days was evident and City replaced Alan Bull with Mark Smyth. Moments later a double change for Neath as Stephen Pockett and Andy Hill came on for Matty Collins and Craig Hughes. And City joined the changes as Sion Edwards came on for Chris Jones who had run himself out. The number 12 Pockett made his mark with a dumb challenge on the left and received the only yellow card of the afternoon from the unfussy Matthew Bridges. With thirteen minutes left on the clock Neath's Chris Jones ran infield from the right to shoot on target but Paul Smith saved. Blues midfielder Nicky Ward was in the driving seat all afternoon with a typical high energy performance throughout. City fans were in noisy mood but when Lee Trundle span and fired home from the edge of the box to cut the lead in half there was some nervous silence. Not for too long though! With five minutes left Michael Jukes came on for a very weary Les Davies and put in a good shift for the nine minutes which were actually played. Bangor managed to play out the majority of the four minutes of added time in the Neath half with Sion Edwards and fellow sub Michael Jukes in the thick of the action. Referee Bridges blew for time and set off noisy celebrations on and off the pitch as Bangor had done enough to set up that final match showdown with TNS at Farrar Road. Phew! |
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| 44 |
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welsh premier |
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Bangor won the must win game at Port
Talbot to stay in contention for the WP title after Neath won at TNS
the night before. But this game was dominated not by match referee Kevin Morgan or either team but by the bone dry, dusty pitch which made patient footbal pointless. Both sides went close either side of the ten minutes mark as Jamie Brewerton shot across goal, a feat repeated by the livey Luke Bowen moments later. Moments later both lay prone on the pitch following a clash on half way and five minutes later Corey Thomas' flailling arm caught Chris Roberts in the face and he needed treatment for a bloody nose. Bangor went close as Alan Bull found space on the left but Cornell saved. On twenty five minutes City thought they had the lead. Nicky Ward crossed, Craig Garside's shot struck the post, Chris Jones hit the bar and Les Jones saw his header held high by Cornell. Minutes later Chris Jones shot just wide from the right. Referee Morgan yellow carded Darren Moss for a poorly timed challenge bu on 28 minutes it got much worse for Bangor. A high cross from the left was headed to the edge of his box by Dave Morley but it was Luke Bowen who reacted first to send a low drive past the helpless Paul Smith from the edge of the box. City nearly gained a lifeline as Surman headed back to Cornell but Alan Bull just failed to intercept. Les Davies crossed but captain Jamie Brewerton fired high and wide. On 44 mins goalscorer Bowen was perhaps luck y to escape with a yellow for a premeditated challenge on Brewerton. With two minutes of added time shown Craig Garside saw his shot from the right blocked by Craig Jones. On the stroke of half time Bangor drew level. Dave Morley found Michael Johnston close to half way, he sent a direct ball into the box and as Surman headed away Chris Jones fired goalwards. Surman got in the way, Bowen tripped Alan Bull but despite being flat on the ground he netted from two yards. There was scarcely time to restart before referee Morgan blew for the break and City fans felt a draw was the least they deserved. |
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TIME 0-0 |
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Prior to the
restart Port Talbot made two changes. Experienced pair Leigh DeVulgt
and Liam
McCreesh came on for Nicky Holland and David Brooks. Jamie Brewerton and the Lee John went close as the second half got underway, then on 51 mins Kye Edwards was yellow carded for a foul. The impressive Dave Morley played a clever one-two with Alan Bull but dragged his shot wide. Port Talbot won a corner but Surman headed wide. On the hour McCreesh found Luke Bowen on the right but Paul Smith pushed his low drive away. Alan Bull was proving hard to handle and his run from the right threatened but loanee Cornell saved comfortably. Chris Roberts defended calmly under pressure from the garrulous Bowen and did well to shield the ball back to his goalkeeper. With twentyone minutes left Bangor took the lead. Alan Bull gathered the ball to the left of the box, side stepped around two or three home defenders and slotted home off the post through the legs of Surman. Scarce had celebrations ceased than Nicky Ward was yellow carded for a late challenge on the abrasive Thomas. On 74 mins yellow cards for Gareth Phillips and Jamie Brewerton for an incident before the home dugouts. Craig Jones dragged his shot wide from the right before Casey Thomas, pacey if unpredictable, saw his shot blocked by Dave Morley. With seven minutes left Sion Edwards replaced double goalscorer Alan Bull. Moments later Les Davies might have done better but his shot off Chris Jones' layoff went too close to Cornell. Justice finally caught up with Corey Thomas, a yellow card for a foul on Dave Morley. As the ninety minutes ran out City won a couple of corners without seriously threatening, and four added minutes were shown. These served as a red rag to the Port Talbot bull who went close through Luke Bowen twice, once a poorly placed chip and then a poor effort from close range courtesy of an outrageous bounce. Corey Thomas shot goalwards but Jamie Brewerton headed off the line. Finally the whistle went and Bangor players and supporters were able to celebrate a revival in their fortunes. |
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| 43 |
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welsh premier |
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| Bangor started
brightly, scored early on, but fell apart in the second half against a
purposeful Llanelli at Farrar Road. That early strike came on seventy seconds at The St Pauls End. Nicky Ward' deep freekick found recalled left winger Sion Edwards who clipped the ball past Ashley Morris from close range. This gave Bangor a welcome boost as Nicky Ward and Michael Johnston were quickly first to the ball and City appeared to take charge. On 13 minutes a half cleared corner was crossed by Chris Roberts but Les Davies' headed wide at the near post. Five minutes later a second flag kick was cleared. Llanelli had found their feet by the twentieth minute as a couple of corners confirmed although neither bothered Paul Smith unduly. Referee Lee Evans entered the fray with a "by the book" booking of Les Davies as he delayed a Llanelli freekick by juggling the ball in his hands with the diminutive Ashley Evans frustrated. From the kick The Reds threatened for the first time as Kris Thomas saw his low shot flash wide, the pressure continued until Sion Edwards hooked clear right footed from close to his goalline. On the half hour Thomas repeated the feat after good approach play involving Rhys Griffiths and Jason Bowen. The visitors were a real threat now and Craig Moses forced a good low save from Paul Smith with Chris Venables flashing the rebound wide from the right. Ten minutes from time Dave Morley picked out Alan Bull who rushed into the box from the left but Morris saved well for a corner which was followed by a fourth flag kick which ended with Nicky Ward forcing a save from Morris. Bangor continued to press as Sion Edwards was brought down by Evans on the left but no freekick was given. Eight minutes from time Llanelli drew level. Brecon based Craig Moses raced round Michael Johnston on the left to fire home past Paul Smith from twelve yards. Bangor responded with a fifth corner but to no avail then TNS loanee Craig Williams fired a thirty yard freekick on target but Paul Smith was well positioned to pouch the catch. With two minutes left Corbisiero watched in disbelief as his powerful strike hit the woodwork and as Moses was denied by a fine low stop from Paul Smith. The final word went to Alan Bull as he chased Les Davies' through ball but fired over. So all square at the interval and - on a beautiful sunny afternoon - all to play for. |
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TIME 1-1 |
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plans were laid
at half time they disintegrated within minutes of the restart. With two minutes played Dave Morley was tackled in midfield but lost possession due to a blatant handball by Corbisiero. However referee Evans waved play on, Jason Bowen squared for Kris Thomas to run through and beat Paul Smith with a clean low strike. Seconds later Craig Williams missed a far better chance with a side footed effort which somehow went wide from six yards. Next up Rhys Griffiths smashed goalwards but Paul Smith again pulled off a great stop to concede a third Llanelli corner. The lively Jason Bowen crossed and Williams again slapped wide to the relief of the blues faithful. Ten minute after interval and City appeared to be getting back into contention as Alan Bull created a half chance for Dave Morley but he shot wide. City won a sixth corner which Morris gathered but on 61 minutes it was 3-1 as Jason Bowen collected a reverse pass from Moses to run through the midfield and finish confidently past Paul Smith. Bangor responded by sending substitute Michael Jukes on for Nicky Ward. But it has little immediate benefit as on 66 minutes Llanelli as Rhys Grifiths jumped into Jamie Brewerton (not for the first time) before firing a low shot into the near post which cannoned off Michael Johnston and in off Paul Smith. If it could get worse it did on 71 mins as Rhys Griffiths was on hand to slot home a low cross from the right off Williams with no hope for Smith - or City - it would seem. Immediately a melee of subs followed as Jordan Follows replaced Bowen and both Eddie Jebb and Mark Smyth came on for Alan Bull and Sion Edwards respectively. The change has some impact as left back Chris Roberts centered by Dave Morley headed wide. The Farrar End blues found their voice and tried to sing the blues into action. But on 79 minutes City fans, shellshocked perhaps, had something to cheer as Eddie Jebb delivered and Les Davies headed home Bangor's sixth corner to make it 5-2. City managed a brief period of pressure but it was never going to seriously threaten the visitors success and despite and eighth and then ninth corner, and a yellow card for Dave Morley for a foul on Evans, it was all over. There was though some eight minutes of added time - double the indicated amount - for treatment to Corbisiero who was stretchered off following a collision with his goalkeeper. Referee Evans signalled the end of the misery and the ground emptied in virtual silence. |
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| 42 |
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The Welsh Cup |
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Bangor earned their passage to a fourth successive Welsh Cup Final, at
Parc Y Scarlet against a spirited Connahs Quay, thanks to a wonder
strike from Chris Jones seven minutes from time. Before that City had enjoyed the better of the first half although Jamie Petrie sliced wide to the right after Gary O'Toole crossed from the left. On eight minutes both sides had worries as a sickening clash of heads involving Les Davies and centre half Andy Alston stopped play, happily both were able to continue and complete the ninety.
When play resumed Cymru Alliance top scorer 35 goal Gary
O'Toole threatened
on the left but, not for the last time, the pacey Michael
Johnston snuffed out the danger.
But from then on it was City on the front
foot with Chris Jones firing goalwards and Andy Alston handling in the
six yard box but on the
blind side of the official. Les Davies had a shot bravely blocked by
rightback Ben Alston before Chris Jones cut in from the left but fired
into the side netting.
The basis of Bangor's control was aerial domination from Jamie Brewerton and the ever present threat of Eddie Jebb and Chris Jones whose movement upset the Deesiders defence. On the half hour Eddie Jebb's swinging corner invited a towering header from Dave Morley but his effort flew over. The highlight of the first half was a 40 yard volley from Chris Roberts which Mackin saved well by his right post.. Connahs Quay though were still alive and kicking, five minutes from the interval two corners ended with a header from Andy Alston which flew over. As half time approached Dave Morley first had a shot deflected into the crowd and then and a freekick palmed over by Mackin, both from the edge of the box. A corner followed which Mackin misjudged but captain Brewerton scooped off target. Swansea referee Mark Whitby - notable for not being noticed - blew and despite having six corners and several chances, City had nothing to show for their efforts. Half time and all square. |
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On the hour Craig Garside took a painful blow and left the field to be
replaced by flying winger Sion Edwards. If Alston had scarcely enjoyed
the opening quarter it was about to get worse. Bangor quickly won their
eighth corner.
Another great effort followed as Jamie Brewerton latched onto a swirling cross from Sion Edwards but his overhead kick was brilliantly headed off the line by left back Ben Collins. City's left back Chris Roberts was enjoying a fine afternoon and he needed all his calm determination to keep out both O'Toole and McNutt as they raced clear on the right edge of the blues box.
Midway through the half City won a freekick on the edge of the D which
Les Davies hammered goalwards, the wall did its job but Chris Roberts
latched onto the loose ball but lashed wide. On 73 mins Mark Smyth
replaced Eddie Jebb.
With fifteen minutes remaining Paul Smith was a touch
lucky to escape with just a yellow card for a block on Collins after
the ball had run out on the left. A freekick resulted, delivered deep,
but Paul Smith comfortably pouched Jamie Petrie's shot.
Frustration now got the better of O'Toole who was yellow carded for
dissent.
There was still some ten minutes to play - allowing for added time - and City negotiated them, winning three further corners and generally controlling possesion. Referee Whitby duly blew for time, three minutes slightly extended by the arrival of final substitute Clive Williams who came on for Alan Bull.
Relief turned to celebration and confirmation of
a fourth Welsh Cup Final berth. Well done! |
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| 41 |
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welsh premier |
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| The talking
point of this game was not just the tenth minute red card shown to
Peter Hoy by referee Mike Jones, but more the leniency displayed by the
soon to depart official in the rest of the game.
City went close on fourty seconds when Alan Bull blazed
over from the edge of the box and Prestatyn midfielder Mike Parker ran
clear on goal but shot weakly at the reinstated Paul Smith.
Then without
warning disaster struck. Peter Hoy chased a ball down the right and
challenged for a ball which Town defender Paul O'Neill had cleared a
split second earlier. Hoy made contact with O'Neill and - after
consulting with the linesman Trigg - Mike Jones showed red. Replays
proved him right.
Lee Hunt then fired wide from long range before Alan Bull could have given City the lead but he headed at Dunt. On the quarter hour Alan Bull hit the target with a low strike which Hunt bungled but as Chris Jones slid in he was foiled - or was it fouled - by goalkeeper Dunt and O'Neill although neither played the ball.. Referee with arms safely folded behind his back, play on. Rogers clattered a blues defender on half way, then Lee Hunt was yellow carded for a heavy challenge on Michael Johnston. On 21 minutes though it was 1-0 to Prestatyn. A low cross from the right off burly little Dan Evans was turned in by Shrewsbury based Steve Rogers. Right winger Eddie Jebb who was outstanding turned and fired narrowly wide, then a third Bangor corner was headed off target by Jamie Brewerton. Darren Moss crossed but Alan Bull also headed over. But on 32 minutes Jack Lewis' long throw was not cleared and Paul O'Neill scored from eight yards to double the visitors lead. Bangor were down to ten men and two goals down but if they felt despair it did not show as self pity. A fourth corner saw two shots blocked before Chris Jones struck the target but Hunt gathered. Ten minutes before the interval Gareth Wilson flattened Michael Johnston on half way but, again, no action from Mr Jones, although a freekick was given which Darren Moss got on target but again the broad built Dunt collected. Manager Powell would have demanded a response and he got one three minutes before the interval. Les Davies left his marker O'Neill for dead on the left, crossed low for Chris Jones to crash the ball into the roof of the net from ten yards. This sparked off a melee which began with Dunt assaulting Eddie Jebb and ended in the bewlidered official speaking to both captains. How Dunt stayed on his highly questionable. The half time whistle blew after four minutes of added time with City on the front foot despite being down to ten men and trailing by a goal. The twenty five or so Prestatyn fans though had that slim lead to savour. |
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| 40 |
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welsh premier |
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A late
goal - a very late goal - from left peg Lloyd Grist pegged City back in
an incident packed game which started and ended with suprrise and
controvesy. The big surprise before kick off was the return of Lee
Kendall in goal for Port Talbot whilst Chris Oldfield kept his place
for City.
Attacking the St Pauls End the visitors won a couple of early corners before Nicky Ward blazed over from twenty yards as City created the first opening of sorts. Moments later David Brooks - more of him later - hooked wide from ten yards after a bouncing ball caused uncertainty in the blues defence. Darren Moss started in midfield and on ten minutes he tested the eccentric Lee Kendall with a shot from the edge of the box which provoked a bizarre starfish save and second Bangor corner. From the flag kick Kendall saved well from Jamie Brewerton as the pattern of the game seemed to take shape. On the quarter hour an upleasant incident changed the tone of the evening as David Brookes needlessly kicked and barged Michael Johnston into the perimeter fence. Referee Jones adjudged it worthy of a yellow card, a touch lenient perhaps. The blues defender needed stiches at pitchside and managed to continue.
Twenty minutes up and Bangor had the lead. A big clearance
from Paul Smith was helped on by Les Davies for Alan Bull who
ran
goalwards before beating Kendall with a well placed shot
at the Farrar End. Moments later Les Davies shot on goal but Kendall
saved as City pressed for a second. More contentious refereeing next up
as Peter Hoy's cross from the right was clearly handled by Phillips,
small and abrasive in midfield, but Kendall flapped the deflected cross
clear and - play on.
It was end to end for a while but as time ran out City fans might have felt a half time lead was deserved. They were to be disappointed though as the burly Luke Bowen latched onto a deep Lee John cross from the left to lift the ball into the roof of the net from close range, All square, harsh on Bangor, but goals count more than chances. |
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| HALF TIME 1-1 |
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There were though
three
yellows in quick succession to note. On 58 mins Peter Hoy for a pull on
half way, on 62 Liam McCreesh for a lunge on Michael Johnston who - it
might appear - had been targetted by the visitors - and on 64 Darren
Moss for a tackle as he tracked back. In fairness all three seemed
about right.
With twenty mintes left Dave Morley saw his long range effort easily fielded by Kendall and then Luke Bowen's flick header forced a save from Chris Oldfield. With fifteen minutes to play Liam McCreesh limped off with Craig Jones coming on. Port Talbot won their sixth corner of the evening which was half cleared before Luke Bowen shot wide on the turn. Twelve minutes left and Nathan Cotterrall replaced David Brookes. Midfield man Darren Moss ran into the visitors box and appeared to fall before he could shoot on goal. This sparked a frenzy of activity as Nicky Ward saw red and Les Davies yellow as Huw Jones reacted to - presumably - comments passed. Immediately, with
eight minutes remaining, Sion Edwards
replaced goalscorer Alan Bull and two minutes later Craig Garside came
on for Darren Moss, City's other marksman. Bangor pressed, won a
corner, and generally kept the ball at The St Pauls End as time ran
out. Four added minutes were signalled.
But less than two minutes into the added time a deep cross from the right saw Lloyd Grist strike the goal of the game with a left footed volley which crashed off Peter Hoy and over Chris Oldfield who had little chance. Leigh DeVulgt came on for Nicky Holland and then Mark Smyth replaced Chris Jones. Peter Hoy saw his goalbound effort hacked clear. There was time for one last chance as Michael Johnston, bruised and battered, sent a high ball forward which dropped to Les Davies but his booming effort flew wide. Game over, a draw greeted with greater joy by the half dozen Talbot fans that the majority. |
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| 39 |
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welsh premier |
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Bangor were beaten by the odd goal in
five in this end to end thriller at Park Hall. This result sees the full timers of TNS three points behind City but with a game in hand, and clearly much to play for at both clubs in the coming weeks.
As Paul Smith was not fit Chris Oldfield continued in goal
and marked his second full start with a series of fine saves. But he
was a spectator in the early exchanges as City went close twice in the
opening
two minutes and scored in the third. Former blue Chris Seargeant
was luck to escape any form of punishment following his two footed
lunge on Craig Garside and seconds later Paul Harrison was on hand to
field Nicky
Ward's freekick.
Les Davies chased through on the left but Harrison
rushed out to clear, But in the third minute the former Southport
stopper was helpless as Chris Jones
drove home from the edge of the box after Richie Partridge spooned his
attempted clearance to the former Leeds striker. The initial confusion
was caused by
Peter Hoy's booming throw from the left.
On ten minutes the hugely impressive Craig Jones ran down the left, crossed for Alex Darlington, but he headed straight at Chris Oldfield. Minutes later Darlington was in on goal but Oldfield denied him, with a little help from Michael Johnston. TNS continued to strike on the break as Danny Holmes led a charge down the middle, he passed out to the left for Craig Jones but his shot lacked conviction. Seventeen minutes in saw
the first of a number of
unwelcome
challenges by Phil Baker whose snide kick on Les Davies warranted
action
but Lee Evans saw nothing. On twenty minutes the home side drew
level as a long throw from the right was gathered by former Rhyl
favourite Matty
Williams and hooked past Chris Oldfield from close
range.
On twenty three TNS had the lead. Richie Partridge saw his shot saved by Oldfield but Aeron Edwards was on hand to prod home from five yards. Bangor might have drawn level immediately but Chris Jones mis kicked from close range. City won a couple of corners but could not force a clear opening.
The half hour mark saw Phil Baker come through the back of
Alan
Bull for a freekick thirty yards out but Harrison for once held
cleanly. With ten minutes to go Chris Roberts had his shot blocked but
moments later the leftback was yellow carded for a trip on the
flying Craig Jones who was full of purpose and menace.
Bangor though continued to threaten as Jamie Brewerton headed over from Peter Hoy's deep cross from the right. TNS went close through goalscorer Williams but Chris Oldfield saved, before Les Davies headed over from Nicky Ward's freekick And that was about it for the first half with City trailing two one to their green hooped hosts. |
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| HALF
TIME 2-1 |
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| At the
interval the Bangor partisans switched ends with City now with the sun
at their backs. Four minutes after the restart Alan Bull was clattered by another heavy challenge from Phil Baker which at last earned him an overdue yellow card. City pressed and won a freekick as Edwards handled but Les Davies' twenty yarder was easy for Harrison. Ten minutes after the restart a dreadful backpass from Baker on the left sent Chris Jones into the box but he was eased off the ball by Harrison and the chance went. Young Chris Oldfield
kept City in the game on the half
hour with a
double save from Alex Darlington from the right, both at close range,
before City countered with a deep cross from Chris Roberts but Les
Davies headed over. Next up Oldfield saved well again this time
from Chris Seargeant whose clean twenty yard volley was pushedover for
a corner.
Alan Bull fired goalwards but Harrison gathered, then a
final throw of the dice by Nev Powell as Mark Smyth and Mike Jukes
came on for Les Davies and Alan Bull. Dave Morley was rightly carded
for a heavy challenge on Chris Seargeant in midfield. On 63 minutes Darlington was replaced by Chris Sharp but three minutes later it was Craig Jones who went close as he got the better of a tussle with Chris Oldfield but chipped wide from fifteen yards. On 66 mins Eddie Jebb replaced Craig Garside and five minutes after that TNS manager Mike Davies was sent to the stand by referee Lee Evans for contesting a decision. With fifteen minutes left the outstanding Craig Jones seemed to have settled the issue with a fine solo run and finish from the left which saw him weave past Michael Johnston and beat Chris Oldfield with a well placed shot. Matty Williams though was promptly yellow carded for dissent. With eight minutes remaining Mark Smyth snuck in behind the Saints defence but fired over and then Chris Jones was clear on goal to the left but Harrison saved with his feet. Five minutes to go and Nicky Ward's shot was blocked, handball and freekick on the edge of the box. Dave Morley fired low and Harrison could only palm the ball upwards for Chris Jones to head home from point blank range. Game on. TNS sent on the
veteran Jamie Wood for Richie Partridge
and the former Swansea striker forced a save from Chris Oldfield.
Bangor refused to lie down and Peter Hoy's deep cross found Chris Jones
but he rasped over. Five minutes added time were signalled and two
minutes in Chris Sharp ran clear on the right but dragged his shot
wide. Dave Morley slid Peter Hoy in on the right but Harrison pushed
his shot away for a
corner. Chris Oldfield joined the hopefuls in the hosts box but Nicky
Ward's shot was gathered by Harrison and that was that. Harsh perhaps
but a lesson for the blues in taking chances.
|
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|
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|
| 38 |
|
|
welsh premier |
|
|
|
|
Bangor were pegged back with two
goals in the closing stages but came away with a point from Sebonheath
Park. The pre match news centered on the goalkeeper shirt where Chris Oldfield stepped up as Paul Smith failed a fitness test. There was also a recall for Mark Smyth. Bangor forced the pace early on with Nicky Ward firing over and Ashley Morris saving from Les Davies before left winger Owain Warlow fired high and wide for Llanelli. On the quarter hour Rhys Griffiths got involved with a turn and shot which dipped over the bar. The home side won a couple of corners which Chris Oldfield dealt with competently. Seconds later Ashley Morris held another Les Davies header before TNS loanee Craig Williams ran through but shot at Chris Oldfield. Peter Hoy hurtled a trademark long throw into the box but Alan Bull's shot flashed wide. Llanelli won a corner delivered by set piece expert Andy Legg but Warlow headed wide. On 25 minutes Mark Smyth cut in from the right but Morris held his low strike. The pattern of play was very open, end to end, with Michael Johnston and Dave Morley prominent for Bangor in defence. Moments later Peter Hoy
caught Owain Warlow with a high
challenge before Jason Bowen shot on the turn but fired over. In the
next challenge Warlow went close to Peter Hoy with a high foot which
had a touch of revenge inked on it. Les Davies spooned a twenty
yarder wide. But it was the diminutive Bowen who went closest with a
run to the left and low shot which just trickled wide of the far post,
only for Warlow to repeat the effort in added time as City just cleared
the last of six corners won by the Reds who closed the first period on
top.
Half time though a goalless affair and nothing to suggest which way the second half would go. |
||||
| HALF
TIME 0-0 |
||||
| No changes at
the interval but a quick chance for Bangor as Alan Bull span past Kris
Thomas but sent his low shot across the face of goal. An easy decision for referee Dean John followed as Corbisiero for a cowardly lunge on Alan Bull but Les Davies followed him into the Swansea officials' little black book for contesting a simply dreadful freekick decision on half way. The pedestrian Legg should have made it three in a row with a trip on Mark Smyth as he skipped in from the corner flag, but no deal. Ten minutes after the restart Jamie Brewerton met a Nicky Ward freekick from the right but headed against the crossbar with Morris beaten. Llanelli broke but the oustanding Michael Johnston checked their progress before Les Davies saw his header cleared off the line by manager Legg only for the big number nine to head the rebound over. On the hour Les Davies headed over Llanelli won an eighth corner but Jamie Brewerton cleared. Alan Bull fired on target but Morris saved then Kris Thomas was carded for a block on goal bound Les Davies but Mark Smyth's freekick struck the wall. Twenty minutes from time the first substitution of the afternoon as Craig Moses replaced the anonymous Williams. No sooner the change than a goal! Nicky Ward crossed for Jamie Brewerton who headed across goal for Les Davies to nod home from close range. Seconds later Rhys Griffiths headed over as Llanelli responsed but on 74 mins a foul by manager Legg set up a freekick which saw Craig Garside prod home at the second attempt for a two nil advantage. Llanelli immediately
won their tenth corner of the
afternoon which Griffiths headed over and Eddie Jebb jogged on Mark
Smyth and Chris Oldfield saved a Legg freekick confidently. But with
eight minutes left Llanelli pulled on back as Adam Orme
clipped the ball over Chris Oldfield from inside the box to set up a
nervous closing spell.
Five minutes from
time Craig Moses galloped into the box
but Michael Johnston slid in with perfect timing. On ninety minutes Wyn
Thomas was sent off for comments passed to referee John. Michael Jukes
replaced Les Davies and the fourth official showed the electronic board
with four minutes to go.
In those minutes Chris Oldfield was yellow carded for wasting time, five minutes came and went, Llanelli won a corner on the right which Legg crossed. With Moses blocking Chris Oldfield the way was clear for Rhys Griffiths to climb all over Jamie Brewerton and head home to level the scores. Bangor were desolate and referee John finally blew with an extra one and a half minutes played beyond the four announced. Least said soonest mended.... |
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|
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|
| 37 |
|
|
welsh premier |
|
|
|
|
The inevitable happened and Bangor lost at Farrar Road, beaten by a
talented Neath side who must frustrate the life out of manager Andrew
Dyer.
The blank opening came in three minutes when winger Chris Jones ran through but shot low at Paul Smith who held confidently. Attacking the Farrar End the blues failed to trouble Lee Idzi until the 18th minute when first Alan Bull and then Nicky Ward, the latter off an inch perfect pass from Les Davies, forced last gasp saves. Then Matty Collins should surely have seen some form of card for a lunge on Paul Smith which might have left the blues stopper injured. Seconds later Lee Idzi rushed to the edge of the box to head clear and clattered the unsuspecting James Burgin who needed treatment. City pressed through long throws from Peter Hoy and when Neath countered Michael Johnston and Chris Jones had the knack of being in the right place at the right time. City took the lead on 28 minutes. Rightback Ian Hillier fouled Alan Bull and Nicky Ward delivered an inswinging freekick which Les Davies headed home Billy Telford style. An old fashioned centre forward's goal if ever there was. The Bangor fans at that Farrar End broke into song - not for the first time - and all seemed set fair.
Several minutes from half time Peter Hoy set off on a
marauding run from rightback which ended in a crossfield ball to
goalscorer Les Davies but his long range left footer served only to
stir the crowd at the Farrar End. Then Dave Morley went down in the box
but Mike Jones ruled against the penalty appeals.
On the stroke of half time Neath had the ball in the back of the net but Mike Jones had already blown for a sliding challenge by Paul Fowler on Jamie Brewerton. And that was about it, Bangor went in with a one nil lead thanks to Les Davies. This was no classic, hampered by a sticky pitch, but certainly the outcome was still in doubt and - as often before - all to play for. |
||||
| HALF TIME 1-0 |
||||
|
Lee Trundle was
drifting in and out of the game but his shot needed a decisive block
from Michael Johnston. With twenty minutes left a double change as
wingers Eddie Jebb and Sion Edwards came on for Chris Jones and Nicky
Ward. Within moments left winger Edwards sent over an inviting cross
met by Les Davies at the back post but his right footer was palmed down
and away by Idzi.
Craig
Garside fired high and wide from a Peter Hoy cross
but it was Neath who had something to cheer when Hiiliers
diagonal ball broke for Lee Trundle
on the left. The Liverpudlian kept his composure to slot home past Paul
Smith and set the visitors bench dancing and bellowing in delight. It nearly got worse
for
City but Neath's Chris Jones' deflected twenty yarder went flew to Paul
Smith.
Chris Roberts fired over from outside the box and four added minutes were signalled - six were played - as Neath tried to kill the game but despite a couple of late corners and skirmishes the Matthew Rees defence stood firm and took all three points back to The Gnoll. |
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|
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|
| 36 |
|
|
The
Welsh Cup |
|
|
|
Bangor
were made to battle all the
way but, at the final whistle, had run out three nil winners, recorded
a 21st straight win in The Welsh Cup and reached the semi final stages
for the fourth year in a row.
The blank first half saw Port Talbot enjoy a share of possession and force the blues defence, shorn of captain Jamie Brewerton by a late FAW ruling, stand firm to protect Paul Smith. The big defender cut a forlorn figure in the mainstand as he endured a watching brief. Bangor's best chance of the first period came when Les Davies sent Alan Bull ran clear but on loan goalkeeper David Cornell saved with his feet as an early lead beckoned. Port Talbot midfielder Liam McCreesh went close twice midway through the half but failed to break the deadlock. First Luke Bowen and then lee John shot wide from a difficult angle on the left with no forward in site in the box.. The closest 'Talbot came
to a break through came as Lloyd
Grist's inviting cross from the left was headed cleanly by Luke Bowen
but Paul Smith - as often before in the Welsh Cup - pulled off an
excellent save and the danger passed.
However it remained
goalless at the break and posed the
question as to whether Port Talbot would rue those wasted chances.
|
||||
| HALF
TIME 0-0 |
||||
| With just three
minutes of the second half gone Bangor had the lead. Nicky Ward's
corner was fumbled by
Swansea loanee David Cornell and headed home
by Darren Moss
for his second Welsh Cup goal in as many matches to the delight of the
travelling blue horde. Liam McCreesh robbed Michael Johnston on half way but the determined centreback recovered and thwarted the danger with a little help from Chris Roberts. On 68 minutes Chris Jones replaced Craig Garside. It got worse for Port Talbot on 74 minutes as Gary Bansor felled substitute Jones as he ran into the box and referee Huw Jones signalled a penalty kick. Up stepped penalty regular Dave Morley but his kick flew over - only for Mr Jones to rule that the home defender Grist had encroached and that the kick be retaken. This time Morley made no mistake. Bansor and goalkeeper Cornell were yellow carded for their part in the dramatics. Nicky Ward sent a deep freekick into the box but Alan Bull saw his header hit the post with Cornell rooted to the spot. The outcome was still in doubt but not after Alan Bull robbed the dawdling Holland, cut in from the left and beat Cornell with a low drive to put City three nil up with twelve minutes to go. With ten minutes to go home manager Mark Jones tried one last roll of the dice with a double substitution as Nathan Cotterrall and Drew Fahiya replaced Lee John and David Brooks, but to no avail. All over at last and
City fans could start to contemplate
semi final venues and arrangements, for an amazing fourth year in
succession.
|
||||
|
||||
|
| 35 |
|
|
The NWCFA CUP |
|
|
|
This hastily arranged NWCFA Cup tie saw Bangor welcome Denbigh Town to
Farrar Road - and it was the visitors who enjoyed the evening more with
a six nil win.
With half a dozen Welsh
Premier players involved City
might have hoped for better but Denbigh, led by the powerful figure of
former Caersws striker Jon Slater, ran out comfortable winners. The
opening goal came on ten minutes when winger Eilir Edwards crossed for Ian Evans to
head down for Jon
Slater to slot home.
Five minutes later it was 2-0 as Jon Slater won an aerial duel with Chris Oldfield to head home. Denbigh went close just before half time Huw Price forced a good save from Chris Oldfield who needed treatment after a full length dive. On 25 minutes it was 3-0 as Jon Slater notched his hatrick after a free kick into the box from former Welshpool midfielder Ceri James. |
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| HALF TIME 3-0 |
||||
|
Chris Oldfield did well to
deny Eilir Edwards moments after Osian Jones fired over. But it was 4-0
on the hour mark as former Bala winger Eilir Edwards again crossed for Jon Slater to
score from close range and take his tally to four.
With thirteen minutes left on the clock it got worse for Bangor as tall midfielder Tom Sharples scored from just inside the box and then with about five minutes still to former Ruthin man Tom Sharples completed the scoring and grabbed his brace to keep up his fine goalscoring form this season. So it was Denbigh who
ran out clear and deserved winners
and can look forward to a match with Rhyl or Flint Town in the Semi
Final stages. Good luck to them.
|
||||
|
||||
|
| 34 |
|
|
The NWCFA CUP |
|
|
|
This twice postponed North Wales Coast FA Cup Third Round tie finally
got underway at Farrar Road last night - with City eventually running
out
as winners.
But Bangor were pushed all
the way by an enthusiastic and
spirited Nanttle side who never gave up despite trailing two nil with a
quarter of an hour to play.
The team news saw Chris Oldfield start in goal, defender Dylan Roberts come in to the defence and young Gwion Jones line up in midfield alongside Sion Edwards and Chris Jones. There was also a rare run out for Marc Limbert in defence. Bangor forged the better first half openings but neither Sion Edwards - outstanding in midfield - or Mark Smyth upfront alongside Michael Jukes - could convert chances into goals. Debutant Gwion also had a decent opening but sent his shot wide. Nantlle were working hard across the midfield and defence to protect goalkeeper teenage Meilir Huws who was in outstanding and defiant form. However at half time the scores were level and all still to play for. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
||||
|
|
||||
|
||||
|
| 33 |
|
|
welsh premier |
|
|
|
| Bangor had to come back from a goal
down to record a first Welsh Premier win at Bastion Gardens this
afternoon. Bangor forged the first opening inside ten minutes when Jamie Brewerton reached Peter Hoy's long throw from the right, but headed just wide. Moments later all action Prestatyn striker Lee Hunt went close with an overhead kick before Michael Johnston hacked Neil Gibsons goalbound effort off the line. City responded as Alan Bull side stepped through the makeshift home defence but dragged his shot wide. Next Dave Morley fired over from Bull's cross. Right winger Eddie Jebb's booming crossfield ball picked out Alan Bull minutes later but his partly blocked shot ran through to the burly Dunt.
On twenty minutes Bangor, playing into a stiff breeze,
went close twice at the social club end but Dave Morley and Les Davies
saw efforts cleared. Lanky right winger Michael Parker saw his looping
header held by Paul Smith at the other end as Prestatyn won their first
corner before Peter Hoy's inviting header sought out Les Davies but The
Truck headed wide.
Dave Morley released Les Davies on the left but Hayes did well to get in a brave block. Then Eddie Jebb saw his shot saved by Dunt for a second Bangor corner which saw Jamie Brewerton's header scraped off the line and onto thepost by Jack Lewis. City had a head of steam now and a third corner was quickly followed by a low cross from Les Davies out on the left which Darren Moss met first time but his low flick passed the wrong side of the near post. The final action of the first half saw Dave Morley cross right footed from the left but Les Davies headed just over and Port Talbot official Paul Fisher blew for the interval. Bangor had the greater share of possession, Prestatyn dangerous on the break through Hunt and Parker with the home defence, shorn of experienced centre half Paul O'Neill, holding firm. Half time no goals and all to play for. |
||||
| HALF
TIME 0-0 |
||||
|
With the wind
now at their backs towards the Nova End it was Bangor who started the
brighter and Prestatyn saw three players yellow carded in the opening
ten minutes. First rightback Kai Edwards for an ill timed lunge on Paul
Smith, then Michael Parker for a trip on Dave Morley and then the
garrulous Gareth Wilson for handball - dissent - or both. The corner count was totting up, as four, five, six then seven arrived in quick succession. In between though there was almost an incredible own goal as Jamie Brewerton's intended backpass stretched Paul Smith to the limits. From City's seventh kick sent over from the right Craig Garside hit the crossbar and watched in disbelief as Neil Gibson seemed to use his arm to push a follow up from Michael Johnston onto the crossbar. Prestatyn countered through rightback Edwards but his rising drive cleared the crossbar and clubhouse in one. Bangor boss Nev Powell had seen enough and Darren Moss made way for Nicky Ward on the hour. But it was the home fans cheering four mins later as leftback Jack Lewis crossed for Lee Hunt to score - at the second attempt - despite the best efforts of Paul Smith. Midway through the second half Hayes fouled Les Davies and Nicky Ward spotted the freekick but Dunt, at full stretch, tipped over for an eighth corner. Les Davies saw his shot blocked from a ninth flag kick then on seventy minutes young Michael Jukes came on for Eddie Jebb who had done well on the right. Seconds later Les Davies crossed from the right but Alan Bull shot over. Prestatyn were still dangerous on the break though and Lee Hunt fashioned a chance with a neat turn but again his effort flew over the crossbar. A tenth Bangor corner on 74 mins, the blue horde massed on the mud flat behind goalkeeper Dunt, a deep cross to Peter Hoy who guided his header back across goal for Dave Morley to nod home from close range. Relief all round! Prestatyn were on the ropes and within two minutes the knock out arrived. Nicky Ward, vibrant and energetic in midfield, passed infield from the left to Dave Morley who pushed the ball out of his feet to unleash a curling shot beyond the airborne Dunt and inside the right hand post. If the first goal had been welcome the second unleashed a frenzy of noise and celebration. But with time still
to play anything could happen. Bangor
withdrew Craig Garside in favour of Sion Edwards who was quickly into
the action. Prestatyn sent on Jon Fisher Cooke for Chris Davies. Seven
minutes from time Lee Hunt's progress on the edge of the D was abruptly
ended by Jamie Brewerton who was promptly red carded by referee Fisher.
The freekick took and age to set up and deliver but leftback Lewis just
failed to cap an outstanding atternoon thanks to Paul Smith's full
length dive.
A corner ensued in which Michael Johnston again cleared off the line, this time from Lee Hunt and after three minutes of added time the final whistle blew to set off more noisy celebrations on and off the pitch. Three vital points and, as ever, tremendous fighting spirit from Bangor. |
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|
||||
|
| 32 |
|
|
The Welsh Cup |
|
|
|
|
The fact that this match kicked off was due almost entirely to a small
army of volunteers who answered the call, pitchforks, wellies and all,
to help prepare the pitch. Along with the ever industrious Mike The
Groundsman they set the scene for an eight goal thriller. With a strong wind at their backs City set off attacking the St Pauls End where twenty or so hardy home supporters took a battering. But it was visitors Haverfordwest who carved the first opening on five minutes as Jack Christopher, sporting black gloves, ran clear on the right but slid a low shot wide of Paul Smith's far post. On ten minutes Referee Bryn Markham Jones - who deserved huge credit for allowing the game to go ahead - blotted his copy book with a yellow card aimed at Craig Garside for a sliding tackle on half way. By now Bangor were in command and a corner from the right saw Les Davies and Alan Bull have shots blocked before a Nicky Ward freekick, again from the right, was slotted home by Dave Morley from ten yards. By now the pitch was cutting up visibly but both sides showed a determination to play and overcome both conditions underfoot plus the wind and rain. City pushed for a second but
Craig Garside headed Nicky
Ward's cross off target. Midway through the half Nicky Ward's
inswinging freekick from the right just evaded the slithering Morely
who
nearly suffered a fate associated with Phil Babb some years ago...
Happily the tall midfielder was unhurt and able to resume his influential centre midfield role. Jack Christopher caught the eye as County countered and he was twice denied by captain Jamie Brewerton who stood strong in the heart of the blues defence. Minutes later Christopher released Neil Thomas but his clean strike flew straight at Paul Smith. City responded with a period of pressure as half time approached, Dave Morley on target from twenty yards but Roberts held confidently. Five minutes before the interval Neil Thomas was shown a yellow card for a wild challenge on Michael Johnston. The final action saw Lee Hudgell go close for County and Nicky Ward slice wide for City - both from the left - but nothing changed the scoreline which saw Bangor ahead by one goal to nil, but with that strong blustery wind backing Haverfordwest in the second period. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
||||
|
|
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|
||||
|
| 31 |
|
|
welsh premier |
|
|
|
| Bangor had to settle for a share of
the spoils after coming close to picking up all three points at Park
Hall. Before kick off the chanting and singing stopped for a one minute silence in memory of a former Llansanttfraid supporter, as well as the mother of Oswestry character Dave Figgis - better known as Statto. The Bangor fans, silent stood still as one. Settling the quicker the home side opened brightly and might have gone ahead in the opening minutes with Berkerley and Jones menacing before Nicky Ward lashed wide for Bangor. On nine minutes TNS opened their account when former Buckley winger Craig Jones ran down the right, cut inside and crossed to the far post for Richie Partridge to beat Paul Smith from close range. On 15 mins it got worse for City as Peter Hoy was forced off with a groin strain with Clive Williams coming on. Happily for the blues the twenty year old was outstanding. After a weak opening ten minutes Les Davies worked his way into the game and Bangor got to grips but Berkerley still posed a threat for the counter attack minded greens and galloped clear but slapped his shot wide. City won a throw on the left some twenty yards out which Chris Roberts delivered but Les Davies' header looped onto the roof of the net. On 28 mins
Bangor were level. Dave Morley set Chris Jones
clear on the right and he crossed for Alan Bull to
slot the ball beyond the despairing Harrison. But ten minutes later
another
mazey run from the elusive Craig Jones resulted in a shot Paul Smith
could not hold
and Aaron
Edwards, once of Caersws,
netted from the left.
The noisy blue contingent amongst the 500 strong crowd stayed positive and Bangor were still very much in the game as the unsettled Paul Harrison was booked for kicking the ball over the teabar. Bangor had a head of steam and Chris Jones' deep corner dropped to Craig Garside but the midfield maestro blasted over. Les Davies and Alan Bull were by now blossoming as a partnership and coming to terms with the unforgiving surface and chill conditions. So a slender advantage for the full timers at the interval, time for the blue horde to swap ends and messrs Powell and Limbert to talk to the troops.... |
||||
| HALF
TIME 2-1 |
||||
| Former
Bangor stiker Chris Sharp replaced Ritchie Partridge at the interval. Five minutes after the restart City threatened and a desperate Danny Holmes wrestled Alan Bull to the floor as he ran clear on the edge of the box. Referee Lee Evans had little choice and - with some fumbling - produced a straight red. From the freekick Les Davies drilled a low shot through the wall Alan Bull lashed goalwards and in the melee Aeron Edwards clearly handled as he lay on the deck. Penalty, and surely another red? But referee Evans rightly adjudged that the ball was not goalbound and despite the deliberate nature of the offence a yellow card was suffice. However cool and calm Dave Morley potted the spot kick with ease and the blue horde was literally dancing with delight. Both Les Davies and Dave Morley went close within a few minutes. Craig Garside was starting to run the show and he drew the attention of Matthew Berkerley whose late challenge deservedly drew a yellow card. In the closing quarter Dave Morley fired over from Alan Bull's cross and Jamie Brewerton was in the thick of the defensive action as TNS saw two shots blocked at close range in quick succession In what was an even
closing spell Chris Jones shot over
after Alan Bull and the determined Les Davies combined to create an
opening on the left. City forced a fifth corner of the evening but Les
Davies also lifted over Harrison's crossbar.
TNS looked dangerous on the break with Craig Jones every dangerous before - one final chance - Les Davies and Alan Bull worked a chance for Craig Garside who just failed to keep his shot down from six yards. Scott Ruscoe worked overtime to stem the blue tide whilst goalkeeper Harrison dawdled over every kick or clearance. The added four minutes were marred by a wild two footed lunge from Craig Jones which left Garside poleaxed and should have seen the home side with nine - and what might easily have been eight - men for the final minute. So the final whistle blew on a two all stalemate which might just have left Nev Powell with a touch of disappointment but made sure his spirited Bangor side enter the final run of ten matches with an advantage of at least four points.. |
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|
||||
|
| 30 |
|
|
welsh premier |
|
|
|
|
Bangor bagged a first away win of
2011 but left it late at Latham Park where Craig Garside was the last
gasp hero. With Peter Hoy suspended Clive Williams continued at rightback as captain Jamie Brewerton slotted in alongside the outstanding Michael Johnston. In fairness the whole defence played well as Newtown, a touch negative perhaps, look to strike on the break and had the pace of Breeze to unsettle the blues defence. But with leading goalscorer Craig Whitfield on the bench and Marc Lloyd Williams at Stamford Bridge with S4C they seemed unlikely to score and rarely threatened Paul Smith. The opening stages saw Bangor press without creating a clear chance before Newtown forced an early corner which Jamie Brewerton cleared. Waifish midfielder Jamie Price fired high and wide for TheRobins before on twenty minutes Dave Roberts was brought into the action as Nicky Ward's freekick veered towards goal. The best move of the
first half began with Jamie
Brewerton's cleanly struck diagonal ball from the left, gathered on the
right by Nicky Ward who fed Clive Williams but his shot flashed
wide. Bangor were now the dominant force with Newtown, through
Breeze, dangerous on the counter. Alan Bull found Les Davies on the
left edge of the box and his right footer forced a high save from
Roberts to yield City's second corner. From this Bull turned and fired
low from the left but again Roberts did well to deny him one handed.
Newtown won a couple of corners as the first half was played out and saw Shane Sutton head wide but generally they did little to threaten the calm figure of Michael Johnston ably supported by Jamie Brewerton. Half time came with the scoreline blank and most of the crowd looking to get out of the damp windy conditions for a few minutes at least. |
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| HALF
TIME 0-0 |
||||
|
With no
changes at the interval it was as before, Bangor attacking and Newtown
looking to break at speed. The first chance of the second period saw Dave Morley shoot wide from outside the box after a period of Bangor pressure at the car park end with the bulk of Bangor followers camped behind the goal. A third Bangor corner ran out to Chris Roberts on the right, his inswinging left footed cross dropped for Jamie Brewerton who shot wide at the near post. Chris Jones pulled out to the right and immediately ran at the outstanding Adam Worton whose block earned a yellow card, a red was possible given that Jones would have been clear on goal but referee James decided otherwise. Les Davies fired on goal but Jackson blocked and Newtown cleared the resulting long throw. On 61 minutes a double substitution for Bangor as Sion Edwards and Michael Jukes came on for Chris Jones and Alan Bull. This certainly gave City fresh impetus on the slithery Latham Park surface. With second Edwards rounded rightback Swanick to dispatch a booming cross but to no avail. On 68 minutes Eddie Jebb replaced Dave Morley and Newtown introduced top scorer Craig Whitfield for Jamie Price. Two minutes later Chris Roberts was yellow carded for a trip on the left. Newtown went close to taking the lead as Paul Smith had to be alert to deny Dylan Blain's clean header. Bangor responded as Craig Garside fired over after good approach play from Clive Willliams and debutant Michael Jukes. With fifteen
minutes left the impressive Michael Jackson
was yellow carded for a foul on Sion Edwards and either side of two
more Bangor corners Lee Hartshorne replaced Dylan Blain who hard worked
hard in midfield. With ten minutes left the pacey Breeze raced down the
left and fired a low shot into the side netting to the relief of blues
fans.
On 82 minutes a second yellow and then red card was shown to Michael Jackson for a carbon copy of the first. Referee James was a little fussy, but he was consistent and managers say that is what they want. Michael Johnston ventured upfield but sent his long range effort well wide before City won a sixth corner on the right. Sion Edwards crossed and Jamie Brewerton cursed his luck as Keddle cleared but only to Craig Garside who netted from close range. What a relief! Practically the whole Bangor contingent of more than a hundred had gathered behind Roberts' goal and celebrated as one. The goal was timed at 89 minutes. There wree three minutes to play out during which Les Davies was yellow carded for dissent but Newtown did not manage to threaten Paul Smith's goal. The final whistle blew, Bangor fans celebrated once more, and a first away win of 2011 was in the bag. |
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| 29 |
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welsh premier |
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| Bangor got
back to winning ways with a six nil drubbing of Haverfordwest, and in
reality is could have been more. With Jamie Reed gone and Jamie Brewerton serving a one match ban, City kept faith with Clive Williams at rightback, Peter Hoy at centrehalf which allowed Dave Morley to screen the defence from central midfield. Not that it needed much screening from a one paced County side who lost goalkeeper Lee Idzi to a broken finger on ten minutes and seemed to play with ten men thereafter. Idzi appeared to punch Craig Garside's head as he attempted to clear a Les Davies' cross and could take no further part in the game. His tenth minute replacement was Kirk Huggins but it was Gareth Elliott who took over in goal. Within sixty seconds Bangor went ahead as the outstanding Chris Jones slotted home from past the stand in keeper. Bangor won a corner five minutes later but Dave Morley headed wide before a second goal duly arrived on nineteen minutes. Chris Jones robbed Huggins on half way, chased down the right and crossed for Les Davies to net his sixth goal of the season. Two
minutes later, on twenty one, it was 3-0 and all over
as Dave Morley headed home
from close range with the visitors centrebacks flat footed.
Bangor could have gone four up immediately when Alan Bull and Les
Davies ganged up on Collins, won the ball and chased goalwards on the
left, but Les Davies saw his shot blocked. Haverfordwest sprang
into life and created a half chance which former blue Neil Thomas
smashed well over the Farrar End crossbar.
Chris Jones, terrorising leftback Huggins, found space on the right but again his shot was blocked. On the half hour Alan Bull, by now desperate to get his name on the scoresheet, outpaced Jarman but saw shot from the left roll against the post and bounce away. County via Thomas went close again moments later but Paul Smith held confidently. On 38 mins a fourth goal and some reward for the hard working Alan Bull as he netted from the right and four minutes later, on 42, it got worse for the visitors as Les Davies latched onto a low cross to place the ball beyond the exposed Elliott who was scarcely enjoying much protection. Half time and Bangor let five nil with referee Huw Jones yet to show a card of any colour to either side. |
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| HALF TIME 5-0 |
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| 28 |
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welsh premier |
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Bangor suffered their second away
defeat in a row at Stebonheath as madcap referee Kevin Morgan showed
eight yellow cards - including two to captain Jamie Brewerton. Chris Venables went close for the home side, once with a rising drive which struck team mate Jason Bowen and then with the rebound which flew over the crossbar. Bangor went close when a Peter Hoy long throw found Jamie Reed but Ashley Morris made a point blank save to keep the scoreline blank. A deep corner from Sion Edwards found Dave Morley but he headed off target. City won a fifth corner of the evening but Les Davies saw his effort blocked. In what was to turn out to be his final appearance Jamie Reed manufactured a half chance with an overhead kick but failed to find the target. Rhys Griffiths headed off target as the big striker looked strangely subdued. Five minutes before the interval Llanelli had the lead. Referee Kevin Evans was one of a few people who thought that Jamie Brewerton had fouled Owain Warlow and awarded a penalty which Rhys Griffiths duly converted for his 200th Welsh Premier goal. To add insult to injury Evans compounded the problem for Bangor by showing a needless yellow card to blues captain Brewerton. Jamie Reed went close for City but Ashley Morris saved and Corbisiero completed the clearance and the danger passed. As half time arrived Llanelli led one nil. |
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| HALF
TIME 1-0 |
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|
At the
interval goalscorer Griffiths was replaced by Craig Moses. City went close to drawing level when Jamie Reed span and shot fiercely at goal from the edge of the box but his effort flew just over. Llanelli threatened but Jamie Brewerton, who impressed on his return, did well to cut out a pass intended for Craig Moses. City forced a couple of openings with Les Davies going close and Peter Hoy close to the action. On the hour a spate of subtitutions saw Chris Jones and Eddie Jebb come on for Sion Edwards and Jamie Reed, with Llanelli sending on Chris Llewellyn for Jason Bowen. Chris Jones was quickly into the action and his fiercely hit shot forced a good save out of Morris after good work from Eddie Jebb. Moments later Adam Orme replaced Jordan Follows. With fiteen minutes left to play the versatile Clive Williams came on for Craig Garside but it was Llanelli who went close as Chris Venables threatened only to be denied by Jamie Brewerton. City had claims for a penalty as Les Davies was brought down in the box but nothing was given. Chris Jones went close
again for City before Jamie Brewerton saw
his goalbound header hacked off the line by Moses from a Nicky Ward
corner. Another chance for an equaliser came and went as Les Davies met
Nicky Ward's corner but his header flew over.
Two minutes from time Llanelli doubled their lead as Chris Llewellyn netted from close range after good work from substitutes Craig Moses and Adam Orme. In the four minutes of added time Referee Evans further endeared himself to the visiting clan when he showed a second yellow card and then red to Jamie Brewerton for a challenge on Chris Llewellyn. |
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| 27 |
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welsh premier |
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|
City suffered a first league defeat
of the season against a determined Prestatyn at Bastion Road on Sunday. With Jamie Brewerton and Chris Roberts missing Peter Hoy switched to leftback and Clive Williams played on the right with Dave Morley alongside Michael Johnston. The home side created the first chance of the afternoon as Ross Stephens forcing a save from Paul Smith before Les Davies and Nicky Ward sent long range effort off target for City. On seven minutes though the hundreds of Bangor fans celebrated as Peter Hoy headed Nicky Ward's deep freekick back across goal for Jamie Reed to convert from close range. Stephens went close again for Prestatyn after a stoppage as Dave Hayes stayed down with a head injury, and again with a low shot from the right which arched wide of Paul Smith's righthand post. But on 21 minutes Smith could do little as a misplaced clearance and defensive mix up let in Lee Hunt who shot into the bottom corner. Bangor responded with a Peter Hoy cross which Craig Garside lept highest for but headed upwards for Dunt to pouch. On the half hour Prestatyn went close again as Lee Hunt headed over, but a direct run from Chris Jones set up a chance for Garside but his side footer flew over. As Prestatyn's direct style unsettled City it was Clive Williams' whose determined defending did much to keep the home side at bay. Dave Morley picked out
goalscorer Jamie Reed but he shot
at Dunt, then Lee Hunt ran clear but lofted the ball over Paul Smith
and onto the roof of the net. Three minutes before the interval
though it as 2-1 to Prestatyn as a City kept out a Steve Rogers shot
but a low drive from fifteen yards from Ross Stephens deflected into the
Bangor net from close range.
On the stroke of half time Peter Hoy as yellow carded for a clash with goalkeeper Dunt and the home side ran off with a slender lead to their credit. |
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| HALF
TIME 2-1 |
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| No changes at
the interval but Prestatyn went close to again as Lee Hunt shot from
the left but Paul Smith palmed over. Steve Rogers got on the end
of a Lee Hunt cross but fired at a grateful Smith. Bangor stirred as Craig Garside and Alan Bull combined but Nicky Ward saw his shot veer off target. With only the creaky Kai Edwards as opposition Bull span in on goal from the right but his dipping shot was pushed onto the near post by the blasted Hill Dunt. Dave Morley was then yellow carded. On the hour Sion Edwards replaced Chris Jones as Lee Hunt received treatment on half way. Five minutes later the hard working Les Davies won a corner on the right but referee Markham Jones blew for a foul as Hill Dunt collided with one of his defenders! With twenty minutes left on the clock Bangor won three corners in quick succession, the third taken by Sion Edwards dropped for Craig Garside to fire home from ten yards. All square and all to play for, with Bangor now on the front foot and the sizeable blue contingent noisy and involved. Another Hoy long
throw found Jamie Reed but he headed
wide, then Dave Morley's header was easily saved by Hill Dunt.
With fifteen minutes left Mike Parker was shown a yellow card for a
lunge on Dave Morley. The freekick was headed across goal by Les Davies
but Craig Garside could only slice his shot wide when well placed.
Bangor quickly paid a high price as Kai Edwards smashed the ball upfield to relieve the pressure, Steve Rogers gathered and swept home from the edge of the box. Moments later Dave Morley was shown a second yellow and red card for a challenge on Neil Gibson. Three minutes from time Lee Hunt crossed and Steve Rogers netted with a diving header to clinch a big win for The Seasiders which few could argue against. So City began 2011 with a defeat and another red card to contemplate as the blue horde wandered off across the grass behind the Bastion Road goal. |
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| 26 |
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|
welsh premier |
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| The piles of
snow around the perimeter and the firm condition of the playing surface
spoke of the hours of hard work put in by the groundsman to get this
game on. When it did start though the dominant display, baffling for
both teams, came from match official Bridges. Bangor boss Nev Powell was forced to rule out flu victim Craig Garside along with Jamie Brewerton and opted to bring Clive Williams in on the right and switch Peter Hoy to centreback. But the man to beat for the first half - and much of the second - was the acrobatic John Hill Dunt who pulled off ten first half stops, a mixture of the routine and breathtaking, at the Farrar End. The first came inside two minutes, a full length dive to palm away Jamie Reed's crosshot from the left. Moments later Dunt denied Alan Bull whose low shot seemed set for the bottom corner and then from Dave Morley with a similar effort. On eight minutes a Bangor corner saw the unmarked Morley head over. Alan Bull ran down the right, crossed for Nicky Ward to gather and shoot but again Dunt saved low to his right. On twenty minutes Lee Hunt forced a save out of Paul Smith with a shot from the right. Prestatyn had a corner but City cleared and Dunt was back into the thick of things with a double save from Jamie Reed's shot and Alan Bull'sclose range rebound effort from the left. Prestatyn came back through Parker - once briefly a blue - whose low cross from the right found Lee Hunt but his wretched miskick let Bangor off the hook. City were enjoying most of the game and Bull forced a seventh save with a long range shot which Dunt held comfortably. On 25 mins Jamie Reed ran into the Prestatyn box, went down under a challenge, no penalty. The referee was well behind play and the standside linesman gave nothing. The visitors had found their feet by now, inspired by their sturdy custodian, and Neil Gibson tricked his way through the Bangor defence only to shoot at Paul Smith. Bangor won a second corner which ended in Dunt backpeddling to save from Peter Hoy's lofted effort. Next Jamie Reed raced round leftback Lewis but shot across goal before a ninth Dunt save from Reed's twenty yard curler added to the frustration of the seven hundred strong home support. Steve Rogers momentarily got the better of Peter Hoy but the determined defender recovered just in time, then left peg Ross Stephens had a fifteen yarder blocked. The final minutes summed up the first half, Dunt made his tenth save from Nicky Ward and the lanky Parker galloped clear on the right to cross for Steve Rogers to head over from right in front of goal. But it stayed goalless and credit largely to John Hill Dunt for that. |
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| HALF TIME
0-0 |
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| 25 |
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|
welsh premier |
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|
Bangor dropped their first league
points of the season at Broughton but, bereft of captain Jamie
Brewerton and goalkeeper Paul Smith, might see this as a point gained
not two lost. It was a messy sort of evening with Airbus intent on time wasting and Bangor tending to opt for the long ball more than in previous weeks. The pitch was also strangely lifeless and gave the false impression that the ball might be flat. Early chances came and went as Kristian Rogers saved from Chris Jones and young debutant Dan Jones pushed over a shot from Andy Moran. Airbus were keen to put the Anglesey teenager under pressure and did so unfairly according to referee Huw Jones from their second corner inside ten minutes. Controvesy was not far away as Alan Bull ran clear - attacking the social club end - to be denied by goalkeeper Rogers who slid on his side well outside the box. It looked like handball to the blue masses on the open side, but the official waved play on. City forced a couple of corners which culminated in Jamie Reed's header flashing wide. The ever dangerpous Andy Moran went close for the home side whilst Alan Bull forced a low save from Rogers. Bangor could not exert any real control in midfield and with both sides tending to go long the game was scarcely much of a spectacle. However it was not without chances and Wrexham loanee Nick Rushton shot over following a run and cross from former blue Carl Owen on twenty five minutes before City went close three times in as many minutes. First Nicky Ward shot wide from 30 yards, then Craig Garside hit the crossbar with an overhead kick after a period of pressure and finally Alan Bull shot across goal from the left with Jamie Reed hitting the side netting from a tight angle. Airbus responded as Nick Rushton fired over before Les Davies had the ball in the back of the net but referee Jones spotted that Rogers had also been dispatched! Finally Alan Bull went close after good build up play involving Les Davies but Rogers saved and the first half ended goalless. |
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| HALF
TIME 0-0 |
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|
Bangor forced
the first opening of the second period as Chris Jones' effort was saved
by Rogers, but on 53 minutes it was Airbus who took the lead.
Goalkeeper Rogers' long clearance eluded Michael Johnston and allowed
former Rhyl marksman Andy Moran
to run on goal to unleash a low drive which beat Dan Jones on its way
into the net. Ten scappy minutes followed with both Michael Johnston and Dave Morley shown the yellow card and another former blue, Paul McManus, shooting wide. On 65 minutes manager Powell decided to change things with the introduction of Sion Edwards and Eddie Jebb in favour of Chris Jones and Sion Edwards. Bangor won a freekick for handball as Sion Edwards shot was blocked on the edge of the D but Dave Morley fired well over before Carl Owen headed wide. On 77 minutes Clive Williams replaced Chris Roberts as City put the emphasis on attack and gradually the blue army stirred in support. City won another freekick which Les Davies sighted but sent to 25 yarder wide of the righthand post, then with five minutes on the clock the increasingly influential Sion Edwards crossed but Davies headed wide. By now the cunning Rogers was fully exploiting the lack of ball boys to take 30-40 seconds for every goalkick to the annoyance of the Bangor contingent. There was even more dismay when only four added minutes were displayed by the fourth official. Bangor were bent on getting something though and The Planemakers defence was creaking but just about surviving until the third minute of added time. Sion Edwards crossed from the left, Les Davies saw his header crash against the crossbar but was able to celebrate seconds later as Alan Bull headed home from close range. In a bizarre scene a handful of home defenders collapsed and lay prone on the pitch as Bangor players cut short their celebrations in a bold bid to force an even later winner. Unhappily crime does pay sometimes and time ran out with Bangor forced to accept a point, which, in the full light of day, might be seen as a triumph over adversity rather than points dropped. |
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|
| 24 |
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|
welsh premier |
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|
|
Bangor earned their fifteen win but
were made to work harder than ever by a depleted - but hugely
industrious - Aberystwyth side. And City had to find a winner despite being down to ten men from 65 minutes when Paul Smith was shown a red card by referee Dean John. On a heavy surface both sides had early chances with Jamie Reed and then Gareth Hughes going close - the latter from half way - before the hugely influential Les Davies crashed a 25 yarder wide. On the quarter hour Bangor forced a couple of corners but it was Lewis Codling, one of a trio of former Everton youngsters in the home side, who went close twice inside a minute. First Paul Smith ran out to clear then it was Michael Johnston whose perfectly timed tackle epitomised his performance. Aber won a corner but this fizzed across goal to the relief of the blue's followers. City responded with another low drive from Les Davies which crashed wide once more. Former Bangor favourite Ricky Evans was on fine form and he was alert to a rare lose ball from Dave Morley and forced a full lengh save from Paul Smith. Again a low corner sped across the goalmouth with no one able to get a touch for the home side. Chris Roberts and then Les Davies sent lon grange efforts narrowly wide before, in the 24th minute, City snatched the lead. Paul Smith high clearnance was controlled by Les Davies who turned Sion James, cut inside Aneurin Thomas and unleashed a fierce low drive which beat Cann all ends up from twelve yards. Craig Garside was shown the yellow card before Adam Pepper, another former Evertonian, shot on target. Bangor countered through Nicky Ward - enjoying a rare battle with Ricky Evans in midfield - saw his shot blocked. Jamie Reed cut in from the left, Chris Roberts crossed but Cann pulled off a great save from Alan Bull. The pacey Codling again caused problems but Craig Williams failed to capitalised. Reed again created an opening but Bull was again denied by Cann. With five minutes remaining Jamie Reed's backheel was repelled and Nicky Ward's shot blocked. Moments later Reed was in space on the left but his shot lacked power and conviction and Cann saved once more. Gareth Hughes went close but two minutes before the interval Aber drew level. Midfield dynamo Adam Pepper delivered a corner from the right and Ricky Evans reacted first to guide a low shot into the back of the net. Bangor tried to respond, Alan Bull's header was pushed away, but the whistle blew at one all. |
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| HALF
TIME 1-1 |
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|
The second
half began with a yellow card for Ricky Evans for a pull on half way.
City went close through Alan Bull before another low corner skidded
across the Bangor goal on the slithery Park Avenue surface. Aber pressed for a second but Michael Johnston defend bravely but a seventh Aber corner was ably cleared by Peter Hoy. Paul Smith's long clearance was headed on by Les Davies but Jamie Reed, strangely subdued, shot at Cann and the chance went. On 55 mins Eddie Jebb replaced Chris Jones. Seconds later Chris Roberts was shown the yellow card by Mr John. Bangor bounced back in what was and always had been wonderfully open with a wild shot from Craig Garside after good build up play from Les Davies and Chris Roberts. Nicky Ward was also cautioned moments later whilst conceding a freekick which Ricky Evans lifted over, then Ward himself fired on goal but Cann saved. On 65 minutes disaster struck. The pacey Codling raced down the right and cut across Paul Smith who clearly tripped the little whippet just outside the box. Freekick, and, despite the presence of Dave Morley, a red card for Smith. Up stepped Peter Hoy to don the gloves and green jersey. Bangor down to ten men and Aber sensed their chance. The next twenty or so minutes were a catalogue of chances missed and cards shown. On 70 mins Clive Williams came on for Alan Bull and made a huge impression at right back, winning headers and tackles as if his life depended on it. Ten minutes later Aber's sole replacement Ryan Marriott came on for Aneurin Thomas as Aber committed them selves to attack. Ffred's departure proved their undoing. Meanwhile Peter Hoy was going about his business calmly and fielded a long range shot and held one low on the turf. Les Davies found Jamie Reed but again his shot lacked conviction. Davies again thundered a twenty five yarder wide. Eddie Jebb was getting the better of his tussle with the veteran Howard as Bangor dreamed the impossible dream, to win from a man down. City forced three corners, nothing doing. But on 90 minutes the dream came true as leading goalscorer Jamie Reed gathered a Nicky Ward free kick, turne and fired home from the left. Minutes later Nicky Ward won the ball on the edge of the Bangor box to send a long clearance down the left. This was gathered by Jamie Reed who ignored shouts to take the ball to the corner by charging around Craig Williams, switching the ball onto his right foot before thrashing a low shot past Cann for an unbelievable third goal. There were some wild scenes as home players collapsed on the pitch in disbelief as Bangor players and supporters celebrated a fifteenth league win. |
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|
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|
| 23 |
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|
welsh premier |
|
|
|
| What a day! A
record breaking forteenth win for Bangor who hit hapless Port Talbot
for eight on a slithery Farrar Road. The pre match news was that Jamie Brewerton was still hospital following an operation which could rule him out for six weeks. Dave Morley duly slotted in alongside Michael Johnston with Craig Garside starting in midfield. Also that the lights were off! A power failure on High Street meant the game could start but might not finish. Attacking the Farrar End, Bangor forced three corners in the opening five minutes but young goalkeeper Burnett was up to the challenge. Port Talbot broke and forced Dave Morley to time his tackle perfectly as Martin Rose ran into the box. Ten minutes in and the visitors first corner was quickly cleared but Burnett saved Jamie Reeds long range sighter.
A fourth Bangor corner on eleven minutes resulted in the
opening goal. Nicky Ward crossed deep from the right and Jamie Reed nodded home from
close range. A fifth corner followed and on fourteen minetes City
doubled their advantage as Burnett could not hold Les Davies thirty
yard rocket and Jamie Reed
was again on hand to nod home from the left. The game was still
quite
open and the sure footed Michael Johnston stood firm for City when
threatened.
Moments later Nicky Ward found himself in space on the left but shot wide, then Chris Roberts crossed from the left, Surman misjudged but Burnett saved Peter Hoy's header. Craig Garside picked out Les Davies but his header missed the target. Luke Bowen shot wide from close range as the visitors looked for a foothold in the game. After a quiet spell where neither side could hold on to possession, a roar from the Farrar End meant the tea bar light was on! The power was back on which meant we were in business to finish the game under lights. Gareth Phillips' long range shot was saved by Paul Smith before Chris Jones and then Peter Hoy went close for City.
A minute before half time Bangor went three up.
Nicky Ward's shot was blocked but rolled back to the left peg who
shot again, Burnett saved, but Craig
Garside tapped in from close
range. City won an eighth corner and Gareth Phillips was very
lucky to escape any form of punishment for a wild skidding lunge in
front of the dugouts.
|
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| HALF TIME
3-0 |
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|
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|
||||
|
| 22 |
|
|
welsh premier |
|
|
|
| This was a
swashbuckling performance by Bangor as the thirteenth win reasserted
that thirteen point lead at the top of the Welsh Premier. Carmarthern, defending the St Pauls, had a low sun to contend with which helped to unsettle the inexperienced stand in goalkeeper Shane Earp. On ten minutes though it was Tim Hicks who looked poised to strike before captain Jamie Brewerton slid in with a crucial tackle which left both players needing treatment. On the quarter hour mark Les Davies headed on target from Jamie Reed's deep cross from the right, but the visitors were alive and kicking as Michael Johnston had to snuff out a break involving first Darren Griffiths and then Sacha Walters on the left. Corey Thomas went close with a clean low strike, then Les Davies smashed a twenty yarder just wide at The St Pauls End. Bangor won a couple of corners but Carmarthen broke through Sasha Walters who shot over from the edge of the box. Next Jamie Brewerton had to be brave once more to deny Darren Griffiths but moments later City had the lead. There were 29 minutes on the clock when Les Davies and Jamie Reed combined on the left, the ball came in at the near post and although Chris Jones missed out Alan Bull stabbed home from close range. No sooner had the applause died down than it started again two minutes later as Peter Hoy's slid in Alan Bull to double his tally with a calm finish. It so nearly became a four minute hatrick moments later when Bull shot goalwards but his effort hit Chris Jones and was thumped clear. The
strangely subdued Sacha Walters clattered Chris
Roberts who continued after treatment. Carmarthen pressed but Dave
Morley, tall and purposeful, headed clear twice in quick
succession. Bangor responded with a Peter Hoy long throw which
fell to Les Davies but Earp saved in front of his face.
On the stroke of half time Jamie Reed ran in behind the
Town defence but shanked his shot wide. But it was so nearly two one as
Darren Griffiths rounded Paul Smith only to see his low shot cleared
off the
line by the never say die Michael Johnston who was roundly applauded.
And that was about it
as Referee Pratt blew for the interval with Bangor boasting a two nil
advantage.
|
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| HALF TIME
2-0 |
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|
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|
| 21 |
|
|
LOOSEMORES CUP |
|
|
|
 Bangor took a
thirteenth minute lead but it did not prove unlucky for the English
visitors as the final scoreline confirms.Nev Powell strengthened his side from that which lost heavily in the first leg, but kept faith with young Sean Davies, and gave full games to Clive Williams and Tom Dix. TNS brought in Welshpool youngster, and academy product, Charlie Proctor. City forged the first chance when Les Davies headed wide off a Peter Hoy cross. But it was Bangor who struck first to warm the hearts and hands of the crowd when Alan Bull cut inside from the right and shot left footed past Paul Harrison, after good build up involving Craig Garside. Moments later a long clearance from Paul Smith bounced through to Bull again but this time he failed to get his shot away. On 25 minutes Peter Hoy again sent the ball into the box but Craig Garside missed the target, moments later TNS broke but Michael Johnston was on hand to snuff out the danger. Les Davies shot goalwards but Harrison saved. City won a couple of corners with Clive Williams in the thick of the action but Sion Edwards' cross seem to miss everyone with the visitors defence flatfooted. Seven minutes before the break the injured Sion Edwards was replaced by Chris Jones. Peter Hoy launched a long throw which Les Davies backheaded at goal but Harrison pushed away for a third Bangor corner. Hoy got a second chance moments later and picked out Chris Jones whose instinctive effort hit goalkeeper Harrison and was scrambled away. Eddie
Jebb won City a fourth corner but this came to
nothing, then Bull threatened by Baker slid in to halt his
progress. TNS threatened through Berkerley and Ruscoe but he shot
wide. Two added minutes signalled, due to the injury to Sion Edwards.
Les Davies and Connell Rawlinson clashed, Les was shown the yellow card
but Rawlinson's aggressive response a heavy challenge went unpunished.
Former Llanelli winger Craig Williams went close for TNS before the
whistle blew. It was still one nil at the interval - hopes of a
ten nil scoreline did look a touch remote.
|
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| HALF
TIME 1-0 |
||||
| The second
half got underway with Bangor attacking the St Pauls End. City nearly
scored within moments of the kick off when Eddie Jebb cut in from the
right but his deflected shot sped wide of Paul Harrion's goal. Then
midfield maestro Craig Garside fired over from the edge of the box. City forced a corner which was cleared. Les Davies got the better of former blue Phil Baker but the centreback recovered to see the ball back to his goalkeeper. Craig Williams' deflected header resulted in a corner for TNS but Michael Johnston cleared. Connell Rawlinson made way for Grant Butler on 63 minutes. Jamie Wood was shown the yellow card for a wild challenge. Les Davies upset the home defence with a forward header but TNS scrambled clear. On 70 mins Bangor sent on John Owen for Les Davies. Matt Berkerley was yellow carded for a kick on Paul Smith. With twenty minutes remaining John Owen came on for Les Davies and five minutes later Chris Roberts came on for the injured Chris Jones as another Welshpool youngster Barry Haralambous replaced Aaron Edwards, The visitors levelled on 73 minutes when Matt Berkerley scored after an attempted Peter Hoy clearance hit Clive Williams in the face and allowed the much travelled striker to jab home from close range. Eddie Jebb forced TNS keeper Harrison to save with his feet. John Owen was
tripped running into the box but no
penalty. Paul Smith saved well from Ruscoe whose deflected effort
nearly deceived City's custodian. On 82 minutes Scott Ruscoe scored from the
penalty spot, awarded for no apparent reason by Mark Petch. And with a
minute left on the clock the persistent Jamie Wood made it
three one with a well struck shot from the edge of the box.
And that was that, an convincing aggregate win or defeat which ever way you look at it, TNS now meet Llanelli in the final. |
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|
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|
| 20 |
|
|
The Welsh Cup |
|
|
|
|
Pretty much the first action of the
first half was the opening goal which came in the sixth minute. A cross
from the left by Nicky Ward was nodded in by Jamie Brewerton and a
comfortable win seemed on the cards.
Athletic goalkeeper
Peter Blain was all at sea minutes
later as he flapped wildly at a Peter Hoy long throw from the right.
Gradually though the Bridgend based side fought their way back into the
match and on the quarter hour Brian Burke's deflected shot forced Paul
Smith to clear with his feet for a corner. Burke crossed and centreback
Rhys Williams headed
home at the near post to stun the home fans and delight the noisy
Bryntirion contingent.
Chris Jones and Jamie
Reed went close for Bangor as a
strangely subdued first half progressed. Two minutes before the
interval City won their third corner of the afternoon but Jamie
Brewerton headed wide. Athletic won their third corner and a stoppage
followed as Sean Williams suffered a head injury but he was able to
continue after treatment.
A final Bangor corner of the afternoon yielded nothing and referee Mike Jones blew for the interval with the scores tied at one all. |
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| HALF
TIME 1-1 |
||||
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|
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|
||||
|
| 19 |
|
|
welsh premier |
|
|
|
|
Such is the standard that City has set this season, that a
3-0 verdict was recorded without the fluency fans have come to expect,
but they
were rarely troubled although the visitors did rattle the woodwork late
on and
a superb Paul Smith save ensured a Bala blank.
Buoyed by a backing wind in the first half, it became route
one stuff for most of Bala’s game plan with willing front runners in
Michael
Thompson and Chris Mason marshalled well by the City back four.
However, for all their possession and dominance, City were
unable to create many first half openings as Colin Caton’s side hassled
and
harried. In fact, the Maes Tegid side could have embarrassed the hosts
when an
offside looking Thompson broke clear on 13 minutes only to lose control
of the
ball fifteen yards out.
James Brewerton had an earlier effort blocked and Chris
Jones backheeled a Dave Morley shot inches wide although the liner’s
flag had
been up for several seconds for an offside. City
struck
on twenty two minutes when Chris Jones played in Jamie Reed at the
edge of the box and he duly slotted the ball past keeper Leon
Bimpson from seven yards.
The visitors responded
with several long range efforts, the
tricky John Irving firing over from twenty yards, while Smith was
relieved to
see a Steve Morrison piledriver narrowly miss the target, while
Thompson was
inches wide from 25 yards on the stroke of half time. |
||||
| HALF TIME
1-0 |
||||
|
Referee Matt Bridges was replaced by fourth official Nick
Pratt on fifty minutes after pulling a muscle, but he annoyed the home
fans on
the hour by giving City a free kick on the edge of the box when Jones
appeared
to be fouled by Mark Powell inside the area. This is Bangor so a little
controvesy is inevitable.
A couple of minutes before, Leon Bimpson did well to save from
Jamie Reed after being pressed by Les Davies following a long clearance
from Paul Smith.
City doubled their tally on 63 minutes when Les Davies put in
Chirs Jones on the left of the box and he rounded Bimpson before
sliding the ball goalwards for Jamie
Reed to touch home.
Still Bala remained defiant and refused to lie down with
Paul Ennis denied by the bar with a twenty yard angled effort a minute
later
and then forced Smith to a superb save, the home keeper pushing a
vicious
twenty yarder over the bar.
City were guilty of sloppiness at times and the visitors
took the second half corner count by six to three, but left peg Nicky Ward put the result
beyond any doubt on 77 minutes with a screamer from 25 yards that left
Bimpson
grasping thin air as the ball hit the top left corner.
However, Bala nearly had the final say at the death when
Danny Williams put a glancing header just wide from a corner from sub
Rob
Evans, bit it was Bangor who took the spoils despite not really hitting
top
gear. And recorded that twelth straight win in league matches. |
||||
|
||||
|
| 18 |
|
|
LOOSEMORES
CUP |
|
|
|
|
Bangor
effectively bowed out of the Loosemores Cup (again!) with a heavy
defeat on the synthetic surface at Park Hall. Managers Nev Powell and Mike Davies opted to field changed sides, but it was the full timers who fielded the stronger side on the night and ran out emphatic winners to clinch a final berth, with Cayman Isles cap Jamie Wood leading the way with a hatrick. Having said that it was goalless for the first 35 or so minutes as Bangor played some decent football and matched the home side. They might even have taken the lead. Chwilog youngster John Owen latched onto a wayward pass from Chris Marriott but saw his shot hit the wood work and bounce to safety. The opening goals came on 37 and 38 minutes when Jamie Wood netted a quick fire salvo which sapped the strength of the Bangor side. Three minutes before the interval it was 3-0 as Aeron Edwards scored from close range to send the home side 3-0 up at the interval and leave manager Nev Powell a disasterous closing eight minutes to contemplate. |
||||
| HALF
TIME 3-0 |
||||
|
There were no
changes at the interval but on 46 minutes it was four nil as Matt Berkerley netted, then
after young blues keeper Danny Jones denied an intiial effort Alex Darlington make it five. Goals from Scott Ruscoe on 58 and 69 minutes took the scoring to 7-0 as City boss Nev Powell sent on some of his replacements. On the hour Chris Roberts came on for Craig Garside who would have benefitted from an hour after his lengthy lay off, and on 71 minutes Liverpool Schools defender Toto Tolongo replaced Chris Jones. Finally Robin Roberts, a regular goalscorer for the reserves, came on for John Owen with fifteen minutes remaining. With ten minutes remaining Alex Darlington made it eight and with three minutes left Jamie Wood bagged his hatrick despite the best efforts of young goalkeeper Danny Jones who would not have overly enjoyed his first outing in the Loosemores Cup. To say this result makes TNS favourites to reach the League Cup final is probably an understatement but, either way, the second leg will take place at Farrar Road on 9th November 2010. |
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|
||||
|
| 17 |
|
|
welsh premier |
|
|
|
|
Bangor made it eleven in a row with a
determined 2-1 win at The Gnoll against fancied Neath. City kicked off with a low sun in their faces and a noisy travelling contingent spurring them on. This early chances fell to Les Davies who fired over from distance, then the big forward netted but the whistle had blown for offside. Michael Johnston soon came to terms with the threat of former Rhyl favourite Lee Trundle as City dominated the opening stages. Eagles goalkeeper Craig Morris was forced into action to keep out Nicky Ward's clean strike but Trundle led a short fightback which ended with Bangor countering and winning an opening corner. Chris Jones crossed, Hancock half cleared and Chris Roberts lashed over from 30 yards. On 21 minutes Bangor could have gone ahead as Peter Hoy found Nicky Ward on the right, his early cross picked out Les Davies who narrowly missed the target. Moments later a long throw from Peter Hoy was again half cleared and Chris Roberts again fired over from outside the box. City showed some
variation as Hoy threw back to Michael
Johnston on half way. His touch and inviting cross found Alan Bull who
forced a good save from Morris. Neath won a freekick on the the
Bangor left and Paul Cochlin headed over from the edge of the
box. On the half hour Nicky Ward needed treatment after taking a
blow in the face from Lee Trundle, seconds later Jamie Brewerton did
well to stop the left footer as he closed on goal.
Neath's best moment of the first half came when Andy Hill shot on target and Paul Smith did well to preserve the clean sheet. Paul Fowler saw his shot curl wide before, on 40 minutes, Lee Trundle limped off and was replaced by Ashley Evans. Referee Brian James yellow carded Trundle as he sat on the bench. The lively Chris Jones unhinged Bangor with a mazey run on the left but his shot hit the far post to the relief of everyone in blue. |
||||
| HALF
TIME 0-0 |
||||
| The sun was
now lower and more of a menace for Craig Morris for that. Bangor again
forced the early pace and after a couple of long throws from Peter Hoy
it was Alan Bull who cut in from the left but struck the side netting
from a tight angle. Neath though gathered themselves, with Fowler and Chris Jones prominent, and won a penalty as Chad Bond's run into the blues box ended in a collision with Jamie Brewerton. Up stepped Chris Jones to score confidently to the delight of the home crowd and bench. City looked to their biggest and most visible attacking threat for a response, he did not fail them. Les Davies crashed through two home defenders and shot goalwards but Craig Morris saved. City won a fourth corner but Hancock cleared. Jamie Brewerton and midfield dynamo Nicky Ward saw goalbound efforts saved by Morris. On 66 minutes Craig Garside made a welcome return, Chris Jones making way. On 70 mins it was all square. A trademark torpedo from Peter Hoy found Les Davies in front of goal. The Truck found time to head down and shoot home despite the whole Neath defence charging in! Referee James took
a lenient view of a spiteful rugby
style challenge from Cochlin on Paul Smith. With fifteen minutes left
City forced a couple of corners whilst Alan Bull received treatment
behind the goal for a foot injury, On 79 mins winger Eddie Jebb came on
for Bull who by now had limped off.
With ten minutes left Bangor had the lead. Les Davies forced the ball forward, on the edge of the box Craig Garside slid in Jamie Reed who placed the ball wide of Morris before celebrating with a rugby dive behind the goal. Bangor now had to stand firm to win, which they did. Neath made a double substitution but it changed little. Les Davies helped City spend much of the final minutes in the Neath half and eventually Brian James blew for time and the celebrations began. Eleven straight wins and now a thirteen points lead at the top of the table. |
||||
|
||||
|
| 16 |
|
|
welsh premier |
|
|
|
| Bangor made it ten
out of ten with a comfortable win over Newtown at a sunny Farrar Road. With Andy Cale on England duty former blues boss Lee Williams took charge and opted for a 5-3-2 formation with Dave Swanick at sweeper. In the first ten seconds City unhinged the offside ploy and - from Newtowns point of view - disaster followed. After a couple of long throws from Peter Hoy on the right the first clear chance fell to Les Davies who headed Alan Bull's cross over the bar. Moments later leftback Keddle lost possession to Nicky Ward who ran at goal and sent a curling effort just wide at the Farrar End. Jamie Reed got into the action with a run which eventually saw him crowded out on the left and then a cross which Bull headed over. In betwen Jamie Brewerton had to be brave to block a goalbound effort from Jamie Breeze as Newtown broke. On ten minutes Bangor had the lead. A deep Chris Roberts cross from the left was volleyed home by Alan Bull to the delight of the 850 City fans in the 860 crowd. It was arguably Bull's best goal of the season which is saying something. With a goal to the good City went searching for more. Nicky Ward's long freekick just eluded Jamie Reed before a booming clearance from Paul Smith was headed on by Les Davies but Chris Jones chipped over from twelve yards. Dave
Morley's first time pass released Nicky Ward on the
left, his cross found Chris Jones whose shot span wide. It scarcely
mattered though as on the half hour Dave Swanick fouled Alan Bull in
the box, penalty. After a moment or two it was Dave Morley who spotted and duly
dispatched the spot kick for a two nil lead.
Four minutes later Bangor went three nil ahead as Nicky Ward cut in from the right, sidestepped two Robins defenders to lash the ball beyond Dave Roberts. With a three nil lead the only thing to do was go for four! Peter Hoy had an effort scraped off the line before Roberts saved from Ward. Into the closing three minutes and a low corner fizzed across the goalmouth, just evading Dave Morley. Newtown broke upfield through Breeze but as he closed on goal Michael Johnston's perfectly timed challenge halted his progress. In what was the final action Bangor won a fourth corner which Peter Hoy headed home but Referee John blew for a foul and Newtown breathed a sigh of relief. |
||||
| HALF
TIME 1-0 |
||||
| No changes at
the interval but more of the same seemed on the cards as Alan Bull slid
Jamie Reed in on the right who fired over at The St Pauls End. Moments
later Lee Hartshorn slipped but Reed dragged his shot wide. Newtown
replied with a shot from Breeze which failed to trouble Paul Smith. However the visitors had switched from 5-3-2 to 4-4-2 with Swanick now at rightback and the offside trap now snared blues strikers more than it had in the first period. Les Davies' header found Nick Ward on the left, his shot was deflected for a fifth corner but it was Newtown who threatened on the break and John McKenna's header was saved by Smith. On 62 minutes the hints of a revival became a reality as left back Paul Keddle scored from close range to reduce the deficit. Bangor boss Nev Powell responded with a double substitution as Sion Edwards and Eddie Jebb came on for Les Davies and Chris Jones. Jamie Reed raced in behind the Robins defence but scuffed his shot. On 65 minutes a change at the back for Newtown as Sean Jones replaced Dave Swanick. With twenty minutes left Newtown won a freekick on the left and with no one really ready Craig Whitfield got the nod from Dean John and netted from 25 yards to alarm the home support. If this did anything though it seemed to sting Bangor into action and Roberts' had to be alert to keep out Peter Hoy's long range effort before two minutes after Newtown's second Bangor grabbed a fourth. Alan Bull cut in from the right to beat Roberts with a low drive to the delight of the St Pauls Enders basking in the Autumn sun. Newtown replaced
Jamie Breeze with Chris Hartland - alice
band and all - and the sub found space on the left but his shot lacked
conviction and Smith held comfortably. On 75 minutes John McKenna
caught Dave Morley full on the snout with a flailing arm. McKenna was
yellow carded whilst Morley left the field with a bloody nose.
On 78 minutes Bangor went 5-2 ahead as Peter Hoy's long throw was cracked home by Jamie Brewerton to seal the victory and before the restart Clive Williams' came on for Dave Morley. Within seconds of taking up the central midfield berth Williams saw his shot blocked by Cadwallader, then with five minutes remaining Shane Sutton forced a save out of Paul Smith. A sixth Bangor corner and Jamie Brewerton was denied a second by a goalline clearance and four minutes of added time notwithstanding, that was about it. Ten out of Ten! |
||||
|
||||
|
| 15 |
|
|
welsh premier |
|
|
|
|
Bangor went behind inside a minute,
but as S4C pundit Dai Davies remarked, showed they had the character to
respond and ran out 2-1 victors to take the winning run to nine Welsh
Premier games. The early setback could not have been much earlier! Neil Thomas' run unsettled the blues defence and the ball broke, O'Sullivan found Lee Hudgell who beat Paul Smith from the edge of the box with left footed shank. On the quarter hour Jack Christopher lunged at Jamie Brewerton in a challenge which left the big defender with stud marks on his shin. Referee Whitby brandished a yellow card when a red was certainly possible. Both sides had chances with Les Davies prominent and Peter Hoy causing problems with his long throws. On the half hour mark Haverfordwest threatened, and after surviving a penalty appeal, Bangor's defence was tested by three quick corners but Jamie Brewerton and Michael Johnston ensured Paul Smith was not overly exerted. Ten minutes before the
interval Jamie Reed saw his header
his the woodwork after Peter Hoy's deep cross eluded Mark Dodds. It was
not to be Reed's day in front of goal.
But a minute before half time Jamie Reed found Alan Bull who turned inside the despairing Elliott and placed his shot beyond Idzi to level the scores. The worry for Bangor fans though was the injury suffered to captain Jamie Brewerton who limped off at the interval. |
||||
| HALF
TIME 1-1 |
||||
| Those fears
were confirmed in the second half as Brewerton was replaced by young
Clive Williams who initially slotted in alongside Michael Johnston, but
within a dozen minutes has swopped with Peter Hoy to allow the long
serving defender to deal with the robust Christopher, and for Williams
to use his pace to combat Hudgell on the right. Minutes after the restart Jamie Reed embarked upon a mazey solo run from the right which saw him outwit the County defence, leaving Dodds on his stomach, but his curler hit the post. Jamie Reed hit the post following a pass from Chris Jones. Then just before the hour Bangor capped a period of pressure with a second goal as Alan Bull ran onto header from Les Davies to beat Lee Idzi and found the time and space to beat Idzi for his second of the match. Jamie Reed hit the post again with fifteen minutes left, then four minutes later City sent on wingers Sion Edwards and Eddie Jebb for Chris Jones and Les Davies. Ten minutes from time County won a penalty as referee Whitby adjudged Peter Hoy to have handled. Up stepped former Bangor midfielder Neil Thomas but his rising drive skimmed the crossbar. Minutes later Mark Dodds headed on and Jack Christopher had a glorious chance but spooned over from six yards. In the final
minute of the ninety Alan Bull ran on goal,
mesmerised the defence and squared to Jamie Reed whose shot was cleared
off the line by
Graves. The rebound ran to Bull but his powerful strike was also
blocked and the danger passed.
This was a hard fought win at Bridgemeadow but no one said it is meant to be easy and full marks to County for a wholehearted tilt at ending the winning run. |
||||
|
||||
|
| 14 |
|
|
LOOSEMORES CUP |
|
|
|
| Bangor won two one on
the night and secured an away goal win over Prestatyn to move into the
semi finals of the Loosemores Cup. Manager Nev Powell gave a start to young Sean Davies at right back, matched Clive Williams with Michael Johnston in centre defence and brought Tom Dix into central midfield. Upfront John Owen partnered Les Davies. Prestatyn were at full strength. In the opening half hour visiting keeper Jon Dunt saved well from Les Davies' long range effort and City had a penalty shout turned down by referee Mark Petch. Prestatyn threatened through the seasoned pairing of Steve Rogers and Lee Hunt, who failed to capitalise on a clear run on goal, but City stood resolute in defence where young Clive Williams clearly enjoyed the battle. Former Shrewsbury midfielder Tom Dix was also warming to the task of bettering opposite number Gareth Wilson whilst John Owen had the edge on former blue Paul O'Neill. Despite chances at both ends it remained goalless at half time. |
||||
| HALF
TIME 1-0 |
||||
| Eight minutes
after the restart Prestatyn had the lead - to add to their 3-2
advantage from the first leg. Paul Smith seemed to lose control
of the ball on the pitch and Lee
Hunt was alert to steal the ball, trot goalwards and finish with
a theatrical header to the annoyance of the home support. Three minutes later City were level. A corner from Sion Edwards was headed home by John Owen at the near post to mark the seventeen year old's first start of the season. Moments later young Steve Jones came on for namesake Chris who had worked hard in midfield. On 69 minutes Bangor had the lead - on the night - and the advantage courtesy of away goals. Young substitute Steve Jones found Sion Edwards who ran through the Prestatyn defence before seeing his shot deflected into the net beyond the burly Dunt. Prestatyn responded with a double substitution on 75 minutes, as Michael Parker and Steve Rogers were taken off in favour of Jon Fisher Cook and left winger Dan Evans. Goalkeeper Dunt did well to deny Les Davies and John Owen as City pressed for a third goal and aggregate advantage. However there were no more goals, and in added time young Curtis Murray made his first team debut in place of Les Davies whilst Steve Jones had his name taken for a late tackle. Referee Petch blew
for time and the crowd celebrated -
once it became clear City had won and did not need extra time or
penalties!
|
||||
|
||||
|
| 13 |
|
|
welsh premier |
|
|
|
| Bangor swept to an
eighth straight league win in this seven goal thriller against reigning
champs TNS. Bangor started well with Nicky Ward testing Paul Harrison with a left footed freekick before Dave Morley just faield to get a telling touch on Peter Hoy's long throw. TNS responded with a low shot from Scott Ruscoe which was blocked but on sixteen minutes the visitors had the lead. A corner from the right from Ritchie Partridge seemed over hit but Holmes retrieved and crossed for Steve Evans to head home. Former Liverpool first teamer Partridge then cut in from the left but Paul Smith saved his low shot. On 24 minutes City pulled level when Michael Johnston's freekick from half way was headed down by Les Davies for Alan Bull to guide home from six yards. The Farrar End celebrated with a verse of "Feed the Bull and he will score". The pacey Craig Jones was a threat throughout, and his battle with former Buckley team mate Chris Roberts was one to watch. Jones ran from half way to cross deep for Partridge whose header was punched away by Paul Smith with Matty Williams blasting the rebound high and wide. Bangor countered with Nicky Ward gathering a short pass off Alan Bull and forcing Harrison to push his rising drive over for a corner. From the flag kick the former Southport stopper saved comfortably from Les Davies. City forced a couple of corners but Steve Evans and co stood firm. On 37
minutes Bangor won a freekick to the right of the
box and Nicky Ward forced a good low save from Harrison, visiting
midfielder Hogan was yellow carded in the process. As half time
beckoned Craig Jones went into overdrive, first a bursting run from the
left which ended in a clean strike saved by Paul Smith, then a repeat
effort culminated in a calm pass to Jamie Wood but he delayed and Jamie
Brewerton slid in to block.
The final minute was a bad one for young defender Rawlinson who conceded a corner on the right and then failed to mark his man as Jamie Brewerton headed home at the back post. The half time whislte blew and the home fans stood as one to cheer the blues off . |
||||
| HALF
TIME 1-0 |
||||
| Although
neither sides may a change at the interval only four minutes had
elapsed when Peter Hoy limped off in favour of Clive Williams who took
over at right back. Ten minutes in Chritstian Seargeant replaced
Barry Hogan but the first effort on goal came seconds later when Les
Davies' right footer flashed over Harrison's cross bar. On 61 minutes Bangor increased their lead. Jamie Reed ran round Rawlinson and flashed the ball over Harrison who perhaps went to ground too early. TNS responded by introducing leading goalscorer Alex Darlington for the largely anonymous Matty Williams. Partridge chased a ball into the box but Paul Smith gathered at his feet. Darlington crossed from the right but Wood's header lacked conviction and Smith saved. Michael Johnston was yellow carded for a foul on Craig Jones, from the freekick Steve Evans headed over. On 70 minutes Eddie Jebb came on for Alan Bull with Matt Berkerly replacing Partridge. On 77 minutes a long throw from the left from Chris Roberts glanced off Les Davies and bounced inside the far post to send City into a 4-1 win. City replaced Les Davies with Sion Edwards. Game over? Not quite! Steve Evans
crashed into Paul Smith for a Bangor freekick
but no card shown. With five minutes left TNS closed the gap as Craig
Jones crossed from the right and substitute Alex Darlington headed home from
close range. With nothing to lose and a slim ray of hope, TNS
pressed and pushed forward but Jamie Reed found space on the counter to
step inside Steve Evans but Harrison saved comfortably,
Reed was chasing down the right only to find Evans blocking his path. Freekick and yellow card for the former Wales centreback. Sion Edwards latched onto a poor clearance from Evans but scuffed his shot. Still 4-2 and into the last minute. Berkeley crossed from the right, and Craig Jones tapped home despite looking well offside. The fourth official declared three minutes of added time. Finger nails beware. But is was Bangor who went closest when Jamie Reed broke down the right and squared to Sion Edwards but his shot hit the helpless Harrison and crashed away to safety. It mattered not. Referee Parry whistled and the thousand strong crowd celebrated loudly at three more points and a rare win over the Shropshire club. |
||||
|
||||
|
| 12 |
|
|
welsh premier |
|
|
|
| Bangor stretched
their winning run to seven Welsh Premier outings with a narrow defeat
of Aberystwyth, but saw two players injured in the process. First to go was Peter Hoy in ther 13th minute when a hamstring problem forced him off. Les Davies came on with Dave Morley switching to rightback. By then though Aberystwyth had forged a couple of half chances. Former blue Ricky Evans, operating at centre forward, had released former Everton professional Lewis Codling on two occasions which saw Chris Roberts and then Jamie Brewerton at full stretch to deny the pacey frontman. But two minutes after the substitution Bangor had the lead. Les Davies rose high at the back post to head Nicky Ward's deep freekick back across goal and Chris Jones netted from close range in front of the Farrar End. City went close again moments later when Davies spread the ball out to Jamie Reed on the left, he squared for Nicky Ward but his left footer span wide. On the
half hour Bangor forged another opening when Chris
Jones' deep cross found Les Davies whose downward header found Jamie
Reed but his back to goal effort was cleared. Aberystwyth responded
with a high swirling ball from Ricky Evans which found Ryan Marriott on
the right and his charge into the box resulted in a corner.
Aber were on the attack again but Nicky Ward chased back to snuff out the danger and launch a counter which resulted in Les Davies's cross from the right being fired over by Alan Bull. The lively Codling was a danger to Bangor and five minutes before the interval he finally found space in behind the blues defence but shot weakly at Paul Smith. Marriott fired over for Aber before the fourth official indicated two minutes of added time. During the three actually played a twenty five yard freekick from Ricky Evans was saved by Smith and City fans applauded as the teams left for a well earned fifteen minutes rest. |
||||
| HALF
TIME 1-0 |
||||
|
Neither side made any
changes at the interval but Bangor started the stronger with Chris
Jones firing goalwards but Steven Cann gathered confidently. Codling
was flagged offside as he tried to break through again before right
winger Marriott saw his shot drop on the roof the net.
Ten minutes or so into the second half Bangor forced three corners, Alan Bull in the thick of the action, but oddly Michael Johnston also kept on his toes by Aber counters. Cann did well to deny Bull who shot from the left and then Jamie Reed headed the fifth corner of the afternoon over the crossbar. On the hour Steffan Edwards replaced leftback Michael Howard before Connal Murtagh forced a save from Paul Smith after Codling again threatened. Meanwhile Craig Garside had fallen to the ground with a groin injury which saw him stretchered off on 66 minutes tobe replaced by Eddie Jebb. Ricky Evans sent Codling clear on the right be he rushed his shot and fired acrsoss goal. Alan Bull's shot was blocked and then Les Davies' header was saved by Cann after good attacking play from Eddie Jebb. Jamie Reed miskicked and then blasted on target from close range but Cann saved. Moments later with thirteen minutes left on the clock Sion Edwards replaced Alan Bull. Second later substitute Edwards saw his shot blocked, the ball ran to Eddie Jebb but he fired over. On 79 minutes Lewis Codling made way for former Swansea youth midfielder Anthony Filsenbach but he could only stand and watch as Les Davies controlled Paul Smith's long clearance to slide in Sion Edwards whose shot flew off target. Aber were on the attack on the right when Eddie Jebb won the ball and ran clear before setting Jamie Reed on goal but he fired into the side netting. With nerves jangling
City fans wanted a second goal and on
84 minutes it arrived. A goalmouth melee saw Cann pull off two superb
point blank saves from Jamie Reed but he was helpless when Les Davies' effort richoted in
off desperate defenders to the relief of The St Pauls End support.
Sion Edwards fired wide from the left as the game entered four added minutes, but saw his shot fly wide, before a fluke consolation lifted Aber's spirits when Nicky Ward smashed clear but saw the ball strike Steffan Edwards and roll past Paul Smith into the net. After a total of five minutes referee Petch blew and Bangor celebrated a seventh straight win against Welsh Premier opposition. |
||||
|
||||
|
| 11 |
|
|
LOOSEMORES
CUP |
|
|
|
|
Bangor
conceded a one goal advantage to Loosemore Cup opponents Prestatyn on
Tuesday night, but will feel there is very much all to play for in the
second leg. Blues boss Nev Powell shuffled his pack by resting the likes of Johnston and Brewerton and bringing in Clive Williams and Chris Roberts at the back, whilst Les Davies and Eddie Jebb started in place of Bull and Reed. None of this seemed to put City off their stride though and after Jack Lewis had headed wide for the hosts, Bangor duly took the lead on thirteen minutes when Dave Morley headed home a blistering corner from Sion Edwards, after the left winger had won the flag kick moments earlier. City could have gone two up when Chris Jones' header appeared goalward bound but Jon Dunt managed to keep the effort out. Paul Smith was brought into the action to push Lee Hunt drive for a corner. Paul O'Neill hit the cross bar after Smith did well to deny Dave Hayes. But the hosts pressure produced a equaliser five minutes before time. Lee Hunt forced his way into the box, tempted a rash challenge from Chris Roberts and Referee Petch awarded a penalty. Lee Hunt stepped up to blast the spot kick emphatically past his old team mate Smith. As half time beckoned Bangor
won a freekick which Sion Edwards
dispatched goalwards but Dunt, whose mobility defies his apparent bulk,
was up to the task and half time came with the sides level at one all.
|
||||
| HALF
TIME 1-1 |
||||
|
The early
chances of the second period belonged to Bangor. First Dunt did well to
keep out Sion Edwards' dipping strike, then a Chris Jones corner
invited a header from leading goalscorer Dave Morley but Gareth Wilson
scrambled clear. With twenty minutes to go some defensive chaos in the Prestatyn defence allowed Peter Hoy to prod home from close range to level the scores. But The Seasider responded quickly when former Oswestry striker Steve Rogers headed home Lewis' cross to level the scores. City were now in the middle of a series of substitutions which began with John Owen replacing Chris Jones with twenty minutes to go, the six minutes later Tom Dix made his bow for Nicky Ward and finally with ten minutes on the clock assistant manager Marc Limbert came on for Craig Garside. A winning goal on the night was on the cards as both sides pressed and with ten minutes left Lee Hunt nodded home from left winger Dan Evans to cheer the home support. Manager Powell would feel his side were badly done by, given match facts which show City won 11 corners to the hosts 4, and had no less than ten efforts on target compared to six. However the only statistic that matters is goals and when the two sides meet again in a fortnight at Farrar Road the Bastion Road side will boast a goal advantage. All to play for! |
||||
|
||||
|
| 10 |
|
|
welsh premier |
|
|
|
|
Bangor notched up a sixth straight
win despite falling behind at The Genquip against a determined and well
organised Port Talbot side. With Chris Roberts unavailable Peter Hoy switched to the left, Dave Morley to the right and Eddie Jebb came into the starting line up. But it was Port Talbot who might have gone ahead inside the first minute when Liam McCreesh headed wide from Grist's freekick and then when Fahiya tried to find Bowen when a shot from close range was on offer. They took the lead on eight minutes when Kendall's kick bounced outside the box and was seized on by Lee John who chipped Paul Smith for a deserved opener. The opening quarter belonged to Port Talbot but Bangor fought their way into match when Nicky Ward and then Jamie Reed had half chances. City levelled on seventeen minutes when a long throw from Peter Hoy was headed to the edge of the box by Rees where Eddie Jebb unleashed a dipping volley which crashed inside the lefthand post despite a full length dive from Lee Kendall. Port Talbot went close to
restoring their lead from the
restart but Michael Johnston cleared, then Peter Hoy came across to
deny the pacey Drew Fahiya who moments later forced Paul Smith to run
out of his goal and boot clear. Next Lloyd Grist controlled a difficult
high ball but shot well wide.
On the half hour Mark Jones' side launched a five minute onslaught which City did well to withstand. Luke Bowen latched onto a long throw on the left but his shot was smothered by Paul Smith. Alan Bull broke to shoot left footed on goal but Kendall gathered easily. Bowen backed away to the back post but headed Lee John's cross onto the bar. Gareth Phillips' lay fell to
Lee John but Smith saved a
close range. McCreesh then nearly replicated John's opening goal
as he controlled Kendall's high clearance but Smith somehow palmed his
effort away. City broke the cycle with a fourth corner of the afternoon
but six minutes before the break McCreesh and Bowen threatened but the
ever reliable Michael Johnston cleared. The final action of the half
saw Bowen head over. Half time one all.
|
||||
| HALF
TIME 1-1 |
||||
|
If the first half had seen
City under pressure from Port Talbot, the blues came out with the
breeze at their backs and a determination to have more of the game. The
early signs were good as Alan Bull's snap shot hit the post from the
left with Kendall beaten. Moments later Bull shot well over, again from
the left.
Port Talbot won a corner on the right which ended in Matthew Rees heading over but moments later, on 54 mins, City were clebrating. Luke Bowen headed out needlessly for a corner. Chris Jones' cross from the left was headed down by Jamie Brewerton for Jamie Reed to lift the ball into the roof of the net from close range for his fith goal of the season. Craig Garside and Nicky Ward were gaining a measure of control in midfield. Cotterrall's high boot caught Eddie Jebb in the face, no intent but painful nonetheless. On 63 mins Port Talbot were awarded a disputed corner but Grist lifted smashed the ball over the bar and into the nearby streets. The calm figure of referee Mike Jones upset Bangor with a couple of freekick awards but Jamie Brewerton and Michael Johnston, aided and abetted by Morley & Hoy, cleared the danger. Jamie Brewerton latched onto a Peter Hoy throw but his shot was defelcted for a corner which Kendall claimed. Fahiya chased the long clearance but Chris Jones and Eddie Jebb stuck to their task manfully. The first substitutes duly arrived on 71 mins as Craig Jones replaced Gareth Phillips before Les Davies marched onfield for goalscorer Jebb. Alan Bull twisted
DeVulgt inside out to win City's seventh
corner but Port Talbot cleared. With ffiteen minutes left Luke Bowen
was injured following a challenge with Jamie Brewerton, moments later
more changes for the home side as speed kings Drew Fahiya and Nathan
Cotterrall made way for Nicky Holland and Martin Rose.
Into the last ten minutes and Bangor keen to hold and Port Talbot to press. Holland was soon into the action but his cross shot from the right was too easy for Paul Smith. But it was more sheer good luck which kept City ahead with little more than six minutes left. Craig Jones's rising drive hit the bar and bounced down, hit Paul Smith and flew over the bar for a corner. Phew! Bangor had to negotiate eight minutes of added time - Paul Smith was injured so Mike Jones had to extend the agony - but a win it was and six in a row for Nev Powell and late sub Marc Limbert. |
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|
||||
|
| 9 |
|
|
welsh premier |
|
|
|
| Bangor made it five
straight wins with a 5-1 defeat of second placed Airbus before an 800
strong partisan and noisy crowd at Farrar Road. And it wasn't long before they had something to shout about as Paul Smith's long clearance was headed goalwards by Peter Hoy, goalkeeper Kirstian Rogers fumbled and Jamie Reed slid the ball home from close range. On ten minutes a mindless attempted headbutt by rightback Clarke on Chris Roberts went unnoticed and unpunished by the officials, but City continued to press and Jamie Reed found space behind left back Ryan Edwards but his cross shot flew over. It hardly mattered though as the fifty or so hardy souls at The St Pauls end led the applause on 29 minutes as Bangor doubled the lead. Chris Jones ran straight at goal, waited and waited before releasing Jamie Reed who ran in behind to slide the ball past Rogers. Paul
Smith also found handling difficult at times and his
slip allowed Jack Abraham a chance at the far post following a deep
cross but he recovered to smother the shot and concede a corner. From
the flag kick Bangor broke upfield and Rogers - happily recovered the
horrific injury he suffered last season - saved bravely.
City pressed again and Rogers once more denied the workaholic Bull. But he could do nothing about what happened next. Peter Hoy passed upfield to Alan Bull on the right, he switched the ball onto his left foot and beat the despairing 'keeper from 22 yards. Three nil and eight minutes to half time. By now Bangor were just about rampant. A deep cross from Hoy found Jamie Reed beyond the back post and his first time flick hit the side netting. As half time loomed City went into overdrive, a series of corners started by the evasive Chris Jones which saw Rogers instinctively push Craig Garside clean strike over. The final action was the sixth and final corner which Dave Morley headed just over. As the whistle blew the home fans applauded the blues off the pitch - and Airbus trudged off in a punch drunk parade. |
||||
| HALF
TIME 3-0 |
||||
|
At the interval 'Bus
manager Craig Harrison made a couple of changes, with Mark Allen and
Jack Abrahams replaced by Matty Cook and Nick Rushton. The new faces
inspired his side to an attack down the right but blues defender
Michael Johnston was on hand to clear.
City struck back, Chris Jones' cross from the right headed on target by Nicky Ward but saved brilliantly by Rogers who was sticking to his task. Carl Owen should have cut the deficit moments later when Dan Desormeaux sent him through on goal but Paul Smith saved with his legs, but on 59 minutes they did have something to cheer when Andy Moran set up Desormeaux whose shot came back off Paul Smith for substitute Nick Rushton to net the rebound. This spurred the visitors and for several minutes they pressed and Bangor had to defend, Harrison's decision to go three "up top" paying dividends. The tall, calm and purposeful figure of Dave Morley steered City through this dip and back into control. City regained the initiative with Jamie Reed and Alan Bull forcing good saves from Rogers. On 69 minutes Eddie Jebb replaced Chris Jones with the game stopped for a Bangor freekick on half way. The kick was taken, half cleared to Peter Hoy whose inviting cross was hit first time by Craig Garside but somehow Rogers responded to keep it out. But he could do nothing
on 72 minutes when Craig Garside
found Jamie Reed on the
edgoe of the box to finish with aplomb and claim a well deserved
hatrick. Eddie Jebb got into the action with a long range effort
which Rogers inevitably managed to hold. If things could get worse for
the visitors they did on 76 mins when Alan Bull left to be replaced by
Les Davies. But Matty Cook showed there was life in The Planemakers
with a low shot saved by Paul Smith at his near post.
Matty Woodward was carded on 79 mins but the wholehearted defender was in the right place to block Les Davies' shot after Nicky Ward's clever through ball. City's eighth corner yielded nothing, then with nine minutes remaining Sion Edwards came on for Craig Garside. In the final minute City fan had a fifth and final goal to celebrate as Les Davies latched onto Jamie Reed's through ball to find the bottom corner with a venemous drive. Game over, other than a harsh yellow card for goalscorer Davies moments before City fans celebrated a great performance and convincing win over second placed Airbus. |
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|
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|
| 8 |
|
|
welsh premier |
|
|
|
|
Carmarthen battled hard but it was
Bangor who emerged with the points from a tough examination at Richmond
Park. Bangor boss Nev Powell was able to welcome Nicky Ward to midfield and offer a first glimpse of young Tom Dix on the bench. But it was Alan Bull whose tremendous turn and run from half way that created the first opening as he rode two tackles to slide a straight ball into the path of Jamie Reed which forced Mike Lewis to smother at his feet. Moments later Reed turned provider with a telling run break down the left, his cross found Chris Jones but again the acrobatic Lewis intervened with an instinctive block. On the quarter hour leftback Stephen Evans suffered a groin injury and had to be replaced by Antonio Faccutio. Following a stoppage for a clash of heads involving Gary Bansor and Craig Garside a freekick yielded Bangor's first corner but it was Carmarthen who went close after Paul Smith miskicked to Darren Grififths but the resilient stopper threw himself to block the shot and the ball was hacked out for a corner. Smith claimed the cross. City won a freekick on half way but Peter Hoy headed wide then on the half hour Craig Garside saw his 25 yarder flash wide, Moments later though Carmarthen went close again when Kieran Howard forced a good save from Smith. Bangor won a corner wich Nicky Ward delivered but Jamie Reed's clean header flashed wide. Walters went close for Carmarthen as the open nature of the game grew. The closing minutes saw the home side forced a couple of corners, one thanks to a brave block by Peter Hoy, and with a quick fire bookings for Lee Phillips (kicking the ball away) and Sacha Walters (block on Chris Jones). In between Nicky Ward saw his goalbound freekick deflect off two home defenders before sailing through to Lewis. Honours even at the interval and both sides with chances not taken to rue.. |
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| HALF
TIME 0-0 |
||||
| Barely
had Bangor fans
taken up their places behind the goal at the clubshop end of the ground
than they had cause to celebrate. Jamie Reed ran into the box and was
felled by substitute Faccutio. Penalty. Up stepped the tall
figure of Dave Morley to
beat the despairing Lewis with a well placed kick. Carmarthen pushed City back and Darren Griffiths' back header flew well over from ten yards. Andy Evans went close before he was replaced on the hour by Craig Frater. Bangor pressed with Peter Hoy sending over a long throw from the right which was partly cleared to Jamie Brewerton but his fierce drive was to high. Same again minutes later but this time both Dave Morley and Jamie Brewerton had headers cleared. The move of the game came on with twenty minutes left. Chris Jones' clever turn on the right released Alan Bull whose inviting cross was headed narrowly off target by Jamie Reed. The lively Frater had introduced the menace of pace into the home side's attacks and he kept Michael Johnston and the braveheart Brewerton on their toes. As the home side pressed it was often City's captain who was on hand to head or kick clear. With some fifteen minutes remaining Bangor brought on Eddie Jebb for Nicky Ward and then Les Davies for Alan Bull. With ten to go Dale Grififths' name went into Referee John's book for a foul before the home side produced a series of determined attacks. Paul Smith saved well from Kieran Howard at close quarters and did likewise to deny substitute Frater. Sion Edwards replaced Chris Jones on the left. One final chance saw bandaged centreback Gary Bansor head over as the fourth official announced five minutes of added time. Les Davies used his power and determination to good effect as City tried to spend as much time as possible in the Carmarthen half. At the death Bangor might have doubled their advantage when Eddie Jebb crossed from the right but goalkeeper Mike Lewis saved well from Sion Edwards who struck the ball well. Moments later the final whistle blew (at last) and the blue contingent on and off the pitch celebrated loudly! |
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|
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|
| 7 |
|
|
welsh premier |
|
|
|
|
Bangor made it three
wins out of three to take over at the top of the Welsh Premier table.
It finished two nil and might have been more... With Nicky Ward unwell Jamie Reed resumed alongside Alan Bull, the kick off delayed as Llanelli arrived at 1.30pm due to congestion at Porthmadog. Virtually the first decision for referee Huw Jones was a simple enough as one paced centrehalf Stuart Jones pushed Jamie Reed over in the box. Penalty. Up stepped leading goalscorer Dave Morley to send young stopper Craig Richards the wrong way to the delight of the Farrar Enders behind the goal. Jones was yellow carded. The following fifteen minutes were dominated by a string of offside decisions against Bangor by linesman Roberts on the stand side. Eventually City broke through and Alan Bull slid the ball across goal from the left but Jones made up the ground to clear with Jamie Reed waiting. Llanelli forced a couple of corners on the half hour, the second of which saw Wyn Thomas lampoon over from fifteen yards and set the St Pauls End ball boys rushing out of the ground. Bangor responded with a great ball from Craig Garside which released Chris Jones on the right but the agile Richards saved well. On 36 minutes Bangor doubled their advantage. Peter Hoy's long high ball found Jamie Reed whose first touch and sublime finish left Richards well beaten from the right. Fearing a half time roasting Llanelli tried to cut the deficit but Dave Morley blocked bravely and Rhys Griffiths fired his shot into the ground and Paul Smith gathered easily. As half time beckoned Jamie Reed fired wide following a good ball from Sion Edwards before Andy Legg withdrew the out of sorts Stuart Jones and brought himself on as leftback with Chris Llewellyn switching to centrehalf. Reed was in the thick of the action as his near post header crashed just wide and then he appeared to be fouled by Legg on the edge of the box but referee Jones decided just the opposite. Finally Alan Bull and Rhys Griffiths forced saves from the respective goalkeepers before the whistle blew and the 600 strong crowd gave the blues a deserved ovation. |
||||
| HALF
TIME 2-0 |
||||
|
At the interval Llanelli
brought on Jordan Follows for Jason Bowen and two minutes later Craig
Moses was shown the yellow card for elbowing Michael Johnston in the
face.
Having wandered around the right wing in the first half, Moses was thrust into a central role for the second and could have added his name to the scorers a couple of times. Both headers, one saved and one off target with Bangor coming under real pressure for the first time. On the hour Owain Warlow saw his fierce drive pushed over by Paul Smith as Llanelli pressed, largely through the long throws of Legg from the right. Dave Morley and Jamie Brewerton to the fore. As City countered Warlow was shown the yellow card for dissent on the edge of his own box following the award of a freekick which Sion Edwards lifted over. With 67 minutes gone Sion Edwards was replaced by Les Davies, four minutes later Wyn Thomas was yellow carded for a late challenge on the big winger out on the left. From the freekick Richards pulled off a great save at the far post from Jamie Reed as City looked to increase their lead. With 76 minutes gone Bangor had a second penalty, Legg fouling Jamie Reed, but Dave Morley's spot kick was easily saved by Richards to keep Llanelli's hopes alive. City were nearly made to pay moments later as Moses raced into the box by Chris Roberts slid in to snuff out the danger. Controvesy at Farrar Road? Oddly enough yes - on 80 minutes - and probably another penalty denied! Jamie Reed raced through, young goalkeeper Richards pulled him down, the ball span away. Red card, pen? No, corner! Odd in the extreme but thankfully not consequential. Moments later Eddie Jebb replaced Chris Jones on the right and then Adam Orme came on for Craig Moses. Llanelli should have reduced the arrears with five minutes left but Rhys Griffiths lacked purpose as he lolloped down the left and shot into the side netting. As time ran out Clive Williams came on for Jamie Reed and quickly got stuck in with a telling challenge. The last word went to Antonio Corbisiero whose desperate goal line clearance to deny Les Davies spoke volumes for his professionalism in a lost cause. All over at two nil and all eyes on the league table. |
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|
||||
|
| 6 |
|
|
welsh premier |
|
|
|
|
City were made to work hard for the
three points at Bala on a misty, damp afternoon on the shores of Llyn
Tegid. But is was Bala who took a sixth minute lead when Chris Mason raced to the near post to head home John Irving's right wing cross from close range. The Bangor crowd was silenced for a moment and waited for a response. They didn't have to wait long as Craig Garside's run into the box tempted a wild lunge from right back Mark Powell for a clear penalty. Up stepped leading goalscorer Dave Morley to finish calmly and raise the spirits of the blue horde in the ninth minute. Bangor were now pushing Bala back, with Sion Edwards enjoying his contest with the unhappy Powell. Powell dived in again, this time on Nicky Ward but the ball ran to Sion Edwards whose cross eluded Craig Vernon and flew up to the predatory Chris Jones who headed home from close range to put City ahead. Bala fought back with a corner which Jellicoe headed at Paul Smith with the Bangor defence strangely unsettled. Chris Jones needed treatment after a late challenge from left winger Mike Thompson but the freekick came to nothing. On twenty minutes Mark Jones latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the box but Smith saved easily. On 25 minutes a Peter Hoy freekick dropped to Craig Garside who side-stepped the rushing defender but sent his rising drive over the bar. Bala countered with a Ross Jefferies chip which Paul Smith was at full stretch to palm away before Peter Hoy tidied up at the back post. Thompson ran down the left and his low cross found Ross Jefferies who might have done better from eight yards. On 32 minutes the lively Mason was forced to withdraw in favour of substitute Neil Fisher. Irving crossed from the right but Jefferies' effort was blocked by Michael Johnston. But on 36 minutes City grabbed a third. A long kick from Paul Smith was headed on by Dave Morley and gathered by Alan Bull who ran in to finish from the left. Four minutes before the interval Mike Thomspon ran on goal but Chris Roberts nipped in to concede the corner which came to nothing. The half ended with Bangor on the attack, City three one to the good and seemingly set for three points at Maes Tegid. |
||||
| HALF
TIME 1-3 |
||||
|
Bangor started the second
half attacking the wooded end but it was Bala who answered the home
fans prayers with a 50th minute goal. Mark Jones led a breakaway
down the right and fed John Irving who passed low to the back post to
substitute Steve Fisher who
slotted home past Paul Smith.
Bala pressed for an equaliser and Mike Thompson sent a left footer curling just wide from 25 yards before Bull won a corner for City on the left which in turn led to a throw on the left and a second corner as Bala failed to clear. but Vernon seized a high ball and the pressure evaporated. Alan Bull ran from the right but his left footer flew over from outside the box. Bala were prone to look for the long ball and one such clearance dropped to the disappointing Mark Jones who missed the target from the edge of the box on the hour. Bangor promptly made a double change with Les Davies and Jamie Reed replacing Dave Morley and Sion Edwards. Craig Garside and Nicky Ward continued to do well against the former Wrexham pair in midfield. The Lakesiders continued to upset the blues defence, Mike Thompson shooting over, but Jamie Reed might have restored Bangor's lead on 65 minutes when Jellicoe's weak header saw him in on goal, but he scuffed wide. Reed then went much closer with a clean strike from 20 odd yards which had Vernon scrambling. Paul Smith had to be alert when Mark Jones' superb 25 yarder looked destined for the top corner, but at full stretch he pushed it away for a corner. Bala pressed with a second flag kick which Chris Roberts hammered away. End to end it was, and Les Davies headed on but Jamie Reed could not get a telling touch from close range. Time ran out on what had become a scrappy final quarter, City introduced Eddie Jebb for goalscorer Bull but it was Ross Jefferies who might have levelled things when he fired at Paul Smith two minutes into added time, however the flag was up for offside. And that was it, a shrill blast from Referee Parry and three points secured against battling Bala. |
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|
| 5 |
|
|
welsh premier |
|
|
|
|
A great
battling perfomance for Bangor, front to back, by a City side who
overcame the full timers and the disappointing official from start to
end. Neath were the better side for the opening fifteen minutes with former Rhayader striker Craig Hughes who robbed Paul Smith but fired into the side netting from a tight angle. City found their feet through Sion Edwards whose cross was half cleared to Dave Morley but his low shot sped wide. Next Edwards' deep cross was headed on target by Chris Jones but Hancock blocked. But by the nineteenth minute it was turning blue when Hancock handled Peter Hoy's long throw (no card shown) and Dave Morley calmly slotted the penalty home to delight of the 500 strong crowd. But the half dozen Neath fans made themselves heard three minutes later when a very harsh freekick awarded against Chris Jones led to a corner. Bond crossed, Smith saved from O'Leary but Liam Hancock tapped in the rebound to redeem himself. Within minutes Bangor pushed the visitors deep into the Farrar End and Alan Bull turned - six yards out - ready to shoot before his legs appeared to be scythed away. Penalty? Not this time according to Mr Morgan who was starting to perplex the home support. On the half hour Peter Hoy, enjoying and largely winning a duel with Chad Bond of the purple boots, sent a trade mark long throw, collected the clearance himself and saw his left footer blocked enroute. Craig Garside was shown the yellow card for something said before Lee Trundle rumbled goalwards but Jamie Brewerton slid in to concede a corner. The closing minutes were end to end, Bangor pressing and Neath increasingly looking to go route one, which largely played into the hands of Johnston, Brewerton et al who dominated the lonely Trundle. |
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| HALF
TIME 1-1 |
||||
|
Attacking the St Pauls End
and roared on by a wedding party amongst the crowd behind the goal,
City won a free kick which Sion Edwards crossed before the
outstanding left footer gathered Peter Hoy's long throw but saw his
shot saved - at the second attempt - by Morris.
Hoy delivered again from the left and Morris did well to push away Craig Garside's close range header. Bangor were winning - but not converting - corners and a fifth saw Dave Morley head wide. On the hour Garside made way for substitute Les Davies who received a hero's welcome. By now it was pretty much all Bangor. Nicky Ward's low freekick flashed narrowly wide before Chris Jones' snap shot was instinctively saved by Morris from Chris Roberts' booming cross. A sixth corner crossed by Edwards was headed over by Peter Hoy, moments later another penalty shout as Dave Morley went down in the box. Play went on and Chris Jones fired over from ten yards. Alan Bull raced down the right and crossed low into the box but Hillier - kicking the ball for a change - scooped over for a seventh corner which Peter Hoy headed to close to the busy Morris. With twenty minutes remaining Les Davies saw his header held and two minutes later Eddie Jebb came on for Alan Bull to loud applause. Neath sent on Ashley Evans for Craig Hughes on 77 minutes before a rampant Bangor ripped the visitors apart with a flowing left wing move. Les Davies steered the ball out to Chris Jones whose run and cross found Eddie Jebb but his shot was somehow saved by Morris. Hancock was booked for dissent as the pressure mounted. With seven minutes left Chad Bond left to be replaced by Andrew Hill and seconds later Chris Jones' pace took him clear down the right, only to fouled as he ran around Hancock (no card) and Dave Morley spotted the ball for the second penalty of the afternoon. Catastrophe! His kick was well saved by Morris but the alert Sion Edwards raced to collect and sidefoot across goal for Eddie Jebb to rifle home with five to go. Neath sent on teenager
Luke Cummings for leftback Andrew
Fairbairn but it was City who went close as another telling cross from
Sion Edwards picked out Chris Jones but he missed the target. Clive
Williams came on for
Sion Edwards who left to a standing ovation. As added time ran out there were yellow cards for Clive Williams and Lee Trundle, and in a heart stopping moment substitute Cummings had a chance to level things but could not get a clean strike on target. Three minutes shown, four played and finally the whistle blew to huge celebrations by the City faithful. |
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|
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|
| 4 |
|
|
EUROPA LEAGUE |
|
|
|
 The European
adventure ended for Bangor with heads held high after an end to end
encounter with Portugese visitors Maritimo.Bangor even had the audacity - the courage perhaps - to take a ninth minute lead but in the end the full timers won comfortably and might have done so by a much bigger margin. Maruinho forced the first of several great saves from Paul Smith inside five minutes as Maritimo pressed, but on nine minutes Alan Bull set City fans dancing with a powerful header from Sion Edwards' deep cross. The dangerous Baba Diawara went close for Maritimo before Sion Edwards sent a long range freekick off target. Bangor managed a period of pressure with a long throw from Peter Hoy earning a corner which Marcelo claimed. Mid way through the half Michael Johnston found Alan Bull with a long clearance who teed up Nicky Ward but his dipping volley flew just over from 25 yards. Maritimo responded from
a Tcho freekick which Paul Smith
did well to turn away for a corner. Danilo twice and then Robson went
close for the Portugese, and ten minutes from time Danilo hit the post
and ballooned the follow up into the Sainsbury Stand. By now the game
was very stretched with the pacey visitors testing the blues defensive
resolve, and Dave Morley and Michael Johnston to the fore.
Adilson thought he had scored with a jinking run in from the left but hard working Chris Roberts had covered and blocked what seemed a certain goal. Bangor gathered themselves to end the half with a couple of promising freekicks, one held by Marcelo and the next curled across by Sion Edwards from the left which evaded Alan Bull and Eddie Jebb with the goal gaping. Briguel was lucky to escape a caution for a heavy challenge on the impressive Edwards on the half way line before referee Fabian of Hungary blew for time as goalkeeper Marcelo tried in vain to get the even tempered official to take action against Peter Hoy for the faintest of challenges in the Portugese penalty area. |
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| HALF
TIME 1-0 |
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|
No sooner had the second
half got underway than Sion Edwards was shown the yellow card for a
trip and, seconds later, the visitors drew level as Adilson ran to the right before
slotting a low shot beyond Paul Smith.
On 51 mins Craig Garside was also cautioned for a heavy challenge which upset the visitors, then after Paul Smith again saved bravely from Adilson, the pacey Marquinho raced clear to score from the left. Smith then saved well from the impressive Robson before the first of several substitutions saw Olim replace Danilo for Maritimo then on 66 mins a double change for City as Les Davies and Matty Hurdman came on for Eddie Jebb and Craig Garside, warm applause all round. Hurdman was quickly into the action with a well timed defensive interception as Maritimo looked set for a third. Paul Smith was back in the thick of things with a close range save from Briguel on the right before Diawara fired off target from ten yards. Another change followed as Fidelis replaced goalscorer Adilson on 71 minutes, then on 77 Clive Williams came on for Sion Edwards who enjoyed a fine ovation from the Bangor support. The visitors seemed to go from strength to strength as the blues tired, and the last ten minutes was the scene of several close shaves. Fidelis and Duventru - who had just replaced Marquinho - went close whilst Clive Williams ran in to cut out a square pass along the six yard line. Paul Smith again standing firm. Bangor won a freekick 25 yards out which Matty Hurdman fired into the wall but Chris Jones lifted the rebound well over. Diawara ran clear through but hit the post from close range before Duventru also went close as the pace and movement of the Portugese - and Brazlians - got harder to contain.
The final whistle brought welcome respite and Bangor fans
stood to applaud the efforts of their side and acknowledge the
tremendous effort made - home and away.
|
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|
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|
| 3 |
|
|
EUROPA LEAGUE |
|
|
|
|
Bangor were well beaten in Portugal by a
Madeira side who scored five goals in a red hot seven minute spell
midway through the second half. Their case was not helped by a second yellow" red card dismissal of Jamie Brewerton on the stroke of half time with scores closely matched a 2-0. Manager Nev Powell made a number of changes to freshen the side, bringing in young Clive Williams and striker Alan Bull with Eddie Jebb and Nicky Ward on the bench. The home side were quickly into their stride and the lively Cherrad provoked a foul which led to a yellow card for Jamie Brewerton on seven minutes. City were struggling to get into the game when Cherrad and Baba Diawara went close but went close themselves on the half hour when Sion Edwards' freekick went narrowly wide. But on 33 minutes Maritimo had the lead when a foul on Diawara led to a freekick which Tcho curled into the net with Paul Smith wrongfooted. Ten minutes before the interval Peter Hoy was also yellow carded before on 38 minutes Danilo doubled the advantage after a brilliant end to end move and left City trailing two nil. In the closing minutes Cherrad again fired wide before, in added time, City captain Jamie Brewerton was shown a second yellow - and red - card and Bangor were down to ten men. Half time City trailed two nil. |
||||
| HALF
TIME 2-0 |
||||
| Before
the restart Bangor
sent on Nicky Ward for Les Davies as manager Nev Powell sought to
reorganise. Smith had denied him once after the interval when on 51 minutes Diawara scored from twelve yards to put the home side 3-0 ahead. On the hour Sion Edwards again went close for Bangor before Marquinos and Diawara threatened for Maritimo. On 64 minutes substitutions for both sides with Kanu replacing Marquinos and Eddie Jebb for Clive Williams. The menacing Diawara continued to threaten and forced a save from Paul Smith who was into action again moments later to deny Tcho. A further change on 70 minutes as Miranda came on for Cherrad and three minutes later Bangor were back in business as Nicky Ward hannered home from 30 yards after Eddie Jebb's corner had been half cleared. However, this served to do little more than stir the home side into action and a flurry of five goals in quick succession followed, with Danilo (75), Diawara (78) with a back post header, Tcho (79) and then Kanu (80) stretching the lead to 7-1. Bangor sent on Matty Hurdman for Chris Jones with eight minutes remaining, and youngster was promptly shown the yellow card for a foul on Sousa. Fidelis came on for double goalscorer Tcho and into added time Fidelis made it 8-1 for Maritimo to cap yet another blistering attack from deep. However Bangor had the last word as Alan Bull set up Eddie Jebb to score three minutes into added time to make the final scoreline 8-2 and a near impossible task for City in the second leg at Wrexham next week. |
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|
||||
|
| 2 |
|
|
EUROPA LEAGUE |
|
|
|
| What a win!
What a fantastic battling performance by
Bangor, against the odds and the Finnish fulltimers. The records will show that late goals from Dave Morley and Chris Jones snatched a win when defeat loomed large, but this was a tremendous team performance - with the bench and the thousand or so in the stand also playing a huge part. After both sides wasted early free kicks it was the dangerous Otaru who threatened with a mazey run on the right which ended in a goalbound shot that Jamie Brewerton bravely blocked. Next Vuorinen forced a save from Paul Smith, the Finns forced a couple of corners and Schuller went close twice in quick succession. On the 20 minute mark the who fears of the blue horde came true. Cutting in from the right Sampo Koskinen teed the ball up outside the box and unleashed a fierce strike past a stunned Paul Smith. Honka had the lead and an away goal. Puustinen and goalscorer Koskinen went close to adding to the advantage as Bangor looked to Michael Johnston and the industrious Jamie Brewerton to stand firm. As half time beckoned Eddie Jebb cut in from the right and forced a save from Peltonen but Honka responded with a header from Koskimaa which Smith saved well. However Bangor ended the half brightly with Sion Edwards and Les Davies exerting some pressure - and exposing a more brittle side to the visitors defence. When Koskimaa fouled Davies 25 yards out it was Edwards' low drive which so nearly crept inside the righthand upright. But it drifted wide and at half time City trailed one nil, two one on aggregate, but with all to play for. |
||||
| HALF
TIME 1-0 |
||||
|
No changes at half time,
but with Bangor continuing to push Chris Jones
forward alongside Les Davies, and cracks starting to appear in the
Honka defence.
But it was the visitors who might have doubled their advantage when Schuller's inswinging corner was headed off his line by Michael Johnston. Otaru and Savage went close for Honka as they pressed for a decisive second goal. On 62 minutes Alan Bull replaced Eddie Jebb, but lined up alongside Les Davies with Chris Jones moving to the right wing. Honka won a corner delivered by Schuller but Vuorinen missed the target. Bangor got into their stride and in a goalmouth melee Chris Jones has a shot blocked and hacked away. Chris Roberts was fouled on the left by Otaru, took the freekick and Les Davies fired on target but Peltonen pulled off a good low save. Honka made a substitution as Vasara came on for Paatelainen. Bangor nearly slipped two behind as Michael Johnston lost possession in his own half his a timely recovery saved the day. With fifteen minutes left on the clock Peter Hoy sent over a trademark long throw which fell to Sion Edwards but he fired over from the left. Honka countered and Paul Smith did well to keep out substitute Vasara. Nicky Ward was shown the yellow card for a challenge on Savage with ten minutes remaining. Bangor began to push forward more and Honka again looked unsure. Chris Jones and Sion Edwards went close for Bangor before on 85 minutes Jones won and Edwards delivered a corner which Dave Morley headed home from close range! Literally all square in terms of goals on the night and over the two legs. Otaru and Savage both went close for Honka before the fourth official indicated three minutes of added time. But it was Bangor who stunned the visitors when Peter Hoy's long throw allowed Chris Jones to nip in to score from close range after Nicky Ward has shanked his fifteen yard effort. Some amazing scenes followed but Bangor still had two minutes to navigate and the Finns were keen to kick off! In the brief time remaining substitute Alan Bull went close to adding his name to the role of honour, but the final whstle was welcomed by all those in blue - and a good number of well meaning neutrals! |
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|
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|
| 1 |
|
|
EUROPA LEAGUE |
|
|
|
|
A year ago - all but
a day - Bangor slipped to a 2-0 defeat in the corresponding game in the
Europa League. Roll forward to July 2010 and the cast list - the
starting elevens - featured half a dozen familiar faces on either side.
But thanks to a battling team performance and a newcomer in the Bangor
ranks the end result was very different. The opening stages though belonged to Honka who attacked from the off and might have gone ahead had Puustinen or Koskimaa hit the target. On ten minutes Schuller went close with a free kick and then Koskimaa again went close but this time his shot was blocked. It was half an hour into the game before Bangor could force an opening when midfielder Craig Garside went close and moments later a first corner involved a yellow card for Henri Aalto. But it all seemed to have gone sour for City when a Macedonian referee Meckarowski awarded a penalty for Honka. Up stepped Markus Paatelainen whose side footer was saved by Paul Smith who dived to his right. What a moment and yet another penalty save for the unflappable Smith. Honka continued to press with both Puustinen and Schuller going close, Smith in the thick of things once again, but Bangor stood firm. But two minutes before the interval the Finnish side had the lead they deserved as Koskinen's cross from the left was headed home emphatically by Demba Savage who ran off his marker. Bangor won a late free kick which Nicky Ward delivered but referee Meckarowski was into the action again with the half time whistle which signalled a welcome breather for Nev Powell's hard working side. |
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| HALF
TIME 1-0 |
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| Following
the restart City
pressed and Craig Garside saw his goalbound
effort blocked before substitute Sion Edwards replaced Jamie Brewerton
who had been laid low with flu. On 58 minutes Les Davies controlled the ball on half way before sliding a straight pass in on goal. With a defender for company new signing Chris Jones raced through to beat Peltonen with a calm finish from the edge of the box to the delight of the Bangor contingent. An equaliser, an away goal and something to hold on to. Moments later Jones went close to a second but Peltonen resisted and on 64 minutes the Nefyn striker went into the referees book for a foul on Schuller. Recent signing Alan Bull made his Bangor debut on the hour as he came on for his cousin - right winger Eddie Jebb. Next Jussi Vasara replaced Paatelainen. Vasara went close immediately - Smith saved - then Demba Savage fired wide as City held on. With 71 minutes played Rasimus replaced Vuorinen , then Schuller shot wide, likewise Koskinen. In the closing ten minutes Clive Williams replaced a tiring Les Davies but Honka pushed for a winner through Savage who was kept out by Smith. Rasimus and Koskimaa had chances, Dave Morley was yellow carded, but as the ninety minutes gave way to added time it mattered not. Finally referee Meckarowski blew for time and Bangor players, officials and some 150 supporters celebrated a famous result on foreign soil, one which raises genuine hopes of progress in next Thursday second leg at The Racecourse. |
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