BANGOR
CITY MATCH REPORTS 2012-13 |
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MATCH
REPORT
ARCHIVE |
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43 | 11 May 2013 |
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![]() With Michael Johnston watching from the sidelines City opted for Dave Morley in central defence alongside Jamie Brewerton with Kris Thoma and Peter Hoy at right and left back respectively. Attacking the Antelope End an early corner gave Bangor hope as goalkeeper Morris could only watch as Sion Edwards' inswinger was turned narrowly wide by Jamie Brewerton. Within five minutes Bangor had racked up two more corners with Ashley Morris saving Jamie Brewerton's clean header to relieve the pressure. Six minutes in Bala forged their first opening as Connal Murtagh shot from eighteen yards but Lee Idzi saved. Next Steve Brown lashed over from wide out on the right when a cross might have posed more of a problem. Murtagh then caught a stray arm in the face and had to leave the field for treatment and clean shirt. The hugely impressive Stuart Jones fired from thirty yards but the acrobatic Idzi was up to the challenge. But City had to cope with a major blow on twenty minutes when Chris Simm departed with a foot injury to be replaced by Liam Brownhill. A defensive reshuffle ensued with Brownhill moving to leftback, Peter Hoy across to the right and Kris Thomas to the middle. Dave Morley now moved to central midfield. Chris Jones and then Ian Sheridan went close before, on 28 minutes Sion Edwards tripped Steve Brown as was the first name into the referee's notebook. The freekick from Connal Murtagh found big defender Stuart Jones who nutted in unmarked and the pattern of the afternoon started to unfold. Ten minutes before the interval Bala doubled their lead. Steve Brown broke down the right and Mark Jones tapped home from close range after what was a period of Bangor pressure. Things couldnt get worse surely but three minutes from the half time break they did just that. A high cross from the Bala right slipped from the grasp of Lee Idzi and Ian Sheridan netted the easier of chances from two yards. And after three minutes of stoppage time - extended by an injury to Lee Hunt - the referee blew and a shell shocked Bangor side wandered off as the home fans shook themselves. Better things to come surely.. |
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HALF TIME
3-0 |
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No
changes at the interval but City were now attacking the City End. Instead of the anticipated fightback though a further body blow. A corner crossed and Ian Sheridan able to head home from close range under minimal pressure. Four nil down and home fans might have worried about the final scoreline. But on 57 minutes City finally found the back of the net. And fittingly it was Chris Jones who flicked the ball home at the near post as Sion Edwards fired a low cross from the left. The two wingers had worked hard to hoist Bangor back into the game. Just after the hour a couple of substitutions. Lewis Codling came on for Steve Brown before Jamie McDaid replaced veteran midfielder Dave Morley. City promptly won their seventh corner of the afternoon but Stuart Jones was again dominant. And the and eighth and ninth but nor return. Bala were now content to play on the break and Lewis Codling seemed to have time to shoot but Jamie Brewerton slid in bravely to block his low effort. Nefyn wideman Chris Jones then danced through three or four Bala defenders from the right to fire over a low cross which Sion Edwards flicked on target but Morris somehow kept out. Breathtaking. That brought about corners ten and eleven but again no serious threat. With fifteen minutes left former blue Mark Connolly replaced Ian Sheridan before Lee Hunt was booked for a foul on Kris Thomas. Inside a minute Lewis Codling hit the Bangor bar and Chris Jones just failed to turn home Sion Edwards low cross shot. A clean strike by Ryan Edwards hit John Irving and resulted in a twelth Bangor corner. This one struck gold. Sion Edwards delivered from the right and captain Jamie Brewerton's header back across goal was nodded in from six yards by Peter Hoy to the delight of the home crowd. Game on? With seven minutes left Les Davies won a thirteenth corner but before it could be taken John Owen replaced Kris Thomas in one last throw of the dice. This in turn yielded a fourteenth flag kick which Sion Edwards delivered and Les Davies headed down firmly - but sadly - just wide of the near post. If only.. There was a yellow card for Peter Hoy for a foul on Lewis Codling and two minutes from time one former blue on for another as Ross Jefferies came on for Lee Hunt. Five minutes of added time were signalled wherein Bala won a corner after Mark Connolly's shot deflected wide and with just seconds left Peter Hoy headed over from Sion Edwards' cross and Bala celebrated their semi final win and date with - as it turned out - Port Talbot at The Genquip a week later. For Bangor a bitter end to the season and a summer without a European adventure ahead. |
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42 | 6 May 2013 |
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The
Welsh Cup Final |
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![]() City though missed a penalty - that is dismissive of a fantastic save by Jon Hill Dunt - and somehow failed to capitalise on a number of promising openings. But it was Prestatyn who stole an early lead. A swinging cross from right wingback Chris Davies was half cleared to left footer Ross Stephens. His low cross shot picked out the unmarked Jamie Price who prodded home from four yards. But inside ten minutes Bangor had a penalty. Chris Roberts' lofted cross tempted Ashley Stephens to push Chris Simm and Referee Morgan pointed to the spot. A touch harsh perhaps... Up stepped Dave Morley and went low to the right but Jon Hill Dunt dived low and pushed the ball away for a corner. The burly glovesman was in the action again minutes later as Liam Brownhill's overhit cross threatened to sneak under the crossbar and had to be palmed over for a second corner. But Prestatyn might have gone two nil up when Ross Stephens crossed low from the left and Price got his feet tangled and missed a glorious opportunity. Another great save next from Hill Dunt whose acrobatic punch from Les Davies powerful header kept the scores level. The high cross came from the right after measured approach play involving Ryan Edwards and Liam Brownhill. Bangor had the simply outstanding Michael Johnston yellow carded for a supposed pull on Andy Parkinson which was both harsh and prophetic. The half time score then remained at one nil to the red shirted town side although on the balance of play and chances created it could have been all square. But Bangor felt aggrieved by the ability of Prestatyn players to convince referee Morgan that they had been wronged. None more able than Gibson and his onfield assistant Wilson. |
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HALF TIME
0-1 |
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No
changes at the interval... City now attacking the Mold Road End and with the need to push the Seasiders back. An early chance came when a long ball through the middle was flicked on by Les Davies for Chris Jones to run into the box but Hill Dunt saved. But on the hour the scores were level as Chris Simm ran to the left and fired back across goal for Chris Davies to deflect the ball past the helpless goalkeeper. Gibson then floated the ball out to Michael Parker on the left but his firs touch allowed Lee Idzi to close the gap and smother the shot at close range. Bangor went close again as Chris Simm outpaced the veteran Stones on the right but his rasping drive flew over. City sensed their chance was at hand and after Chris Simm has seen his shot blocked Ryan Edwards fired low from twenty five yards but another low dive from Hill Dunt saved the day. Parkinson fired wide from similar range as Prestatyn continued to threaten on the break. Sion Edwards who had replaced Chris Jones on the hour picked up Chris Roberts pass to cross from the left but Les Davies sent his header wide of the near post in what was turning out to be a frustrating afternoon for the big striker. Ninety minutes came and went. The two outstanding players of normal time Jon Hill Dunt and Michael Johnston contemplated what had been little realising how cruelly events would unfold. Bangor forged a good chance when Prestatyn failed to clear Chris Roberts' long throw from the left. The ball dropped to substitute Robbie Booth whose chip picked out Les Davies but his downward header bounced narrowly wide. Then the incident that killed Bangor's chances and exposed the folly of picking a referee on sentiment. A booted clearance from the back invited a pacey run from Andy Parkinson down the left. Michael Johnston matched him stride for stride to toe poke the ball out for a corner with his left foot. Parkinson tumbled down. Morgan was fifty yards behind play but was sure it was a foul. Second yellow and red for Johnston. That Prestatyn scored from the freekick with Ross Stephens claiming a vital touch was insult to injury. City were broken, their outstanding player off the field and down to ten. Worst was to follow as Jason Price played a one two with Parkinson, got a fortunate bounce of Peter Hoy and netted from close range. All over at three one. It would be wrong not to congratulate Prestatyn whose rise from junior football has been impressive. It would be impossible not to contemplate that a younger fitter referee might have got the big decisions right. There was one telling moment when Parkinson went down feigning injury and jumped up once a freekick was won. Referee Morgan belatedly realised he had been conned and insisted the trainer come and the player go off - for longer than he might - but by then it was too late. |
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41 | 27 April 2013 |
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![]() And contrary to some predictions both sides were pretty much at full strength allowing for injury and suspension. The blues formation 4-5-1 with Dave Morley in midfield attacking the Antelope end in the first half. The visitors took the lead on 25 minutes when former Buckley and Caersws midfielder Aeron Edwards rose highest to head home from Ryan Fraughan's inswinging cross following a corner on the right.. Three minutes later it got worse for City. New Saints defender Phil Baker's eighteen yard effort was saved by Lee Idzi but struck Michael Johnston and bounced into the net from close range. Another former blue Christian Seargeant then ran through the home defence but Lee Idzi saved well and kept the deficit at 0-2. And that was the score at the interval as Dean John called the players off for a cold drink. |
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HALF TIME
0-2 |
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No
changes at the interval but with Bangor now attacking the City end. Bangor though came out fighting and within two minutes of the restart. Sion Edwards sent a long curling ball down the left into the path of centre forward Les Davies who chipped Saints goalkeeper Paul Harrison to halve the deficit and claim his ninth goal of the season. Moments later Davies robbed the dawdling Rawlinson on the right and fed Sion Edwards who low shot had Paul Harrison scrambling at his lefthand post to prevent an equaliser. City went close again when Liam Brownhill slid in Ryan Edwards on the left but his goalbound effort was deflected away for a corner. On the hour the first change of the afternoon as the spring heeled Alex Darlington came on for former blue Chris Seargeant. Bangor too off captain Jamie Brewerton on seventy minutes with the versatile Peter Hoy his replacement. And substitute Alex Darlington was to make a bold impact. His first strike on 76 minutes which seemed to hop over Lee Idzi to put the visitors 3-1 ahead and five minutes later he rounded off a pacey break with a slightly fortunate finish through the Bangor keeper whose luck was clearly out. City made one last change as the hugely promising Jamie McDaid came on in place of Les Davies but it did not change the final score which confirmed a clear win for the newly crowned league champions. For City there are bigger fish to fry in a week or so. And with no players booked there was at least one positive to take into the forthcoming cup final. |
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40 | 20 April 2013 |
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![]() Team news saw City stick to the players and shape that had secured three clean sheet wins on the trot but with Chris Simm suspended Sion Edwards started with Chris Jones often higher up the pitch than usual. Attacking the runway end Bangor forged an early chance as Les Davies lept to reach a cross from the right but the ball struck his shoulder and missed the target. Unhappily for the 350 or so Bangor fans who had travelled along the A55 that was almost as good as it got in what was a disappointing encounter between second and third. The chief attacking threat for both sides was corners and freekicks which the tall home side were always favourites t ![]() Twenty seven minutes in and with perhaps the first constructive move of the afternoon Airbus took the lead. Big Chris Budrys found space on the right to cross for Wayne Riley to slot home from close range. The shape of this sterile game suited the Planemakers whose tall - if wooden line up - won the lions share of headers, no one more so than former Northwich stopper Ian Kearney who was outstanding. Airbus also seemed quicker to every ball as if having lost their previous four encounters with City they had a major point to prove. It was ten minutes from time when Bangor forged a genuine chance as Ryan Edwards crossed from the right but Dave Morley headed well over. Two minutes later the vaguely eccentric Bryn Markham Jones yellow carded Les Davies but not home midfielder Glenn Rule following a brief tussle on halfway. This was the only yellow card of the first half. So a one nil deficit at the interval and as lacklustre a performance as blues fans had witnessed for a while. For Airbus though one foot in the Algarve... |
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HALF TIME
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Two
changes at the interval for Bangor as Robbie Booth and Gary O'Toole
came on for Sion Edwards and Peter Hoy with City now playing towards
the social club into a stiff breeze. What followed was similar in pattern to the first period with Bangor still failing to pass the ball and keep possession, Kearney and his lanky team mates winning just about every header and Liverpool loanee Jamie Stephens claiming every cross but one. The first of eight yellow cards shown in the second period went to Wayne Riley for dissent four minutes after the restart. City shaped their best move of the game moments later as substitute Robbie Booth raced down the right and crossed near post where follow replacement Gary O'Toole went close having crossed his defender but Stephens gathered. Airbus made it two nil on 62 minutes from a freekick. Tom Field crossed from the right and Steve Tomassen netted from ten yards with the blues defence too slow to react. What happened next was unpleasant to see. Glenn Rule lunged at Robbie Booth and was yellow carded. In the melee that followed Gary O'Toole reacted angrily to a comment passed by one of the Airbus players. The normally mild mannered striker had to be calmed by Michael Johnston whilst referee Jones took the names of Chris Roberts and Lee Owens. There was an unpleasant atmosphere about the next five or ten minutes which also saw Jason Jarrett and Dave Morley yellow carded before, with twenty minutes left, a visibly angry Jarrett was replaced by Mike Roddy and kicked the perimiter boards as he left. Bangor then had a sight of goal as the previously reliable Stephens rushed out to punch wildly at a high ball which looped to blues striker Les Davies but he hooked his effort well over. The pattern of play was now set. Bangor tried to mount some pressure but Airbus defended competently and might really have scored a couple more on the break but their composure deserted them and to be fair Michael Johnston and Liam Brownhill made some brave challenges when outnumbered by onrushing attackers. There were late booking for Brownhill and Booth and referee Jones appeared to lose his cool. Robbie Booth sent a low drive wide of the righthand post, but nothing to change the result and when the whistle blew it was Airbus's players and officials who celebrated a deserved victory and European place. For Bangor the one remaining home league match with champions TNS now something of a formality with the Welsh Cup Final to contemplate. |
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39 | 13 April 2013 |
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![]() The visitors fashioned an early opening when Craig Hughes freed fellow speed merchant Geoff Kellaway and the former Aberstwyth winger cut inside but fired wide of the far post with Corey Thomas unable to get a touch.. Carmarthen won what proved to be the first of just two corners won all afternoon on nine minutes but to no avail. This stung City into life and to good effect. Lee Idzi cleared to big Les Davies who flicked on to right winger Chris Jones. Despite being blocked on the edge of the box he slid the ball into the path of Chris Simm whose low strike beat Stephen Cann into the net for a 13th minute lead. It could have been two nil moments later when a Bangor corner found Les Davies. Dave Morley appeared to be held back as he tried to connect with Les Davies pass on the edge of the six yard line but no response from referee Evans. But Mark Aizlewood's side were far from beaten and a run through the middle from Liam McCreesh cuminated in a square ball to Geoff Kellaway on the left twenty yards out but he missed the proverbial open goal. With 24 minutes gone Michael Johnston was shown the yellow card for a foul. Bangor enjoyed the better of the first period, forcing six corners and testing goalkeeper Cann, but unhappily pehaps not enough to extend their lead despite forcing the pace. On the half hour Liam Brownhill found Dave Morley on the right and he crossed to the back post where Peter Hoy headed down but unfortunately narrowly wide. Next Hoy sent over a trademark long throw from the left which struck the arm of a Carmarthen defender but again no reply from Mr Evans. With the first half drifting into added time Chris Simm unhinged the Town defence to set up Les Davies in front of goal but he could not apply the finishing touch and Craig Hanford cleared. Moments earlier Peter Hoy again went close for Bangor. So Bangor took a one goal advantage in at the interval with all still to play for. |
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HALF TIME
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No
changes at the interval. For all their endeavour the Old Golds' first shot on target of the afternoon did not arrive until Lee Idzi saved comfortably enough from Luke Cummings some twenty minutes after the restart. Carmarthen fashioned an opening when Corey Thomas charged forward from midfield and fired on target but Lee Idzi saved well but only as far as Kellaway although his low cross came to nothing. On 69 minutes a first change for Bangor as Sion Edwards replaced Chris Jones. Certainly the left footer made his presence felt as the final twenty minutes was played out. City had more penalty appeals waved away by Lee Evans the more blatant a clear shirt pull by Nicky Palmer on Damien Allen well inside the visitors box midway through the second half. With just over ten minutes left Levi Mackin took over in midfield from Peter Hoy. As time ran out tempers frayed with Tim Hicks and Luke Cummings both shown the yellow card by referee Lee Evans. Sion Edwards lashed wide for City with around ten minutes left after he followed in his high cross from the right. With thirteen minutes left the lanky Christian Doidge came on for veteran defender Ian Hillier as Carmarthen pushed for an equaliser. And that extra entreprise proved costly as City snatched another goal late on to send the blues support home happy. With the ninety minutes gone Michael Johnston cleared to the right and Ryan Edwards found Les Davies who turned and then slid the ball through for Sion Edwards who needed no second invitation to race on goal and drill wide of the exposed Cann for a decisive second goal. Manager Nev Powell was understandably pleased with the result "I thought we were the better side, we controlled it for long periods, but whilst its one nil you cant switch off against teams like Carmarthen". From Mark Aizlewood's point of view it was slightly different "We missed four fantastic opportunities before conceding a schoolboy error type of goal. This gave Bangor an underserved lead going into the breakin a match they knew they had to win". So opinions differ - understandably enough - but three points and a clean sheet for Bangor with just wo league games to go. |
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38 | 9 April 2013 |
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![]() The blues line up again included Peter Hoy in a holding midfield role as manager Nev Powell conjured up a plan to beat resilient Prestatyn. In the first half Seasiders fullback Anthony Stephens went close with a header but not close enough to alarm Lee Idzi. Liam Brownhill was pushing forward to good effect down the right for Bangor and he was involved a Chris Jones' cross met Chris Simm directly infront of goal. He was clearly barged in the back by Chris Davies but the well positioned Kevin Parry waved play on! Blues striker Chris Simm went close on the half hour with a great turn and shot from Brownhill's cross but Jon Hill Dunt reacted to push away after a wicked deflection. Then Lee Idzi saved well from Mark Smyth who went close against his old side. The pacey Parkinson had the ball in the Bangor net but the linesman's flag was up for offside. As half time approached a Liam Brownhill cross caused confusion in the Prestatyn box and as Chris Simm saw his shot blocked by Tommy Holmes it required a good save from Jon Hill Dunt to keep the blues at bay. But it remained goalless and as the two sides marched off at the interval it was still there to be won and lost. |
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HALF TIME
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No
changes at the interval But soon after the restart Bangor went close as Chris Jones fired narrowly wide. Prestatyn right back Chris Davies responded with a shot which flew into the side netting. Bangor then might have scored on a number of occasions as City were awarded a freekick as Hill Dunt handled a back pass. The kick was taken by Damien Allen as as chaos reigned Chris Simm, Dave Morley and leftback Chris Roberts all had efforts blocked or charged down before the ball was finally scrambled away. Full back Davies cleared off the line at Chris Simm threatened and a Bangor breakthrough looked the more likely. On 67 minutes City won a corner on the left which was delivered by Damien Allen for leading goalscorer Chris Simm to head home emphatically with Hill Dunt finally beaten by power of the strike. The burly custodian did keep out another fullblooded effort from the former Chester striker after Les Davies had got the better of Jason Price, and he was kept busy in the closing stages to deny Chris Roberts once and Sion Edwards twice as City fought to force the all important second goal. One breathtaking move started by Edwards in the leftback position saw his swerve past a handful of Town defenders before sliding the ball across to Chris Simm only for Hill Dunt to smother the low drive to the amazement of the blues fans. A second goal didnt arrive but nevertheless the final whistle did - and for the first time this season Bangor had beaten the Bastion Gardens side and more importantly picked up three more points in the quest for second place. |
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37 | 6 April 2013 |
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The Welsh Cup |
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That
the all important winning goal came in the last few seconds of injury
time at the end of this cup semi final only added gloss to what was an
excellent performance by Bangor. And full credit must go to Messrs Powell and Limbert for devising a line up and strategy which gave City a platform to compete and eventually win. This involved playing Peter Hoy as a defensive barrier in central midfield, pulling Les Davies over to the left wing, and giving both Ryan Edwards and Damien Allen the freedom to push up as they wished. Bangor started well enough with some loud shouts for a penalty after a Peter Hoy long throw before Damien Allen headed over from a freekick on the left. But the Saints had chances too as Ryan Fraughan show cleanly from fifteen yards but Lee Idzi saved well. As the full timers pressed the tall and reassuring figure of Dave Morley stood firm alongside Michael Johnston a the heart of the blues defence. Next there was a stoppage as Aeron Edwards received treatment following a heavy challenge with Michael Johnston. On the half hour the Park Hall side won their first corner but Phil Baker lofted well over. Moments later Peter Hoy was shown the yellow card on half way for a late tackle. Ryan Fraughan then fired well wide before a third TNS corner was again ballooned over by the long serving Baker from ten yards. As time ran out the veteran Scott Ruscoe toe poked wide from the edge of the box. And that was about it as Referee Pratt, who had been calm and composed throughout, blew for the interval and queues formed at the various teabars. |
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HALF TIME
0-0 |
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One
change at the interval saw young Sam Finley replace Aeron Edwards in
the Saints midfield. Bangor were now playing away from the entrance end, with the aid of a light breeze, attacking the massed ranks behind Paul Harrison's goal. Chris Roberts was harshly carded by Referee Pratt for a trip on half way. The Shropshire side won a fourth corner which came to nothing before Chris Simm was also shown the yellow card on the hour. The afternoon felt as if it was building up to something without really taking off. Then the hard working Chris Simm burst onto the scene as he exploited some sloppy defending by rightback Simon Spender to cut in from the blues left and shoot goalwards but Harrison saved. From the corner the ball dropped to Chris Jones but he fired over. On 65 minutes with Bangor picking up the pace Damien Allen had a shot held by Harrison who was now the busier of the two keepers. Moments later Mike Wilde was also carded for jumping into Michael Johnston. Lee Idzi sent a long clearance which Les Davies headed on but Chris Simm could not quite gather the bouncing ball on the firm dry Belle Vue pitch. TNS went for a second change on 71 mins when local lad Matty Williams replaced Alex Darlington. Bangor pressed once more as Liam Brownhill crossed left footed from the right but Chris Jones fired over. Chris Marriott crossed for Mike Wilde but Lee Idzi saved bravely and need treatment before being able to continue. Moments earlier Peter Hoy was replaced by Sion Edwards with a noisy applause for both players. With a little more than ten minutes remaining young Sam Finley had a rush of blood and dived in on Chris Roberts. It looked a bad challenge and as City's left back was treated Referee Pratt showed the former Warrington grafter a red card. Despite the inevitable protestations from the greens off he went. On 82 mins Gary O'Toole replaced Chris Simm who had been tireless and selfless upfront in the sole striker role. Would "One Touch" be the man to break the deadlock? With two minutes remaining Les Davies found space on the left but dragged his shot wide to his clear dismay. The fourth official indicated four minutes of added time. Damien Allen fired over as he backpeddled to find space. But with around thirty seconds left Lee Idzi boomed a goalkick down the middle Les Davies headed on, Gary O'Toole and Chris Jones chased but it was the Nefyn striker whose light touch lifted the ball over Harrison and into the net. The Bangor fans celebrated noisily and the game was won. There was time for The New Saints to restart but - no more - and the whistle blew with City through to the Welsh Cup Final and a date in early May with Prestatyn who beat Barry in the other semi final. |
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36 | 30th March 2013 |
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![]() Blues boss Nev Powell brought Kris Thomas in at rightback with Robbie Booth starting on the left wing. Young Jamie McDaid was named amongst the substitutes with Peter Hoy and Jamie Brewerton injured. Attacking the Bridge End City started the brighter with Chris Jones denied twice is quick succession after some ten minutes from Booth's left wing cross. Port Talbot were forced to replace Carl Payne with Sacha Walters moments later and City won a corner which Kris Thomas headed over. But against the run of play the visitors took the lead on twenty minutes. Chad Bond forced the ball home from close range after Brook's shot was parried. The scene was set for a high scoring afternoon and so it proved. Kris Thomas went close for Bangor before a long distance Les Davies freekick was too close to 'Talbot keeper Stephen Hall who pouched easily. City forced a couple more corners and exposed some anxiety in the visitors defence for whom the podgy Hall looked a bit short when dealing with crosses. Martin Rose, always a thorn in Bangor's side, shot low on target but Lee Idzi saved well. Referee Brian James made his first big call when Chris Simm appeared to be tugged down by last man defender Bloom but nothing doing. Then on the stroke of half time Bangor drew level. Another foul on Simm yielded a freekick which Robbie Booth sent goalwards, richoted to Chris Simm whose shot struck Chris Jones who reacted quickly to lift the spirits of the Nantporth faitfhul. Leftback Lloyd Grist was booked for a comment aimed at Referee James. And that was about it for the first half with Bangor having more possession but Port Talbot, and in particular the spring heeled David Brooks on the left, looking dangerous on the counter. |
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HALF TIME
1-1 |
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No
changes at the interval... Bangor forced the first chance of the second period when Chris Simm's found Robbie Booth but he shot over from the edge of the box. Next Simm repeated the feat to inviite a drive from Ryan Edwards which Hall pushed over for City's fourth corner of the afternoon. A couple more flag kicks reflected the pressure building on the visitors goal but Chris Simm was thwarted by a goal line clearance from Lewis Harling with the stocky goalkeeper beaten. But ten minutes after the restart rightback Kris Thomas was ruled to have fouled David Brooks and the light weight winger picked himself to send Lee Idzi the wrong way. Brooks was travelling at speed but there did appear to be minimal contact. Bangor responded with a sixth corner but Chris Jones fired over from the edge of the box before Robbie Booth chased with speed down the left, cut inside onto his right foot but Hall saved comfortably. Chris Simm shot on across goal from the right but Martin Rose headed against the woodwork as Port Talbot continued to threaten. City then made a double change. Sion Edwards replaced Chris Jones with Robbie Booth switching to the right, Liam Brownhill taking over from Kris Thomas at rightback. That was on sixty six minutes. On 72 it was all square. A wayward clearance from Leigh DeVulgt invited another layoff from Chris Simm and this time midfield dynamo Ryan Edwards fierce drive beat Hall all ends up to the delight of the noisy Bangor support. Lewis Harling was booked for dissent but five minutes later Talbot had the lead for a third time when David Brooks raced clear down the left - he was rightly ruled onside - to beat Lee Idzi with a low strike. His celebrations involved ripping his shirt off in a bizarre gesture aimed at the main stand - given that you might find more muscle on a marshmallow.. Yellow card again - all three for dissent of sorts after a goal. With five minutes left Nev Powell gave Jamie McDaid his Welsh Premier debut - after a goalscoring bow in midweek - with Robbie Booth making way. With injuries to both Michael Johnston and visiting keeper Hall there were six added minutes displayed by the fourth official - money for old rope - and still hope for Bangor. In the fourth minute of added time the equaliser came when Les Davies clattered home a close range chance for City after a Liam Brownhill cross from the right was intercepted by Jamie McDaid. This was a just reward for the big striker who led the line well, spread the ball out to the wings and made a nuisance of himself all afternoon. But that was how it ended, a fourth draw in the four league encounters between the north and south coast blues. And with two points dropped by Bangor with Airbus now hot favourites to win the race for runners up and UEFA qualification. |
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35 | 26 March 2013 |
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NWCFA
Challenge Cup |
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![]() Bangor eased to a 3-0 win over Meliden and a semi final encounter with Rhyl in the North Wales Challenge Cup. City boss Nev Powell opted for a mix and match starting line up which included players with Football League experience alongside youngsters from the youth team. And it worked well as the home side led pretty much throughout. First team regular Dave Morley started at the heart of a youthful rearguard alongside Dylan Jones, flanked by young fullbacks Matt Locke and Iolo Hughes. Likewise Levi Mackin and Robbie Booth lined up in midfield alongside local pair Craig Whelan and Sean Davies whilst Gary O'Toole's strike partner was Welsh Colleges marksman Jamie McDaid. Gary O'Toole went close on seven minutes with a low shot which fizzed wide but Bangor had the lead on 14 minutes when a corner was half cleared to the edge of the box where former Chester midfielder Levi Mackin was waiting to crash home beyond former Conwy goalkeeper Gary Higham. Midway through the half debutant striker Jamie McDaid netted following a goalmouth melee to double the advantage and effectively end the evening as a contest. Not that this put Meliden off though as their noisy contingent enjoyed their night in Nantporth despite the scoreline. But it was Bangor who led at the interval thanks to those two goals and despite Gary Walsh going close for Meliden. |
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HALF TIME 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The second half saw John Littlemore replace Gary O'Toole who went off due to injury. On 53 minutes it was three nil to Bangor. Jamie McDaid crossed for John Littlemore to head goalwards and the ball rebounded to the alert Robbie Booth who slotted home from close range. On the hour City ran the changes with recent signing Danny Bell and Corey Jones replacing Robbie Booth and Craig Whelan. Meliden threatened with the occasional shot and cross which young reserve 'keeper Nick Bould dealt with confidently. At one point they did have the ball in the Bangor net but referee Rowlands had already whistled for an offence when the visitors would clearly have preferred the advantage. In the closing stages Meliden went close to what would have been a deserved consolation but neither former Wrexham youngster Luke Carding nor the more experienced Alun Winstanley could convert. But three nil it was and as the draw had already been made City knew a date with coast rivals Rhyl awaits in the semi final. The youngsters on view could feel pleased with their contribution as indeed could the travelling Meliden supporters who backed their team throughout. |
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34 | 16 March 2013 |
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![]() The bad news began before kick off when captain Jamie Brewerton went down clutching his knee and had to be replaced in the starting line by Levi Mackin with the versatile Ryan Edwards slotting in at right back. And for the opening twenty minutes it worked well enough. Attacking the carpark end Bangor gave as good as they got with Kris Thomas sending a twenty yarder arching wide before former Neath wide man Chris Jones fired over for the Saints. On ten minutes referee Bryn Markham Jones made it plain he would stand for no nonesense with yellow cards for Les Davies and then Phil Baker for heavy challenges. Soon after City forced a couple of corners with Chris Jones seeing his shot deflected over before Paul Harrison responded to some unkind comments from the travelling contingent with a calm claim of the second kick. Twenty minutes in and Bangor had shaded the play. A deep freekick brought a header from Les Davies but it lacked the power or direction to beat Harrison. The first real alarm came minutes later when Aeron Edwards, once of Caersws, shot goalwards and Lee Idzi did well to beat the effort away. Alarm turned to actual harm on 27 mins though when Michael Wilde collected Edwards' pass to drive beyond Lee Idzi from ten yards out. Five minutes later the home side's Chris Jones passed out to the right for Michael Wilde to double the score with a curling right footer which left Idzi well beaten. And to some degree City were beaten in that moment too. With thoughts turning to switching ends The Saints clinched the victory with a chip from Alex Darlington which dropped into the empty net and left the blue shirted visitors heavy legged as they trudged off. |
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HALF TIME
1-0 |
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No
changes at the interval with City
now attacking the new stand end. Bangor were now attacking the end where a green stand grew on the hill once invaded by the City clan two years earlier. But it was soon business as usual as the spring heeled Alex Darington made it 4-0 on 54 minutes with a close range finish from a pacey break. Cty tried to respond and won a corner which ended in a half chance for Ryan Edwards on the edge of the box but he lofted well over. But it only served to delay the inevitable as Alex Darlington crashed home a fifth to clinch his own hatrick and matchball prize with a clean strike into the top corner. City responded with a triple substitution on 62 minutes. Peter Hoy, Robbie Booth and gary O'Toole came on for Levi Mackin, Sion Edwards and Chris Simm respectively. Now whether it was coincidence or not the floodgates did not open and the only goal conceded during the final half hour was a penalty. Certainly Peter Hoy stood firm at right back to win some tackles and headers whilst the energetic Edwards seemed more comfortable in midfield. It may of course have been a case of the home side rightly thinking it was already a job done. Perhaps a bit of both. Bangor kept trying to push forward and on one such occasion Chris Jones ran into the box, was stopped by Kai Edwards who saw the ball run to Peter Hoy but he fired across goal from the right. On 81 mins former Rhyl striker Matty Williams replaced Scott Ruscoe and five minutes after his introduction the home side won a penalty for a grip on Wilde by Kris Thomas which Matty Williams duly converted to complete the scoring. Bangor had one half chance in added time when the ball ran out to Ryan Edwards but he fired off target. There was a final corner won by Peter Hoy which dropped to Les Davies but his close range shot was blocked. The whistle blew and although it was the Bangor fans who sang loudest it was the TNS players who wore the bigger smiles. One final observation, I thought Referee Markham Jones did okay and few Bangor fans could have pointed fingers at him to excuse this heavy defeat. Reports were filtering through that captain Brewerton had suffered a dislocated knee.. |
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33 | 8 March 2013 |
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![]() With Michael Johnston still nursing a sore head and Dave Morley a damaged hamstring City introduced Kris Thomas as Jamie Brewerton's central defensive partner. They were superb and the long distance defender can be more than pleased with his showing alongside Bangor's no nonesense captain. The visitors though nearly snatched an early opportunity when Lee Idzi had to deal with an underhit backpass but he did so calmly and the chance disappeared. Bangor forged their first opening on four minutes when Sion Edwards and Les Davies combined down the left to set up Chris Jones but he fired over left footed at the Antelope End. Leading goalscorer and Airbus destroyer Chris Simm went close twice in quick succession, once as Jamie Stephens dived at his feet and then a low drive from the left which the Liverpool loanee held low at his near post. Moments later Glenn Rule's low twenty yard effort was saved by Lee Idzi. Midway through the half Chris Simm turned Ian Kearney on the right and the big stopper responded by shoving him into the barrier. A yellow card was perhaps the right call by Lee Evans but it wa dangerous play. This yielded a freekick which was pushed out for a corner on the left. Goalkeeper Stephens struck Les Davies in the face and was rightly yellow carded. From the resulting corner delivered by Damien Allen blues wideman Chris Jones flicked wide. Airbus responded with a pacey move which saw Chris Budrys set up Wayne Riley but once more Lee Idzi was on hand to save. Seven minutes from half time Kris Thomas was yellow carded for a slide on midfielder Rule and as time ran out Les Davies and Chris Simm could not quite make the most of half chances and the scoreline was blank as Lee Evans whistled for a welcome warm break on a wet misty evening. |
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HALF TIME
0-0 |
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No
changes at the interval. The opening quarter of the second period showed little of the drama to come. Airbus did force one clean chance as Wayne Riley shot on target but Jamie Brewerton blasted clear. On the hour Jordan Johnson fired well over. Midway through the half Sion Edwards passed to Les Davies but his fierce drive sped just wide of the righthand upright. Airbus leftback Sam Hart made a penetrating run into the box but Lee Idzi saved comfortably. Neither side could really get up a head of steam and the game seemed to be drifting towards a largley unwanted draw. Sensing this perhaps - and realising it was no use - Airbus boss Andy Preece sent on Jason Jarrett and Mike Hayes for Glenn Rule and Jordan Johnson. Four minutes later City responded by sending on Robbie Booth and Levi Mackin for Sion Edwards and Damien Allen who has both worked hard from start to finish. It seemed to inspire Bangor as Les Davies fed midfield dynamo Ryan Edwards but he fired narrowly wide. Then the big moment. Chris Jones broke down the right but was flattened by a wild challenge from Tom Field who clearly has a short fuse. This happened below the mainstand and provoked a noisy response from the home crowd. Ref ![]() Substitute Hayes was then shown a yellow card for a late challenge and with four minutes left and the scoreline blank Bangor sent on Gary O'Toole for the hobbling Chris Jones. With his first touch Gary O'Toole heads Chris Roberts freekick straight into the visitors net for a one nil lead. Moments later O'Toole went close to a second but Stephens saved well. Could Bangor hold on? Would nerves creep in? No! On ninety minutes Chris Simm's overhit cross from the left drifts out to another sub Robbie Booth on the left edge of the box. He cut inside past Lee Owens and sent a curling right footer beyond defender and goalkeeper for a conclusive 2-0 advantage. The roar was as much relief and celebration. And although there was added time it added up to nothing as Airbus barely threatened and the hugely impressive defensive pair of Kris Thomas and Jamie Brewerton stood firm and the final whistle blew to confirm another win over Airbus and three important points gained. |
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32 | 2 March 2013 |
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The
Welsh Cup |
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A battling performance
and a crucial win for Bangor in the Welsh Cup Quarter Final to overcome
Airbus and set up a semi final date with TNS. And once again it was Chris Simm who scored the crucial goal although S4C pundits rightly ruled that Jamie Brewerton was outstanding for City. Attacking the Menai Bridge End it was Bangor who looked the brighter winning a couple of early corners and inside ten minutes Les Davies headed Chris Jones' cross just wide. Airbus responded through Jordan Johnson who fired well over from the edge of the box. There were encouraging signs from Les Davies and Chris Simm and the big Maesgeirchen marauders released his strike partner but Tommasen blocked. Then Davies crossed but Simm headed just off target. On twenty minutes Bangor's number nine flicked on for Chris Jones but his attempted chip was pouched by the good natured Stephens who seemed to enjoy his afternoon. When Airbus threatened captain Brewerton and defensive partner Dave Morley stood firm against the Steve Abbott and when the former Wrexham professional did find time and space to turn and shoot on the penalty spot he picked out Lee Idzi. City took the lead on 23 minutes. Liam Brownhill gathered the ball on half way and ran slightly infield before slotting midfielder Ryan Edwards wide to the right. His inviting cross picked out Chris Simm at the back post and his powerful header beat young Stephens all ends up. For the stattos out there this was Simm's fifth of the season against Airbus, his twentieth overall, and his first in any cup competition. Bangor held sway and defended strongly when forced to do so with Morley and Brewerton prominent, ably supported by fullbacks Liam Brownhill and Chris Roberts. Seven minutes from time Airbus won their first corner before Glenn Rule got involved with some nonesense in the Bangor dugout and clearly pushed Nev Powell out of his way. Referee Dean John consulted his linesman before restarting play. Something and nothing. As time ran out The Planemakers pushed for an equaliser with Jason Jarrett seeing his shot blocked and then leftback Sam Hart coming off the worse following a collision with Liam Brownhill. After two minutes of added time Referee John blew for the break and City fans lined up for a pie or a pint with cheer in their hearts... |
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HALF TIME
1-0 |
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One
change at the interval with Michael Johnston replacing Dave Morley The visitors now attacked the Menai Bridge End with the sun in their faces. Glenn Rule crossed but Steve Abbott headed over off balance thanks in no small part to the presence of captain Brewerton. Would Bangor miss the height of Dave Morley if crosses rained in? It didnt work out that way in fairness. On the hour Airbus did have the ball in the net but Phil Bolland might just have heard the whistle before his header looped over Lee Idzi. Freekick to Bangor. Two minutes later Jason Jarrett made way for Ryan Wade as the visitors made their first change. Midway through what was in some ways a subdued second period substitute Wade sliced wide but Tom Field went close with a 25 yard screamer which clipped the outside of the righthand post with Lee Idzi for once beaten at full stretch. Bangor sprang back to life with eighteen minutes left when Ryan Edwards crossed and Chris Simm darted Mottram style to the near post but steered his header just wide. Moments later Robbie Booth replaced Sion Edwards. With fifteen minutes to go Airbus had two half hearted penalty appeals waved away by Referee John - well done - and three minutes later Chris Budrys replaced Steve Abbott whilst midfielder Levi Mackin trotted on for Damien Allen who had been ill during the week. Airbus won a corner which Bangor cleared and resulted in goalkeeper Stephens sliding out at the feet of Robbie Booth on the right as a second goal beckoned. With eight minutes to go Ritchie Partridge replaced Johnson. Bangor might have been home and hosed moments later as Chris Simm battled for the ball in the 'Bus box and fired on target but Sam Hart hacked off the line. Three minutes to go - or so we thought - and the visitors forced a couple of corners the first of which saw Michael Johnston and Chris Budrys treated following a clash of heads which left both seeing stars. And I don't mean Gwyn Pierce Owen. With ninety mins all but done the fourth official indicated six more were due and City fans groaned in dismay. But in all honesty the expected nervous closure never materialised as Les Davies and Chris Simm won freekicks and throws, in fact the only clear chance of added time saw Simm shoot cleanly but Stephens saved low to his left. As tempered frayed Field and then Tomassen were yellow carded but Bangor stood firm and at the final whistle it was City who celebrated their passage to the semi finals and what turned out to be a meeting with cup holder The New Saints. |
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31 | 23 February 2013 |
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![]() That was the opening line of the match report from the first meeting between the two sides and it seems particularly fitting this time around too. Bangor pressed from the kick off and the all important goal came on eleven minutes when leftback Liam Brownhill's cross was half cleared by the Town defence to the right for Chris Jones who crossed for Les Davies to head firmly beyond home goalkeeper Stephen Cann for his seventh goal of the season. On a sticky surface Bangor were well served by the midfield tandem of Ryan Edwards and Damien Allen with pace and menace aplenty on the wings and closer to the action from Chris Jones and Sion Edwards. Town responded and first Ian Hillier and then Paul Fowler went close before on the half hour Chris Simm fired on target. But Bangor then lost Michael Johnston who limped off with what looked like a groin problem to be replaced in central defence by the hugely experienced Dave Morley. Ten minutes from time big Christian Doidge shot wide for Carmarthen and then five minutes later Bangor went close to doubling their lead when Dave Morley's volleyed clearance released Chris Jones who fired goalwards from 30 yards but his fierce drive struck Craig Hanford and looped over Steven Cann but onto the roof of the net. So the half time score stood at a promising one nil for the visitors... |
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HALF TIME
0-1 |
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No changes at the
interval as Bangor
looked to protect their advantage with Carmarthen having to press
forward. The early chance of the second period fell to Carmarthen but Christian Doidge hooked wide after latching onto goalkeeper Cann's booming clearance. Bangor responded as Les Davies threatened to add to his tally with a run in behind the home defence but Cann saved his clean drive from the edge of the box. On the hour mark City won three corners in quick succession but could not force a clear opening. Midway through the half Carmarthen replaced the lumbering Doidge with the pacey Casey Thomas. Bangor pressed for a second and as Ian Hillier tried to barge clear on the edge of his box he was tackled by Damien Allen who supplied Sion Edwards who shipped the ball onto Chris Simm but his shot from the left was too close to Cann. Both Craig Hanford and Chris Jones were yellow carded by Referee Harrington with fifteen minutes to go. Ten minutes from time a real worry as Lee Idzi was adjudged to have handled a backpass on his six yard line. These attacking freekicks are generally nearly impossible to score from - older readers may remember Barry Ashworth could do so - and after the initial strike from Paul Fowler was blocked and Lee Idzi kept out Liam Thomas' follow up effort and the danger passed. before Liam McCreesh and Matthew Rees then came on for Town pair Corey Thomas and Ian Hillier respectively. In the closing five minutes of normal time Bangor pushed for a second goal but despite winning four corners in as many minutes could not force a conclusive strike. The industrious Chris Jones won possession in midfield, passed forward to Chris Simm who in turn released Sion Edwards but he lost balance and fired wide to the left. Both Carl Evans and recent arrival Geoff Kellaway went close for a desperate Carmarthen who won their only corner of the afternoon in the closing minutes. City sent on late replacements Gary O'Toole and Robbie Booth for Chris Simm and Sion Edwards and Bangor stood firm and finally notched that elusive and eagerly awaited victory. And eleven corners won on the road suggests that this was a deserved if slender win for City. A long overdue win for Bangor and a first league clean sheet since November. |
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30 | 16 February 2013 |
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![]() With concerns over a winless spell blues boss Nev Powell opted for a 4-3-3 formation which saw Dave Morley, Levi Mackin and Ryan Edwards start in midfield. There was also a debut at rightback for Kris Thomas. Bangor dominated the opening stages with Dave Morley blazing over from six yards in the first minute before Les Davies shot on target from distance but scarcely troubled the podgy Steven Hall. Leading scorer Chris Simm saw his header saved and moments later Les Davies miskicked when well placed. All inside four minutes. City could have been 2-0. However they weren't and Port Talbot rallied with Ashley Evans getting stuck into the midfield battle. Lee Idzi was called into action as he saved from Chad Bond who then saw his shot blocked by Jamie Brewerton who gave a captains performance. On twenty mins Dave Morley headed over before Referee Markham Jones dismissed penalty claims as Bangor attacked. On 23 mins the first yellow of the afternoon when Kris Thomas felled Lewis Harling. Minutes later Port Talbot broke on their left but David Brooks fired wide. Two mins after the booking David Brooks ran through but Lee Idzi saved well. Bangor worked an opening for Robbie Booth but Hall saved his shot from the edge of the box. On 32 mins it was the home side who went ahead as David Brooks cut in from the left and saw his low cross variously deflected goalwards by James Bloom and then scrambled over the line by Martin Rose. On the balance of play as the half moved on 'Talbot deserved a goal. Bangor went close when Les Davies headed on to Chris Simm but he dragged his low shot wide. Two more cards shown by Mr Jones before the interval to Robbie Booth for a sliding challenge and Ashley Evans for a challenge on Dave Morley. Into the two minutes of added time and it took a great saved by Lee Idzi to kick away a low shot from Lewis Harling who threatened for the home side. Half time one nil to Port Talbot but all to play for.. |
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HALF TIME
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Two
changes at the interval! Damien Allen and Sion Edwards on for Levi
Mackin and Robbie Booth, Both were quickly into the action with Allen in particular a contender for man of the match for City at any rate. Brooks went close for Port Talbot before Les Davies shot wide from the right. Martin Rose charged past Jamie Brewerton but Chris Roberts stepped in with a well timed challenge. On 51 mins Chad Bond might have done better but he hesitated in the box and Michael Johnston cleared. Four mins later a Bangor freekick was driven goalwards by Damien Allen but Hall saved. He didnt save two minutes later though as Allen crossed from the left for Chris Simm to chest down and place the ball beyond Hall for a deserved equaliser and his nineteenth WP goal of the season. On the hour Dave Morley was carded for a foul on James Bloom as the wretched corrugated pitch got the better of both teams. Wise comments from the men on the S4C mike that Bangor should play more football would do well to turn up an hour before kick off with a heavy roller. Chris Roberts was also carded for a trip on Chad Bond. Lee John then came on for Bond before a Port Talbot corner saw pressure mount on the Bangor goal with Brewerton an co at full stretch to keep the scores level. With seventeen mins to go a classic Sion Edwards cross was headed over by Les Davies. Both goalkeeper sliced clearances as the pitch became increasinly unpredictable. With ten mins on the clock Dave Morley saw his clean strike held by the podgy custodian who began to look rattled. With nine to go Gary O'Toole came on for Chris Simm and within seconds produced a superb save from Hall with a close range flick. Not so rattled after all... With two mins left Gary O'Toole had the ball in the net but a linesman flag signalled offside and cut short the Bangor celebrations. TNS at Nantporth revisited. And that was about it, three added minutes passed without too much incident and FiFA referee Jones blew for time and both managers contemplated a point and what might have been. Final score one all. |
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29 | 9 February 2013 |
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![]() City kicked off towards the Bridge End on a damp but mild Nantporth afternoon with Levi Mackin in central midfield in four three formation. The eccentric ground beating Jason Price had already forced a superb save from Lee Idzi when tiny Andy Parkinson cut in from the left to give Prestatyn a 13th minute lead. City quickly won a penalty when pedestrian debutant Tommy Holmes felled Chris Simm but Jon Hill Dunt defied the odds and the occasional crass comment with a low save to his right off Chris Simm who in fairness did not connect powerfully enough. Seven minutes later, on 23 mins, a sixth Bangor corner of the afternoon was clearly handled by Jason Price who had already been booked for a foul on Robbie Booth. Penalty and an early bath for Price. But Dave Morley was the culprit this time with Hill Dunt again guessing low and again to his right. Minutes later the burly custodian saved well from Chris Simm as he raced clear. Dave Morley rose highest but headed over, then the commanding Levi Mackin fired wide after a good run by Robbie Booth before Chris Simm saw his low shot on the turn held by Hill Dunt. As half time approached Levi Mackin found Damien Allen whose low shot was well stopped by Hill Dunt. Finally Chris Roberts sent over a deep cross from the left but Les Davies headed over. Not to be and at the interval the gutsy if largley outplayed visitors trundled off with a slender lead and a welcome break ahead. |
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HALF TIME
0-1 |
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No
changes at the interval... Into the second period and the perceived wisdom was that ten man Prestatyn would tire. And to some degree they did - apart from Andy Parkinson whose pace and close control troubled Bangor throughout. If there is a better more effective striker in the Welsh Premier at the moment I am yet to see him. But an equaliser did ![]() But no sooner had the shouting died down than Andy Parkinson cut inside from the left once more to beat Lee Idzi with a low drive to the delight of a dozen or so Town fans camped behind Lee Idzi's goal. Bangor responded through Levi Mackin whose low shot sped wide. Then Chris Roberts, in acres of space, fired across from the left but Chris Simm could not quite get a positive touch. On the hour Damien Allen skipped along the edge of the six yard line, beat all and sundry, but hit the bar from six yards. Five mins later a tenth corner - but no goal - then Liam Brownhill crossed but Dave Morley headed over. Robbie Booth fired goalwards but Hill Dunt was in the right place again. More frustration for the blues support. With twenty mins to go a double change saw Sion Edwards and Chris Jones replace Chris Roberts and Damien Allen. Five mins later it was two all as Chris Simm headed home from the twelth corner of the afternoon. With the crowd stirred and Prestatyn shaken Sion Edwards raced down the left and crossed low to Les Davies who clubbed the ball home right footed to put Bangor ahead for the first time. Bangor pressed, took the corner tally up to fifteen, Prestatyn defended bravely and in the third minute of four added won a corner of their own which Mike Parker crashed home to make the scores level at three all. And that is how it finished, a game with a red card, two penalty saves and six goals. Phew. |
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28 | 2 February 2013 |
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![]() With Jamie Brewerton suspended Dave Morley slotted in at centrehalf in to what was otherwise the starting line up at Connahs Quay a week earlier. Bangor forged an early opening when Liam Brownhill released Chris Simm on the right. He passed to Robbie Booth but his deflected effort was pouched by Talbot keeper Steven Hall. But is was the south coast side who took an early lead as Referee Harms played on despite Chris Roberts falling with a head injury. The visitors won a corner which was only half cleared and Ashley Evans netted from just inside the box with a great strike to lift the spirits of the visitors bench. Moments later Lee John went close to doubling the lead but Lee Idzi cleared at the last. City started to mount some pressure. Robbie Booth saw his corner cleared off the line and Les Davies' low freekick was eventually grabbed by Hall at the second attempt. Bangor drew level on 26 minutes when Chris Simm slotted home after Les Davies' carefully weighted pass set him free after the big Maesgeirchen striker had controlled Lee Idzi's long clearance.. On the stroke of half time Bangor went ahead as leading goalscorer Chris Simm struck again from Chris Roberts inviting cross from the left to head home his seventeenth Welsh Premier goal of the season. It was two one for City at the interval. |
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HALF TIME 2-1 |
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No
changes at the interval... Debutant defender Lee Surman saw his header saved by Lee Idzi before Bangor went close to a three one lead when Chris Simm and Chris Jones combined to help midfield dynamo Ryan Edwards run through but he hit the post and goalkeeper Hall somehow clawed Robbie Booth's follow up effort off the line before big bad Cortez Belle came on for Matty Crowell on 63 mins. Four minutes later the scores were level as Ashley Evans slid the ball home from close range for his second after City had failed to clear Carl Payne's initial effort from the right. Bangor boss Nev Powell responded by sending on new signing Gary O'Toole in place of right winger Chris Jones. Lee Idzi pulled off a great save for City as the menacing Carl Payne threatened to put Port Talbot ahead. A raft of changes followed with Sion Edwards and Levi Mackin coming on for City in place of Les Davies and Damien Allen five minutes from time. For left winger Sion this marked his 200th Welsh Premier appearance for Bangor City. As time ran out Cortez Belle was very lucky not to see red for a crude foul on Lee Idzi which left the long distance goalkeeper nursing a sore shin. Four minutes of added time followed and Lee Idzi saved well from substitute David Brooks before Chris Simm failed to connect and a draw it was as Referee Harms blew for time to bring an end to the opening phase of fixtures. Ten to go! |
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27 | 26 January 2013 |
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The Welsh Cup | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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![]() The pitch was treacherous - the same for both teams of course - and it took Bangor a while to come to terms with the conditions as defensive passes were intercepted and the ball held up on the wet surface. Bangor forced a couple of early corners and Liam Brownhill saw his shot saved before Chris Simm picked up the first yellow card of the afternoon for a challenge on half way. Robbie Booth ran across the box from left to right and fired a low shot just wide of the far post before Ryan Edwards' header forced a save from Rushton for a third blues corner on the quarter hour. The springheeled Jamie Petrie nearly capitalised on a heavy touch from Lee Idzi but the glovesman hacked the ball clear. Debutant Robbie Booth ran down the middle for City but sliced his shot wide. As Connahs Quay countered a worrying stoppage as former blues favourite Ricky Evans collided with the goalpost and lay prone on the turf. Chris Simm found space on the left but lifted just over the crossbar. By now the pitch was becoming more difficult, blue skies not withstanding, as both teams struggled gamely on the slithery surface. Then on 34 mins Bangor took the lead. A short corner on the left sent in by Damien Allen was headed home at the near post by fullback Danny Dobbins who got to the ball before Rushton could react. The first goal was always going to be important given the conditions and so it proved. The Bangor engine room of Damien Allen and mudlark Ryan Edwards had the edge in midfield with Michael Johnston and Jamie Brewerton working hard to keep tabs on Ricky Evans. A spectacular dive by Craig Jones fooled referee Harrison but the freekick was cleared to half way as the home side tried to mount some pressure in the closing minutes. One minute of added time and not much to report as time ran out and Bangor trotted off with a single goal lead with all still to play for in the second period. |
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HALF TIME
0-1 |
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No
changes at the interval... The first action after the restart came via a Connahs Quay corner - their second of the game - which Ryan Edwards half blocked and Lee Idzi conceded - and Lee Idzi duly caught the cross. City countered and won a seventh corner of the afternoon thanks to some hard work from Les Davies and a ![]() New Nomad John Hardiker was shown the yellow card for a foul on Chris Jones before on the hour Jamie Petrie had a shot blocked before City countered as Robbie Booth ran past Rowntree but his shot was saved. Moments later Liam Brownhill was carded for a comment passed to Referee Harrington. The first big talking point of the afternoon followed. Chris Simm ran behind the Nomads defence and appeared to be pulled back by young Jamie Wynne and the blues striker fell to the floor. With City fans expected retribution Referee Harrington waved play on. New signing Robbie Booth had the legs on rightback Wynne and exposed some space down the left to cross but Chris Simm shot wide. Gary O'Toole then replaced Chris Simm. Moments after coming on as a seventieth minute substitute local lad Gary O'Toole responded first as Ryan Edwards' twenty yarder hit the crossbar, to beat Rushton from close range at the second attempt. Forwards thrive on goals and the former Nomad could not have dreamt a better start to his Bangor career. Referee Harrington now took centre stage with a yellow card for Chris Rowntree for a wild lunge on Jamie Brewerton who in turn was shown the card for a foul on Rob Jones. Five minutes later captain Jamie Brewerton was shown a second yellow card for handball and sent for an early bath. Bangor responded by sending on Dave Morley for the hugely impressive Robbie Booth and the experienced utility man settled the blues defence as the inevitable charge came from the home side. Moments later Levi Mackin made his Bangor bow as he came on for a weary mud splattered Chris Jones and quickly set about protecting his defence. Rob Jones went down in the box but no pen. There was some pressure from the home side but City defended strongly and despite four minutes of added time there were no changes to the scoreline. So an important win for Bangor, hard fought and well deserved and a clean sheet to add to the sense of a job well done. |
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26 | 11 JANUARY 2013 |
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![]() Liam Brownhill going close before after ten minutes Chris Simm saw his header clip the crossbar as City pressed. Bangor boss Nev Powell opted for a 3-5-2 formation with Michael Johnston and Jamie Brewerton joined in central defence by Dave Morley. On fourteen minutes - with the rain falling persistently the pressing paid off the centreback ventured forward Dave Morley stooped to head home from Bangor's second corner of the evening delivered by Damien Allen on the left at the covered end. Much of the possession and direction Bangor stemmed from the hard graft being put in by Ryan Edwards whose tackling and interceptions kept City driving forwards.. On the half hour though Bala drew level as a low cross from the right turned in by Kenny Lunt with the ball somehow squirming under Lee Idzi.. Bala went close again as Ben Collins crossed and Lewis Codling headed goalwards but Lee Idzi was up to the task and pulled off a great save. Bangor sought to counter but Mark Jones stopped the break with a foul on Damien Allen and was shown a yellow card for his troubles. Chris Simm found himself in space on the left and with no company in the box fired a low shot at the near post but Morris saved well low down. Les Davies went close with a shot from distance than sped wide but at half time the scores were level at one all with both sides reasonably comfortable and optimistic. |
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HALF TIME
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All square at the
interval and with Bangor now attacking the trees
hopes were high. No changes for either side. But as the slippery conditions took their toll it was Bala who adapted the better and forced some good saves out of Lee Idzi who was by far the busier of the two South Walian goalkeepers. Stuart Jones headed over for Bala and Chris Simm sliced wide from the left before Damien Allen lofted over after Morris had denied Les Davies with his feet. Former Denbigh defender Tony Davies, striker Lewis Codling and goalscorer Lunt all went close for the home side as the game became stretched. Midway through the half a double change for Bangor with Mark Smyth and debutant Robbie Booth coming on for Chris Jones and Ryan Edwards who had both worked hard on the slithery surface. On 71 mins Mike Thompson replaced On 73 mins Bala had the lead when Bangor failed to clear - despite a couple of opportunities and Mark Jones smashed the ball beyond Idzi from the edge of the box. No chance for the defiant glovesman there. Bangor went close to an equaliser when Morris pulled off an astonishing one handed save from a close range shot from Damien Allen after good work by Chris Simm on the right but the corner yielded nothing with substitute Robbie Booth heading off target. In the closing stages Lee Idzi denied Lewis Codling who cut in from the right and Michael Johnston scrambled a goalbound effort off the line. With four minutes left John Owen came on for Chris Roberts in a three man attack but it was not to be. But the young striker did have one moment of hope when a freekick dropped to him fifteen yards out. His first time shot was clearly handled by Ben Collins on the six yard line but Referee Morgan waved play on despite the most blatant of penalties being due. Despite six minutes of added time City could not open up the home defence and it was Colin Caton and his black and white mud minstrels who celebrated at the final whistle. And deservedly so. They had coped better with the treacherous conditions and as football in a game for all seasons, that is the name of the game. |
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24 | 1 JANUARY 2013 |
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![]() Having said that Prestatyn might have gone ahead inside the first two minutes when he sliced wide following an early corner at the open end. But with the wind in their favour and Ryan Edwards running the midfield, City dominated for long periods, forged numerous chances but took just the one. The first real chance invited a header from Les Davies but this sailed over before the Maesgeirchen striker shot fiercely on target but fullback Anthony Stephens blocked bravely. By the twelth minute City had forced five corners. The last of these was half cleared to Jamie Brewerton but his low drive skidded just wide through a crowded goalmouth. On the quarter hour a yellow card for Les Davies for delaying a Lee Kendall freekick, then four minutes later a card for veteran Jason Price for a pitiful dive after a challenge from inside the Bangor box. Chris Simm was frustrated as his long range drifted wide from Kendall's punched clearance. Les Davies fired wide with a clean strike and moments later Chris Simm lofted wide from the left. Chances coming and going but not enough to trouble Kendall who by now was engaged in his customary "banter" with the blues fans behind his goal. The former Neath glovesman was busy fielding crosses and loose balls in the home box. Chris Simm shot on target but Kendall again on the spot to push over for a sixth corner but then a yellow card for Jamie Brewerton for a push on Neil Gibson after City's captain was balked by Gibson and the lanky Greg Stones. City pressed again but Kendall saved well given that Paul O'Neill took some of the power off the shot. Bangor finally took the lead on 29 mins when Sion Edwards crossed from the left and Les Davies reacted first to volley home left footed at the near post. Mike Parker went close for Prestatyn but moments later goalscorer Davies saw his low right footer pouched by Kendall. Five minutes from time calamity for City as Michael Johnston's weak backpass let Andy Parkinson in on goal and he finished with aplomb to level the scores. Bangor had one final first half chance from a seventh corner which was half cleared Ryan Edwards but his twenty yarder flew over. So half time - against all the odds - Prestatyn were level and City had perhaps ten wasted chances to rue. |
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HALF TIME
1-1 |
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No
changes at the interval for either side but two minutes after restart
assistant referee Gareth Wilson was replaced in the Prestatyn midfield
by Tom Kemp. It is fair to note that the eighteen year old substitute impressed, working hard and keeping his composure. Chris Jones crossed from the right and Kendall had to scramble as Les Davies' header caused chaos and the ball bounced around. Prestatyn were now with the wind and in truth they made use of it. On 53 mins Andy Parkinson crossed from the right, Price had his header blocked but Gibson fed Michael Parker scored at the second attempt after a good low save from Lee Idzi. Bangor were far from beaten and Chris Jones raced along the goalline to play in Chris Simm but his first time flick found Kendall's midrift from point blank range from the right. ![]() The next action of note was a third goal for Prestatyn which arrived on 64 mins. Jason Price was on hand to jab home from ten yards after Andy Parkinson's lob bounced back invitingly off the Bangor crossbar. This was rough justice perhaps, albeit an object lesson in taking chances. City responded with a cross from the left from Damien Allen but Kendall grabbed snuffed out the danger at the near post. The final blow came on 68 minutes from what is best described as a dubious freekick. Jamie Brewerton won a fair challenge with player manager Gibson who rolled over and incurred the wrath of Chris Roberts. Referee Pratt cautioned leftback Roberts, not a word to Gibson, and awarded a freekick. There was nothing dubious though about Ross Stephens delivery which sent the ball arching past Lee Idzi from twenty yards. Bangor won a freekick on the left despite Parker claiming an elbow in the face - no blood or bruise to show - but Prestatyn cleared. The Chris Simm cut in from the left, beat Stones but his shot was deflected by Paul O'Neill and looped up onto the far post and away to safety. With twelve mins left another Bangor corner ran out to Ryan Edwards but he fired over from the edge of the box. In the closing stages Bangor sent on Mark Smyth for Chris Jones and then Dave Morley for Jamie Brewerton who was being baited by player manager Gibson with no intervention by Referee Pratt. The whistle blew, the home fans celebrated and blues followers drifted away with evident disappointment. |
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23 | 28 December 2012 |
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![]() With three key men missing City had to reshuffle. Ryan Edwards and Peter Hoy came in at rightback and centrehalf respectively with Alan Bull also starting. But it was Prestatyn who sprung the big surprise with Lee Kendall, a gun for hire these days, starting between the sticks. Price went close for the visitors forced three early corners, pushed forwards by a strong win towards the Bangor end, and it was with their first worthile effort that City took the lead. This came on thirteen minutes and it was certainly unlucky for Lee Kendall who fell as on his backside to see Sion Edwards inswinging freekick from the right sail over his head and into the unguarded net after Paul O'Neill had been yellow carded for a foul on Chris Simm. Four minutes later Bangor made light of playing into the wind to double their advantage. Chris Roberts crossed from the left and with Kendall flapping around like a wet hen Chris Simm headed back across goal for Les Davies to poke home from close range. The visitors continued to threaten with Neil Gibson shooting from distance but Lee Idzi was on hand to push the ball away for a fifth Prestatyn corner on twenty five minutes. Minutes later the same combination again in the thick of the action and a sixth corner which City cleared. With seven minutes remaining to the interval Chris Simm ran in behind the Prestatyn defence but lofted over when three nil was on the cards. Bangor were denied a penalty when a dithering Dave Hayes clashed with Chris Jones but moments later Sion Edwards' freekick found Jones but he headed wide andf the danger passed. There was time for Mr Petch to show the yellow card to Dave Hayes and that was about it. City led two nil at the interval and with the wind in their favour the second half all seemed set well... |
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HALF TIME
2-0 |
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No
changes at the interval... Bangor though now attacking the Bangor end and pushed forward by a blustery wind and light rain. Both sides had early half chances but nothing too serious before on 51 minutes Mark Smyth came on as Alan Bull limped off. On the hour an injury stoppage as Paul O'Neill received treatment following a routine clash with Les Davies who minutes later turned on the right to shoot just over from thirty yards with the ball crashing into the buildings behind the goal. City started the brighter and won a couple of corners with Kendall again looking uncomfortable to the delight of his doubters. Jason Price looked offside as he picked out Andy Parkinson on the left. His low drive forced Lee Idzi into a full length save. Town midfielder Mike Parker went close, so too Sion Edwards. With twenty minutes to go Bangor forced a corner which Neil Gibson scraped off the line but Peter Hoy crashed home from Jamie Brewerton's effort to make the score three nil and surely a safe home win for City. Nothing could have been further from the truth. With City players tiring on the sapping surface and Prestatyn adopting a "devil may care" attitude, the momentum swung in favour of the reds. Lee Idzi saved well from Mike Parker but could not prevent Jason Price from prodding home the rebound with twelve minutes left on the clock. Bangor responded with a clean strike from Sion Edwards which flew over but Prestatyn had an urgency which was hard to resist and in Andy Parkinson suddenly in unstoppable mood, a driving force. With one minute remaining Jason Price again capitalised from close range after Parkinson had run through the blues defence. Then with added time running out and the Bangor defence coming under increasing pressure the impish Parkinson danced through from the left to force another fine stop from Lee Idzi but the ball ran to Mike Parker who crashed home a deserved if unlikely equaliser. The visiting players and supporters celebrated loudly and in all honesty it was Bangor who were glad to hear the final whistle when Mr Petch brought an end to a thrilling evening at windswept Nantporth. One interesting point, of the six goals scored five went in at the against the wind, defying the suggestion that the strong wind is an advantage. |
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22 | 15 December 2012 |
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![]() On a damp but dry afternoon on the banks of the Menai Straits it was the Old Gold, playing this time in virtually all white, who took an early lead. A booming clearance from canary yellow clad Stephen Cann was headed wide to the right by Liam Thomas and as the blues defence stood rooted Nicky Palmer crossed for Craig Hughes who headed home from six yards. Bangor won a freekick and a corner as Cann flapped but Carmarthen cleared. On twenty minutes it could have been worse at either end as Jamie Brewerton claimed and brought the ball out of defence to release Chris Simm down the right but his low cross went unconverted. On the half hour confirmation that Mr Jones was unwilling to punish what was becoming a clear tactic from the South Walians, handling and pulling. Carl Evans pulled Les Davies, freekick but no card ended with a long range shot from Chris Roberts which flew over the visitors bar at The Bridge End. City won a couple of corners the second of which was half cleared to Liam Brownhill whose shot was clearly handled by a Craig Hanford two yards inside the box. Penalty? Mr Jones waved play on! Goalscorer Hughes then tricked his way past Michael Johnston on the left but City's No 6 responsded with a perfectly timed challenge as Hughes closed in on goal. On 39 minutes Bangor drew level. Chris Simm found Ryan Edwards whose 25 yard strike beat Cann all ends up. What a way to mark his 200th Welsh Premier start, a remarkable achievement for a 24 year old. Edwards and midfield partner Damien Allen were getting a hold on midfield with captain Brewerton dominant at the back. Bangor had the wind in their sails now and it was no surprise when they took the lead on the stroke of half time. A fourth corner delivered from the left was re-crossed by Ryan Edwards and crashed home by Chris Jones for his eighth goal of the season with goalkeeper Cann claiming he had been fouled by Les Davies. There was barely time to restart and as the team trotted off it was Bangor who had a spring in their stride. |
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HALF TIME
2-1 |
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No
changes at the interval for either side with City now attacking the
Bangor end. Immediately after the restart Jamie Brewerton was shown the yellow card for a foul which presented Paul Fowler with a freekick opportunity which he thrashed over the bar. Chances came and went. Sion Edwards chased down the left, crossed right footed but Les Davies headed over. Then Chris Jones hit a shot low on target but Cann saved well. Moments later Les Davies turned and shot powerfully from distance but could not keep his effort down. A fifth Bangor corner ended in Ryan Edwards firing over from the right. Ten minutes after the restart Les Davies threaded a perfect straight ball through for Chris Simm to chase but he slid his shot just wide. Just after the hour mark Kyle Graves came on for Carmarthen No 6 Carl Evans. ![]() City won a central freekick which Les Davies threatened to smash but instead Damien Allen crossed to Jamie Brewerton whose high leap and header were countered by Cann. Yellow strip or not, brittle or not, the lanky 'keeper was generally hard to beat. On 69 mins a second sub for the visitors as Jon Hood replaced Corey Thomas but it was Bangor who continued to press as top scorer Chris Simm shot on target but again Cann saved. With fifteen minutes left Liam Brownhill passed to Simm but the luckless striker saw his low shot from the right crash into the side netting. Moments later mayhem in the home dugout area as Craig Hughes launched into a wild lunge on Jamie Brewerton and - credit to Mr Jones - was promptly red carded. Bad feeling brewed though as Liam Brownhill and Craig Hanford were then sent for an early bath in the aftermath. It has to be said that if you let things go early trouble will arive late. Brownhill it transpired had tossed the ball into the crowd of players, meekly in all honesty and at waist height. Les Davies saw his header saved as ten played nine, City with the numerical advantage and a goal to the good. With three mins left Dave Morley came on for Chris Jones but Carmarthen promptly equalised as Ian Hilliear crossed from the left and the unmarked Liam Thomas headed home for what was probably the visitors second effort of the day. For the second week running an opposition substitute had scored at Nantporth. In the closing moments Alan Bull replaced Sion Edwards. Chris Simm had a shot blocked before Carmarthen countered and it took a combination of Damien Allen and Michael Johnston to snuff the danger out. In the 95th minute Alan Bull failed to get any real spite into his low shot and Cann saved comfortably - and for the last time. And that was that, final whistle and celebrations from the visting players and their half dozen long travelling supporters. City had the chances to win the game but in the end had to settle for a draw. |
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21 | 8 December 2012 |
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The Welsh Cup |
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![]() A win which secured a fourth round trip to Connahs Quay in January. Pre match news confirmed that Chris Jones had recovered from his shin injury to start on the right in what is the established starting eleven. But it was Aberdare who forced an early opening with a first minute corner sent inswinging from the right which Lee Idzi pouched confidently. City quickly got into their stride with Alan Bull seeing his shot pushed away for a corner and Chris Jones' shot deflected high over at the bridge end for a second kick. Within the opening fifteen minutes City had five corners but Tom Bradley and his defence coped well enough. With Gethin Jones prominent for the visitors his central midfield partner Jamie Bradford fired just wide from distance but moments later a much better chance arrived through Danny Hooper and Rickey Evans but Lee Idzi did well to resist at close range. Stirred by this Bangor took the lead. Liam Brownhill crossed from the right and Les Davies pounced on a poor clearance to drive home from the edge of the box. City uppped the pressure and three more quick fire corners followed with Chris Simm going close - but the visitors held on. However on the half hour a low Ryan Edwards cross was turned in by Jamie Bradford who was trying to cut out the danger but managed only to slide the ball past his own keeper. Aber responded with an attack which ended in a fine strike from Danny Hooper which just cleared the crossbar. And that was about it for the first half with a misty rain putting a dampener on proceedings, although it has to be said not silencing the voiciferous support of one lady in the mainstand. |
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HALF TIME
0-1 |
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One
change before the restart saw leftback Richard Evans replaced by 16
Jacques Barnard. Bangor pressed from the start and Chris Simm had a low shot bravely blocked by Lloyd Jenkins with many of the men present whincing in sympathy. Liam Brownhill ran and fired goalwards but his effort cleared the crossbar. And on 56 minutes it was 3-0 as Les Davies crossed from the right, Chris Simm shot and Sion Edwards was on hand to fire home from eight yards out to the left. This might have broken some teams but to be fair Aberdare were not for throwing in the towel and seemed all the more determined both to score and not concede. John Phillips went close from very close range after a low shot had bounced up off Lee Idzi. City continued to threaten and twenty minutes after the break Sion Edwards had a shot saved by Bradley. Referee Harms now seemed to become agitated by comments and incidents and yellow carded Damien Allen and John Phillips. Literally a minute later the first change of the afternoon saw Sam Small replace Rickey Evans. Bangor and Chris Jones in particular went close twice when Sion Edwards low cross picked out the Nefyn marksman but Bradley and Lloyd Jenkins were on hand to keep the goal intact. On 71 mins a double change for Bangor as Alan Bull and Mark Smyth trotted on for Chris Jones and Sion Edwards. The man who scored the opening goal Les Davies bustled through but his long range shot was held by Bradley. A final change for Bangor on 73 mins saw Dave Morley come on for Damien Allen. The Les Davies fired just wide from thirty yards from a freekick. Ten minutes from time a well earned goal for Aberdare came from Sam Small after a freekick caused confusion in the Bangor box. The loud lady shouted and the Cynon Valley side celebrated a deserved consolation. That is was no more than a consolation was confirmed on 84 mins when Mark Smyth after Chris Simm has a shot saved. This summed up a frustrating afternoon for the blues leading goalscorer who just could not get past Bradley & co. Aberdare pressed in the closing stages and hit the woodwork twice including a powerful effort from Bradford but - as Referee Harms blew - it was Bangor who celebrated and looked forward to the fourth round draw. |
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20 | 1 December 2012 |
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![]() And as per Park Hall earlier in the season referee Mark Whitby was asked to make the 320 mile round trip to take charge. Along with linesman Eddie King he was to be a key figure in that trio of big calls. The visitors started brightly but after three or four minutes play evened out and Bangor won a couple of corners which lifted home spirits. On 13 minutes the Saints took the lead as Chris Jones ran in behind the blues defence from the right and beat Lee Idzi with a crisp low drive which sped off the sleek Nantporth surface. The full timers sense weakness and Aeron Edwards fired goalwards but Jamie Brewerton blocked bravely, then Greg Draper fell dramatically after the slightest contact with the blues captain. On twenty minutes the first, albeit minor, poor decision of the afternoon as Chris Simm was cautioned for dissent after complaining he had been tripped by Steve Evans. Simm was clearly right. It was on the half hour that Bangor forced their first clear chance when Sion Edwards supplied Chris Simm whose shot was blocked by Chris Marriott. A third corner promptly delivered from the left and headed by Jamie Brewerton but Phil Baker cleared off the line. Minutes later Baker handballed thirty yards out - no yellow card - but the freekick was headed away. Both sides were struggling with the firm wet Nantporth surface. Five minutes from time leading goalscorer Chris Simm shot from 30 yards but Harrison at full stretch pushed the ball around the post for a corner. Ironically the little glovesman flapped at the first flag kick and saw the second cleared. City won a sixth corner as time ran out but in two minutes of added time Chris Jones went close to a second with a twenty yard effort for The New Saints which yielded a first corner for this side. Bangor had more than matched the visitors with Michael Johnston outstanding in defence and Damien Allen and Ryan Edwards working tirelessly in midfield. There was no difference between the two sides other than Jones' clinical strike. So half time and the visitors trotting off with a narrow lead which City showed every sign of being able to overhaul. |
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HALF TIME
0-1 |
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No
changes at the interval for either side. City now attacking the Bangor end worked an early opening for Sion Edwards but Harrison gathered comfortably. Chris Roberts' perfectly timed challenge conceded a second TNS corner before on 52 mins Alex Darlington ran on goal from the right but dragged his shot wide. A minute later Les Davies' shot was blocked for a seventh corner which Chris Marriott headed wildly across goal but unfortunately Chris Jones fired well over for Bangor. On the hour an inswinging corner from the right delivered by Sion Edwards and headed home by Les Davies from five yards. Alex Darlington scraped the ball out of the goal but not before it has gone two feet or more across the line. Amazingly experienced linesman Eddie King and referee Mark Whitby saw nothing and opted to book Sion Edwards for complaining! City went close once more when Damien Allen headed onto the roof of the net. The visitors reponded by replacing the slim line Draper with Mike Wilde and five minutes later Chris Jones, once of Neath, ran on goal but shot just over to prove the hooped shirts still posed some menace. Twenty mintues from time Chris Simm saw his shot diverted for a a twelth corner which culminated in a clash of heads between Les Davies and Steve Evans. Both fairly competing for a high ball and both continuing with heads swathed in white bandages. With fifteen minutes on the clock Ryan Fraughan entered the fray in place of Alex Darlington and Mark Smyth for Sion Edwards. Then with ten minutes left big Steve Evans, scarcely a man to take a backward step, dropped down on one knee and had to be replaced by Kai Edwards. Few though would have imagined the controvesy to be packed into the closing stages. First a penalty claim for Bangor as Chris Jones was sandwiched as he ran into the box. Nothing doing - and rightly so. Then a dreadful stamp from substitute Fraughan on Chris Jones low down on his shin. Surely a clear red but treated as yellow. Bangor went for a double change with Dave Morley and Peter Hoy coming on for Michael Johnston and the injured Jones both of whom had been outstanding for City. Bangor fans contemplated the length of time added which turned out to be five. Sam Finley fired wide for TNS and Mark Smyth saw his 25 yard effort saved by Harrison. Peter Hoy has a shot deflected wide for a thirteenth and final corner. In the final minute of time added Sam Finley was carded for a flying elbow attack on Damien Allen with a freekick awarded on the edge of the vistors box. Dave Morley's kick hit a defender and fell to Chris Simm whose shot ran across goal and was stabbed home by Chris Roberts before linesman Eddie King cut the celebrations short with an upraised flag. Replays suggested that as Simm shot a green hooped defender was playing Chris Roberts onside - but King was sure he was off. And that was about it. Sour grapes or not, at national league level with European entry and some £300 000 at stake you might reasonably expect better officials making better decisions than this. |
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19 | 24 November 2012 |
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![]() This meant Alan Bull started up front alongside Chris Simm. The backfour was also without Chris Roberts which meant Peter Hoy started at rightback with Liam Brownhill switching to the left. City went close early on when leading goalscorer Chris Simm fired into the side netting. Chris Jones met a Damien Allen corner but his header struck the upright with goalkeeper Curtis flatfooted. It all clicked into place for Bangor on 24 mins when left winger Sion Edwards sent City ahead with his sixth goal of the season as his low twenty yard shot somehow squeezed through Lido 'keeper Chris Curtis. If anything this goal served to rally the home side and it was they who pressed for the rest of the half. Lido responded with a deep cross from the left but defender Kristian James headed just wide. Bangor thought they had weathered the storm but two minutes before the half time break Chris Hartland netted for Lido to level the scores as his fierce low drive sped at and past Lee Idzi for a deserved equaliser. Bangor felt home defender Paul Evans had - in one airborne lunge - variously handled the ball and fouled Jamie Brewerton - but the goal stood. So all square at the interval and the game seemingly evenly poised. |
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HALF TIME
1-3 |
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No
changes at the interval for either side.![]() Seven minutes after the restart Bangor went ahead once again. Sion Edwards' deep freeick was half cleared to Liam Brownhill who low twenty five yard rocket cannoned in off the lefthand upright. But minutes later Alan Bull suffered an ankle injury and was carried off on a stretcher with young John Owen taking his place. On 68 mins Dave Morley came on for Sion Edwards and seven minutes later Anthony Rawlings replaced Matthew Thompson. Minutes later Referee James carded Jamie Brewerton for a clumsy midfield challenge on Paul Evans as the ball switched from end to end. Ten or twelve minutes from time Mark Smyth came on for Chris Jones. Young Lido striker Luke Borelli tested - and perhaps surprised - Lee Idzi with a long range shot from the left. And that was the score until the ninety minutes were up when the hapless Chris Curtis inexplicably bundled a harmless looking cross from Peter Hoy into his own net to put Bangor three one ahead. With some Monty Python style madcap humour the erratic glovesman greeted both his catastrophich errors with angry words and looks for his crestfallen defenders! With six minutes of added time - partly due to the injury to Alan Bull - there was still time for youngster Kieran Howard to bend a freekick around the Bangor wall although it mattered little in the end. So a hard fought 3-2 win for Bangor away from home and without a couple of key players. photo with thanks
to David James photography
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18 | 16 November 2012 |
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![]() But they didnt have things all their own way against the muscular visitors. Airbus were first out of the blocks with a Jack Lewis long throw and a teasing corner unsettling the home defence. City responded with a Chris Jones shot but on ten minutes big Chris Budrys might have done better after a marauding run down the right from Lee Owens. Tricky former Runcorn winger Ryan Wade raced through the blues defence right to left only to shoot weakly at Lee Idzi before Chris Simm picked out Chris Jones but he shot over the bar from fifteen yards. On the twenty minute mark the visitors pushed City back with three successive corners which forced Lee Idzi to save well from Ian Kearney's powerful fifteen yard header. Bangor forced their first corner but saw Jamie Brewerton's effort blocked but Airbus quickly countered and Wayne Riley fired wide after an end to end break. With twenty five minutes gone Les Davies guided the ball to Chris Jones who found Liam Brownhill and ran to meet the cross but his header glanced wide. Jones went close again as City grew in confidence but Ian Kearney slid in to block. As half time grew closer the dangerous Riley fired narrowly wide and a fifth corner arrived which City dealt with more convincingly. Again Chris Jones shot on goal from fifteen yards but stand in goalkeeper Morrison snatched at the second attempt. Moments later a cross from Les Davies flew across the face of goal with the custodian now less confident, distracted perhaps by Chris Simm. Rain started to fall in the closing minutes as Ryan Wade crossed but Steve Abbott shot wide. The half time whistle blew with the visitors perhaps contemplating that they might have walked off in the lead, but the scores were blank and level with all still top play for... |
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HALF TIME
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No
changes at the interval with City now attacking the Farrar End. The first serious action of the second half was the opening goal. A controlled pass out to the left found Chris Roberts in space and his inviting cross was headed home emphatically by Chris Simm to the delight of the supporters caught in heavy rain. A thirteenth goals for the season for the hard working Simm in his first season with the club. Controvesy next as Ryan Wade appeared to headbutt Liam Brownhill but referee Pratt saw nothing. On 53 minutes it got better for Bangor as recalled captain Jamie Brewerton headed City 2-0 ahead to the delight of the 670 strong crowd. He go ![]() Without doubt the second goal took the wind out of the visitors sails and City now seemed well on course for an important home win in a "six pointer" situation. Substitutions started as Jordan Johnson replaced Wayne Riley and immediately the visitors signalled their intent with two more corners which caused some anxiety. More changes on 66 mins as Mike Roddy replaced Tom Field and then a double exchange for Bangor as Alan Bull and Dave Morley came on for Sion and Ryan Edwards. Substitute Roddy soon headed wide before Wade again risked a card with a wild challenge. There was some natural justice seconds later as the spiteful winger was struck in the face by a clearance. Twelve minutes remained when - thanks to Damien Allen's superb long ball - Bangor broke four on two through Chris Jones on the right. He passed to Les Davies who span on the edge of the box but sent his shot just wide of the left hand post. Peter Hoy came on for Chris Jones and as time ran out Mike Roddy was shown the only yellow card of the game for a foul on Chris Simm. Perhaps Mr Pratt could have used his plastic a touch earlier but it was not to be. One final half chance to Budrys who perhaps fittingly headed wide under pressure and that was about it. The final whistle blew and Bangor celebrated as they climbed back to the top of the table, six points clear of The Planemakers who doubtless will be keen to avenge these defeats in the second phase of fixtures. |
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17 | 13 November 2012 |
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NWCFA Challenge Cup |
Bangor ran out comfortable winners against visitors Denbigh and eased their way through to the next round of the NWCFA Challenge Cup. ![]() ![]() Three minutes later Alan Bull struck from the edge of the box to put Bangor ahead for the first time. It stayed 2-1 at half time but two minutes after the interval Alan Bull was on target again to make the score 3-1. On 53 mins City went four one ahead when Alan Bull grabbed his hatrick. This came hot on the heels of a four goal salvo from Bull who played for the City reserve side against Llandudno Junction a few days earlier. In the closing stages Bangor made it 5-1 as defender Peter Hoy scored and that was how it finished moments later. More good news for City fans was that Jamie Brewerton and Damien Allen played a part and would seem to be in with a chance of facing high flying Airbus on Friday night.
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16 | 2 November 2012 |
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![]() But before all that, and before kick off, a minutes slience impeccably observed as a mark of of respect to Newtown official John Annereau who died during the week. Attacking the Bridge End the blues side was again without Jamie Brewerton and Damien Allen. But replacements Peter Hoy and all action Ryan Edwards more than filled their shoes. The first chance of the night came on five minutes when Liam Brownhill twisted Max Penk inside out before crossing to Les Davies who headed just over. Five minutes later a first corner - and soon after a second before which on 13 mins Max Penk hobbled off to be replaced by Zach Evans. Fair to say anger issues haunt him. On fifteen minutes Dave Morley found Sion Edwards who crossed and Chris Simm slid Les Davies' well placed header into the net for his twelth goal of the season. City were on top now with Ryan Edwards running the midfield and both forwards creating space and making chances. Three minutes more - on eighteen - and Les Davies crossed from the right for Sion Edwards to net a rare headed goal with the big Newtown centrebacks beaten all ends up. City fans now relaxed and sat back to enjoy a Bala style destruction. Yet what prevented that was unlikely and unwanted by both sets of players and supporters. Peter Hoy cleared the ball in the rightback position but was clattered late by the lunatic Zach Evans whose cowardly assualt on Jamie Brewerton at Newtown went unpunished. Referee Huw Jones was in no such charitable mood and having weighed up his options for a moment or two sent Evans off after ten minutes on the pitch. On the half hour Dave Morley was shown the yellow card for a trip as Newtown rallied and Barry Hogan's low drive forced a full length dive from Lee Idzi. Three minutes from time an amazing let off for Luke Boundford as his high and late challenge on Lee Idzi leaves the blues keeper prone on the turf. This had to be another red but for reasons which he might have spent some time explaining to the assessor, no card was shown. Nonetheless the half time was score was two nil and a comfortable win seemed on the cards. |
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HALF TIME
1-1 |
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No
changes at the interval with City now attacking the Farrar End. Ten minutes after the restart Chris Jones crossed from the right but Les Davies shot was deflected wide, A corner sent over which Dave Roberts caught and then dropped. Chris Roberts latched onto the lose ball but his low drive crashed just wide. On 65 mins City win a sixth corner after good work from Chris Simm who then sees Roberts save his shot comfortably. Next Nicky Ward is replaced by Jamie Price who was linked with a move to Bangor during the summer. Bangor were in control but not overwhelming for much of the second period, at times content to ![]() The second half did not pan out quite the way City fans had hoped, stubborn resistance led by Jones and Sutton, and with twenty minutes left three corners in as many minutes show The Robins still posed an attacking threat. With fifteen minutes left on the clock Newtown replace a weary Whitfield with young Elliot Jones a goalscorer in local junior football. Injury victim Craig Garside made a welcome return in place of Chris Jones. On 80 mins Alan Bull replaced Sion Edwards and took up his left wing berth. Immediately Alan Bull got into the action with a run and shot which Dave Roberts parried into the path of Dave Morley whose shot was held. But on 83 mins it was 3-0 and game over as Liam Brownhill passed to Alan Bull on the left. His first time right footed curler arched beyond Roberts and into the roof of the net from 25 yards. A goal of the month contender if ever there was and one greeted with noisy applause by the 680 strong crowd. City promptly replaced Les Davies with John Owen and were denied a blatant penalty when Jones slipped in the box and pulled the ball back with his arm to prevent a goalscoring opportunity. Referee Jones opted to play an advantage which City wasted. A penalty and red card beckoned but by now this was out of the question. All in all a satfisfactory outcome, a game spoilt by the sending off which seemed to disrupt Bangor more than Newtown, and one thoroughly enjoyed by the twenty strong group of Norwegians whose football odyssey moves to Manchester on Saturday. Well done, especially to Ryan Edwards who was tireless and purposeful in midfield alongside the experienced Dave Morley. |
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15 | 26 October 2012 |
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![]() Prematch news again confirmed the absence through injury of captain Jamie Brewerton and midfielder Damien Allen, both struggling after heavy challenges which went unnoticed and unpunished. The first opening came on ten minutes when Rob Jones fired over for the home side before Les Davies cut in from the right but shot wide. Chris Simm had the ball in the Nomads net but an offside flag cut short the celebrations. On 27 mins A long throw from Peter Hoy - strong and resolute at centrehalf - dropped to Chris Simm but he lost his footing at the worst moment. A minute later Connahs Quay took the lead when a long throw from Jones on the left was headed on by Mike Robinson and dropped into the net to almost total silence, until the half dozen noisy home fans roared in delight. On 28 mins Bangor drew level as a Sion Edwards cross from the right was headed home by Peter Hoy. Rob Jones, who boasts a chicken running style, shot on target again but Lee Idzi saved. Chris Roberts shot wide for City. But on 33 minutes Bangor took the lead as Les Davies released Chris Simm who netted from the right and it might have been three a moment later as Liam Brownhill crossed but goalscorer Hoy lifted over. Dave Morely's first time effort span wide after a good low cross from Chris Simm. On 41 mins Mike Robinson had to be replaced by Mike Thompson and within a minute Alan Hooley made it 3-1 with an unwanted close range finish from Peter Hoy's low cross from the left. In the closing minutes Ricky Evans headed wide for Connahs Quay and Chris Simm latched onto Sion Edwards' neat chip but sent his clip over Rushton just wide of the right post. |
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HALF TIME
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No
changes at the interval but three minutes after the restart -
City now playing left to right in front of th![]() Moments later Rushton saved well from Davies again but on 52 mins it was 4-1. Les Davies crashed home from the edge of the box after Rushton had denied Chris Simm. By now Bangor were rampant and a real caning looked on the cards. It got better - or worse - on 62 mins as Chris Jones bagged his second after Les Davies headed down Chris Roberts' crossfield ball. Chris Simm shot from the close range but Rushton somehow saved and - as tempers frayed - the revenge seeking McGregor found his way into the referee book for a comment passed. On 67 mins Ricky Evans was sent off for lkicking out at Chris Jones with Dave Morley also being shown the yellow card. Big Les Davies chipped from the right but his effort flew just over. With fifteen minutes to go a sixth as Les Davies headed home from Peter Hoy's long throw and the floodgates now seemed to be shuddering open against the depleted and dispirited Nomads. Sion Edwards fired over as did Mike Thompson a moment later. End to end stuff and credit to the ten men for keeping their nerve and shape and trying to play football - on what is in all honesty a dreadful bumpy uneven pitch. On eighty mins Bangor made a double change as goalscorers Les Davies and Chris Simm trotted off in favour of John Owen and Alan Bull. Bull quickly had a left footed volley cleared off the line but two minutes before the ninety ended Jamie Petrie pulled one back for the gutsy Nomads and raised the spirits of the few home fans remaining - most had gone home. There was a final chance for John Owen who galloped clear but fired at Rushton who did his best to keep the score down. A word of praise for Peter Hoy who did well against Ricky Evans and of course Michael Johnston whose habit of being in the right place at the right time is crucial to Bangor. And that was about it, a noisy reception for the blues as the walked off from the Bangor contingent amongst the 486, a season's best at The Deeside. |
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14 | 20 October 2012 |
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![]() The pre match news was that Jamie Brewerton failed a fitness test thanks to an injury suffered at Newtown. Dave Morley started at centrehalf but inside a minute Damien Allen - crunched at Bala - limped off with Peter Hoy coming on in central defence and Morley quickly pushing forward to midfield. Hardly the best of starts. Sion Edwards was yellow carded by Swansea referee Mark Whitby on twelve minutes. How a national league can appoint an official who lives ten miles from one of the teams is beyond reason. Irrespective of his performance it puts him under an unfair scrutiny. But the general play of the first period was even enough as David Brooks delivered a freekick which the City defence managed to clear and Chris Simm shot on target but Craig Richards saved confidently. Sion Edwards sent over a corner from the right which Richards helped on its way but Chris Roberts was on hand to send it back across from the left but Chris Simm headed wide. Next Edwards again delivered from the right, regathered and to find Simm once more but his downward header slid wide despite the best efforts of Chris Jones. One for the lovers of oddity and co-incidence next as No 39 David Brooks is substituted on 39 minutes, replaced by Craig Jones. A moment later City striker Chris Simm was carded. So at the interval it was goalless and all to play for in the second period. |
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HALF TIME
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No
changes at the interval but
moments later a breakthrough for Bangor. Bangor pushed forward down the left, Sion Edwards' low cross was half cleared by Cortez Belle to Chris Roberts' whose low shot bounced through goalkeeper Richards to the delight of the Bangor faithful who had made the long journey south - and in some cases west. This was the reliable Roberts' first goal for Bangor in his 99th Welsh Premier outing for the club. ![]() Minutes later leading goalscorer Chris Simm fired over from a decent positon as City looked to cement their lead. On the hour the home side replaced Danny Thomas with Adam Wright. Port Talbot had to respond and they did through David Brooks whose shot was blocked by Michael Johnston and Dylan Blain who hit the crossbar from twenty five yards. Cortez Belle pushed forward but fired wide. With twenty minutes left on the clock Lee John replaced Carl Payne. Nine minutes from time Danny Sheehan found Cortez Belle whose layoff invited a low drive from Lee John crashed beyond Lee Idzi to level the scores with the home blues fans now able to celebrate noisily. As time ran out Bangor sent on Alan Bull and John Owen for Les Davies and Chris Simm but neither could find the all important goal and the scores ended level at one all. A point gained or two dropped - only time will tell - but a draw it was and the travelling City fans could ponder the difference on the long journey home. |
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13 | 13 October 2012 |
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![]() The omens were not good when Damien Allen pulled out moments before kick off to be replaced by Dave Morley. And yet Bangor forged the first opening as Sion Edwards saw his clean strike held by Reds keeper Craig Morris. On nine minutes Geoff Kellaway was shown a yellow card for a lunge on Michael Johnston similar to the one which saw Jonjo Shelvey sent off against Man United a few weeks earlier. Moments later Kellaway was enjoying his reprieve with a surging run into the box which forced a good save from Lee Idzi as she shot from the right. On 13 mins City had the lead. Sion Edwards chased and won the ball on half way, crossed low for Chris Simm to fire home after a dummy from Les Davies flatfooted the visitors defence. A tenth goal of the season for the wholehearted Simm. Llanelli threatened through the "cheating" Kellaway on their right but Sion Edwards covered well. Kellaway was visibly disinterested and refused to track back, trusting Corbisiero to deal with Edwards whilst he hung around the half way line. Oddly enough an unreliable approach which inadvertently paid off, pardon the irony. City won a throw on the left which Chris Roberts dispatched and Les Davies flicked on but Dave Morley headed over. On the half hour Llanelli struck back against the run of play as Kellaway against exploited his high starting position. City lost the ball in midfield and the action developed down the right for the winger to cross and Martin Rose to finish first time from eight yards. Llanelli now seemed to settle and with Lee Surman immense at the back they enjoyed a good share of possession, City won a late corner which Sion Edwards sent over from the right but Dave Morley's downward header bounced the wrong side of the back post and the danger passed along with a showery downpour. So all square at the interval and seemingly all to play for as the two sides jogged off. |
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Now
attacking the Menai Bridge End it
was City who took the early initiative when a quickly taken freekick
picked out Chris Jones on the right but his low cross eluded Les Davies
and Chris Simm. On 52 mins a double booking for Llanelli as Ashley Evans was cautioned for a laughable dive in the box and Kris Thomas for a less amusing remark. Referee Petch to the fore and rightly so. Llanelli though were looking for a winner and as Corey Jenkins broke on the Bangor left it took a well timed tackle from the outstanding Michael Johnston to end the threat. Luke Bowen replaced the out of sorts Moses before on 59 the burly Surman was yellow carded for a challenge on Simm. Bangor threatened again as Sion Edwards crossed but Dave Morley headed over. Moments later Chris Simm crossed from the left but Ryan Edwards saw his shot blocked. Bowen sped down the left and shot goalwards but Lee Idzi saved low at his post. City won just their second corner of the afternoon. Les Davies headed down but Sion Edwards again had a shot blocked. Big Les Davies found himself on the right, got the better of Surman to cross left footed towards Chris Simm but it was Sion Edwards who headed narrowly over as the ball swept over the ten goal striker. With fifteen minutes remaining Chris Roberts swung over a deep cross which Les Davies headed but Morris held comfortably. Moments later though it was Lee Idzi in the action with a good save from Martin Rose before, with eleven minutes left to play a double change for Bangor. Mark Smyth and Alan Bull replacing Dave Morley and Chris Jones. But two minutes later a breakaway saw Martin Rose set up substitute Luke Bowen whose calm finished confirmed that despite their financial woes the Reds boast three of the league's top strikers. This stung Bangor into all out attack. Jamie Brewerton had a header cleared off the line by Venables from a third Bangor corner, then young Mama Diallo replaced Kellaway. City won a string of three corners and seemed determined to at least level the scores. In the middle of these Les Davies had a shot blocked and Alan Bull saw his effort hacked off - or on - the line by Grist. The pressure built up as Bangor pushed the visitors back and eventually the inevitable - a mistake, a handball by Corey Jenkins seen by all but those who mattered - and loud penalty claims were brushed aside. A sad moment for the official who must be judged on the big decisions and for City who simply did not deserve to lose against the penniless visitors who found charity in unlikely places. |
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12 | 9 October 2012 |
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League Cup |
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![]() Manager Nev Powell opted to field a changed side but Bala boss Colin Caton fielded his strongest available eleven - and in the end the differenc showed. Young Sean Davies made a start at rightback with Liam Brownhill switching to the left whilst Peter Hoy lined up alongside Michael Johnston in the heart of the blues defence. On twelve minutes though Lee Hunt found time to clip the ball, back to goal, beyond Kyle Clancy and put the Lakesiders ahead. Bangor responded through young John Owen - starting upfront alongside Alan Bull - as he cut in from the left but dragged his low shot wide. Bala hit the ground running and generally dictated the pace of thefirst half through Mark Connolly and Mark Jones in midfield, with Lee Hunt leading the line and making life difficult the blues defence. Perhaps the need to win was greater City won a couple of corners but in truth it was Bala who were threatening and five minutes from time Ryan Jones doubled their advantage as he netted at the second attempt after Kyle Clancy had saved bravely. The sixteen year old looks one for the future. Within a minute it was 3-0 and all over bar the shouting. Steve Brown gathered the ball and sent a long range shot speeding low into the bottom corner despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Clancy. In the time remaining City won a freekick which yielded a corner but nothing that unduly troubled former Rhyl 'keeper Mark Pullman and with a minute of added time played, referee Pratt blew for the interval. |
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HALF TIME
3-0 |
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No changes at the interval but after
four minutes a change to the scoreline which cheered the blues support.
John Owen ran clear on goal only to be felled from behind by Tony
Davies but Referee Pratt waved play on with Bangor fans howling for a
penalty and red card. But within a minute or so Alan Bull raced clear down the right, moved into the box, and kept his head to ![]() Minutes later Chris Roberts replaced Ryan Edwards who limped off and former Caernarfon winger Steve Fisher came on for Ross Jefferies. But any hopes of a Bangor revival were quickly snuffed out when Mark Jones scored a breathtaking goal, striking home from 30 yards with a cannonball which skimmed off the underside of the crossbar. I startled my son by applauding an opposition goal, a rare site obviously! By now Damien Allen was limping after a heavy challenge and on 57 mins and young Dylan Jones came on for him. Moments later the all action midfielder was being treated for a shin wound that looked pretty unpleasant. Referee Pratt had let too much go and Allen had paid the price. Dylan slotted in alongside Michael Johnston with Peter Hoy moving forward to midfield. City rallied briefly as John Owen laid off to Liam Brownhill but Pullman saved well. Peter Hoy was carded for a foul on Kenny Lunt before a fourth City corner was centred by Sion Edwards but Liam Brownhill headed over. With 21 mins left Sion Edwards was taken off to be replaced by young Sion Devereux who took up the left wing berth. Alan Bull took a freekick which hit the wall and flew for a corner on the left, quickly followed by another, but again Pullman was largely untroubled. Ten minutes from the whistle Tony Davies was yellow carded for a wild challenge on half way which again might have been red but on 83 mins it was 5-1 for the home side when Peter Hoy headed past Kyle Clancy as he tried to keep out a cross from the right. City won a seventh corner but on ninety minutes it was Bala who struck again a Lee Hunt netted from close range to profit from some slack defending. Two minutes later the final whistle blew and it will be Bala who go on to host TNS in the Quarter Final stages. Good luck to them. PHOTO ABOVE CHRIS
JONES, SEAN DAVIES AND RYAN JONES (BALA)
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11 | 5 October 2012 |
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![]() And yet it might have been different. Inside ten seconds Lee Hunt ran on goal to the right, smashed a low shot at the near post but saw Lee Idzi, outstanding despite the scoreline, push the ball round the post for a corner. The visitors pressed and won a second corner which Bangor cleared. But on three minutes they were behind. Midfielder Damien Allen released Sion Edwards down the left who turned John Irving inside out before he drilled a low cross into the net. Bala might have felt aggrieved and former Crewe stalwart Kenny Lunt hammered a long range effort which Lee Idzi was relieved to push over for a third corner. Bangor moved forward, won a corner when Ashley Morris saved from Sion Edwards, and the impressive glovesman then saved at point blank range from Chris Simm. City won a second corner on 12 mins which Sion Edward delivered from the left but captain Jamie Brewerton stabbed narrowly wide at the back post. Bala pressed for an equaliser with a couple more corners, won after Lee Idzi pushed over Mark Connolly's fierce freekick. In the opening quarter Idzi was outstanding and needed to be as Colin Caton's men won five corners and threatened at every opportunity. Jamie Brewerton, at his marauding best, headed narrowly wide at the Menai Bridge End but on 24 mins it mattered not. Chris Simm found Sion Edwards on the left, he quickly outwitted Irvine to drive low across and Chris Jones netted from close range. By now Ryan Edwards and Damien Allen were in charge in midfield, Brewerton and Johnston dominating at the back, and everyone else charging forward with menace in mind. Goalkeeper Morris saved well from Sion Edwards but on 33 minutes it was three nil. Right winger Chris Jones played a neat one two with the outstanding Liam Brownhill, responded to a shout of "set me" with a simple lay off which the rightback curled left footed beyond the despairing Morris. The Bridge End brigade lept in celebration and for the first time Bala hearts sank. Five minutes before the interval Lewis Codling lashed a thirty yarder which rattled the crossbar before landing on the directors lounge. On the stroke of half time Les Davies delighted the home crowd with a great piece of skill on the left which tempted a rash challenge from Ross Jefferies. Penalty said Referee Pratt and up stepped Chris Simm to beat Morris and make the score at the interval four nil. |
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HALF TIME
4-0 |
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Follow
that. And despite what the
scoreline suggests Bangor did. The second half display was just as
inventive and incisive up to the final shot, but that was more a
testimony to goalkeeper Lewis who was simply outstanding. In the opening minutes City won a couple of corners, the first Jamie Brewerton headed narrowly wide, the next Les Davies had a shot cleared off the line before netting but the linesman at the "Farrar End" flagged and Bala had a freekick. Sion Edwards was finding space on the right - and Chris Simm found him - but his low drive span just wide. Next the bundle of energy that is Ryan Edwards shot just wide. Edwards and Damien Allen were in frenetic mode in midfield, outpacing and outpassing the veteran trio of Lunt, Connolly and Mark Jones. Both Sion Edwards and Les Davies has shots blocked before, on the hour, Edwards chipped through to Davies but his instant shot crashed into the sidenetting. Bala were just about hanging on. Sion Edwards was tormenting the hapless Irvine, he crossed deep to Les Davies who header back across goal fell to Chris Jones but he fired just wide. The visitors responded through Mark Jones whose low drive tested Lee Idzi and won a seventh corner. Lee Hunt forced a sharp save from Lee Idzi who was in fine form. Midway through the half Bala made a couple of changes with Ryan Jones and Ben Collings replacing Codling and Edwards. But City continued to press as Damien Allen found Sion Edwards but he shot over. Then Stuart Jones replaced Ross Jefferies in the Bala back four. With blues fans wondering if their luck had run out a fifth goal arrived. On 73 mins Chris Jones crossed and Chris Simm headed home beyond the despairing Morris whose verbal volley left his centrebacks what he thought of their efforts. It might well have been six moments later when Les Davies headed on for Chris Simm who nipped inbetween the troubled centrebacks but Morris saved well. Seconds later Morris again saved well from Simm before Les Davies swept the ball wide to Sion Edwards but he fired wide from the left. Nine minutes from time Dave Morley and Alan Bull came on for Jamie Brewerton and Chris Jones, but it was Ryan Edwards who caught the eye once again with some clever skill to release Chris Simm who shot just wide. Five minutes from time John Owen came on for Chris Simm. The league's leading goalscorer enjoyed a well deserved noisy reception from the 700 strong crowd. Liam Brownhill tricked his way in from the right but somehow Morris saved from John Owen. Into added time and Les Davies headed on to John Owen but once again the unbowed Morris saved and Referee Pratt, again almost invisible despite his high-vis vest blew for time. After the Lido game I wrote that the 4-1 win was the best performance at Nantporth. It was then but not after this 5-0 rout of a Bala side who won at Llanelli and never gave up. Bangor were unstoppable. Outstanding. The football was on a par with Adkins side of '94 and Davenport's class of 2002 - Shaker & Ricky - which is high praise. But fully deserved. |
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10 | 29 September 2012 |
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![]() The pre match news saw Jamie Brewerton re-instated at No 5 after serving his three match suspension. Also Alan Bull started in place of Chris Jones on the right and for Carmarthen Stephen Cann returned in goal for Kerry Nicholas. Unhappily for The Old Gold it was a mistake by Cann which led to the opening and what proved to be only goal inside two minutes. His attempted clearance sliced to a startled Matthew Rees who in turn found Les Davies whose angled pass released Chris Simm who ran to the left to slot the ball under the erratic goalkeeper. Carmarthen responded with a long throw from Ian Hillier flew to Carl Evans but he header over the bar. A passing move involving several Town players ended in a Corey Thomas cross which flashed across Paul Fowler and Liam Thomas. Midway through the half the home side won a freekick which Paul Fowler dipped over the Bangor wall but Lee Idzi denied him with a full length dive. Ten minutes from half time Les Davies again released Chris Simm who ran on goal, cut in from the left but was denied by Cann who saved with his feet. The half time interval came with City still one nil to the good. |
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HALF TIME
0-1 |
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No changes at the
interval as Bangor
looked to protect their advantage with Carmarthen having to press
forward. Midway through the half substitute Jon Hood - who replaced Corey Thomas - let fly from long range but saw his shot sail over Lee Idzi's crossbar with the blues 'keeper on his line watching the effort dip over. Liam Thomas had a chance minutes later but Lee Idzi saved comfortably. With ten minutes left on the clock Chris Jones and John Owen came on for Sion Edwards and goalscorer Chris Simm. City's final chance of the evening was carved by Liam Brownhill who worked an opening on the edge of the box but was unable to keep his shot down. For Carmarthen midfielder Tim Hicks manufactured an overhead kick but this also flew off target. A final change for City came three minutes from time as Peter Hoy marked his return from Conwy by replacing Alan Bull to stiffen the defence for the closing minutes. During these final moments both Ryan Edwards and Chris Roberts were shown the yellow card by Morda whistler Huw Jones but City stood firm and held on for a hard fought win to stay in touch wth the league leaders. Blues boss Nev Powell commented that he was pleased with the clean sheet and result "After what happened at TNS it was important we produced a solid defensive performance.". This was City's first clean sheet win of the season - the former midfielder will be hoping for a few more as the season moves on. |
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9 | 22 September 2012 |
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![]() City opted to go with the Europa formation of Chris Simm wide to the right with Chris Jones tucked inside in the absence of Craig Garside and Dave Morley who again dropped into defence alongside Michael Johnston. The early danger man for The Saints was Mike Wilde whose power and movement caused early problems whilst the hard working Chris Simm was grafting on the right.. Wilde was in twice early on but the offside flag intervened once and Liam Brownhill came across from right back on the second occasion. On ten minutes Alex Darlington span past Dave Morley on half way and ran to the edge of the box but Sam Finley fired over after a short set up pass. Moments later Christian Seargeant shot from long range, Lee Idzi fumbled and Mike Wilde netted, but again the offside flag cut short any celebrations. With fourteen minutes on the clock Seargeant won the ball in midfield and set Alex Darlington running on goal. He kept his balance to crash the ball beyond Lee Idzi from close range. City responded with a move down the right which ended in a clash between leftback Chris Marriott and Liam Brownhill. City fans shouted for a penalty but referee Whitby waved play on. On the half hour rightback Spender crossed but Lee Idzi was able to gather Mike Wilde's goalbound header. Three minutes later Bangor won their first corner of the afternoon after a period of composed passing and movement. The cross came in and Harrison half cleared to Chris Jones but his cleanly hit volley was blocked by Aeron Edwards. There was a more even feel to this latter part of the first half but City could not seriously threaten Harrion's goal due by and large to Steve Evans. On the stroke of half time City won a second corner when Chris Simm passed to Sion Edwards but his cross was cut out. Damiean Allen took the kick from the left but Chris Simm fired over at the back post and - moments later - the whistle blew with the home side leading one nil. |
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HALF TIME
1-0 |
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No
changes at the interval with City
now attacking the new stand end. TNS wide man Chris Jones ran in from the right but his shot was easy enough for Lee Idzi , likewise Dave Morley combined with Chris Simm but Harrison gathered comfortably. Simm then raced down the right but his cross was pouched near post by the home keeper. On fifty minutes though TNS doubled their advantage. Chris Jones danced through the blues defence and Mike Wilde pounced on the loose ball to smash home from six yards. Bangor tried to respond but Sion Edwards fired over from the left. The pacey Alex Darilngton threatened again but this time he fired into the side netting. ![]() Left winger Sion Edwards then gathered the ball in a central position burst through the home defence and fired goalwards but Harrison was well placed to save. Ryan Edwards and Damien Allen were working hard in midfield against Seargeant, Finley and Edwards. With 66 mins played a double change for Bangor saw Mark Smyth and Alan Bull trot on in place of Chris Jones and the outstanding Chris Simm. With fifteen mins left Sion Edwards won a corner on the left which ended with Chris Roberts having a shot blocked and then volleying the rebound too close to Harrison. Edwards ran down the left and crossed but again Harrison gathered easily as City were guilty of nearly but not quite creating clear cut openings. With ten minutes left Mike Wilde headed down and Christian Seargeant netted from close range to seal the victory and finally break blue hearts. With seven minutes to go John Owen replaced Sion Edwards on the left wing. Bangor won a couple of corners but the Saints defence stood firm. But nothing made much difference in the end and the home side ran out deserved winners when the final whistle blew. Incidentally in a roundabout way this report is a fair reflection on referee Mark Whitby who is scarcely mentioned. He went about his business in an unfussy, unobtrusive wayand got most things right, well done. |
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8 | 15 September 2012 |
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![]() Pre match news confirmed midfielder Craig Garside's absence and he watched from the sidelines with suspended captain Jamie Brewerton. In their places Dave Morley was again impressive at centrehalf - so too Michael Johnston - whilst Ryan Edwards gave a purposeful display in midfield alongside the tireless Damien Allen. Bangor started well and took the lead on five minutes when Chris Jones fired home from the right at the City end. With their tails up and a slight following wind Bangor threatened to run riot as Chris Jones and then Chris Simm went close before an eleventh minute corner saw Les Davies head wide at the back post.. Midway through the half Sion Edwards crossed but Les Davies headed over before Kieran Howard fired Lido's first effort from twenty yards but Lee Idzi saved confidently. Les Davies and then Chris Simm both went close once more but inbetween Michael Johnston had to be sure footed to snuff out a Lido attack. On the half hour Chris Simm ran in behind the defence on the right, shades of Airbus a week ago, but lofted well over. Then against the run of play the visitors equalised as a long throw from the left fdropped to young Luke Borreli and he netted from six yards. A handful of Lido fans who had made the long trip north celebrated in the silence. Bangor were enjoying the lions share of possession with Dave Morley dominant at the back and Damien Allen and Ryan Edwards holding sway in midfield. City pushed upfield, Chris Jones challenged for a high cross and was poleaxed by Chris Curtis in an offence which would have been a freekick and card anywhere else on the pitch. The final act of the first half saw Sion Edwards combine with Chris Simm on the left but the league's top scorer lashed wide right footed from fifteen yards. So at half time it was one all and the first sign of the sun peeking through the grey clouds. |
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HALF TIME
1-1 |
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Second half - no
changes by either side - and the visibly out of sorts Les Davies
miscued two headers following crosses from Liam Brownhill. A
third
Bangor corner dropped to Ryan Edwards but his shot cannoned off the
upright. Any City fan who opted against wearing his lucky socks was
now starting to feel a bit nervous. But on 58 minutes the floodgates creaked open when Les Davies forced the ball home after a sustained ![]() Lido had the ball in the net within five minutes from a deep corner but Referee Pratt blew for a foul on Lee Idzi. The Prestatyn official may get decisions wrong - and right of course - but his ability to play with a ready smile and open humour is in welcome stark contrast to the fast tracked few. Chris Simms fired at goalkeeper Curtis and then Les Davies groaned as his header struck the crossbar but on 73 mins it was 3-1 and all over bar the shouting as the marauding Chris Simm chased down the left, drew the defence to selflessly play in right winger Chris Jones for his second of the afternoon and fourth of the season. And yes - by now the sun had come out. With ten minutes to go Bangor sent on Alan Bull for Sion Edwards and Lido replaced Mattie Thompson with Alex Gammond. Two minutes later 20 year old John Owen trotted on in place of Les Davies who had improved as the afternoon went on and warmed to the battle. Lido were chasing shadows and Liam Brownhill was showing off some deft touches and neat approach play as he combined with Chris Jones and John Owen. With two minutes left Damien Allen crashed home from the right after clever build up involving John Owen who delighted the home crowd with some intelligent touches in his substitute appearance. In added time Owen slid Chris Simm through but his luck was out as a low drive from the right sped wide of the far post. So 4-1 to Bangor, could easily have been more, but City retain their top of the table position and played the best football of the season - against determined and well organised opposition. |
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7 | 8 September 2012 |
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![]() Team news centred on Dave Morley slotting into centreback and a recall for Chris Roberts on the left. Liam Brownhill switched to rightback and Ryan Edwards moved into midfield with Mark Smyth and Damien Allen. Attacking the runway end City started brightly and Les Davies guided a header narrowly wide but Chris Simm made no mistake on five minutes as he chased Dave Morley's well flighted chip into the box and thrashed a right footer beyond the beanpole Ben Chapman in the Airbus goal. But celebrations had scarcely died down when Chris Budrys towered over Bangor's Brewertonless defence to head a quickfire equaliser. Big and strong Airbus seemed set for a set piece afternoon with former Neath and Prestatyn leftback Ja ![]() City threatened again when Sion Edwards hooked over but on 14 minutes it was 2-1 for City as Chris Simm pounced onto some defensive confusion and indecision to round Chapman and tap in from close range. Les Davies at the heart of both incidents was causing problems for the towering Planemakers. On the quarter hour a contentious twenty seconds as referee Harrington waved play on when Chris Roberts was clearly having his shirt pulled as he pushed forward. The ball launched long into the vacant leftback position and Michael Johnston was shown the yellow card. Airbus then had penalty claims waved away by Mr Harrington when goalscorer Budrys went down in the box. Ten minutes from time a similar mix up to the last allowed Chris Simm to nip in once more to slide the ball home to the delight of Bangor fans at the airfield end. Mark Smyth this time in the thick of the action as 'Bus defenders yielded possession under pressure. As time ran out Tom Field shot off target and finally Ryan Wade was shown the yellow card for a comment passed to the official, but at the interval it was City who led 3-1 thanks to another first half hatrick. |
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HALF TIME
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No
changes at the interval for
either side but it was now the home side who enjoyed the benefit of a
breeze blowing from the social club end. Wayne Riley fired on target early in the second half but Lee Idzi held comfortably and some eight minutes after the restart the first change of the afternoon saw Glenn Rule replace Tom Field. On the hour Airbus forced a couple of corners and the perfe ![]() Bangor relieved the pressure through Les Davies who released Sion Edwards on the left, Lee Owens conceding a corner. The cross was half cleared as far as Chris Roberts thirty yards out and his attempted chip almost beat the backpedalling Chapman who was glad to concede another corner. The kick from the left was met by Dave Morley who headed down to Les Davies but he shot just over. Dave Morley was enjoying a rare tussle with the burly Budrys at the heart of the blues defence. On 67 minutes a double change for Bangor saw Alan Bull and Clive Williams come on for Sion Edwards and Ryan Edwards who had run themselves out. It was 3-1 with fifteen minutes left with Dave Morley and Michael Johnston outstanding City stood firm until thirteen minutes from time when a mazey run from Ryan Wade was capped by a calm finish for a fine solo effort. It might have been a different story had Referee Harrington not taken a benevolent view of a diving lunge by Glenn Rule on Clive Williams four minutes earlier. But before the restart from the goal former Conwy striker Toby Jones replaced Wayne Riley then with ten minutes left Chris Jones replaced Mark Smyth. The Planemakers huffed and puffed, Bangor stood their ground, Lee Idzi fielded mainly long range shots and claimed the odd corner, and after three minutes Mr Harrington blew his whistle. A hard fought win for Bangor and revenge perhaps over a Northwich side for that defeat of '84. Good to see some of those one time Drill Field regulars at Broughton watching their old favourites. |
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6 | 4 September 2012 |
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![]() They might though feel aggrieved over the late red card awarded to Jamie Brewerton which looked a touch harsh. The pre match news centred around Craig Garside who was to take no part due to injury, his place in midfield went to Dave Morley. Otherwise it was the side which started against The Seasiders at Nantporth three days earlier. Aber went for a change of shape with lanky Gavin Cadwallader lining up alongside "og" culprits Wyn Thomas and Stuart Jones in a five man defence. And early timewasting gave a clue that - understandably perhaps - the home side were bent on a nil nil. The former Shrewsbury Town defender Cadwallader was shown the yellow card inside seven minutes. ![]() Bangor went close from a thirteenth minute corner half cleared to Ryan Edwards who clean strike skimmed the Aber crossbar. The home side responded through young Cledan Davies who forced a good save from the ever alert Lee Idzi before former Llanelli striker Jordan Follows ran over halfway but Michael Johnston intervened with a well timed challenge. On the half hour Sion Edwards was shown the yellow card for delaying a freekick and five or six minutes later Ryan Edwards hacked off the line from MacCauley after Follows threatened again. Five minutes before the interval Chris Simm was also carded as Aber won a freekick on their attacking left which resulted in a couple of corners. Bangor pushed once more and Simm crossed but Les Davies' instinctive header flashed wide. The half ended with a couple of corners for Bangor at the Dias Stand End - populated as ever by a choir of dozen toneless youths bellowing montone ditties - the second of which saw Wood save well from Sion Edwards' low drive. Referee Jones blew his whistle, honours and scoreline even and the Bangor fans began their customary trudge to the open end via the teahut and bar. |
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HALF TIME
0-0 |
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No changes at the interval, City now
attacking the far end (opposite the Dias Stand) and pushed forward by a
slight breeze largely in their favour. The second half began with a
push from Bangor as Sion Edwards crossed but Les Davies headed over.
Five minutes in and Liam Brownhill, neat and tidy on the left, shot on
target from twenty yards but goalkeeper Wood pushed away for a corner
which Jones headed
ou![]() But it was Aber who threatened through the flying Follows who broke on the right but Lee Idzi narrowed the angle and saved well. Young Cledan Davies chased what looked like a lost cause and just beat Lee Idzi to a ball outside the box but slid his effort narrowly wide - with the cathedral choir shouting loudly for a corner or penalty. On 72 mins a double change for Bangor saw Alan Bull and Mark Smyth replace Chris Jones and Sion Edwards and within seconds Bull had a sight of goal but failed to get any power in his fifteen yard effort. Smyth joined in with a run on the left and a square ball to Les Davies who turne but sent his right footer just wide. With ten minutes to go Glyndwr Hughes came on for Rhydian Davies And so to that late drama as Referee Jones harshly adjudged Jamie Brewerton's challenge on Glyndwr Hughes as a red card offence. The former mophead winger made light of the incident but City had to play out the final six minutes plus added time. Two minutes later a pull on Alan Bull by Sion James earned him a yellow card and seconds later John Owen replaced Chris Simm. Bangor looked comfortable enough with ten men, held possession well enough as the home sides lack of ambiton appeared to betray them. But there was time for scouser Josh MacCauley to race through the depleted blues defence but spoil the run with a wayward finish. Damien Allen fired low on target but George Wood's son saved well at the foot of his post. The plus side for Bangor was impressive performances by fullback pair Edwards and Brownhill whilst former Tregaron Turfs winger Cledan Davies looks one for the not too distant future. So an away point gained, perhaps two dropped, but once again although it scarcely affected the outcome, another ninety minutes best remembered for what the referee did more than the players. |
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5 | 1 September 2012 |
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![]() Before the match though both teams and all those present paid a silent tribute to Legend of '62 Bill Souter who died a week earlier. Once the action began the tormentor in chief of the Cardigan Bay visitors was Sion Edwards whose first half hatrick included a truly sensational second goal which would not have looked out of place in the English Premier never mind the Welsh It was a rout from the word go. Inside two minutes Jamie Brewerton crashed into the post as he struggled to head a Sion Edwards cross but on five minutes it was City went ahead as Chris Jones drove home after Stuart Jones headed a corner to his feet in the Aber goalmouth. A minute later it was 2-0 when Sion Edwards guided the ball beyond James Wood left footed from the right edge of the box. On nine minutes Bangor went 3-0 up as unsettled Aber centreback Stuart Jones could only slide Chris Simm's low cross from the right into his own net. All credit due to Simm for his grim determination in chasing what looked like a lost cause. Les Davies has a shot saved but on 20 mins it was 4-0 this time the other centre half Wyn Thomas' turned home a low shot from Chris Jones whilst under pressure from Chris Simm. Under siege Aber had something to cheer on 24 minutes though as tiny Jordon Follows tapped home from close range. Could this herald a fightback by Tomi Morgan's side? On the half hour Bangor forced three quick corners before Sion Edwards doubled his tally with a fantstic dipping volley from the left despite running away from goal. An early goal of the season contender reminscent of his strike at Prestatyn last season. With the scoreline now showing 5-1 Les Davies fired over but on 35 mins it was 6-1 as Sion Edwards drove home low from the left to beat the exposed Wood all ends up. A brillant hatrick of left footed strikes from the left winger - his first for City. Half time score six one, and of course the second half had to be an anti climax! How do you follow that? |
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HALF TIME
6-1 |
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At
the interval Aber replaced young
Cledan Davies with the vastly experienced Glyndwr Hughes. Les Davies was harshly yellow carded for a challenge on half way - it doesnt pay to be big and strong in this league - before on 50 minutes Dave Morley replaced Craig Garside who had been pulling the strings in midfield. Five minutes later Sion James came on for Declan Carroll. On the hour Bangor took the corner count up to eleven after Chris Jones saw his shot deflected and of the thrid in the sequence Chris Simm headed narrowly wide. There was still work to be done for the defence and Michael Johnston and Jamie Brewerton stood firm when needed alongside new fullbacks Ryan Edwards and Liam Brownhill. ![]() City went 7-1 up on 66 mins as the hard working Chris Simm - still looking occasionally like the man whose dog ate his wallet - got on the end of a right wing cross from Les Davies to slide in at the back post for a well deserved strike. And his third in three games, one in each, to show his growing importance to the team. Moments after the goal a twelth corner after Sion Edwards had seen his shot deflected wide but again Chris Simm headed the flag kick narrowly wide. With fifteen minutes to go a double change for Bangor saw Alan Bull and Mark Smyth replace Sion Edwards and Chris Jones. But it was Aber who nearly struck as Jordan Follows played a clever one-two with Glyndwr Hughes before forcing a great save of Lee Idzi from close range. This also yielded Aber's first corner of the afternoon which Lee Idzi then pouched confidently. Former Llanelli striker Follows then jumped into Jamie Brewerton who must wonder what protection he is ever to receive before a great deep crossfield ball from debutant Ryan Edwards was headed wide by Chris Simm. With three minutes left Stuart Jones fouled Les Davies on half way - no card - and in the final minute a stoppage for Wyn Thomas who clashed with Les Davies as both challenged for a high ball. The match ended with three minutes of added time and a couple of corners for the visitors the second of which MacCauley headed wide. Credit to Morgan's side for their positive attitude at all times. Manager Nev Powell commented afterwards that City had simply taken their chances - and could have done so at Newtown last week - to great effect. PHOTO ABOVE (CROPPED FORM ORIGINAL) BY
DAVID JAMES
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4 | 25 August 2012 |
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This unlikely away defeat had three main
causes, wasted chances - especially early on - slack defending -
especially late on - and the rough end of some refereeing decisions
from start to finish. After a quiet opening ten minutes Bangor sprang to life as Sion Edwards crossed but Craig Garside headed onto the bar. The leftback Liam Brownhill ran in from the left, fired across goal, seemed to get a deflection but failed to get the corner. A corner from the right centred by Sion Edwards dropped to Damien Allen but his shot was blocked. On twenty minutes Craig Whitfield shot wide in Newtown's first effort and a minute or so later City won a third corner but failed to trouble former glovesman Dave Roberts. ![]() City fans shouted loudly for a penalty when Sutton appeared to handle as he ran back towards his own goal, but nothing doing. Newtown were awarded a sequence of freekicks down their attacking left, infront of the larger stand, and the first of these flew to centreback Andy Jones whose downward header was well saved by Lee Idzi. City won but failed to exploit a fourth corner but might have gone ahead on the half hour when Chris Jones volleyed narrowly wide after a surging run from Chris Simm. But on 33 mins Bangor did go ahead as Les Davies slid the ball through for Chris Simm to beat Roberts from ten yards for his second goal in as many games. Irony reared its ugly moments later as Jamie Brewerton was shown the yellow card for a fairly innocuous challenge infront of that mainstand but moments later it was all square as a tame shot from Luke Boundford took a wicked deflection and rolled past the wrong footed Lee Idzi to the dismay of the blues support. Bangor looked to respond as Liam Brownhill latched onto Chris Simm's layoff to cross from the left but Craig Garside headed wide and unluckily repeated the act moments later off Les Davies' header back across goal. On another day he could have scored a hatrick. On the stroke of half time Michael Johnston was carded for a similar offence - and in the same place - as captain Brewerton had been ten minutes earlier. Sion Edwards and Liam Brownhill combined on the left but Chris Jones was the latest to see his header fly over, and in a final flurry Liam Brownhill ran into the box from the left, appeared to be fouled, but claims for a penalty were waved away to leave the half time score level at one all. |
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HALF TIME 1-1 |
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No changes at the interval and as
you were on the pitch from the kick off as City forced an early corner
but Chris Jones volleyed over. Newtown then sprang into life as
goalscorer Luke Boundford went close twice in five minutes, first
shooting against the cross bar and then firing into the side netting. Jamie Brewerton was clattered once again as he patrolled the Bangor rightback area but this time he was unable to continue and on 56 minutes Dave Morley took his place in defence alongside Michael Johnston. Twenty minutes after the restart The Robins won their first corner. ![]() Ten minutes from time Alan Bull dribbled through to shoot on goal - saw his shot blocked - and then lifted the rebound well over. City fans sensed something was coming and they were right. First of all though a change for Newtown as Craig Whitfield made way for Gareth Partridge - and after a couple more Bangor corners - Zack Evans was replaced by Steve Blenkinsop. With six mins left it was 2-1 as Alan Bull sent a low cross from the right which Mark Smyth swept in at the back post to the delight of the travelling fans on the grassy bank. Liam Brownhill fired on target but Roberts saved easily. With an away win on the cards City fell to a double sucker punch. First substitute and former Ellesmere striker Steve Blenkinsop netted from close range and almost immediately bad turned to worse on ninety minutes when leading goalscorer Luke Boundford was unmarked to nod in an inviting cross from the right. This was a miscarriage of justice but that unhappy combination of wasted chances, slack defending and questionable refereeing was too much to bear. So three points dropped for City and mounting injury worries with Jamie Brewerton, bruised and battered, joining Chris Roberts on the sidelines. |
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3 | 17 August 2012 |
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![]() Ignore the order listed on the team sheet, this was Clive Williams at rightback, Liam Brownhill on the left and Mark Smyth on the right wing. For Connahs Quay the 3-5-2 formation saw Mark McGregor marshalling the muscular Michael Robinson and the quaintly named Danny Dobbins. Bangor started well enough attacking the bridge end in damp conditions. Chris Simm tested Nomads keeper John Rushton inside three minutes and on eight minutes when Damien Allen's shot bounc ![]() The Deeside team looked one paced and vulnerable and an easy win beckoned. Sion Edwards - from lon range - and right winger Mark Smyth went close with shots the extravangant Rushton punched, palmed or flapped away. Five corners came inside 35 minutes, the fifth crossed by Sion Edwards was headed over by a stationery Les Davies after it skimmed over Chris Simm. Nomads though had gradually estblished a foothold in the game, with Ricky Evans operating as a target man and the pugnacious former Druid Mike Thompson patrolling the midfield. But three minutes from half time Alan Hooley crossed and Dean Canning latched onto a Mike Thomspon miskick to finish from close range and City fans had to digest a level scoreline. The dozen or so youngsters in Nomads shirts camped behind the "wrong" goal celebrated along with those in the main stand. Bangor looked for an instant reply and as Les Davies headed down but Chris Simm ballooned his shot from beyond the post and the chance went astray. Before the break it might have been worse for City had Mike Thompson not fired wide from the left with only Lee Idzi to beat. So the half time whistle blew with the scores level to the visible dismay of the blues fans. |
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HALF TIME 1-1 |
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Before the restart
Bangor replaced
Mark Smyth with Chris Jones who took over his right wing berth. The second half elements - rain more than wind - were with City attacking the Bangor end, but it was the visitors who threatened as Ricky Evans teed up debutant Dean Canning but his fierce shot was tipped onto the crossbar by Lee Idzi. Three more home corners came, some pressure built up, but McGregor marshalled his sodden troops and referee Huw Jones angered home fans by stopping play everytime a Nomad dropped to one knee. Bangor had justifiable penalty claims waved aside when Chris Simm was flattened in the box but Referee Jones said no. Les Davies shot down and over from a Sion Edwards cross - his claims for a corner were waved away - then Craig Garside headed wide from Michael Johnston's inviting deep cross from the right. Johnston was enjoying a fine game alongside Jamie Brewerton who was getting the better of a duel with forme ![]() With eighteen minutes left Gary O'Toole replaced goalscorer Canning and was promptly booked. A minute later John Owen and Dave Morley came on for Chris Simm and Craig Garside. Both were to make their mark in the twenty minutes left to be played out. Owen combined well with Sion Edwards who crossed but Damien Allen's long range effort landed on the roof of the net. Edwards fired low from the right but the bulky Rushton saved well. The late late drama as Damien Allen shot from the right and Alan Hooley handled. Penalty, and up stepped the tall and composed figure of Dave Morley to net with ease and score what looked like the winner given that only thirty seconds remained when the celebrations died down. Referee Jones though, under instruction from the disgruntled McGregor, allowing for a late Nomads sub, and perhaps for those noisy celebrations, added a further two minutes but to no avail from the visitors perspective. Jones finally blew on a heavy weather 2-1 win for Bangor celebrated by most of the 850 present. Phew! Credit to the visitors in particular the dozen or so academy lads who braved the elements to back their team throughout. |
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2 | 12 July 2012 |
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europa league |
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![]() A lively opening ten minutes might have gone either way with both sides making and somehow failing to convert chances. There were chances at both ends as Oleg Molla shot wide for the hosts and Nicolae Calancea saved well from Chris Jones who ran on goal from the right. Jones for Chris Simm was the only change to the blues starting line up.. Moments later Calancea saved well from Jamie Brewerton before Molla went close twice more in quick succession. On eight minutes Sion Edwards sent a rising left footer off target from the left. Sion Edwards released Mark Smyth on the left, his deep cross found Les Davies in the box but his header flew wide. Minutes later Les Davies fired on target, saw his shot deflected for a corner, but Zimbru cleared and the lively Radu Catan threatened on the break. Midway through the first half Lee Idzi saved well from the dangerous Molla before on 29 minutes Oleg Molla broke the deadlock with a well placed close range header after City had failed to clear a deep cross from the right. Three minutes later it got worse for Bangor as goalscorer Oleg Molla latched onto a loose ball to lash home beyond a startled Lee Idzi from long range to the delight of the Zimbru fans behind the goal. Bangor had to clear their heads now and try to resist what turned into a period of menace from Zimbru. Lee Idzi saved well twice from long range shots and Michael Johnston and Liam Brownhill looked strong as City managed to repel the pressure. Then a break through on 44 minutes as a deep diagonal from Chris Roberts on the left found evaded Zastavni and was pounced on by the predatory Mark Smyth at the right hand post and his calm, low finish slid past Calancea into the net for a crucial goal for City. Minutes later it was half time and City lef the field with heads and hopes held high. |
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HALF TIME 2-1 |
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Bangor fashioned the first opening of
the second half as Chris Roberts diagonal ball found
Mark Smyth on the edge fo the box but his shot screwed wide to the
right. Ten minutes after the interval a change for Zimbru as Tumbasevic came on for Zastanvyi then seconds later Alan Bull replaced Sion Edwards who had been well and truly clattered in the Zimbru box. Number 18 Balasa was yellow carded by Mr Nicolaides before Molla went close once more as City struggled to clear their lines under pressure. Sischin and Molla both going close again before the danger passed. On 62 Chris Simm came on for Chris Jones and moments later a close shave for the home side as Liam Brownhill's cross was misjudged by the lanky Calancea and bounced off the crossbar and back into play. Mark Smyth was enjoying a fine evening on the left and his close control saw him beat two defenders on the touchline but his pacey low cross skimmed across the box and out of harms way. On 67 minutes a third and final change for Bangor in midfield as Dave Morley came on for Craig Garside who has worked hard in midfield. Nicolaev went close for Zimbru then Chris Simm saw his shot blocked as both sides carved half chances. Barahkoev also threatened for Zimbru who promptly replaced the impressive Sischin with Korgalidze. Daniel Nicolaev then shot weakly wide when he had time and space to do better. City survived and kept their hopes alive. ![]() Les Davies was shown the yellow card for dissent after he was harshly adjudged to have fouled in the box under a high cross. On 80 mins Liam Brownhill joined him in the book for a mistimed challenge as Zimbru pressed. Seven minutes from time Nicolaev made way for Gafina as Bangor tried to mount some pressure on the home goal. Les Davies crossed from the right and Alan Bull forced a corner with his low shot at the back post. Mark Smyth delivered the corner which Jamie Brewerton headed wide under pressure. As five added minutes ran out Les Davies was again harshly penalised for a challenge before Calancea was yellow carded for time wasting over a goalkick. One last chance was all City fans preyed for a it duly arrived as Les Davies won a late late corner on the right. Mark Smyth delivered and Dave Morley rose highest - but headed over and onto the roof of the net. And that was about it as time eventually did run out and the home side celebrated a narrow aggregate win. A narrow defeat for City but defeat nonetheless and and end to Europa hopes. |
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1 | 5 July 2012 |
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![]() This was a composed, compact and occasionally conservative performance from a Bangor side who seemed set on not conceeding, but might still have scored on a number of occasions. Forget the line up order shown, the Moldovan defence was built around 25 Cuznetov and 35 Derkach, big and strong, if a touch slow. Bangor opted for a 4-5-1 with debutants Brownhill and Simm down the right and Les Davies upfront, variously supported by Simm and Mark Smyth as opportunity allowed. City forced a couple of early chances to encourage the 1022 blues followers - a handful of Moldovans were also present - as Chris Simm and Les Davies challenged the lanky Calancea before the big Maesgeirchen striker lashed over right footed from eight yards. Zimbru responded with a rasping freekick from Radu Catan which Lee Idzi did well to push out for a corner. Play was stopped moments later as "keystone cops" defending between 24 Zastavni and 19 Tumbavesic left the two clutching their heads in the visitors box. Happily both recovered after a short stoppage. Lee Idzi could hoist a medicine ball over a tree and his booming clearance's easily reached Les Davies but his headers too often lacked a willing runner behind the Zimbru defence. ![]() The visitors went close again on the half hour as Jamie Brewerton deflected Catan's effort wide before Barakhoev headed the ensuing corner wide. City were giving as good as they got with the defence working hard, Craig Garside purposeful in midfield and Sion Edwards menacing on the left. Zimbru broke three or four on two from a second Bangor corner but Liam Brownhill snuffed out the danger with a perfectly executed challenge. As half time neared Chris Simm won a freekick on the left which Damien Allen curled goalwards only to see his shot bounce off the crossbar with Calancea seemingly beaten. Cypriot referee Nicolaides added not a second despite that early clash of heads and both sides left the field with grounds for optimism and looking forward to a cool drink on a sunny Nantporth evening. |
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![]() Number 25 Cuznetov was also carded following a harsh challenge on Les Davies as was Derkach for the repeat offence minutess later. In between Catan was shown the card for failing to retreat from a freekick. On 68 minutes manager Powell made a double substitution with Chris Jones and Alan Bull replacing debutant Chris Simm and Sion Edwards, both straight positional swaps. Jones made an immediate impact as he raced down the right and forced Calancea into a low save at the near post. Twenty minutes from time Zimbru club captain Oleg Sischin entered the fray - his mispronounced surname drew wide laughter - and the visitors stepped up a gear. City sent on Dave Morley for Mark Smyth on 77 minutes. Bangor showed they could unsettle the big defenders when Cuznetov appeared to handle under pressure from a fourth corner but referee Nicolaides waved play on. Liam Brownhill blocked well from Sischin before City won a freekick on the edge of the box but Les Davies saw his powerful strike crash into the wall. Seven minutes from time Craig Garside released Dave Morley on the right but he dragged his shot across goal with Calancea beaten. On ninety minutes Les Davies guided his header down but Chris Jones saw his effort saved by Calancea. Iavorschi went close for Zimbru in added time before a brave block from an exhausted Les Davies saw the ball break upfield and Chris Jones again forced a good save from Calancea who was probably the visitors most significant player on the night. So all to play for next week in Chisinau and a clean sheet bow for Nantporth in European football. |
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