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MATCH REPORTS |
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SEASON 2001-02 |
| 1999-00 |
2000-01 |
2001-02 |
2002-03 |
2003-04 |
2004-05 |
2005-06 |
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| City
slumped to a 4-1 defeat on an arid, bumpy Park Avenue pitch in front
of more than 1500 travelling blues amongst the 2300 present.
It might have been so different had Marc Lloyd Williams converted an early chance. It began on the right through Kenny Burgess whose well placed through ball set up the 66 goal striker but his low right footed drive was well saved by Raynor in the Barry goal. City fell behind on 9 minutes when Gary Lloyd found Jon French on the edge of the box, he controlled and shot on the turn and celebrated as his dipping volley dropped over a surprised Phil Priestley. The bigger, stronger full timers then dominated proceedings and might have added to their tally through French again but Alan Goodall stooped to head clear. On the half hour the lanky Dave Toomey replaced the injured Lee Phillips. On 35 minutes disaster struck as Bangor were caught two on two at the back, neither Chris Short nor Alan Goodall could clear, midfielder Mike Flynn rushed clear to thrash the ball past Phil Priestley who had no chance. The large visiting contingent knew something had to change before half time and roared their side on. On 42 minutes Paul Roberts was blocked by Scott Morgan on the attacking right. A freekick was awarded, taken by Simon Davies and met on the penalty spot by Huw Griffiths whose downward header left Raynor flatfooted. The big defender celebrated as much in relief and delight as the team's spirits rose visibly. |
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| Tails
up and wearing fresh hope City trouped out for the second period but within
minutes the two goal deficit was restored. A corner from the defensive
left was missed at the near post and landed invitingly for Jamie Moralee
to crash home from three yards. On 71 minutes a double roll of the dice as Craig Roberts and Steve Cooper replaced a tired looking Owain Jones and Aled Rowlands. The versatile Clayton Blackmore moved to centre midfield, Steve Cooper to right back and young Craig Roberts upfront in a three. Immediately the tall youngster caused problems up front and seemed to inspire a becalmed Marc Lloyd Williams who ran at and through the big Barry defence and found himself clear on goal to the right of the penalty spot. His deft left footed shot beat Raynor - but struck the left post - and the rebound evaded Paul Roberts. On 79 minutes Marc Lloyd Williams found himself taking a penalty won by Paul Roberts whose surging run on the left was stopped by Jarman. Unbelievably the Llanberis legend scuffed his kick a little - still managed to hit the bottom corner - but Raynor grabbed the ball. Minutes later Craig Roberts ripped past the tiring Yellow rearguard to fire powerfully on target and force a brilliant two handed save from Raynor. It was not to be. Salt in the wounds into injury time as Jamie Moralee struck from 30 yards and saw his shot hit a City defender and deflect into the net. A disappointing end to an enjoyable season, but more good than bad and - well when does next season start... |
| City: P.Priestley, O.Jones, A.Goodall, C.Short, A.Rowlands, H.Griffiths, ML Williams, C.Blackmore, P.Roberts, S.Davies, K.Burgess. Subs: S.Cooper, S.Hazelden, C.Roberts, |
| Town: Raynor, Jarman, Lloyd, Kennedy, Morgan, Phillips,
York, French, Moralee, Flynn, Ramasut Subs: Toomey, Pratt, Brown |
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| A damp
squid - a flat ending to the LoW campaign in this evenly contested but
goalless affair in wet West Wales. Results elswhere confirmed City
finished in third place. The pre match surprise was the pairing of Chris Short and Clayton Blackmore in central defence with Sean Hazelden amongst the subs and Huw Griffiths watching from the sidelines. Certainly the defence was well served by the wholehearted Chris Short who heading in particular was very impressive, based on sound technique. First half chances were few and far between as the pacey Keaveny caused some problems for City's rearguard whilst Neil O'Brien competed well against Marc Lloyd Williams. The home keeper looked a little nervous with more than a hint of teflon, but in all honesty he had few early tests and grew in confidence. City's best moment came when Chris Short gathered the ball 40 yards out following a Bangor corner, chested the ball down and hit a dipping volley which brought a superb save from Davies. |
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| The
second period opened with Kenny Burgess going close with a 20 yarder which
lifted just over and then forcing a good save from Davies with a fierce
drive from the right after a good turn of pace. On the hour substitute Hicks raced clear and unleashed a tremendous 25 yard drive which Phil Priestley stretched to push over one handed for a Carmarthen corner. City responded with Steve Cooper involving Simon Davies in a one two before shooting from 20 yards, Davies saved but there was no City striker on hand for the rebound. The lanky O'Brien - who was later voted Carmarthen Supporters Player of The Season - then galloped through midfield to shoot on target. Phil Priestley saved well and jumped up to hammer the ball to safety. City's outstanding 'keeper also produced a great two handed save from a shot on the edge of the box from Johnson. With around a quarter of an hour remaining Chris Boulton replaced Aled Rowlands and some ten minutes later Sean Hazelden came on for Clayton Blackmore in the centre of defence. In the closing minutes Craig Roberts was introduced instead of Simon Davies. |
| City: P.Priestley, O.Jones, A.Goodall, A.Rowlands, S.Cooper, C.Short, ML Williams, C.Blackmore, P.Roberts, S.Davies, K.Burgess. Subs: S.Hazelden, C.Boulton, C.Roberts, |
| Town: Davies, Meredith, W.Jones, W.Thomas, O'Brien,
Barnhouse, L.Jones, Johnson, Keaveny, Chapple, Miller. Sub: Nicholls, Hicks, R.Thomas |
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| Driven
from midfield by a powerful display from Paul Roberts City cruised to
a 7-0 against a spirited young Rhayader side who failed to control Marc
Lloyd Williams! Bangor started with little sense of purpose and some defensive slackness resulted in early Rhayader corners and culminated in Graham Hughes racing clear on the right to force a fine close range save from Phil Priestley. City forced corners of their own and with the extra height of Sean Hazelden causing problems 'keeper Morgan had some anxious moments. The reinstated defensive pair of Chris Short and Sean Hazelden were serving City well with the giant student dominant in the air. In midfield Paul Roberts had too much power and guile for his young opponents whilst Chris Boulton was in also in fine form up front. Then the first decisive moment as the outstanding Paul Roberts raced down the left wing to cross low into the six yard area where Marc Lloyd Williams converted from five yards. This knocked the stuffing out of the home side and provoked a hint of alarm from their bench. City then forced four corners in rapid sequence which resulted in Marc Lloyd Williams finishing once more from close range to draw level with Dave Taylor's 43 goal record. |
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| The
second period was more decisive for Bangor as Marc Lloyd Williams converted
a penalty he won to complete his hatrick and create a scoring record of
his own on 53 mins. On the hour it was 4-0 as Chris Boulton struck
a fierce volley towards the top corner which Morgan could only parry to
Marc Lloyd Williams who scored from close range. City replaced Pat Taylor with Aled Rowlands who immediately impressed on the left but the next incident was a sixth corner from which Sean Hazelden's goalbound effort was cleared off the line by McPhee. The new LoW record scorer then volleyed over before Matthew Bishop struck cleanly from 25 yard and watched as Phil Priestley completed a brilliant one handed stop his top right corner. On 72 minutes Graham Hughes - who had so nearly scored in the first half - was red carded as his goal line handball saved a certain goal. Up stepped Marc Lloyd Williams to make it 5-0 with a confident finish. Minutes later Idan Williams and Craig Roberts came on in place of Chris Short and Simon Davies with the Porthmadog youngter slotting in at rightback and the versatile Steve Cooper moving alongside Sean Hazelden. Within seconds it was 6-0 as Kenny Burgess tore down the right and crossed perfectly for Marc Lloyd Williams Marc Lloyd Williams to notch his sixth and establish a 47 LoW record. Both Craig Roberts and Alan Goodall went close before Paul Roberts seized upon a pass from Aled Rowlans to thrash the ball past Morgan from 20 yards to complete the 7-0 rout. All credit to Rhayader whose spirit was good and - despite the technical dismissal - never resorted to any form of foul play. |
| City: P.Priestley, S.Cooper, A.Goodall, C.Short, S.Hazelden, Pat Taylor, ML Williams, C.Boulton, P.Roberts, S.Davies, K.Burgess. Subs: C.Roberts, Idan Williams, A.Rowlands |
| Town: Morgan, Hughes, Evans, McPhee, Williams, Seymour,
Bishop, Hammonds, Bannon, Jones, Kozak, Subs: Mounty, Percy, Davies |
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| A coach
that needed regular "water stops" combined with motorway closure meant
City arrived late and the kick off had to be delayed by Referee Hutchinson.
Bangor never got over these setbacks and failed to trouble the odious Brian
Thomas. City would have been reasonably happy with their opening quarter hour as they struggled to settle after the hurried start. From a Clayton Blackmore cross Huw Griffiths headed down to Marc Lloyd Williams but his right footed effort hit the post and was scrambled clear. Minutes later Huw Griffiths headed over from a Kenny Burgess cross after City forced a second corner. Lido then had a half chance when Andrew Pearson shot well over from 25 yards before the diminutive Walkley ran clear but saw his effort booted away by Steve Cooper. Walkley must be the smallest player I have ever seen in senior football. Moments later Clayton Blackmore made a superb interception as Pearson threatened again. Referee Hutchinson was upsetting both camps and a flurry of yellow cards on or after 25 minutes hardly improved things. The first was against Pat Taylor for a rash challenge, then Rickard who was late on Alan Goodall and finally Carl Evans for dissent. In the midst of this yellow storm Clayton Blackmore struck a free kick too close to Thomas who held easily. With ten minutes remaining Marc Lloyd Williams shot over before Pearson chipped the stranded Phil Priestley but watched in amazement as the ball bounced steeply to clear the crossbar with Alan Goodall scrambling back! |
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| The
first chance of the second period fell to Paul Roberts after good work
on the left by Aled Rowlands but his shot went wide. Moments later
on 54 minutes City were behind after failing to clear a cross from the left
Chris Pridham shot low from 20 yards past Phil Priestley into the bottom
corner. The mouthy Pitman then fouled Paul Roberts on the edge of the box but his effort hit the wall and out for a corner. Before this could be taken - on the hour - Chris Boulton replaced left winger Aled Rowlands. City forced a sixth corner immediately, when Pat Taylor showed remarkable skill on the left to beat two defenders. Marc Lloyd Williams then turned a fired over from 12 yards after Pat Taylor and Paul Roberts had combined well on the left. The LoW top scorer then shot at Thomas who spilt the ball, which was partly cleared to Simon Davies but his cross was met by Huw Griffiths who headed over. Pitman was then booked before City forced a seventh corner on 75 minutes which resulted in Kenny Burgess lofting the ball over. On 83 minutes Clayton Blackmore hit a freekick which was deflected wide off a City attacker before Pitman threatened some Blues followers "Skupski style" but decided against it. With around five minutes left Marc Lloyd Williams was fouled on the right, Simon Davies crossed the freekick but Huw Griffths could not keep his header down. A final roll of the dice saw Steve Cooper replaced by Craig Roberts but to no avail. All in, a disappointing outcome for a Bangor side who created enough chances to have netted a couple - but simply failed to hit the target too often. |
| City: P.Priestley, S.Cooper, A.Goodall, Pat Taylor, A.Rowlands, H.Griffiths, ML Williams, C.Blackmore, P.Roberts, S.Davies, K.Burgess. Subs: C.Roberts, C.Boulton, S.Hazelden |
| Lido: Thomas, Walkely, Chandler, Evans, Holmes, Rickard,
Pitman, Pridham, Pearson, Evans, Hurley Subs: Taylor, Jones, Patton |
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| Bangor
fell behind inside ten minutes and spent the rest of the match chasing
the game, which easily eluded them on a bumpy Latham Park.
Simon Davies and Kenny Burgess both had shots from the edge of the box in the opening stages as City forced a seventh minute corner. But the first action of note came a minute later as Mark Williams outjumped Sean Hazelden and headed on to leftpeg Chris Adamson who got the better of Huw Griffiths to fire left footed past Phil Priestley from 25 yards. Marc Lloyd Williams was scarcely enjoying the high bounce or close attention of Timmy Edwards, but he managed a shot on target whilst No 8 Mark Thomas went close for the hosts. On 18 minutes City fell further behind to classic Newtown goal. Justin Wickham raced down the right wing and crossed low for Mark Williams to finish from close range. Bangor fought back to force three successive corners, the first when Aled Rowlands lashed a fierce shot on target but Welshpool cast off Bridges headed to safety. The fir trees took a pounding as Kenny Burgess failed to keep a couple of half chances down on the dusty surface before corner six was met by Sean Hazelden whose header landed on the roof of the net. In all City forced eight first half corners but to no avail - and without seeming to pose a real threat. |
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| Manager
Peter Davenport changed things at half time with Steve Cooper coming on
at right back and Clayton Blackmore replacing Sean Hazelden in the middle.
Immediately City showed a greater sense of urgency - transmitted to and
from the travelling support - and Kenny Burgess shot too close to Whitfield
then Marc Lloyd Williams just failed to reached a "close in" cross from
the left from Clayton Blackmore. On 55 minutes Chris Boulton was replaced by Paul Roberts and within moments he was involved but Marc Lloyd Williams shot weakly at Whitfield. Next Simon Davies on the left fed Paul Roberts who worked an opening but fired just wide from 20 yards. Newtown were ahead and content to operate on the counter attack, and with Wickham they had the perfect outlet. On one such foray he cut inside past Alan Goodall and shot on target from 25 yards to force a brilliant one handed save from Phil Priestley. Clayton Blackmore boomed the resulting corner out of harms way. With around ten minutes to go Craig Roberts replaced Aled Rowlands but his chances were few, although Owain Jones struck cleanly from 20 yards but unfortunately jsut too high. In the dying minutes Mark Williams was sent off for a cowardly attack from behind on City centreback Huw Griffiths who was shielding the ball near his defensive left corner flag. All credit to Referee Ellingham (who was pretty good all night) that he did the obvious. As if to sum up the evening Kenny Burgess then saw a cleanly struck shot deflect wide of a City attacker! No sour grapes or hard luck stories, a bitter blow but one we have to take. Ten corners in all but precious few caused Whitfield much concern. |
| City: P.Priestley, O.Jones, A.Goodall, S.Hazelden, A.Rowlands, H.Griffiths, ML Williams, C.Blackmore, C.Boulton, S.Davies, K.Burgess. Subs: C.Roberts, P.Roberts, S.Cooper |
| Newtown: Whitfield, Bridges, Evans, Reynolds, Edwards,
Fenton, Wickham, Thomas, Watkins, Williams, Adamson. Subs: Jones, Thomas, Reynolds |
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| Tired
and bloodied, Bangor stuck to their task in the face of intimidation permitted
by the inept dwarf KL Morris. A win which keeps the pressure on the
leaders and ensures a top three finish. City brought Sean Hazelden
who impressed in the centre of defence and Steve Cooper at right back with
Clayton Blackmore alongside a weary looking Owain Jones in midfield.
The chief culprit amongst the visitors was the shaven headed Jason Price who set his stall out with an elbow in th eface of Marc Lloyd Williams in the opening minutes. Referee Morris took no action. Paul Roberts went close for City but Phil Priestley pulled off a superb stop with his feet when the nomadic Chris Summers flicked a left wing cross on target from close range. The ball ran to Heall whose shot was bravely blocked by the alert Alan Goodall and finally cleared. On 14 minutes a penalty was awarded for a pull on Marc Lloyd Williams by Chiverton and the Golden Boot candidate stood up to send the dminutive Woodhouse the wrong way. Both Watts and Adams went close for the visitors with the latter forcing a good save from Phil Priestley low to his left. Marc Lloyd Williams then went close again with appeals for a penalty waved away. The aggressive Price then thrust his head against Kenny Burgess which resulted in the winger leaving the field with blood running from a hairline injury. On 38 mins, five or so after the injury, Chris Boulton replaced Kenny Burgess. After four minutes of stoppage time City were glad to leave the field! |
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| Within
minutes of the restart Chris Boulton took the ball on the left, beat
two defenders and shot right footed on target but hit the post.
The Mold lad then headed just wide from a right footed cross from Aled
Rowlands and generally stood up well to a buffeting from Price. On
55 minutes Clayton Blackmore sent a 35 yard free kick just over the crossbar
but moments later City were safe. A rightwing cross from Paul Roberts found Chris Boulton whose effort was deflected to Owain Jones. Lofty saw his shot cannon against the bar before rebouding to Paul Roberts who fired home through a crowd of players. The hard working Chris Boulton was then fouled twice in succession by Price who received a yellow card for the first offence. "Bull" then headed too close to the keeper beofre an uncharacteristic slip by Phil Priestley set up Heall but he lifted his shot over from 12 yards. With fifteen minutes to go Marc Lloyd Williams was fouled by Chiverton. Then a bizarre incident as a defensive clearance smashed the glass on the pressbox; fortunately the second sheet of the double glazing held firm. With ten minutes to go a weary Owain Jones was replaced by Pat Taylor who continued to give a favourable impression with important tackles and intelligent passes. To round things off Marc Lloyd Williams received the ball off Paul Roberts who had robbed Blain. With Brace racing back he raced clear, beat the keeper and Brace whose handball was rightly ignored as the ball finally bobbled into the net. Finally the disgraceful Price was sent off (second yellow) for a crude trip on Paul Roberts. Three points, a clean sheet, and a few days to recover before Tuesday night. |
| City: P.Priestley, O.Jones, A.Goodall, S.Hazelden, A.Rowlands, H.Griffiths, ML Williams, C.Blackmore, P.Roberts, S.Cooper, K.Burgess. Subs: C.Roberts, C.Boulton, P.Taylor |
| County:
Woodhouse, Parselle, Brace, Blain, Chiverton, Price, Summers, Heall, Adams,
Watts, Evans. Subs: N.Thomas, Smith, C.Thomas |
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| Take
the lead, keep a clean sheet and win the game. Simple! And
that is exactly what City did last night against much fancied TNS - but
at a price. Graham Brett left the field on a stretcher following a
serious hamstring injury. The first part of the plan clicked into place in the first minute. The visitors defence failed to deal with a long high clearance, the ball fell to Marc Lloyd Williams 35 yards out and his high sliced lob dropped over Doherty into the net! City then forced a couple of corners in an attempt to capitalise on The Saints uncertainties. However on nine minutes Nicky Ward nearly levelled the scores as his chip hit the City crossbar. On 15 miinutes Kenny Burgess and Paul Roberts combined well on the right but the wingers deep cross was headed just wide by Marc Lloyd Williams. TNS then lost defender Tommy Holmes whose place went to Tim Alexander. On 20 mins City forced two more corners and saw Owain Jones flick on for Huw Griffiths to force a good save from Doherty. The big defender had his revenge a moment later. From the second corner Clayton Blackmore to poked the ball goalwards from the edge of the box - and Huw Griffiths placed his low shot past the keeper! TNS struck back and forced three successive corners but at last Clayton Blackmore drove the third out to the half way line. Then disaster as Graham Brett stretched to clear a ball on the defensive left and fell to the floor. He was carried off - to warm applause - on a stretcher and replaced by Chris Short. City dropped Paul Roberts into midfield to stifle the growing influence of Ricky Evans and saw Kenny Burgess fire wide from the edge of the box. Niggly substitute Alexander was getting under the skin of the home contingent, a welcome half time whistle. |
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| City
knew TNS would come out firing on all cylinders and so it proved.
Nicky Ward shot just wide before John Toner replaced left-wingback Robbie
Wood and TNS went three up top. Toner immediately tested Phil Priestley whose brilliant save kept the visitors at bay. Then City won a sixth corner before the giant Steve Anthrobus replaced Justin Perry. At this point manager Peter Davenport sent Paul Roberts back to his normal striking position. Then a truly brilliant save from City's No 1 from a powerful drive from Scott Ruscoe, onto the post and finally cleared by the hard working Alan Goodall. Big Huw Griffiths was dominant but a mention for substitute Chris Short who battled gamely against Anthrobus. Also the vast experience of Clayton Blackmore left John Toner broken hearted on more than one occasion. Following what seemed like an eternity City began to push up the pitch, led by those two Port old boys. Paul Roberts, set up by a combination of Aled Rowlands and Alan Goodall on the left, but his shot went wide. Then some brilliant skill from Owain Jones who chipped his marker on the goalline before forcing a good save from Doherty at his near post. On 82 minutes it was all over as Simon Davies fed Paul Roberts who ran clear to thrash an unstoppable shot past Doherty from 18 yards. Everyone roared in relief - except the handful of miserable greens, sittingly glumly in the "visitors" box. With time running out Kenny Burgess "stepped over" a cross from Marc Lloyd Williams to set up Paul Roberts but his shot found Doherty in centre goal. Moments later, on 88 minutes, Kenny Burgess and Paul Roberts were replaced by Craig Roberts and Steve Cooper. Game over, a brilliant result against a determined and well organised TNS side. |
| City: P.Priestley, O.Jones, A.Goodall, G.Brett, A.Rowlands, H.Griffiths, ML Williams, C.Blackmore, P.Roberts, S.Davies, K.Burgess. Subs: S.Cooper, C.Boulton, C.Short |
| TNS: Doherty, D.Ward, Wood, Homes, Taylor, S.Evans,
Ruscoe, Leah, Perry, R.Evans, N.Ward, Subs: Alexander, Anthrobus, Toner |
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| A bumpy,
bouncy, dusty pitch which made summer football a little less appealing
but a decisive win for City against a hard working Cefn Druids side at
Belle Vue. City started quite brightly and Marc Lloyd Williams shot over on the turn from 22 yards. The large travelling contingent did not have long to wait for a goal to cheer. Simon Davies and Aled Rowlands combined to force a corner on the left which was deflected for one on the right which was taken by Simon Davies. Owain Jones flicked the ball on to Kenny Burgess who clipped the ball in with his back to goal for a tenth minute lead. Cefn fought back to force a corner off Alan Goodall and might have drawn level when the ball dropped to Mark Allen but he shot narrowly wide from close range. With Aled Rowlands and Alan Goodall causing havoc on the left, more chances were sure to come. On the half hour the little left footers again opened up the Druids defence and created an opening when Dave Blower fumbled the ball to Paul Roberts who blasted goalwards. The giant keeper blocked the effort but was clearly winded. The ball was floated back from left wing to right post for Marc Lloyd Williams to head home from close range. Again Cefn rallied but the impressive Graham Brett was on hand to clear and Phil Priestley was scarcely troubled by direct attempts on goal. Owain Jones hooked a difficult chance just over from the edge of the box, the half time whistle saw the blue contingent in a good mood! |
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| Simon
Davies found himself in space on the left, cut inside and beat two defenders
before crossing for Marc Lloyd Williams who headed over when well placed.
Then Mark Allen headed wide when Cefn attacked down the right and won
a freekick which dipped near post. On 62 minutes the contest was all but ended as Owain Jones headed against the bar but the ever alert Marc Lloyd Williams darted in to finish from close range. To their credit Cefn again tried to respond and Mike davies saw his goalbound effort cleared off the line by - who other - than Graham Brett. On 69 minutes it was 4-0 as Marc Lloyd Williams chased a long bouncing clearance, got the better of the covering defenders and chipped Blower from 30 yards. The blue army behind the goal signalled the end result before the ball bounced into the roof of the net. This hatrick took Jiws' tally to 13 in three games against the unfortunate Cefn side. City then drafted in substitutes Craig Roberts and later Steve Cooper for Owain Jones and Simon Daives respectively. Craig lined up alongside the hatrick hero whilst Paul Roberts dropped into midfield. On 79 minutes young Craig Roberts raced to the right, shrugged off a tug on his shirt, to blast the ball past Blower for the goal of the game. Then in the final five minutes Chris Short replaced Clayton Blackmore. A potential banana skin avoided, no injuries or bookings. In fact referee Arwel Jones did not issue a single yellow or red card throughout. |
| City: P.Priestley, O.Jones, A.Goodall, G.Brett, A.Rowlands, H.Griffiths, ML Williams, C.Blackmore P.Roberts, S.Davies, K.Burgess. Subs: S.Cooper, Craig Roberts, C.Short |
| Cefn: D.Blower, Cowap, Allen, Rowlands, Morris,
Williams, Jones, Wilkinson, Davies, Jefferies, Salisbury. Subs: B.Jefferies, Powell, Snell. |
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| An
early goal from Paul Roberts set Bangor on the way to an important win
at a sodden Oval but the headlines will be taken by an act of lunacy by
home keeper Steve Skupski. The former Llanystumdwy striker headed City ahead in the third minute. A free kick on the right was delivered by Clayton Blackmore and Paul Roberts rose above the static Canaries to head past Skupski. With both sides struggling to find their feet on a firm pitch doused by an hours heavy rain, both Marc Lloyd Williams and Tommy Mutton were involved in the early exchanges. Midway through the first period the ginger one crossed for Paul Roberts but his header went wide. Then the same forward turned and shot but saw his strike fly well over. Right winger Kenny Burgess was causing Brandreth all sorts of problems and one marauding run ended in a firm near post shot which was blocked by Skupski. Minutes later inconsistent ref Gerald Davies booked the fit again Graham Brett for a pretty inoffensive foul on Barton on the half way line. Marc Lloyd Williams then tried to chip Skupski but he handled cleanly, whilst Kenny Burgess blasted wide when well placed. |
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| Within
a minute of the restart Paul Roberts nearly doubled the advantage as
he turned past the pedestrian Antrobus and fired a low shot on target
but again Skupski saved well low down to his right. On 62 minutes
Simon Davies took a free kick on the right, rolled the ball to fellow Cap
Clayton Blackmore whose shot beat its way into the bottom left hand corner.
The referee was now showing a generous degree of inconsistency as he allowed the home side to foul their way back into the game, but the flying Mutton needed no such assistance as he forced a superb double save from Phil Priestley as he cut in from the right. On 75 minutes City's defensive pair Graham Brett and Huw Griffiths got caught too close together and allowed Llandudno based fullback Paul Roberts to run clear on the right and beat Phil Priestley from 15 yards. Game on! On 76 minutes - with the the home fans rubbing their hands in glee - another freekick given away for another unpunished foul on Kenny Burgess. Clayton Blackmore this time picked out 17 year old Owain Jones whose clean header flew into the net to restore the advantage. City boss then replaced Graham Brett with "homecoming" Chris Short whose arrival was greeted with cries of "Judas" from the home fans. Both City's strike pair went close before a corner was won to the delight of the homes fans. Then an amazing and unforgivable moment. Clearly unsettled by the travelling contingent Skupski picked up the ball and threw it full force into the crowd, striking a ten year old girl in the face and knocking her over. To his credit the ref saw this one - so did a local police officer - and the keeper saw red. Further chances came and went with the stand in keeper showing well, Emrys Williams slid his boot into Kenny Burgess who had to be replaced by Steve Cooper. In injury time crowd favourite Marc Lloyd Williams was replaced by the promising Chris Boulton. |
| City: P.Priestley, O.Jones, A.Goodall, G.Brett, A.Rowlands, H.Griffiths, ML Williams, C.Blackmore, P.Roberts, S.Davies, K.Burgess. Subs: S.Cooper, C.Boulton, C.Short |
| Town: S.Skupsi, Roberts, Brandreth, E.Williams, Anthrobus, L.Williams, Baker, T.Smith, Barton, Mutton, Millington Subs: McGoona, Jellicoe, Kilgannon |
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| This
tremendous result and impressive performance settled an account from
last season and gained ample revenge for that home blemish earlier this
time around. But the down side was a red card for Simon Davies which
could scarcely have come at a worst time with the small squad hit by injury.
Following a Clayton Blackmore throw, a dreadful mistake on the half way line by Pattimore let in Marc Lloyd Williams in the first minute and he galloped clear to lash the ball home from 20 yards to set City on the road. City strenthened their position when Clayton Blackmore struck a 22 yard shot goalwards following a freekick taken by Simon Davies. The ball rolled into the net courtesy of a cruel deflection on eight minutes. Five minutes later the shell shocked hosts fought back as a long clearance from O'Hagan was only partly cleared to set up Chris Watkins whose firm low drive beat Phil Priestley from the edge of the box. On 41 minutes Marc Lloyd Williams converted a penalty awarded for an off the ball incident involving Kenny Burgess. Oddly no card was shown to the defender involved. Calamity struck on the stroke of half time. Following an unpunished trip on Owain Jones, captain Simon Davies berated Phil Southall after he too had been clearly fouled - only to receive a red card for his efforts. Had the referee enforced the rule throughout it might have been interesting! |
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| With
a man advantage the hosts reduced the deficit on 49 minutes as Jason
Welsh converted from close range after a breakaway on the left.
However on 52 minutes Kenny Burgess supplied Paul Roberts whose 25 yard
drive dipped awkwardly for O'Hagan and Marc Lloyd Williams put the
Blues 4-2 ahead with a neat close range finish. On 62 minutes a rare occurence - a goal direct from a corner. With Simon Davies off the field Clayton Blackmore took the kick from the left and saw the ball hit the stanction adjoing the far post and roof of the net. Five two ahead, down to ten men, and half an hour to play! With a quarter of an hour to go Chris Boulton came on for Paul Roberts and soon after Steve Cooper replaced the industrious Aled Rowlands. On 86 minutes Marc Lloyd Williams netted his fourth of the match - to take his tally to 38 LoW goals for the season - and was promptly replaced by Sean Hazelden. This time the Llanberis lad latched onto a misplaced defensive pass, beat two men and scored from the edge of the box with a right foot curler. Cwmbran scored a third on the stroke of time through Dunn, but it scarcely mattered. A valiant peformance by the ten men and the top of the table looks better and better! |
| City: P.Priestley, O.Jones, A.Goodall, C.Short, A.Rowlands, H.Griffiths, ML Williams, C.Blackmore, P.Roberts, S.Davies, K.Burgess. Subs: S.Cooper, C.Boulton, S.Hazelden |
| Town: P.O'Hagan, R.Carter, J.Wile, W.Pattimore, S.Wharton, R.David, N.Wigg, James, C.Watkins, Welsh, Mainwaring. Subs: Dunn, Smothers, Moore |
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| With
Warren Gibbs slotting in alongside Huw Griffiths at the back, Owain Jones
likewise next to Simon Davies in midfield and those well known former Port
men returning up front, it was a more familiar looking 4-4-2 line up for
City. Unfortunately in a damp squid of a first half it mattered little. Nomads won and kept the ball with consumate ease yet scarcely threatened the confident looking central pairing, the towering Warren Gibbs readily marshalling the niggly Rain. Practically the only moment of excitement in the first period came when Marc Lloyd Williams turned on the edge of the box and fell to the floor, but referee M Jones (Wrexham) waved play on to little remonstration. With Terry looking dangerous and Mazzarrella finding time and space, City had few chances but one which did come was spurned when Marc Lloyd Williams headed over in the closing minutes from a good cross from Kenny Burgess. With the queue at the tea hut building nicely Stuart Rain managed to back in and twist with considerable dexterity to cause Warren Gibbs to fly over him and land awkwardly. Although the big defender played on it was to be the end of his involvement. |
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| From
the kick off Steve Cooper replaced the hobbling Warren Gibbs with Clayton
Blackmore moving to centreback. Within a minute City were ahead.
Simon Davies found Aled Rowlands on the left, the little winger had the
presence of mind to dummy and cross right footed right onto Marc Lloyd Williams head for
a slightly unconvincing finish. On 51 minutes it was 2-0 as the visitors lost their composure and allowed Kenny Burgess to latch onto a pass from Simon Davies, rush into the box, lose and re-gather the ball and then appear to clip the ball over Mulliner from eight yards. City then took charge and Paul Roberts ran through from deep to capitalise on a firm tackle by Huw Griffiths in midfield. Next Marc Lloyd Williams span and shot low on target but as Mulliner parried the ball no one in a blue shirt reacted in time. On the hour Paul Roberts fired over following a corner won by Kenny Burgess on the left. With the points looking secure Simon Davies got caught in possession in midfield by the industrious Stuart Terry who ran across to his left before firing past Phil Priestley on 67 mins. Bangor responded with Alan Goodall shooting from long distance but too close to Mulliner before the odious Rain fired over from six yards with City fearing the worst. On 76 minutes Steve Cooper was rightly booked for throwing the ball at Hopkins but moments later the dark side of Rain saw him red carded for a nasty lunge on Huw Griffiths on the City goaliine. And that was about it, scarcely a classic, but three points. Sad to see Nev Powell sulk off without exchanging handshakes with his opposite number but then these things happen. |
| City: P.Priestley, O.Jones, A.Goodall, W.Gibbs, A.Rowlands, H.Griffiths, ML Williams, C.Blackmore, P.Roberts, S.Davies, K.Burgess. Subs: S.Cooper, C.Boulton, S.Hazelden |
| Nomads: A.Mulliner, S.Hopkins, D.Tuft, C.Smythe, G.Horan, G.McGosh, P.Mazzerrella, S.Terry, S.Rain, J.Kenworthy, L.Roberts Subs: J.Pepper, A.Griffiths, M.Carroll |
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| As the
infant River Severn wends it way from The Cambrian Mountains to Shrewsbury
and on to Bristol it snakes around the Roman outpost at Caersws.
Where the Aberystwyth to Salop railway line meets the A470 the embankment
and bridge create a bottleneck which often causes floodwater to disgorge
onto the adjacent mudflat. The local village football team take
on all comers on this unlikely surface in a game known throughout time
as "kick and rush". A Bangor side, shorn of the leagues best strike partnership, took up the gauntlet and for forty five minutes played the crafty locals at their own game. Early chances fell to Kenny Burgess and Steve Cooper but they went wide and too straight respectively. However the travelling horde soon had reason to smile as Phil Priestley sent a thunderous clearance upfield which the selfless Chris Boulton squared for strike partner Kenny Burgess to strike home. The flying winger turned goalscorer then spurned a chance provided by Clayton Blackmore, got himself yellow carded for querying yet another abysmal decision, then ran clear down the right and forced a good low save from the spreadeagled Griffiths. Unhappily the well placed Chris Boulton just failed to capitalise on the parried clearance. Left back Sean Jehu then hit the Bangor bar from 25 yards before on the half hour both sides forced a couple of corners which came to little or nothing. On the half time whistle home defender Hugh Clarke headed just over from a long ball off Fletcher. |
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| With the
light breeze now at their backs the hosts came out full of verve.
Within a minute Graham Evans struck a cross from the right which
deceived Phil Priestley and dipped under the crossbar. Steve Cooper
vented his frustration with a late challenge on Antony Griffiths and received
a yellow card off the bizarrely inconsistent Rees. The blue defence
creaked as defensive headers met the resistance of the Easterly breeze,
the midfield perhaps dwelt too long on the ball on the unforgiving two
paced sand strewn surface. Left wingback Aled Rowlands then skipped past two home defenders but got a bit carried away with the cross. On 68 minutes Paul Roberts replaced the disappointed Steve Cooper and was quickly on the scene as a clear handball by Howells was waved away. Then a truly surreal moment as Bluebirds 'keeper Matthew Griffiths flung himself face down on the mud with Clayton Blackmore about to cross from the right. Referee Rees stopped the game as the former Welsh cap sent the ball into the net. This decision - one of many that upset both contingents - was utterly wrong and at odds with fairness and logic. Suited him though. On 82 minutes the points were lost as Hugh Clarke won a header in the box to set up little Graham Evans who nodded past Phil Priestley. Five minutes later enter Marc Lloyd Williams to raise the hopes of the blue horde but to no avail, although he instantly latched on to a right wing cross but directed the effort too close to Griffiths. Finally Alan Goodall shot cleanly on target but again too close to the Caersws custodian. And so three points lost, three more gained by the local ace exponents, and a gleeful afternoon for yet another pitiful South Wales ref. Surely Treharris is a suburb of Swnsea... |
| City: P.Priestley, S.Cooper, A.Goodall, C.Short, S.Hazelden, H.Griffiths, A.Rowlands, C.Blackmore, C.Boulton, S.Davies, K.Burgess. Subs: W.Gibbs, ML Williams, P.Roberts |
| Caersws: M.Griffiths, A.Thomas, S.Jehu, A.Griffiths, H.Clarke, M.Griffiths, M.Howells, G.Jones, G.Evans, A.Fletcher, A.Davies Subs: C.Richards, G.Williams, J.Davies |
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| Pedestrian
in the first half, hampered by a inept referee, City roared back from
an interval defecit to win by a margin that spoke volumes for visiting keeper
Danny Embleton. With a stiff breeze at their backs Oswestry kicked off attacking the St Pauls End and belied their lowly position with a determined first half display. Whilst Kenny Burgess sent an early chance into the side netting, the niggling figure of Mick Jones fired over from outside the box to signal the visitors defiance. City played in patches, with the midfield misfiring it was left to Clayton Blackmore to pick the passes and show the deftness of touch which had abandoned the quartet ahead of him. One such pass set up Kenny Burgess on the right who forced Embleton into a fine point blank save and produce City's second corner on 15 minutes. Oswestry were dangerous on the break with MacKenzie and Collins running with purpose at Sean Hazelden and Huw Griffiths. On 24 minutes 18 year Mick Collins chased a long clearance, beat the home defence to the ball and calmly lobbed Phil Preistley from outside the box. The visitors celebrated to a stunned silence! Referee Hutchinson then mindlessly booked Owain Jones for an innocuous trip in the centre circle before Marc Lloyd Williams and then Sean Hazelden went close as half time drew closer. Oswestry then threatened again as the other 18 year James MacKenzie chased in on goal before Sean Hazelden ended the move with a well time challenge inside the box. A truly bizarre decision next as Kenny Burgess was adjudged to have fouled Curtiss on the right before the former Rhyl left footer was penalised - but not carded - for a foul on City's winger. |
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| Trailing
by that solitary goal, City resumed with the breeze at their backs and
the manager's words ringing in their ears. But some shocking loose
play the back almost proved costly as 17 year old Gary Byrne fired over after
being the presented with the ball 25 yards out. On 49 minutes Bangor fans finally had something to cheer about as Simon Davies sent over City's sixth corner of the night which Huw Griffiths met with unstoppable force from close range. The big defender celebrated as the home crowd roared in relief. Five minutes later it was 2-1 as Huw Griffiths turned provider as he guided Aled Rowlands' cross to Marc Lloyd Williams whose flick was parried by Embleton into the net. With the visitors still dangerous on the break, City now started to test Embleton who proved unbeatable for the reamaing half hour. Owain Jones shot wide before Paul Roberts ran down the left, beat the keeper, shot but saw his effort cleared off the line. Then Aled Rowlands shot from 25 yards but the keeper tipped it over for City's 8th corner. Next Paul Roberts struck a superb shot against the cross bar the rebound was lifted over by Marc Lloyd Williams. On the hour Huw Griffiths was about to celebrate his second before the referee invented an infringement, before Collins reminded City of the danger of complacency when he forced City keeper Phil Priestley into a low save. With twenty minutes remaining Simon Davies, by know enjoying his evening, picked out Paul Roberts but he lifted his shot just over. Minutes later the same provider supplied Kenny Burgess but his header landed on the roof of the net. After a stoppage for a head injury to Huw Griffiths City sent on Steve Cooper for young Owain Jones. Then Marc Lloyd Williams span past his marked on the half way line, ran to th edge of the box before setting up Kenny Burgess who mishit his shot. Curtis then found time and space to fire over from 30 yards before Aled Rowlands crossed for Steve Cooper whose clean strike was somehow pushed over for another corner. Paul Roberts then went close twice in quick succession as City forced their 11th and 12th corners of the evening which saw the visitor's heroic 'keeper save from Paul Roberts and Steve Cooper, whilst Huw Griffiths saw his effort cleared off the line! |
| City: P.Priestley, O.Jones, A.Rowlands, S.Hazelden, Griffiths, ML Williams, Blackmore, P.Roberts, S.Davies, K.Burgess. Subs: W.Gibbs, C.Boulton, S.Cooper |
| Town: D.Embleton, G.Byrne, G.Curtis, D.Parry, M.Hobson, M.Jones, P.Johnson, M.Maloney, M.Collins, J.MacKenzie, P.Wilson Subs: D.Norman, K.Bullen, D.Kibblewhite |
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| Astonishing!
The perfect antedote to the midweek display at Oswestry, a ten goal thriller
with that Llanberis lad scoring five against The Druids for the second
time this season. City started at a pace with early chances created for Clayton Blackmore, Aled Rowlands and Owain Jones. But gutsy Cefn showed their determination on ten minutes when Graham Brett was forced to clear off the line from the lively Mike Davies. Kenny Burgess was causing havoc to makeshift defender Steve Cowap with Cefn resorting to a succession of fouls. On 17 minutes one such trip took place in the box, penalty given, but to the astonishment of all concerned Marc Lloyd Williams shot weakly and Blower guessed right. As the home fans roared their relief City simply stepped up the pace, driven on by the centre midfield combination of Owain Jones and Simon Davies. A minute later, on 18, allowed a measure of time and space in the box Marc Lloyd Williams turned placed the ball past Blower, this from an Aled Rowlands cross from the left. Marc Lloyd Williams headed over from an Aled Rowlands cross, then the league's top scorer was fouled before Kenny Burgess lifted his effort over the bar. Minutes later another foul on the impressive Kenny Burgess led a free kick which Clayton Blackmore placed in the top left corner from 22 yards. On the half hour Marc Lloyd Williams made it 3-0 with a right footed tap in after good work from Paul Roberts on the left. |
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| With
Bangor fans anticipating a bagful Cefn stole their thunder with a quick
repost courtesy of a calm finish from Ross Jeffries on 51 minutes,
but on 54 Marc Lloyd Williams completed his hatrick to make the score 4-1 after a great
right wing run by Paul Roberts. On 56 minutes Mike Davies converted
a pretty unlikely penalty to pull Cefn back into contention at 4-2.
Oddly there then followed ten minutes of relative calm before Marc Lloyd Williams netted his fourth after a blistering run from the half way line from Paul Roberts. The selfless striker beat four home defenders before teeing up his freescoring team mate who finished with a neat clip over the towering Blower. On 71 minutes Cefn again fought back as Mike Davies raced past the injured Graham Brett to fire through Phil Priestley from 15 yards, 5-3 and a few nerve ends jangling... Moments later the little Irish sweeper was replaced by fellow student Sean Hazelden. With a fine sense ot timing Paul Roberts chased a long ball down the right and scored from a tight angle to establish a 6-3 advantage on 72 minutes. The industrious Aled Rowlands was working hard in defence and in one such incident the "rather odd" linesman was crunched and needed City's physio to come to his aid. On 75 minutes Cunnah was sent off for a second yellow offence, punching the ball away. This was a little harsh, but Ref Boddenham is fusy. On 78 minutes Clayton and Paul Roberts were replaced by Chris Boulton and Steve Cooper. The last word went to - yes you guessed - Marc Lloyd Williams whose headed fifth came from a fine cross from the left off substitute Chris Boulton. Unbelievably the ginger one then missed two of the easiest chances on offer all night, both free hits from 15 yards. Never mind! |
| City: Priestley, O.Jones, Goodall, Brett, Rowlands, Griffiths, ML Williams, Blackmore, P.Roberts, S.Davies, Burgess. Subs: Hazelden, Boulton, Cooper |
| Druids: D.Blower, Cowap, M.Allen, A.Rowlands, P.Morris, S.O.Shaughnessy, Cunnah, Wilkinson, M.Davies, Jeffries, Breeze. Subs: D.Powell, C.Davies, Alan Williams |
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| A battling
if vaguely unconvinving win at Park Hall for a City side starting to feel
the effects of the congested end of season. After weeks of
4-4-2 injuries inspired a change of shape with Sean Hazelden operating
alongside Huw Griffiths with Graham Brett sweeping up.
City might have gone ahead in the fourth minute when Marc Lloyd Williams headed over from a corner, then Steve Cooper sent a dipping volley on target but Embleton tipped the ball over. Next Paul Roberts forced a good save from Embleton but the former Inter Cardiff custodian could do nothing with the shot from the edge of the box on 26 minutes. Owain Jones latched onto the loose ball and managed to place his shot into the bottom righthand corner which beat the diving keepers outstretched hand. Minutes later Chris Boulton |