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MATCH REPORTS |
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SEASON 2003-04 |
| 1999-00 |
2000-01 |
2001-02 |
2002-03 |
2003-04 |
2004-05 |
2005-06 |
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This was a comfortable as the scorline suggests for City against
a Carmarthen side whose selection owed much to Monday's Loosemores Cup encounter
with Rhyl and their guaranteed survival in the Welsh Premiership.
City boss Peter Davenport was without Paul Friel who has a calf strain and so reverted to a 4-4-2 formation with Paul Gedman alongside Paul Roberts and Ross Jefferies on the bench alongside Frank Mottram and Mark Connolly. Both wingers Kenny Burgess and Les Davies went close in the opening stages as City set the pace against a largely youthful looking home side. Midway through the half first Alan Goodall and then Paul Gedman fired off target from outside the box before Kenny Burgess tested Rob Thomas with a low shot from the edge of the box. City's right winger was running amok on the flank and attracting some harsh treatment from Hayward and his team mates. Paul Roberts also fired off target and the City faithful started to fear a frustrating afternoon when referee Ceri Richards finally put a stop to some crude defending by showing his yellow card to Leigh De Vulgt whose exotic name belies a very ordinary player. When the dust had settled Steve Hitchen centred for Paul Roberts to head home from twelve yards to give City a deserved advantage as the interval loomed. There was time for Clayton Blackmore to pick out Paul Gedman on the edge of the Carmarthen box but his shot flew narrowly wide. |
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The one paced Adam Moore was the first player into the referee's
notebook after the interval for a badly timed challenge on Alan Goodall.
Five minutes after the restart left winger Les Davies roasted replacement
right back Owen Thomas and delivered an inviting cross for Paul Gedman
but his header flew wide. Midfielder Moore advised upimg Thomas to
"push him into the stand" but there seemed little likelihood of the runaway
truck being derailed! On 54 mins it was 2-0 as Kenny Burgess ran infield from the right and - with players moving off in all directions - wrong footed Thomas from 18 yards with a left footed finish. The home side then went for a double susbtitution with Steffan Davies and Luke Sayers making way for Dale Price and Nicky Burke. However it was City who continued to dominate and a deep freekick by Alan Goodall was given up by everyone but Paul Gedman whose late lunge nearly clipped the ball goalwards. Moments later Captain Goodall saw his shot saved by the hardworking Thomas ebfore the home side won a corner which Moore failed to convert at the back post. Les Davies then supplied Paul Gedman but he was crowded out but the clearance was returned by the inrushing Alan Goodall for Thomas to smother. City won their fifth corner of the afternoon as Thomas fumbled a 30 yarder from Alan Goodall and from the kick Eifion Jones header over the bar. With just over a quarter of an hour remaining the industrious Paul Gedman chased a through ball which he attempted to flick over the home keeper but the youngster held cleanly. With 75 mins on the clock Bangor made a triple substitution as Paul Roberts, Les Davies and Clayton Blackmore made way for Frank Mottram, Ross Jefferies and Mark Connolly to great effect. On 80 mins it was 3-0 when Mark Connolly swept on a lose ball on the edge of the box to drive home with the aid of a slight deflection. Bangor fans were rubbin gthei rhands in expectation of a late rally. However the immediate result was a goal for Carmarthen as substitute Nicky Burke lofted into an unguarded net from 35 yards after a mix up in the City defence for 3-1. City forced a seventh corner and moments later on 87 mins Ross Jefferies crossed from the right for Frank Mottram to head home from six yards to complete an impressive contribution from the trio of substitutes. So the final match of the season won 4-1 and an enjoyable afternoon at a sunny Richmond Park. |
| Bangor City: Phil
Priestley, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Steve
Hitchen, Gareth Evans, Kenny Burgess, Clayton Blackmore, Paul
Gedman, Paul Roberts, Les Davies Subs: Ross Jefferies, Frank Mottram, Mark Connolly, |
| Carmarthen
Town: Thomas, Evans, Hayward, De Vulgt, Barnhouse, Price, Davies,
Davies, Jones, Fayers, Moore Subs: Thomas, Price, Burke, Ried |
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A tense a evenly fought first half gave way to a second half dominated
by some dubious freekick awards and offside decisions. Needless to
say Gerald Davies was involved. Rhyl needed to win and started as if they intended to settle the issue in the opening minutes forcing three corners early on and testing young goalkeeper Craig Bryan, who it must be said stood up well to the examination. Moran shot narrowly wide before Gary Powell saw his shot cleared as the impressive Eifion Jones and Peter Hoy rose to the challenge. On the twenty minute mark City shook off the shackles and raided upfield with Kenny Burgess crossing to Les Davies but his right footed effort missed the target. City's 19 year old winger then shot wide from outside the box and Paul Roberts lifted Bangor spirits further with a shot which Paul Smith held comfortably enough. Marc Limbert then saw his goalbound effort headed off the line by Peter Hoy for a fourth Rhyl corner. Clayton Blackmore was to the fore with his experience and positioning vital as City cleared. From this Bangor broke upfield with Alan Goodall seeing his shot saved by Smith who is unrecognisable from his TNS days. With the wind at their backs City pushed forwards and the home defence obligingly lost control. Paul Roberts was making Timmy Edwards look awkward and uncomfortable as he twisted and turned past his marker. On the half hour a dreadful backpass by Lee Atherton let in Paul Roberts but he slipped as he chased in on goal and the chance was gone. On 33 mins City forced their first corner as Roberts unsettled the Lilywhites on the left. Smith looked lest than sure of his position has he immediately conceded a second corner. By now Paul Roberts was in full sway and the normally reliable centreback alignment of Edwards, Atherton & Brewerton looking decidedly shakey. Kenny Burgess crossed from the right but Eifion Jones and Paul Roberts both jumped for the same header which flew over the bar. A third bangor corner resulted in a free kick for Rhyl before Paul Roberts collected a superb ball to feet from leftback Gareth Evans, span past Edwards but dragged his shot wide from 15 yards. Lee Atherton was all over the shop and his slip let in Les Davies but the alert Smith parried his close range effort with Paul Roberts hoping for a cross. With five minutes to the interval a fourth City corner ended in more frustration as Alan Goodall's shot was saved after a telling pass from the industrious Paul Friel. As time ran out Les Davies fluffed a golden opportunity from six yards after great approach play from Paul Roberts who had run at goal from the right corner flag beating three defenders en route. Finally the big winger chase down the left with Atherton gasping in his wake but saw his shot held by Smith once again. As City trouped off the players could feel pleased with their effort, both in surviving the opening quarter and then dominating the remainder. But the blank goal tally would have been the major cause for concern. Credit to the referee who had managed proceedings competently. |
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A game of two halves? Something along those lines but the
opening chance came to Les Davies who, back to goal, turned and fired
at Smith after an accurate pass from Paul Friel. This stung the home
side into action who forced an early corner but with little end product.
Enter the jester. Marc Limbert reacted angrily to a foul by Alan Goodall and struck City's captain in the face. Play on. Next Marc Limbert fired a free kick at Paul Friel which the Irishman avoided. The man in black ordered the kick to be retaken, booked Friel and duly awaited the outcome. Odd to say the least. Limbert sent his freekick deep into the six yard box where Brewerton was three yards offside, his header back across goal was charged home by Timmy Edwards for a one goal lead. Limbert quickly realised referee Davies was on his side and lashed out at Goodall as he ran past, again nothing given. Moran fired on target but young Bryan held cleanly. On 68 mins the second significant moment as Stuart Graves lost the ball on the edge of the box and was awarded a freekick which also resulted in Steve Hitchin being shown a yellow card. The free kick from Limbert was palmed away by Bryan for a corner, a superb one handed save at full stretch. The little midfielder lay on his back in some dramatic gesture but was cheered seconds later as the resulting corner from Graves was headed home by Timmy Edwards for his second goal of the evening. By now the home side were in full sway, Steve Hitchin and Peter Hoy were in the teeth of the battle, the match was all but done. City sent on Frank Mottram and Mark Connolly for Kenny Burgess and Clayton Blackmore on 75 mins and then Paul Gedman for Paul Friel seven minutes later. Uncharacteristically Gedman was yellow carded within seconds for a blatant foul on Mark Powell right in front of the referee. This was a disappointing end to events for a City side who had perhaps a dozen efforts on goal but must have felt hard done to by the vindictive refereeing of Mr Davies who made his feeling felt with a foul mouthed volley at the City camp as he left the field of play. |
| Bangor City: Craig
Bryan, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Steve Hitchen,
Gareth Evans Kenny Burgess, Paul Friel, Paul Roberts, Les Davies, Clayton Blackmore, Subs: Frank Mottram, Paul Gedman, , Mark Connolly, |
| Rhyl:
Smith, Brewerton, Powell, Atherton, Edwards, Walters, Wilson, Limbert,
Moran, Powell, Graves Subs: Adamson, |
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This final home match was won with two first half half goals,
one apiece from strike partners Paul Roberts and Paul Gedman, as City overcome
stubborn Nomads resistance and some inconsistent refereeing from local official
Kevin Parry. A mention too for 18 year old Craig Bryan who enjoyed a fine debut in the Bangor goal. City started the brighter attacking the St Pauls End with Paul Roberts heading over from a sixth minute corner with visiting keeper Lee williams rooted to the spot. No sooner had this kick been taken than the visitors replaced Craig Hutchinson with Paul Mazzarella following a late challenge. On the quarter hour Paul Gedman raced through a gap in the visitors defence but sliced his shot off target before the lumbering Chris Wiliams was yellow carded for a wild lunge on Kenny Burgess. When the Noamds did attack the home defence stood firm, with Peter Hoy and Eifion Jones both enjoying fine pefromances, ably assisted by nimble Steve Hitchin and determined Gareth Evans. However City quickly switched up through the gears with two goals in ten minutes, and might have had three. The first came from Paul Roberts who seized on loose ball outside the Nomads box, raced goalwards before shooting right footed at Lee Williams who parried the effort back for the onrushing striker to smash home left footed from ten yards. This came about on 28 mns and two more had passed when Alan Goodall sent a perfect freekick curling into the visitors net for what looked like a perfectly good second. However the inept Kevin Parry found some obscure reason to disallow the effort and frustrate the home fans. Dean Tuft was alert to clear a goalbound effort from Eifion Jones but could do nothing but watch on 39 mins when Peter Hoy embarked on a cavalier run on the left to pull the ball back to the edge of the box for Paul Gedman to rifle home with a clean low drive for his third goal in five games. Referee Parry then waved away loud penalty appeals with the ball in the Nomads box before Paul Roberts went close to adding a third goal with a run which ended in a low shot beyond Lee Williams' desparing finger tips but also the far post. The young keeper? He was scarcely busy but handled crosses confidently and punched away one awkward centre which seemed to impress his defence. |
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As the second half got underway Connahs Quay introduced former
City leftwinger Alun Evans in place of Andy Griffiths. Mr Parry quickly
yellow carded Eifion Jones for a foul on the substitute who could only watch
as Mark Connolly met Kenny Burgess' right wing cross but directed his fifteen
yard header wide. Undeterred by his caution the impressive Jones blotted
out a Noamds attack with a perfect tackle on Tommy Mutton who had skipped
past Peter Hoy at pace, moments later leftback Hopkins fired well wide.
An early second half corner from Connahs Quay produced an excellent low save from Craig Bryan as Stuart Rain's low drive was angling insdie the upright. Clayton Blackmore was forced to clear off the line before the objectionable Kenworthy dived and rolled with some conviction in a bid to produce a yellow card, thankfully the official decline. On the hour both Eifion Jones and Kenny Burgess went close. Then a wholehearted crunching challenge between Steve Hitchin and Steve Hopkins direclty infront of the Bangor dugout saw the visiting defender need treatment and then be replaced by another former Citizen Stuart Terry. Bangor went close once more as Eifion Jones' powerful header hit the side netting but on 75 mins the visitors halved the deficit at Tommy Mutton danced past the City defence to fire home from close range on the right. Bangor hit back as Alan Goodall's freekick was defelcted for a corner which Lee Williams punched clear. On 77 mins Frank Mottram replaced goalscorer Paul Gedman, within minutes the Weston Rhyn striker set up Paul Roberts in the box but he delayed and finally shot straight at Lee Williams who clutched the ball comfortably. Mutton was causing City some problems with his pace but he lacked genuine support. On 83 mins a double substitution with Paul Friel and Les Davies coming on for Mark Connolly and the other goalscorer Paul Roberts. In the closing minutes Connahs Quay won a couple of corners, the second of which saw Peter Hoy head off the line and City win an injury time corner as time finally ran out. A welcome three points, a win over a typical Nomads side, and a final home match of the 2003-04 season. |
| Bangor City: Craig
Bryan, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Steve Hitchen,
Gareth Evans Kenny Burgess, Clayton Blackmore, Paul Gedman, Paul Roberts,
Mark Connolly, Subs: Paul Friel, Frank Mottram, Les Davies, |
| Connahs
Quay: Williams, Hopkins, Tuft, Hutchinson, Brookman, Williams, Griffiths,
Mutton, Rain, Kenworthy, Owen Subs: Mazzarella, Evans, Terry |
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An Easter Monday draw was a fair result at the end of this entertaining
if vaguely tame local derby. Bangor were hit by the withdrawl of leftback Gareth Evans through illness which meant Alan Goodall reverted to his old position whilst Frank Mottram and Paul Roberts were paired in attack. Caernarfon featured four former Wrexham professionals - Durkin, Phillips, Watkins and Chalk - and promising teenager Dylan Owen on the bench. In a largely forgettable opening twenty five minutes chances fell to Paul Roberts who shot over the bar and visting midfielder Leigh williams who sliced wide. On target effort came from former Oswestry defender Mark Hobson whose header was cleanly held by Phil Priestley and then Paul Roberts again who se fine drive was palmed wide by Willocks. On the half hour Bangor forced a couple of corners, the second from a goalbound shot from Clayton Blackmore which provoked cries for handball from City supporters. When the visitors did attack City's defensive pairing of Peter Hoy and Eifion Jones dealt confidently with any danger, whilst Stve Hitchin did much to prompt attacking moves from his right back berth. Steve Hitchin and Paul Roberts combined on the right to set up Les Davies but his shot flew off target and minutes later the big winger returned the compliment but City's former Wrexham striker saw his shot held by Willocks. As half time approached young Irishman Paul Friel worked th egoalkeeper with two twenty yard efforts but neither had the pace or venom to trouble the Canaries custodian. No goals at the interval and not too much to talk about over a half time cup of tea. |
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The second half began with another former Oswestry Town defender
Mike Maloney being yellow carded for a foul on Clayton Blackmore. City
enjoyed a promising pen ten minute spell with Frank Mottram having a shot
blocked, Alan Goodall seeing his held before Frank Mottram fired over from
the left edge of the box. Caernarfon responded by replacing the tiring
Leigh Williams with young Dylan Owen, whose father Ken also wore the town's
colours. This seemed to do the trick as Wayne Phillips saw his shot deflected for a corner off Alan Goodall. Three old Robins then combined as Martin Chalk to the corner short to Phillips who crossed for Steve Watkins to head home at the far post. City were caught napping and paid the price. Chalk was then yellow carded for a foul on Alan Goodall before Les Davies and Paul Roberts failed to convert half chances for City. However on 65 mins the scores were level as Bangor's teenage midfielder Mark Connolly pounced on a lose ball in the Caernarfon box to smash the ball home from ten yards for his first competitive goal in a City shirt. To some degree that was about it, although Steve Watkins might have stolen all three points for the visitors whilst both Paul Friel and Peter Hoy also worried the visting goalkeeper but without finding the back of the net. So a one all draw and honours even, a reasonable display too from referee Hames who appeared to have a rapport with both sets of players. |
| Bangor City: Phil
Priestley, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Steve
Hitchen, Paul Friel, Mark Connolly, Clayton Blackmore, Paul Roberts, Frank
Mottram, Les Davies, Subs: Kenny Burgess, Ross Jefferies, Paul Gedman |
| Caernarfon
Town: Willcocks, Roberts, Maloney, Phillips, Brandreth, Hobson, Durkin,
Williams, Watkin, Davies, Chalk Subs: Owen, Norman, Campbell |
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City fought back to secure a point against in form Caersws after
having goalkeepr Phil Priestley sent off whilst conceding a second half penalty
when trailing 1-0 to Caersws. It all started brightly enough with Paul Gedman going close and City forcing a succession of corners in an impressive, composed opening 25 minutes spell attacking the Farrar End. The clearest shooting chance was created by Kenny Burgess whose right wing run left defenders trailing but his shot span wide of the far post. Caersws hit back with young midfielder Chris Venables but his right footed curler also flew the wrong side of the upright. On the quarter hour mark City forced a fourth corner as Steve Hitchin ran purposefully down the right. Caersws cleared the initial centre but City regathered and supplied centre forward Paul Gedman on the edge of the box, but rather than shoot he laid the ball back to Ross Jefferies whose hurried shot was scuffed wide. Moments later an uncharacteristic mistake by Gareth Evans let Marfell in but Eifion Jones was alert to the danger an intercepted on his six yard line. On 21 mins Peter Hoy was harshly booked for a mistimed tackle on speedy striker Graham Evans on the half way line before Andy Mulliner pulled off a superb save from Clayton Blackmore whose dipping volley seemed destined for the net. On two occasions referee Mike Jones waved away Caersws penalty claims for what was obvious diving but - despite gesturing to this effect - refused to caution the offenders. But on 24 minutes disaster struck as Steve Hitchin was caught in two minds, dispossesed and the ball squared to Geraint Lewis to fire home from 20 yards with a clean low drive. From the kick off Bangor charged upfield but Paul Gedman headed off target from six yards. Eifion Jones was again in the right place at the right time to deny Graham Evans as danger threatened before play switched to the Farrar End and Clayton Blackmore's attempted overhead kick from Paul Gedman's cross. Before the interval there was time for City to force a seventh corner but manager Peter Davenport must have been disappointed with the lack of openings created from these set piece plays. The last word fell to Andy Marfell whose firm drive hit the advertising boards on the safe side of Phil Priestley's right hand post. |
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Five minutes after the restart Les Davies robbed Geraint Lewis
on the left and fired a low cross into the six yard area but Andy Mulliner
gathered cleanly on the floor. Caersws forced their second corner
of the game but Bangor cleared. Battling play on the attacking left
by Alan Goodall unsettled the visting defenders but resulted in a goal kick.
Winger Les Davies sent in a rightfooted cross from the left but Ross Jefferies
saw his header saved by Mulliner. A half chance opened up for Gareth
Evans but his effort lacked conviction. A right wing cross from Paul Gedman was attacked by Kenny Burgess but his header flew off target before Les Davies was yellow carded for a heavy tackle on Graham Jones. Bluebirds boss Micky Evans then sent on Jamie Davies for Chris Venables in a midfield swap. Referee Mike Jones scarcely endeared himself to the Bangor faithful in the incident which saw Geraint Lewis flatten Peter Hoy with a straight arm blow to the face in the Bangor box. Whilst the City defender was receiving treatment Mr Jones yellow carded Lewis for what can only have been described as violent conduct and surely merited a straight red. On 64 minutes came the moment that was to change the game. Phil Priestley chased a Caersws forward to the edge of his box along the right touchline and in a moments madness tripped the striker as he meandered towards the corner flag. The incident was clearly inside the box and a penalty was unavoidable. Worse was to follow though as Mr Jones then produced a red card to the 'keeper for comments passed to the linesman. Down to ten men, a penalty awarded and no goalkeeper. Things couldnt get much worse. Alan Goodall quickly put on the 'keeper jersey and gloves and prepared to face Graham Evans. The little striker stepped up, blasted the ball down the middle and to his immense credit the stand in stopper pulled off a smart save! As a wave of relief surged around Farrar Road manager Peter Davenport reorganised his depleted side with Paul Friel taking the place of Gareth Evans. Bangor forced corners eight and nine and the match assumed a more passionate edge. Les Davies was fouled on the edge of tbe box but there was no yellow card, Peter Hoy fired off target from ten yards. Geraint Lewis - who had no right ot be on the pitch - headed over as Caersws won their third corner of the afternoon. On 82 mins the last roll of the dice saw a double substitution with Paul Gedman and Kenny Burgess making way for Paul Roberts and Mark Connolly. On 86 mins the changes paid off. Mark Connolly helped on a ball from the right which found Paul Roberts on the left hand edge of the box. He cut back to his right leaving two Caersws defenders static before powering a low drive past Mulliners left hand and into the bottom corner. By now Bangor had a surge of self belief and pushed forward, ten men or not, to force a tenth and final corner kick, but again to no avail. This was by far the closest of this season's encounters with The Bluebirds but from City's point of view a hard earned point and as usual one laced with controvesy and questionable decisions from another batch to woeful officials. |
| Bangor City: Phil
Priestley, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Steve
Hitchen, Gareth Evans, Kenny Burgess, Clayton Blackmore,
Paul Gedman, Ross Jefferies, Les Davies, Subs: Mark Connolly, Paul Roberts, Paul Friel, |
| Caersws:
Mulliner, Thomas, Scott, Reynolds, Clarke, Lewis, Venables, Marfell, Evans,
Jones, Davies Subs: Howells, Davies, |
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Bangor slipped to a disappointing defeat against a Port Talbot
side who in the previous 24 hours had beaten visitors Cefn Druids 3-2 and
then travelled for five hurs in a coach. There could be no hard luck stories or blame attached to the woeful officials as - despite the dreadful incompetence of Mike Jones & Co - Port Talbot deserved to win. Bangor started brightly enough winning a corner on the right which Eifion Jones headed wide from eight yards. But it was the lanky Gavin Beddard who sent as dipping volley over the Bangor bar to fire the first warning and left back Allan Clark should have scored when he blazed wide inside ten minutes. Alan Goodall sent a freekick over the bar after a foul on Kenny Burgess as City attacked the Farrar End, unhindered by a stiff breze. Frank MOttram and Clayton Blackmore then combined to set up Mark Connolly but the young midfielder sent his effort off target. Next Paul Gedman pounced on a loose ball on the right, ran inside courtesy of a lucky bounce and beat three Talbot defenders but shot wide. Midway through the first period Richard Carter was yellow carded for kicking the ball away when Bangor tried to take a quick freekick. Paul Gedman set up a shooting chance for Mark Connolly which he fired off target again, with Les Davies calling from the on the left wing. On the half hour a mistake by Alan Goodall let in Beddard but he also missed the target. City forced their second corner of the match with five minutes of the half remaining but Mark Connolly's inswinger was cleanly held by the towering Rayner. With time running out Phil Priestley made a superb one handed save from Clark and from the ensuing corner Healey headed onto the Bangor bar. That was about the sum total of a bleak and largely uninspiring first half which deserved the goalless scoreline. |
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The first action of the second period saw Rayner pull off a smart
save from Clayton Blackmore before Frank Mottram lifted a shot over the bar
from twelve yards. With the game swinging end to end Richard Carter
made a fine run down the right which forced the hard working Eifion Jones
to concede a fourth Talbot corner which Jones headed clear. The action
raced to the St Pauls End where Rayner raced out to get the better of Les
Davies who was chasing a through ball. On 55 minutes the inevitable controvesy as Rayner rushed out of his goal and handled the ball three yards out to the left it ran out of play. With most City supporters debating the colour of the card, bald referee Mike Jones ignored the incident and awarded a corner which the Canadian easily held! Smothers was then yellow carded for a lunge on rightback Steve Hitchen before on 63 mins the visitors took the lead. A break on the left enabled Wigley to thread the ball through to the lively Mike Waters - two yards offside - to run on goal and thrash home past Phil Priestley. The linesman was too busy rushing along the line to bother checking and the goal was never in doubt. Frank Mottram and Paul Gedman battled to win the ball upfront but the former British University striker shot wide. Bangor boss Peter Davenport responded by replacing Kenny Burgess and Frank Mottram with Gareth Williams and Paul Roberts. With twenty mintues to go Carter was about to be booked for a foul on Mark Connolly but referee Jones realised he had already taken his name and brushed the offence aside. Gareth Williams upset the visitors defence with a mazey run which offered a chance to Mark Connolly but his shot fired over. That was to be his final action as Paul Friel came on to line up in midfield alongside Clayton Blackmore and Gareth Wiliams in a 4-3-3 formation. Immediately Gareth Evans sent a superb dipping centre into the feet to Clayton Blackmore but he could not get his shot away and the young Irish substitute launced his effort over from ten yards. Moments later Evans pulled off a great last ditch tackle as Waters raced clear on goal. Waters was duly replaced by Nathan Cotterell. On 82 mins Bangor were level as Clayton Blackmore sent a high ball into the box, Paul Gedman clearly fouled the keeper and hooked the ball home from close range! With two minutes remaining Cotterell picked race down the right - offside inevitably - but the linesman had a greater purpose to serve as he flagged manicly when Alan Goodall brushed the pacey striker in the box. Referee Jones had waved play on - he had a clear view - but never mind. Nathan Cotterell sent Phil Priestley the wrong way and the match was won, which was fair enough on chances created and for a spirited display by the visitors. |
| Bangor City: Phil
Priestley, Clayton Blackmore, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones,
Steve Hitchen, Gareth Evans, Kenny Burgess, Les Davies, Paul Gedman,
Frank Mottram, Mark Connolly, Subs: Paul Roberts, Paul Friel, Gareth Williams |
| Port Talbot
Town: Rayner, Cockings, Clark, Smothers, Carter, Healey, Fleming,
Wigley, Beddard, Waters, Wigg Subs: Cotterell, Watkins, Skyrme |
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What might have been a comfortable win turned out to be anything
but as a spirited Barry Town side went close to snatching a point at Farrar
Road. City enjoyed the support of yet another strong wind as they attacked the St Pauls End in the first period and led at half time by two goals to nil. The first opening came in the third minute when Mark Connolly's right footed curler went a yard wide of Rudall's left post. Bangor forced their first corner on five minutes but moments later Phil Priestley wasa scrambling at the feet of visting striker Jamie Mitchell after some defensive indecision on the edge of the Bangor box. On ten minutes City forced a couple more corners the second of which saw Peter Hoy head over from close range with the keeper no where to be seen. Barry struck back and City were grateful to the alert Eifion Jones whose timely interception halted Mitchell's progress on the right. Les Davies and former Citizen Gavin Allen went close before Bangor took the lead on 23 minutes. Chasing a ball into the box Frank Mottram was pulled back by defender Shakespeare which tempted referee Nigel Richards to point to the spot. The penalty kick was taken by Paul Gedman who placed the ball to Rudall's right for a one nil lead. Immediately City thought they were 2-0 up when Mark Connolly headed home from a deep cross from the right but this time the official ruled in favour of the visitors for a supposed push by City's teenage midfielder. This prompted a wonderful run through the midfield and heart of City's defence by Leyton Maxwell, which the Prestatyn lad finished off with a low strike off target. Frank Mottram then tested Rudall from 25 yards before Barry won their first corner on the half hour. On 35 minutes it was 2-0 as the excellent Eifion Jones crashed the ball home after Mark Connolly's effort had been blocked from a corner. The young midfielder then fired off target from 30 yards before a Paul Gedman effort brought appeals for a handball, the ball broke to Clayton Blackmore who saw his shot blocked. With half time looming Bangor won their sixth and final corner kick of the half following a surging run from Gareth Williams. There was still time for a freekick from Mark Connolly to flash over the visitors bar before referee Richards blew for the interval. City trooped off 2-0 ahead but fully aware that a tougher second period awaited, into the teeth of the gusting wind. |
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The second half was about to kick off when visting goalkeeper
Rudall was taken ill and declared unfit to continue. After a few minutes
former Aberystwyth fullback Mark Duckett put on a garish orange top and took
over between the sticks at the Farrar End. In the opening ten minutes of the second period Duckett was in the thick of the action as Frank Mottram thought he had scored but the stand in stopper produced a tremendous one handed save onto the crossbar. Then the same combination saw Duckett save easily from an understrength shot. City attacked down the left as Gareth Evans combined with the tricky Gareth Williams but his cross was headed off target by Paul Gedman. On the hour Barry pulled a goal back through Gavin Allen who took his chance coolly after another good run from Leyton Maxwell. City hit back but again Duckett was up to the task, this time thwarting Paul Gedman who had been picked out by Les Davies. Moments later Eifion Jones was again in the right place as Barry used the wind to drive them forwards. Jones was ably supported by his backline, including Steve Hitchen whose determination was plain to see, Peter Hoy and Gareth Evans who also battled purposefully. With some 25 minutes remaining Barry sent on Dave Sherman and Mattie Davies for Mitchell and Picknall. City promptly forced a couple more corners through Les Davies and Gareth Williams, the second of which culminated in Eifion Jones having his goalbound effort hacked away. The ball switched to the opposite end for Mattie Davies to shoot tamely at Phil Priestley from ten yards. City then replaced Les Davies with Kenny Burgess. Frank Mottram cut in from the right after good work from Eifion Jones but sliced his shot off target, then Jones himself was again on targetfollowing a freekick. A clever lay off from Paul Gedman set up a chance for Clayton Blackmore but his effort went over as anxiety in the home support began to grow. With fifteen minutes remaining Paul Roberts came off the bench in place of Frank Mottram but could only watch as Barry forced a couple of quick corners which resulted in former Port Talbot midfielder Dave Sherman heading wide from close range to the relief of the City camp. In the closing minutes Barry forced a couple more corners, Mark Connolly sent a lob of target for City, and finally the whistle blew for fulltime. It may sound a back handed compliment but this Barry side must rank amongst the best "bottom placed" clubs to visit Farrar Road in recent years. With a touch more quality in front of goal they might yet escape the trapdoor. For City Eifion Jones was outstanding both with and against the wind, whilst Layton Mazwell showed glimpses of the quality which took hime to Liverpool and Cardiff City. |
| Bangor City: Phil
Priestley, Peter Hoy, Gareth Williams, Eifion Jones, Steve Hitchen,
Gareth Evans, Clayton Blackmore, Les Davies, Paul Gedman, Frank Mottram, Mark Connolly, Subs: Kenny Burgess, Paul Roberts, Paul Friel |
| Barry
Town: Rudall, Picknall, Giles, Maxwell, Philpott, Shakespeare, Sherbon,
Matthews, Mitchell, Allen, Duckett. Subs: Davies, Sherman, Minett, Elliott |
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Bangor slipped out of the Loosemores Cup following this second
leg defeat to Rhyl played before a noisy travelling contingent at Farrar
Road. As so often recently the match was dominated by a strong wind blowing from Coed Mawr and assisting City in the first period as they attacked the St Pauls End. However the wind was not on the scoresheet after referee kevin Parry disallowed what would have been an own goal from visting keeper Smith inside two minutes. The former Colwyn Bay stopper misjudged a swirling high cross and palmed the ball home but was rescued by the official. Minutes later Clayton Blackmore - again operating in midfield - shot into the side netting from 20 yards out on the left. Alan Goodall saw Smith hold his free kick and moments later was yellow carded for a challenge on Mark Powell. As Rhyl broke on their right wing Eifion Jones raced to snuff out the danger with a forceful tackle on McGinn. It was a quarter of a hour before Bangor forced a corner but that came to nothing, then Clayton Blackmore was alert to danger in his own box as The Lilywhites cuntered quickly. The former Welsh International then fired over from 30 yards as the blustery conditions worsened with the onset of rain. On the half hour Gareth Williams miskicked from twelve yards out before referee Parry yellow carded Peter Hoy for a trip on Moran. Too often City's attacks floundered on the commanding figure of Timmy Edwards who dominated the visitors backline. Brewerton and Paul Friel were then also cautioned by the over fussy referee who made a visible point of holding his watch when the visitors resorted to timewasting. However half time came with only a minute added, more cautions than shots on target, and City rueing that early disallowed effort. |
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Rhyl had the wind but City seized an early initiative when Clayton
Blackmore fired a half volley on target from ten yards but Smith's handling
was clean. On 52 minutes the match was effectively over as Chris McGinn nodded home a
back post header which was ruled to be over the line by the linesman but
disputed by Bangor defenders. That was the signal for City to replaced the largely ineffective Connolly with Paul Gedman who immediately added some drive to the forward line. However it was the hard working Eifion Jones who was called into action as Moran created space on the right before the tall defender moved to block his goalbound effort for a corner. Clayton Blackmore then raced down the left wing and delivered an arching cross which Paul Gedman steered off target from ten yards. With City battling gamely against the wind a deep cross from the right was headed down by Les Davies for Kenny Burgess but his effort flew over the crossbar. Former Crewe midfielder Stvee Walters was then relieved that referee Parry took a lenient view of his purposeful stamp on winger Les Davies as he picked up a yellow card. Big Les then fired on target but Smith held cleanly before Gareth Williams was replaced by Frank Mottram with some 66 minutes gone. Goals bring confidence and Rhyl striker Andy Moran displayed plenty as he sent a spinning, dipping volley onto the woodwork from 30 yards with Phil Priestley motionless. On 75 minutes it was 2-0 on the night when Marc Limbert, who had enjoyed a productive evening alongside Walters, cut in from the right to drive home past Phil Priestley. Bangor sent on Paul Roberts in place of Les Davies, Clayton Blackmore saw his shot pushed away for a corner. Paul Roberts combined well with Paul Gedman but fired off target but it was Rhyl who nearly scored again when Phil Priestley saved well from Gareth Wilson as the former TNS midfielder ran clear on goal. This was not to be City's night, Rhyl were tireless in closing the ball down, and deserved to progress to the final in May and a date with Carmarthen. |
| Bangor City: Phil
Priestley, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Eifion Jones, Steve Hitchen,
Paul Friel, Kenny Burgess, Les Davies, Clayton Blackmore, Mark Connolly,
Gareth Williams Subs: Paul Gedman, Frank Mottram, Paul Roberts |
| Rhyl:
Smith, Brewerton, Wood, Atherton, Edwards, Walters, Powell, Limbert, Moran,
McGinn, Adamson Sub: Jackson, Wilson, Powell |
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City won 2-1 at Park Avenue on Saturday and were good value for
all three points. Manager Peter Davenport re-instated Phil Priestley
behind a three man defence of Eifion Jones, Peter Hoy and Jim McNulty.
Elvis held his crosses and marshalled the defence well but in truth had precious
few saves to make as the three man defence stood firm. In midfield Clayton
Blackmore, Gareth Williams and Alan Goodall generally got the better of an
Aber contingent including a lacklustre Ricky Evans who looked uncomfortable
in the wrong colour shirt! City enjoyed the wind at their backs, attacking the Dias Stand End in the first period, whilst Gary Finley's powerful clearances held up to offer some hope to his three man attack of Marc Lloyd Williams, Lee Spike and Bagger Wright. The opening goal came in the 13th minute courtesy of Aber goalkeeper Jon Worsnop whose attempted punch went the wrong way. Bangor paired Les Davies and Kenny Burgess upfront and the big Maesgeirchen winger went close twice in succession from the edge of the box, his second effort producing a fine dave from Worsnop and City's fourth corner. City then saw Alan Goodall strike the post from 30 yards with Worsnop saving well from Gareth Williams and Les Davies as his defence could only stand and watch. Eifion Jones was enjoying a fine afternoon for City and got the better of lanky striekr Lee Spike whose flick ons were largely ineffective. Kenny Burgess found himself in space on the right but Worsnop made a good stop at his near post. On the half hour a fifth bangor corner saw Eifion Jones latch onto Kenny Burgess' flick but sky the ball from six yards. With half time approaching Les davies saw his twenty yarder held by Worsnop before Steve Hitchen had to be alert in defence as Marc Lloyd Williams looked to get in behind the Bangor defence. The closest Aber came to troubling Phil Priestley was a cross from Andy Lee which found Marc Lloyd Williams but his effort was blocked by the alert Peter Hoy who gave a powerful and committed display in the City defence. |
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Within the first minute of the second half Bangor indicated that
playing into the wind would not be a big problem as Gary Finley was yellow
carded for a foul on Kenny Burgess but Clayton Blackmore saw his free kick
comfortably saved by Worsnop. Gareth Williams then ran on goal and
shot from twenty yards but again Worsnop held cleanly. Aber hit back
though Ricky Evans whose long range effort was also cleanly collected
by Phil Priestley. Ten minutes after the restart Wright and Ben Jones combined on the right but the near post cross was turned wide by Marc Lloyd Williams. On 57 minutes though City doubled their interval lead when Alan Goodall collected the ball on the left hand edge of the box, ran to his left before crossing beyond Gareth Williams for Les Davies to drive home from six yards. Aber responded with afreekick five minute later but Phil Priestley again held cleanly. The home side then forced a series of four corners which saw Steve Hitchen head calmly over at one point and culminated in Ben Jones sending a controlled drive wide from the edge of the box. If Aber enjoyed some possession they were guilty of overhitting the ball with the wind leaving the forwards out of the game. The closing twenty minutes saw City fail to convert a stream of chances as Les Davies and Kenny Burgess expolited the lack of pace in the home defence. The seventh bangor corner came when Clayton Blackmore fed Kenny Burgess but Worsnop again proved himself an outstanding shot-stopper. City's left wingback Gareth Evans capped a fine display with some important headers but with then minutes left his short pass to Kenny Burgess saw the hard working winger fire over from 20 yards. Moments later Les Davies sent a fierce effort off target from the same position. Big Les then raced down the left, brushing aside the home defender before sending a curling pass towards the unmarked Burgess but Worsnop raced out to gather. With five minutes remaining John Lawless forced an eighth Aber corner as Phil Priestley tipped over before the home side halved the deficit on 88 mins with an low drive from the right by Anthony "Bagger" Wright which shot under Phil Priestley. Unhappily for Aber this produced some ugly scenes as Phil Priestley held onto the ball and was kicked by Lee Spike. As referee Whitby sought to restore control he red carded John Lawless for a headbut and then Spike for his petulant kick. City played out the remaining minutes in the Aber half against the nine men to claim three well deserved points. Credit to the all eleven players for a genuinely impressive display but the man of the match had to go to Eifion Jones who won his headers and generally got the better of Lee Spike, Marc Lloyd Wiliams and co. |
| Bangor City: Phil
Priestley, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Jim McNulty, Eifion Jones, Gareth Evans,
Kenny Burgess,
Les Davies, Clayton Blackmore, Steve Hitchen, Gareth Williams Subs: Mark Connelly, Frank Mottram, Paul Roberts |
| Aberystwyth:
Worsop, Short, Lee, Jones, Finley, Baker, MLWilliams, Wright, Spike, Evans,
Lawless Subs: Hennigan, L.Hughes, Lewis, Spain |
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Bangor have a mountain to climb in the second leg next month
after conceding two second half goals at a wind swept Belle Vue last night.
City kicked off with the gusty wind at their backs, buoyed by the presence of fit again Clayton Blackmore in midfield. With the unpredictable nature of the elements it was ten minutes before City created the first opening of the evening, a header off target from left winger Les Davies. On the quarter hour mark City should have gone ahead as midfielder Gareth Williams led a breakaway down the right which saw City hold a 5 on 2 advantage. His cross found Kenny Burgess unmarked infront of goal but he skied the ball over to the disappointment of the frozen few behind Paul Smith's goal. Those who sought refuge in the Meccano stand fared little better as the wind alternated between blowing right to left - in support of Bangor - or veering crossfield into the seats. Wherever they cowered there was more disbelief as Paul Gedman headed off target before Les Davies won the first corner of the evening on the left. City had two goalbound efforts blocked before Smith eventually clasped a clean strike from Mark Connolly. If City had a weakness in this first period it was a tendency to flick the ball forwards rather than look for measured control, neither winger saw enough of the ball. On the plus side Paul Gedman enjoyed a fine battle with towering Timmy Edwards whilst Rhyl seemed bereft of attacking ideas. Before half time Rhyl forced a couple of corners, one under dubious circumstances involving the former Connahs Quay midfielder Mark Limbert. He had been yellow carded for a pull on Gareth Williams who was breaking clear on the half way line, and then threw ina laughable dive inside the box with the clear intention of "conning" a penalty out of referee GM Davies. A stronger official might have had the courage to issue a second yellow but Mr Davies, who overall enjoyed a reasonable evening, decided to be lenient. |
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The second half was bound to favour Rhyl who now enjoyed the
backing of the gusting wind. With an element of farce the home side
went ahead on 53 mins following a slip by young goalkeeper Daniel Evans
which presented a chance to Steve
Walters who scored from eight yards.
This ssignalled a period of pressure from Rhyl which saw Moran fire over
from twelve yards and City struggle to clear their lines. Chris McGinn
also fired over after puncing on a downwards header from Timmy Edwards.
With twenty minutes remaining a mistake on the right let in Kenny Burgess but his hurried effort sliced yards wide of goal with Smith in disarray. The Gareth Williams made a valiant effort to reach a looping cross from Alan Goodall but he could only screw his shot away from goal. City held up well to the second half barrage with Peter Hoy competing manfully alongside young Jim McNulty in the middle of the Bangor defence. So it was particularly ironic that on 82 mins he should concede a penalty for a needless push on top scorer Andy Moran who confidently converted the resultant spot kick. Hoy was then withdrawn and replaced by Eifion Jones in the centre of defence. At eh very end Paul Frield replaced Gareth Williams who could not shake off a heavy tackle from Brewerton. There was still time for City to push forward but the nearest to a goal saw Clayton Blackmore fire over from 25 yards before referee Davies signalled the end of a difficult evening. This was a tale of missed chances, with perhaps the much improved Moran being the main difference betweent he two sides on a bitterly cold evening. At least the heated seat worked on the way home! |
| Bangor City: Daniel
Evans, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Jim McNulty, Steve Hitchen, Gareth Williams,
Kenny Burgess,
Clayton Blackmore, Paul Gedman, Mark Connelly, Les Davies
Subs: Eifion Jones, Paul Friel, Paul Roberts |
| Rhyl:
Smith, Brewerton, Powell, Atherton, Edwards, Walters, Wilson, Limbert,
Moran, McGinn, Graves Subs: Adamson, Powell, Jackson |
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As bad as it looks and just about as bad as it gets, beaten
three nil by arguably the poorest side to visit Farrar Road this season.
A bold opening statement perhaps, but in the opening twenty minutes City
could and should have put the game out of sight as the inexperienced Druids
reeled like a punch drunk boxer. However no one could deny The Druids
their final whistle celebrations or manager Steve O'Shaughnessy's satisafaction
on seeing his young side take all three points.
It started as early as the first fifteen seconds when Kenny Burgess found time and space to lob a perfect pass into Paul Roberts whose wayward header squandered a wonderful opportunity. The second effort came minutes later when Alan Goodall, operating in midfield, drove narrowly wide from 25 yards. Paul Roberts then fired over from 25 yards after robbing Jefferies outside the Druids box. Alan Goodall then invited Kenny Burgess to cross for Paul Gedman but his header also flew off target. The City faithful sat back and waited for the goals to come, but instead more chances went begging. On 15 mins Les Davies dispossessed the sleep walking Stacey to set up Paul Roberts who rushed near post and sidefooted wide from three yards with former Brymbo 'keeper Michael Price flat-footed. The agony continued as City forced four corners in six minutes, the first won on the right by Kenny Burgess, the second conceded when Price did well to palm away Paul Roberts' goalbound shot, the third immediately from a defensive header, the fourth a deflection off Alan Goodall's shot which culminated in the left footer sending a rising effort into the Farrar End. What problems City had were of their own making as defenders committed the cardinal sin of letting the high ball boune. Ironically with Denis Smith watching from the stand young defender Jim McNulty was strangely nervous in comparison to his assured performances at Cwmbran and Porthmadog. This all came to a head when Paul Gedman rushed in to "score" but the linesman had his flag held high and it was a freekick rather than a restart. On the half hour Cefn had their first opening when Daniel Evans bungled a low shot but Brett Jefferies sent the half chance off target from close range. A fifth Bangor corner followed as Mark Connolly saw his shot turned away by Rowlands following good work by Gedman and Goodall. Alan Goodall then saw his lofted effort drift off target before Cefn took an unlikely lead on 40 minutes as former Colwyn Bay midfielder Jason Jones reacted first to a goalmouth bagatelle to drive home from seven yards. City rushed back with Kenny Burgess seeing his 15 yard effort held by Price before a sixth Bangor corner on the stroke of half time saw Alan Goodall's goal bound effort cleared before referee Davies blew his whistle. |
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At half time Cefn introduced new signing Alan Morgan for Dan
Desmoreaux but he had little to do with the farce than was the second goal
on 51 minutes. The normally reliable Peter Hoy made a hash of a header
back to Daniel Evans and young Anthony Williams capitalised
to convert the easiest of chances. Worse was to follow on 55 mins
when City allowed centreback Brett Jefferies to run unchecked down the right and fire home with a fierce
drive which beat Evans into the far post. Bangor were visibly shellshocked. Manager Peter Davenport sent on Gareth Williams for Kenny Burgess on 62 mins and switched a tired looking Les Davies to the right. But the visitors now had the wind in their sails and goalscorer Anthony Williams forced a great save from Daniel Evans from 15 yards. A seventh corner midway through the half resulted in Jim McNulty seeing his low shot deflected wide. Corners eight, nine and ten followed but with precious little real threat on Price or the Druids goal. The visitors were dangerous on the break with former Wrexham apprentice Osian Jones enjoying possession and creating chances as Bangor were forced to regroup and push men forward. Manager Peter Davenport urged his side on from the touchline but there is a limit to what anyone can do when nothing seems to work on the night. The final act came as Paul Friel replaced Paul Gedman on 88 mins before Les Davies headed wide from a Steve Hitchin freekick. Referee Mike Davies blew his whistle - no point or purpose blaming him for this - and the handful of Druids supporters celebrated an unlikely win at the ground which had seen them trounced so often before. For City supporters ths was a wholly disappointing evening with echoes of the red card marred defeat at Welshpool six weeks earlier. |
| Bangor City: Daniel
Evans, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Jim McNulty, Steve Hitchen, Gareth Evans,
Kenny Burgess,
Les Davies, Paul Roberts, Mark Connelly, Paul Gedman Subs: Eifion Jones, Paul Friel, Gareth Williams |
| Cefn Druids:
Price, Parry, Stacey, Rowlands, Jefferies, Main, Jones, Desmoreaux, Williams,
Jones, Shannon Subs: Morgan, Cardous, Cooper, Desmoreaux |
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After a disappointing first half City rallied after the restart
to beat a spirited Porthmadog side featuring several former Blues.
The contests were mouthwatering, Les Davies against his big brother Ryan, flying Port winger Stephen Pugh against Gareth Evans and Paul Roberts back on his old turf against the towering Lee Webber. City started well with Gareth Williams and Alan Goodall seeing long range efforts fail to unduly trouble Caernarfon based McGuigan in the Port goal, The hosts bounced back as Carl Owen caught yung City custodian dawdling on the ball but failed to find the target from wide on the left, moments later another former Citizen Daffydd evans fired off target from twenty yards. Gareth Evans did well to concede a corner on the left before he combined with Jim McNulty and Gareth Williams to play the ball out of a tight situation on the left. The young Scottish defender McNulty then rescued City after his leftback conceded possession in a dangerous position. On the half hour referee Lawler yellow carded Peter Hoy for a tackle on Tony Williams. Moments later City's young goalkeeper did well to palm a dipping cross over for a third Porthmadog corner with Stephen Pugh denied. As the half progressed Bango relied more and more on young McNulty whose firm footed tackling and positional sense denied Owen and Williams. At the other end older brother Ryan was getting the better of Les Davies as City struggled to exercise any control in midfield; Port centreback Webber also moved forward to win a headers in midfield as Evans struggled to get his kicks away. As half time approached City had three sights of goal. The first saw Les Davies charge clear on the right and force a good save from McGuigan, Then Mark Connolly forced the Port stopper into an acrobatic save from his 25 yard piledriver before finally Les Davies again sneaked in but this time Webber recovered to clear the danger. So a goalless first half which was probably about right although Port must have felt they had shaded the half territorially. |
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Opening salvoes from Alan Goodalla and then Tony Williams opened
the second period, the Gareth Williams saw his header held by McGuigan.
Again City were grateful to young Jim McNulty who rectified his won mistake
against Carl Owen. On 58 mins Bangor scored what proved to be the only goal of the game. Alan Goodall crossed from the left, Les Davies flicked the ball on for Kenny Burgess to drive home from some ten yards out on the right. The relief in the travelling camp was obvious whilst Port responded by introducing Gareth Parry at the expense of Ritchie Owen. Carl Owen went close for the hosts, then Paul Roberts turned on a Steve Hitchin cross but McGuigan held comfortably. With 65 mins gone Gareth Evans made a superb last ditch tackle on the marauding Carl Owen before another ex Bangor man Mark Williams replaced Tony Williams. The hardworking Peter Hoy then blocked a clean strike from Carl Owen which promted Bangor to replace Gareth Williams with Paul Gedman whilst allowing Les Davies to revert to his normal left wing berth. The blues quickly looked more balanced and City's young winger gave rightback John Gwynfor Jones an uncomfortable closing phase. Lee Webber might have done better when he rose to head a 70th minute corner narrowly wide, whilst Paul Gedman was alert to rob Ryan Davies and unleash a 30 yarder which McGuigan could only watch as it skimmed his crossbar. With 77 mins gone Paul Friel replaced the injured Gareth Evans to fill the midfield berth vacated by Alan Goodall who switched to leftback. The City side again looked more purposeful with the lanky Irishman quickly setting about winning and keeping the ball. Paul Gedman forced a low save from McGuigan before referee Lawler waved aside penalty claims when Webber clearly fouled Paul Roberts in the box with only the keeper to beat. The move of the game saw Paul Roberts find strike partner Gedman who in turn suplied the galloping Burgess but his cross was blasted wide by Mark Connolly. City finished strongly with three corners as time ticked away and the whistle blew on a narrow away win which was hard work against determined opposition. |
| Bangor City: Daniel
Evans, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Jim McNulty, Steve Hitchen, Gareth Evans,
Kenny Burgess,
Les Davies, Paul Roberts, Mark Connelly, Gareth Williams Subs: Eifion Jones, Paul Friel, Paul Gedman, |
| Porthmadog:
McGuigan, Jones, Foster, Owen, Webber, Evans, Davies, Pugh, Williams, Owen,
Caughter Subs: Parry, Williams, Hughes |
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| Another afternoon dominated by a strong wind saw City win after building a 2-0 interval lead with the elements which Newtown could not overturn in the second period. This ensured that all three goals were scored at the St Pauls End.< |