| BANGOR
CITY MATCH REPORTS 2007-08 |
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| 51 |
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WELSH
CUP FINAL |
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Ten men
battled against the odds for 85 minutes and ended up victorious over
nine! Match referee Phil Southall found himself in the middle of
the controvesy but was
proved right on the three big decisions - for and against Bangor.It was just four minutes into the afternoon's activities when Peter Hoy rushed in, foot high, on Mark Jones who fell to the ground. Referee Southall saw red - so did Hoy - and City were down to ten men. The red welt down Jones' stomach - and the TV replays - proved the high challenge was worth a red. Far from being put off Bangor charged forward. Marc Limbert passed forward from deep inside his own half, Ashley Stott raced onto Les Davies' flick and seemed sure to score but the bulky Duncan Roberts saved well. Llanelli responded with a Matthew Jones' header which Paul Smith palmed over before Ashley Stott went close twice in close succession. Twice Roberts saved well, once with his feet, but the big stopper could only watch as Christian Seargeant lashed wide after his second save. Happily the goal - against the odds as so often before - came on 20 minutes. A long range shot from Lee Webber seemed to be speeding wide when Ashley Stott had the presence of mind to glance the ball back across Roberts and inside the 'keepers left post. With Dave Swanick and Lee Webber winning their headers and Michael Johnston first to everything, City stood firm as Llanelli failed to transform their numerical advantage into clear cut openings. However as half time drew closer the alert Rhys Griffiths slid in Craig Jones whose side footer was parried by Paul Smith to Mark Pritchard who was unable to convert the chance under pressure from the hard working Sion Edwards. So half time, the ten men leading one nil, and grounds for optimism. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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It all changed so quickly that City fans
could have been forgiven for thinking they were down and out. The first action saw Mike Walsh shoot at Roberts from eight yards, but on 48 minutes Dave Swanick put the ball into his own net under pressure from Rhys Griffiths who was struggling to get on the end of a Mark Pritchard cross from the right. A deep diagonal from Holloway found Rhys Griffiths on the left and his low finish got the better of Swanick and goal keeper Smith from a tight angle. Llanelli were in the lead and appeared well on top, with City having to defend for their lives and hope for a change of luck. Martin Beattie came on for Sion Edwards to shore up the left side of the blues defence moments later. It came on 66 minutes when Wyn Thomas' foul mouth tirade on Referee Southall was too loud to ignore. The self opinionated defender saw red and trudged off grinning to the Reds dressing room. On 73 mins a double change - a last roll of the dice - Lee Webber and Mike Walsh made way for Kieran Killackey and Kar Noon. The spring heeled Noon seeemd the ideal man to upset the leaden legged Reds defence. So it turned out as Legg was forced into a well timed last ditch tackle on the former Liverpool trainee. Then two minutes into the four added at the end of normal time, a break through. Duncan Roberts opted to punch when he might have caught, the ball ran to Christian Seargeant whose inch perfect chip hit the back of the net to the relief and delight of the huge Bangor following. In the moments that followed sanity disappeared, a pitch invasion and some theatrical diving from the giant goalkeeper. Police and stewards restored order but the remaining two minutes proved fruitless for both sides. Bangor seized the initiative in the first half of extra time and never gave it up. Ashley Stott ran into the left hand side of the box, Lee Phillips lunged and missed the ball, penalty. Up stepped captain Marc Limbert who sent Roberts the wrong way and put City ahead 3-2 seven minutes into extra time. Two minutes later it was all over. Kieran Killackey was far too fast and determined for Jones, he passed to Karl Noon who rushed at Roberts. The big goalkeeper blasted the ball against the fleet of foot striker - and could only watch as it rolled into his net! The second period of extra time was quite even, Mark Pritchard went close for Llanelli, but there was still more work for Referee Phil Southall who consulted his linesman before rightly red carding Rhys Griffiths for a callous elbow in the face of Martin Beattie. Happily the leftback was well enough to continue and pick up his medal - and join the celebrations as the final whistle blew. |
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| MiB Phil Southall |
The
early surprise red card departure of Peter Hoy, though controversial,
proved correct. Later he was brave enough to be equally firm with
the foul mouthed Wyn Thomas and the elbow wielding Rhys Griffiths who
looks no more than a small town bully. Also the extra time
penalty. This is not to say this was a flawless performance, but like any player - and quick to judge spectator - we all make mistakes. But Southall got the big decisions right and that is what counts in the end. |
| 50 |
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WELSH
PREMIER |
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The league season ended in a score draw
with visitors Neath just as it had begun at Newtown in August. In
a game dominated by roughhouse tactics from the visitors - aided and
abetted by a weak referee - Bangor would be pleased not to have
suffered further injury problems.With Lee Webber watching from the sidelines, Peter Hoy switched to central defence as Nev Powell opted for a rare five man midfield. But it was Neath who started the brighter and Matthew Rees should have opened the scoring inside three minutes when Paul Smith sliced his clearance. However the experienced stopper was able to throw himself in the way of the goalbound shot. On five minutes Chris Pridham flattened Mike Walsh - the first of many fouls from the former Afan Lido clogger - and moments later Craig Morris saved well from Marc Limbert who swept his shot goalwards after a fine deep cross from left winger Sion Edwards. Captain Limbert then tricked his way past Jenkins and crossed to Les Davies whose downwards header causes chaos but Bevan hacked clear. On 13 minutes Christian Seargeant was yellow carded for a foul on Jarrod Price which suggested that referee Adie might be imposing law and order on proceedings. On 24 minutes Bangor took the lead. Christian Seargeant set off an a mazey run into the box which he capped with a calm low finish past Morris. City built up a bit of pressure, won a couple of corners, and drew a wild challenge from Clayton Blackmore on Kieran Killackey just inside the Neath half. Christian Seargeant sent a deep, dipping strike over Morris but also just over the crossbar at the Farrar End. On the half hour the second yellow card of the afternoon as Dale Evans contested an obvious freekick awarded against Sean Cronin on half way. Seargeant went close again from 25 yards as City dominated the niggly visitors. Five minutes before the interval Ashley Stott unsettled the visitors defence with a determined run which yielded a fifth Bangor corner, but Neath cleared. Referee Adie whistled for half time with City deservedly ahead albeit by that single goal. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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In a carbon copy of the first half Bangor nearly leaked an early
goal but Rees sent his effort wide from the visitors first corner.
Pridham shot at Paul Smith either side of incidents or
clashes with Christian Seargeant which the match official seemed unable
to
prevent. Andrew Hill fired wide before Pridham finally saw yellow after yet another poorly timed clattering tackle. Moments later Hill was yellow carded for an elbow on Dave Swanick. Violent conduct? The Neath brains trust, equally apportioned between the mainstand and crowded dugout, sent on two substitutes on 65 mins with Clayton Blackmore amongst those taken off, to be replaced by Stephen Pockett. David Burrows made way for Carl Shaw. Bangor mounted a fresh challenge, Peter Hoy saw his close range effort cleared from a sixth corner, but it was the visitors who netted to the dismay of the 400 strong home support. Lee Bevan lashed home left footed from the left of the box to give Paul Smith no chance. City responded with a double substitution with Karl Noon and Craig Hutchinson coming on for Ashley Stott and Christian Seargeant. But in the minutes that followed Neath went close through Hill, Shaw and Price as City's goal led a charmed existence. Rees was yellow carded for a kick on Peter Hoy, Mel McGinness replaced Kieran Killackey who had worked hard in the midfield. City regained their composure and Mike Walsh rose to meet a deep cross from Marc Limbert but could not keep his header down. Five minutes from time further controvesy. Karl Noon raced clear on goal and was flattened by goalkeeper Morris just outside his box. With a red card expected - last man offence - referee Adie showed more leniency to confirm his poor afternoon. Morris was allowed to stay on and face the freekick which was headed clear by Cronin! Bangor forced a couple of injury time corners but could not find the net and with three added minutes played the final whislte blew. |
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| MiB Darren Adie |
Really
poor. Weak and wholly unprepared or unwilling to make the big
decisions. We now have the spectre of - initially at any rate - a ten club league. That could mean two visits from the likes of Neath. Mr Adie to ref them? To be perfectly fair he has not got a clue, a chance, of dealing with nasty spiteful players. He does seem a nice bloke, tries to let the game flow, tries to see the best in players. Which is fine when the players deserve it. Unfortunately Neath did nothing more than exploit this perceived weakness. You need strong refs to control some matches. |
| 49 |
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WELSH
PREMIER |
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Two second half goals from former
favourite Marc Lloyd Williams steered Rhyl to a 2-1 win
at Farrar Road on Tuesday night. This result leaves City fighting for fifth place against visitors Neath on Saturday, with the early departure of injury victim Lee Webber a further major concern. Bangor might have taken the lead on five minutes when Stuart Graves' back header went passed both eccentric goalkeeper Lee Kendall and the outside of his post. Minutes later Mike Walsh clipped the ball over the visitors defence but Les Davies fired wide from the edge of the box. Rhyl settled and left peg Chris Roberts went close before Marc Lloyd Williams watched as his attempted chip cleared Paul Smith's crossbar. Bangor suffered a major setback when Lee Webber limped off on the half hour to be replaced by Mel McGinness. This meant Peter Hoy moved into centre defence with the Holyhead youngster filling the leftback berth, with Lee Kendall's trademark clearances dropping deep inside the Bangor half. However it was Bangor who took the lead some five minutes before the interval. Marc Limbert crossed and former blues defender Paul O'Neill made a hash of his clearance and could onl watch as Mike Walsh pounced on the opening to beat Lee Kendall's despairing dive. Swansea referee Dean John blew for half time with Bangor a goal to the good and contemplating the prospect of a league double over the Lilywhites after their 2-1 success at Belle Vue in November. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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Unhappily Bangor failed to hang onto the lead for more than a
minute after the restart. A hopeful punt from Kiwi winger Michael White kicked up off the pitch, bounced over Peter Hoy, and dropped perfectly for the ever alert Marc Lloyd Williams to beat Paul Smith from ten yards. Ten minutes later the visitors went ahead when Chris Roberts miscued across goal for Marc Lloyd Williams to head home from close range. It could have got worse for Bangor but Mark Connolly's freekick flew just off target. Sion Edwards and Les Davies has half chances for City, but on 70 minutes Bangor boss Nev Powell made his first voluntary change when Karl Noon replaced Sion Edwards and his pacey runs did unsettle the Lilywhites defence. City pressed with Marc Limbert in the thick of the action but failed to create clear cut chances. However in the closing stages, with the visitors reduced to stopping play for three drawn out substitutions, City nearly grabbed the point their late rally deserved. City player and fans shouted for a penalty when Paul O'Neill appeared to push Mike Walsh over in the box, but referee John waved play on. Marc Limbert crossed but Kendall just about kept out the wildly bouncing ball, then Ashley Stott fired across goal but there was no one on hand to fire home. Into injury time Mark Connolly fired over from twenty yards but it was City who thought they had netted the all important goal when Peter Hoy's long throw fell to Ashley Stott who seemed to have scored from close range but somehow the visitors survived. So a disappointing defeat for Bangor and one made all the worse by the injury to Lee Webber coming so soon after Martin Beattie's. |
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| MiB Dean John |
Riddle
me this. Its a Tuesday night, not much going on in terms of other
games in North Wales other than one match at Connahs Quay. So
where do the powers that be look for a referee? Swansea. Now I am a firm believer in visibly neutral officials, so there are concerns about those who are too local to either team. But Swansea? Surely there is someone based in or around Wrexham? Llandudno? Apart from the Green Issue, just think about the expenses claim for a 330 mile round trip. |
| 48 |
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WELSH PREMIER |
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Local derby football with a cuptie feel - soon
to be a thing of the past now the ten clubs league is on the way -
warmly entertained a crowd of more than 700 at Talwrn Road on Friday
evening. Bangor won by a solitary strike from Peter Hoy, but for some impressive saves from Farai Jackson they would have more than doubled that tally. However Llangefni had chances of their own and contributed fully to a open game. As a sign of things to come both sides went close in the opening minutes. First Darren Thomas for the hosts and then Sion Edwards and Marc Limbert for City. England futsal international Farai Jackson has a reputation as a fine shot stopper and proved this inside ten minutes when Ashley Stott dribbled through the home defence before unleashing a powerful twenty yarder which Jackson pushed away for a corner. Bangor continued to dominate as Sion Edwards got the better of rightback Paul Roberts to set up Ashley Stott but his rising effort cleared the crossbar. However Llangefni seemed set to take the lead when Chris Jones found himself in space on the right but as he shot goalwards Sion Edwards and Peter Hoy flung themselves into the path of the ball. On 25 minutes Marc Limbert shot wide from the edge of the box, but Llangefni were more of an attacking force now and Paul Smith did well to smother the ball at the feet of Darren Thomas. Jackson was called upon to save Les Davies' twenty yarder before the impressive Stephen Kehoe saw his looping header bounce off the crossbar from his sides' first corner ten minutes before the interval. Bangor finished strongly with Christian Seargeant sending a 25 yarder on target, then a 4th Bangor corner saw both Peter Hoy and Les Davies go close. But not close enough to prevent referee Duncan from blowing time on a goalless if eventful first period. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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The second half started with Caerwyn Roberts on at left back for
Boardman. Within a minute of the restart both sides could have scored. Les Davies lofted over Mitchell and Hogg but Jackson saved well from Ashley Stott. Llangefni countered with Darren Thomas and Dylan Owen both going close. Referee Duncan earned the wrath of the visitors when he waved play on as Ashley Stott was felled on the edge of the box. City won a 5th corner of the evening on 55 minutes but Hogg cleared, then a setback for the home side as young centre forward Kevin Lloyd limped off to be replaced by Adie Jones. Caerwyn Roberts added attacking verve to the left side and gave the home side some impetus, but as the game progressed Mike Walsh tightened his grip on midfield. City got the goal they deserved on the hour when a clever back heel from Christian Seargeant released Sion Edwards on the left. His low cross found Peter Hoy bang in front of goal and the big defender made no mistake. Bangor won a seventh corner but Lee Webber headed over, then Ashley Stott found Les Davies but his shot sped narrowly wide. Llangefni needed to win and fought back bravely, forcing successive corners which culminated in Dave Swanick clearing off the line. As time ran out Sion Edwards made way for Kieran Killackey and minutes later Karl Noon came on for Ashley Stott. An 8th corner for City saw Christian Seargeant fire well over, before Craig Hogg was yellow carded on 90 mins for dissent. And that was about it, referee Duncan blew for time with the Bangor players and supporters celebrated a hard fought win. |
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| 47 |
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THE WELSH CUP |
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After a goalless first forty
minutes City scored twice either side of half time
to overcome a determined Newport side who were cheered on by a noisy
following
situated on the half way line. The visitors, who had knocked out Carmarthen, Llangefni and Welshpool, were no pushovers and in lanky striker Lewis Sommers posed a serious threat. Indeed it was the Welsh League side who started strongly and created some early pressure before giant defender Danny Heath fouled Sion Edwards on the left for a Bangor freekick. City forced a couple of corners in quick succession, from the second Lee Webber went close with a header which Wesson did well to push away. YMCA responded as Sommers, lanky and bow legged, chased down the right but was forced out by Peter Hoy. Michael Johnston stood firm, Lee Webber won his headers, and Bangor defender calmly when called upon. On the half hour his flick sent Stewart on goal and his fierce drive drew a good save from Paul Smith who was in the action again minutes later to keep out a low drive from Steve Edwards. Towards the end of the half it was anyone's game, City the more cultured but YMCA more direct. Ashley Stott won a fourth corner on the right which ended in Marc Limbert shooting at Wesson from twenty yards. The with three minutes remaining before the interval Les Davies won a freekick on the left. Marc Limbert crossed and in the resulting melee Peter Hoy shot goalwards, saw his first effort blocked, but sent the second low into the net. Moments later Limbert was again the supplier as he crossed from the right, Sion Edwards slid in but his first time effort hit the crossbar and went out for a goalkick. City went in with an important lead, to play downhill in the second half, but YMCA still far from out of the reckoning. |
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| HALF TIME 0-1 |
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The first serious action of the second period was Bangor's second goal.
It came when Michael Johnston's long
ball sent the eager Ashley Stott in on
goal,
he rounded Gary Lynch and slid the ball passed Wesson and inside the
far
post for a two nil advantage. City won a fifth corner, Christian Seargeant fired over from outside the box, but the feeling was the Bangor were now in control. This was emphasised on 65 minutes when goalscorer Stott sent Sion Edwards rampaging into the YMCA box to rifle a low drive past the helpless Wesson for a third and conclusive strike. The usual flurry of subsitutes began on 70 mins when Newport replaced O'Brien with Yafai, but Bangor were in control and appeared to have gone further ahead when Stott again netted from close range but referee Dean John had spotted a handball and awarded a freekick. Wesson saved bravely from Marc Limbert who created some space for himself on the right, a sixth corner followed but Heath cleared. With ten minutes left and the result no longer in doubt Edwards made way for Cueto, then the only yellow card of the afternoon as Aaron Stewart tripped Lee Webber. Sion Edwards had earned his warm reception as he was replaced by Karl Noon on 85 minutes, but moments later the Welsh League side had a consolation goal as substitute Danny Cueto headed home from ten yards. A couple more late changes followed as Kieran Killackey and Mel McGinness came on for Marc Limbert and Ashley Stott, but the scoreline remained 3-1 as referee John blew to confirm City's place in May's WelshCup Final. |
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| 46 |
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WELSH PREMIER |
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Bangor faced a Neath side which had beaten visitors
Cefn Druids on Saturday and who started with former blues manager
Clayton Blackmore in their line up. Under the watchful eye of referee's supremo Roger Gifford, match official Dean John enjoyed a busy afternoon which began with yellow cards for Marc Limbert and the ever abrasive Chris Pridham on eight minutes. It was the home side who went ahead when 20 year old Matthew Rees scored on 23 minutes after a mix up in the Bangor defence. Leading goalscorer Ashley Stott forced a save from Athletic goalkeeper Craig Morris as City pressed for an equaliser. On the half hour Mr John added the names of Andrew Hill and Peter Hoy. Recalled striker Les Davies thought he had levelled the scores on the stroke of half time when his clever chip cleared Morris but unfortately hit the crossbar and dropped safely for the home side. When the home side did attack they found Bangor's defence in defiant mood, with Peter Hoy leading by example in place of Lee Webber. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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At half time Bangor sent on Karl Noon for Kieran Killackey and spent
much of the second period on the attack without managing to register a
goal. Midfielder Mike Walsh saw his effort clip the crossbar, whilst Morris saved well from Les Davies. The big left footer missed the target with another shot as did substitute Karl Noon. For Neath goalscorer Matthew Rees forced a good save from Paul Smith who had a largely untroubled second period. Four more names made their way into the little black book, Michael Johnston and Les Davies for Bangor along with Jarrod Price and Stephen Pockett. The only substitution of the afternoon for Bangor was Lee Webber who replaced Michael Johnston with fifteen minutes left to play. As time ran out Morris saved well from both Les Davies and Mike Walsh but the hosts might have snatched a second goal when substitute Gavin Jones raced clear but was denied by Paul Smith who saved with his legs. So a second successive single goal defeat for Bangor who deserved better from their long weekend in South Wales but came away empty handed. |
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| 45 |
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WELSH PREMIER |
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This disappointing reverse was overshadowed by serious
back injury suffered by Sion Edwards who was stretchered off and left
the ground by ambulance. That is not to say that this was a dirty game or that Mark Whitby did much wrong. In fact it was an open, end to end game enjoyed by some 350 fans at Richmond Park and thousands more at home courtesy of S4C. Carmarthen started the stronger, blown forward by a stiff breeze and aided by a low glaring sun shining at Bangor from behind the home goal. Lee Webber has already conceded a corner, Paul Smith had shanked a clearance, and Paul Keddle blazed well over before the West Wales side took the lead on seven minutes. A run across from the left allowed Danny Thomas to shoot on goal from twenty yards. His shot appeared to catch Paul Smith unaware or unsighted and bounced into the blues net. A minute later rightback Kris Thomas was yellow carded for a late challenge on left winger Sion Edwards on half way. Within moments of this the two challenged for a high ball on the wide left, Thomas' knee made contact with Edwards' back. There was a stoppage of some five minutes before the prone figure of Sion Edwards was lifted onto a stretcher and carried off. To be fair to referee Whitby it seemed at first glance that the two had fallen awkwardly but replays showed the damage was done in mid air. City brought on Les Davies who took up a central role with Karl Noon shifting wide left. On the quarter hour a first chance for Bangor, a long throw from Peter Hoy headed goalwards by Lee Webber but held by the Neil Thomas. Hoy was then stunned by an accidental clash of heads with Keddle as Carmarthen continued to press. Paul Smith saved well from Kris Thomas' header, then the rightback won a freekick on the which Smith also held. On 35 minutes City forced their first corner following a short period of pressure, but it came to nothing. Mike Walsh and partner Christian Seargeant were working hard to gain a foothold in midfield. Ten minutes before the scheduled half time Les Davies won the ball deep inside his own half and set off on a trade mark run which took his past 3-4 home defenders but he just failed to connect once inside the box. The home side stayed on top, racking up six first half corners during concerted attacks which saw Mike Johnston fall injured. However a fourth minute of injury saw a great chance go begging when Marc Limbert got in behind the home defence and sent a low cross from the right which first Ashley Stott and then Karl Noon failed to touch home. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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The sun dipped out of sight at half time but the wind remained to
boost Bangor. Karl Noon burst into the Carmarthen box but was
tackled on the six yard line, but it was the home side who added to
their goal tally six minutes
after the restart. Paul Smith did well to save from Danny Thomas but when the resulting corner drifted into the goalmouth no one picked up the little striker who headed home from point blank. On the hour Karl Noon ran in from the left but lofted well over, but it was Carmarthen who again forced the pace with their 8th & 9th corners which Lee Webber and Les Davies combined to clear. Nathan Cotterrall shot off target for the home side before Chris Catlin was replaced by Sacha Walters on 68ms. Marc Limbert hoisted a high swirling ball in from the left which dropped invitingly for Peter Hoy but his first time effort proved straight forward for Thomas. Walters earned a yellow card for a rugby tackle on Marc Limbert before one of the key moments of the afternoon. On 75 minutes Greg Coombes tripped Marc Limbert in the box, penalty. Up stepped Karl Noon but his low drive made contact with the fallen Thomas. Les Davies found Lee Webber in the box but he headed over, then with ten minutes left Deryn Brace sent on the aptly named Jamal Easter instead of goalscorer Thomas. Tim Hicks forced a good save from Paul Smith, but City were more dangerous now and a good run from Karl Noon created an opening for Mike Walsh but his curler went wide. With five minutes left Lee Webber made way for sub Dave Swanick. Seconds later it was 2-1 as Marc Limbert latched onto Les Davies' clever through ball to calmly stroke wide of Thomas. Bangor now sensed what had seemed an unlikely draw and won a corner thorugh Les Davies. Into injury time Peter Hoy reclaimed his long throw, his driven cross invited a touch from Michael Johnston but Thomas saved smartly and that was about it. Overall a fair result although Bangor's missed penalty could have resulted in a different outcome. |
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| MiB Mark Whitby |
A
game well controlled by Mr Whitby who did not seekcentre stage and
generally allowed the game to flow. He
did not duck the penalty decision and my interpretation on Sion
Edwards' injury was that he could only have seen the knee in the back
had he watched the TV later. Mr Whitby looks fit, purposeful and seems to have a sense of humour. No future for him then.... |
| 44 |
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WELSH
PREMIER |
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City secured a fourth win of the season
over visitors Connahs Quay - but this was the closest yet. On a slippery, wet pitch Bangor had to do without Les Davies which allowed Karl Noon a start but otherwise it was a full strength line up. Attacking the Farrar End, City dominated for the opening half hour. After a first minute corner it was Ashley Stott who went close on seven minutes when he headed wide from Martin Beattie's cross. On the quarter hour Karl Noon was closed down as he prepared to shoot, then Ashley Stott ran on goal but Nomads 'keeper Paul Pritchard booted clear. Noon fired over from outside the box after Marc Limbert low pull back, then Mike Walsh passed to Sion Edwards on the left but his low drive was pushed away for a second corner by Pritchard. Christian Seargeant saw his effort held as The Nomads struggled to defend their goal. On the half hour referee Jones chose not to punish Ged Courtney as he kicked the ball away following a freekick. Two minutes later the Nomads striker tested Paul Smith for the first time but his handling was secure. But on 35 minutes City finally had the lead their advantage merited. Left winger Sion Edwards latched onto a crossfield ball from Peter Hoy and beat Tom Baker before firing home from fifteen yards. A foul by Mark Cadwallader earned a freekick which Lee Webber headed off target. Then another foul by Chris Williams set up an edge of the box freeick which Christian Seargeant curled just wide of the right post. The referee had let much go but he suddenly took centre stage with the first of seven bookings. Martin Beattie went into the book for a trip which gave Connahs Quay a freekick on their right. A deep cross found Dan Forde whose shot forced Paul Smith into action at the foot of his post. Minutes before half time Sion Edwards hit the near post with an inswinging corner from the right, the ball was scrambled clear with Cadwallader leading the charge and it took a well timed challenge from Martin Beattie to make sure Bangor went in ahead at the interval. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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City might have doubled their lead within seconds of the restart
but Ashley Stott shot weakly at the diminutive Pritchard when well
placed. But it was Connahs Quay who brought Paul Smith back into
the action with centre forward Chris Herbert twice forcing City's
'keeper to make good saves. On 52 minutes Bangor netted their second and seemed on target for a comfortable win. Marc Limbert shot on goal, Pritchard parried but leading goalscorer Ashley Stott stabbed the ball home from close range for his 27th goal of the season. Just when Bangor looked like pushing ahead, the controvesy set in. Michael Johnston was harshly adjudged to have fouled Courtney. To make matters worse he was yellow carded for what looked like a decent challenge. The freekick was curled goalwards by the lanky Sam McNutt, Paul Smith parried but Chris Herbert converted the loose ball to half the deficit. Seconds later referee Jones yellow carded Herbert for dissent. Within five minutes it was all square. McNutt crossed from the right and midfielder Danny Forde scored with a simple tap in. Bangor replied with a fifth corner which was cleared, goalscorer Forde followed Herbet into the book, and Peter Hoy lit up the afternoon with a superb piece of skill on the right which won a freekick but that came to nought. Midway through the half the substitutions began with John McAllister replacing Herbert, and Craig Hutchinson on for Christian Seargeant who had toiled in the mud. Leftback Alan Hooley was yellow carded. With some curious decisions by all three officials starting to dominate proceedings, City snatched a deserved winnner. Midfielder Marc Limbert sent Karl Noon running on goal, he kept his head to slip the ball wide of Pritchard and into the net to the delight of the St Pauls End faithful. Lee Webber was in the thick of the action throughout. He was yellow carded for a challenge with a quarter of an hour remaining, then five minutes later he was pole-axed by a high kick from Chris Williams. In between Ashley Stott missed a sitter when Karl Noon's cross seemed to bounce over his outstretched leg. But back to Webber, and as he fell to the ground referee Jones allowed play on and Paul Smith saved well from Stuart Cook and McAllister. There was one last yellow for Mike Walsh, the whistle blew, and the furious home crowd bellowed angrily at the three officials who were, at best, in curious form. |
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| MiB Simon Jones |
The
peevish little Swansea official showed both sides of his Jekyll &
Hyde persona in this keenly contested affair which he dominated from
half time onwards. He began quite calmly, letting things go, and for half and hour seemed keen to let dust gather on his plastic card. As Bangor attacked the Farrar End it was the nearside linesman whose hit and miss style of flagging was the centre of attention. Then it all changed, seven yellows shown in the closing fifty minutes, even though the Nomads defender whose high kick felled Lee Webber got nothing. Saturday night on MoTD the Middlesbrough striker Mido was sent off for a similar challenge on an Arsenal leftback Clichy. There is a Health & Safety issue here, a dangerous kick leading to a head injury should not be ignored. It was. Webber who seems an honest competitor was down and nearly out. There was - as usual - an assessor making notes in the stand behind my seat. For what? This performance from all three officials was scandalous, shocking, and yet all three will be back in black next weekend, all sickly grins and fat expenses. Truly dreadful, predictable and more worrying still, Mr Jones is said to be favourite for the Welsh Cup Final! Neutrals beware. If this bloke is in charge, save your money and watch Ceefax. |
| 43 |
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WELSH PREMIER |
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A windswept, rain drenched afternoon on The
Traeth , a kick off ironically delayed, and a entertaining if goalless
contest between teams at contrasting ends of the table. The visitors started the brighter with Peter Hoy's barnstorming run down the right unhinging the Port defence but eventually Marcus Orlik cleared for a corner. Appeals for a penalty or handball were dismissed by Mr Southall who deemed the offence uninententional. City won a second early corner which Richard Harvey caught confidently before a run from Carl Owen set up Orlik but he fired off target. Marc Limbert's run on the right yielded a third corner which broke to Sion Edwards but his run on goal ended in a shot screwed into the side netting. The impressive Gareth Parry hit a clean long range shot at Paul Smith who duly caught comfortably. With pace to burn Carl Owen raced into the box from the left and was denied by a perfectly timed challenge Michael Johnston despite loud penalty claims from the home contingent. Gareth Parry rushed into the box but failed to hit the target before Bangor won their fifth corner of the afternoon when Christian Seargeant forced a save from Harvey. But the closing stages belonged to Port who went close twice in a matter of seconds. Carl Owen saw his close range shot bravely blocked by Michael Johnston, the ball dropped to Ryan Davies whose six yarder hit the post with Paul Smith well beaten. City scrambled to clear and were spared further concerns by a freekick for foot up. However Bangor rallied and a misjudgement from Harvey forced Rhys Roberts to head over as Ashley Stott threatened to put City ahead. A sixth Bangor corner which Lee Webber headed over before Porthmadog won their first corner in injury time. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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|
Port might have taken the lead in the opening moments of the
first half as Dave Hughes got in behind Peter Hoy but Paul Smith did
well to push his rising effort over. An adventurous run from Sion Ewards, a deep cross headed out by leftback Evans, and City had their seventh corner which came to nothing. On 55 minutes a promising run by Ashley Stott was snuffed out by a blatant check from Rhys Roberts which resulted in the first yellow card of the afternoon. Christian Seargeant sent the freekick arching towards the top corner but Harvey pushed over for a ninth corner. However Porthmadog survived and a telling break from Marcus Orlik encouraged Gareth Parry to shoot but again his effort flew just over. Minutes later a lengthy stoppage as Christian Seargeant and Michael Johnston collided on the half way line; happily both were able to continue after treatment. The impressive Marcus Orlik forced a good save from Paul Smith and City countered as Sion Edwards' angled drive was held Harvey. Marc Limbert passed infield but Martin Beattie fired over before, with some twenty minutes left, Kieran Killackey replaced Mike Walsh. Bangor won a tenth corner but could not create a clear opening before Orlik raced forwards but dragged his shot across goal. Karl Noon came on for Sion Edwards and within seconds latched onto a cross shot from Ashley Stott but saw his effort hit the post. The final moment belonged once again to Gareth Parry but his header, under pressure from Peter Hoy, sped just wide and a goalless draw was confirmed. |
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|
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|
| MiB Phil Southall |
No
problems with Phil Southall here who rightly waved away penalty claims
from bangor in the opening minutes and Port later on. He managed
to keep his yellow card warm and dry for most of the game and it turned
out to be a pretty open end
to end affair. One small gripe about the lineman on the open side in the second half who got some right and some wrong with what was little more than guess work. Stay level with the back man and you have a chance, guess work will always find you out. |
| 42 |
|
|
THE WELSH CUP |
|
|
|
|
Four goals from leading marksman Ashley Stott led Bangor to a 6-0 win
against a Guisfield side who never gave up and might have scored
themselves in the second half. With a strong wind blowing across the pitch - rather than from end to end - Bangor created early chances which first Mike Walsh and then captain Marc Limbert failed to convert. But on fifteen minutes the goals started to flow. Sion Edwards' deep corner from the left was returned by Marc Limbert who low cross skidded through to Ashley Stott who crashed home from close range. Next up a break on the left by Marc Limbert who picked out Mike Walsh but his goalbound effort was cleared off the line by Neil Pryce. However on 22 mins it was 2-0 as midfielder Christian Seargeant fired on target from Marc Limbert's corner. Dave Littleford saved but Michael Johnston reacted first to sweep the lose ball into the net. Within five minutes it was 3-0 and game over. Sion Edwards again out whitted rightback Nathan Leonard and pulled the ball back to Ashey Stott who right footed curler beat Littleford at the far post. As Bangor stepped up the pressure a fifth corner - won by Peter Hoy - was crashed against the home crossbar by the big defender from six yards. Veteran striker Tim Nunnerley shot on target from 25 yards but Paul Smith saved and with minutes it was 4-0. Christian Seargeant's through ball released Ashley Stott on the right and with Sion Edwards occupying the defence's thoughts the former Preston striker slid the ball past Littleford for a well earned hatrick. It already looked bleak as half time approached for the home side but a wild challenge from rightback Nathan Leonard felled Karl Noon who dusted himself down to convert the penalty kick with a straight low drive through the punch drunk home keeper. |
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| HALF TIME 0-5 |
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|
The second half was a more subdued affair, with Bangor "home and hosed"
and Guilsfield able to launch their own attacks as play took on a more
even feel. Tim Nunnerley went close for Guislfield before Karl Noon chipped just over the bar and then just wide. But on 54 mins it was 6-0 as the determined Ashley Stott shrugged off Emyr Roberts to beat Littleford from the right. It was fitting that S4C cameras were able to capture his first four goal haul for the club. Oswestry legend Statto had arranged transport and arrived with the TNS electronic board. After a quiet first half he was soon into the action when Dave Swanick replaced the injured Martin Beattie and then Andy Webb replacing a tired Graeme McGill. Moments later Craig Edwards came on for Neil Pryce. Guilsfield launched an attack down their right which ended in a double challenge from Peter Hoy who had swept across from the rightback position. In the closing stages the electronic board flashed again as Kieran Killackey came on for Sion Edwards who had outplayed first Newton and then Leonard, before Marc Limbert made way for Craig Hutchinson. In his forty or so appearances for Bangor, captain Limbert has won the respect of the blues faithful and left to a warm ovation from the 250 or so travelling fans. There was a late chance for Andy Webb but he pulled his shot across goal, and finally Wayne Tregonning blew for time and confirmed Bangor's place in the semi finals along with Rhyl and Newport YMCA, with Llanelli due to do battle at Cefn on Sunday. |
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|
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|
| MiB Wayne Tregonning |
Mr
Tregonning controlled this with a ready smile and seemed to get most
things right. It was never a
dirty game but he managed to play the advantage when appropriate and
probably did the home side a slight favour for not red carding Leonard
for his penalty - and last man - challenge on Karl Noon which
led to the fifth goal from the penalty spot. That said he was in control but not in the way, well done. |
| 41 |
|
|
WELSH
PREMIER |
|
|
|
|
A bleak wet, windy day produced a
goalless draw for the three hundred or so spectators sheltering at
Farrar Road. With the elements backing Bangor attacking the St Pauls End, a flurry of three early corners came to little other than looping header from Lee Webber which cleared the crossbar. On ten minutes Karl Noon went closer with a driving run into the heart of the visitor's defence but his twenty yarder flashed wide. Peter Hoy headed wide from another corner but it was Martin Beattie who had to be alert to snuff out a Port Talbot attack as Martin Rose threatened on the Bangor right. On fifteen minutes Matthew Rees was yellow carded for a wild lunge on Ashley Stott moments after the two had exchanged words. Port Talbot won their first corner but it was Bangor who nearly scored. A high clearance set Les Davies clear but Rogers did well to smother his effort. Marc Limbert crashed the loose ball goalwards but the 'keeper pushed his low drive wide for a fifth Bangor corner which saw Ashley Stott and Christian Seargeant go close. On the half hour midfielder Mike Walsh sent Ashley Stott running in on goal but he was denied by a perfectly timed challenge from rightback Carl Evans. Port Talbot countered with a cross punched clear by Paul Smith, gathered by Lee John but lobbed over from 25 yards. Marc Limbert created an opening for Ashley Stott but his shot lacked power, then Karl Noon latched onto a deep cross from Peter Hoy but Rogers held comfortably. Five minutes before the interval Noon was tripped by McCreesh as he headed for goal - yellow card - but the cross was headed wide by Lee Webber. There was still time for Lee John to earn himself a yellow card for dissent and for Michael Johnston to lift the ball over the bar as John threatened with a dangerous low cross from the right. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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|
The visitors now had the advantage of the wind and occasional
shower as they attacked the St Pauls End. But it was City who
very nearly snatched the lead as Karl
Noon raced past the lanky Rees but fired too close to Rogers. Christian
Seargeant was yellow carded for precious little before Karl Noon
crossed but Peter Hoy directed his low header off target. The burly No 9 Rose forced Paul Smith into a good save and minutes later the big striker headed over from a inviting cross form the left. Bangor won a sixth corner but to no avail then on 63 mins Kieran Killackey was introduced in place of Christian Seargeant. Welsh Colleges cap Scott Barrow headed over for the visitors. Lee Webber went close but Ashley Stott could not believe his luck moments later when Rogers kept out his six yard strike with an incredible reflex save. With twenty minutes remaining Sion Edwards came on for Les Davies but it was Port Talbot who nearly took the lead when Martin Rose chased Lee Webber's looping backwards header but was denied by Paul Smith who was injured in the process. On 74 minutes the extent of the injury was apparent as Paul Smith left the field to be replaced by Dave Swanick with the reliable Peter Hoy taking over in goal. This clearly galvanised the wind assisted visitors and goalkeeper Hoy was called into action to save well from Rose whose angled drive threatened. James Burgin sprang to life with a thirty yarder which clipped the crossbar. In the closing minutes Port Talbot pressed with three corners but Bangor held firm, and in the four minutes of added time the home side stood up to the challenge to protect the stand in goalkeeper as far as possible. The last chance of the game fell to Mike Walsh but a crowd of Port Talbot defenders made sure the match ended goalless. |
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|
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|
| MiB Wayne Tregonning |
My
angle on this one has to be that is is odd that a Merthyr referee is
asked to drive the lengh of the country
- on those second rate roads - to take charge of a North v South
battle. Having said that Mr Tregonning did not enjoy his finest afternoon, it was still up to Bangor to score which they failed to do and they could not blame the suntanned official for that. |
| 40 |
|
|
WELSH
PREMIER |
|
|
|
|
A fair result perhaps aftter Llanelli
had the better of the first half
and Bangor finished the stronger. The red shirted visitors might have gone ahead in the opening minutes when Lee Webber was forced to clear off the line after Andy Legg's deep freekick seemed destined for the top corner. Llanelli went close again when rangy striker Craig Williams fired wide from twenty yards. City's first chance fell to Mike Walsh but his header span wide from Sion Edwards' left wing cross. Veteran left footer Andy Legg seems to have two main purposes in the Reds side, freekicks and long throws, and one long effort earned a third corner of the afternoon which Les Davies cleared. As Llanelli pushed forwards the Bangor back four of Hoy, Johnston, Webber and Beattie worked hard to ensure Paul Smith had few clear shots to save. Bangor's best move of the game to that point followed as Peter Hoy found Les Davies who spread the play out to the left but Sion Edwards' curling cross was gathered by Ryan Harrison. Moments later the visitors went close when Craig Williams' cross was headed over by Chris Holloway. By the half hour Llanelli had the initiative. A goalbound effort from ---- was deflected over by Lee Webber for a sixth corner for the Reds. Michael Johnston needed treatment but happily for Bangor the impressive young centre back was able to play on. His partnership with Lee Webber central to resisting the visitors attacks. As the visitors continued to press Craig Williams headed against the post, and then Legg lashed wide. With ten minutes remaining Andrew Mumford fouled Marc Limbert on the edge of the Llanelli box. Christian Seargeant set the ball purposefully but his shot just cleared the crossbar. The final action of the first period was a fourth Bangor corner which Lee Webber headed goalwards but Llanelli scrambled away. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
||||
|
The big defender nearly opened the scoring straight after the
restart but he could not find the target from Marc Limbert's cross.
On 53 minutes though it was Llanelli who went ahead. Mark Jones
slipped the ball past Paul Smith from close range after City
never quite cleared a corner. The visitors won their eighth and final corner on the hour mark as the tide began to turn Bangor's way, and did so more emphatically on 66 mins with the introduction of Kieran Killackey and Karl Noon for Mike Walsh and Sion Edwards. Certainly the trademark tackling of Killackey and the electric pace of Noon unsettled the visitors. A long direct clearance from Lee Webber found Les Davies on the edge of the box but his looping header cleared the bar. A header from Peter Hoy was punched over by Harrison who was now by far the busier of the 'keepers but he could only stand and watch as an eighth Bangor corner found Christian Seargeant but he fired just over from the edge of the box. Les Davies raced on goal but Harrison charged out to save just inside his box, then some calm defending from Mike Johnston released Davies on the right but his early shot crashed wide. On 83 minutes Sam Small replaced set piece Legg as the visitors continued to run down the clock at every opportunity. Their mood changed though three minutes later. Karl Noon collected the ball on half way and ran infield before sending Ashley Stott in on goal with only one outcome - a calm finish and richly deserved equaliser. The time wasting went out of the window now but it was City who pressed for the winner, Kieran Killackey forcing a good save from Harrison and from a ninth and final corner Les Davies raced back to get the better of three breaking Reds on half way before passing to Marc Limbert. His return was collected by the big striker and crossed from the left to Lee Webber who was denied on the line. And that was it, Referee Hames blew for time, a point apiece and honours just about even. |
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|
||||
|
| MiB Steve Hames |
I
have to admit I like Steve Hames' style of refereeing, trying to let
the game flow and keep his cards out of sight. By and large it
worked today and the 500 or so spectators were able to enjoy an open
free flowing game. He even brought humour to the first half with a booming shout of ADVANTAGE on half way! Well done, a ref with some personality and one happy to keep off centre stage. |
| 39 |
|
|
Loosemores
Cup |
|
|
|
|
Two
defensive mistakes cost Bangor dear in this Loosemores Cup semi final
and gifted Rhyl safe passage to the final. The first mistake came in the third minute when a routine boom into the box was not dealt with. The loose ball landed at the feet of little midfielder Michael White whose low twenty yard drive did the rest. City were visible rocked by this early setback which changed the complexion of the game so early on. As Bangor attempted to respond Ashley Stott misjudged his header and Sion Edwards shot wide from the left. On twenty minutes a Marc Limbert freekick dropped to Les Davies but his clean strike was too close to Lee Kendall. Visitors Rhyl went close to extending their lead when Paul Smith saved well from want-away Lee Hunt. With twenty five minutes gone Sion Edwards raced past Mathew Holt but Kendall saved at his near post. Referee Lee Evans got into the action on the half hour as Dave Swanick was yellow carded for a foul on Lee Hunt before goalscorer White received the same punishment for a sliding challenge on Paul Smith. Play was stopped again minutes later as Mike Walsh left the field with blood pouring from a head wound following a clash of heads with George Horan. Centre half Lee Webber went close twice for City in the closing minutes, the first a 25 yard freekick tipped over by a strangely subdued Kendall, then a header over the crossbar from Limbert's cross. However it was the Lilywhites who finished the strongest with three late corners at the St Pauls End before referee Evans blew for half time. |
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| HALF TIME 0-1 |
||||
|
Rhyl forced the first opening of the second period when the
gangly Greg Stones headed at Paul
Smith. Moments later Lee Hunt opted to dive when he might
have shot and earned a yellow card for his troubles.
White hit the target again but Smith saved comfortably, then Les
Davies and Ashley Stott set up Kieran Killackey but his shot cleared
the crossbar. On 56 minutes it was 2-0 to the visitors. A weak clearance from the blues defence again fell to Michael White who again converted from outside the box to the dismay of the home followers. Minutes later Lee Webber was carded for a clear trip on Craig Jones. On the hour mark both sides made changes. Karl Noon came on for Dave Swanick and Craig Garside replaced Matthew Holt. Referee Evans yellow carded Les Davies and George Horan following a brief skirmish and was in the thick of the action moments later as he waved away penalty claims after Ashley Stott went down in the box. A suprisingly balletic dive from the cumbersome Cameron earned Kieran Killackey a yellow card with some fifteen minutes remaining. Another half chance came and went as Lee Webber headed over from a Sion Edwards cross before Kieran Killackey was replaced by Mel McGinness. Big Les Davies hammered a shot on goal but Kendall gathered at the second attempt and the visitors withdrew Cameron in favour of Chris Sharp. Les Davies was at the heart of Bangor's efforts and his layoff invited a shot from Marc Limbert but Kendall saved as he did again moments later when Ashley Stott raced clear on the left. The final action saw City force a couple of corners with Sion Edwards and Marc Limbert both going close, but it was not to be. |
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|
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|
| 38 |
|
|
WELSH
PREMIER |
|
|
|
|
After having made some caustic comments in midweek about the
state of the Caernarfon pitch Caersws boss Mike Barton must have been
glad to be back on the green green grass of home for the visit of
Bangor City on Saturday. He would also have been encouraged by the absence through injury and suspension of defenders Martin Beattie and Mike Johnston plus midfielder Christian Seargeant. If that was the case then he would have been delighted by the performance of the three match officials. The Recreation Ground pitch had clearly been rolled, the mud flattened a touch, but the divots and scars of previous battles remained to make passing impossible. Nevertheless City could well have gone ahead on ten minues when Les Davies headed on to Ashley Stott who ran at goal but lashed wide from twenty yards. Minutes later Dave Swanick departure added to Bangor's problems although substitute Mel McGinness had a fine game as stand in rightback. Caersws forced their first opportunity on twenty minutes when Aeron Edwards broke down the left but his low cross evaded Jon Slater who slid in with the goal at his mercy. On the half hour Sion Edwrads was booked for moaning to himself after being stamped on by Andy Thomas. Moments late the home side had the lead. A traditional long ball swung out to the Caersws left, Edwards fed the overlapping Mark Davies whose low drive beat Paul Smith and rolled in at the far post. City who had been disappointed by some strange decisons by referee Kerry Morgan now had a mountain to climb. That was the final meaningful action of the first half as the sides left the field to a claw the mud off their boots and hear the manager's thoughts. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
||||
|
The second half began with Karl Noon replacing injury victim Sion
Edwards but it was Mel
McGinnes who caught the eye with a run on the right, a deep cross
but Andy Mulliner was able to catch Mike Walsh' looping header. On 50 minutes leftback Mike Sawtell was yellow carded for handball on the half way line. Ashley Stott found time and space on the left but sliced his shot wide. On the hour former Llandyrnog striker Jon Slater was replaced by local lad Neil Mitchell. City then enjoyed a period of pressure that began with a corner won on the right by Les Davies, crossed by captain Marc Limbert which caused confusion in the home defence with goalkeeper Mulliner unwilling to come out for crosses. Peter Hoy sent in a trademark long throw but Caersws eventually cleared. The next move involved the inevitable controvesy and capped an unhappy afternoon for the blue - or in the case yellow - contingent. Karl Noon carved on opening on the left, fired goalwards and as the ball bounced in the box, leading goalscorer Ashley Stott was pushed over. Penalty? Play on. In the moments that followed Peter Hoy was yellow carded for a supposed trip on Mark Davies before Ben Ogivly followed him into the referee's book for a similar offence on the Caersws right. With fifteen minutes to go Ben Ogilvy was replaced by Kieran Killackey as Bangor tried to force the play, although in fairness the home side did not threaten and concentrated on time wasting rather than attack. Midifelder Killackey was quickly into the action as Peter Hoy's long throw dropped in the box but the former Altrincham man saw his shot bounce before Mulliner gathered. Mr Morgan gave a foul against Les Davies as he won a header in open play then awarded the big left footer a free kick as he tripped on the right. City made one final surge with Karl Noon bursting into the box but Mulliner made a good one handed save to concede a later corner which caused more confusion in the Caersws box but was finally scrambled clear. The home side were soon able to celebrate a crucial victory in their relegation fight but for City three points dropped in the battle for third place with coast rivals and others. |
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|
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|
| MiB Kerry Morgan |
A wretched performance from the curly haired Morgan who made
probably a dozen bad decisions in the ninety or so minutes, with as
many as ten favouring the home side for whom mouthpiece Gari Lewis was
visibly and verbally influential. For the opeing half hour Mr Morgan gave Caersws everything, every evenly contested ball ended in a freekick for the home side. Every shout from the home bench heeded, every command from Gari Lewis, back from his rugby sojourn. His worse moment was missing a foul on Sion Edwards but yellow carding the winger for moaning to himself about the injury suffered. (This happened within ten yards of me and Sion did not abuse the official or contest the decision). The penalty decision in the second period was poor, the interpretation of fouls woeful. He did favour Bangor once when Lee Webber blocked a Caersws forward on the edge of the box. I would estimate he made more than a dozen poor decisions with ten or more favouring the home side. |
| There
is no will within the goodly gentlemen of Nepturn Court to improve this
league, it is easier to deny a problem
exists than to start looking for a solution. Nothing wrong
nothing to fix. |
| 37 |
|
|
NWCFA
Cup |
|
|
|
|
Bangor
were knocked out of the North Wales Coast FA Cup at Farrar Road by
Cymru Alliance championship chasers Llandudno who led 2-0 at half time
and never looked back. The Bangor line up showed a mixture of experience and youth with young Jack Millward in goal, along with Gareth Sharpe, Anthony Wilson, Sion Davies, Clive & Josh Williams included with more seasoned campaigners Ben Ogilvy, Kieran Killackey and Craig Hutchinson. Llandudno were close to full strength and it was the visitors who took the lead through Gwyn Peters. The former Caernarfon striker netted on 20 minutes. The goal of night came when Lee Thomas sent an spectacular overhead kick beyond Jack Millward following a good cross from the left. The half time scoreline stood at 2-0. |
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| HALF TIME 2-0 |
||||
|
The only goal of the second period came midway through the half
from former Llanrwst striker Bryn Jenkins,
who was on hand to head home from another inviting cross. City boss Nev Powell sent on substitutes Sion Edwards and Caio Iwan but Llandudno held firm, with one time Colwyn Bay defender Neil Coverley in command at the back. So City's interest in the NWCFA Cup ended, good luck to Llandudno and some valuable experience for the younger lads who would have enjoyed the chance to play with and against more experienced oppostion. |
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|
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|
| 36 |
|
|
THE WELSH CUP |
|
|
|
|
After two hours of end to attack and
defence it all
came down to penalties. Some people describe this as
a lottery and - if so - the winning ticket came Bangor's way thanks to
some great shot stopping from goalkeeper Paul Smith whose skill and
ability won the day.. It all started brightly for Bangor who stole the early initiative and dominated the opening quarter hour, winning a couple of early corners and forcing Dave Jones to save when Peter Hoy's header threatened to break the deadlock. Minutes later Marc Limbert crossed for Lee Webber whose header flew over from six yards. Les Davies shot on target but Jones held comfortably. On twenty minutes Aber sprang to life with a corner which was cleared, five minutes later the hugely impressive Bari Morgan had their first chance with a low drive from outside the box which fired across the face of goal. The diminutive midfielder then forced Paul Smith into action with a low diving save. Ten minutes remained when Bangor suffered a setback as Michael Johnston was reluctantly forced off with injury, and replaced by Dave Swanick. Peter Hoy moved into central defence. Bari Morgan went close to putting Aber ahead with a clean strike which struck the crossbar, the lanky Da Silva headed the rebound over from close range. Moments later Luke Sherborn also hit the woodwork after latching onto Geraint Passmore's freekick. The final action of a long first half saw Aber break from a Bangor corner, Da Silva waste his chance but Kelloway forced a good save from Paul Smith who was injured in the process. In all six minutes of stoppage time were added before the teams left the field with both sides feeling they might have gone ahead with a little more luck. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
||||
|
With Bari Morgan still a central figure Aber carved out a couple of
chances soon after the restart, with first Geraint Passmore and then
the little midfielder himself going close. City resonded with a spell
of pressure which yielded three corners in quick succession but no
clear cut opening. On the hour mark Marc Limbert passed to Mike Walsh but a deflection took the pace of his shot. Referee Adie was now showing yellow cards at will and added Dave Swanick and Bari Morgan to that of Christian Seargeant who had been noted minutes earlier. On 65 minutes Ashley Stott ran on goal but Jones saved well at his near post before Les Davies thrashed the rebound just over the crossbar. On 72 minutes City sent on Sion Edwards for Karl Noon with captain Limbert reverting to his customary rightwing berth. Passmore was carded for a lunge on the reliable Peter Hoy who defended well throughout. The final moments of the ninety minutes saw veteran striker Andy Evans shoot wildly from the right and Ashley Stott lift the ball over from ten yards from a Peter Hoy freekick. Finally Kristian Edwards went for glory but Lee Webber headed the ball away from goal for a corner which was quickly cleared. So to extra time. The first period began with an Aberystwyth corner before Ashley Stott raced into the home penalty area but was denied by a desperate challenge from Aneurin Thomas. Mike Walsh shot wide, more cards this time for Stuart Roberts and Peter Hoy as Aber won a string of corners as they pressed for the winner. The second period saw Bangor the dominant with Les Davies on target, Ashey Stott shooting into the side netting and Lee Webber forcing a save from Jones. But despite all this it ended up all square and penalties awaited. Aber went first, Bari Morgan netted as did Marc Limbert for City, one all. Paul Smith saved from Passmore, then Christian Seargeant fired over, still one all. Stuart Robert scored as did Lee Webber, two all. Then Luke Sherborn saw Paul Smith save his kick before Peter Hoy converted with confidence, advantage City at 3-2 (out for four each). This meant Andy Evans had to score but Paul Smith saved again! A tremendous effort from the goalkeeper and one which put Bangor through to meet Guilsfield in March. |
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|
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|
| 35 |
|
|
LOOSEMORES CUP |
|
|
|
|
A late equaliser from Mike Walsh means Bangor and Rhyl
are both very much in the hunt for a Loosemore's Cup final date, with
an away goal and hme advantage favouring the blues. It was an evening of contrasting styles with the hosts relying on the long ball style directed at Lee Hunt and his strike parnter Dave Cameron, whilst visitors Bangor tended to play through midfielders Seargeant and Walsh. The opening exchanges saw Peter Hoy head over from a Michael Johnston freekick, Sion Edwards strike a rising drive into the crowd and Kiwi winger Michael White cause City one or two problems on the right which resulted in a yellow card for right back Hoy. City's rightback responded with a well timed tackle as the left footer tried to break before Seargeant and Rhyl striker Cameron both went close. Former Bangor rightback Mark Connolly got too much height on his 20 yard freekick. As ever "want away" striker Lee Hunt was a handful and he fired narrowly wide from the right but Lee Webber and defensive ally Michael Johnston stood firm. As half time closed in both sides won corners which came to nothing but the outstanding moment of the first half belonged to Christian Seargeant who jinked past four Rhyl defenders on the edge of the box before his goalbound shot was deflected over for a sixth Bangor corner. However on the stroke of half time Rhyl had loud claims for a penalty after Peter Hoy slipped on the ball and moments later Lee Hunt forced a good save from former team mate Paul Smith. But the half time whistle blew on a goalless first half which had seen City bag six corners to the homes side's two. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
||||
|
Bangor started the second period brightly with Christian
Seargeant and Mike Walsh combining to set up Ashley Stott but he just
failed to make clean contract. The first goal of the evening came nine minutes after the restart. A deep freekick from the left by - cleared the goalmouth but was headed home by Lee Hunt from beyond the back post. The visitors were shocked but not shaken and replied with a seventh corner of the evening moments after striker signing Karl Noon had replaced Sion Edwards. The kick resulted in a shot from Mike Walsh which Lee Kendall saved with his feet. Midway through the half, with Bangor on the attack, leftback Chris Roberts was lucky to escape with a yellow card from Mr Tregonning after his wild challenge on Marc Limbert right by the blues dugout. Kendall was annoying the visitors with his theatrical time wasting at ever opportunity but was red faced as he dropped Marc Limbert's cross but scrambled to regather on the line. Moments later Karl Noon picked out Christian Seargeant but his shot sped wide. A Les Davies header went close for Bangor, the determined Lee Webber defended well as Rhyl retailiated, before the pacey Karl Noon created an opening for Ashley Stott but he sent his effort wide. On 83 minutes though City had the goal they more than deserved. Les Davies had the ball on the right, picked out Christian Seargeant infield who passed directly forward to his midfield partner Mike Walsh on the edge of the Rhyl box. He controlled the ball and turned smoothly and beat Kendal with a low corner finish. And that was about it, both sides pushed for a winner with Bangor finishing strongly, but it ended up all square with all to play for at Farrar Road. |
||||
|
||||
|
| MiB Wayne Tregonning |
A bit
lenient on a couple of crunching tackles and like most people he had
little idea how to deal with the
rather odd Lee Kendall. But Referee Tregonning did what he could to keep the game flowing and neither side could grumble too strongly over his decision making. |
| 34 |
|
|
WELSH
PREMIER |
|
|
|
|
An
early freekick expertly converted by midfielder Christian Seargeant was
the difference between these two sides at Farrar Road. Leading goalscorer Ashley Stott might have put City ahead in the opening minutes but his early strike lacked power and goalkeeper Dave Jones gathered easily. But minutes later a second foul from behind from Matthew Roberts yielded a Bangor freekick on the right hand edge of the penalty area. With the obvious option of a cross to the far post Christian Seargeant instead bent the ball low to the right of the wall and into the near corner for a ninth minute lead. Les Davies threatened to add a second goal but rightback Sion James was on hand. Aber countered through University student Geraint Passmore but his effort was deflected off target. As time ran out Referee Adie took the names of Martin Beattie and Sion James but City retained the lead and left the field with the all important clean sheet. |
||||
| HALF TIME 1-0 |
||||
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Soon after the restart City might have doubled their advantage
when Ashley Stott went close before Lee Webber hit the woodwork with
Jones well beaten. With ten minute to play manager Nev Powell sent on Karl Noon for his City debut. The former Liverpool youngster responded with a searing right wing run that took his past Matthew Roberts. His cross was met by Ashley Stott whose clean header was just too close to Jones who was able to clutch the ball in his midrift. Aber unleashed their secret weapon with some fifteen minutes left on the clock when the towering Tiago DeSilva came on for Andy Evans whose luck was out. But the hero in the final analysis was goalkeeper Paul Smith who pulled off a number of fine saves, including one at the death from midfielder Luke Sherborn who thought he had salvaged a point for the Seasiders. So a deserved if gritty win for Bangor which strengthened the sides chances of pushing for a top four finish. |
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| MiB Darren Adie |
W |
| 33 |
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WELSH PREMIER |
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Leading 5--0 at half time Bangor took their foot off the pedal a touch
in the second half and allowed the home side a shred of respectability.
But it could not distract from a scintillating performance which
at one point threatened to run towards double figures. Central to this wholesale rout were four goals from the impressive Ashley Stott who opened the scoring on nine minutes. Moments earlier Christian Seargeant had skimmed The Druids crossbar with superb freekick, but Ashley Stott made amends with a clever turn which wrongfooted former Caernarfon defender Wayne Phillips following a Peter Hoy long throw from the right. Sion Edwards was prominent in the opening stages and won a succession of corners, one of which Lee Webber sliced narrowly wide, and delivered an inviting cross which young Mullock bravely punched away as Les Davies lept to head home. City continued to press and on 17 minutes it was 2-0. Les Davies sped past Timmy Edwards and crossed for strike partner Ashley Stott to head home from six yards. Cefn were far from beaten and goalkeeper Paul Smith did well to save from the home side's outstanding player Geraint Lewis after a good cross from Darren Williams. The save grew in importance moments later when, on 29 minutes, Timmy Edwards' relief at scrambling the ball off his goalline was shortlived as Christian Seargeant chipped the keeper - and everyone else - from 35 yards. City had a fifth corner of the evening cleared but it scarcely mattered just four minutes later when Ashley Stott rounded Timmy Edwards to score from wide on the right and extend the lead to 4-0. And complete a first half hatrick for the former Preston apprentice. Five minutes before the interval it got even better. Marc Limbert slid the ball along the line to Les Davies whose singled minded run on goal ended in one of those rip roaring drives which Mullock could not hope to stop. The half time whistle saw the blues applauded off the field - in stark contrast to the dejected Ancients. |
| HALF TIME 0-5 |
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The first action of the second period was a yellow card for
substitute Mike Thomspon for
a rash challenge on City's captain Marc Limbert. On 52 minutes
the home fans finally had something to celebrate as Geraint Lewis got the better of Paul Smith who
had parried his initial effort but could little about the follow up
effort. Former Wrexham striker Karl Connolly then marked his Druids debut with a yellow card for a wild challenge, City forced their seventh corner and had a "goal" disallowed for offside. Les Davies went close as his left foot drive flashed across goal. Bangor sent on Craig Hutchinson for the hugely impressive Christian Seargeant on the hour but the home side went close to reducing the deficit when the hard working Lewis headed wide. On 66 minutes the sixth and final goal of the evening - and a fourth for Ashley Stott - who turned Wayne Phillips just inside the Cefn half to slide the ball wide of the badly exposed Mullock from twenty yards out on the left. City forced a couple more corners before Marc Limbert made way for Mel McGinness and Lewis again went close but Paul Smith saved. In truth the blues custodian had made some timely interventions when called upon. With ten minutes left Lee Webber passed the captains armband he had collected from Marc Limbert into the capable hands of Peter Hoy who moved into central defence as Dave Swanick came on. There were late bookings for Andrew Edgar - who looked sick of the sight of Les Davies - and Mark Powell for persistent moaning. City finished on the attack and the final whistle blew on another emphatic win at Plaskynaston, warmly applauded once more by the sizeable travelling support. |