BANGOR
CITY MATCH REPORTS 2008-09 |
||||||
|
||||||
|
51 |
|
|
The Welsh Cup |
|
|
|
Bangor retained the
Welsh Cup for the first time in more than a hundred years of trying by
defeating Aberystwyth at Parc Y Scarlets in Llanelli on Bank Holiday
Monday. The all important goals came from Les Davies and
Christian Seargeant. After the early exchanges Bangor took control and kept a grip on proceedings for much of the afternoon. There was an early scare though when Les Davies was forced off with a knee injury inside five minutes and seemed set to be replaced before the big left footer gave manager Nev Powell the thumbs up and re-entered the fray. Bangor forced the early pace and Kieran Killackey saw his low drive flash wide after Peter Hoy's cross was headed out to the edge of the box by Aneurin Thomas. Aber broke from a second Hoy cross but Michael Johnston snuffed out the threat. On the quarter hour mark a series of three corners and a couple of long throws ended with Sion Edwards firing over from ten yards. On 21 minutes City had the ball in the net - Peter Hoy won a high ball and Christian Seargeant headed home - but Referee Jones disallowed what looked a perfectly good goal for a non existent foul on 'keeper Dave Roberts. By this time the Bangor midfield of Limbert, Walsh, Killackey and Edwards was winning the 50-50 challenges. On 25 minutes a freekick on the left from Sion Edwards was headed on by Les Davies but Christian Seargeant headed off target. But any complacency that might have been felt by the blue support was shaken when Robert Evans hit the post from ten yards with Paul Smith beaten. Five minutes later a fifth Bangor corner - won by Christian Seargeant - was cleared for Aber to won their first flag kick taken by Kellaway and eventually headed wide by Chris Venables. With less than a minute on the clock Bangor won a freekick on the left. Marc Limbert delivered and Les Davies rose highest to head over Roberts and the covering defenders for a vital lead. Kellaway flashed goalwards for Aber, won a corner, but City cleared easily. Aber came back and Kellaway rounded Dave Swanick but City's rightback did enough to force his rising drive off target. Referee Jones blew and the tea and biscuits beckoned. |
||||
HALF TIME 1-0 |
||||
With less than four minutes gone after the restart Sion James
hesitated, Les Davies pounced, and squared the ball near post where Christian Seargeant
turned smartly to clip the ball through Christian Edwards and beyond
Dave Roberts for the all important second goal. Moments later there was a chance for a third. Marc Limbert's deep cross from the left was fired over by Jamie Brewerton from the right. Ten minutes into the second period Chris Venables was carded for a foul on Paul Smith before Aberystwyth sent on 16 year old Shrewsbury Town trialist Tom Bradshaw for Graham Evans. Within a minute Les Davies was also carded for a sliding tackle on Aneurin Thomas with whom he had enjoyed a tit for tat battle. On the hour Aber won a corner on the right but Aneurin Thomas headed well over. A neat passing move on the left resulted in Geoff Kellaway - who struggled to make any impact - hitting the side netting. Kellaway rose to the challenge with an incisive run into the Bangor box but Michael Johnston slid in with a perfectly timed block. With twenty minutes remaining Bari Morgan slid in young Bradshaw but he blasted the shot at Paul Smith and the chance was gone. City responded by replacing Sion Edwards with Martin Beattie who slotted in on the left with Peter Hoy moving infield. As the last ten minutes came into focus Les Davies made way for teenager Clive Williams. After a spell of defence City pushed up field and Martin Beattie's pass found Christian Seargeant who forced a full length save out of Roberts. Two minutes from time the hugely impressive Kieran Killackey limped off for Paul McManus who was quickly into the action. Aber sent Aneurin Thomas upfront with Kellaway and Bradshaw but Hoy, Johnston and Brewerton dealt with the danger. Four minutes of added time emerged, Dave Roberts booted and Thomas headed high over. Bangor stood firm and celebrated loudly when Mr Jones finally whistled and confirmed the victory. |
||||
|
||||
|
50 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
What turned
out to be an uplifting win in difficult
circumstances was secured by a youthful City wide who wore the blue
shirt with pride. There was a core of experience with the outstanding Peter Hoy dominant alongside big Jamie Brewerton. And when tested - as he was in the first half in particular - young 'keeper Kyle Williams was also up to the challenge. Newtown had the better of the early exchanges and might have gone ahead when Craig Moses raced clearl but goalkeeper Williams saved with his feet. The corner - Newtown's third - was punched clear emphatically by the Penyfford youngster. On the half hour the troublesome Moses was in again but his goalbound chip was cleared by a retreating Martin Beattie. From the corner Danny Jellicoe rose highest but headed over. City won a corner which Jamie Brewerton headed off taget but moments later the home side were on the attack again with another raid led by Moses which Kyle Williams did well to snuff out. Bangor's closest effort came from Marc Limbert whose shot was blocked after good build up play on the right involving Matt Sargent and Kev Lloyd. Bangor's best moments came when Mike Walsh passed the ball around but overall The Robins defence was not troubled enough to satisfy Nev Powell. On 34 minutes Newtown deservedly went ahead. Adam Worton and Craig Hutchinson combined in midfield to supply Nicky Ward whose first time ball released Craig Moses. He ran past Matt Sargent, saw his initial effort blocked by Williams, but kept his cool to slot home from close range despite a last ditch attempted clearance by Sargent. Two minutes later a second Bangor corner and loud penalty appeals - what seemed to just about everyone a blatant handball by Worton - but nothing doing. Five minutes before the interval Peter Hoy's long throw from the right prompted a goalbound effort from Marc Limbert which dipped for Paul McManus to fire wide. |
||||
HALF TIME 1-0 |
||||
Before the restart 16 year old John Owen replaced midfielder
Mike Walsh in a reshuffle which saw Paul McManus switch to the left
wing and Christian Seargeant move into centre midfield. It worked
like a charm! Within a minute of the kick off Kev Lloyd combined
with Marc
Limbert on the left and his low drive beat Dave Jones when
perhaps the 'keeper should have done better. Two minutes later substitute John Owen hit the post after a telling cross from Marc Limbert on the right. On 53 minutes a rash challenge by Nicky Ward on captain Limbert in front of the Bangor dugout earned the former Wrexham striker the only yellow card of the afternoon. The resulting freekick was headed on by Kev Lloyd but lifted over by Paul McManus at full stretch. Moments later a double change saw Dylan Roberts replace Marc Limbert and Neil Mitchell come on for Richard Evans. With Matt Sargent lining up alongside Christian Seargeant in midfield young Roberts slotted in confidently at rightback. Five minutes later City had the lead. Kev Lloyd controlled Seargeant's forward pass on the right and turned smartly before sending over a low cross which John Owen cleverly left for Paul McManus to side foot home in style. The former Chester striker grew visibly as the game went on and ran fullback Adam Worton ragged. Newtown responded through their chief threat Craig Moses but his rising drive hit the trees at the carpark end. On 65 minutes Nicky Ward was replaced by Chris Carroll. Shane Sutton sent a 30 yarder on target but Kyle Williams saved comfortably. With twenty minutes remaining Craig Williams charged into the Bangor box but Matt Sargent flew in with a brave block. Bangor went hunting a third and Caio Iwan saw his close range effort fly over atter Christian Seargeant and John Owen had created the opening. John Owen combined well with Paul McManus to carve open the home defence but Dave Jones did well to gather Christian Seargeant's fifteen yarder at the second attempt. Seargeant and Peter Hoy - who was outstanding at the back for Bangor - both went close before two more changes on 79 minutes. Another debutant for Bangor in the form of Guto Hughes replaced Kev Lloyd and for Newtown Kieron Groves for Craig Williams. The third and final goal came immediately after. Matt Sargent's throw in was flicked on by Paul McManus for Christian Seargeant who chased down the right. His goalbound effort deflected off goalkeeper Jones and invited the calmest of close range headers from sixteen year old John Owen who confirmed the reputation won with the young reserves. Neil Mitchell might have closed the gap in injury time but it mattered not as referee Tregonning blew for time and City's young side celebrated a deserved win against a near full strength Newtown. |
||||
|
||||
|
49 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
A brusing encounter with struggling Prestatyn left
City counting the cost as three key players left the field with
injuries, incuding one carried off in the dying minutes. Attacking the St Pauls End, into a stiff breeze, Prestatyn forged the first opening as robust striker Ian Griffiths raced on goal but was denied by a well timed tackle from Michael Johnston who ran across from the left. Moments later Les Davies was injured in a challenge by Dave Hayes which earned the defender a yellow card - the only one shown to his side by lenient referee Paul Thomas. On the quarter hour City could have done better when Les Davies charged to the left of the box but his intended square pass for Clive Williams drifted behind the Penygroes youngster and his delayed shot struck the burly Dunt's midrift. Johnston had not recovered from his earlier challenge and limped off on 18 minutes to be replaced by Caio Iwan, with the versatile Williams switching to centreback alongside Peter Hoy. City won a couple of corners at the Farrar End, the second of which saw Paul McManus lash over from eighteen yards. Town responded with another run from Ian Griffiths but his shot was lacked power and Paul Smith saved comfortably. On the half hour Peter Hoy sent in a long throw from the right, Paul McManus snatched at his shot and Mike Walsh fired high over the bar. Caio Iwan unsettled the visitors defence with a good run but a misunderstanding on the right ended the danger. On 39 minutes Ciyt had the lead. Another long throw from Peter Hoy was headed on at the near post by Les Davies and nodded beyond Dunt by Mike Walsh from six yards out. In the closing minute a repeat effort - this time the throw from the left - saw Walsh force a superb one handed save from Dunt whose movement defies his bulky appearance. After two minutes of added time referee Thomas blew a whistle most fans struggled to hear throughout and both sides left the field in bright sunshine with City leading by a solitary goal. |
||||
HALF TIME 1-0 |
||||
The first moment of the second half saw Peter Hoy flattened
by Griffiths who lunged in from several yards. Again the leniency
of referee Thomas - however well intended - was proving costly to
Bangor. On 50 minutes the scores were level. Steve Hoult drew a mistimed challenge from the hugely promising Williams and might have had a penalty. Play on - and Prestatyn did - as player manager Neil Gibson shot on goal, saw his shot take a wicked deflection and float into the Bangor net. Bangor won a corner which was half cleared to Kieran Killackey but his shot sailed over Dunt's bar. Ian Griffiths continued to press and a mistimed challenge by Martin Beattie saw a freekick delivered by Gibons but cleared by Killackey. Bangor's most potent attacking threat was Christian Seargeant playing down the left. His run ended in a fifth corner headed on target by young Clive Williams but held by Dunt. On the hour Peter Hoy sent in a trademark long throw which Les Davies headed on but Paul McManus - who in fairness to the eighteen year old seemed to be trying too hard at times - lashed over. Seconds later Davies slid a ball through on the right for McManus but he pulled his shot across goal. Five minutes later he made way for nineteen year old Matt Sargent. The game was now very open with both sides looking for a winner. Christian Seargeant and Ian Griffiths both prominent as the game switched end to end. With twenty minutes to go Alex Williams replaced the lanky but anonymous Parker who appeared to have injured himself. Christian Seargeant slid a ball in near post to Les Davies on the left but his shot lacked power and Dunt was on hand. With fifteen minute to go Dave Swanick limped off and Marc Limbert slotted in at rightback. Substitute Williams ran through but fired well over from long range before Karl Murrary - who had scored in the match at Bastion Road - came on for Steve Harris. On ninety minutes City won a seventh and final corner which resulted in a harsh tackle from behind on Les Davies which resulted in the big striker being stretched off and some unkind words spoken by player manager Gibson and his well fed goal keeper. Nonetheless the final whistle blew on a fair result overall and one celebrated by the visitors given that relegation had been avoided - perhaps they knew Caerws has lost. |
||||
|
||||
|
48 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
Welsh Cup finalists Bangor shared the spoils with
doomed Caernarfon before a crowd of some 500, around half of what might
have been expected over the original Christmas period date. With only on Caernarfon lad on the pitch it was probably inevitable that he would be involved in the action. So it was on 22 minutes that a ball forward from Martin Beattie provoked a mishit clearance from Kieran Molyneux which found Les Davies on the edge of the Canaries box. He slid in Kevin Lloyd who beat the resolute Lee Guinion from fifteen yards to the delight of the Farrar End who celebrated loudly behind Guinion's goal. The Merseyside contingent have fought with spirit all season, but as in the case have been repeatedly undone by terrible defending. Spurred on by the gifted Tom Grice they forced Paul Smith to save from Ashley Ruane's header from the left. City bounced back with a trademark Peter Hoy long throw, Les Davies upsetting the visitors defence and Kieran Killackey lashing a volley over from fifteen yards. Sion Edwards saw a goalbound effort strike a defender whilst Kev Lloyd, enjoying an outing against his former club, fired wide from 25 yards as he sought a second goal. But the Canaries fought back and drew level some five minutes before the interval. A defensive lapse on half way saw the ball run to nineteen year old Tom Grice who ran some twenty five yards before beating Paul Smith with a fierce strike which crashed into the roof of the St Pauls net. The former England Schoolboy cap has been the stand out player for the strugglers all season and seems destined for better things. Half time then and all square at Farrar Road. |
||||
HALF TIME 1-1 |
||||
Before the restart Bangor replaced the hard working Kieran
Killackey with young Paul McManus, but a second change ten minutes
later was of more concern. Goalscoring striker Kev Lloyd suffered
a neck injury and was seen to leave the ground in an ambulance.
His place was taken by Andy Mitchell. Both sides had chances to snatch all three points. James Glendenning found Tom Grice on the edge of the box but this time his clean strike hit the crossbar. Then Marc Limbert crossed from the left but Les Davies headed wide from infront of goal. In the closing minutes a long ball forward from Marc Limbert caused confusion in the visitors defence, Lee Guinion found himself on no mans land on the edge of the box, but Paul McManus fired into the side netting as the angle finally got the better of him on the left. With time running out manager Nev Powell gave sixteen year old striker John Owen his WP debut in place of Sion Edwards, and the Bangor born youngster went close to adding to his impressive tally at reserve level but could not find the net. So all square, the visitors awaiting their fate - there could still be no club relegated - and City looking forward to a second successive Welsh Cup Final. Manager Powell would have to wait for news on injury victims Lloyd and Edwards, and negotiate tricky end of season games with Prestatyn and then at Newtown. |
||||
|
||||
|
47 |
|
|
The Welsh Cup |
|
|
|
Welsh Cup holders Bangor
City reached the 2009 Final with a 2-1 defeat of Welsh League opponents
Bridgend Town at Park Avenue, and later found out they would face
Aberystwyth in that decisive play off. On a bright sunny afternoon City boss Nev Powell opted for Paul McManus upfront alongside the Maesgeirchen colossus Les Davies. But it was the underdogs from South Wales who struck first after launching a high speed counter attack. City were attacking the Dias Stand, a long throw from the left was cleared amid cries for a penalty. Nothing doing from Referee Lee Evans who kept pace with former Cwmbran striker Raith Plant as he chased down the left. At the vital moment Plant slipped but this seemed to wrongfoot the Bangor defence. Plant regained his composure if not his feet to cross invitingly for Ramir Outlow to side foot home from ten yards. With the opening goal times at 18 minutes it was less than sixty seconds later that Bangor levelled. Les Davies won a free kick on the left, close to the corner flag. Marc Limbert picked out Christian Seargeant on the edge of the D and his low shot beat the diving Cropley inside the righthand post. The Welsh League side had Paul Smith at full stretch as Dale Raven, once of Newtown, sent a dipping volley arrowing into the top right hand corner from some thirty yards. But the former Connahs Quay custodian palmed over at full stretch and the danger passed. Bangor won a freekick on the right and, from Marc Limbert's pinpoint delivery, Les Davies headed powerfully against the very middle of the crossbar with Cropley well beaten. Half time than an all square, with both sides contributing to an entertaining match at sunny Park Avenue. |
||||
HALF TIME 1-1 |
||||
There were no changes at the interval, five minutes on Dale
Raven was shown the yellow card by Referee Evans, the first of the
afternoon. On 69 minutes the second - and final - yellow of the afternoon was shown to Christian Seargeant. Then four minutes later the first substitution as Kieran Killackey replaced Paul McManus. Two minutes later City won a throw on the left, propelled rocket style by Peter Hoy into the six yard area. Two Town defenders struggled to clear but managed only to scramble the ball to the edge of the box where sub Kieran Killackey was on hand to drive home, low if not hard. City went close to doubling their lead when Sion Edwards robbed Harrison Kingston and crossed for Les Davies, but as he struggled to push the ball out of his feet Scott Hillman slid in and did enough to force the big striker to shoot wide. With three minutes on the clock came three changes, Martin Beattie on for Sion Edwards, and Bridgend pair Waters and Wallis coming on for goalscorer Outlow and Jenkins. In the final moments of added time Bridgend won a corner which Dale Raven crossed high but Paul Smith rose highest of all to gather comfortably and Referee Evans whistled for time. Bangor celebrated, Bridgend looked dejected, but they had played a full part in close fought game which had to end with winners and losers. |
||||
|
||||
|
46 |
|
|
Loosemores Cup |
|
|
|
An early penalty for TNS and a red card for their
itinerant striker Matthew Berkerley were the two talking points after
this cup final was won by the full timers at Latham Park, Newtown. Bangor had the better of a lacklustre opening ten minutes but could not force Paul Harrison into action. With their first foray forwards TNS won a corner which resulted in Steve Evans throwing his sizeable frame to the ground after contact from Jamie Brewerton. Penalty. Up stepped long serving midfielder John Leah who converted with ease to put the Park Hall side ahead. The penalty was perhaps generous but the next fifteen minutes passed with little incident before Marc Limbert sent a high free kick into the TNS box which Les Davies met strongly but his header was too close to Harrison. On the half hour the best move of the game began with a long throw from Peter Hoy, delivered down the left touchline. Christian Seargeant controlled and played a clever pass to Sion Edwards whose cross was headed on by Les Davies. Mike Walsh headed goalwards but could not get the better of the former Southport stopper. Les Davies fired a shot over the crossbar before, with five minutes remaining, the well travelled Berkerley raced goalwards from the left but could not beat Paul Smith with his low drive. Moments later though Referee Southall consulted his assistant before showing the red card to Berkerley for a clash with Michael Johnston which left the young defender flat on his back. With added time there were still some five minutes to be played out and Bangor had the momentum. The turning point came in those closing minutes when Sion Edwards ran into the box from the left, bewlidering rightback Hogan. The ball ran into the path of Les Davies whose trademark cannonball shot rattled the crossbar but fell safely for TNS. There was still time for a Bangor corner won by Christian Seargeant but headed off target by Jamie Brewerton. |
||||
HALF TIME 0-1 |
||||
Both teams had a chance to regroup and review their
tactics. TNS might have doubled their advantage when John Leah
broke down the left but his shot was wide and into the trapped City
fans at the "wrong end". Bangor launched a concerted assault on the TNS goal, three corners in a row which resulted in Darlington clearing a goalbound header from Mike Walsh off the line. With that behind them the full timers settled and with Phil Baker and Steve Evans in dominant mood, gave Harrison a relatively trouble free time. In midfield the long serving Leah impressed whilst front runner Darlington gave the blues defence some problems. With twenty minutes left a foul by Phil Baker some thirty five yards out gave City a freekick. Marc Limbert delivered high into the box, Les Davies headed on and Harrison was on hand to hold an overhead effort from Peter Hoy at the righthand post. TNS broke immediately and but for a weak effort from Scott Ruscoe might have doubled their advantage. On 73 minutes Bangor made a double change. Dave Swanick and Sion Edwards made way for Paul McManus and Kev Lloyd. But two minutes later the Shropshire side had the cushion of a second goal. An overhit cross from John McKenna from the right caught the blues defence offguard. The lively Darlington gathered and crossed from the left for Connal Murtagh to slot home from close range. Bangor huffed and puffed by Baker and Evans stood firm. Kev Lloyd fired over from twenty five yards, Mike Walsh had a shot cleared off the line by Steve Evans, and Jamie Brewerton headed over. With seven minutes left Andy Mitchell came on for Michael Johnston who had suffered a number of knocks. Bangor won a later corner which Kev Lloyd headed on target but without sufficient power to trouble Harrison. After sub Craig Whitfield had gone close for TNS and Paul McManus fired wide for Bangor, Referee Southall blew for time and the green & white clad supporters were able to celebrate as City fans headed for home. |
||||
|
||||
|
45 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
A dry, bouncy pitch which
offered little either team
resulted in a game of high ball and chase which, given their greater
need, relegation strugglers Cefn won deservedly enough in the end. Bangor offered recalls to Jamie Brewerton at centrehalf - Clive Williams was on the bench - and Sion Edwards on the left wing. Cefn opted for former City favourite Ricky Evans alone upfront with no sign of the promising John Rush in the starting eleven or bench. Bangor had the better of the first half, playing towards the trees, and Christian Seargeant forced Ged McGuigan into a save on thirteen minutes with a clean 25 yard strike which the bulky stopper caught comfortably. Minutes later a first corner on the left was intercepted at the near post by Michael Johnston but his first time flick went the wrong side of the upright. City continued to press and a couple more corners followed, but in fairness this half was dominated by the pitch and the reluctance of either side to play the ball along a treacherous surface. For Bangor big Jamie Brewerton was impressive whilst young Shrewbury based Dan Barnett dug deep for The Druids. Referee Duncan of Ellesmere has enjoyed a trouble free evening until the 42 minute when a wild lunge from Aled Rowlands, playing at rightback, flattened Dave Swanick who needed lengthy treatment. It seemed a red card challenge from long range, but yellow sufficed and following another stoppage for treatment to Michael Johnston who had also been clobbered, the players trudged off. |
||||
HALF TIME 1-0 |
||||
Barely had the second half got underway than a Bangor attack
broke down and Cefn scored. Josh Griffiths led a break our which
involved Andy Edgar, some frantic defending from the blues, before the
ball fell for Kevin
Holsgrove to flash a rising shot into the top lefthand corner
from the edge of the box. The languid left footer was an Everton
youths teammate of James Vaughan and Victor Anichebe and is flashes
shows why. From then on the pattern was set. Bangor had more of the ball and attacked, Cefn broke with purpose and might have doubled their lead. The immediate response was direct. Two corners, the first deep to Peter Hoy who forced a brilliant reflex save from McGuigan, the second tempting Andy Mitchell to shoot but unhappily his effort flew over. Dave Swanick was still hampered by the last minute injury and it was no surprise that he gave way to Martin Beattie on 54 mins. Two minutes later Mark Powell, unkempt but industrious, was yellow carded for refusing to retreat ten yards at a freekick which Chris Seargeant crossed a fraction too high for Peter Hoy. On the hour Cefn won a corner before Paul McManus replaced Sion Edwards who seemed to leave field with no further worries despte some heavy tackles. A sixth Bangor corner picked out Kieran Killackey but his fierce drive hit Barnett and span over McGuigan's goal and onto the roof of the net. Cefn enjoyed some possession, a couple more corners, but no real threat posed. On 67 minutes Clive Williams, a defender for the reserves the night before, came on for Andy Mitchell and went upfront alongside Kev Lloyd. A seventh corner followed, a breakneck charge upfield by Cefn but the combination of Michael Johnston and the hugely promising Williams snuffed it out. On 71 mins Geraint Lewis ambled on for Josh Griffiths who had run himself into the ground. Cefn went close, Bangor now countered but Kev Lloyd screweed his shot, then Andrew Edgar fired well wide. Time had to run out and eventually it did, and the Druids nearly doubled their advantage when Paul Smith's mishit clearance invited a long range effort from substitute Lewis but he failed to hit the target. City rolled their corner tally up to ten, Dan Barnett cleared yet again, and the whistle blew on a famous and much needed victory for the Druids. |
||||
|
||||
|
44 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
Bangor boss Nev Powell gave
Clive Williams a first
start in central defence alongside Michael Johnston and the eighteen
year old Penygroes defender did enough to suggest he has a fine future
at this level. Playing down the hill, right to left as the specators were obliged to watch, Bangor dominated the opening 25 minutes and could easily have been two or three goals to the good. The first corner, in the first minute, saw Marc Limbert cross and Chris Seargeant scuff his shot wide from ten yards. Welshpool countered but Paul Smith was comfortably equal to Steve Roger's low shot. A second City corner was gathered impressively by 'Pool keeper Danny Jones but moments later Dave Swanick's curling cross from the right fell to Chris Seargeant whose shot was half cleared and resulted in a foul and freekick on the edge of the box. Chris Seargeant's effort cleared the wall but struck the hedge behind the goal. City continued to press, a Peter Hoy long throw found Les Davies but his header looped over, then a second delivery dropped for Chris Seargeant but he shot across goal and out for a goalkick. Against the run of play Welshpool went ahead. Kyle Jacobs crossed from the right, Paul Roberts headed against the crossbar and the alert Steve Rogers found the net with a low drive from ten yards with the blues defence flatfooted. Bangor won another corner which landed on the roof of the net, then Kieran Killackey fired over from twenty yards. Most of Bangor's attacks came down the left and one corner from that side resulted in a clever cushioned header from Chris Seargeant which set up Marc Limbert who ran on goal but fired wide. The half time whistle blew with Welshpool a goal up, Bangor guilty of not converting chances, but with every reason to feel optimistic about the second period. |
||||
HALF TIME 1-0 |
||||
Within two minutes of the restart City went close again when
Les Davies blasted narrowly wide from 25 yards out on the left. Bangor continued to press, playing uphill, with the travelling contingent now behind the top goal and close to the home dugout occupied by former blues assistant manager Huw Griffiths. An attack up the left wing by Chris Seargeant yielded a corner which was headed powerfully goalwards by Peter Hoy but Jones' fingertips saved the day. Welshool pushed forwards and enjoyed a better spell with Richard Harris in the thick of the action and Roberts and Rogers testing Michael Johnston and teenager Clive Williams to the full. With twenty minutes left a seventh blues corner - but the first from the right - was hacked clear before fell runner Andy Davies replaced former City defender Kyle Jacobs. On 82 minutes Bangor were finally level. A foul by Timmy Edwards on Peter Hoy, a freekick right on the edge of the box, eighteen yard line, just to the right of centre. With Huw Jones opting to pull the ball back four yards and get the wall to retreat by a similar amount, there was eight yards for Chris Seargeant to lift the ball up and dip it into the Welshpool net, which he duly did! Before the restart a double change, with former Chester youngsters Paul McManus and Andy Mitchell coming on for captain Marc Limbert and Les Davies, who both left the field with knocks. It was Mitchell who went closest to grabbing a deserved winner as he latched onto a long throw from the right but sent his shot just over Jones's crossbar. Oddly the timewasting tactics employed by former Shawbury stopper Jones now disappeared. A final whinge? Referee Huw Jones appeared to acknowledge there was timewasting afoot, presided over a stoppage whilst Les Davies was injured, officiated over four substitutions but added only just minutes. Nevertheless an away point well earned and some pleasing perfomances, not least from debutant defender Clive Williams who grew into the game and the hard working Kev Lloyd who unsettled the home defence throughout. To his credit there we no yellow or red cards shown. |
||||
|
||||
|
43 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
City lost this wet and windswept battle with mid table
visitors Newtown after conceding two goals in five minutes in the
second half. With both sides partly below par due to injury and
suspension, several youngsters were involved either from the start or
on the bench. Playing with the wind and attacking the St Pauls End, the home side struggled to keep control and found the conditions difficult despite the supposed advantage. Newtown forced a series of corners and Bangor were relieved to see Dave Swanick hack one effort off the line with goalkeeper Paul Smith for once beaten. When City attacked the Robins goalkeeper Dave Jones looked less than sure of himself but - one way or another - survived with his goal and clean sheet intact. The best chances for City involved Christian Seargeant who had one twenty yarder tipped over the bar by Jones and saw a couple more efforts blocked by Clarke and Jellicoe. As half time approached Bangor might have done better when Christian Seargeant ran on goal, looked to pass to Les Davies who was well placed, but instead picked out Clarke and the chance was gone. However the half time scoreline remained blank and both sides were glad of a welcome break. |
||||
HALF TIME 0-0 |
||||
Playing into the wind Bangor again failed to impsoe
themselves on the Mid Wales side. On 67 minutes Nev Powell made the first change of the evening, sending Paul McManus onto the pitch in place of Kev Lloyd who is gradually regaining match fitness. Two minutes later, on 69 former Cefn Druids left footer Nicky Ward put the visitors infront with an inswinging corner that flew into the net courtesy of the wind sweeping into the St Pauls End, despite the best efforts of Kieran Killackey. Five minutes later it was 2-0 as Shane Sutton netted after another cross had not been cleared. In between the two goals Bangor replaced injured leftback Martin Beattie with Andy Mitchell. With less than fifteen minutes remaining Chris Seargeant struck for Bangor with the goal of the night. Andy Mitchell gathered the ball on the left wing and played infield tothe former Everton youth who fortunately evaded a wild lunge from centreback Huw Clarke. The ball ran to Paul McManus who passed back out to the left for Christian Seargeant who ran at goal, beating half the Newtown defence before slotting the ball past Dave Jones in the Newtown goal. Although the proved to the end of the scoring there was still drama to unfold as Neil Mitchell launched into a lunge on blues defender Dave Swanick which this time did not go unpunished by referee Harms. A red card seemed a little harsh but the former Caersws winger was forced to walk off, the clubs' fourth red card in as many games. Goalscorer Sutton was also yellow carded for a lunge on Les Davies which was probably worse than Mitchell's as City pressed. With three minutes left player manager Darren Ryan replaced Craig Moses and the visitors were soon able to celebrate a rare away win which lifted them above local rivals Welshpool. |
||||
|
||||
|
42 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
A solitary goal, a majestic freekick from Christian
Seargeant, was enough to secure all three points for Bangor against a
determined Airbus side. Strengthened by the return of centrebacks Mark Allen and Gareth Sudlow, the visitors were visibly stronger at the back and opted to push utility man Mark Cadwallader into the attack alongside James McIntosh. Bangor boss Nev Powell swopped Peter Hoy for Jamie Brewerton with Dave Swanick slotting in at rightback. Upfront Paul McManus partnered Les Davies. Playing into the Farrar End hosts Bangor won an early corner on the right which Marc Limbert swung into and struck the near post. There was a stoppage whilst Michael Johnson was treated for a facial injury, the lanky Cadwallder was lucky not to shown a card of some colour for his part in this incident and another moments later. On fifteen minutes City went close with a neat flick forward from Paul McManus but Marc Limbert could not find the target with a header at full stretch. Airbus responded with a fine run from Ryan Edwards which was half blocked by Paul Smith and clattered clear by Martin Beattie. As the visitors strove for the lead Beattie was alert and acted as a sweeper on a couple of occasions, cutting across from the left as danger threatened. On the half hour Bangor had the lead. A freekick to the left of the box invited a curler from Christian Seargeant which beat the despairing Doran into the net. Airbus went close through centreback Sudlow who headed over when well placed, then makeshift striker Cadwallader fired at Paul Smith with time and space to do better. Referee Tregonning had done his best to take a liberal view of tackles and let the game flow, largely to the benefit of both sides as City ran on with a one goal lead. However he did finally issue a yellow card for dissent to Cadwallader on the stroke of half time, although this went largely unnoticed. |
||||
HALF TIME 1-0 |
||||
The first action of the second period was a blatant foul by
McIntosh on Peter Hoy for which he was duly cautioned. Ten minutes
after the restart Peter Hoy was forced to slide in to block a goalbound
shot and from the resulting corner Martin Beattie was forced to clear
Gareth Sudlow's header off the line. This came in a rapid fire series
of three Airbus corner which ended when Peter Hoy headed clear and
Bangor finally got out. On the hour Kevin Lloyd replaced young Paul McManus alongside Les Davies and immediately forced a full lengh save from Doran as his dipping volley threatened to double the advantage. With 63 minutes played a double change, Andy Mitchell came on for Christian Seargeant who had been injured in the goalmouth, and Phil Molynuex replaced the pedestrian McIntosh. Ten minutes remained when Kieran Killackey was carded for a strong challenge before the low point of the afternoon. An attacking freekick for Airbus ended in acrimony as substitute Molyneux needlessly hit Martin Beattie across the head with his arm and sparked angry scenes. Neither referee Tregonning or his young assistant saw the incident and, with relentless denials, the thuggish action went unpunished. The final action of the forgettable second half saw Matty Woodward yellow carded for a deliberate handball backed up by a blatant hack at the ball to prevent a quick freekick. Manager Harrison, stationed by his dugout in fetching black tights, would later claim his side had bettered Bangor - despite the scoreline. The scoreline stated otherwise and three valuable points and a third and final win for City over the Planemakers in three encounters this season. |
||||
|
||||
|
41 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
Bangor were forced to settle for a draw from a match
in which they enjoyed the better share of possession and created more
chances. Nonetheless it was TNS who created the first opening when the veteran John Toner hit the crossbar inside three minutes. Operating with three centre backs the visitors started strongly but failed to make their advantage pay. However, inspired by Christian Seargeant and the determined figure of Kieran Killackey, City began to exert more influence and forced the visitors deeper intot their own half. Seargeant slid round John Leah on the goallines but watched in disbelief as his goalbound shot from the left swept into the side netting. As the half drew to a close Bangor went close on three occasions, forcing two goal line clearances. These included a looping header from Jamie Brewerton which was cleared by former Manchester United apprentice Jamie Wood, a chip from Paul McManus - who started alongside Les Davies - hacked away by Barry Hogan - and an effort from Christian Seargeant into the side netting. Long distance referee Dean John - who had yellow carded visitors pair John McKenna and Jamie Wood - blew for the interval on a goalless but entertaining first half. |
||||
HALF TIME 0-0 |
||||
In an open second half the visitors went close through
academy product John McKenna and the well travelled Matt Berkerley. City won a freekick just outside the box, Christian Seargeant delivered but Paul Harrison saved well. As time ran out a cross from Les Davies was headed goalwards by Peter Hoy but Harrison saved and the chance was gone. TNS sent on towering centreback Rob Williams for John Leah, with the Blackpool based defender acting as an emergency centre forward, but City coped comfortably enough. In the closing minute young Andy Mitchell replaced the marauding Les Davies who had given the former Football League centrebacks Baker and Evans a tough examination. However there was a late setback for Bangor when centrehalf Jamie Brewerton was harshly red carded - a second yellow - for the slightest of incidents with visiting goalkeeper Harrison. Moments later the final whistle blew on a goalless draw, two points dropped by City perhaps, although any point against full timers in a predominantly part time league must be worth having. |
||||
|
||||
|
40 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
What ended up as an emphatic
defeat was quite an even
affair until the final fifteen minutes when the hosts scored twice and
over ran an inexperienced City midfield. The opening exchanges saw Paul O'Neill booked for a deliberate block on Sion Edwards and Marc Limbert fire the freekick into the wall. Paul Smith gathered a goalward header from Strong before Les Davies shot on the turn but Jones saved comfortably. Midway through the half O'Neill was lucky not to incur further punishment for a late lunging tackle on Jamie Brewerton but on the half hour - on 32 minutes to be precise - the home side went ahead. A hopeful punt over the top by leftback Roberts was chased by Jamie Reed who got the better of Michael Johnson to beat Paul Smith with a low clean strike. Bangor were shaken but fought back with a goal five minutes later. From a Peter Hoy long throw Marc Limbert latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the box to thrash home an unstoppable equaliser to the delight of the hundreds of blues supporters amongst the 1500 crowd. With five minutes left make shift right back Paul O'Neil was guilty of another infringement, this time a block on Chris Seargeant as the stand in striker broke on half way. But moments later the former Everton youth went close to putting City ahead with a well flighted chip from the left which was scrambled off the line by the impressive Greg Strong. However with seconds remaining of added time a clever piece of play by Neil Roberts set up Gareth Owen who calmly put the Lilywhites back in front. Referee Ceri Richards blew for time and the home side led 2-1 at the interval. |
||||
HALF TIME 2-1 |
||||
The first chance of the second half saw Les Davies steer a
long throw from Peter Hoy on target but Jones gathered. With
neither side gaining the initiative - but with Rhyl leading - manager
Nev Powell opted for a double substitution on 64 minutes. Thi saw
Kieran Killackey and Marc Limbert replaced by teenagers Paul McManus
and Andy Mitchell. Seconds later it seemed to have worked a treat. Peter Hoy's long throw caused panic in the Rhyl box and George Horan was yellow carded for a visible overhead handball. Penalty. With Marc Limbert off left winger Sion Edwards accepted the responsibility but unfortunately skied his effort over the bar. Rhyl responded with a corner which caused confusion in the Bangor box and moments later Paul O'Neill made way for Marc Connolly and Stuart Cook replaced Sion Edwards. On 73 minutes the contest was all but over as Neil Roberts latched onto a loose clearance from Paul Smith to put the home side 3-1 ahead with a low drive. On 82 minutes it was 4-1 as George Horan finished off a fine move involving Gareth Owen and Neil Roberts to give the scoreline an emphatic look. This result means Rhyl have completed a league double over Bangor who in turn have knocked the Lilywhites out of both Loosemores and Welsh Cup. |
||||
|
||||
|
39 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
Bangor raced into a three goal lead inside the opening
fifteen minutes and never looked like losing against basement stugglers
Caersws. Attacking the St Pauls End, pushed forward by a stiff breeze, Bangor laid seige to the Bluebirds goal from the kick off and forced two corners in the opening two minutes with Jamie Brewerton going close from the second sent over by Sion Edwards. Caersws survived but on four minutes when Referee Duncan awarded a freekick they stood and watched as Les Davies rose highest to head home Marc Limbert's inviting cross from the left. A third Bangor corner was cleared but on ten minutes City doubled their lead. A long throw from the right, hurtled in by the industrious Peter Hoy, caused havoc in the visitors defence. Les Davies shot right footed, goalkeeper John Rowley fumbled at the foot of his post and stand in striker Christian Seargeant tapped the ball in off the prone 'keeper from close range. With Kieran Killackey snapping and Mike Walsh passing purposefully, the visitors midfield was over run. Walsh let fly with a twenty fiive yarder which Rowley held, then goalscorer Seargeant saw his goalbound effort turned away for a fourth Bangor corner on 15 minutes. CaptainMarc Limbert delivered and Peter Hoy crashed his header home off Mark Davies who was stationed at back the post. Given what was by now a hopeless position most teams would have given up. To their credit Caersws are made of sterner stuff and, driven forward by the irrepressible Aeron Edwards they won three corners on the bounce and forced Paul Smith to save from Jamie Haynes. Midfielder Edwards fired on goal from the edge of the box but Peter Hoy flung himself into the line of fire. On the half hour Bangor pushed forwards again with two long throws from Peter Hoy on the left. Both found the head of big Les Davies and both slid just wide of the post. In between Mike Walsh had a shot held by the acrobatic Rowley. A fifth Bangor corner saw Jamie Brewerton head wide. But spirited Caersws were still in the hunt and a break on the right by Mark Davies - who looked clearly offside - resulted in a cross to Jamie Haynes but his rising drive was pushed over by Paul Smith. Bangor countered through Christian Seargeant on the right, his near post cross was dragged just wide by Les Davies. And that was about it, save for a sixth Bangor corner which was cleared, as Referee Duncan blew for half time. |
||||
HALF TIME 3-0 |
||||
Scarcely had the second half begun than controvesy erupted.
Playing into the wind and attacking the Farrar End, City won a throw on
the right which Peter Hoy propelled into the box. A half clearance
invited a shot from Mike Walsh which Aeron Edwards blatantly charged
down rugby style. Referee Duncan rightly awarded the penalty but opted
against any further action when a red card was a distinct
possibility. He did though caution the woeful Jamie Taylor for
dissent. So on 48 minutes a penalty which Christian Seargeant claimed but, to his despair, John Rowley saved well with a dive to the right. On 55 minutes Sion Edwards sent a freekick from the right, inswinging, towards Les Davies but he lashed over. On the hour Christian Seargeant did have the ball in the net but was - rightly it seemed - ruled out for offside. On 62 minutes Christian Courtney replaced Jamie Haynes and Paul McManus came on for Sion Edwards. This inspired the visitors who created chances on the right for former Airbus striker Dave Hughes who hit the post with one effort and narrowly missed the target with another. Bangor responded with a seventh corner which involved Paul McManus and resulted in John Rowley saving from Les Davies. The pacey Courtney then shot over for Caersws but with fifteen minutes left a clever combination between Les Davies and young Paul McManus ended with the former Chester youngster firing just over from the right after rounding Matthew Holt. On 79 minutes a double change as big Steve Hughes replaced Chris Melia upfront for Caersws and Andy Mitchell came on for Christian Seargeant. Five minutes later Stuart Cook came on for Les Davies. In the final minute of normal time a touch more controvesy which passed with little said as Paul McManus was clearly pulled back in the box by Holt. Penalty? It seemed that way but nothing was given. One final moment, a flowing move involving the outstanding Kieran Killackey and Marc Limbert who crossed for the inrushing Martin Beattie to head goalwards from eight yards, but Rowley pulled off an excellent save, pusing the ball onto and over the crossbar. An eighth corner which came to nothing but a fitting end to a fast and open game, won by Bangor but with visitors Caersws fighting to the last. |
||||
|
||||
|
38 |
|
|
The Welsh Cup |
|
|
|
Although
the goals did not come until the second half - in what turned into a
romp - the first half was not without incident or talking point either.
All seemed set fair on a calm if cloudy afternoon with hundred of
cheery Bangor supporters packed into half of the compact Broughton
ground. The early action involved the lineman who flagged five times as Bangor attacked the social club end. Airbus forced the first corner, Paul Smith collected, and on twenty minutes Phil Palethorpe made the first save of the afternoon. A foul on midfielder Kieran Killackey resulted in a 22 yard freekick which Christian Seargeant curled low towards the righthand post and forced a stumbling save from the home keeper. On the half hour all eyes were on the other linesman, Maldwyn Williams, who declared himsel unwell. With no fourth official on duty a call went out for a volunteer, after a five minutes delay former Airbus manager Rob Lythe emerged with the flag, with the surviving official swapping sides to rule over the home dugout. Bangor seemed to gain impetus and forced a series of openings. Marc Limbert's deep freekick from the right was headed over the bar by the towering Les Davies. Then the big leftpeg headed on for Christian Seargeant but his effort lofted over. Next a deep cross from the left by Les Davies was headed down by Christian Seargeant and Mike Walsh fired over. Into the fourth minute of added time Jamie Brewerton headed over and then he saw a second effort cleared. Finally in the 54th minute - there was also a stoppage for injury - Brewerton again went close but this time his downward header hit the side netting from the right. So a lengthy first half on that notorious bumpy pitche had brought openings but not goals. |
||||
HALF TIME 0-0 |
||||
It turned out to be the calm before the storm. Two
minutes after the restart Bangor had the lead. A long throw from
Peter Hoy was nodded on by Les Davies for Christian Seargeant
to scramble home from a yard out. It might have gone from bad to
worse for Airbus seconds later when Sion Edwards racec clear on the
left but his fierce volley sped wide. It was a momentary reprieve
only though as within a minute of the first goal Mike Walsh headed on
to Les Davies
who raced in to clatter the ball beyond the hopelessly exposed
Palethorpe. Airbus stirred and managed to press the Bangor goal, with Peter Hoy, Martin Beattie, Jamie Brewerton and Michael Johnston defending bravely. City goalkepeer Paul Smith was scarcely tested though as the cleanest effort was a shot into the side netting by Tom Rowlands for what turned out to be his final action of the game as young George Stewart replaced him on 58 minutes. On the hour Bangor won a third corner of the afternoon on the right. Sion Edwards crossed eeep, Jamie Brewerton headed back across goal and Peter Hoy tapped in from close range. Immediately Airbus replaced the pedestrian MacIntosh with another of their young Wrexham loanees Mark Head. Les Davies was becoming unstoppable now and he latched onto a careless ball across the box by Woodward to fire on goal. His initial effort blocked, he chipped to the edge of the box and Palethorpe saved wel from Mike Walsh. It mattered little moments later when Kieran Killackey's header forward found Les Davies who slipped the ball sideways to left winger Sion Edwards who fired home from wide on the left for a 4-0 lead. A minute later it was 5-0 as Mike Walsh headed on to the marauding Les Davies who dusted off Wood ward and Ryan Edwards before rattling the ball past Palethorpe. The final home substitution followed as a weary Desormeaux made way for former blue Gary Lovell, seconds later a first change for Bangor as young Paul McManus replaced the impressive Kieran Killackey. Lovell was yellow carded by Morda ref Huw Jones before Paul Smith saved well from Phil Molyneux who refused to accept the inevitable. With ten minute left Sion Edwards' shot was saved by Palethorpe, then on 82 minutes a double change as Sion Edwards and Les Davies made way for Stuart Cook and Andy Mitchell. There was one final bizarre moment at Mark Cadwallader vented his frustration with a laughable slap on Les Davies which was not seen by referee or his assistant. It mattered not as the Truck was uninjured and, minutes later, the final whislte signalled loud celebrations from the blue horde. |
||||
|
||||
|
37 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
A third away defeat on the
bounce for Bangor who had
Dave Swanick red carded deep into the final moments of injury time. Manager Nev Powell gave young Paul McManus a start upfront alongside Les Davies. After open exchanges and chances at both ends it was Port Talbot who took the lead on 34 minutes, somewhat against the run of play. Bangor had been pressing the home defence with a sequence of corners, one of which was played short and conceded possession to the Town defenders who promply passed forward toMartin Rose who fed Drew Fahiya who raced clear to slide the ball past Paul Smith. Port Talbot held their lead to half time and Neil Morgan whistled for the break. |
||||
HALF TIME 1-1 |
||||
Whatever had been said in either dressing room counted for
little three minutes after the break when Port Talbot quickly doubled
their advantage. Again it was Drew Fahiya who struck to put the home side 2-0 ahead. Bangor boss Nev Powell refused to take this setback lying down and on the hour responded with a triple substitution. This saw Martin Beattie, Stuart Cook and Andy Mitchell come on for Kieran Killackey, Paul McManus and Sion Edwards. This certainly gave Bangor fresh initiative with Les Davies sending one booming effort skimming the outside of the post and home 'keeper Kristian Rogers saving well from Peter Hoy. But try as they might City could not force a goal, until that is the 90th minute when a header from Jamie Brewerton got the better of Kristian Rogers to halve the deficit. Brewerton had been pushed forward to add some height to the attack in the closing minutes and gave a good account of himself in an unfamiliar role. Unhappily though the final action of the afternoon saw Dave Swanick red carded for the use of an elbow on Lee John. The penalty was quickly claimed by Drew Fahiya but he was denied his hatrick by Paul Smith. This was the final action of the match which ended in a 2-1 defeat for Bangor and a suspension looming over defender Swanick. |
||||
|
||||
|
36 |
|
|
NWCFA Cup |
|
|
|
Bangor
boss Nev Powell went for a mixture of youth and experience at Talwrn
Road but could not match a full strength Llangefni side who ran out 3-1
winners in this North Wales Coast cup tie. The experience came from first teamers Marc Limbert, Stuart Cook and Kevin Lloyd. Amongst the youngster given the chance to impress were debutant 'keeper James Firman, centreback Clive Williams, as well as Matt Sargent who scored against Caersws and young striker Caio Iwan. But it was Llangefni who went ahead on 22 minutes when Graham Austin headed home from a corner delivered by defender Chris Williams. The home side thought they had doubled their advantage when Mel McGinness had the ball in the net after a run but a linesman's flag cut short the celebreations. The narrow lead at the interval would have given manager Nev Powell cause for optimism in his half time team talk. |
||||
HALF TIME 1-1 |
||||
Ten minutes after the restart Bangor were level.
A corner was not cleared properly and young sub John Owen
crashed home from the edge of the box to the delight of the
sizeable travelling support. On 55 minutes Llangefni regained the lead through Jon Peris Jones whose father Gwyn was a Northern Premier League title winner with City some 25 years ago. Jones scored from a Ywain Gwynedd cross. Again Llangefni might have increased their lead as Mel McGinness stepped up to take a penalty but debutant 'keeper James Firman saved comfortably to keep City's hopes alive. The decisive third goal did not come until the 88th minute when former Holyhead winger Darren Thomas scored to put the tie beyond the young blues. Llangefni now face Llandudno in the next round. |
||||
|
||||
|
35 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
This disappointing defeat was
overshadowed by a
serious arm injury suffered by Chris Sharp which, at time of writing,
seems set to rule him out for the rest of the season. Robbed by suspension of key midfielder Marc Limbert and Kieran Killackey, manager Nev Powell opted to give Peter Hoy and run in midfield and re-instate Sion Edwards on the left wing. It was a ploy which proved successful when Chris Sharp brushed passed home defenders Richard Hughes and Kris Thomas to fire low into the left corner but Neil Thomas' full length dive did the job. On 15 minutes the tactic looked even better. Richard Hughes fouled Sharp on the left, Christian Seargeant's freekick cleared the home defence and dropped invitingly for Chris Sharp to crash the ball into the roof the net from point blank. Carmarthen responded with a 60 yard freekick which Neil Thomas - in a style reminscent of a grumpy Lee Williams - forced Paul Smith to push over with a fiercely struck effort. However tactics and formations counted for little on 27 minutes. Chris Sharp lost the ball to Richard Hughes on the goalline and launched into a two footed tackle which clearly angered the home 'keeper and his defence. In fairness though they quickly realised the tall striker was in severe pain and shouted for the physios who raced across the pitch. As City's leading scorer was carried off Referee Adie had little option but to show the red card for the initial challenge. Being down to ten men does not daunt Bangor and with their backs duly pressed to the wall City defender bravely. This all came crashing down four minutes after the lengthy stoppage ended when Peter Hoy tripped Stuart Roberts, a clear penalty and the inevitable yellow card. Up stepped Nathan Cotterrall for the penalty kick but to the relief of the travelling contingent he sliced his effort wide of the righthand post. So Bangor led at the interval which brought welcome respite and a chance to regroup. |
||||
HALF TIME 1-1 |
||||
A second half change saw Tim Hicks replaced Neil Smothers and
to their credit Carmarthen set about using the width of the pitch to
exploit the man advantage. The first clear opening came when Paul Fowler flicked on at the near post but saw his effort slide across goal. But on 68 minutes the pressure told as the home side drew level. An inswinging freekick from the left by Nathan Cotterrall was headed on by Nicky Palmer to beat Paul Smith into the corner of the blues net. Tim Hicks went close before his shot was deflected to Craig Hughes who quick turn and shot flashed into the bottom corner for a two one lead. The former Newport striker nearly doubled his tally minutes later byu Paul Smith saved well but be was not to be denied ten minutes from time. A booming right to left clearance from goallkeeper Neil Thomas was headed on by leftback Lee Hudgell for Craig Hughes to head home from six yards. Things could have got worse for Bangor in what was turning into a dismal day when Stuart Roberts cut in from the left but once more Paul Smith saved well and the scoreline stayed at three one. So a deserved win for Carmarthen, given that they were in no way to blame for Chris Sharp's injury, and one which puts City at a clear disadvantage in the race for third or fourth in the Welsh Premier. But there is still a long way to go. |
||||
|
||||
|
34 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
Bangor won a closely fought encounter with Porthmadog
thanks to a solitary strike from Chris Sharp. The team news
focused on the return of centrehalf Jamie Brewerton in a reshuffle
which saw Martin Beattie start on the left of midfield. It started brightly for Bangor when former City reserves keeper Dave Vickers saved an early effort from Les Davies and then handled a backpass to concede a freekick. He was yellow carded by Morda ref Huw Jones for kicking the ball away but to the official's credit the rest of a fairly contested match passed without any further bookings. Port thought they had the lead when Chris Jones' cross was tapped in by Marc Lloyd Williams, but the linesman flagged for offside when the 297 goal striker's initial effort was parried by Paul Smith which ruled out the follow up. With Christian Seargeant enjoying a run on the right of midfield Bangor took control and might have gone ahead. First he saw one goal bound effort deflected for a corner, then a cross to Chris Sharp produced a thumping header against the upright. As City pressed both Sharp and strike partner Les Davies fired wide from outside the box. |
||||
HALF TIME 0-0 |
||||
The second period saw Port attack. First the versatile
John Rowley
fired at blues keeper Paul Smith after a purposeful run and then the
former Caernarfon
striker set up Marc Lloyd Williams but he shot wide. Paul McManus had replaced Martin Beattie at half time and his early shot was turned away for a corner. Then the persistent Christian Seargeant saw his shot suffer the same fate, a corner from which City finally took the lead. With the diminutive Vickers creating unease in the visitors defence Chris Sharp rose above John Rowley to head home his fourth goal in two games on the hour for what turned out to be the only goal of the game. This despite the best efforts of the despairing Vickers and the goal line presence of Marcus Orlik. City should have increased the lead as both Peter Hoy and Kieran Killackey went close. But Port kept plugging away and Rowley again passed to Marc Lloyd Williams but he shot into the side netting. So the final whistle blew on the narrowest of victories for City and three more points to add to the league total. New Porthmadog manager Tomi Morgan would have left with grounds for optimism as he new charges played with plenty of heart. |
||||
|
||||
|
33 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
Despite including three pairs of brothers The Nomads
were no match for Bangor who took the lead inside ten minutes and never
looked back. With new signings Paul McManus and Andy Mitchell watching from the bench it was leading goalscorer Chris Sharp who opened the scoring on nine minutes when Dave Swanick's deep cross from the right was deflected back to the big striker by Les Davies for a close range finish. Moments later former Caernarfon goalkeeper Craig Vernon did well to deny Sion Edwards, and the visitors thought they had equalised when Liam Loughlin netted but City were spared by a linesman's flag. Bangor won a freekick on the edge of the box and Christian Seargeant's shot hit the crossbar with Vernon again beaten. Chris Sharp also raced through to finish confidently but instead of celebrating a goal Sharp was left to contemplate a yellow card as referee Petch decided he had kicked the ball away with the offside flag again held high. As City pressed former Canaries Peter Doran and Teddy Whelan were yellow carded. Bangor were not to be denied though and buried the Deeside outfit with a three goal salvo in four minutes before half time. It began on 41 minutes when Vernon could not hold Kieran Killackey's twenty yard strike and Chris Sharp was on hand to lift the ball over the prone 'keeper. On 44 minutes Sion Edwards corner found Les Davies who struck a low drive from the left which found the net through a crowd of players. The blow came on the stroke of half time as Chris Sharp completed his hatrick on 45 minutes after Sion Edwards had turned smartly on Christian Seargeants cross from the left. |
||||
HALF TIME 4-0 |
||||
City fans got an early look at new signing Paul McManus who
came on for Sion Edwards on 46 minutes. But it was versatile
defender Peter
Hoy who notched his fourth league goal of the season with a near
post header
from a 48th minute corner to put City 5-0 up against the long suffering
visitors. Nomads manager Steve O'Shaughnessy responded by sending on Ronnie Morgan for Phil Clarke but in fairness to "The Rocket" he struggled to turn the tide with this side already 5-0 adrift. Christian Seargeant ran in from the right but his shot flew over into the St Pauls End. Substitute Paul McManus got on the end of a cross from the right but hit the post. On 73 minutes the second former Chester youngster Andy Mitchell made his debut - as a replacement for Kieran Killackey - and a minute later watched as fellow new comer Paul McManus latched onto a Les Davies flick, raced clear to beat Vernon and round off the scoring despite the best intentions of trailing centreback Alston. Six nil it remained and the whistle could not come soon enough for O'Shaughnessy's ragged Nomads. Ten minutes from time Chris Sharp made way for Stuart Cook whose calmly taken penalty had been so well received a week ago against cup opponents Rhyl. The only sour note of the evening for City was a harsh booking for Les Davies on the 90th minute but it did little to dampen the mood of the City supporters as they cheered the players off at the end of the match. |
||||
|
||||
|
32 |
|
|
The
Welsh Cup |
|
|
|
Down
to ten men from the fifteenth minute, Bangor showed huge pride and
commitment to secure a deserved if unlikely win against coast rivals
Rhyl. Both sides won early corners which came to nothing, but within the opening fifteen minutes both centrebacks Michael Johnson and Peter Hoy needed treatment to head injuries caused by the elbow then head of veteran striker Neil Roberts. There was little obvious pattern of play in the opening exchanges but on sixteen minutes Marc Limbert pushed his head at Chris Roberts, referee Mark Whitby fell over, lept up and cut short the widespread laughter by showing City's captain the red card. Ten men? Not again surely... City's first real opening came moments later when Chris Sharp was tripped by goalkeeper Jones. No card shown, a freekick sent over and a header off target from Martin Beattie. The first effort that forced a save came midway through the half when Matt Williams headed straight at Paul Smith from Craig Jones' cross. Bangor responded with a long throw from Peter Hoy which was cleared back out to the big defender whose goalbound effort was saved by Jones. Greg Stones was yellow carded for a foul on Chris Sharp who, minutes later, forced Jones to save from his header as City won their third corner of the afternoon. Sharp was a thorn in the side of the visitors defence and his surge down the right exposed Roberts but Horan cut out the low cross. The clearance fell to Martin Beattie whose 45 yard return slipped just over Jones and onto the roof of the net at the St Pauls End. Just after the half hour a fourth Bangor corner - won by Les Davies - was half cleared to Mike Walsh who fired over from the right. Rhyl countered as former TNS utility man Greg Stones found space on the right but pulled his low shot into the side netting. With half time approaching Bangor won a fifth corner through Les Davies but Rhyl cleared. As frustration grew amongst the visitors Luke Holden and George Horan were yellow carded for various acts of pushing, pulling and then dissent. The half time whistle went with City very much still in the game despite the one man disadvantage. |
||||
HALF TIME 0-0 |
||||
Rhyl went close straight from the restart when Luke Holden's
cross from
the left was headed back across goal by Williams but Paul Smith dived
full length to save one handed. Ten minutes later the yellow card
stakes were evened when first Martin Beattie and then Kieran Killackey
were adjudged to have fouled. Holden crossed once more and this time Williams, a one time Manchester United trainee, headed wide. If anything the visitors looked more like scoring now and won their second corner which was only cleared thanks to some brave defending by Peter Hoy and Michael Johnson. Minutes later though - on 67 to be precise - City snatched the lead. Chris Sharp raced down the right with Kieran Killackey for company, but the tall striker rode a couple of challenges on the edge of the box. From a tight angle he fired at the near post and jumped for joy as the ball flashed through goalkeeper Jones and into the net. Rhyl responded by replacing Craig Jones with another Wrexham old boy Josh Johnson who, in reality, made little impression. With ten minutes to go Kevin Lloyd replaced goalscorer Sharp and Jamie Reed came on for Stones. For the final few minutes Rhyl pressed and City kept them at bay. Until the 88th when a fourth corner was hooked back from beyond the far post by Neil Roberts for Greg Strong to head home through a crowd of defenders. The visitors might now have grabbed a win through a couple more set pieces but Paul Smith, Hoy and co stood firm and extra time was signalled at the end of normal play. FIRST PERIOD More changes as Sion Edwards came on for Les Davies and Paul O'Neill for Gareth Owen. Edwards announced his arrival with a direct run which yielded a freekick outside the box. Christian Seargeant's curler nearly got the better of Jones. Rhyl went close three times in as many minutes, first Jamie Reed with a low shot saved by Paul Smith who then kept out efforts from Josh Johnson and Reed once again. SECOND PERIOD The opening exchanges saw Neil Roberts, Sion Edwards and then Mark Connolly go close otherwise both sides appeared to have one eye on the dreaded spot kicks. However Connolly went close once more, and Stuart Cook replaced a tired out Kieran Killackey with four mintues left. So on to the penalties... PENALTY SHOOT OUT Shooting into the Farrar End, Rhyl went first through Neil Roberts whose effort hit the bar and over. City's first kick was converted by Christian Seargeant for a one nil advantage. Matt Williams and Peter Hoy converted with calm assurance for 2-1. Likewise Jamie Reed and Sion Edwards for 3-2 (from three each). Calamity befell Luke Holden who capped an indifferent display with a corner saved by the diving Paul Smith. Up stepped newcomer Stuart Cook. If he scored City were through. And he did! Low to his left and just out of reach of the despairing Jones. What a moment for the youngster and for just about everyone else! |
||||
|
||||
|
31 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
With red and yellow cards
flashing all around Bangor
did well to keep their heads and emerge from Park Avenue with three
points on the back of a strong all round team display. Attacking the sea end Bangor stole the initiative with two early corners from which Kieran Killackey and then Chris Sharp went close. Sharp might have put City ahead when he pressed the nervous Roberts into dropping the ball, but the tall striker lifted over with back to goal. Aber struck back with a run from Glyndwr Hughes, Michael Johnson tackled bravely but needed treatment to continue. With Johnson off the field Aber capitalised and Paul Smith did well to keep out Hughes' clean header. City continued to press with a third corner before Aneurin Thomas headed wide from the home side's first. Some chasing and harrying from midfielders Mike Walsh and Christian Seargeant on the left created an opening for Chris Sharp but he fired wide from eight yards. On 22 minutes the first yellow card - like the first daffodil of spring - as Aneurin Thomas pulled Christian Seargeant down as both had contested a ball out of play close to half way. Bari Morgan, ever irritable yet beloved of officials, fell over in the home box and claimed he had been fouled. Aber were now equal partners in proceedings and left peg Ross Stephens fired low on target from 25 yards which Paul Smith was relieved to gather off the post. On 29 minutes City had the lead. Michael Johnson cleared, Les Davies flicked on and Chris Sharp calmly slotted the ball wide of Roberts after a straight run on goal. Moments later Johnson was the second yellow card for a foul on Bari Morgan which might have gone either way. However a freekick was awarded to Aber and lanky midfielder Chris Venables also managed to hit the post and see the rebound again smothered by Paul Smith. City won a throw on the right, close to the corner. Peter Hoy delivered and all the Bangor players in the box and those supporters in the corner shouted loudly for a penalty. No deal. With little more than seven minutes to half time Bari Morgan checked Christian Seargeant in the box. An indirect freekick for obstruction was awarded when a penalty seemed inevitable. City's midfielder was apparently booked in the process. With the goal little more than eight yards away a clean strike was near impossible and the chance was gone. On 42 minutes Jamie Brewerton and Chris Venables were yellow carded for a squabble in midfield. Even the well mannered Graham Evans was cautioned for questioning a linesman's decision. A minute later Mike Walsh joined the group following a mistimed challenge on half way. He took the tally to seven. City could contemplate a first half lead. But Chris Venables had other ideas, his clever chip sent Glyndwr Hughes free, and as Paul Smith dashed out the veteran winger calmly clipped the ball into the empty net. A touch harsh given the balance of play although the home side had hit the post twice. Aber then nearly grabbed the lead on 50 minutes when right winger Geoff Kellaway saw his clean strike held by Paul Smith. So one all at the interval it stayed. |
||||
HALF TIME 1-1 |
||||
That the opening goal of the second period was timed at 48
minutes, three before the first half ended, says something about the
nonesense of modern timings. However few blues followers would
care much about that. A measured loft forward from Peter Hoy sent
Chris Sharp galloping down the left. He fired in near post where
Les Davies was lurking, the home defence deflected the ball away from
goal but only into the path of Mike Walsh
who netted from six yards. Moments later Les Davies charged on goal but Roberts saved well. The 8th booking on 51 minutes came as Peter Hoy blocked the path of Kelloway. Referee Harms then had to deal with an altercation between Jamie Brewerton and Bari Morgan. City's centre half was shown red then yellow, the spiteful agitant nothing. Marc Limbert now switched to rightback with Dave Swanick alongside the purposeful figure of Michael Johnson. On the hour Aber fought their way into the Bangor box which was now being manned by Peter Hoy who had pushed in along side Michael Johnson. Gareth Hughes fell to the floor and sat in the box waiting for his prize. Referee Harms consulted his assistand and promptly cautioned the former Newtown midfielder who responded with an expletive, aimed it could be argued at the whole at large. Referee Harms then showed him a red card which brought the teams back to even sides at ten apiece. Ross Stephens appeared on the left to strike goalwards but Paul Smith saved well. On 69 minutes Martin Beattie replaced a weary looking Christian Seargeant and played an inviting cross which Roberts bungled but Kieran Killackey, who had enjoyed a productive afternoon, sliced wide. With twenty minutes remaining Glyndwr Hughes forced a good save from Paul Smith. Five minutes later Les Davies stormed the Dias Stand goal with a powerful run. His shot was blocked and as the chance fell to Chris Sharp so too his effort was beaten away by the desperate home defenders, to the evident relief of the youthful Seasider supporters. Ten minutes from time Chris Sharp ran past Christian Edwards and the tall defender's lunging challenge was nowhere near the ball but close enough to trip the striker. Last man as he was, Referee Harms rightly brought his red card out of hiding for the third and final time. Seven minutes remained when Kieran Killackey joined the legion of the yellow card for a trip on half way. Aber were by now ragged but forceful and with nothing to lose pushed forward at every opportunity. Marc Limbert was central to City's survival effort with some neat passing and close control. On 87 minutes Sion Edwards replaced Les Davies who had worked hard upfront, and Graham Evans made way for the well travelled Andy Evans. The final clear cut chance fell to Bangor when Paul Smith, who coped bravely with some high crossed, punched clear and Sion Edwards raced for goal. He passed to Chris Sharp but his shot was blocked once more and - eventually - the whistle blew on an afternoon of high drama, eleven yellow and three red cards. And more importantly three points. |
||||
|
||||
|
30 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
The kick off first home game of 2009 was preceded by a
minute's warm applause in memory of City fan Mark Jones who died before
Christmas. His young daughter led the players onto the pitch and much
of what happened in the ninety minutes which followed paled into
insignificance. However what did happen was the Neath snatched the only goal of a poor match dominated by a strong wind gusting from behind the Farrar End where most of the home support stayed for both halves. Former Barry Town striker Richard French fired the first salvo with a powerful drive at Paul Smith after what looked like a run from an offside position on the right. Pushed forwards by the wind Neath forced half a dozen first half corners at the St Pauls End and the second of these came after another run from French - this time from inside his own half - and forced a good save from Paul Smith after a neat side step took out Peter Hoy. On the half hour, with City now enjoying an equal share of the action, Sean Cronin was yellow carded for a second clash wth Chris Sharp whom he had clearly been assigned to upset. Moments later a cross from Marc Limbert was headed too close to Wyn Walters by Jamie Brewerton. With half time approaching and the wind now firmly backed up by driving rain, Neath became more frantic. Only some brave defending by Michael Johnson kept French out and conceded a fourth corner. City's best chance of the half came in the closing minutes as Marc Limbert's freekick dropped to Chris Sharp whose hurried effort flashed wide from beyond the far post. Referee Kevin Morgan, on his first whistle stop tour of Bangor, blew for the interval and a blank scorelines was just about right. |
||||
HALF TIME 1-2 |
||||
With the wind now boosting Bangor, home fans were in
confident mood. Inside the opening ten minutes a long high
clearance from Paul Smith bounced goalwards and forced a last gasp save
from opposite number Walters and a first Bangor corner. The
resulting cross ended with Walters clutching a Michael Johnson header
above his head. On the hour came a moment of indecision and the only goal. A high clearance was held up by the wind, Jamie Brewerton mid judged his clearance, Richard French supplied Dale Evans and the former Newport midfielder finished with a clean low drive into the corner. This prompted Nev Powell to make changes and on 65 minutes Sion Edwards and home debutant Stuart Cook replaced Dave Swanick and Kieran Killackey. Five minutes later it appeared to have worked but Les Davies' header was easily held by Walters. Two more subs on 75 minutes as Kerry Morgan came on for Andy Hill and City sent on Kevin Lloyd for Peter Hoy who looked - and was - thoroughly sodden. From wide on the wings both Chris Sharp and then Sion Edwards fired across goal in the same move, before substitute Morgan placed a low drive from the right at the foot of the near post and forced Paul Smith to push round for a corner. Bangor cleared and tried to create a clear chance but had to be satisfied with a long range effort from Michael Johnson. As time ebbed away Les Davies twice and Kevin Lloyd once went close but the final action of the afternoon was a yellow card shown to Sion Edwards for contesting a decision. The whistle blew and Neath celebrated wildly, three points gained after a long time on the bus. City will bounce back but today the weather came out on top. |
||||
|
||||
|
29 |
|
|
Loosemores Cup |
|
|
|
Bangor clinched a
Loosemores Cup Final place with a stirring win at Park Avenue against
an Aberystwyth side who fought to the last minute. And as in the
previous match at Haverfordwest, the hero of the hour was Chris Sharp
who led the way with a well taken hatrick. Trailing 2-1 from the first leg at Farrar Road, City opened the scoring on fifteen minutes. A long throw from Peter Hoy was not properly cleared, Christian Seargeant crossed back into the middle, Les Davies flicked on for Chris Sharp to head home from close range, the attentions of Christian Edwards. That made the scores level on aggregate but Aber maintained the away goals advantage. Bangor were on top and home 'keeper Dave Roberts was by far the busier of the two, with veteran defenders Aneurin Thomas, Christian Edwards and Colin Reynolds struggling to contain goalscorer Sharp and strike partner Les Davies. The best of those chances created by the home side fell to young Geoff Kellaway and Chris Venables whose decision to stay put at Park Avenue was a boost for The Seasiders. Neil Morgan blew for the break with just that solitary Sharp strike to separate the two sides despite City having had by far the better of things. |
||||
HALF TIME 0-1 |
||||
If the first half had been promising, the second was
explosive. Five minutes after the restart Bangor had the
lead. Chris Sharp was involved in the build up as Mike Walsh
scored from outside the box for a 2-0 lead and 3-2 overall advantage. On 55 minutes it was 3-0 and seemingly all over. Peter Hoy's throw was touched on by Les Davies and Chris Sharp netted at full stretch from six yards. Aber responded by sending on local youngster Rob Evans for Colin Reynolds. Moments later Sharp nearly completed his hatrick with a run on goal but just failed to beat Roberts. If City thought they were home and dry they were wrong. With 64 minutes gone Christian Edwards pulled one back after a good save from Paul Smith for Aber to cut the deficit to 3-1 on the night and 4-3 overall. The home side, urged on by a sizeable crowd, now pushed for a second goal and Jamie Brewerton and Michael Johnson were at full stretch to keep them at bay. Both sides made changes with Glyndwr Hughes coming on for namesake Gareth and Martin Beattie replacing Christian Seargeant. With just over five minutes left on the clock young winger Geoff Kellaway, a product of the Aber youth system, put the cat amongst the pigeons with a close range finish to make it 3-2 and 4-4 overall. But Bangor still held the slender advantage of an extra away goal which would prove decisive if that was the scoreline at ninety minutes. However with both sides going on the attack it was Bangor who struck the decisive blow. A pass from industrious midfielder Kieran Killackey picked out Chris Sharp who beat Roberts once again for his hatrick and a 4-2 lead, and 5-4 aggregate win. A tremendous win for Bangor and Cup final to look forward to, praise to for Mr Morgan who got through the ninety without showing a card to either side. |
||||
|
||||
|
28 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
What seemed like an age since
the Boxing Day win at
Caernarfon, City repeated the feat at New Bridge Meadow and were once
again denied a more emphatic win by a goalkeeper called Lee. That the game went ahead at all was both a tribute to the groundstaff and the willingness of both sets of players. The pitch itself was crusty and dry and reminscent in someways of a dry midsummer surface. This time it was young Lee Idzi who took over where Guinion had left off to thwart Bangor with a series of impressive saves. Nevertheless two contrasting first half goals from leading goalscorer Chris Sharp guaranteed City all three points against Derek Brazil's County side. Driven forward by the wind Haverfordwest tended to hit the long ball and hope for something to open up. That it didnt was down to some strong defending from blues centrebacks Michael Johnson and Jamie Brewerton who dealt with the double strike force of Woodrow and Christopher. The opening goal came on ten minutes. Chris Sharp played the ball out to Christian Seargeant who crossed deep from the left, Idzi was for once undecided, and Chris Sharp darted to the back post to score with close range finish. Christian Seargeant went close to doubling the lead when he received Sharp's pass out on the left but watched his curling effort bounce wide of the far post. Ten minutes before the interval City doubled their advantage. A clearance from Paul Smith was headed on by Les Davies, clipped forward by Mike Walsh and controlled by Chris Sharp whose long range strike beat the diving Idzi into the corner of the net. As half time beckoned City's leading goalscorer might have secured his hatrick as he ran through on goal, but a well timed challenge from the experience Terry Evans saved the day for the home side. |
||||
HALF TIME 0-2 |
||||
Playing with the wind did not seem to suit City as well,
whilst County were forced to pass from the back which in turn aided
their cause to some extent. However the chances still came Bangor's way. Chris Sharp, Les Davies and Christian Seargeant all went close as the home defence struggled to come to terms, despite the introduction at half time of the powerful figure of Lee Jarman. With twenty minutes left Mike Hartley crossed from the right but Jack Christopher effort was palmed over the bar by City keeper Paul Smith. On 76 minutes Jamie Brewerton was cautioned for a foul on Christopher on the edge of the box. Neil Thomas took the freekick but his effort flew well over the bar and, effectively, Bangor were home and dry. Christian Seargeant passed infield to Mike Walsh and his low shot forced Idzi into a low sprawling save. In the closing ten minutes County had former blues midfielder Neil Thomas carded, along with Jack Christopher. City sent on Martin Beattie for Christian Seargeant and in the closing minutes offered a debut to Stuart Cook who came on for Les Davies. But this did nothing to change the scoreline and Bangor celebrated an impressive win and three points which meant the blues return to fourth place in the table. |
||||
|
||||
|
27 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
Bangor ended
2008 with a convincing win at Caernarfon for whom goalkeeper Lee
Guinion was simply outstanding as he stood alone at times against a
blue onslaught. Add a penalty save from Paul Smith and eleven booking -
including both goalkeepers - from Bethesda ref Lee Evans and you have a
flavour of the Christmas cracker which warmly entertained the 1000+
crowd at The Oval. There were signs of things to come as City forced four corners in the opening ten minutes and saw both Sion Edwards and Jamie Brewerton go close as the veteran Dave Ridler and Guinon worked overtime to keep the scoreline blank. As pressure mounted Chris Sharp fired a clean strike at the near post from the right but the busy keeper saved in his midrift. If Caernarfon harboured hopes of an upset they rested on the shoulders of Lee Furlong. His run on the right ended in a hard hit shot which Paul Smith did well to block. The loose ball ran to Steve Johnston but his quickfire effort slid across goal. Bangor were in command, the home side dangerous on the break, blues left winger Sion Edwards enjoying a tussle with Mark Dermott From a seventh Bangor corner on the left Marc Limbert's near post delivery was flicked on by Les Davies but Jamie Brewerton placed his header just wide of the far post. Peter Hoy saw his header cleared off the line. With 24 minutes on the clock Sion Edwards limped off to be replaced by Kieran Killackey with Christian Seargeant switching to the left. The pugnacious midfielder proceeded to dominate affairs and allow City to attack in waves. Referee Evans yellow carded Dave Swanick for what appeared a good tackle infront of the home dugout and immediately added Marc Limbert's name to his tally. Against the run of play Caernarfon had a penalty for a trip by Brewerton on Steve Johnston but the diminutive striker could not take the advantage as Paul Smith dived to his right and pulled off an excellent save. On 33 minutes Bangor had the lead. Peter Hoy's long throw from the left was headed on by Les Davies to Chris Sharp who hit the crossbar and Jamie Brewerton was on hand to net the rebound from close range with a well placed header. City looked set to double the lead when Sharp pulled back for Kieran Killackey to sidefoot on target but Guinion saved. The dangerous Lee Furlong capped a fine passing move with a clean strike which was well saved by Paul Smith as Caernarfon continued to threaten on the break. A full lengh gather from Paul Smith was interpreted as a backpass. Smith was perplexed and yellow carded for his thoughts and a close range freekick awarded but Bangor charged down Garrity's effort and the danger passed. In the closing moments Mark Dermott and Dave Ridler had their names taken by Mr Evans, Peter Hoy headed off target and the whistle blew. |
||||
HALF TIME 0-1 |
||||
The second half narrowly failed to live up to the first in
terms of
clear chances; both sides pressed as Mr Evans remained vigilant. Christian Seargeant was making hay on the left and his early curling effort was repelled by Guinion. Canaries midfielder Mike Garrity had hopes of an equaliser when his chip through released Lee Furlong but Michael Johnston was able to block. The rarity of both goalkeepers being booked was secured when Lee Guinion loudly protested that an advantage would suit his side better than an offside freekick. On the hour Mike Walsh was also carded for a push. Moments later Caernarfon should have levelled when Furlong pounced on Brewerton's mistake but his rising effort crashed against the crossbar and was hacked clear. Left side midfielder Jon Humphreys was yellow carded for a foul on Marc Limbert and promptly replaced by James Thomas. Bangor were now in attack mode and Guinion pulled off some superb saves from Christian Seargeant and Chris Sharp. Blues striker Les Davies ran into the box from the left, was tripped but stayed on his feet. No penalty, the ball ran to Marc Limbert who shot over from the right. Peter Hoy nodded down to Christian Seargeant who thought he had scored by Guinion continuted his defiance with a great push over for City's twelth corner. Christian Seargeant found Les Davies on the left but his low cross was guided off target by Marc Limbert. With twelve minutes to go Les Davies shot over from outside the box, then Guinion again saved acrobatically from Chris Sharp who could scarcely believe he had not scored. Caernarfon countered and the lanky Garrity headed wide when well placed. On 85 minutes City were home and dry. A strong run from Kieran Killackey to the left created gaps in the home defence, he looked to find Chris Sharp on his right and his well placed curler beat the diving Guinion inside the right post. City fans celebrated, the locals went home, and in the final moments Kevin Lloyd replaced a weary Les Davies and home debutant Rudkin made way for Rob Hughes. Referee Evans blew for time and the City supporters applauded a hard fought victory on a difficult Oval pitch and celebrated three important points gathered. |
||||
|
||||
|
26 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
City slipped
to defeat in this seven goal thriller at Stebonheath and must have felt
they deserved at least a share of the spoils. The opening five
minutes set the scene as Jordan Follows lofted over, Steve Evans fired
wide and Christian Seargeant caught young Ryan Lewis off his line but
was denied as the ball seemed set to roll into the unguarded net. The opening goal came from the inevitable Andy Legg long throw from the right which arrowed flat to the far post for the inrushing Stuart Jones to guide home from twelve yards. Follows ran in on goal but a well time intervention from Martin Beattie ended the danger. But on the half hour Bangor were level as Chris Sharp raced onto Les Davies flick through to beat Lewis with an emphatic right footed drive from the edge of the box. Five minutes later Llanelli regained the advantage when Rhys Griffiths diverted Wyn Thomas' low freekick past Paul Smith from close range. Then with half time fast approaching The Reds grabbed a crucial third goal. Antonio Corbisiero released fullback Lee Phillips on the right, his deep cross found Rhys Griffiths rising at the far post to head in off the upright beyond the startled Paul Smith. The presence of the towering Griffiths may be one which sees the championship remain at Stebonheath and certainly he was the main reason behind the half time 3-1 difference betweent the two sides So four goals in the first half and every indication of more to follow after the mince pies... |
||||
HALF TIME 3-1 |
||||
At half time Llanelli brought on Craig Jones for Nicky
Holland. But it was Bangor who seized the initiative with a goal
three minutes after the restart. Peter Hoy lobbed the ball
forwards, Wyn Thomas tried to barge Les Davies
who stood firm to chip the goalkeeper from just outside the box. Both sides were forced into goal line clearances with Les Davies denied and then Martin Beattie sliding in to deny Llanelli. But Bangor were not to be denied and Christian Seargeant through ball invited a run from Les Davies which he capitalised with a right footed thump past the startled Lewis to level the scores with fifteen minutes remaining. What proved to be the winning goal for Llanelli came two minutes later. A run and shot on the right by Holland saw Paul Smith parry a shot which rolled to the feet of Jordan Follows who netted from the close range. City were not ready to give up and Marc Limbert spotted Chris Sharp in space on the right, but his clean strike was bravely saved by Lewis at his near post. Manager Nev Powell sent on John Corrigan for Martin Beattie in the closing minutes. But another Bangor attack ended in a corner from the right which was eventually gathered by Lewis and immediately followed by the final whistle. So defeat but not dishonour against the reigning champions who had won 2-0 at Farrar Road in August and seem, as last year, likely to be top or very close to top when the season ends in May. A word for Port Talbot official Phil Southall who did not resort to a card of any shape or colour throughout the ninety minutes. |
||||
|
||||
|
25 |
|
|
Loosemores Cup |
|
|
|
Aberystwyth
take a single goal advantage into the second leg at Park Avenue last
week thanks to a brace of goals from midfielder Luke Sherborn. But this was far from a second best performance by a Bangor side who controlled much of the game and led from the third minute. They also applied the pressure which led to the visitors conceding five yellow and one red card. The early lead came in the third minute. A cross into the box found Sion Edwards whose clean strike was saved by Aberystwyth goalkeeper Dave Roberts. The ball ran away from the goal, Chris Sharp gave chase, and for no obvious reason the young stopper brought him down. Referee Lee Evans gave the penalty which Chris Sharp duly converted. Bangor were on the charge now and chances came but were not taken. Jamie Brewerton hit the upright with Roberts well beaten with a twenty yard effort. Names were taken though, the first on 26 minutes, the usual suspect Bari Morgan, who ran foul of Referee Evans. Five minutes later he was joined in the book by midfielder Luke Sherborn. City continued to press for a second goal and big Les Davies must have wondered what he had to do as one goalbound effort was blocked and second deflected for a corner. Midfielder Christian Seargeant saw his rising effort clear the crossbar, and then from another blues corner both Peter Hoy and goalscorer Chris Sharp were denied. Young goalkeeper Dave Roberts was in the thick of the action along with veteran defenders Aneurin Thomas and Colin Reynolds. But on 35 minutes the wasted chances came home to roost. Gareth Hughes passed to Luke Sherborn and the talented young midfielder scored confidently from twelve yards to level the scores. There was still time for Les Davies to fire just wide as City struck back and for former Caersws striker Graham Evans to see his name written in the officials' notebook. Half time one all. |
||||
HALF TIME 1-1 |
||||
With minutes of the restart
Bangor again went close. Sion Edwards ran on goal but goalkeeper
Roberts smothered the ball at his feet. Kristian James joined the
growing list of Seasiders in the referee's book. On 57 minutes centre forward Andy Evans was yellow carded for a wild challenge. Five minutes later the visitors stole what seemed like an unlikely lead when Luke Sherborn's freekick seemed to deceive the blues defence and roll into the net. If this was rough justice it sparked Bangor into more pressure on the Aber goal and one final action for the referee as he displayed a second yellow and red card to Andy Evans for another foul with eleven minutes remaining. Bangor boss Nev Powell rang the changes with Kevin Lloyd and Kieran Killackey replacing Michael Johnston and Mike Walsh but the visitors stood firm and defender their lead despite the late numerical disadvantage. With two minutes remaining Felinfach youngster Dan James replaced a tired looking Graham Evans. This result leaves Aber as favourites ahead of the second leg at Park Avenue, but Bangor are still in with a shout and doubtless manager Nev Powell will be confident his side can upset the odds at Park Avenue next week. |
||||
|
||||
|
24 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
Another red
card proved costly for Bangor who were forced to play the final half
hour with ten men and concede a late equaliser to substitute Karl
Murray at Bastion Road. After a couple of early chances at either end it was City who went ahead on twelve minutes. Les Davies fed strike parnter Chris Sharp who calmly went round the burly Dunt, and slotted Bangor ahead from ten yards. On 18 minutes the first intervention by Referee Adie, a yellow card for Ian Griffiths' high challenge on Dave Swanick. The resulting freekick was floated high across the Prestatyn defence but Les Davies just failed to get his head to the ball. Moments later Les Davies ran on goal, released Sion Edwards on his left but the winger's shot flew off target. On twenty minutes the hosts were level. The combative Ian Griffiths capitalised on a mistake by Jamie Brewerton to slide the ball past Paul Smith in the blues goal. Moments later Dave Swanick was harshly yellow carded for a minor offence. Bangor were grateful to midfielder Christian Seargeant for a brave challenge on Neil Gibson on the player manager looked to shoot on target. Prestatyn pressed from ensuing corner with winger Evans shooting wide. On the half hour Jamie Brewerton was yellow carded following what looked like a well timed challenge. Next the miss of the day as goalscorer Griffiths managed to the lift the ball over an open goal from point blank range - with no one in sight. Bangor might have capitalised and regained the lead but Chris Sharp was denied twice by some determined defending, the vocal Bevan Humphreys in the thick of the action. The closing action saw Chris Sharp head over before the promising left winger Dan Evans shot off target. Along with one time blues midfielder Mike Parker - who has matured since leaving Farrar Road - Evans was the pick of the home side on what could best be described as an undulating pitch. For City, Chris Sharp up front and Michael Johnston at the back stood out. |
||||
HALF TIME 1-1 |
||||
No sooner had the second half got underway than Bangor went
ahead. Chris Sharp returned the early favour to slide a ball
through for Les
Davies to run on goal score with ease on fifteen seconds.
Bangor won their third corner of the afternoon, Marc Limbert crossed
but Peter Hoy's header flew wide. Steve Harris was yellow carded
for a foul on Hoy. Then Bangor pressed for a third, captain Marc
Limbert headed on target but struck the woodwork and out for a goalkick. On 58 minutes City were down to ten men. A reckless challenge by Dave Swanick saw his received a second yellow followed by red. Five minutes later a change by both sides. The prolific Steve Bowes replaced Gareth Davies, Martin Beattie came on for Sion Edwards as City re-organised. Prestatyn won a couple of corners but Bangor stood firm, then Christian Seargeant fired a low freekick just wide as Dunt slid at full stretch. With twenty minutes left an overdue yellow card for Bevan Humphreys for yet another foul on Chris Sharp. A deep freekick was headed over by Peter Hoy from the left. With fifteen minutes left debutant Karl Murray came on for Jamie Duffy as Prestatyn pushed for a leveller. It certainly worked. Three minutes later it was 2-2 as Karl Murray netted from close range following a goal mouth melee and deep cross from the left. The young striker has been scoring goal in the club's reserves in recent weeks. If Prestatyn have a weakness that helped the ten men, it was a tendency to overpass and overplay. But in these days of long ball wonders, it is admirable problem for Neil Gibson and his side to have. As time started to run out Bangor had the ball in the net but an offside flag ruled against, then Steve Bowes flashed wide under pressure from Martin Beattie. Goalkeeper Dunt saved brilliantly from a fierce strike from Chris Sharp, then Les Davies saw his header drift wide from a Marc Limbert corner. The final effort saw Christian Seargeant fire over after he latched onto a long free kick from Paul Smith. But it ended all square, the ten men were not beaten, the home sides proud unbeaten record intact. |
||||
|
||||
|
23 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
A win at last! After three straight defeats
manager Nev Powell got the win he must have prayed for thanks to a
battling display by Sion Edwards and a brace from Les Davies who
improved as the game wore on. The opening five minutes saw chances at both ends. First Mike Walsh set up Les Davies on the edge of the box but his shot flew wide. Then left footed right winger Kevin Holsgrove picked up Mark Stewarts flick but lashed wide from the right. Cefn thought they had an early goal but Referee Petch ruled a foul on Paul Smith as a corner flew into the Bangor net. Sion Edwards had a shot deflected wide, Mike Walsh headed over, but on 14 minutes City had the lead. Christian Seargeant's header found Chris Sharp who slipped but kept the ball on the edge of the box to drive home beyond young 'keeper Chris Mullock. Sion Edwards and oppposite number Mike Thompson both went close before Mullock saved comfortably from Les Davies. The first of many yellow cards came on 29 minutes when Mark Stewart fouled Christian Seargeant. The diminutive Stewart chased down the right and saw his rising shot skim the righthand post at The Farrar End before the visitors were forced to make a change, eighteen year old Joe Price coming on for Holsgrove. The slippery surface seemed to suit the pacey youngster more than the lanky winger he replaced. A misjudgement by Jamie Brewerton allowed Feeney in on goal but Paul Smith smothered his low shot. Bangor responsed when Sion Edwards sent Chris Sharp through on goal but he fired wide. However on 39 minutes the Druids drew level. A deep cross from Mark Stewart was headed home dramatically by substitute Joe Price for his first goal in the Welsh Premier. With just three minutes to go before the break Cefn took the lead. Mike Thompsons's deep corner was returned to Joe Feeney whose clean header from the penalty spot beat Paul Smith, and heralded wild and noisy celebrations by the visiting team in front of the away dugout. The whistle blew on a half which had been turned on its head in little more than five closing minutes. |
||||
HALF TIME 1-2 |
||||
Some strong words no doubt from Nev Powell and chances came
to Christian Seargeant and then Les Davies who was warming to his
task. But Cefn might have doubled their lead ten minutes after
the interval when Joe Feeney latched onto a cross from the impressive
Price but was denied by a great save from Paul Smith. A turning
point? It certainly seemed that way when Bangor drew level on the hour. The dynamic Sion Edwards tackled Miek Thompson on the edge of the blues box, picked out Marc Limbert whose first time flick released Les Davies on the left. He crashed a fierce low drive inside Chris Mullock's near post to the delight of the blues support at the Farrar End. Tempers started to fray, Cefn had Joe Feeney and Mike Thomspon booked on 62 and 63 minutes.. On 64 minutes a Marc Limbert freekick from the left was headed back across goal from Jamie Brewerton for goal poacher Peter Hoy whose firm header put City ahead. The power of Les Davies was proving more of a problem for Mark Powell, the former Rhyl fullback was relieved to see a low drive from the left footer crash into the side netting. On 67 minutes more trouble for Wayne Phillips' side. A clash on the edge of the blues box ended in a yellow card for Jamie Brewerton but a straight red for Joe Feeney whose elbow caught the big defender's face.. Phillips responded by sending on Geraint Lewis for Mike Thompson who was lucky not to be shown a second yellow moments earlier. Ricky Evans was working to keep the Druids in the game but his long range effort was easily held by Paul Smith whose save from Feeney now began to look more and more important. Bangor sent on Kevin Lloyd and Kieran Killackey for Chris Sharp and Christian Seargeant with some fifteen minutes left. On 81 minutes it was all over when Les Davies gathered Marc Limbert's return pass from the right, turned and placed the ball low beyond Mullock into the bottom corner. In the remaining ten minutes Geraint Lewis was yellow carded, Kieran Killackey saw a shot held, and Martin Beattie replaced the outstanding Sion Edwards. One final action, Les Davies hit a clean freekick on target but Mullock saved, and that was that. |
||||
|
||||
|
22 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
Wasted chances
proved costly as Bangor were mugged by former Cemaes striker John Toner
whose double strike as substitute proved decisive. Boasting the lions share of possession, more shots on and off target and corners won, City should have profited from early chances which fell to strike partners Chris Sharp and Les Davies who both failed to get the better of goalkeeper Harrison. Bangor forced a couple of early corners the second of which was played short to Christian Seargeant. His cross was headed on by Mike Walsh for Peter Hoy whose first time effort flashed over. Moments latet the no nonesense defender was in again. A foul on the right by Duane Courtney on Chris Sharp led to a freekick centred by Marc Limbert. Hoy raced in but his near post effort again sped wide. On 17 minutes Mr Whitby showed the yellow card to Peter Hoy. However a wild two footed lunge by Alex Darlington on Dave Swanick went unpunished. Midway through the half Chris Sharp juggled the ball, back to goal, but hooked his effort well wide. In the following five minutes Bangor totted up three more corners, applied some pressure to the lightweight Harrison, but TNS' four centrebacks stood firm. On the half hour the inevitable controvesy when Dave Swanick's high cross eluded a leaping Les Davies who was under pressure form Michael Taylor. Davies' claimed a penalty for a push in the back, but Referee Whitby was not convinced. City continued to press and a high ball up to Chris Sharp ended in a low effort from Les Davies which Harrson held. Next a passing move on the edge of the Saints box invited a shot from Christian Seargeant which Harrison grasped. If Bangor had enjoyed the lions share of possession and chances there was a warning of things to come when rightback Phil Baker trundled down the wing to cross for the unmarked Michael Wilde to head downwards. City keeper reacted and saved Paul Smith with his feet. Two minutes before the interval Sion Edwards fired on target from a Jamie Brewerton header. But along with City's previous efforts, a lack of power allowed Harrison save comfortably. Next Phil Baker was yellow carded. The final action of the first half saw a re-run of Baker's run down the right but this time Wilde's header lacked direction and the halftime whistle blew on a goalless first half. |
||||
HALF TIME 0-0 |
||||
In opening minutes a foul by Darlington was made worse by
kicking the ball away. Referee Whitby flashed the yellow; things
might have been different if that first half two footed lunge had been
noted. Les Davies crossed from the left but Mike Walsh's first
time flick looped up and onto the roof of the net. Ten minutes into the second period a foul on Marc Limbert on the edge of the TNS box. As Christian Seargeant lined up a shot Les Davies raced in but his rising drive cleared the bar. Christian Seargeant sent Sion Edwards racing down the left, his clean cross invited a header from Mike Walsh but this looped over. Chris Sharp ran into the left hand side of the box, could have fallen under pressure but stayed on his feet to shoot goalwards but Harrison held comfortably. On the hour Craig Williams was yellow carded. With twenty minutes left Darlington was replaced by John Toner. Minutes later a warning for Bangor as Mike Wilde crossed from the right and Toner was only denied by a brave challenge from the impressive Michael Johnston. Minutes later Craig Williams, who had failed to trouble Dave Swanick, made way for Alfie Carter. A lengthy stoppage followed for treatment for Michael Johnston on half way. What followed was two goals in two minutes to knock the stuffing out of Bangor. First an artistic fall by Carter bought a freekick which intiially looked as if it had gone too deep, but Tommy Holmes and Mike Wilde combined for John Toner to head home from close range. Then a run down the left by substitute Alfie Carter, a low cross and a confident low first time finish by John Toner again. Bangor responded by sending Kevin Lloyd on for Peter Hoy who had been in the thick of the action throughout. Young academy product John McKenna replaced Mike Wilde. But City refused to give up and a late, albeit consolation goal, did come. Marc Limbert crossed from the right, Mike Walsh headed on and Sion Edwards blasted his fourth goal of the season with a 15 yard drive which hinted at what could have been earlier. There was no time for a restart, unfair as the four subs alone merited the two minutes added time, with nothing added for the treatment needed by Michael Johnston. City left empty handed but with heads held high. |
||||
|
||||
|
21 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
A second defeat inside a week
for Bangor whose pre
match plans fell asunder in the hour before kick off. Already without
the suspended Jamie Brewerton, City had to rule out hamstring victim
Peter Hoy and watched anxiously as Paul Smith fell awkwardly during the
warm up. This all meant a rare outing for Mike Walsh at rightback and Dave Swanick forced into action in central defence. The opening quarter of a pretty plain afternoon of football culminated in a 20 yard effort from Christian Seargeant which visiting 'keeper Danny Jones saved comfortably. But a minute later Ross Stephens stole the odd fifteen yards before placing a freekick which he curled onto Steve Rogers head for the opening goal. Bangor went close to an equaliser within minutes when Les Davies' fierce drive was parried by Jones but Mike Walsh could only send the rebound wide. Both sides then went through a spell of loose passing which saw possession gained and lost with some regularity. Ten minutes before the break a foul by the lumbering Keegan on Chris Sharp was spotted by the official. A floated freekick from the right for once evaded Timmy Edwards but Les Davies headed over. Two minutes later Chris Sharp headed onto the roof of the net - many of us thought he had scored - after an inviting cross from Christian Seargeant. Bangor then won their third corner of the afternoon, Marc Limbert crossed but this time Martin Beattie headed wide from a good position. Welshpool countered through Richard Harris but his incisive run ended in with a tame shot. The final action of a 49 minute long first half was a leftwing cross form Marc Limbert which found Les Davies but again the header lacked direction. Referee Jones finally blew for the interval with Welshpool perhaps a little fortunate to be leading by that solitary headed goal. |
||||
HALF TIME 0-1 |
||||
Two minutes after the interval Welshpool suffered a setback
when rightback Kevin Davies had to be replaced by an apprehensive
looking Max Powell. But the visitors almost doubled their advantage
when Steve Rogers ran into the box from the left but was denied by the
persistence of Dave Swanick. The pressure came back at Bangor
with the clearly hampered Paul Smith scrambling to get ball under
control. Ten minutes after the break goalscorer Rogers was replaced by speedy youngster Will Thomas but it was Bangor who went close. Chris Sharp raced round Timmy Edwards on the left, the big defender tapped a backpass goalwards but Sharp rushed in to set up Les Davies whose effort clattered into The St Pauls advertising boards Referee Mike Jones had scarcely endeared himself to Bangor fans with his refusal to clamp down on some obvious fouls, and went a stage further on 55 minutes when Richard Harris' two footed lunge on Christian Seargeant would surely have earned red rather than yellow in most matches. After a fourth City corner Les Davies bulldozed in from the left but saw the ball bounce through to Jones. On 66 minutes it was two nil. A dubious freekick awarded on the right by the stand side linesman allowed Ross Stephens to skid a low shot goalwards which was turned in by Richard Harris who, minutes ealrier, might have been walking quietely off. Bangor responded by replacing Michael Johnston - who had been injured in the goalmouth - with striker Kevin Lloyd. Welshpool won their first corner, Kev Lloyd fired a couple of long range snap shots off target, and Chris Sharp headed Marc Limbert's freekick against the crossbar from six yards. It was starting to feel like one of those days. A seventh corner dropped at the feet of Les Davies but his low drive fizzed wide. Young sub Will Thomas ran into the Bangor box but Paul Smith saved well. With 86 minutes gone Martin Beattie was yellow carded for a supposed foul on Paul Roberts. A Bangor freekick delivered into the box by Christian Seargeant again fell to Les Davies but his calm sidefooted effort slipped wide. Will Thomas blazed over before he was in turn replaced by the burly Dale Williams. One last effort, Chris Sharp's layoff to Kev Lloyd, but his shot clattered wide and that was that. |
||||
|
||||
|
20 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
Bangor slipped to a two goal
defeat against local
rivals Rhyl after the visitors took the lead with a sharp freekick
midway through the first half. Without the suspended Jamie Brewerton there was recall for Martin Beattie at leftback and a move into central defence for Peter Hoy. Bangor started well enough, although the early chance fell to former Manchester United youngster Matthew Williams who went close for the visitors. A long ball down the middle of the Lilywhites defence was rashly headed clear by Lee Kendall - straight to City midfielder Christian Seargeant. He moved towards goal before unleashing a powerful drive which just cleared the crossbar. Minutes later the hard working Chris Sharp stole the ball off Rhyl rightback Mark Connolly, passed to Les Davies but his piledriver hit the side nettting. But on 24 minutes the visitors had the lead. A foul by Michael Johnston on Matthew Williams led to a freekick which Gareth Owen took quickly to allow fellow former Wrexham professional Jamie Reed to open the scoring. Four minutes later it was 2-0, and this time a combination of former Blues as Mark Connolly crossed from the right to pick out Neil Roberts who turned sharply and sent a clean drive in off the post. The Rhyl side had settled around the impressive Gareth Owen and before the interval only a great save from Paul Smith prevented Matthew Williams from addiing a third. Referee Petch blew for the interval with blues boss Nev Powell doutbless keen on changing the course of the game. |
||||
HALF TIME 0-2 |
||||
And to some degree he did just that. In the second
period City were more competitive and might have halved the deficit
soon after the restart when Marc Limbert's quickly taken freekick found
the impressive Sion Edwards but he fired just wide. On 50 minutes Referee Petch was quick to show a yellow card to Greg Strong for a foul on Les Davies,he committed a similar offence moments later and got away with a lecture. A red card then would clearly have changed things but it was not to be. Bangor's best chances of the second period fell to Les Davies and Chris Sharp but both failed to hit the target, whilst the visitors seemed content with defence and counter attack. Manager Nev Powell sent on Kieran Killackey for Marc Limbert on the hour, and five minutes later Kevin Lloyd - the Loosemores Cup hero of a fortnight earlier - replaced Martin Beattie. In the final ten minutes John Corrigan came on for Christian Seargeant but could do nothing to change the final result as Rhyl defended strongly to keep Lee Kendall largely out of the action. Sion Edwards worked hard for City but found Connolly in determined mood for the visitors. Substitute Kev Lloy had one last chance for Bangor, a difficult header from a high swirling cross from Dave Swanick, but Kendall was on hand to catch comfortably. A disappointing result for City which brought an end a fine sequence of league wins, and better night for Rhyl which took them to the top of the Welsh Premier over full time rivals Llanelli and TNS. |
||||
|
||||
|
19 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
Reduced to ten
men for much of the game following the dismissal of centre half James
Brewereton, City did what the 250 so blues supporters would have hoped
for - won against the odds. City's first shot at goal came from Dave Swanick but on 12 minutes a comment passed to the linesman resulted in Jamie Brewerton being sent off. Moments earlier he appeared to have been fouled by Phil Molyneux on the right. Ten men? It has to be a battling performance to break the Broughton hoodoo and it was. Two minutes after the red card a Marc Limbert corner was misjudged by John Davies, Les Davies lobbed the ball across goal and Chris Sharp hit the back of the net with an acrobatic overhead kick from ten yards. Sharp was a thorn in the side to the home defence and his powerful right footed drive just veered wide at the last moment as it seemed set to strike inside the righthand post. Airbus tried to make the extra man pay but Peter Hoy and Michael Johnston stood strong. However on 27 minutes a long throw on the left from Phil Molynuex dropped to James MacIntosh who scored his customary goal against City at Broughton. Minutes later MacIntosh was in on goal but a perfectly timed challenge from Peter Hoy snuffed out the danger. Chris Sharp was injured in a heavy challenge by John Daves before MacIntosh again went close, this time forcing a save from Paul Smith. On 33 minutes Airbus won a corner which was seized upon by James MacIntosh who turned an fired home to put the Broughton side ahead for the first time. On 41 minutes another Marc Limbert corner provoked a blatant pull by Mark Allen on Peter Hoy. Penalty. Up stepped a calm Chris Sharp who sent the keeper the wrong way to bring the sides level with half time looming. There was still time for Bangor to launch one final raid but this time Sharp shanked his effort wide and referee Duncan blew for the interval with the scores level at two all. |
||||
HALF TIME 0-0 |
||||
The early threat of the second half emerged in the shape of
former Chester youngster Giovanni
Feliciello whose runs down the left - exposing the space created by the
extra man - unsettled City. One run stretched City until the tireless Michael Johnston intervened just outside his penalty area. On 58 minutes the first change for ten man Bangor as Kevin Lloyd replaced Chris Sharp who had received little protection from referee Duncan. Sion Edwards led City forward down the left but the run fizzled out. Then the menacing MacIntosh charged down the middle but Paul Smith came out to clear. The home side made a change on 66 when the retound Kilgannon came on for Mark Cadwallader who was briefly at Bangor under Steve Bleasdale. Then a double change for City who looked vulnerable on the break at times, with Martin Beattie and Kieran Killackey on for Sion Edwards and Christian Seargeant. With fifteen minutes remaining a foul by Feliciello earned him a yellow card and Bangor a freekick. Marc Limbert crossed, home goalkeeper Palethorpe flapped, the ball hit Feliciello on the back of the head and Peter Hoy scored from close range to the delight of the Bangor crowd. Airbus fought back and a cross from the left saw Dave Swanick slice the ball over his own crossbar and off onto the runway. Airbus sent on Mattie Cook with eight minutes left but he made little impression as City stood firm. The fourth official held up a board to show four minutes added time but Bangor battled resolutely and secured the points despite the early setback. And broke that Broughton hoodoo for good measure! |
||||
|
||||
|
18 |
|
|
The
Welsh Cup |
|
|
|
A hatrick from midfielder Marc Limbert secured
Bangor's passage into the last sixteen of The Welsh Cup against
visitors Garden Village. But City suffered an early setback in the warm up when Chris Sharp was forced to pull out, John Corrigan filled the number ten shirt. The opening exchanges though confirmed that Corrigan was an able replacement as City looked for an early goal. First Peter Hoy launched a long throw from the right, the towering Rimmer half cleared but Kieran Killackey and Marc Limbert headed on for Jamie Brewerton to volley on target but into the midrift of goalkeeper Holland. Then Alex Jones sliced a clearance against his crossbar from Les Davies' low driven cross. On ten minutes Sion Edwards crossed from the left, Chris Thomas slipped and handled on the deck. Referee Swindley pointed to the penalty spot and captain Marc Limbert calmly converted to put Bangor ahead. Mike Walsh then set off an a mazey run which took him to the edge of the Village box but his shot was comfortably held by Holland But on 20 minutes a bizarre second goal came courtesy of a low inswinging corner from Marc Limbert on the left which beat both defenders at the near post for a two nil lead. Three minutes later it was all over. John Corrigan ran in from the right, Sam Brown mistimed his challenge, a second penalty. Marc Limbert again kept his cool and it was three nil. On the half hour John Corrigan had two snap efforts, the firsty hit the near post and the second crashed into the side netting from the right. Five minutes before the interval a penetrating run from Sion Edwards was cut short by the determine, burly Rimmer who earned a yellow card. Marc Limbert took the freekick but this time he was off target. In the final minute of the first period a third penalty - for another trip on John Corrigan - but this time a great low save from the courageous Holland to deny Marc Limbert a fourth goal! |
||||
HALF TIME 3-0 |
||||
Bangor continued to dominate the second period, but to their
credit Garden Village stuck to their guns. Urged on by their
bench "play your football" they tried to do just that. Three
minutes after the interval there was a stoppage when the stand side
linesman wholly oblivious to the fact that the visitors number nine lay
prone on the pitch with a head injury. Derrick Jenkins shot off target for Village, Sion Edwards likewise for City as the game entered a period of stalemate. On the hour Les Davies roared into action with a trademark run from half way which ended with a shot from the left which slid out for a goalkick. On 63 minutes Richard Jones replaced lanky striker Ashley Richards. On 65 minutes it was 4-0 as Sion Edwards' low cross was turned home by Les Davies from point blank range. John Corrigan ran on goal, passed to Sion edwards but his effort failed to hit the target. With twelve minutes left Martin Beattie replaced centre back Jamie Brewerton with Peter Hoy switching into the middle. On 83 young Matt Sargent came on for Kieran Killackey and showed some fine touches and awareness on the right. Sargent was quickly into the action with a strong tackle on half way and a deft pass which released Les Davies but Holland was out quickly to smother the danger. A fine run from John Corrigan forced a superb one handed save from Holland. The final action saw Sion Edwards strike a fierce crosshot from the left which fizzed beyond the right upright and the danger passed. So a convincing win for Bangor but credit to the Village side who played with good spirit, no little skill and in particular for the huge Rimmer and his centreback partner Steve Bater who worked overtime to keep The Blues at bay. Well done both. |
||||
|
||||
|
17 |
|
|
Loosemores Cup |
|
|
|
With
some 94 minutes played of this League Cup
Quarter Final, City looked down and out, but a last gasp equaliser from
substitute Kevin Lloyd changed all that - and led to an uplifting 3-1
win over bitter rivals Rhyl. The early - first minute - chance fell to Bangor when midfielder Kieran Killackey hit the post with the diving Lee Kendal well beaten. On ten minutes Daver Swanick sent Chris Sharp clear on goal but fired wide of the eccentric keeper. Sion Edwards, who was a thorn in the visitors side throughout, fired over Lee Kendall's crossbar. On the quarter hour the first decision for Referee Lee Evans when he opted to show the yellow card to one time Bangor loanee Neil Roberts for a wild challenge on Dave Swanick. The match settled a little on an understandably heavy pitch, as former Wrexham veterans Gareth Owen and Danny Williams fought for parity with Kieran Killackey and Mike Walsh. With half an hour gone Carl Owen forced a good save out of Paul Smith, then Danny Williams headed over from the corner. The opening - and what looked like decisive - goal of the game came from a 35th minute corner. Gareth Owen crossed, local lad Carl Owen knocked the ball back across goal and former Motherwell defender Greg Strong forced the ball into the net with City fans claiming the use of a hand. Nonetheless the goal stood and Rhyl had the lead. It stayed at one nill as Mr Evans called the teams off for the interval with the visiting fans the happier with the scoreline. |
||||
HALF TIME 0-1 |
||||
At half time the injured Chris Sharp was replaced by Kevin
Lloyd. There was little to cheer the home fans in terms of clear efforts in the second half. Referee Evans appeared to become a little too ready with his yellow card and in a ten minute spell which began on 57 minutes, took the names of Jamie Brewerton and George Horan, then Mark Connolly and Kevin Lloyd, capped off with Danny Williams Les Davies and Jamie Reed. Of course the player must accept responsibility but this seemed harsh. City might have slipped further behind as Danny Williams and Greg Strong both went close in the second period. Five minutes from time both sides made a change with John Corrigan on for a tired Kieran Killackey, James Kelly for Johnston. Some supporters had started to drift away, when with four minutes of added time already played, home prayers were answered. Les Davies crossed low from the right, Kevin Lloyd challenged with Lee Kendall and the ball dropped for the former Llangefni striker to score his first Bangor goal. Those leaving turned around and Referee Evans signalled for time - and extra time. Just before the end of the first period City had the lead. Marc Limbert's freekick picked out Sion Edwards and his clean drive beat Kendall into the net. Former Wrexham midfielder Danny Williams was then sent off for a clash with Marc Limbert, leaving the Lilywhites a goal and man down. In the second period - on 110 minutes - Bangor grabbed a 3-1 advantage. Kevin Lloyd ran at goal, executed a sublime exchange of passes with Sion Edwards and crashed the return ball into the roof of the net! As the Bangor fans celebrated those in black and white began their journey home. In the closing minutes Jamie Brewerton made way for Martin Beattie before more noisy celebrations as Mr Evans blew for time at close to ten o clock. |
||||
|
||||
|
16 |
|
|
Loosemores Cup |
|
|
|
With qualification to the group stages assured,
manager Nev Powell opted to give some of the club's promising
youngsters a chance at Farrar Road against visitors Caersws. The
team also consisted of firs teamers Martin Beattie, Mike Walsh, Kevin
Lloyd and John Corrigan plus Caio Iwan and Clive Williams who have been
regulars in the first team squad this season. The end result might have looked quite different had Kevin Lloyd managed to convert his early "one on one" chance but giant goalkeeper Andy Hughes grabbed the ball. But on 17 minutes Caersws went ahead when former Porthmadog and Airbus striker Dave Hughes beat Ryan Roberts for the opening goal. Five minutes later it was 2-0 when one time Bangor substitute Stewart White opened his account. On the half hour he added his second to send the visitors into a 3-0 lead. Ironically Bangor matched their opponents for the remainder of the half and continued to stick to their guns and play controlled football, despite being physically outmuscled by their stronger opponents. Referee Harms blew for the interval with the score still standing at 3-0 to Caersws. |
||||
HALF TIME 0-3 |
||||
At half time Caersws replaced leftback Steve Hopkins with
Llanfyllin based striker Nathan Prodger who had scored a hatrick at the
weekend for the club's reserve side. Five minutes after the interval City pulled a goal back. Eighteen year old midfielder Matt Sargent celebrated his first team bow with a 25 yard piledriver which left Andy Hughes clutching thin air, to the delight of the blues support. Once again Bangor were back in contention but on 55 minutes centreback Gareth Sudlow exposed the lack of height in the City defence to head home from a corner. On the hour Steve Futcher replaced Mark Davies in the Caersws midfield. On 67 minutes City fans got a first glimpse at John Owen who has impressed for the freescoring reserves, as he replaced Caio Iwan. But the evening belonged to Stewart White who completed his hatrick on 69 mins and took his tally to four five minutes later to complete the scoring with The Bluebirds 6-1 ahead. There were substitute appearances for Sion Edwards and Luke Roberts before Referee Harms - who had not resorted to his yellow or red cards throughout - blew for time. By way of winning Caersws now travel to Aberystwyth in the Quarter Finals, instead of Llanelli who are eliminated. City, as was the case in any event, welcome Rhyl. |
||||
|
||||
|
15 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
Bangor were
made to battle to the end to secure a sixth straight win, and bag all
three points on the banks of The Severn, City boss Nev Powell had to rule out centrehalf Jamie Brewerton which led to a recall for Martin Beattie with Peter Hoy switching into the middle. The first chance of the afternoon for Bangor came when Chris Sharp was off target from an early freekick. On twenty minutes Caersws went close twice, with Ross Jefferies' header and then Steve Futcher long range shot both failing to trouble Paul Smith in the City goal. Bangor's first real threat came on 25 minutes when Sion Edwards came in from the left to fire right footed but just over as he latched onto Paul Smith's long clearance. On the half hour Chris Sharp forced a great acrobatic save from the hulking Hughes who palmed his thirty yarder over as it seemed set to dip under the crossbar. From the resulting corner Hughes repeated the feat by saving Sharp's header with ease. Ten minutes before the interval Dave Swanick and Chris Sharp combined on the right, Marc Limbert ran infield but pulled his left footer just wide. Caersws retaliated with a deep freekick from Steve Hopkins which found Rob Williams in the box but his header was too close to Paul Smith. The final action of the half was a long range freekick from Christian Seargeant which was comfortably held by Hughes. Referee Dean John who had enjoyed a quiet afternoon blew for the interval in warm sunshine and both sides had reason to feel pleased with their first 45 minutes. |
||||
HALF TIME 0-0 |
||||
Caersws went close in the opening moments when left side
midfielder Mark Davies rushed into the box and was only halted by a
brave sliding challenge from Dave Swanick. There were loud
appeals for a penalty on the grounds that City's rightback had handled,
but nothing was given. What turned out to be the decisive goal came ten minutes after the break. A foul on the Bangor left by Stewart White on the hard working Sion Edwards resulted in a freekick midway inside the Caersws half on the touchline. Marc Limbert floated the ball across the box, goalkeeper Andy Hughes shouted for but could not claim the cross, and Peter Hoy nodded down into the empty net from six yards. By now the game had started to get scrappy. There were yellow cards for Ross Jefferies for a foul, and Chris Melia for a childlike dive. Sion Edwards was also yellow carded for holding ontothe ball when Caersws had a freekick, although the official turned a blind eye to Steve Futcher's attempts at kicking the ball out of his hands. Football restablished itself with 20 mins left when Melia skipped past Peter Hoy on the left of the Bangor box but slid his shot wide. Minutes later City won what only their second corner of the match which Chris Sharp headed wide. Caersws in no mood to give up looked dangerous on the break. Sion Edwards and Marc Limbert stood out as The Blues looked to hold on. With ten minutes left Stewart White made way for David Hughes. Rob Williams, who had battled manfully against Les Davies, conceded a freekick on the edge of the 'Sws box. Christian Seargeant spotted the freekick but his lofted effort startled the pigeons roosting in the river end. Chris Sharp had been on the end of some rough treatment and was replaced by Kevin Lloyd with five minutes left who found himself playing closer to fifteen as referee John added eight minutes of stoppage time. Bangor resorted to some timewasting tactics which involved making for the corners - and winning a couple in the process - and a hard fought win was finally secured. This was not one for the football purist but for the bus load of blues fans it was warmly greeted. |
||||
|
||||
|
14 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
This six goal thriller was
punctuated by some poor
home defending and brilliant saves by visiting goalkeeper Kristian
Rogers. In the opening minutes Les Davies shot wide and, minutes later, Lee Surman left the field with a serious head injury which led to him being replaced by the experienced Gareth Phillips within ten minutes of the kick off. Leigh DeVulgt fired wide for Port Talbot but on nine minutes Bangor went ahead. Marc Limbert slid the ball along the line to the hard running Chris Sharp on the right. His cross picked out Les Davies who turned and beat Rogers from fifteen yards. The Blues might have doubled their advantage when Sion Edwards sent over a corner from the left, Jamie Brewerton rose the highest but his header was stopped on the the line by substitute Phillips. Moments later Brewerton and visiting number ten McCreesh were yellow carded for their part in a skirmish which followed an untidy challenge by City's defender on half way. As City pushed forwards Chris Sharp passed to Sion Edwards but he slashed wide. But as the half moved on the visitors grew in confidence and put the Bangor goal under increasing pressure. Peter Hoy was in the thick of the action, first with a well timed challenge, then a brave block but ultimately with a sliced clearance which skewed across field to Dave Swanick. His miskick allowed James Burgin to cross from the left and Drew Fahiya ran in to score from close range. There was barely time for referee Harms to blow for the restart than he whistled again for the half time interval. City were left to reflect on an untypical piece of defending which had allowed the visitors - albeit deservedly - back into the game. |
||||
HALF TIME 1-1 |
||||
Manager Nev Powell was in no mood to reflect on what went
wrong, if the opening exchanges were anything to go by. Four minutes after they trotted out for the second half, City were ahead once more. The cumbersome Rees fouled Blues midfielder Christian Seargeant on the edge of the box. With a wall blocking his path Christian Seargeant literally picked his spot and sent an unstoppable curling effort wide of Rogers from twenty five yards. Two minutes later Kristian Rogerts pulled off a superb rapid fire double save from Peter Hoy and Jamie Brewerton who blasted goalwards from within six yards. As the Bangor pressure grew the impressive Chris Sharp ran down the right and crossed but Sion Edwards shot over. Winger Edwards then slid Les Davies in down the middle but Rogers rushed out to save at close range. Bangor were now keen to close the game out and forced three corners in a few minutes. Moments later Rogers again saved well from Sharp whose clean drive seemed bound for the back of the net. On 69 minutes it was 3-1 when Christian Seargeant netted cleanly once again from Chris Sharp's low cross - which reached him with the aid of a deflection - from the right. With fifteen minutes remaining new signing Kevin Lloyd came on for Sion Edwards with Les Davies moving to the left. Second later it was 4-1 as the young substitute passed to Chris Sharp whose calm finish got the better of the acrobatic Rogers. Bangor fans were contemplating a comfortable finish but the visitors had other ideas and Matthew Rees scrambled home from close range after some poor defending to cut the deficit to 4-2. John Corrigan came on for Chris Sharp before Les Davies was felled by Leigh DeVulgt who was booked for his troubles. Peter Hoy headed down but Rogers pulled off a wonder save before the injured Davies made way for Martin Beattie. The closing action saw John Corrigan burst through the middle and squared to Kevin Lloyd but his shot screwed wide. So a 4-2 win and comfortable enough in the end, but not all the way! |
||||
|
||||
|
13 |
|
|
Loosemores Cup |
|
|
|
Two goals from Les Davies led Bangor to a 3-2 win and
to within a whisker of qualification for the Quarter Final stage of the
Loosemores Cup. Despite heavy rain and localised flooding the Traeth surface was in excellent condition for this local derby. Bangor took the early initiative and it was no surprise on 14 minutes when former Port legend Les Davies headed home Sion Edwards' cross to beat Dave Vickers in the home goal. This was the big left footer's first goal for City against Port since rejoining the blues under manager Nev Powell more than twelve months earlier. Left winger Edwards forced a good save from young Vickers as City pressed for a second. This arrived on 24 minutes when Sion Edwards saw hit shot blocked Mike Walsh was on hand to drive home from close range. Port bounced back and might have closed the gap when Marc Lloyd Williams was denied on the goalline from Ogilvy's corner. Midfielder Christian Seargeant and the powerful figure of Les Davies caught the eye as City built up a useful lead. Paul Smith saved well from the verstaile John Rowley but Bangor maintained their 2-0 advantage as referee LoFaro blew for the half time interval. |
||||
HALF TIME 0-2 |
||||
At half time Porthmadog replaced the inured Jon Rowley with
former Leeds United youngster Chris Jones. Jones was much involved as Port pushed for a goal, but Paul Smith was on hand to deny him and a header from one time City defender Eifion Jones. But on 69 minutes it looked all over as Bangor notched their third goal of the evening. A long clearance by Paul Smith caused problems for the home defence, Les Davies moved in to control the ball and hold off the attentions of two defenders to crash home beyond Vickers from the edge of the box. With both sets of fans suspecting the outcome was settled, Port proved them wrong. On 78 minutes Gareth Parry headed home from Chris Jones' corner. Then two minutes later - with ten to go - Chris Jones netted from fifteen yards to bring the hosts within a goal of an unlikely point. In the closing minutes Mike Walsh released Les Davies who just failed to complete his hatrick, and then watched in disbelief as referee LoFaro flashed the red card at midfielder Walsh apparently for bad language. Nevertheless City held firm and secured the three points which eliminate Port from the competition and provide a clear advantage going into the final group match with Caersws. |
||||
|
||||
|
12 |
|
|
The
Welsh Cup |
|
|
|
Two
clubs linked by Bangor City and Everton legend Tommy
Jones were separated by the son of another, Chris Sharp, whose father
Graeme watched from the rain soaked terraces at Farrar Road. Driven forward by strong wind and rain the The Nomads - the club founded by Tommy Jones - attacked the St Pauls End in the first half, but failed to test a sodden Paul Smith enough to satisfy Steve O'Shaughnessy. In reality it was Bangor, playing against the elements, that went closest. Les Davies fired over from Mike Walsh's seventh minute lay off. Then Sion Edwards sent the hugely impressive Walsh chasing down the left. His cross fell to Marc Limbert whose first time goal bound effort was deflected for a corner by Andy Alston. The resulting cross saw Christian Seargeant shoot over from twenty yards. It was in the 20th minute that Connahs Quay forced their first corner but this was easily cleared. The visitors found progress hard to come by with James Brewerton dominant at the centre of a resolute defence, the cultured Craig Garside worked hard to get his side into the game. On the half hour Sion Edwards arrowed a ball through for Chris Sharp but the tall striker fired wide from twenty yards. Moments later Tommy Mutton went close when he raced in on goal but Paul Smith rushed out to clear emphatically.. Christian Seargeant sent a final long range effort off target before Referee Neil Morgan blew for the welcome interval. There was a feeling that the wind and rain would boost The Blues in the second period amongst the tea hut queue. But you never know. |
||||
HALF TIME 0-0 |
||||
The opening five minutes were a stop start affair.
Peter Doran was yellow carded for a foul on Sion Edwards, then in turn
both Alston's fell injured, so too Kieran Quinn. In the middle of
this Les Davies ran on goal but Chris Maxwell - dandy shirt and all -
saved bravely with his feet then palmed the rebound back against the
big striker. Certainly City seemed able to make better use of the elements than their opponents had, and a couple of corners tested the young goalkeeper. Midway through the half Sion Edwards unsettled the Nomads defence, Chris Sharp headed wide from a long throw off Peter Hoy, and Bangor seemed to be edging closer to a breakthrough. On 70 mins Adam Dickinson replaced the anonymous Craig Davies and immediately caught the eye with some sure touches on the left. But he could do little on 74 mins when City finally took the lead. Les Davies headed on, Chris Sharp raced in behind the visitors defence and finished calmly past Maxwell from fifteen yards for his seventh goal of the season. With nothing to lose Connahs Quay pushed forwards and created more chances in the closing quarter hour than in the previous seventy five. The first fell to Tommy Mutton whose low drive from the right forced a good save from Paul Smith. Kieran Killackey entered the fray with twelve minutes left for a weary Sion Edwards. Moments later Aden Shannon came on for Craig Garside. With five minute remaining Liam Loughlin shot wide.. In the closing minutes Aden Shannon fired over from outside the box before a wayward punch from Paul Smith dropped to Liam Loughlin who shanked the ball well wide from the penalty spot. Into injury time John Corrigan replaced Les Davies and - finally - Referee Morgan blew for time. A deserved win but closer in the end than it might have been - cup football! |
||||
|
||||
|
11 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
A goal on forty seconds saw City
take an early lead
and go on to secure a first home league win of the season against
Camrarthen yesterday. If this was a six pointer then it is advantage Bangor who opened up a three point gap and established a superior goal difference over the west Wales club. The early goal could scarcely have come more earlier. Dave Swanick headed to Les Davies, he headed on towards Chris Sharp who seized upon a hesistant Richard Hughes to nod the bouncing ball down to Sion Edwards whose composed drive beat Neil Thomas from fifteen yards. Previous games had seen City waste early chances, but not today. On eight minutes Les Davies netted from a corner but the offside flag was already up. Carmarthen attacked but all Stuart Roberts got for his penalty box dive was a yellow card from the alert Mr John. Les Davies fired across goal from the right before centreback Mark Dodds was lucky to be yellow carded for a last man foul on Chris Sharp on halfway. Lee Hudgell ran through the home defence but his shot was too close to Paul Smith to cause much concern. Close to the half hour Les Davies went close twice more as Liam Hancock struggled to cope with trademark "Truck" charges. Moments later another blues attack saw Chris Sharp again brought down by Mark Dodds who received his second yellow and then red. Sion Edwards now found himself against Sacha Walters in a re-organised Town defence, and skipped past the makeshift fullback to force a good save out of Thomas. The ball bounced out ot Chris Sharp but he failed to capitalise. The powerful Paul Fowler was working hard in the visitors midfield, but his twenty yarder flew over Paul Smith's crossbar. As half time beckoned, Les Davies sent an arching pass out to the right, Marc Limbert slipped round Hudgell and picked out Chris Sharp but the ball drifted behind the tall striker and just short of Les Davies. City finished the half with a period of pressure which culminated in a couple of corners, but it was Danny Thomas who seized on some indecision in the blues defence to shoot on goal from twenty yards but Paul Smith was on hand to save comfortably. |
||||
HALF TIME 1-0 |
||||
City opened brightly with Marc Limbert and Christian
Seargeant combining to set up Sion Edwards on the edge of the
box. He turned a fired on target but Thomas was in the way once
again. Moments later a foul on captain Limbert, a freekick
floated into the box and Peter Hoy - recalled in favour of the injured
Martin Beattie - headed downwards but again Thomas saved. On 55 minutes City doubled their lead. Chris Sharp held the ball up on the right, passed back to Dave Swanick whose clean cross was headed home by Les Davies from thirteen yards. Carmarthen replaced Paul Fowler with Tim Hicks but it was nearly more of the same on the hour when Les Davies won possession on the left and drove a fierce cross which Chris Sharp headed over from close range. Carmarthen came close when Michael Johnston was alert to the danger of Danny Thomas, and it is fair to say that Johnston and Jamie Brewerton were kept busy by the spirit of the ten men. Possibly the worst foul on the afternoon went unpunished when Liam Hancock nailed Mike Walsh on halfway. Peter Hoy and Sion Edwards created an opening on the left but Palmer scrambled clear. On 75 minutes John Corrigan replaced Sion Edwards who earned the warm applause as he lef the pitch. With Bangor determined to score again Marc Limbert crossed and midfielder Mike Walsh looked to have scored but Thomas saved acrobatically, then as the ball rolled out to Les Davies the never say die goalkeeper cleared with his feet whilst lying on the grass! Marc Limbert nearly capped a fine performance with a goal but Thomas stood firm, then Kieran Killackey came on for Christian Seargeant who had enjoyed a productive afternoon in the blues engine room. Marc Limbert then boomed an inch perfect crossfield ball to Les Davies on the left, he swerved and tricked his way into the box but fired over right footed from eight yards. There was just about time for a couple more Bangor corners and for Caio Iwan to replace Chris Sharp before Mr John blew for time and City supporters hailed the win. |
||||
|
||||
|
10 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
A convincing
win on a dreadful pitch was the net result as two goals from Chris
Sharp saw City home at Deeside. The opening quarter saw Bangor restricted to a couple of long range efforts from Christian Seargeant but on the fifteen minute mark Chris Sharp gave a taste of things to come with a rasping drive from the left which rattled young goalkeeper Chris Maxwell's crossbar. City had been on top from the start but could exercise little control due to the unpredictable bounce. However on 29 minutes the blues went ahead. Chris Sharp hit the righthand upright and Sion Edwards was on hand to score from close in on the right.. But just as City fans hoped for a convincing win The Nomads bounced back as Liam Loughlin exploited an alarming gap down the middle of the Bangor defence to beat Paul Smith from twelve yards. The lead had lasted lesss than two minutes. The former Runcorn youngster Loughlin went close again moments later before City layed siege to the home goal. First left winger Sion Edwards crossed but Chris Sharp headed over, then Sharp fired wide from the left, then Maxwell saved well from Les Davies who was terrorising the Alston brother in the Nomads defence. Danny Forde brough a good save out of Paul Smith with a clean twenty yard strike, but moments after wasting another good chance, Bangor were ahead once more. Christian Seargeant shot from the edge of the box and Chris Sharp reacted first to shoot home from from the right despite Maxwell's best efforts.. City finished on the front foot with a fifth corner as Maxwell saved well from Les Davies, but Referee Harms blew for the interval and both side jogged off. |
||||
HALF TIME 1-2 |
||||
Reports of a noisy disagreement in the home dressing room
hinted at a change, and the replacement of the inept Doran twins
confirmed manager O'Shaughnessy had taken action. Their
replacements were former Welshpool pair Christian Courtney and Aden
Shannon. On 55 minutes the most dramatic moment of the game. Sion Edwards rushed into the box, was pulled down by Bamber as he stretched for the ball, and Referee Harms righlty awarded a penalty. Up stepped leading goalscorer Chris Sharp to convert the chance with authority, striking the bottom corner. There was a stoppage as Les Davies was clattered on half way by former Wrexham midfielder Kieran Quinn who was yellow carded for his troubles. Soon after the restart Mike Walsh presented the ball to Christian Seargeant but he fired wide. On 66 minutes Craig Garside replaced Danny Forde in the home midfield. Mike Walsh made ground down the right, crossed invitingly but Chris Sharp headed over from six yards. Next Sion Edwards charged down the left but Les Davies fired his shot too close to the agile Maxwell. The final quarter was something of an anti climaax as both sides accepted their fate. Craig Garside was yellow carded for dissent, City sent on Peter Hoy and Joe Fowler for Martin Beattie and Christian Seargeant. Then two or three minutes from time big Les Davies left to a noisy ovation as he made way for John Corrigan. So a job well done, three points on a wholly inadequate pitch against a Nomads side who were amongst the league leaders. |
||||
|
||||
|
9 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
Two teams separated only by
goals scored rather than
goal difference started and ended goalless and all square at Farrar
Road. Visitors Aberystwyth set out a strong pattern in which both centrebacks Aneurin Thomas and Christian Edwards were prominent. Former blues goal keeper Dave Roberts was also in the action. City carved out more chances but were unable to capitalise and - in the end - a draw it was. It might all have been so different. Inside five minutes Marc Limbert crossed from the right, Les Davies steadied himself and headed towards the back post, but sent his effort wide. On 12 mins City attacked through Christian Seargeant and Chris Sharp, were thwarted by Aneurin Thomas who in turn released Geoff Kelloway whose shot sped over Paul Smith's crossbar. Young Kelloway went closer still moments later when he darted in behind Michael Johnston on the left and fired fiercely at the near post. Paul Smith was on hand to block the effort and concede a corner. City retaliated with an effort from Chris Sharp after an assist by Les Davies but Dave Roberts saved. Ten minutes before the interval Bangor went close again as Marc Limbert followed up after Chris Sharp's effort was blocked. In the closing minute Sion Edwards found space on the left, ran on goal, but dragged his shot across the face of goal. Which was the final action before referee Neil Morgan, who had hardly endeared himself to home fans, blew for the interval. |
||||
HALF TIME 0-0 |
||||
The second half began is a similar vein to the first, with
Sion Edwards racing down the left but this time forcing a save from
returning goalkeeper Roberts. Aber struck back with a fine
passing move which culminated in Michael Johnston blocking bravely from
Chris Venables shot on goal. City won a couple of corners and from the second Marc Limbert crossed but Les Davies headed over. On the hour Aber boss Brian Coyne made the first change of the afternoon as Graham Evans limped off to be replaced by veteran striker Andy Evans. A sixth corner of the afternoon for Bangor on the left, Marc Limbert found Jamie Brewerton but he headed over into the Farrar End. With fifteen minutes remaining Nev Powell sent on Robbie Talbot for Chris Sharp. Moments later the impressive young midfielder Robert Evans forced a save from Paul Smith. Then Peter Hoy came on for leftback Martin Beattie. A seventh and final blues corner - won from a trademark longthrow from Peter Hoy - ended with Christian Seargeant firing over. On 83 mins Coyne withdrew former Manchester United progidy Sean Evans in favour of local youth Steve Bowen. City went for it one last time with Les Davies, twice in fact, going close but shooting wide. Then the final act as Robert Evans went close but Paul Smith did enough to keep a clean sheet. Statistics dont prove everything, but with greater possession, seven corners to four, and with ten chances to five, Bangor should have won. But the only statistic that mattered was the clean sheet which meant honours even and a second home draw for City in the Welsh Premier. |
||||
|
||||
|
8 |
|
|
Loosemores Cup |
|
|
|
This Loosemores Cup group match provided an
entertaining, if accident prone, evening's football for the hundred or
so supporters at The Rec. Both teams made changes to their normal starting line-ups. Caersws were without leftback Steve Hopkins and midfielder Aeron Edwards whilst City brought in Ryan Roberts in goal, Peter Hoy at left back, a whole new midfield four and recalled Robbie Talbot alongside Chris Sharp. On seven minutes the changes appeared to have worked. Joe Fowler passed toMel McGinness who charged down the right and crossed to Robbie Talbot whose instant finish sped past John Rowley in the Caersws goal. Ctyw on a corner which the recalled Peter Hoy headed just over. Chris Sharp cut in from the left and it took a full length dive from Rowley to push the ball wide for a corner. Mel McGinness picked up a loose ball and forced a good save from Rowley who palmed over. With 28 minutes gone City doubled their advantage. A telling run on the right from Robbe Talbot, a cleverly flighted centre and the incoming Chris Sharp headed home from six yards. But with City fans rubbing their hands the home side struck back. Young referee Swindley awarded a corner, the ball came in low at the near post and Chris Melia turned the ball home. With just over five minutes remaining until the interval Robbie Talbot chased a bouncing ball but saw his twenty yard effort curl wide. Moments later Kieran Killackey was yellow carded for a sliding tackle which resulted in a freekick on half way. This was floated to the edge of the box where the midfielder was penalised again - harshly it has to be said - for some infringement. This second chance was blasted on goal, deflected to Ross Jefferies who scored from ten yards. As the closing moments were played out Gareth Sudlow should have put the home side ahead with a clean header from six yards but failed to find the target. |
||||
HALF TIME 2-2 |
||||
Caersws opened brightly, creating a couple of chances
which missed the target, before Mel McGinness sent a powerful low drive
flashing across goal from the right. Chris Melia expoited some
indecision in the City defence to run on goal, but young keeper Ryan
Roberts was able to smother his low shot from close range. On the hour John Corrigan was replaced by Les Davies whose appearance seemed to raise the tempo. Immediately Robbie Talbot span and shot goalwards, then on 63 minutes City had the lead once more. A fifth corner from the right was misjudged by Rowley, dropped in the box and Michael Johnston prodded home from point blank range. Caersws were almost level within seconds. A long range effort from the impressive Mark Davies caused confusion, the ball ran out to former Airbus striker Dave Hughes who hit the post from fifteen yards out on the right. Robbie Talbot was still causing problems for the twin centrebacks Hughes and Sudlow. He latched onto a high bouncing ball and fired hard and low but Rowley saved well. On 70mins Mark Davies made way for former Bangor winger Stewart White, then big Steve Hughes was yellow carded for a foul on Chris Sharp. Two more subs followed in quick succession, Caio Iwan for Mel McGinness and Mike Walsh for Joe Fowler. Ryan Roberts saved well before Chris Sharp headed on target but Rowley was up to the task. Les Davies had attracted the attention of referee Swindley and was yellow carded for very little, then Caio Iwan saw a shot blocked as City looked set to pick up all three points. But Caersws came back and young sub Nathan Prodger was on hand to level the scores, It looked to have gone from bad to worse when a dubious penalty - belatedly awarded after a loud appeal - gave Steve Hughes a chance to secure the win. But Ryan Roberts dived low to his left and pulled off a great save to secure a share of the spoils and leave City - and Caersws - on four points from the two games played. |
||||
|
||||
|
7 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIIER |
|
|
|
A second half
freekick from midfielder Christian Seargeant sealed the win for City
who overcame the setback of a missed penalty soon after half time. The opening exchanges brought into focus the midfielder conflict of City's youngsters Christian Seargeant and Mike Walsh set against the bone crunching former Afan Lido battler Chris Pridham. As the visitors got the upper hand Wyn Walters was called into action but Neath hopes rose when Kerry Morgan forced a full length save from Paul Smith. From the resulting corner Richard French turned the ball into the side netting. Athletic 'keeper Wyn Walters was then called into action with a brilliant double save, first denying Les Davies and then the follow up from Sion Edwards. With Martin Beattie and Sion Edwards making inroads on the left City began to unsettle the home defence. With time running out at the end of the first half the Les Davies won a freekick on the edge of the box. Marc Limbert stepped up but was frustrated to see what looked like a goalbound effort strike the angle of post and crossbar before being scrambled clear. The final effort of the first half saw Les Davies control the ball in the box, turn and shoot - but to once more see the ball strike the woodword. Referee Whitby blew for the interval and manager Nev Powell must have wondered what he could say to change his team's luck in front of goal. |
||||
HALF TIME 0-0 |
||||
There were no changes at half time but within five
minutes Bangor might have gone ahead. Midfielder Marc Limbert cut in from the right, collected the ball off a defender, and was clearly fouled by leftback David Burrows. Referee Whitby instantly awarded a penalty. But to the surprise of the travelling support Marc Limbert struck the inside of the upright with his effort which had otherwise left Walters out of the picture. The scoreline remained unaltered until the 73rd minute when Christian Seargeant was fouled - again by Burrows - for a free kick on the edge of the box. Christian Seargeant beat the diving Walters with a dipping strike to finally put City ahead. In the closing minutes both sides made substitutions, Matthew Rees and Gavin Jones on for Neath pair Richard French and Kerry Morgan, Joe Fowler replacing Marc Limbert for City, but after what seemed like five minutes of added time, the final whistle blew. A fine win for Bangor, a record Welsh Premier crowd for Neath, and national football at The Gnoll for the first time. Something for everyone! |
||||
|
||||
|
6 |
|
|
Loosemores Cup |
|
|
|
Inspired by
two goals from centre forward Les Davies,
City ran into a three nil lead inside 25 minutes and then eased to a
comfortable win over local rivals Porthmadog. The first goal came on two minutes when Martin Beattie crossed from the left, Ryan Davies missed his clearance and Les Davies was on hand to capitalise on the mistake with a trademark shot from the edge of the box. Dave Swanick shot over the bar and then Martin Beattie cleared a Marc Lloyd Williams effort off the line, but on 12 minutes it was two nil. A freekick from Marc Limbert was flicked on by goalscorer Davies for Jamie Brewerton to fire home left footed from six yard, possibly with the aid of a deflection.. On 25 minutes City swept into an unassailable 3-0 lead when Marc Limbert's booming crossfield ball to Sion Edwards was directed towards Les Davies who swivelled on the edge of the box to beat the despairing Dave Vickers. With half an hour gone the industrious Marc Limbert went close with a header but the visitors gradually found a foothold in the match as City inevitably eased up. Midfielder Steven Kehoe sent Marc Lloyd Williams through but he lifted his shot over the bar, then the pacey Carl Jones - also playing against his former club - ran goalwards but delayed when he might have shot and the ball was cleared comfortably. So referee Mike Jones blew for half time with the outcome - if not the scoreline - already beyond debate. |
||||
HALF TIME 3-0 |
||||
The home side might have gone further ahead within minutes of
the restart. Sion Edwards, who was enjoying a productive evening
down the left, saw his cross scrambled away for a corner. Then
midfielder Christian Seargeant hammered a shot against the Port
crossbar with Vickers again beaten. Five minutes into the second period Paul Whelan sent on Mark Thomas and Iwan Thomas for John Peris Jones and Ritchie Owen. Moments later Michael Johnston was yellow carded, then Kieran Killackey replaced Joe Fowler alongside Seargeant in the blues midfield. Rhys Roberts and Martin Beattie quickly followed into the busy Mr Jones' little book. Les Davies opened up the visitors defence with a pass to Chris Sharp but he fired over. But Port rallied as substitutions broke up the pattern of the game and the impressive Carl Jones forced a save out of Paul Smith following a freekick. On 64 minutes Robbie Talbot replaced Chris Sharp and with fifteen minutes left on the clock John Corrigan made his Bangor debut in place of Sion Edwards, then Matt Hughes came on for Rhys Roberts who had battled bravely for Port. By now the game had lost its shape with bookings and substitutions coming thick and fast, but referee Jones was on hand to turn down what seemed reasonable penalty claims when Jamie Brewerton was fouled in the closing minutes, and appeared to blow for time after less than a minute added despite the many changes. However, despite the bookings, a useful win for Bangor who now top the group on goal difference from Caersws. |
||||
|
||||
|
5 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIIER |
|
|
|
This
tale of two halves began with Haverfordwest
storming into a second minute lead and ending up hanging on by a
slender thread as City fought back. A needless foul just inside the blues half gave County a freekick inside a minute which - after undue contemplation - Simon Gilderdale curled into the box for bearded giant Lee Jarman to head home unhindered from six yards. The visitors celebrated and that sat back to give one of the finest - or worst - displays of borish timewasting seen at Farrar Road since the days of Horwich RMI. But for a short while the West Wales side threatened to double their lead as Martin Beattie was called upon to defend bravely as the impressive Jack Christopher caused problems alone upfront. Ramasut fired wide from twenty yards and it was fifteen minutes before City carved a clear chance. It came when a corner swept across by Marc Limbert connected with Les Davies' head but flew over Lee Idzi' bar. On the half hour Robbie Talbot won a corner which came to nothing before Dyfan Pierce was yellow carded for a late tackle on Dave Swanick. As half time beckoned City fans held their breath as Martin Beattie flattened Mike Hartley in a challenge which might have prompted a red card, but commonsense prevailed as Mr Duncan flashed yellow. Penrhyndeudraeth midfielder Dyfan Pierce then opted to feign injury before City forced their third and final corner of the half. This was centred by Marc Limbert and resulted in a half chance which Robbie Talbot flung himself at close to the back post, but just failed to make contact. Referee Duncan proved he had been noting the blatant timewasting by the tiresome Idzi and friends by adding three minutes of stoppage time, but neither side seriously threatened before he eventually blew for the interval. |
||||
HALF TIME 0-1 |
||||
That was to prove the former Burton striker's last
contribution as he was replaced during the interval by Sion Edwards
with Les Davies reverting to his more familiar centre forward berth. City won an early corner before a bustling run from Les Davies changed the shape of the afternoon. As the Maesgeirchen lad ran into the box defender Lee Jarman mistimed his challenge and a penalty was awarded. Up stepped Marc Limbert who calmly converted with a low drive to his right. With the wind in their sails and the St Pauls goal in their sights, Bangor pushed forward. Chris Sharp, Marc Limbert and then Les Davies all went close in a five minute spell which culminated in a fifth City corner. However a bizarre moment followed which had both managers and just about everybody else shaking their heads. As Sion Edwards broke down the left and closed on the edge of the box, referee Duncan whistled to allow Dyfan Pierce treatment as he lay down on half way. Edwards was furious, Pierce quickly better and to all intents and purposes, a farce had been enacted. On 65 minutes a sixth corner which ended in Les Davies being pushed over but Mr Duncan waved away loud penalty claims. With twenty minutes left on the clock County sent on Dylan Blain and Tyrrel Webbe for Terry Evans and Paul Michael. Within a couple of minutes goalkeeper Idzi had to be brave as he dived at Mike Walsh's feet after Marc Limbert and Sion Edwards opened up the Haverfordwest rearguard. In a rare counter Gareth Elliott fired over when he connected with Paul Smith's punched clearance. Back to the St Pauls End and Dave Swanick picked out Les Davies who span on the edge of the box but fired well wide. Blain ran on goal but Paul Smith saved comfortably. City went closest when Marc Limbert and Chris Sharp created an opening for Sion Edwards but his rising drive crashed against the crossbar and away to safety. A seventh Bangor corner yielded shots from Marc Limbert and then Sion Edwards but without success. With some five minutes left Bobby Briers replaced Gareth Elliott then Joe Fowler came on for Mike Walsh. Into the five minutes of "time wasting induced" stoppage time Christian Seargeant, Sion Edwards and Martin Beattie went close - but failed to seize the deserved winner. |
||||
|
||||
|
4 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIIER |
|
|
|
City ran out
comfortable winners against a Porthmadog
side who opened brighty but couldnt defend to save their lives. Manager Nev Powell sprang a surprise by switching Les Davies to the left wing and pairing Chris Sharp and Robbie Talbot upfront. The giant winger ran riot against his old team mates and at times this was literally men against boys. But it could have been a different story. Porthmadog, cheered on by 50 or so noisy young christians behind the far goal, forced the early pace. A corner from the left was punched clear by Paul Smith who could only watch and hope as a 25 piledriver from leftpeg Ritchie Owen hit the underside of his crossbar and somehow bounced to safety. Five minutes later homecoming kind Marc Lloyd Wiliams turned on the edge of the box but sent his low curling shot just wide of Paul Smith's right post. However on 19 minutes the face of the game changed. Midfied general Christian Seargeant's weighted through ball picked out the eager Chris Sharp who sped on goal to lift the ball calmly over Richard Harvey and into the net. This was followed two minutes later by a second City goal as Dave Swanick hit a long ball to Les Davies. He headed on, brother Ryan hesitated and to the delight of the City fans behind the goal Chris Sharp netted from close range. As City attacked Robbie Talbot caught the eye with his back to goal play and ability to spread the ball to the wings, with Marc Limbert linking wel with the former Burton striker. On the half hour it was 3-0 and all over. Les Davies crossed from the left and Chris Sharp headed home at the back post. A hatrick for the Northop based striker and one - dare I say - that his father would have been pleased with. The remainder of the first half was less eventful, but City might have bagged a fourth but Christian Seargeant saw his long range effort slide wide and off target. As the sides left the field for the interval there was the odd site of the 50 or so young christians, attending a summer camp in the area, running onto the pitch and kicking a ball around in the goalmouth. |
||||
HALF TIME 0-3 |
||||
At half time Bangor swopped Sion Edwards for Robbie Talbot
and Porthmadog replaced the injured Ryan Davies with Richard Hughes,
but he fared little better in stemming the blue tide as the second half
progressed. Five minutes after the interval Les Davies blasted goalwards but Port stood firm and tested City's resolve as they tried hard to get back in the game. Carl Jones and Marc Lloyd Williams - closely watched by Michael Johnston - put efforts on goal but to no avail. Just after the hour mark Bangor struck twice more. On 63 minutes captain Marc Limbert crossed from the left, centre half Jamie Brewerton saw his first header palmed back to him by Richard Harvey and looped a second effort over the 'keeper into the net. Within a minute rampant replacement Sion Edwards crossed, Chris Sharp flicked the ball up, Les Davies pressed in the box and Ben Ogivly's brave defensive header ended up in his own net. Five nil and with some thirty minutes left to play, City fans were rubbing their hands in anticipation of a goalfest. (This goal was officially credited to Les Davies) Sion Edwards was now causing havoc down the left and fired one low effort across goal. On 71 minutes the sixth and final goal. Edwards crossed, Rhys Roberts half cleared and Mike Walsh swept home from fifteen yards. And sadly - in a way - that was that. Chris Sharp went close to adding a seventh, with just over ten minutes left Caio Iwan came on for Marc Limbert who had again been at the heart of things throughout. Minutes later Clive Williams made his WP debut for Bangor as he came on for hatrick hero Sharp. In the closing minutes Sion Edwards and Les Davies went close but it stayed at 6-0 and the happy blue horde began its journey home through the pedestrian holiday traffic. |
||||
|
||||
|
3 |
|
|
WELSH PREMIER |
|
|
|
Reigning champions Llanelli took the points south
after this
opening game of the season at Farrar Road. They capitalised on
Bangor's defensive
mistakes - both in the first half - and in turn got away with their own. The Reds gained the early momentum with 19 year old centre forward Mark Jones catching the eye. Three corners at the St Pauls End piled the pressure on Bangor who struggled to clear in a spell which culminated in Paul Smith lying prone in his goalmouth. It was the 20th minute when Sion Edwards crossed Bangor's first corner which Jamie Brewerton headed just over. Jones then shot off target for Llanelli from outside the box. On 25 minutes some poor defending from Bangor led to the champions going ahead. A hopeful ball down the attacking left was not cleared, a corner delivered by Steve Buxton lookalike Jason Bowen and headed home unmarked by Lee Phillips at the near post. It could have been worse for Bangor but Craig Williams has his "goal" wiped off for offside. The half hour spot saw City press, win three quick fire corners, but in reality not test the apprehensive Morris Five minutes later Jamie Brewerton was yellow carded for a spot of wrestling with Mark Jones in front of the Bangor dugout. A minute later Steve Evans was slightly fortunate to see the same colour for a wild lunge on Marc Limbert. Christian Seargeant sent the free kick into the box and Jamie Brewerton again went close with a dipping header which Morris palmed over. City rattled off three more corners and seemed on the verge of a break through when, on 45 minutes, calamity struck. Again a failure to clear created a scramble on the edge of the box which invited Craig Williams to swing a leg and see the ball fly inside the right post with Paul Smith well beaten. There was scarecely time for City to restart when Referee Adie blew for half time with the scoreline showing a 2-0 advantage to the visitors. |
||||
HALF TIME 1-2 |
||||
With the wind at their backs Bangor defender better and
looked more threatening in the second period. Perhaps Llanelli felt they had done enough, perhaps City got to grips with the situation. Either way City's ninth corner of the match led to loud shouts from the St Pauls End massed ranks ad Craig Williams clearly blocked the ball with his arm as he turned away. Referee Adie gave the lanky left footer the benefit of the doubt, TV replays (not at his disposal) suggested it could have been given. Captain Marc Limbert rolled his sleeves up and rallied the home side with a series of determined runs and tackles. Les Davies collided with team mate Sion Edwards before unleashing a low drive which Morris saved well, then from a tenth Bangor corner Les Davies sent a low shot across the face of goal which deflected for another corner. Again Jamie Brewerton headed for goal, again just off target. Moments later Sion Edwards sent a clean strike on target but Morris was in position. With 65 mins gone Bangor fans got a first glimpse of new striker Robbie Talbot who replaced Martin Beattie. City continued to do well and another corner and another well intended - but slightly misdirected - header from the determined Brewerton. Christian Seargeant got in on the act with a long range shot which flew over and was soon replaced by Joe Fowler who took over his midfield berth. Llanelli were now paying City the obvious compliment of time wasting, none more so than on 70 mins when the otherwise impressive Stuart Jones decided to take a nap after heading the ball away at his near post. Five minutes further on, Les Davies and Sion Edwards combined for the No 11 to lash a rare right footed effort goalwards - but again just over - from 30 yards out on the left. The Reds showed they were still dangerous with Mark Jones and Craig Williams threatening. On 82 mins Edwards made way for 17 year old Caio Iwan. He was in the thick of the action as Stephen Evans handled the ball high above his head, was "second yellow" carded and sent off. No grin this time. Penalty awarded, Marc Limbert stepped up, reminiscent of Latham Park, but unhappily struck the post with a powerful drive which in turn was returned by Les Davies lurking on the right. His low arching effort passed just outside the far post and City fans knew it was all but over. A 13th corner for Bangor was cleared, Caio Iwan ran infield a fired goalwards but Morris gathered, Chris Sharp headed wide and that was about it. Credit to Llanelli who took their chances, defended stoutly, and took the points. Champions again? For a team without Wyn Thomas, Gary Lloyd and Rhys Griffiths they would have been pleased with the result whilst the second half performance in particular would give manager Nev Powell grounds for optimism. |
||||
|
||||
|
2 |
|
|
UEFA CUP |
|
|
|
City travelled to the SAS Arena with pride to
play for and were confronted by a team sheet which showed
several changes to the side which had been so dominant in Wrexham.
Was
this a stronger or weaker line up was the question amongst the blues
followers. Amongst those drafted in were 20 times capped Slovakian defender Maros Klimpl. Either way they soon found themselves trailing on the night when nineteen year old Nigerian striker Jude Nworuh scored with a header following a third minute corner. However this did not deter the sixty or so travelling Bangor supporters who rallied behind the team and made their presence felt amongst the 4000 or so present. City's goalscorer from the first leg Les Davies forced a decent save from home 'keeper Lasse Heinze before left winger Sion Edwards ran on goal but failed to get sufficient power in his shot on goal. Ten minutes before the interval the Danes doubled their lead on the night when Jude Nworuh scored his second goal of the evening. |
||||
HALF TIME 0-0 |
||||
At half time leading goalscorer Ashley Stott replaced Sion
Edwards. Ten minutes after the restart the hopes faded further when hosts made it 3-0 on the night through Danish Under 20 International Christian Sivedaek. Midway through the second period Nev Powell sent on Joe Fowler and Peter Hoy for Marc Limbert and midfield partner Mike Walsh who had run themselves out. FC Midtjylland added to this with around fifteen minutes remaining when the powerfully built Nigerian teenager Babajide Collins completed the scoring. Midfielder Christian Seargeant went closest for City in the second half but the goalkeeper held his low drive and City were eventually beaten 4-0 and by an emphatic 10-1 aggregate scoreline. Despite the defeat Bangor boss Nev Powell was positive after the final whistle: “We had the worse possible start, conceding a goal after just a couple of minutes, a header from a corner, which made it another set piece failure by us. But we went close to scoring a couple of times in the first half and again near the end, despite being up against top rate opponents, which made it a great experience for our players.” (FC Midtjylland where then drawn to face Manchester City in the second qualifying round.) |
||||
|
||||
|
1 |
|
|
UEFA
CUP |
|
|
|
For forty
five minutes City fans had every right to dream as the two sides were
only separated by one goal at half time, but a second half salvo of
four goals saw the Danish visitors roar to a 6-1 win. Boasting Danish and Romanian Internationals in their line up Midtjylland took an early grip on proceedings and City were forced to defend with Michael Johnston and debutant Jamie Brewerton in the thick of things. But it was goalkeeper Paul Smith who caught the eye with a string of fine saves, from Boring and then Thygesen. City's first moment came when Afriyie sliced a clearance behind his own goal. This handed Bangor a first corner but within a minute the visitors were ahead following a break away as Florescu found Mikkel Thygesen who netted confidently on 19 minutes. Roared on by a noisy support at The Racecourse City won a free kick on the left. Marc Limbert crossed and the half clearance was hammered home by Les Davies to the delight of the blues fans, some five minutes after the opening strike. There were penalty claims from home supporters when Ashley Stott appeared to be fouled in the Danish box by American International Danny Califf, but the young striker battled on a forced a good save from Heinze. Smith was again called upon to deny goalscorer Thygesen but could do nothing on the half hour to keep out a drive from the edge of the box from New Zealander Winston Reid after a corner from Florescu. The half time whistle saw City depart still very much in the game - albeit largely due to some defiant goalkeeping from the hugely experienced Paul Smith. |
||||
HALF TIME 1-2 |
||||
If City had been the hunt at half time, it did not last long.
What turned out to be a big moment arrived on 48 mins when
Fagerberg made way for substitute Kim Christensen. Five minutes
later
the replacement struck in double quick time. The first came on 53
mins
when Forescu and Boring combined
to allow Kim Christensen to score
easily and then four minutes later Kim
Christensen was on hand once again to convert an opening created
by Thysegen. City sent on left winger Sion Edwards for Kark Noon but on 63 minutes Kim Christensen struck again to complete a hatrick which was the bedrock of a by now emphatic victory for the hugely impressive Danish side. The impressive replacement was with Barnsley during the 2007-08 season having previously played for FC Twente and Hamburg. On 68 minutes manager Nev Powell made a double change with Peter Hoy and Joe Fowler coming on for Dave Swanick and Mike Walsh. With some twenty minutes remaining the scoring was complete as Mikkel Thygesen scored his second goal of the evening to complete a 6-1 first leg win for the visitors. There was no disgrace in what was evidently a heavy defeat; Midtjylland were clearly a big step above the opposition City meet in domestic league or cup competion. In particular the Romanian International playmaker Florescu is the type of players WP sides can only look upon with envy. |
||||
|
||||
|