| BANGOR
CITY MATCH REPORTS 2009-10 |
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| BANGOR
CITY MATCH REPORTS 2009-10 |
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| 1999-00 |
2000-01 |
2001-02 |
2002-03 |
2003-04 |
2004-05 |
2005-06 |
2006-07 |
2007-08 |
2008-09 |
| The Welsh Cup Final 2009-10 |
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| 46 |
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The Welsh Cup |
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 Bangor clinched a third successive Welsh Cup
win thanks to a late Dave Morley winner against plucky Port Talbot at
Parc Y Scarlets.It started promisingly for Bangor who took an sixth minute lead thanks to a dreadul mistake from Port Talbot goalkeeper Lee Kendall. Jamie Brewerton's long clearance tempted the little stopper to the edge of his box and - anxious about handling outside his area - he opted to head clear but misjudged the bounce and gifted Lee Hunt a close range finish he could not resist. Liam McCreesh went close with a shot from the right which Paul Smith parried and midfield man lashed the rebound wide. Right winger Drew Fahiya fired on target from 25 yards but Smith saved easily. On the quarter hour Dave Morley's freekick was half cleared by Lee Surman but Eddie Jebb shot wide from the left edge of the box. Seconds later though it was 2-0. Peter Hoy crossed from the right and Jamie Reed headed home with Kendall flatfooted in the Port Talbot goal. Port Talbot responded with a corner which Bangor cleared and sent Lee Hunt running on goal but the chance went. On the half hour Talbot pressed and Martin Rose cut in the form the left but his final touch was too heavy and Paul Smith dived at his feet to gather. Michael Johnston was yellow carded for a clear trip on the troublesome Fahiya and Scott Barrow's freekick from the right was gathered by Smith. Port Talbot continued to press and young Barrow took a couple of freekick which both hit the Bangor wall. Ten minutes from time Eddie Jebb set up Peter Hoy on the right to cross for Jamie Reed but his spectacular overhead kick was well saved by Kendall at the foot of his post. The abrasive Phillips was yellow carded for a trip on Lee Hunt as he threatened to break on half way. In the closing minutes of the half Matthew Rees headed wide and Danny Thomas saw his shot pouched by the impressive Smith. Dean John blew for the interval and City fans roared their side off. Half way there! |
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| HALF TIME 2-0 |
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No changes at the interval but Bangor were now attacking the end where
most blues fans were gathered. The first incident to the second period was a clash of heads involving Lee Hunt and Lee Surman which saw the Bangor striker needing treatment for some time. On 58 minutes Port Talbot struck back. Martin Rose held off the blues defence on the right to set up Drew Fahiya who hammered home from six yards. Moments later Rose ran into the box from the right but shot wide, to the relief of the Bangor contingent. On the hour Jamie Reed was chasing in on goal, reached the very edge of the box but was pulled down by Leigh DeVulgt. No movement from Referee John but linesman Hywel James flagged furiously and - eventually - a freekick was awarded and DeVulgt shown the yellow card. From the set piece Reed saw his shot blocked and Craig Garside's effort was deflected for a corner which Kendall claimed confidently. Rather than clearing upfield though Kendall bowled out to DeVulgt who was promptly robbed by Mark Smyth. He passed infield to Lee Hunt but his shot flew over from 25 yards. Not long after DeVulgt was replaced by former Llanelli midfielder Nicky Holland, and on 66 minutes Karl Lewis and Lee John came on for Drew Fahiya and Danny Thomas. There was just time for a Bangor corner which Smyth delivered, Kendall could not reach, and was again rescued by Referee John before Sion Edwards replaced Mark Smyth on the left. Into the final twenty and more controvesy as Jamie Reed ran into the box and was clearly flattened by the one paced Rees, penalty shouts - but nothing given! Ten minutes left and Marc Limbert came on for Eddie Jebb on the right. Next a huge clearance from Peter Hoy found Lee Hunt in space on the right with Jamie Reed for company, he ran infield before setting up Sion Edwards infront of goal but he fired wide. Five minutes from time it was all square. Rose again the provider with a neat lay off to Liam McCreesh who crashed home from close range to leave Paul Smith without a prayer. With two minutes remaining Scott Barrow cut in from the left but sent his right footer narrowly wide. Into the five minutes of stoppage time, Lee Hunt was sandwiched on the right corner of the box, and a Bangor freekick. Sion Edwards' inswinger found Dave Morley towering over Rees and the strangely subdued Kendall to head home from point blank range. In the closing minutes Les Davies came on for Jamie Reed and was clattered by Rees who was still fuming from his role in the decisive goal. His hack on City's replacement in the corner flag merited a caution by none given. It hardly mattered after six minutes of stoppage time when Referee John blew for time and the celebrations began! |
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| 45 |
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WELSH PREMIER |
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 This was far from a bore draw but ended
up a tale of wasted chances, chief amonst them that of finishing fourth
and qualifying for Europe.There were enough openings for City but the first belonged to Newtown whose left footer Ross Stephens hit a tame effort on target which Paul Smith gathered. On seven minutes Lee Hunt was yellow carded after a foul on former Caersws defender Andrew Thomas. He in turn pushed Hunt to the floor but referee Jones deemed that acceptable. Moments later Robins 'keeper Dave Jones fumbled a Peter Hoy long throw and the ball ended up with Nicky Ward on the edge of a crowded box. His calm chip beat the youngster and hit the crossbar but was crashed wide by Jamie Reed from close range. Chris Roberts sent a long ball up to Lee Hunt but his header was easy enough for Jones. On the quarter hour a foul on Eddie Jebb yielded a freekick which Lee Hunt headed over. Next up Nicky Ward crossed by Lee Hunt this time header off target. Midfielder Craig Garside released Lee Hunt on the right, he outpaced Thomas, but fired well over from a wide position. On 25 minutes a first Bangor corner saw Garside and Jamie Reed set up Eddie Jebb but shot flew over. Moments later Jebb and Peter Hoy combined to cross from the right but this time Lee Hunt's header was saved by Jones. In a rare Newtown attack Ross Stephens found time and space on the edge of the box but his chip landed on the roof of the St Pauls End net. In the closing fifteen minutes City rattled up four more corners, the lanky Cadwallader got his head in the way, Craig Hutchinson battled fiercely and Newtown - seemingly intent on a draw - survived. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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Before the restart Mark Smyth replaced Craig Garside who has felt a
slight strain, with Nicky Ward moving infield from the left. Five
minutes later young Dan Dawson came on for Craig Williams at rightback. On 62 mins Les Davies replaced Eddie Jebb and with his first touch the truck headed narrowly over from Smyth's cross. Peter Hoy was yellow carded for a clear trip on Stephens on half way before the visitors won their only corner of the afternoon off Dave Morley, but Paul Smith's goal was not threatened. Dave Morley blasted on goal but Thomas blocked for a seventh Bangor corner. Callum Wright replaced Mitchell who had made little impression on Jamie Brewerton before Nicky Ward's clean strike hit goalkeeper Jones and flew out for another corner. The young custodian hit his head on the goalpost and needed treatment before he could continue. Newtown cleared their lines and another stoppage followed as Stephens lay injured on half way. Former blues favourite Paul Roberts had been quiet all afternoon but he was suddenly in space in the box with no cover - until that is Chris Roberts raced back to clear to the relief of the blues support. The niggly Andrew Thomas was then yellow carded and Mark Smyth sent the resulting freekick into the box but Jones was on hand once again. Smyth found space on the right and fired left footed into the six yard box but Lee Hunt - at full stretch - could not get that vital touch as we moved into the final five minutes. Three remained when Sion Edwards came on for Chris Roberts with City now playing something akin to 3-2-5! There was a late card for Craig Hutchinson for a wild challenge, another stoppage as goalkeeper Jones needed more treatment, and a tenth Bangor corner headed over by Jamie Reed. The added time had reached 5 mins 35 seconds when Referee Jones blew for time and the visitors celebrated wildly as they got the point that ensured, well absolutely nothing, but thats life. City had the chances but could not take them. |
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| 44 |
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WELSH PREMIER |
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| This was a tense, hard fought win in which Bangor took
an early lead but failed to add to their goal advantage and were forced
to scrap by a determined home side. City took the lead on 85 seconds when Jamie Reed was on hand to convert Peter Hoy's long throw from the left with Nomads goalkeeper McCormick unable to respond. The City fans - dominant amongs the 270 or so present - cast their minds back to Saturday and rubbed their hands in anticipation of a goal fest. That is failed to arrive owed more to the dusty, uneven surface than any shortcomings on those in blue. The lanky McNutt got himself cautioned for blocking a quick goalkick, Jamie Reed fired over from another long throw and Andy Alston headed over from a Connahs Quay freekick. On 13 mins Michael Johnston fell prone on the bone hard pitch following a challenge on Aaron Burns. Following a stoppage of three minutes he resumed, groggily at first, to play his customary competitive game. In an end to end sequence Craig Garside fired wide for Bangor before Stuart Scheuber gathered his own corner on the left to fire low at the near post where Paul Smith stooped to save. When the home side pressed it was defenders Chris Roberts, Brewerton, Johnston and Hoy who cleared without allowing the ball to bounce. With ten minutes left before the scheduled interval another Hoy missile was headed over by Reed, then with less than five to go Eddie Jebb crossed from the right but Nicky Ward's left footed volley sped wide. Again Scheuber put in an effort for the hosts before Jamie Petrie was yellow carded for a knee in the back of Lee Hunt. Three minutes into added time Lee Hunt and Aaron Burns charged for a loose ball which injured both but referee Petch only cautioned the Bangor player. With five added minutes up Jamie Reed crossed but McCormick caught Lee Hunt's goalbound header. Half time, City one nil up and a queue for the tea bar. |
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| HALF TIME 0-1 |
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From the restart Connahs Quay tried to force the pace and won a couple
of corners, the first following a brave tackle by Michael Johnston on
former Manchester United starlet Aaron Burns. Next Paul Smith's long
clearance was headed on by Lee Hunt for Jamie Reed but his shot flew
over from fifteen yards. On the hour a daft sending off - correct nonetheless - for James Petrie for smashing the ball away after it ran out for a throw to Bangor. Referee Petch showed a second yellow and red and the little midfielder trooped off. Midway through the half Eddie Jebb, out of sorts on the corrugated compound, made way for Les Davies. Immediately a Bangor freekick delivered by Dave Morley fell to Jamie Brewerton but his shot was hacked off the line. Michael Hayes ran on goal but Peter Hoy slid in to clear, seconds later Lee Hunt latched onto a loose ball but fired wide on the turn. With an extra man Bangor were creating more chances, another Morley freekick this time found Les Davies but McCormick, who had grown in confidence, saved. Again Connahs Quay responded and Hayes blazed over from in front of goal. Seconds later their best moment of the evening when Sam McNutt sent a 30 yard freekick smashing against the Bangor bar and City were forced to defend and resist throws, crosses and corners. Both Nicky Ward and Dave Morley went close to putting the issue beyond doubt, then Lee Hunt broke clear but lofted over from twenty yards. In the closing minutes Aaron Burns was replaced by Chris Herbert but he could only stand and watch as Lee Hunt found Les Davies in front of goal but he hit the bar. Tom Baker replaced the petulant if diminutive Rob Jones before the inevitable controvesy. Jamie Reed ran into the box on the right and was clearly fouled. Penalty? No, the nearside assistant ruled that the initial tug - of many - took place outside the box. Freekick and Nicky Ward's low inswinger was held low by McCormick. Sion Edwards made a late appearance for Nicky Ward before Connahs Quay threatened an even later figthback but time was up and - under difficult, thankless conditions - three hard earned points. |
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| 43 |
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WELSH PREMIER |
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| City took the lead inside ten seconds and
never looked back against what must be described as woeful opposition.
The league table tells the truth and this is a Caersws side waiting for
the drop. On a bright sunny day the opening strike came on nine seconds. Nicky Ward sprayed the ball out to Mark Smyth on the left and his chip sailed over the head of Bluebirds goalkeeper Dave Jones and inside the far post. Bangor sensed the opportunity to kill the game off quickly and Mark Smyth tried to repeat his success but sent an effort over. Peter Hoy and Eddie Jebb combined to set up Nicky Ward but he dragged his left footer wide. The excellent Jebb then sent a lofted effort on target but Jones was on his line and caught confidently. Caersws were still alive and kicking though and after a corner young Scott Williams sent a clean 30 yard shot on target but Paul Smith was in line. A second corner for the visitors was cleared but on 18 mins Bangor doubled their advantage. Jamie Brewerton blasted the ball clear, Lee Hunt gave chase and got the better of the goalkeeper Jones before racing into the box and scoring from close range with the 'Sws defence distracted by Jamie Reed. Peter Hoy then released Eddie Jebb whose mazey run ended with a telling pass to Jamie Reed but he shot wide. It scarcely mattered though as on 27 mins it was 3-0. Lee Hunt ran into the box, away from goal, and was felled by an ill timed challenge from Matthew Holt. Penalty and up stepped Jamie Reed to score with ease. Nicky Ward shot wide under pressure from Rowland and Jenkins, then Geraint Lewis charged through midfield but his low drive lacked venom and Smith saved comfortably. The Bluebirds outstanding player was Matt Prosser who then sent a 25 yarder curler just wide. Before the interval Lee Hunt and Craig Garside headed off target and Mike Jones blew for half time. |
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| HALF TIME 3-0 |
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At the interval both sides made a change. Sion Edwards came on for Mark
Smyth, and Nick Beddoe for Lee Jenkins who was injured just before the
interval. Craig Garside sent a thirty yarder off target before
James Colemere came on for Jacob Smith for the visitors. The change certainly worked as moments later, on 56 mins, Caersws striker Matt Prosser capped a fair game with a calm low finish from just inside the box. Bangor responed but Jamie Reed failed to make the most of Eddie Jebb's cross from the right. Reed went close again but Caersws might have grabbed a second when Chris Roberts cleared Matthew Holt's goalbound effort off the line. It served to stir Bangor into action and on 69 mins Lee Hunt headed home a cleanly struck cross from Chris Roberts to restore the three goal advantage. Eddie Jebb was tormenting the wretched Jones on the right and his cross was headed on target by Lee Hunt headed too close to Jones. On 80 mins a hatrick for Lee Hunt after Craig Garside had crossed from the right. It was a fitting reward for the hard working Hunt who has won over any doubters amongst the home support. Peter Hoy fired on target from 40 yards but Jones held before, with some five minutes left, Craig Garside and Lee Hunt made way for Matty Hurdman and Les Davies. The sixth goal came in the final minute, Sion Edwards ran down the left and cut inside to fire low shot beyond the exposed Jones. Caersws rightback Rowland should have been sent off for wild challenge on Sion Edwards but received yellow instead before a final Bangor corner yielded a seventh goal as Jamie Brewerton headed home Sion Edwards' corner from the right. And that was about it, a convincing 7-1 win over Caersws and three more points to the total. |
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| 42 |
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WELSH PREMIER |
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| Bangor secured a top six finish with this
emphatic 3-0 win over Airbus, close on the heels of a five goal success
at The Airfield just weeks earlier. All this before a disappoiting
crowd of less than 300. With Dave Morley suspended Nicky Ward was recalled in midfield whilst up front Lee Hunt passed a fitness test. For the visitors there was an unfamiliar subs role for leading goalscorer Marc Lloyd Williams. City took the lead on 25 minutes when Jamie Reed chased a through ball and capitalised on a mix up between goalkeeper Chris Doran and his defence to score with a calm finish. Minutes later Jamie Brewerton was harshly yellow carded by referee Harms for what seemed like ball to hand. Half time came with City leading by that solitary goal and still in search of a conclusive second. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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With no changes at the interval City pushed for a second goal.
Both Tom Rowlands and Jack Abraham were shown the yellow card.
Seven minutes after the restart Marc Limbert replaced Nicky Ward.
Bangor has to wait until the 53rd minute for the all important second
strike when a long range shot from Eddie
Jebb took a wicked deflection and swerved beyond the hapless
Doran. Moments later both Marc Limbert and Michael Johnston were shown the yellow card. Fifteen minutes from time both sides replaced their centre forwards, Les Daves coming on for Lee Hunt and Marc Lloyd Williams for young Paul McManus. On 82 minutes Sion Edwards came on for Eddie Jebb and three minutes later a third goal. A corner invited a close range finish from captain Jamie Brewerton whose third goal of the season put the game beyond date. Airbus UK manager Harrison responsed with a couple of late substitutions, bringing on Gareth Sudlow and Jack Rowlands, but it made no difference. And that was about it, a telling win for Bangor which all but guaranteed a top six finish but left Airbus looking over their shoulders for a place in the top ten. |
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| 41 |
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The Welsh Cup |
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| Bangor clinched a third successive Welsh Cup
Final berth with a comprehensive 2-0 win over coast rivals Prestatyn at
Latham Park. Both sides brought noisy travelling support but it was those in blue who had most to cheer. The opening goal came inside 12 minutes when Eddie Jebb's cross from the right sped just beyond Lee Hunt but only as far as Mark Smyth whose angled drive beat Jon Dunt and crashed into the far top corner of the net. Moments later Dunt saved well from Lee Hunt as City looked to finish the tie. Prestatyn rallied when the pacey Ian Griffiths got in behind the blues defence but snapped his shot wide. Jamie Reed then got into the action with a run on the left but also fired off target. Mark Smyth went close to a second with a fierce drive that Dunt did well to push over as City forced a couple of corners. Peter Hoy launched a high crossfield ball which Lee Hunt gathered but fired wide from the left. Prestatyn were still in it though as player manager Neil Gibson's penetrating run on the left produced a low cross which Steve Rogers blasted over. Bangor went closer still to that all important second goal as Mark Smyth released Eddie Jebb who ran into the box but crashed his shot against the bar. Minutes later Dave Morley saw his effort hit the bar, but as half time approached Bangor grabbed the second. When Prestatyn did threaten Jamie Brewerton and Michael Johnston stood firm, but with the four across the middle in outstanding form, they have had busier afternoons. Peter Hoy's long throw was flicked on by Lee Hunt and headed home from close range by Craig Garside. Two nil and that was how the scores stood at the interval with the Bangor support full of hope and good voice. |
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| HALF TIME 2-0 |
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For the reds to make any impact they needed an early goal and Ian
Griffiths went close in the opening moments but his threatening run
fizzled out. Minutes later Lee Hunt was floored in the box, City
appealed for a penalty, but no response from referee Ceri Richards. Mark Smyth was in outstanding form and he again went close to his second goal with a rising drive which Hunt, whose bulk should not distract from his goalkeeping ability, once again pushed over for a sixth Bangor corner. Next it was Paul Smith's turn to get involved with a long clearance headed down by Lee Hunt for Mark Smyth to gather and run into the box from the left. Lewis got across and partly blocked the shot which Dun then caught. On 65 minutes Ian Griffiths was replaced by Jon Fisher Cooke but it was Bangor who continued to press through another Peter Hoy long throw which was half cleared as far as Chris Roberts who shot wide. Ross Hannen then went close to pulling one back for Prestatyn after good work from Gibson but he could not keep his shot down. With twelve minutes left Steve Hoult came on for Ross Hannen, then to much applause Les Davies replaced Jamie Reed. The big left footer quickly made his mark with some well placed headers, the first chased goalwards by the ever willing Lee Hunt and clearly handled outside his box by goalkeeper Dunt but Mr Richards saw nothing. It seemed like a big mistake, given the likely consequences, but fortunately had no impact on the eventual outcome. Five minutes from time Les Davies, under pressure from Paul O'Neill, headed off target after a near post cross from Eddie Jebb who also impressed from start to finish. In the closing minutes Marc Limbert came on for Mark Smyth and saw City through to what was a confident and professional semi final win over Prestatyn, and a third successive Welsh Cup Final appearance. The one sour note was a quick brace of yellow cards shown to Dave Morley which saw the influential midfielder red carded and dismissed early. But victory was secured by then and the blue horde was singing in the sun. |
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| 40 |
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WELSH PREMIER |
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| A comfortable enough two nil win - given that Port
worked hard and caused the odd scare - and a tireless performance from
the luckless Lee Hunt. On a drier and bouncy pitch both sides found the crossfield wind a problem. But Bangor settled the quicker and inside three minutes a Mark Smyth cross from the left found Jamie Reed whose header beat goalkeeper Richard Morgan from close range. This was followed seconds later by a low cross from goalscorer Reed from the right which Lee Hunt turned against the post. Port rallied and young striker Cai Jones got in behind the blues defence but chipped wide from twenty yards. Jamie Reed was enjoying some space on the right, his cross again found Lee Hunt but Morgan saved before the league's top scorer raced on goal but fired well over from outside the box. City forced a couple of corners which Lee Hunt headed on target but Morgan saved instinctively, the second being cleared. Mark Smyth delivered a third corner which was cleared at the near post before the left footer sent over an inviting free kick which Jamie Reed header over. More corners and chances followed, Eddie Jebb crossed and Lee Hunt again saw Morgan save at close range, a fifth and sixth flag kick were cleared, but on the stroke of half time all the good work was nearly wasted. Former Airbus striker Aden Shannon found himself in on goal, headed over Paul Smith but was denied by a great goal line clearance from Michael Johnston who somehow managed to get back. Half time and a welcome warm break for all concerned, City ahead by one goal to nil and the outcome still very much in the balance. |
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| HALF TIME 0-1 |
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Two minutes after the restart it was 2-0 and effectively game
over. Jamie Reed passed out to Eddie Jebb on the right and the
little wingman dropped the ball bang in front of goal fro Lee Hunt to prod home from close
range. If ever hard work had deserved a reward it was here and
had Lee Hunt's name. On the hour John Keegan was yellow carded for a foul on goalscorer Hunt who headed narrowly wide moments later after Peter Hoy and Eddie Jebb combined on the right. On 67 mins the petulant Shannon was replaced by Sion Meredith and the former Aber midfielder almost capitalised on a defensive mix up but sent his 25 yarder wide. With twenty minutes remaining Marcus Orlick clattered Paul Smith who needed treatment for the third time in the match as the offender was yellow carded when red might have been more fitting. Next Stokoe limped off for Steve Jones and Mark Smyth shot over from the edge of the box. On 78 minutes a double change for Bangor with Jamie Reed and Mark Smyth departing in favour of Les Davies and Sion Edwards. A welcome run out for Les, who promptly sent a right footed reverse pass through for the ever willing Hunt but Morgan raced out to smother the ball. Port nearly halved the deficit as Morgan's thumped the ball forward and found Meredith who shot wide from outside the box. With five minutes remaining Dan Pyrs left to be replaced by Jamie Rogers but he could only stand and watch as a Les Davies' lay off let in Lee Hunt but his shot flew over. One final Bangor corner came courtesy another good save off Eddie Jebb who was replaced by Marc Limbert before the kick could be taken.Over it came and Lee Hunt again saw his effort fly just over. So a 2-0 win for Bangor which, on another day, could have been far more emphatic, but the luck was generally against the blues. |
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| 38 |
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WELSH PREMIER |
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| The proverbial game of two halves ended
with a deserved draw as both sides contributed fully to an entertaining
match on heavy Farrar Road. It has seemed set fair on Saturday morning but some heavy showers spoilt all that. On a cloying surface Bangor had the better of the first half attacking the Farrar End. An early corner from Mark Smyth went deep to Dave Morley who headed back across goal for Jamie Reed who headed just over. Next Smyth ran through midfield but sent his twenty yarder well over. Port Talbot were threatening on the break but Chris Roberts - who had an outstanding afternoon - and the ever dependable Michael Johnston were up to the challenge. On 19 mins Johnston was shown the yellow card for a strong challenge on Lloyd Grist. Moments later more danger as Fahiya threatened but first Roberts and then Johnston snuffed the danger. On the half hour a Peter Hoy missile dropped to Jamie Brewerton at the near post. His shot on the turn stunned the acrobatic Kendall into a reaction save which produced third Bangor corner. Minutes later Lee Hunt harried right back DeVulgt into conceding a corner on the left which Mark Smyth delivered and Dave Morley lifted over from the near post. Eddie Jebb seems to go from strength to strength and his right wing run ended in a dipping strike which Kendall again did well to keep out. On 38 mins a yellow card for the shaven headed Matthew Rees for a trip on Jamie Reed but the freekick came to nothing. But on 43 mins the pressure finally paid off. A booming crossfield ball from Peter Hoy was controlled by Jamie Reed who turned to slide Mark Smyth who beat Lee Kendall from the left. The joy was nearly shortlived though as Danny Thomas crossed from the left and watched as Drew Fahiya's backpost header hit the side netting. In the one minute added time referee Huw Jones harshly yellow carded Lee Hunt for kicking the ball away before blowing for a well earned rest given the demanding conditions. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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No changes at the interval other than Bangor were now attacking The St
Pauls End. Paul Smith was quickly into the action to claim a catch of Jamie Brewerton's sliced clearance. Moments later Smith's attempted clearance hit Chris Roberts and let in left winger Thomas but the 'keeper atoned for his error with a fine low stop. Five minutes after the restart Port Talbot were level. A strong run from Lloyd Grist into the right of the blues box, a shot which deflected off the despairing Peter Hoy and sped over Paul Smith. Two minutes on and Chris Roberts was yellow card for a supposed foul on Fahiya. Next loud shouts from the Bangor bench as Jamie Brewerton was clearly pushed in the back in the visitors box by Matthew Rees. Then a stoppage as referee Jones took no action as Johnston needed treatment following a blatant boot from behind by the frustrated Rose who was closely watched by the vigilant Brewerton. Lee Surman though was cautioned for a clattering foul on Lee Hunt before on 68 mins Marc Limbert replaced right winger Eddie Jebb. Moments later Craig Garside lashed wide after Jamie Brewerton had headed down from a deep freekick from the right. On 71 mins the strange site of a triple substitution from Port Talbot as Karl Lewis, Neil Thomas and Lee John came on for Grist, Fahiya and Phillips. But it was City who went close as Michael Johnston's marauding run opened up a crossfield ball to Marc Limbert but Surman blocked. Sion Edwards then replaced a weary Mark Smyth before Port Talbot threatened with Peter Hoy heading off the line as Matthew Rees threatened from a long throw. A Bangor freekick almost brought a goal for Port Talbot as Kendall's huge clearance found Thomas in on goal on the left but Paul Smith saved. Seconds later Thomas was in again but this time Peter Hoy charged back with a well timed tackle. Bangor forced a late chance when Brewerton was denied for what looked like a corner, nothing doing, then substitute Sion Edwards limped off with Ashley Stott coming on. Port Talbot forced one last chance through the lively Thomas on the right but Paul Smith grabbed Rose's header and that was about it, one all and a tremendous game given the state of the pitch. |
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| 38 |
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WELSH PREMIER |
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| A battling win for Bangor against big spending Neath
on what must the worse pitch in the league. Neath rugby club have
first call on the ground and the wear and tear - and mud - is evident. City began brightly and dictated terms in the opening quarter hour and Sion Edwards fired over from the left after Lee Hunt had flicked on Paul Smith's long clearance. Moments later Hunt ran in on goal from the left but Ian Hillier's perfectly timed challenge saved the day. Then the first of a number of penalty claims when Jamie Reed went down under pressure from Liam Hancock, but nothing doing. Next Eddie Jebb gathered the ball and crossed from the right but Lee Hunt lifted his near post effort well over. Neath suddenly rallied and the pacey Chris Jones went close to getting on the end of Ashley Evans' straight free kick. Former Wrexham striker Chris Llewellyn then fired wide from the edge of the box and Craig Steins wasted a chance from the right. As Neath pressed Dave Morley was shown the yellow card by Mr Morgan who had no cause to resort to the plastic again. Michael Johnston and Jamie Brewerton stood firm in the heart of the blues defence. And that was about it for a goalless first half with Bangor pleased with a clean sheet and all still to play for. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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No changes at the interval and the home side fashioned the first
opening when Chris Jones released Steins whose rising shot
forced a superb one handed save from Paul Smith. Then another penalty claim as Lee Hunt was pulled by Jarman but again nothing given. Bangor continued to press with an Eddie Jebb corner inviting a clean header from Hunt which Anthony Williams saved well, before the ball was returned by Jebb and Dave Morley's header was also saved by Williams. Another penalty claim this time by Neath for a supposed foul on Steins which Mr Morgan ignored, then Chris Jones blazed over from the left. Bangor then went close twice as Lee Hunt saw his effort cleared off the line before the ball ran out to the left but Jamie Reed sliced wide. Yet another penalty claim - this time as Jamie Reed went down - but again Mr Morgan said no. To be fair to the ref he was consistent and worked on the principle of the benefit of doubt going to the defencers throughout. The on 81 minutes what turned out to be the only goal. Mark Smyth's corner from the right was partly cleared but Marc Limbert turned the ball back towards the right hand upright and Jamie Reed pounced from close range for his 20th league goal of the season. It was far from over though as Neath won a corner on the left which saw Carlos Castan head on target twice but Bangor refused to buckle, and finally Steins saw his low shot blocked by the fearless Johnston whose close range block saved the day. And that was about it as Les Davies made a welcome return to first team action in the closing minutes and referee Morgan blew for time as City celebrated a rare one nil win. |
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| 37 |
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WELSH PREMIER |
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| This high scoring drama was dominated by some great
goals and went from bad to worse for home goalkeeper Kristian Rogers. City lined up attacking the runway end on an uncharacteristically still and mild evening at Broughton. It was goalkeeper Rogers' opening gaffe, in missing a clearance, that allowed an optimistic Jamie Reed to slide home from twenty yards to give City a fifth minute lead. Seconds later the former Wrexham stopper could only admire the technique of Craig Garside whose twenty yarder bounced into the bottom corner after Dave Morley's high swirling cross had bemused the home defence. It was 3-0 on thirteen minutes as Jamie Reed crashed home an unstoppable volley which flashed past Rogers from pretty much the same spot and with the same result. On 25 minutes Airbus found their uncertain defence even more unsettled when Matty Woodward limped off in favour of winger Josh Johnson. Bangor went close to a fourth goal but Sion Edwards saw his goalbound effort pushed over by Rogers. A third corner followed before Marc Lloyd Williams was replaced by James McIntosh after suffering a bang on the rib case. Jamie Reed was approaching top gear by now and roaring past the home rearguard. His fierce drive was blocked by Mark Allen, two more corners followed as Eddie Jebb also saw a shot hit a home defender. On this form is just about unstoppable and in tandem with Lee Hunt a defenders nightmare. As time ran out Airbus pushed City back and Carl Owen fashioned two openings. The first a clean strike from the right which Paul Smith did well to push onto the post, the second moments later from a near post corner when his header skimmed the top of the crossbar. But referee Jones blew on a comfortable 3-0 lead for Bangor. |
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| HALF TIME 0-3 |
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Within seconds of the restart Lee Hunt headed on and Jamie Reed forced
a save from Kristian Rogers. Moments later Eddie Jebb chased down the
right and his square pass found Craig Garside but again Rogers was on
hand. The home side then rallied and won three corners in quick
succession but Bangor, with Dave Morley to the fore, defended stoutly. Then on 55 minutes Nicky Ward surged down the right and his low cross prompted what looked like an innocent collision between Lee Hunt and home keeper Rogers. It proved to be serious though and a stretcher was called after a lengthy stoppage. There was no angry reaction from the home side which confirmed the unfortunate nature of the incident. Five minutes later James McIntosh took over in goal with Gareth Sudlow the final Airbus replacement. The injury and stoppage appeared to deflate Bangor and the home side pushed forward with Tom Rowlands heading over. But on 70 mins a long throw from Peter Hoy was punched out by McIntosh but only as far as Eddie Jebb who crisp rising drive smashed into the top corner. Bangor lad Carl Owen was the main threat for Airbus but Paul Smith comfortably held his shot before Mark Allen was shown the yellow card for a lunge on Lee Hunt. Eddie Jebb and Peter Hoy combined but Craig Garside headed wide. But on 83 mins Carl Owen found space on the left and slid past Paul Smith for a consolation goal for a well beaten Airbus side. Mark Smyth came on for Chris Roberts on 87 mins and was quickly into the action with a left footed strike which was deflected past McIntosh by Jamie Reed for his hatrick and City's fifth of the night. In the lengthy added time Ashley Stott and Matty Hurdman came on for Jamie Reed and Craig Garside, Eddie Jebb fired on target but Feliciello blocked, and finally Mr Jones blew for time. Breathtaking and some great goals to boot. |
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| 36 |
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WELSH PREMIER |
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| Leading three nil ten minutes before half
time, Bangor wasted enough chances to have doubled that lead and ended
up calling for referee Evans to whistle for time. Bangor goalkeeper Paul Smith was the first into action when Tim Hicks ran in on goal and he was forced to tackle at the feet of Hicks again moments later as Carmarthen threatened. Things got worse for City on eleven minutes when Jamie Brewerton limped off clutching his hamstring, to be replaced by Peter Hoy who slotted in at right back with Dave Morley moving to centrehalf. Lee Hunt was still searching for his first Bangor goal and a surging run resulted in a fierce low drive but Neil Thomas, stocky and abrasive in the visitors goal, pulled off a fine save. But on 16 mins he could do nothing when Nicky Ward ran in from the left and pulled the ball across goal for Lee Hunt to net that all important goal from close range. Moments later Hunt found space on the left but his chip drifted wide. City were still warming up, Paul Smith bowled the ball out to rightwinger Eddie Jebb who ran and crossed for Nicky Ward but Thomas saved well at the foot of his post. A Bangor corner but Carmarthen countered and a Craig Hughes header forced a sharp save from Smith. On 24 minutes it was 2-0 for City. Lee Hunt ran down the right and pulled the ball across the face of goal, just beyond Jamie Reed but just right for Sion Edwards to slot home at the back post. Sion Edwards then sent a rising volley against the crossbar from fifteen yards and skied the follow up from close range. Eddie Jebb played infield to Nicky Ward and his low right foot drive skimmed the side netting at the Farrar End. Paul Fowler then latched onto the ball to the left hand side of goal, cut inside and shot rightfooted on goal but Paul Smith was on hand to repel the effort. Nathan Cotterrall fired on target but this time Smith caught cleanly. With this presure absorbed Bangor moved upfield, Peter Hoy's throw picked out Jamie Reed whose turn and lob beat Thomas all ends up for a 3-0 lead. Sion Edwards forced another good save from Thomas as he dived to his right, both sides won corners but it was Jebb who led countered for City with a low cross which Jamie Reed blasted over. Cotterrall again tested Paul Smith but with City seemingly on course for a clean sheet Sasha Walters turned home a low cross from Cotterrall and the visitors were back in it at 3-1. |
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| HALF TIME 3-1 |
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Before the restart Carmarthen replaced Nantlle lad Dyfan Pierce with
Mark Pritchard and he tested Paul Smith in opening seconds. This
was a sign of things to come with Deryn Brace's side determined to get
something from their long trip north. The excellent Sion Edwards supplied Jamie Reed but he fired over, then Reed saw his goalbound effort scrambled off the line by the retreating Hanford. Ten minutes into the second period Hicks was yellow carded for a trip on Eddie Jebb who had a fine afternoon on the right. A freekick twenty five yards out, but crashed over by Jamie Reed. Three minutes later Dave Morley was also carded for a slide in on Cotterrall, but on the hour he was forced to concede a corner on the right which was crossed deep by Pritchardflicked on by substitute Palmer and headed home by Tim Hicks for 3-2. Bangor were stung into action and Nicky Ward found Eddie Jebb but he fired well over. Minutes later a yellow card for Ward for handball in the Carmarthen box. 68 mins gone and Nicky Palmer replaced tiny Danny Thomas. Ward raced down the left but his looping cross was fired into the ground by Jamie Reed. End to end doesnt quite describe the open nature of the action, Lee Hunt and Craig Garside both went close before Garside made way for substitute Mark Smyth, back after a lengthy absence. Immediately Smyth released Sion Edwards down the left but Thomas again saved well. A fifth Bangor corner was just about cleared at the near post but seconds later a rare slip from Chris Roberts let in Sasha Walters who dragged his shot across goal. As the visitors grew more desperate it was Michael Johnston who stood firm alongside Dave Morley in the blues defence. Ten minutes from time Hicks went down in the box and appealed for a penalty which referee Lee Evans dismissed instantly. Carmarthen were now throwing all caution to the wind and forced a couple of late corners which exploited the absence of the injured Brewerton, one forcing Peter Hoy to block Pritchard' sclose range effort with Paul Smith injured as he saved the follow up effort from Hughes. City held on, perhaps a game they could have won by four or five clear goals, but a truly entertaining game for all concerned and - in the end - justice done with all three points won. |
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| 35 |
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WELSH PREMIER |
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| After making a bright start Bangor slid to an
undeserved
2-1 defeat at Park Avenue against an Aber side bent on securing third
place. The early signs were very promising for City with Lee Hunt heading against the crossbar in the opening five minutes, and Ashley Stott racing through minutes later only to be denied by an acrobatic save from goalkeeper Stephen Cann. City continued to press and a determined Eddie Jebb fired on target but giant defender Aneurin Thomas cleared off the line with Cann beaten. But on the half hour it was Aber fans who had something to cheer as Tranmere Rovers loanee Ryan Fraughan converted after a Geoff Kelloway cross following a breakway from a Bangor corner. Three minutes later Peter Hoy was shown the yellow card by Neil Morgan. Bangor were struggling at times to come to terms with the pace of Kelloway who has progressed through the club's youth and reserve system, but overall could count themselves unlucky to leave the field at the interval trailing by that solitary Fraughan strike. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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Five minutes after the restart Bangor were level. A great jinking
run and
cross from Eddie Jebb caused confusion in the home defence and Aneurin
Thomas - or was it Bari Morgan - somehow diverted the ball into
his own net. But the lead was shortlived. On 57 minutes goalscorer Fraughan supplied on loan midfielder Connal Murtagh on the edge of the box to beat Paul Smith with a shot into the top corner to the delight of a noisy horde of students behind the goal in the Dias Stand. Bangor were far from beaten though and went close on three occasions when Dave Morley and Sion Edwards - a 76th minute replacement for Peter Hoy - hit the woodwork before Jamie Reed had another goalbound effort scrambled off the line. Goalkeeper Stephen Cann was the busier of the two custodians but for all their efforts City could not beat the South African. As home nerves frayed Aber manager Morgan sent on Glyndwr Hughes three minutes from time and then in a last delaying move Graham Evans five minutes into stoppage time. It just about worked as The Seasiders clung on for the win and confined Bangor to an underserved lead which all but ends realistic hopes of a third placed finish. One strange aspect of this defeat was that both home goalscorers were loanees and the Bangor goal came from an Aber player, which must be some kind of league record. |
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| 34 |
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WELSH PREMIER |
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| After ninety or more minutes at a chilly Bastion Road
there was nothing between these Welsh Cup semi final opponents. Bangor were grateful to Jamie Brewerton for a clearing head after the home side won an early corner. In the fifth minute referee Bridges took the unusual step of showing a yellow card to substitute Fisher Cooke for some remark passed to a linesman. He was less inclined to book home players beyond that point. City carved the first real opening for the afternoon on the quarter hour when rightback Dave Morley picked out Lee Hunt whose cushioned header fell for Jamie Reed to force a smart save from the bulky Dunt. On fifteen minutes Gareth Wilson, who fell awkwardly and appeared to have damaged his collarbone, was replaced by Fisher Cooke. Next it was Nicky Ward's turn to test Dunt with a freekick which he failed to hold and conceded the first of two successive corners. But it was Prestatyn who took the lead on 25 minutes when Jack Lewis' freekick was not cleared and Mike Parker netted his eighth league goal of the season. Five minutes later Chris Roberts was shown the yellow card by Mr Bridges who had let much worse go, City won a corner but it was easily cut out by Paul O'Neill. Eddie Jebb had the beating of leftback Lewis but could not quite find the telling ball but it was Andy Moran whose snap show forced a good save out of blues keeper Paul Smith. Moments later O'Neill was close to a second but Smith was down to snuff out the danger. With half time approaching Bangor built up some pressure. Eddie Jebb passed back to Dave Morley whose deep cross was headed goalwards by Craig Garside but held by Dunt. Lee Hunt thought he had broken his goalscoring duck since his return but instead his low shot crashed into the billboards. But minutes from the interval it was Prestatyn who went close as Paul Smith was forced to bring down Rogers and earned a yellow card of Mr Bridges. The last word nearly went to Lee Hunt though as Dunt did well to keep out his low header after a deep cross from Sion Edwards after a half cleared corner. At the break though it was advantage Prestatyn. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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As Bangor attacked the playground end, City fans would have hoped for
an early reply. They got one. Jamie Reed was fouled by Paul
O'Neill on the edge of the box and Nicky
Ward sent a perfectly placed freekick out of the reach of the
Prestatyn 'keeper to level the scores on 51 minutes. On 57 minutes Dave Morley was yellow carded for a trip but Hannen, who flew in two footed seconds later, received no punishment. On the hour Peter Hoy replaced a hobbling Craig Garside with Dave Morley moving to midfield. Sion Edwards took up the challenge and raced beyond rightback Davies who promptly fouled him but the official allowed an unlikely advantage which constituted a corner rather than a freekick closer to goal. With 63 minutes gone more controvesy as Jamie Brewerton was yellow carded for foul which appeared to have yielded a penalty. But the determined near side linesman had his flag up for offside and the spot kick was denied. Mike Parker then latched onto a through ball into the left channel but fired across goal before he limped off with a hamstring problem, Steve Hoult the replacement on 71 mins. Immediately another foul on Sion Edwards, this time a freekick, delivered by Nicky Ward but headed over by Dave Morley. On 73 mins the sustitutions reached fever pitch with Marc Limbert and Ashley Stott coming on for Jebb and Reed, then Dan Evans replacing substitute Fisher Cooke. Bangor went close again as Lee Hunt saw his low shot on the turn flash wide then, with ten minutes remaining, a yellow card for the Paul O'Neill for a Joe Jordan style punch in the Bangor box, Steve Rogers fired on goal and forced a great save from Paul Smith before Ashley Stott went galloping down the right but his cross went without contact across the home goal. Nicky Ward ran round Davies and crossed, Dunt dropped and scrambled on the floor, Sion Edwards pushed the ball just wide. Prestatyn were threatening through Lewis's long throws and Paul Smith did well to punch clear, then Rogers raced on goal but his shot was blocked by Peter Hoy with his goalkeeper for once beaten. So honours even after four minutes of added time and still one match to play between the two sides... |
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| 33 |
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WELSH PREMIER |
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| What might have been seen as a banker
home win ended up anything but that as Huw Griffith's Welshpool
battled from start to finish on a bright and sunny Farrar Road. The prematch news confirmed that Les Davies was not in the sixteen and that Nicky Ward was the replacement for the suspended Dave Morley with injury victim Matty Hurdman forced to watch from the sidelines. The opening minutes saw the pacey Steff Edwards force Paul Smith to clear under pressure and then referee Harms to yellow card Eric Ramsay for a rash challlenge on Clive Williams. But Bangor were soon into their stride and a Jamie Reed shot flew off target before Nicky Ward crashed wide from the right. Welshpool striker Michael Cronshaw shot at Paul Smith before Ashley Stott fired well wide as City countered. All the sparring finally produced a goal when on 23 minutes Jamie Brewerton headed home Eddie Jebb's inviting cross and City fans rubbed their hands in expectation of a goalfest. Lee Hunt shot over the bar before, as you might expect, controvesy! Jebb was mesmerising John Boardman at times and the little winger crossed and the defender blocked with both hands. Penalty they cried. No said Mr Harms. A hard one to fathom perhaps but play on it was. On 33 minutes calamity for City as Gareth Williams low shot was not held by Paul Smith and Michael Cronshaw tapped hom the rebound. One all. Jamie Reed ran on goal from the left, passed to Nicky Ward but his twenty yard effort was held by McGuire. On 45 minutes further defensive disarray allowed Michael Cronshaw to run on goal and beat Paul Smith despite appeals for offside. Within a minute City should have pulled level as a concerted attack involving Reed, Ward and Jebb ended with Ashley Stott being forced out on the goal line and taking a blow to the face for his troubles. With a few seconds under 49 minutes played Chris Roberts found Jamie Reed with a well flighted pass and the newly capped Wales U23 International beat McGuire to delight of the home fans and the visible annoyance of the Welshpool management. Half time, two each and all to play for. |
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| HALF TIME 2-2 |
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Playing into the St Pauls End and with Paul Smith happy to have the
shadow of the Farrar End to cut out the glaring sunlight, City went
close early on through Nicky Ward after good approach play from Jamie
Reed. On 53 minutes a truly dreadul lunge on Clive Williams from goalscorer Cronshaw who was not even carded. But referee Harms, who looked out of touch, yellow carded Nicky Ward for something he said. Minutes later young Williams was stretchered off with Peter Hoy slotting in at rightback. Reed won City a fourth corner of the afternoon but Welshpool countered and Michael Johnston at full throttle snuffed out the danger despite odds of 4 against 1! Bangor needed a goal and the outstanding striker in this league since Christmas has been Jamie Reed. He duly delivered with a telling run into the Pool box which tempted a rash challenge from the dreadul Pritchard. Penalty and yellow card for the former Llandudno defender. Goalkeeper McGuire was also carded. Back to the action and up stepped Jamie Reed to score with confidence and put Bangor in front once again. The pacey Edwards was still causing problems down the left and his run ended in a lofted effort which bounced just wide of the far post with Paul Smith forced to come out and meet him. With twenty minutes remaining Jordan Kane replaced Mark Griffiths and seconds later Sion Edwards came on for a battered Ashley Stott. With fifteen minutes remaining Joe Price was yellow carded and City, through Lee Hunt and Jamie Reed, went as close as you could without scoring before McGuire, already seated, clasped the ball in relief. Marc Limbert came on for Nicky Ward before Michael Cronshaw's shot was held by Paul Smith. In the closing minutes Lee Hunt saw his shot deflected and Eric Ramsay hit the target from well outside the box, but the scoreline remained at 3-2 when referee Harms blew for time and City celebrated a hard fought win. But much credit goes to Welshpool who worked hard and unsettled the home defence on a regular basis. |
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| 32 |
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The Welsh Cup |
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