match

MATCH
REPORTS

SEASON
2000-01

1999-00

2000-01

2001-02

2002-03

2003-04

2004-05

2005-06

2006-07

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10

2010-11

Saturday 5th May 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	3	v	0	Inter Cardiff
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Danny Embleton	1
2	Steve Cooper	Marc Lloyd Williams 2			Adam Pitcairn	2
3	Clayton Blackmore	og Lima			Craig Lima	3
4	Paul Sellers				Phil Joslin	4
5	Sean Hazelden				Tom Williams	5
6	Richard Owen				Gareth Wallowrk	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Dan Locke	7
8	Mark Thomas	Subs:		Subs:	Huw Neale	8
9	Craig Roberts	Paul Roberts		Matt Mannering	Davies	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Matthew Bishop		Phil Clark	Matthew Williams	10
11	Aled Rowlands	Graham Brett		Gavin Beddard	Jason Hislop	11

   A bright sunny day at Farrar Road, a stiff breeze, City brought the curtain down on their season and ended the LoW existence of the club variously known as UWIC Inter Cardiff Cabletel.
   This was never a contest as the visitors fielded a side more in keeping with their Abacus destiny than LoW past. Steve Cooper fashioned the first opening with a run and cross headed wide by Richard Owen before Marc Lloyd Williams notched his 99th LoW goal with a well timed run into the box and calm finish past Merseyside based Danny Embleton on 12 minutes.
   Further chances fell to Marc Lloyd Williams before Adam Pitcairn forced a good save from Paul Evans on 20 minutes. City responded through the mercurial Rhodri Giggs whose 25 yard effort drifted wide, then the little winger had a shot blocked and Marc Lloyd Williams fired wide.
   Five minutes before half time Marc Lloyd Williams notched his 100th LoW goal after he colmly slotted home after good approach work from Steve Cooper, Rhodri Giggs and Aled Rowlands.
   There was still time for Marc Lloyd Williams and Rhodri Giggs to narrowly miss and finally for Richard Owen to volley over as City opened up the Cardiff defence with ease.

HALF TIME 2-0

   A distinctly one paced second period had one bright spark when on 55 minutes a strange own goal signalled the final act of the season. In a goalmouth scramble a UWIC defender thrashed the ball against his team mate Craig Lima who watched in disbelief as it cannoned into the goal!
   Two minutes later Marc Lloyd Williams thought he his hatrick when he clamly beat Embleton from ten yards but referee Bevan had whistled for a foul by him on Joslin.
   In the relative tedium that followed City used all three substitutes, starting on the hour with Graham Brett for Clayton Blackmore. Five minutes later a superb 40 yard pass from Aled Rowlands found Marc Lloyd Williams but he shot over. Then Aled himself made way for Matthew Bishop as did Mark Thomas for a grinning Paul Roberts.
   The final ten minutes might have seen a red card for the giant Locke whose intial block on Paul Roberts was followed up by a repeat effort on Marc Lloyd Williams but - to his credit - the referee took the commonsense view and contented himself with a verbal warning.
   Chances came and went to Rhodri Giggs and Marc Lloyd Williams but to no avail. Season over and time to reflect and recruit....

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Mark Thomas
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Dan Locke
ATTENDANCE

Tuesday 1st May 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	1	v	1	Aberystwyth Town
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Jason Matthews	1
2	Graham Brett	Marc Lloyd Williams		Steve Mardenbrough	Chris Hammond	2
3	Clayton Blackmore				Aneurin Thomas	3
4	Sean Hazelden				Gavin O'Toole	4
5	Paul Sellers				Steve Pope	5
6	Richard Owen				Gari Lewis	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Glyndwr Hughes	7
8	Matthew Bishop	Subs:		Subs:	Nigel Nicholas	8
9	Paul Roberts	Steve Cooper		Andrew Caree	Paul Evans	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Craig Roberts		Jon Tappin	Steve Mardenbrough	10
11	Aled Rowlands	Mark Thomas		Sean Hayes	Mark Gornall	11

   With both teams scoring once and failing to convert numerous other chances a draw was probably about right in this end of season run out.
   Aber started the stronger withGavin O'Toole prompting from midfield but it was a 25 yard screamer from Paul Roberts on the right that rattled the visitors crossbar as Jason Matthews could only stand and watch. On ten minutes a blow for the green & blacks as Nigel Nicholas hobbled off to be replaced by Andrew Caree.
   On 20 minutes Glyndwr Hughes missed a golden opportunity when he headed "down and over" from six yards, then Paul Evans made a good save from his namesake from 15 yards.   The next incident involving Hughes was less savoury as a late challenge on Paul Evans left the Llangollen stopper needing treatment - and smelling salts.
   Before half time Aber forced a succession of corners which City survived and eventually cleared upfield. Next City's keeper pulled off a tremendous one handed save from Jon Tappin whose 25 yarder seemed destined for the back of the net. Paul Evans made another good stop from a Gari Lewis effort before referee Hutchinson issued yellow cards to Sean Hazelden and Lewis in the space of three minutes.

HALF TIME 0-0

   After largely surviving the first period Bangor grew in confidence as Marc Lloyd Williams shot at Jason Matthews from close range in the first minute of the second period. However Paul Evans again saved well - this time from a Gavin O'Toole 30 yarder. Moments later the keeper let the ball slip from his grasp but help was on hand.
   On 50 minutes Marc Lloyd Williams raced past Mark Gornall on City's left and crossed to the oncoming Rhodri Giggs whose shot was too close to Jason Matthews. Five minutes later one of those contentious issues where the referee cannot win. Paul Roberts raced at and nearly past Aneurin Thomas on the attacking right only for the giant defender to block his path. Free kick, card - but what colour? Yellow. Home fans howled their derision for what was a lenient application of the law. On the hour another good save from Paul Evans as Chris Hammond drove cleanly from 25 yards. Then Steve Mardenbrough chased a through ball to clip home as home defenders failed to intercept.   Immediately Bangor replaced the tiring Matthew Bishop with Mark Thomas.
   Aber might have gone 2-0 up but for some brave defending, young Paul Sellers to the fore, and another good save from Paul Evans from a Gavin O'Toole shot. Paul Evans had a narrow escape as he dropped a right wing cross which Andrew Caree skied from close range.
   Moments later on 73 minutes Marc Lloyd Williams latched on to superb through ball from Rhodri Giggs to beat Jason Matthews from 15 yards. Bangor might have snatched a victory when Rhodri Giggs bewildered "right back" Chris Hammond to supply Marc Lloyd Williams who untypically missed from 5 yards! Stephen Pope was booked for a foul on the little winger as he became more dominant, the final significant act was a header from substitute Mark Thomas after Paul Roberts won a corner.
   The proverbial fair result? It all depends...

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Richard Owen
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Gavin O'Toole
ATTENDANCE

Tuesday 24th April 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	2	v	0	Aberystwyth Town
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Jason Matthews	1
2	Steve Cooper	Paul Roberts			Chris Hammond	2
3	Clayton Blackmore	Steve Cooper			Gary Finlay	3
4	Sean Hazelden				Gavin O'Toole	4
5	Paul Sellers				Stephen Pope	5
6	Richard Owen				Gari Lewis	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Glyndwr Hughes	7
8	Matthew Bishop	Subs:		Subs:	Nigel Nicholas	8
9	Paul Roberts	Craig Roberts		Aneurin Thomas	Paul Evans	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Mark Thomas		Andrew Caree	Steve Mardenbrough	10
11	Aled Rowlands	Terry Boyle		Jon Tappin	Mark Gornall	11

   Forget the ghosted newspaper reports, this was an entertaining clash between two committed sides who fought for the points throughout.
   Bangor deserved to win. The defence, built around the towering Sean Hazelden, stood firm with the quietely impressive Paul Sellers and Clayton Blackmore also standing out. City also did well in midfield where the tenacious Matthew Bishop tackled for his life alongside Rhodri Giggs and Aled Rowlands. The Valley lad ran at and past his opposite number time after time whilst Giggs worked hard at denying Glyndwr Hughes time and space.
   City might have gone ahead in the fifth minute when a rare wayward pass from Nicholas was intercepted by Aled Rowlands who ran through but shot too close to Matthews. A couple of minutes later Marc LLoyd Williams hit a clean strike from 25 yards again too close to the keeper. Any nerves the visitors might have had were dispelled as Sean Hazelden won a number of aerial duels with the impressive Paul Evans, whilst the lively Glyndwr Hughes was largely contained by some hard work and tackling.
   Paul Roberts and Marc Lloyd Williams again had chances but to no avail, then on 20 minutes Paul Evans saved well from Hughes on the right. Just before the interval Marc Lloyd Williams raced down the left and crossed for Rhodri Giggs but header sailed narrowly wide. At the other end Paul Evans slipped his marker to send a header off target.

HALF TIME 0-0

   Deep breath, a clean sheet after 45 minutes. How would City perform in the second period?   As the first five minutes elapsed Rhodri Giggs showed excellent control to race clear on the right, cut inside and shoot across goal. Moments later Marc Lloyd Williams shot at Matthews from 25 yards whilst an effort from Glyndwr Hughes again went just wide.
   On 56 minutes Paul Roberts took a pass from Marc Lloyd Williams to confidently beat the exposed Matthews from the edge of the box.   Next Aled Rowlands created a wonderful opening for Marc Lloyd Williams but his shot went wide from ten yards. Not to worry. On 65 minutes another cross from Aled Rowlands on the left arrived at the feet of Steve Cooper who composed himself before dispatchinga low drive past Matthews.
   Moments later the tiring Rhodri Giggs was replaced by Mark Thomas who added his considerable presence to the midfield battle. Next Paul Roberts ran through - despite a clear handball - to shoot over the bar. As time started to run out Criag Roberts replaced the exhausted Matthew Bishop with legend Marc Lloyd Williams unseflishly dropping into midfield. The dependable no-nonesense Richard Owen also stood firm as Glyndwr Hughes tried to run down the right channel.
   That was about it. Aberystwyth created half chances and kept playing, but City deservedly held on and picked up three priceless points. Both the result and performance offer genuine hope.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Sean Hazelden
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Nigel Nicholas
ATTENDANCE

Saturday 21st April 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	2	v	2	Port Talbot Ath
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Gareth Scantlebury	1
2	Steve Cooper	Paul Roberts		David Brain	Billy Timothy	2
3	Clayton Blackmore	Rhodri Giggs		Richard Ryan	Hanford	3
4	Sean Hazelden				Morgan	4
5	Clive Brown				David Brain	5
6	Richard Owen				Cockings	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Pocketl	7
8	Mark Thomas	Subs:		Subs:	Chapman	8
9	Paul Roberts	Craig Roberts		Richard Ryan	Lewis	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Ian Burgess		Vaughan	Hajgato	10
11	Aled Rowlands	Terry Boyle		Bishop	Kevin Bartleyt	11

   A valuable point for Bangor who led 2-0 at half time but were hanging on by the final whistle.
   City opened the scoring on the quarter hour. Mark Lloyd Williams ran into the right side of the box, Scantlebury half saved his low shot which ran for Paul Roberts to tap into the empty net from close range.
   On the half hour mark Rhodri Giggs doubled the advantage with a super goal. Again Marc Lloyd Williams was in the thick of the action, the ball broke for the little winger who lifted a superb effort over and slightly wide of the despairing Scantlebury from some 25 yards. City also had Sean Hazelden and Richard Owen yellow carded whilst scoring both goals.
   City had the bulk of possession but could not increase their lead and went in 2-0 ahead.

HALF TIME 2-0

   A very different second half as the home side took over and reduced the deficit within two minutes through David Brain whose powerful header beat Paul Evans.
   Port Talbot drew level on the hour mark thanks to a well struck shot from half time substitute Richard Ryan but then failed to secure the winner their dominance deserved. Rhodri Giggs was yellow carded as City endured periods of pressure; with five minutes remaining Craig Roberts replaced the tiring Richard Owen.
   Overall a point could make the difference, a much better performance from keeper Paul Evans, and something to take forward to Aber on Tuesday night.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Clive Brown
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION
ATTENDANCE	174

Monday 16th April 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	0	v	4	TNS
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Mark Deegan	1
2	Steve Cooper			John Toner 2	Colin Webster	2
3	Clayton Blackmore			Anthony Wright	Lee Coathup	3
4	Graham Brett			Nicky Ward	Tim Alexandra	4
5	Sean Hazelden				Timmy Edwards	5
6	Richard Owen				Maurice Doyle	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Gary Powell	7
8	Aled Rowlands	Subs:		Subs:	Maksim Rotskov	8
9	Paul Roberts	Anthony Hughes		Mark Powell	John Toner	9
10	Craig Roberts	Mark Thomas		Nick Welton	Ricky Evans	10
11	Matthew Bishop	Karl Roberts		Nicky Ward	Anthony Wright	11

   A resounding win for TNS, a heavy defeat for City, no complaints from this department. TNS look a decent side and could have won by a bigger margin.
   The dreaded early goal went in after five minutes when Anthony Wright met a deep cross with power and conviction to leave keeper Paul Evans no chance.
   City came back with a 20 yarder from Richard Owen who connected cleanly with a cross from Aled Rowlands on the right. Then there were loud appeals for handball against Alexander in the visitors box and finally Aled Rowlands shot at Deegan from the eighteen yard line.
   Finally? Well on 18 minutes John Toner slipped his marker and fired hard and low past a diving Paul Evans to double the lead - and end the match. Minutes later Sean Hazelden worked hard to get a faint touch to deflect a goal bound shot from Wright and almost immediately Timmy Edwards rose unmarked to "score" with a backpost header - but the offisde flag saved the day.
   On 26 minutes Sean Hazelden won a 50-50 tackle on the edge of the box and was committed to a repeat effort some 40 yards out - as was Colin Webster. The young Saint fell injured and had to be stretchered off - but to his credit he did not seek to get anyone booked nor did his team mates.
On the half hour Matthew Bishop might have reduced the deficit when good approach work from Richard Owen and Aled Rowlands created an opening, but his shot went to close to Deegan. Then Sean Hazelden headed straigth at the keeper from 15 yards and Marc Lloyd Williams won a freekick but Clayton Blackmore sent his effort wide.
   Just before half time TNS went further ahead as John Toner shot past Paul Evans.

HALF TIME 0-3

And that was it really. After 53 minutes Nicky Ward placed a header from the left side of the area past Paul Evans who had a game to forget. The young keeper has lost confidence and this game degenerating into shooting practice could not have helped.
With some twenty miinutes to go Mark Thomas replaced Craig Roberts then Marc Lloyd Williams fired over from a position on the right created by a good cross field ball from Aled Rowlands. Paul Evans saved well from Nicky Ward, chances came and went, then on 75 minutes Clayton Blackmore forced a good save from Deegan after good approach play from Marc Lloyd Williams.
Steve Cooper also headed wide, but this paints an unfair gloss on what was a clear defeat at the hands and feet of a much better side.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Richard Owen
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	John Toner
ATTENDANCE

Saturday 14th April 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	2	v	3	Newtown
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Danny Jones	1
2	Graham Brett	Marc Lloyd Williams 2		Steve McCormick	John Cottrell	2
3	Aled Rowlands			Wayne Hewitt	Gareth Evans	3
4	Paul Sellers			Justin Wickham	Chris Taylor	4
5	Mark Thomas				Mark Thomas	5
6	Clayton Blackmore				Wayne Hewitt	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Justin Wickham	7
8	Matthew Bishop	Subs:		Subs:	John Leah	8
9	Paul Roberts	Richard Owen		Colin Reynolds	Steve McCormick	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Craig Roberts		Terry Green	Mark Williams	10
11	Steve Cooper	Sean Hazelden		Phil Bates	Jon Williams	11

A dismal opening ten minutes when City let in two soft goals settled this affair, although a strange offside decision ended up as the chief talking point on a bright sunny day in Mid Wales!
Newtown were ahead inside 30 seconds as Gareth Evans sped down the Newtown left and fired in a cross which Steve McCormick was able to flick past Paul Evans from point blank range. The next moment of truth came on 9 minutes when City's keeper sliced a punch to the edge of the box for Wayne Hewitt to volley home past stationery visiting defenders. Two nil.
But on 13 minutes Paul Roberts reduced the arrears with a telling strike from 15 yards after good approach work from Rhodri Giggs and Marc Lloyd Williams.
The lanky McCormick was causing City's defence problems and winning everything in the air. Neither centreback seemed quite tight enough and it was no great surprise when Justin Wickham chipped Paul Evans from the right to make it 3-1 on 40 minutes. The lead was no more than Newtown deserved and - with steadier finishing - it might have been more.

HALF TIME 1-3

   At half time left back Gareth Evans was replaced by Phil Bates with Mark Thomas moving to the fullback position. City perhaps missed a trick in not getting Rhodri Giggs to pull wide an run at the ineffective little battler; within 15 minutes the winger was replaced by young Craig Roberts. On 66 minutes Richard Owen replaced Steve Cooper and promptly won two crash tackles on the edge of the Bangor box to inject some bite and verve into the visitors performance.
   Within minutes that talking point. Marc Lloyd Williams skipped past two or three Newtown defenders to plant the ball past Jones. As the ref returned to the middle, as the City fans celebrated the linesman stood with his flag held high. Offside. Which it could not have been.
   City were incensed and charged into the attack. Credit to Wayne Hewitt who panicked his own side with a series of alarmist "forget the pretty football bang it forward" barked out with a strong hint of panic. Newtown looked unsettled. Was Hewitt a tip from Barry Powell?
   With 15 minutes to go Sean Hazleden replaced a "tired out" Paul Sellers and promptly won a couple of emphatic headers which soon led to McCormick's withdrawl.
   On 85 minutes a penalty came when Bates clambered all over Marc Lloyd Williams who got up to convert the chance, and reduce the deficit. Both sides had their opportunities but City fans will wonder how a goalbound effort from Craig Roberts was deflected over.
   So 3-2 it finished, Newtown were the better team, but - bloody hell - that was a strange decision!

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Marc Lloyd Wiliams
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Mark Williams
ATTENDANCE

Tuesday 10th April 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	2	v	3	Barry Town
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Fraser Digby	1
2	Graham Brett	Paul Roberts 2		Gary Lloyd	Terry Evans	2
3	Aled Rowlands			John French	Gary Lloyd	3
4	Clive Brown			Jamie Moralee	Richard Kennedy	4
5	Paul Sellers				Andrew York	5
6	Clayton Blackmore				Phillips	6
7	Matthew Bishop				Ken Brown	7
8	Steve Cooper	Subs:		Subs:	John French	8
9	Paul Roberts	Richard Owen		Truman	Jamie Moralee	9
10	Craig Roberts	Jason Anthony		Sharp	Flynn	10
11	Rhodri Giggs	Ian Burgess		McClean	Luke Staton	11

   Battling Bangor were pipped for the points but this performance shows a big improvement on the 6-1 debacle at Jenner Park in January and offers hope for the remaining seven games.
   City brought back Rhodri Giggs and Aled Rowlands in place of Richard Owen and Ian Burgess compared to the team which won at Haverfordwest, but Marc Lloyd Williams was still unfit.
   Paul Roberts might have swept City ahead in the opening minute as he shot wide when well placed. But it was the visitors who went ahead through Gary Lloyd whose close range header beat Paul Evans on 16 minutes.
Barry settled to play their customary passing game with City competing well and putting the man with the ball under pressure.

HALF TIME 0-1

   The remaining goals all came in a 20 minute period immediately after the interval.
   Impressive striker Paul Roberts struck a shot goalwards which former Manchester United reserve Fraser Digby could only parry, the former Porthmadog hot shot converted the rebound to tie th scores at one all.
   On 55 minutes Paul Roberts put Bangor ahead with a powerful shot from the edge of the box which appeared to pass under the diving Digby. However Barry fought back to equalise within a minute as Jon French headed home.
   Then on 65 minutes the visitors took the the lead as Jamie Moralee pounced on the some defensive uncertainty to score from close range.
   Both side had further chances but Barry ran out winners, City can take heart from a promising performance but must be concerned about three more points dropped.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Paul Roberts
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION
ATTENDANCE

Saturday 7th April 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	1	v	0	Haverfordwest Cty
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Ben Miles	1
2	Graham Brett	Paul Roberts			Chris Fry	2
3	Richard Owen				Andrew Rickard	3
4	Clive Brown				Hughes	4
5	Paul Sellers				George	5
6	Clayton Blackmore				Walker	6
7	Matthew Bishop				David Burrows	7
8	Steve Cooper	Subs:		Subs:	Chris Pridham	8
9	Paul Roberts	Sean Hazelden		Dylan Blain	Mainwaring	9
10	Craig Roberts	Jason Anthony		Price	Carl Thomas	10
11	Ian Burgess	Tony Hughes		David Burrows	Tom Ramasut	11

   Bangor had to win this match and they did, thanks to a hard working performance from a makeshift midfield and some confident defending from Clayton Blackmore.
   City gave a full debut to young midfielder Ian Burgess who lined up alongside Matthew Bishop and Steve Cooper in midfield, with Graham Brett making a welcome return at right wingback
   The match was dominated by a strong wind which favoured the hosts in the first half and they applied some pressure in the opening quarter with Andrew Hughes and Carl Thomas going close. On the half hour Craig Roberts appeared to have lost the ball but his pace unsettled the home defence and he regathered twenty yards out to force a good low save from Miles.
   Before half time Blackmore and keeper Paul Evans were called upon as County pressed but again they could not make the pressure pay.

HALF TIME 0-0

   The second half turn around meant Bangor had the wind at their backs and were able to apply more pressure. Paul Roberts shot wide with one opportunity as he capitalised on some defensive uncertainty.
   Then on 72 minutes the all important goal. Craig Roberts made a run down the left, held the ball up momentarily and then sent a deep cross over which found Matthew Bishop in the box. The former Swansea apprentice controlled the ball and supplied Paul Roberts who fired past Miles from eight yards out. Immedtiately City replaced the tiring Graham Brett and Paul Sellers with Sean Hazedlen and Anthony Hughes. Universities defender Hazelden effected two goal line clearances as the home side pushed for an equaliser.
   So a hard fought victory for a much changed City line up which offers real hope for LoW survival as we move into the final matches.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Clayton Blackmore
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION
ATTENDANCE

Tuesday 3rd April 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	0	v	3	Rhyl
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Dave Williams	1
2	Steve Cooper			O'Callaghan	Dewi Parry	2
3	Richard Owen			Stannard	Gary Curtis	3
4	Clive Brown			Graves	Mark Antrobus	4
5	Mark Thomas				Jamie Brewerton	5
6	Clayton Blackmore				Mick Jones	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				John Stannard	7
8	Aled Rowlands	Subs:		Subs:	Gareth Wilson	8
9	Paul Roberts	Sean Hazelden		Andy Jonesr	Dan Barton	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Jason Anthony		Stuart Graves	Billy O'Callaghan	10
11	Paul Sellers	Matthew Bishop		Steve Joness	Wes Kinney	11

   Bangor were well beaten by a workmanlike Rhyl side despite a goalless first half.
   It was the visitors who started the better creating scoring chances in the first ten minutes, the best of which fell to Dan Barton who headed over from eight yards. City's first hance came when Gary Curties conceded a corner and lay injured off the pitch. As he received treatment a quickly taken kick was fired narrowly wide of the near post.
   On 20 minutes the diminutive Wes Kinney forced a good save from Paul Evans, then Clive Brown showed good pace and anticipation to intercept O'Callaghan who had slipped Mark Thomas. At the other end Rhodri Giggs beat a couple of Rhyl midfielders to shoot just over from 25 yards. Curtis became the second Lilywhite to be booked for a foul on Steve Cooper before Rhodri Giggs set up Marc Lloyd Williams but his shot was pushed over by Dave Williams. Barton headed over again, O'Callaghan was booked before Giggs again brought Williams into action with a good effort from outside the box after good approach play from Aled Rowlands.

HALF TIME 0-0

   The first half had seen both sides waste chances and Rhyl set about proving that they would not do so again. Within five minutes Billy O'Callaghan and then John Stannard scored from inside the box to put the visitors ahead.
   On the hour Craig Roberts replaced the tiring Paul Sellers who had performed well before the interval. Then Brewerton was booked for a late challenge on Rhodri Giggs and Paul Roberts was yellow carded for what may have been dissent.
   With ten minutes remaining Craig Roberts hit a powerful shot just wide from 25 yards and that was effectively that. For good measure Rhyl added a third with a wonderful strike from former TNS midfielder Stuart Graves.
   Rhyl were deserved winners, no hard luck stories, no problems with ref Boddenham. Just a poor second half performance which was punished by Twynham-less opposition.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Clayton Blackmore
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Jamie Brewerton
ATTENDANCE

Saturday 31st March 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	1	v	3	Carmarthen Towni
1	Carl Mounty	Scorers:		Scorers:	Rob Fitzgerald	1
2	Aled Rowlands	Marc Lloyd Williams		Chris Summers 2	Sion Meredith	2
3	Richard Owen			Wyn Thomas	Wayne Jones	3
4	Paul Sellers				Wyn Thomas	4
5	Mark Thomas				Neil O'Brien	5
6	Clayton Blackmore				David Barnhouse	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Chris Summers	7
8	Craig Roberts	Subs:		Subs:	Dean Rossiter	8
9	Paul Roberts	Sean Hazelden		Richard Parker	Rayn Nicholls	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Jason Anthony		Wayne Evans	Shaun Chapple	10
11	John Paul Roberts	Matthew Bishop		Craig Evans	Dylan McPhee	11

   Two significant incidents in the first three minutes said much about the way this game would go. First the petulant Chris Summers struck Mark Thomas after the ball had gone in a clear act of intimidation, then Marc Lloyd Wiliams was narrowly wide from 30 yards.
   Camrarthen now had a license from the pathetic Gerlad Davies to do pretty much as they pleased and they did - although in general this was not a dirty match. But on eight minutes John Paul Roberts had to be replaced by Sean Hazelden and the Bangor midfield was effectively ruptured.
   The rough stuff kept on coming; first the burly Rossiter clattered Paul Sellers and then the pedestrian Shaun Chapple was similarily "late" on Paul Roberts operating in midfield.
   Back to the football - and that opening sentence - as Marc Lloyd Williams received the ball on the right, beat two defenders and curled an effort across goal and just wide of the far post.    But the visitors were by now clealry the stronger, more experienced side, and Summers might have put them ahead on 25 minutes but headed over after a couple of corners. City were struggling to clear their lines and a defensive slip set up Rossiter but his shot went wide.
   On the half hour Chris Summers ran across the City box, eluded Clayton Blackmore and fired in low past Carl Mounty who might have done better. Then another sub-standard piece of refereeing as Paul Roberts fouled Sion Meredith, who promptly struck him in the face! Both players got yellow cards when to anyone with a passing interest in the rules the retaliation was a red card job!
   Just before the interval Carl Mounty made a great stop against the dangerous Summers. Then a foul on Aled Rowlands on the edge of the box set up a chance for Sean Hazelden but the big defender perhaps saw the opening late - and missed from close range.
   All this was forgotten when on 42 minutes Paul Sellers robbed Chapple in the centre circle, supplied Marc Lloyd Williams whose short ball to Rhodri Giggs was returned perfectly for the Llanberis marksman to chip Fitzgerald from the edge of the box.

HALF TIME 1-1

The first incident of the second period saw Marc Lloyd Williams held down on the edge of the box, by the last defender - no problem - but then a sleepy City defence paid the price as Wyn Thomas scored from ten yards following a freekick.
Carmarthen were now in charge and Carl Mounty again saved well from Rossiter after a sweeping move. Then another telling moment, Rossiter launched into a truly dreadful lunge on young Paul Sellers which should have been more severely punished than a yellow card. Happily the youngster was okay.
Marc Lloyd Williams set up a long range opportunity for Craig Roberts but his shot went wide, then on 75 minutes Carmarthen ended the contest at Chris Summers had two shots, one saved, before slotting home the decider.
City then replaced Paul Sellers and Paul Roberts with Jason Anthony and Matthew Bishop, but to no avail. The visitors ran out clear winners and left the City supporters looking anxiously at some difficult forthcoming matches.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Marc Lloyd Wiliams
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION
ATTENDANCE

Saturday 24th March 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	4	v	2	Llanelli
1	Carl Mounty	Scorers:		Scorers:	Scott Alderman	1
2	John Paul Roberts	Marc Lloyd Williams 3		Marvin Arthur	Hill	2
3	Richard Owen	Paul Roberts		Chris Thomas	Chris Thomas	3
4	Emrys Williams				Gavin Chesterfield	4
5	Mark Thomas				Davies	5
6	Clayton Blackmore				Marvin Arthur	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Leigh Randall	7
8	Rhodri Giggs	Subs:		Subs:	Harrisr	8
9	Paul Roberts	Craig Roberts		Devonald	Chris Watkins	9
10	Paul Sellers	Karl Roberts		Palmer	Bowen	10
11	Aled Rowlands	Ian Burgess		Cadette	Mark Dickeson	11

A vital win for City in a six point thriller at Stebonheath with striker Marc Lloyd Williams bagging his third hatrick of the season.
Llanelli deservedly went ahead in the first ten minutes when Chris Watkins crossed for the unmarked defender Marvin Arthur to score from close range. The home side proceeded to hit the woodwork and pull some good saves from local lad Carl Mounty, but as ofte happens a goal against the run of play levelled the scores. Marc Lloyd Williams headed home after his volleyed pass out to John Paul Robberts on the left wing set up the cross he converted. On 22 minutes Clayton Blackmore sent a long through ball which Marc Lloyd Williams pounced on to lift over home keeper Alderman to put City ahead.
The Reds were not to be easily beaten and it came as no surprise on 35 minutes when wideman Chris Thomas beat some indifferent visiting tackles to fire past Carl Mounty from close range to level the scorers.
However City were dealt a cruel blow on 40 minutes when Emrys Williams suffered a serious ankle injury which resulted in his being taken to a Swansea hospital; his replacement was young Craig Roberts.

HALF TIME 2-2

   The second period saw both sides force chances but it was Bangor who went ahead 0n 50 minutes when substitute Craig Roberts released Rhodri Giggs down the left wing, the ball travelled across the edge of the penalty area until it reached Paul Roberts who dispatched it firmly into the back of the net to again put Bangor in the lead.
On 75 minutes exciting teenage prospect Ian Burgess replaced Craig Roberts and added bite and competiveness to the City midfield.
   With the game flitting end to end battling midfielder Ian Burgess won the ball in midfield and found Marc Lloyd Williams with a simple pass. He raced forty yards to crash an unstoppable shot past Alderman to secure the win and the points with a couple of minutes to play. This completed another hatrick for the pride of Llanberis and confirmed his ranking as the outstanding striker in the LoW.
   There was still time for Llanelli to force a fabulous point blank save from Carl Mounty in what could well be his farewell appearance. If so - thanks a lot Carl.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Marc Lloyd Wiliams
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION
ATTENDANCE

Tuesday 20th March 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	0	v	5	Caersws
1	Carl Mounty	Scorers:		Scorers:	Matthew Griffiths	1
2	Steve Cooper			Graham Evans 2	Andrew Thomas	2
3	Richard Owen			Sean Jehu	Sean Jehu	3
4	Emrys Williams			Andy Davies	Antony Griffiths	4
5	Mark Thomas			Marc Hughes	Marc Howells	5
6	Clayton Blackmore				Marc Hughes	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Martin Griffiths	7
8	Aled Rowlands	Subs:		Subs:	Alex Fletcher	8
9	Paul Roberts	Craig Roberts		Gwyn Williams	Graham Evans	9
10	Scott Williams	Paul Sellers		Jamie Davies	Rob Hamer	10
11	John Paul Roberts	Ian Burgess		Lee Evans	Andrew Davies	11

A series of bad decisions cost City this match, allied to some rank poor defending and the fact that Caersws made good use of a strong wind.
The first shocking decision was to kit the team out in a horrific yellow & green strip.
The second to play against the wind first half - although with better defending that might have worked. The "wind" was more akin to a blizzard gusting forcefully from the East.
Despite all this City started well enough, shared the spoils in the opening ten minutes, and looked the better footballing side. Then Caersws won a corner on their right which Sean Jehu swung straight in at the near post in the 12th minute. Minutes later Jehu pulled a good save from loan keeper Carl Mounty after a 25 yard strike was rushed goalwards in the near horizontal snow.
City then forced three openings into the teeth of the wind. First a corner from the right was headed goalwards by Emrys Williams but Thomas cleared, only for Marc Lloyd Williams to hook the follow up cross just over. Minutes later Thomas nearly turned the ball into his own net from a right wing cross from Steve Cooper.
But on 25 minutes a double strike made the misses very costly. Graham Evans and then his strike partner Andy Davies struck from within the box as the visiting defence failed to clear.
City rallied and Paul Roberts ran across the edge of the box but shot wide, then the former U21 International might have passed to Marc Lloyd Williams but elected to shoot - just wide.
Ten minutes before half time Graham Evans notched his second and Caersws 4th with a carbon copy of the low, clinical finishes seen earlier.

HALF TIME 0-4

   The second half, with the wind charging along in support, there was some hope. Richard Owen was replaced by Craig Roberts, within five minutes Scott Williams limped off with Paul Sellers coming on.
   Caersws showed more defensive cohesion whilst perhaps City stayed too deep and failed to apply the level of pressure the hosts had. Nevertheless on the hour City spurned a series of decent opportunities which ended the contest. First a good run down the left wing by Paul Roberts set up Craig Roberts but the youngster headed over, then Marc Lloyd Williams tested Griffiths with a clean strike. Next the Llanberis marksman cut in from the right, onto his left foot but fired into the side netting from ten yards. Perhaps if one - or two - of these chances had gone in...
   On 66 minutes City gave a debut to teenager Ian Burgess inplace of Steve Cooper. The youngster showed some neat touches in central midfield, and promoted anothe flurry of chances. The best of these saw Aled Rowlands and Marc Lloyd Williams combine for "Jiws" to head just over.
   Minutes later a Bangor freekick on the half way line, by the rightside flag, was taken by Clayton Blackmore. Griffiths realised he was in trouble but to his credit pushed the ball away for a corner.
   With around ten minutes left Marc Hughes beat two City defenders to plant the ball in the bottom corner and complete the rout.
   No hard luck strories here, some poor defending and missed chances.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Marc Lloyd Wiliams
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Graham Evans
ATTENDANCE

Tuesday 14th March 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	4	v	2	Rhayader Town
1	Carl Mounty	Scorers:		Scorers:	Mike Barton	1
2	Steve Cooper	Paul Roberts 3		Neil Cooper	Craig Williams	2
3	Aled Rowlands	Marc Lloyd Williams		Lee Farrell	Matthew Cross	3
4	Emrys Williams				Ray John	4
5	Mark Thomas				Gareth Wharton	5
6	Clayton Blackmore				Glen Willis	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Lee Matthews	7
8	Rhodri Giggs	Subs:		Subs:	Lee Farrell	8
9	Craig Roberts	Paul Roberts		Chris Morgan	Neil Cooper	9
10	Paul Sellers	Scott Williams		John Morris	Craig Hughes	10
11	John Paul Roberts	Richard Owen		Rob Kozak	Russell Wigley	11

A tremendous second half fightback inspired by a a triple substitution saw Bangor recover from 0-2 down to win 4-2 at Rhayader.
The hosts got off to a perfect start in the sixth minute as Emrys Williams tripped Hughes in the box to concede a penalty which Neil Cooper converted. City nearly struck back when some neat approach work involving Marc Lloyd Williams and Steve Cooper set up John Paul Roberts but his shot went narrowly wide. Overall though Rhayader were in charge and it was no surprise when they doubled their advantage on the half hour thanks to a super strike from Lee Farrell from 25 yards into the top right corner. Carl Mounty reached it but to no avail.
City had a couple of long range freekicks from Clayton Blackmore and then Marc Lloyd Williams but neither really threatened and it was Rhayader who could have increased the lead as half time approached when Steve Cooper cleared off the line.

HALF TIME 0-2

   The eleven which took the field for the second period saw Richard Owen, Scott Williams and Paul Roberts replace Steve Cooper, Paul Sellers and Criag Roberts. The effect was startling.
   With Richard Owen at leftback and John Paul Roberts onthe right City now had the more experienced Aled Rowlands and Scott Williams in midfield with Rhodri Giggs whilst Jiws now had Paul Roberts for company. The whole team played with greater purpose and verve.
   Rhodri Giggs hit the bar (again!) with a 25 yard chip before Paul Roberts converted a close range chance created by John Paul Roberts and then - inevitably - Marc Lloyd Williams. Within minutes the same combination again ended with Paul Roberts levelling the scores from close in.
   Rhayader had looked punch drunk but they found their feet and Carl Mounty was called into the action briefly, although Clayton Blackmore and the improving Mark Thomas held firm. That Salford winger flighted another 30 yarder towards goal, but with Barton beaten the ball drifted wide. Rhodri was making a monkey of former City leftback Matthew Cross on the right.
   Then on 72 minutes Bangor went in front as Marc Lloyd Williams set off on a left wing foray courtesey of a telling pass from Aled Rowlands. The Llanberis marksman surged in on goal but, with everyone expecting a finish, he calmly picked out Paul Roberts who drove the ball in for his hatrick. A hatrick from a substitute. A LoW first for Bangor?
   Mindful of my remark to Ray Rowlands that Jiws was unlikely to play so well and not score, Clayton Blackmore sent a booming ball into the left channel. Marc Lloyd Williams seized on the opening, ran goalwards but opted to thrash the ball past the exposed Barton for a deserved goal and City's fourth!
   That concluded the main event, although Marc Lloyd Williams was denied a penalty when he was tripped in the box, but never mind the points were safe. What a comeback, tremendous spirit, the only concern a knee injury to Scott Williams.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Marc Lloyd Wiliams
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Lee Farrell
ATTENDANCE

Saturday 10th March 2001

~ The Welsh Cup ~

	BANGOR CITY	0	v	3	Barry Town
1	Carl Mounty	Scorers:		Scorers:	Tony Tucker	1
2	Steve Cooper			Andrew York 2	Terry Evans	2
3	Aled Rowlands			Jamie Moralee	Gary Lloyd	3
4	Emrys Williams				Jenkins	4
5	Mark Thomas				Andrew York	5
6	Clayton Blackmore				Phillips	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Brown	7
8	Rhodri Giggs	Subs:		Subs:	French	8
9	Craig Roberts	Paul Roberts		McClean	Jamie Moralee	9
10	Paul Sellers	Scott Williams		Sharpe	Flynn	10
11	John Paul Roberts	Jason Anthony		Briggs	Burke	11

A better performance than the score suggested but in the end a disappointing Welsh Cup for City at Jenner Park.
Barry took the early initiative with five corners in the opening quarter of an hour, but Bangor thought they had taken the lead through Rhodri Giggs when his near perfect curler from the edge of thebox hit the inside of the post but stayed out. The little winger wheeled away in celebration but his joy was shortlived!
Marc Lloyd Williams was causing problems for the one paced home defence but so too was left footer Gary Lloyd whose corners and freekicks troubled the visitors. However the picture changed on 24 minutes. One corner from the left saw Andrew York tower above the Bangor defence to head home, then two minutes later a 25 yard freekick from the left footer hit the foot of Mounty's post for Jamie Moralee to tap in from two yards.

HALF TIME 0-2

   The second period saw Barry make the running but Bangor retained an interest as Marc Lloyd Williams beat the home defence but sent his left footed curler narrowly wide of the post with Tucker well beaten.
   The sour point of the match then saw Steve Cooper sent off for a second bookable offence.
   With ten men and trailing 2-0 Bangor had little hope but kept on battling until Andrew York's diving header finished off the scoring the final minutes.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Gary Lloyd
ATTENDANCE

Friday 24th February 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	3	v	1	Cefn Druids
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	David Williams	1
2	Steve Cooper	Marc Lloyd Williams 2		Huw Griffiths	Paul Morris	2
3	Richard Owen	Rhodri Giggs			Mark Rutter	3
4	Emrys Williams				Aled Rowlands	4
5	Paul Sellers				Mark Allen	5
6	Clayton Blackmore				Huw Griffiths	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Jay Davies	7
8	John Paul Roberts	Subs:		Subs:	Rene Penaud	8
9	Craig Roberts	Paul Roberts		Simon Richards	Mike Davies	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Karl Roberts		Andy Davies	Kevin Scott	10
11	Aled Rowlands	Sean Hazelden		Stuart Thornley	Alan Williams	11

Despite some difficult moments in the first half City led 2-0 at half time thanks to two more goals from Marc Lloyd Williams and clinched in the second through Rhodri Giggs.
The visitors nearly took a first minute lead when Kevin Scott showed the pace to get behind the bangor defence but his shot was blocked by young Paul Sellers. The next meaningful action saw Marc LLoyd Williams have a shot saved by Williams. Then City fans held their breath as home keeper Paul Evans needed treatment for a dislocated finger which physio Arwel Jones popped back.
Bangor took the lead on 20 minutes when the impressive centre midfielder John Paul Roberts picked out Marc Lloyd Wiliams on the right side of the box. Jiws stepped left inside the defender and beat Williams at the keeper's right post.
On thehalf hour Steve Cooper was the hero with two goal line clearances at Cefn fought for an equaliser. City also had Paul Evans to thank with a good stop from Kevin Scott and on some cool defending from Paul Sellers who was in at centreback for Mark Thomas.
At the other end Rhodri Giggs could have opened up the Druids defence a couple of times but indecision struck and he was caught in possession. The little winger nearly increased the lead with a brave near post header from a Craig Roberts cross, but despite getting in front of the defender he sent the effort narrowly wide.
On 39 minutes Marc Lloyd Wiliams was on the end of an excellent threaded through ball from Rhodri Giggs to double the lead. But slack marking in midfield allowed big Huw Griffiths to run unchallenged before firing a thunderbolt effort over Paul Evans in injury time.

HALF TIME 1-2

The first meangingful action of the second period saw Aled Rowlands pick out Marc Lloyd williams on the right who turned to find Craig Roberts on the edge of the box. The tall youngster calmly supplied Rhodri Giggs who fired the ball into the bottom corner.
On 50 minutes Craig Roberts turned well and tore past the Cefn defence to be pulled down in the box. Play went on - and advnantage? - and the chance went begging. Penalty? Looked that way.
Five minutes later the youngster was replaced by Paul Roberts and received a warm round of applause from the home support. As the game progressed Paul Sellers grew in confidence, Richard Owen used his cultured left foot to good effect, both in defence and attack particularly snuffing out Simon Richards on a couple of occasions on the edge of the box.
If anything the game petered out, although Paul Evans made a couple of excellent saves - one from a close range downward header was outstanding. Cefn withdrew Mike Davies and encouraged fellow striker Kevin Scott to take throw ins, which realistically left the City defence without too many goal threats to mind.
So three valuable points for Bangor and perhaps the most controlled display in this sequence.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Paul Sellers
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Huw Griffiths
ATTENDANCE

Tuesday 20th February 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	3	v	3	Oswestry Town
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Dave Blower	1
2	Steve Cooper	Marc Lloyd Williams 3		Steve Rogers 2	Justin Bridges	2
3	Aled Rowlands			Jon Jones	Jamie Fairhurst	3
4	Emrys Williams				S.O.Shaughnessy	4
5	Mark Thomas				Brett Jeffries	5
6	Clayton Blackmore				Paul Langley	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Ross Holtom	7
8	Paul Sellars	Subs:		Subs:	Neil Wenham	8
9	Craig Roberts	Richard Owen		Ross Jeffries	Steve Rogers	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Karl Roberts		Ryan Jeffries	Jon Jones	10
11	John Paul Roberts	Sean Hazelden		Adam Burgess	Jason Jones	11

City got off to an excellent start with a sixth minute lead but - by the final whistle - they were hanging on with keeper Paul Evans sent off and hatrick hero Marc Lloyd Williams in goal!
The bright start came courtesy of Rhodri Giggs who robbed Paul Langley on the deadball line, squared the ball to Marc Lloyd Williams who tapped in the simplest of chances. Ten minutes later as Oswestry conceded frequent freekicks Clayton Blackmore forced a good save from Blower. The controvesy! Steve Cooper was fouled and - having received treatment - he was obliged to leave the pitch. With City down to ten men and lunatic referee GM Davies refusing his frantic attempts to get back on the pitch Steve Rogers thrashed home an equaliser from fifteen yards. Amazingly Cooper was not allowed to return even when played stopped and then restarted from the centre circle! He absence - of around three minutes - was to prove costly for Bangor.
Rhodri Giggs was then booked for dissent, then on 37 minutes Steve Rogers repeated the super finish of some fifteen minutes earlier when the Bangor defence froze once more. Rogers was proving to be a difficult opponent for young Mark Thomas and company, perhaps City tended to defend too deep which also suited Rogers.

HALF TIME 1-2

   Five minutes after the interval Marc Lloyd Williams charged down the left and crossed for Craig Roberts whose powerful strike hit the crossbar from 18 yards. Then it was the Llanberis lad's turn to fire a freekick from the right which was well saved by Blower.
   A couple more bookings for the strange little ref, Rogers for a foul on John Paul Roberts and Marc Lloyd Williams for dissent. But the striker had the last laugh as he pounced on some hesitancy in the home defence to convert a close range chance.
On 70 minutes Marc Lloyd Williams completed his hatrick and put City ahead when a lofted crossfield ball from Aled Rowlands caused panic in the home defence.   With Mark Thomas warming to the task of marking Rogers Bangor held out until the 83rd minute when Clayton Blackmore failed to cut out a hopeful through ball to allow Jon Jones the chance to chip Paul Evans for a deserved equaliser.
   Oswestry huffed and puffed, sending the ball forwards and - fortunately for Bangor - giving away some needless freekicks. Then on 90 minutes Steve Rogers collided with Paul Evans, free kick to Bangor, but the keeper literally saw red with a shove at Rogers. Who else but the larger than life Marc Lloyd Williams went in goal for the remaining three minutes of mystery time.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Marc Lloyd Williams
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Steve Rogers
ATTENDANCE

Saturday 17th February 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	3	v	1	Afan Lido
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Brian Thomas	1
2	Steve Cooper	Marc Lloyd Williams 3		Nick Jones	Pitman	2
3	Richard Owen				Steve Parry	3
4	Emrys Williams				Greg Hurley	4
5	Mark Thomas				Phil Holmes	5
6	Clayton Blackmore				Andrew Rickard	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Mitch Patten	7
8	Paul Sellars	Subs:		Subs:	Paul Evans	8
9	Craig Roberts	Karl Roberts		Shaun Galsworthy	Nick Jones	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Paul Roberts		Davies	Leighton Jones	10
11	John Paul Roberts	Daniel Grant		Williams	Andrew Pearson	11

With a very youthful looking side Bangor outfought and outgunned a Lido side who trailed for 85 minutes but never gave up, although hatrick hero Jiws was too hot to handle.
The pre-match doom and gloom regarding injuries to Sean Hazelden, Scott Williams and Clive Brown, plus a bout of flu which ruled out Aled Rowlands and Paul Roberts. The solution? Simple call up the reserves who have been oft touted on the city guestbook. Mark Thomas slotted in alongside Emrys Williams and Clayton Blackmore, Paul Sellars in midfield and Craig Roberts up front. And it worked a treat!
On a bright sunny Farrar Road pitch Marc Lloyd Williams led from the front a gave City a 5th minute lead with a tap in from a Steve Cooper cross. Lido, with the enormous Leighton Jones upfront, pressed forward. But Mark Thomas stood up mentally and physically to the challenge, winning tackles, headers and reading the game well. Also hitting the channels with some well struck passes off either foot.
The match was never a classic, but with Clayton Blackmore marshalling the defence and young Paul Sellars alongside Rhodri Giggs and John Paul Roberts in midfield City stuck to their task. Goalkeeper Paul Evans made a good low save from Pearson then Paul Sellars shot too close to the keeper after being set up by Marc LLoyd Williams.
With halftime approaching young Sellars won the ball on the half way line and took off for goal. The ball was returned to him, he played it to Marc Lloyd Williams who makde no mistake with a clever lofted fiinish over Thomas.

HALF TIME 2-0

The second period again featured excellent defensive work from Mark Thomas, but in truth lacked the flow of the first. There were injuries and bookings and substitutions. These included John Paul Roberts for Bangor and Lido pair Steve Parry and Andrew Pearson.
Then on 80 minutes Jones pulled a goal back for Lido with Paul Evans the busier keeper for a while. Happily a horrible mistake by visiting keeper Thomas saw the ball bounce over his head for Marc Lloyd Williams to complete another well deserved hatrick!
Lido did not give up but their forwards found Paul Evans in impressive form and City won by two clear goals. Three points. But what a gutsy performance with half the first choice side missing.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Mark Thomas
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Greg Hurley
ATTENDANCE

Saturday 10th February 2001

~ The Welsh Cup ~

	BANGOR CITY	3	v	2	Newtownn
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Mark Jones	1
2	Steve Cooper	Marc Lloyd Williams		Steve McCormick	John Cotterell	2
3	Clayton Blackmore	Craig Roberts			Gareth Evans	3
4	Emrys Williams	Daniel Grant			Phil Bates	4
5	Clive Brown				Chris Taylor	5
6	Scott Williams				Terry Green	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Justin Wickham	7
8	Rhodri Giggs	Subs:		Subs:	John Leah	8
9	Paul Roberts	Paul Sellars		Steve McCormick	Mark Thomas	9
10	John Paul Roberts	Craig Roberts		Dave Timms	Mark Williams	10
11	Aled Rowlands	Daniel Grant		Tom Reynolds	Chris Adamson	11

What a game! Five goals, extra time, a sending off - all played in a tremendous spirit - this match had just about everything.
With the strong wind from behind the Farrar End at the backs, Bangor troubled Robins' keeper Mark Jones with a couple of 25 yard strikes from Clayton Blackmore which the Bomere Heath farmer struggled to hold. One fell to Paul Roberts but the chance went begging from close range.
On 25 minutes Paul Sellars entered the fray as a replacement for the injured Scott Williams and took his place in centre midfield. The youngster battled well against the fluid Town midfielder.
Rhodri Giggs ran and passed to good effect and combined well with Marc Lloyd Williams, and sent one superb crossfield ball to the right wing and John Paul Roberts whose cross found Paul Roberts. His control and shot were good but the Newtown defence survived. At the other end Green blazed over whilst the sturdy Mark Williams was proving a difficult man to mark. The Robins also contrived to hit the post and crossbar in one attack!

HALF TIME 0-0

The 48th minute saw Marc Lloyd Williams put City ahead - for the first time - as he found time and space to control the ball a fire past Jones from 15 yards. City held the lead despite strong Newtown pressure, Emrys Williams and Clayton Blackmore worked overtime to repell wave after wave of wind assisted attacks. Rhodri Giggs set up John Paul Roberts who was now operating on the left, but the youngster fired wide. Giggs was then replaced by Daniel Grant, with Paul Roberts dropping into midfield.
Chances came and went at both ends before, in the final minute, a Dave Timms corner was met by the lanky Scot Steve McCormick to head the Robins level. Despair, City players sank to their knees. One all, final whistle.
   Extra time saw Newtown miss two good chances within three minutes and then Marc Lloyd Williams strike a freekick just over from the left. Jiws was again involved as Phil Bates pulled him back when clear on goal for an inevitable red card. In the final minute of that goalless first period Paul Sellars trudged off wearily to be replaced by Craig Roberts, with Marc Lloyd Williams dropping alongside Paul Roberts and John Paul Roberts in midfield.
The second period burst into lifein the 5th minute (ie 110th) as Jiws battled hard to win the ball in the box and supply Craig Roberts on the right. The youth team star took a touch, steadied himself and placed the ball beyond Mark Jones. What a finish.
Three minutes later Steve McCormick lopped a header over Paul Evans who watched in disbelief as the ball rebounded off the post, off his shin, and across the line. Two all.
   With 12 minutes of the second period extra time gone Aled Rowlands ran - yet again - poewrfully down the left, struck a pass into Craig Roberts. The goalscorer controlled and shielded the ball, attracted the Newtown defenders, and then had the presence of mind to calmly supply the unmarked Daniel Grant who slid the ball past the motionless Jones for the winner!
   That was it, after a bizarre 2 mins 30 seconds of injury time the whistle went. Euphoria!

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Aled Rowlands
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	John Leah
ATTENDANCE

Saturday 3rd February 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	2	v	5	Cwmbran Town
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Pat O'Hagan	1
2	Steve Cooper	Marc Lloyd Williams		Jenkins 2	Mark Evans	2
3	Richard Owen	Aled Rowlands		Moore	Wile	3
4	Clive Brown			Nathan Cotterell	Jenkins	4
5	Sean Hazelden			Evans	Bettles	5
6	Emrys Williams				David	6
7	Marc Lloyd Williams				Nathan Wigg	7
8	Rhodri Giggs	Subs:		Subs:	Adam Moore	8
9	Paul Roberts	Scott Williams		Michael Pattimore	Smothers	9
10	John Paul Roberts	Mark Thomas		Carter	Brown	10
11	Aled Rowlands			Davies	Cotrrell	11

Cwmbran ran up a 4-0 interval lead thanks to some woeful defending by Bangor who could not come to terms with the pace of Nathan Cottrell on the City right.
The first goal came in the tenth minute when Adam Moore capitalised on confusion in the visiting defence caused by a Cottrell cross. Cottrellcut inside to double the lead as Clive Brown struggled to keep his feet on the slippery Stadium surface, the winger netting from 25 yards.
Jenkins completed the rout in the first half with goals in the 24th and 39th minute but City conspired to miss an excellent chance when John Paul Roberts missed from a yard out from a right wing cross.

HALF TIME 0-4

The second half was a different story - perhaps the Crows rightly thought the job was done - but within three minutes of the restart Aled Rowlands scored from nearly 30 yards after running through on the right. In the 53rd minute the gap narrowed further Marc Lloyd Williams ripped the ball through the net and had to protest that he had scored - a fact confirmed by the sight of a foot wide hole in the Cwmbran net!
The hosts hit back through Mark Evans to complete the scoring on 64 minutes. The wingback took off his shirt for some celebratory purpose - and ten minutes later when he was yellow carded for a foul he consequently enjoyed an early bath!

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Aled Rowlands
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Nathan Cottrell
ATTENDANCE

Tuesday 30th January 2001

~ The Premier Cup ~

	BANGOR CITY	1	v	1	Carmarthen Town
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Robert Fitzgerald	1
2	Steve Cooper	Karl Roberts		Ryan Nicholls	Deryn Brace	2
3	Richard Owen				Wayne Jones	3
4	Clive Brown				Wyn Thomas	4
5	Sean Hazelden				Neil O'Brien	5
6	John Paul Roberts				David Barnhouse	6
7	Clayton Blackmore				Craig Evans	7
8	Rhodri Giggs	Subs:		Subs:	Dylan McPhee	8
9	Aled Rowlands	Mark Thomas/T Hughes		Ian Davies	Ryan Nicholls	9
10	Karl Roberts	Daniel Grant/Paul Sellars		Tomi Morgan	Shaun Cahppler	10
11	Craig Roberts	Tom Davies		Paul Walker	Richard Parkers	11

City finally broke their Premier Cup duck in the last match of their campaign against form team Carmarthen at Farrar Road last night.
The visitors started strongly with Sean Hazelden making a last ditch clearance from Shaun Chapple in the opening minute. Town had the better of the first half with the re-instated 'keeper Paul Evans making some fine saves.
Carmarthen took the lead as early as the sixth minute as Ryan Nicholls tapped home from close range following a Richard Parker cross.. City had an opening when a misplaced clearance by Fitzgerald fell to Rhodri Giggs but the winger failed to punish the mistake.

HALF TIME 0-1

The second half swung in Bangor's favour in the 47th minute when highly rated local youngster Karl Roberts touched home from close range after a Richard Owen left wing cross had not been cleared and an initial effort had rebounded off Robert Fitzgerald.
City then had most of the second period with Clayton Blackmore and Sean Hazelden going close. On the hour Paul Sellars replaced John Paul Roberts.
The final drama came in the 76th minute when Shaun Chapple was sent off for a two footed tackle on Rhodri Giggs. There then followed a melee in which several players became involved. City has a good spell in which substitute Daniel Grantwnet close. His introduction on 80 minutes for Craig Roberts followed two minutes afterAnthony Hughes had come on for goalscorer Karl Roberts.
Oh and substitute Tomi Morgan seemed to injure himself by treading on his own foot!

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION
ATTENDANCE

Saturday 27th January 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	2	v	2	Caersws
1	Carl Mounty	Scorers:		Scorers:	Matthew Griffiths	1
2	John Paul Roberts	Paul Roberts		Graham Evans	Andrew Thomas	2
3	Richard Owen	Rhodri Giggs		Rob Hamer	Sean Jehu	3
4	Clive Brown				Anthony Griffiths	4
5	Emrys Williams				Hugh Clarke	5
6	Scott Williams				Marc Hughes	6
7	Clayton Blackmore				Geraint Lewis	7
8	Rhodri Giggs	Subs:		Subs:	Martyn Griffiths	8
9	Aled Rowlands	Sean Hazelden		Damon Russell	Graham Evans	9
10	Marc Lloyd Williams	Daniel Grant		Alex Fletcher	Rob Hamer	10
11	Paul Roberts	Karl Roberts		Lee Harding	Andrew Davies	11

Too many missed chances and a woeful penalty decision cost City the points in this open, end to end affair.
Bangor gave a debut to Carl Mounty in goal and drew confidence from is assured handling and presence between the sticks. In front of him Emrys Williams, Clive Brown and Clayton Blackmore looked organised and purposeful. Brown in particular was outstanding, showing tremendous pace and excellent timing.
City took the lead in the eighth minute when John Paul Roberts exploited space on the right to set up Paul Roberts whose delayed finish beat the sprawling Griffiths. The relief all round was evident but moments later Carl Mounty was called upon to hold a difficult lofted cross. Paul Roberts then nearly paniced the visitors into conceding an own goal following a cross from Richard Owen, then Rhodri Giggs crossed for an unmarked Marc Lloyd Williams who headed over from close range.
Left wingback Richard Owen then sent over a swirling cross that Paul Roberts controlled for Marc Lloyd Williams who sliced his shot wide. Caersws retaliated with a ball across the City six yard box which Graham Evans nearly squeezed past Carl Mounty. Clive Brown then demonstrated his balance and poise with some excellent unhurried defending againt Davies.
Before the interval Marc Lloyd Williams had two stabs at a chance on the left, but pulled the second wide after the initial shot had been blocked. Finally Clive Brown again showed his class with a tremendous tackle on the pacey Davies in front of the mainstand.

HALF TIME 1-0

The second period started wtih Richard Owen running infield as the industrious Aled Rowlands led defenders off the ball, but his shot went wide. Moments later the little Valley midfielder found Rhodri Giggs with an excellent crossfield ball. His instant control and direct run led to a shooting opportunity which he unfortunately hit at Griffiths - who was surprisingly capless inspite of a low bright sun in his face.
   Then calamity. Clive Brown dawdled on the edge of the box and was dispossesed by Graham Evans who ran away from goal. The speedy defender recovered in a split second and won the ball cleanly with an excellent tackle. As Evans again recovered possession and Brown challenged, the referee stunned everyone by awarding a penalty which Graham Evans himself converted.
Despite looking visibly shaken by this injustice City rallied once more and Rhodri Giggs scored arguably the goal of the season at Farrar Road. The little winger controlled the ball some 25 yards out and sent a dipping volley over the (capless) keeper and into the net. Fanatastic.
   Then calamity again! A wildly hit and badly misdirected shot was instinctively headed or flicked on by Rob Hamer and looped over the otherwise impressive Carl Mounty and into the net.
   That was it, both sides had openings but neither could convert in an end to end finish. City were helped by a powerful performance from Aled Rowlands and a much more positive display from Rhodri Giggs whose confidence is growing.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Clive Brown
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Anthony Griffiths
ATTENDANCE

Saturday 13th January 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY.... .........	1	v	6	Barry Town
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Anthony Tucker	1
2	Steve Smith	Deiniol Graham		Mike Flynn	Terry Evans	2
3	Richard Owen			John French	Gary Lloyd	3
4	Emrys Williams			Luke Staton	Jamie Jenkins	4
5	Sean Hazelden			Andrew York	Andrew York	5
6	Scott Williams			Jamie Moralee	Neil Sharpe	6
7	Aled Rowlands			Gavin Beddard	Kenny Brown	7
8	Marc Lloyd Williams	Subs:		Subs:	John French	8
9	Paul Roberts	John Paul Roberts		Nicky Burke	Jamie Moralee	9
10	Deiniol Graham	Clive Brown		Gavin Beddard	Mike Flynn	10
11	Rhodri Giggs	Karl Roberts		Geoff McClean	Luke Staton	11

This was an emphatic defeat for a City side who were out manouvered pretty much from start to finish by a vastly superior Barry side.
The first ten minutes were okay! City competed well and managed to work across the back and midfield. Then on ten minutes Barry kept the ball when frustrated on the left, switched to Terry Evans on the right. As his cross was headed back across goal Mike Flynn struck with a back to goal effort worthy of a higher stage.
Within three minutes it was 3-0 as John French fired low past Paul Evans and then Luke Staton (whatever happened to Candy?) seized on a terrible backpass to confidently beat the keeper.
   Game over. The dozen or so travelling supporters drew a deep breath as the very real possibility of a humilating double figures defeat loomed. On 20 minutes they had something to cheer as Rhodri Giggs created a half chance for Paul Robvets but his effort was blocked by Tucker.
   On 33 minutes it was 4-0 when Andrew York sent a looping header over Paul Evans and into the top right hand corner. Minutes on a late tackle by Sharpe on young Richard Owen sparked off a pushing confrontation in the centre circle which resulted in Gary Lloyd and Scott Williams joining the intial assailant in the book. Deiniol Graham was then booked in an attempted revenge lunge!
   Spurred on by this Bangor created a half chance for Rhodri Giggs which he lifted over from the edge of the box, and then a goal for Deiniol Graham following good work by Marc Lloyd Williams and Giggs again. Deiniol finished comfortably from the right well inside the box.

HALF TIME 1-4

The visitors rallied in the opening period of the second half, as Rhodri Giggs and Deiniol Graham combined to set up Scott Williams but his drive went just over. Giggs then has a shot saved at the near post by the composed Tucker which nearly led to a Barry goal as they swept forward.
   On the hour Deiniol Graham sent a 40 yarder over when attempting to to chip Tucker, on 67 minutes Marc Lloyd Williams made a chance for Deiniol but the shot was weak and at the keeper.
   But Barry were also creating chances and keeping Paul Evans busy. On 75 minutes Jamie Moralee slotted home from close range, moments later Steve Smith was replaced by Clive Brown. The pacey defender added some steel and commitment to the City rearguard, showing his ability with a number of abrupt wholehearted tackles.
   On 80 minutes John Paul Roberts replaced his namesake Paul and also looked confident and willing to receive the ball, once drawing an ungly challenge from the home midfield.
   Man of The Match Paul Evans then produced a series of saves that even had the ref applauding! One from a close range shot, the second from a point blank header from York.
   Finally Gavin Beddard rather undeservedly made it six with a tap in after Evans' attempted clearnace hit him in the stomach and rolled goalwards! Barry though did deserve six!
   A mention for Richard Owen who again looked composed and tidy at left back, and in fairness to the whole team who never gave up - against very good opposition.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Paul Evans
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	John French
ATTENDANCE

Friday 5th January 2001

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	0	v	1	Connahs Quay Nomads
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Phil Collister	1
2	Steve Smith			Stuart Rain	Andy Thomas	2
3	Aled Rowlands				Steve Hopkins	3
4	Emrys Williams				Craig Hutchinson	4
5	Sean Hazelden				George Horan	5
6	Scott Williams				Carl Smyth	6
7	Clayton Blackmore				Steve Futcher	7
8	Marc Lloyd Williams	Subs:		Subs:	Stuart Terry	8
9	Robbie Williams	Ricky Lampkin		Paul Mazzarella	Jamie Hughes	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Richard Owen		Dean Tuft	Jon Kenworthy	10
11	Deiniol Graham	Karl Roberts		Andy Griffiths	Stuart Rain	11

The crucial moment in this bottom of the table clash was over whilst most supporters were still taking their seats. A mishit shot by Stuart Rain went between two home defenders, surprised an unsighted Paul Evans whose late dive was defeated by a high bounce at this right post.
On ten minutes the keeper atoned for the error with a fine save from a Stuart Terry dipper. City moved upfield midway throuogh the half for Deiniol Graham to turn and cross for Scott Williams who saw his header fly over. The Bangor born midfielder then ran through the midfield to fire a 35 yard effort that Collister tipped for a corner.
In the final five minutes before the interval Marc Lloyd Williams teed up a difficult chance back to goal but again just failed to hit the target. The first half saw an improved performance (again) from the defence, with Sean Hazelden looking a far more mobile and commanding figure.

HALF TIME 0 v 1

The second half began with Paul Roberts winning a midfield tackle to supply Deiniol Graham but his shot went wide from 20 yards out. On 55 minutes Richard Owen replaced the disappointing Steve Smith whose right back berth was taken by Emrys Williams, Scott Williams moved to centre defence alongside Sean Hazelden with Aled Rowlands moving to midfield to accommodate the young left footer. Rowlands proceeded to run the show from the middle.
On the hour a moment of absolute class - and immense frustration - for Rhodri Giggs. Spotting Collister well of his line the winger controlled a clearance and drifted a shot goalwards that had the keeper beaten. Unfortunately at the last gasp the left post intervened then the ball ran along the goaline before Marc Lloyd Williams and then Deiniol Graham just failed to convert. In the meanwhile Rhodri had begun his celebrations - prematurely!
On 67 minutes Paul Evans pulled off an excellent save from the impressive Steve Futcher who 30 yarder looked a goal all the way and repeated the feat with an athletic stop from Jamie Hughes in a one-on-one situation.
Ten minutes from time Paul Evans again pulled off a good block from Stuart Rain, and with the early blemish behind him, came off his line to good effect and worked well with the rearguard.
In the closing stages Deiniol Graham missed the proverbial sitter from close range, Rhodri Gigggs shot wide from 20 yards and Richard Owen capped a fine debut with a 20 yarder which Collister fumbled - but got away with.
No excuses or scapegoats today, just some poor finishing from - what would seem to be - a very experienced and potent strikeforce. Oh - and a bit of bad luck....

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Aled Rowlands
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Stuart Terry
ATTENDANCE

Tuesday 26th December 2000

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	2	v	2	TNS
1	Paul Evans	Scorers:		Scorers:	Mark Deegan	1
2	Steve Smith	Deiniol Graham 2		John Toner	Dewi Parry	2
3	Aled Rowlands	(one pen)		Chris Edge pen	Lee Coathup	3
4	Emrys Williams				Tommy Holmes	4
5	Sean Hazelden				Timmy Edwards	5
6	Scott Williams				Chris Edge	6
7	Clayton Blackmore				Colin Webster	7
8	Marc Lloyd Williams	Subs:		Subs:	Maurice Doyle	8
9	Robbie Williams	John Paul Roberts		Paul Smith	John Toner	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Steve Cooper		Tim Alexander	Ricky Evans	10
11	Deiniol Graham	Paul Roberts		Mark Roberts	Nick Welton	11

Ten men grabbed apoint at TNS thanks to a wonderful display from Deiniol Graham and Marc Lloyd Williams up front and an impressive debut from Paul Evans between the sticks.
It ws Evans who contributed to one of the first incidents when his fifth minute save denied John Toner. Minutes later Marc Lloyd Williams (Jiws) took on three Saints defenders on the edge of the box, the ball broke for Deiniol Graham whose shot was deflected wide. Next Jiws chased a ball to the right but his right footed shot drifted wide.
In an end to end half Jiws then set up Scott Williams who forced a good save from City old boy Mark Deegan. Toner and Welton were causing problems for City but Emrys Williams and big Sean Hazelden stood firm, so too fullbacks Steve Smith who had his best game for the club and the ever impressive Aled Rowlands.
On 28 minutes Deiniol Graham put City ahead with a wonderful volley after a feeekick for a foul on Emrys Williams had not been cleared. Five minutes later Emrys became the first City player booked for a foul on Toner.
City defended well enough, but on 40 minutes John Toner levelled the scores with a confidnet finish from a Jamie Webster right wing cross. A minute later the prolific striker nearly doubled his tally but luckily for City his effort went into the side netting.

HALF TIME 1 v 1

The home side forced an excellent double save from Paul Evans, first a brave stop with his feet off John Toner, then a high punch as the rebound floated goalward.
On 65 minutes disaster! Clayton Blackmore conceded a needless penalty with a push on Toner. Quite why he was red carded is unclear, nevertheless Chris Edge flicked the spot kick into the roof of the net, 2-1.
Ten men? TNS Boss kenny McKenna knew what to expect better than anyone!
City played some good football, Jiws struck a 22 yard free kick just over before the 70th minute substitution of Rhodri Giggs who was replaced by Paul Roberts. Instantly the competitive Roberts won the ball in midfield, found Jiws on the edge of the box who was fouled by Dewi Parry. Penalty but no card. Never mind, up stepped loan hero Deiniol Graham to convert the opportunity and level the scores.
And that was that. There was still time for Paul Evans to deny Ward and Deiniol Graham to limp off to be replaced by Steve Cooper. A fair result? Most fans leaving the ground seemed to think so and neither manager seemed aggrieved.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Deiniol Graham (Paul Evans given Award)
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	John Toner
ATTENDANCE

Tuesday 19th December 2000

~The Premier Cup ~

	BANGOR CITY	0	v	4	WREXHAM FC
1	Ray Newland	Scorers:		Scorers:	David Walsh	1
2	Steve Smith			John Paul Roberts og	Lee Roche	2
3	John Paul Roberts			Hector Sam	Emad Bouanane	3
4	Emrys Williams			Steve Thomas	Gareth Owen	4
5	Sean Hazelden			Paul Barret	Adrian Moody	5
6	Scott Williams				David Ridler	6
7	Clayton Blackmore				Robin Gibson	7
8	Aled Rowlands	Subs:		Subs:	Steve Thomas	8
9	Paul Roberts	Ricky Lampkin		Paul Barrett	Craig Falconbridge	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Steve Cooper		Martyn Chalk	Hector Sam	10
11	Deiniol Graham	Mark Thomas		Carlos Edwards	Wayen Phillips	11

The hosts deservedly won a competitive cup tie which was competently refereed by K J Parry of Anglesey. With Manchester United starlet Lee Roche and Frenchman Bouanane at the back, Gareth Owen and Wayne Phillips in midfield plus Hector Sam and Falconbridge upfront Wrexham had too much pace and movement for a hard working City side.
Debutant John Paul Roberts was unfortunate to concede an own goal in the 8th minute when he deflected a left wing cross from the pacey Hector Sam. This came moments after Clayton Blackmore's freekick has found Deiniol Graham in the box - but his header drifted wide. Rhodri Giggs was well found by a Deiniol Graham crossfield ball but he ran across the edge of the box and shot at keeper Walsh.
City had cause to thank debutant keeper Ray Newland as Sam and Falconbridge caused problems but found the former Newtown man in fine form. However Bangor did fashon chances with Pau Roberts finding space to send a couple of headers at The Robins goal.

HALF TIME 0 v 2

The first opening of the second half was created by Aled Rowlands on the left in combination with Paul Roberts, but there was no one to convert the half chance. On 55 minutes it was all over as Steve Thomas saw his shot deflected past Newland after Hector Sam had caused City's defence difficulties. Falconbridge and Sam continued their running and opened up space adn angles for others.
Rhodri Giggs sent a 20 yarder goalwards buy Walsh tipped it over before Steve Cooper came on for the tiring John Paul Roberts in the 70th minute. Scoyy Williams then sent a 25 yarder wide after good build up play from Deiniol Graham. Next Ricky Lampkin replaced Steve Smith with around ten minutes remaining. The former Nomad promptly struck a firm low drive on target but too close to Walsh whilst Steve Cooper hit a long range shot off target.
Wrexham though were firmly in control and sealed the scoring with a fine run from Paul Barrett whose cool finish on 85 minutes was the goal of the night.
So deserved win for The Robins but a decent performance by Bangor who kept their shape and worked hard. Particular mention for Ray Newland who impressed on his debut and JP Roberts who is certainly one for the future.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Ray Newland
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Gareth Owen
ATTENDANCE	302

Saturday 16th December 2000

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	3	v	5	Port Talbot Ath
1	Dave Williams	Scorers:		Scorers:	Gareth Scantlebury	1
2	Steve Smith	Marc Lloyd Williams 2		Simon Dyer 3	Ian Morgan	2
3	Steve Cooper	Deiniol Graham		Vince Lewis	Ray Michael	3
4	Emrys Williams			John Anderson	Paul Haribson	4
5	Martin Morrey				Phil Holmes	5
6	Scott Williams				Kevin Chapman	6
7	Aled Rowlands				Lee Tapper	7
8	Clayton Blackmore	Subs:		Subs:	Paul Bromage	8
9	Deiniol Graham	John Paul Roberts		John Anderson	Jan Cegielski	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Paul Roberts		Adam Bishop	Simon Dyer	10
11	Marc Lloyd Williams	Sean Hazelden		Vince Lewis	Andrew Davies	11

This game was lost by a combination of two dreadful individual performances, one unfortunately by the 'keeper, some feigning and cheating by the visitors and some laughable refereeing.
On a soft pitch City started well enough with Rhodri Giggs sending a 25 yard effort just wide. Then the first nonesense - self inflicted - as some defensive uncertainty allowed Simon Dyer to tap in from close range to put the visitors ahead. Bangor responded with a Clayton Blackmore freekick which Deiniol Graham attacked well but headed wide. Moments later Swedish debutant Martin Morrey was booked for a perfectly good tackle on Cegielski.
Next Marc Lloyd Williams held the ball up well, turned and hit a shot goalwards which was too near the keeper. City exerted some pressure then with Clayton Blackmore forcing a decent save from Scantlebury after good approach play from Aled Rowlands and Deiniol Graham.
But on 34 minutes Dave Williams spilt a shot he should have saved to present Simon Dyer with his second early Christmas present. To make matters worse Steve Cooper and Ian Morgan, who had clashed earlier, collided in a 50-50 tackle which saw the young fullback stretchered off and Cooper precede him courtesy of a red card.
With seven minutes of injury time added Deiniol Graham raced clear to be pulled back on the edge of the box by Tapper. Despite being denied a goalscoring opportunity by the incident the decision was a yellow card. The 20 yard free kick which ensued saw Scott Williams' effort sail narrowly wide of the keepers right post.

HALF TIME 0 v 2

The second half saw ten men dominate, as often is the case. Aled Rowlands often looks a better player wide and as a replacement for Cooper at left back he was superb.
Marc Lloyd Williams shot at the keeper when put in by Rhodri Giggs who had controlled the ball impressively from above his head. Next Martin Morrey fed Clayton Blackmore who supplied Deiniol Graham but he shot wide. The referee then booked Deinio Graham for shooting at goal after the whistle had gone. Timewasting.
On 47 minutes City closed the gap with a Deiniol Graham finish from 22 yards after chasing a long clearance from Dave Williams. Moments later Marc Lloyd Williams nearly levelled things with a shot which was blocked after being set up by Deiniol Graham.
On the hour, following a Rhodri Giggs effort which drifted wide, City replaced Martin Morrey with Paul Roberts. On 67 minutes Steve Smith charged down the right to set up Deiniol Graham whose shot deflected for a corner. Emrys Williams hit the crossbar with his header.
On 68 minutes the scores were level as Marc Lloyd Williams seized on a lose ball in the box to beat the keeper from ten yards. Moments later a Scott Williams clearance was picked up by Deiniol Graham whose shot was saved.
Then Emrys Williams was booked for a supposed foul on Anderson whose rolling dive was a sight to behold. The referee did not see it - he was hoping to book Rhodri Giggs - but what the heck!
Then disaster. Dave Williams appeared to fell Cegielski and was sent off, with a penalty also awarded. Deiniol took over in goal but could not quite keep out John Anderson's low shot which put Port Talbot 2-3 ahead. On 80 minutes Marc Lloyd Williams levelled the scores, but two minutes later the nine men gave space to Vince Lewis who restored the advantage and in the final minutes Port Talbot clinched victory with a via Dyer fifth past Deiniol Graham.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Aled Rowlands
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Arwel Jones
ATTENDANCE	266

Saturday 9th December 2000

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	2	v	1	UWIC Inter Cardiff
1	Dave Williams	Scorers:		Scorers:	Nigel Williams	1
2	Steve Smith	Steve Cooper		Gavin Beddard	Logan Plant l	2
3	Steve Cooper	Paul Roberts			Copeman	3
4	Emrys Williams				Hall	4
5	Sean Hazelden				Lock	5
6	Scott Williams				T Williams	6
7	Clayton Blackmore				Pitcairn	7
8	Aled Rowlands	Subs:		Subs:	Buchanan	8
9	Deiniol Graham	J Roberts		Bale	Gavin Beddard	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Daniel Grant		Beckett	Hopkins	10
11	Paul Roberts	Ricky Lampkin		M Davies	R Williams	11

A strong first half performance saw City take an early lead and deservedly gain the points in this crucial relegation struggle.
Loan striker Deiniol Graham might have put City ahead in the opening minutes but volleyed over. However the industrious Steve Cooper sent a cleanly hit shot curling into the net from 25 yards to give City the advantage on 13 minutes. The ball had come into Deiniol Graham from the right for the loan striker to tee up for Cooper's excellent strike.
Clayton Blackmore might have doubled the lead before half time but he shot wide.

HALF TIME 0 v 1

The second half was more evenly contested with Gavin Beddard having a goalbound header cleared off the line midway through the half. Bangor's Aled Rowlands swept a crossfield ball to the left for Paul Roberts who ran at the home defence to put City 2-0 ahead on 72 minutes.
The students did not give up however and Gavin Beddard deserved his late goal albeit a consolation netted on 84 minutes. This came from a left wing cross which caught the City rearguard flatfooted as Beddard volleyed home.
Important points for City, a move off the foot of the table, and a welcome boost of confidence.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION
ATTENDANCE	85

Saturday 2nd December 2000

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	0	v	2	Newtown
1	Dave Williams	Scorers:		Scorers:	Mark Jones	1
2	Steve Cooper			Chris Adamson	John Cotterell	2
3	Matthew Cross			Mark Williams	Gareth Evans	3
4	Clive Brown				Colin Reynolds	4
5	Emrys Williams				Phil Bates	5
6	Scott Williams				Steve Ecclestone	6
7	Aled Rowlands				Justin Wickham	7
8	Clayton Blackmore	Subs:		Subs:	John Leah	8
9	Paul Roberts	Sean Hazelden		Robyn Onions	Steve McCormick	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Comley-Excel		Mark Thomas	Mark Williams	10
11	Deiniol Graham	Ricky Lampkin		Callum McKenzie	Chris Adamson	11

A fairly even match on a difficult Farrar Road surface decided by incidents either side of half time. And yes, inevitably, that inept plod Brian Lawler was central to proceedings - but was not the cause of this defeat.
It all started predictably enough with on form Newtown dominating the opening quarter of an hour which saw chances spurned by McCormick and Williams. City were defending like strangers in a 4-4-2 formation which produced better performances - initially at least - from the the fullbacks.
It was the 18th minutes before a chance came along, Paul Roberts pulled the ball back from the right wing but unhappily it ran just behind Deiniol Graham and was scrambled away. A tit for tat battle was developing between the beanpole McCormick and various City defenders which referee Lawler opted to ignore.
On the half hour Dave Williams threw the ball to Rhodri Giggs whose run ended in a shot which Mark Jones spilt but ran safely for Newtown who hacked clear. Moments later the little winger hit another shot which Jones this time held. The ability of the Newtown defenders to predict these spills by the keeper - and get the ball away - was the difference between the sides.
On 38 minutes the beginning of the real drama. McCormick lashed out with his elbow at City defender Emrys Williams and was red carded, the incident occured within yards of the referee - so no complaints there. One minute later John Cotterell, a puny but spiteful right fullback cited for spitting by Rhyl a fortnight ago, performed an elaborate dive in the box. No penalty - but no card!
The Steve Eccleston went down as if suffering a broken leg or worse following a foul by Paul Roberts. Oddly the old Telford lad was up and about in minutes. With a minute to the break Paul Roberts struck a lofted shot which hit the woodwork but the rebound evaded Deiniol Grhaam.
Into injury time and Wickham threw a truly impressive dive which the ref rightly ingnored - but again no card. Then disaster in the 48th minute as Dave Williams was fouled at the near post as he attempted to claim a right wing cross, the ball dropped to Adamson who put Newtown 1-0 ahead.

HALF TIME 0 v 1

The second half was set for a City onslaught, the wind at out backs attacking the St Pauls End, the opposition down to ten men. Sorry wrong script.
Immediately from the restart Steve Cooper raced down the right and was fouled by Evans. The centre was flicked on by Deiniol Graham, half cleared to Aled Rowlands who shot wide. On fifty minutes Aled Rowlands crossed left footed from the right but Deiniol Graham saw his header drift over, then same combination created a cross the opposite side but this time Jones made a save.
On 56 minutes game over as Mark Williams showed purpose in the face of defensive indecision and raced through to shoot - possibly with the aid of a deflection - beyond Dave Williams.
City created chances but oddly rarely looked like scoring. Matthew Cross shot over from 35 yards, Deiniol Graham went close from a Steve Cooper cross, Rhodri Giggs headed just over from a Clayton Blackmore cross.
With around 20 minutes remaining Comley-Excel came on for Matthew Cross, City created half chances for and through Rhodri Giggs, although in injury time Gareth Evans hit his own post with a panic clearnace from a Deiniol Graham cross. That said it all.
This is a very limited Newtown side, hard working but ordinary. They are second or third now. It is arguably a poor standard this season - but we are statistically bottom of this pile.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Rhodri Giggs
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Mark Jones
ATTENDANCE	390

Saturday 25th November 2000

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	0	v	4	Carmarthen Town
1	Dave Williams	Scorers:		Scorers:	Robert Fitzgerald	1
2	Steve Cooper			Ryan Nicholls 2	Paul Walker	2
3	Matthew Cross			Dean Rossiter	Deryn Brace	3
4	Clive Brown			Deryn Brace	G.Rees	4
5	Emrys Williams				Neil O'Brien	5
6	Scott Williams				David Barnhouse	6
7	Aled Rowlands				Craig Evans	7
8	Clayton Blackmore	Subs:		Subs:	Dean Rossierl	8
9	Paul Roberts	Sean Hazelden		Meredith	Ryan Nicholls	9
10	Comley-Excel	Jamie Jardine		McPhee	Shaun Chapple	10
11	Rhodri Giggs	Ricky Lampkin		Williams	Richard Parker	11

A heavy defeat for City at the hands of another Aberystwyth old boy Tommy Morgan at Richmond Park
Carmarthen went ahead in the 23rd minute when Richard Parker exploited some space on the attacking right to cross for Ryan Nicholls to score for the edge of the box.
Parker was also the creator of the opening which Dean Rossiter converted on minutes to double the home sides advantage, Rossiter - a human bulldozer - may be exactly what City lack.
On 35 minutes a bad situation got worse when Clive Brown was sent off for a second bookable offence to end the contest.
Clayton Blackmore went close for City but unfortunately Paul Roberts was adjudged to have fouled Richard Parker and Ryan Nicholls converted the penalty for his second and Town's third.

HALF TIME 0 v 3

The second half held promise for City as Rhodri Giggs went close and then Aled Rowlands forced a fine save from the bulky Fitzgerald.
Carmarthen completed the scoring in the 67th minute when the blasted Parker (!) set up Deryn Brace who hit the ball in powerfully past Dave Williams from the edge of the box.
There was still time for Craig Evans to force a brilliant save from Dave Williams as the home side forced home their advantage.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Dave Williams
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Richard Parker
ATTENDANCE	464

Saturday 18th November 2000

~The Welsh Cup ~

	BANGOR CITY	3	v	0	Treowen Stars
1	Steve Thomas	Scorers:		Scorers:	Jon Thompson	1
2	Steve Cooper	Matthew Cross 2			Stuart Lee	2
3	Matthew Cross	Paul Roberts			Stuart Smith	3
4	Clive Brown				Mark Lewis	4
5	Emrys Williams				Joel Morgan	5
6	Scott Williams				Paul Cunningham	6
7	Aled Rowlands				Peter Thomas	7
8	Clayton Blackmore	Subs:		Subs:	Simon Evansl	8
9	Paul Roberts	Sean Hazelden		Simon Lewis	Andrew Davies	9
10	Comley-Excel	Daniel Grant		Paul Charles	Blake Parnell	10
11	Rhodri Giggs	Ricky Lampkin		James Jackson	Jon Jones	11

A deserved win on a difficult soft pitch for a skilful City side against determined opposition.
The pre-match drama, a road traffic accident involving Ray Newland, meant an SOS call for rookie keeper Steve Thomas who duly arrived in time for kick off. The first significant action of the match was a corner to Treowen which the youngster dealt with competently - allaying any fears amongst the visiting troupe. City also gace a debut to defender Clive Brown who showed some impressive touches and firm tackles on the left of the defensive three.
City quickly took control and man of the match Matthew Cross proved a class above the Stars with a number of incisive runs which he just failed to finish. The first was in the fourth minute, then a couple later Aled Rowlands danced through the home rearguard but shot wide with his right foot. Matthew Cross was in again thanks to a considered build up from Scott Williams, Aled Rowlands and Paul Roberts. This time the home keeper Thompson saved well low to his right.
Next some intricate approach work on the right created a long range opening for Clayton Blackmore which the midfielder hammered goalwards - to be palmed over by Thompson.
On the half hour the hard working Blake Parnell broke clear on the right for Treowen but Steve Thomas read the situation well and was quickly out to smother the shot which resulted in a throw.
With ten minutes of the half remaining Comley-Excel, Clayton Blackmore and Rhodri Giggs combined well for the former Salford striker to force a good save from Thomspon again.

HALF TIME 0 v 0

There was no wind or discernable slope so half time changed nothing, although The Stars where starting to tire, the tackles not as clean or well timed.
City created havoc in the opening minute with Comley Excel and Paul Roberts stabbing at half chances which eventually led to a clearance. The latest in a series of bookings (on both sides) came in the 55th minute when Davies needlessly clattered into Steve Thomas, happily the youngster was able to continue.
Bangor then forced a series of corners as Rhodri Giggs and Aled Rowlands proved too hot to handle for the home defence. Another booking - this time for rightback Stuart Lee for a foul on Giggs.
Paul Roberts was also impressing and a clever turn and run on the left past two defenders led to a well flighted cross which Comley Excel headed wide. This was his final action as a second City debutant Daniel Grant took to the field.
Within minutes Simon Evans hacked Steve Cooper down to earn a red card and City took complete control. The impressive Matthew Cross deservedly snatched the lead on 70 minutes as he reacted first to a fumble from Thompson who failed to hold onto a 20 yarder from Paul Roberts. Within minutes Matthew Cross was the hero again as he scrambled the ball in during a goal mouth melee to put City 2-0 ahead.
On 82 minutes Rhodri Giggs again caused havoc for the home defence with a run and shot which hit the bar before dropping to Paul Roberts who tapped in the rebound. Within a minute the little winger sprinted clear and was about to shoot for goal from 8 yards when he was pulled back by a despairing defender. As the travelling contingent awaited the penalty the ref waved play on!
Paul Roberts was then replaced by Ricky Lampkin, Rhodri Giggs struck another shot after leaving his marker on his backside. The last word nearly went to Treowen who were denied a consolation goal thanks to a goal line clearance from Scott Williams.
Overall a comfortable win in difficult conditions and the first clean sheet of the season for 17 year old keeper Steve Thomas!

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Matthew Cross
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Jon Thompson
ATTENDANCE

Tuesday 14th November 2000

~The Premier Cup ~

	BANGOR CITY	1	v	3	Aberystwyth Town
1	Steve Thomas	Scorers:		Scorers:	Jason Mathews	1
2	Steve Cooper	Carl Owen		Gavin Allen	Chris Hammond	2
3	Matthew Cross			Jonathon Williams	Gary Finlay	3
4	Emrys Williams			Glyndwr Hughes	Lee Barrow	4
5	Sean Hazelden				Nigel Nicholas	5
6	Scott Williams				Gari Lewis	6
7	Aled Rowlands				Glyndwr Hughes	7
8	Clayton Blackmore	Subs:		Subs:	Mark Gornal	8
9	Paul Roberts	Carl Owen/Burgess		Steve Mardenborough	Gareth Hughes	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Daniel Grant		Mulliner/Philpott	Gavin Allen	10
11	Comley-Excel	Mark Thomas		Tappin/A.Thomas	Tony Smith	11

As the week before City lost 3-1 to Aberystwyth in the Premier Cup. As the week before City had plenty of first half chances and failed to take them - and then old boy Gavin Allen made them pay.
The first half saw City force ten corners and Paul Roberts brought a good save out of impressive home keeper Jason Matthews. But Gavin Allen found space to hit a low shot past debutant 17 year old goalkeeper Steve Thomas on 16 minutes - against the run of play.
City continued to dominate and create openings which went begging, Clayton Blackmore forced a good save from Matthews. Then Glyndwr Hughes scored from an acute angle on the right, and the contest was effectively over in the 36th minute.
Paul Roberts then had what looked like a good appeal for a goal disallowed as the ball was ruled not to have crossed the line before a last gasp clearance. To make matters worse Mark Gornall crossed from the left to find Glyndwr Hughes who volleyed home confidently. Three nil.

HALF TIME 0 v 3

The second half sprang to life when Carl Owen replaced Nathan Comley-Excel on the hour and within minutes he had reduced the deficit with a shot from the edge of the box.
In reality though the mountain was too big to climb and Aberystwyth had their best spell of the match then but failed to increase their advantage. Steve Thomas was brought into action making a good save from Glyndwr Hughes as the flying postman sought his hatrick.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Rhodri Giggs
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Glyndwr Hughes
ATTENDANCE

Tuesday 7th November 2000

~The Premier Cup ~

	BANGOR CITY	1	v	3	Aberystwyth Town
1	Dave Williams	Scorers:		Scorers:	Jason Mathews	1
2	Steve Cooper	Paul Roberts		Gavin Allen	Lee Barrow	2
3	Matthew Cross			Jonathon Williams	Gary Finlay	3
4	Emrys Williams			Glyndwr Hughes	Gavin O'Toole	4
5	Sean Hazelden				Dean Philpot	5
6	Scott Williams				Gari Lewis	6
7	Aled Rowlands				Glyndwr Hughes	7
8	Clayton Blackmore	Subs:		Subs:	Jonathon Williams	8
9	Paul Roberts	Carl Owen/P Johnson		Steve Mardenborough	Paul Evans	9
10	Rhodri Giggs	Ricky Lampkin		GarethHughes	Gavin Allen	10
11	Comley-Excel	Carl Roberts		Nigel Nicholas	Tony Smith	11

Local referee Brian Lawler took centre stage early in this match as he denied City two penalty claims, one of which looked blatant. City started brightly enough as Comley-Excel caused problems on the left and forced a good save from matthews. Likwise Aled Rowlands set up Paul Roberts whose fierce drive struck Jonathon Williams' arm (intent?) but claims were waived away. This could have seen Williams sent off - and a penalty - but led to nothing. Rhodri Giggs left the Aber defender trailing but his pwerful shot was pushed over by Matthews.
However the first goal - so often decisive - went to Gavin Allen on 38 minutes, the second time in four days a former favourite had returned to strike against City. Rhodri Giggs hit a superb 30 yard curler which Matthews stretched to tip over for a City corner as a Clayton Blackmore inspired Bangor took the game to the visitors.
With Aled Rowlands and Rhodri Giggs showing well, and Clayton Blackmore organising from the midfield, the home side had reason to feel confident despite the half time deficit.

HALF TIME 0 v 1

The second half saw Paul Roberts get the ball in the net only for the ref to rule offside, although this time there were no dissenting voices!
On the hour Comley-Excel and Aled Rowlands combined well to force a corner for City but ten minutes later a Gavin O'Toole shot was fumbled by Dave Williams but Jonathon Williams tapped in the rebound.
City struck back immediately as Emrys Williams fired a deep cross from the right which the onrushing Paul Roberts met pwerfully to head down and past Matthews.
However some poor defending allowed Aber in again, a shot from the right turned in from a distinctly offside looking Glyndwr Hughes.
Once again City can curse their luck, someone somewhere must have reversed over a family of black cats.

MAN OF THE MATCH BANGOR CITY	Aled Rowlands
MAN OF THE MATCH OPPOSITION	Jason Matthews
ATTENDANCE

Friday 3rd November 2000

~ The League Of Wales ~

	BANGOR CITY	1	v	6	Rhyl
1	Dave Williams	Scorers:		Scorers:	Lee Williams	1
2	Phil Johnson	Paul Roberts		Chris Sherrat