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MATCH REPORTS |
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SEASON 1999 -2000 |
| 1999-00 |
2000-01 |
2001-02 |
2002-03 |
2003-04 |
2004-05 |
2005-06 |
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Sunday 7th May 2000 Bangor City 1 v 0 Cwmbran Town |
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Welsh Cup
Winners 2000 Bangor City!
City were deserved winners, led to a Welsh Cup Final triumph by the men down the spine of the side, the unbeatable Andy Mulliner in goal, unflappable Graham Brett in defence, a tigerish Scott Williams in midfield and the calm figure of Gavin Allen up front. But it is unfair to leave anyone out of the praise - this was team effort and started back in Corwen when the villagers gave us a real fright! The opening exchanges were nervous and shaded by The Crows, a tall physically strong side littered with experience and previous winners. But one of those returning to The Racecourse - Robbie Williams caused the first incident. He sped past the Town defence to force a foul and win a penalty to the delight of the noisy City fans. Phil Johnson was confronted by the experienced Wager who dived across to his left to save. A chance gone. Both teams had chances, Graham Brett dealt competently at the back with any danger, then Andy Mulliner made an excellent low save following a mistake in midfield. On the half hour the explosive Robbie Williams repeated his high speed run on the right, pulled the ball across, and another former Robin, striker Paul Roberts crashed the ball home. Noisy? Just a lot! City might have had another penalty when a Crows defender clearly handled, nothing given. There was still time for Scott Williams to force Ambling Aizlewood into a goal line clearance as the scurrying, all action Aled Rowlands caused havoc. With Deiniol Graham causing problems, Graham Brett stood firm, Emrys Williams battled and battled, Birdy gave his usual wholehearted best. On 80 minutes Graham Brett scrambled a Graham header off the line. Then XL replaced the exhausted Robbie Williams. Time went slowly until the whistle finally went, to the immense relief and pride of the boys in blue. The whole squad deserve praise for this win, but no one more so than Graham Brett who had probably his best ever game for Bangor in this most important match. Top man Graham. Man of The Match: Graham Brett Opposition MoTM: Deiniol Graham |
2 P Johnson 3 Rowlands 4 G Brett 5 Bird 6 Sc Williams 7 R.Williams 8 Coady 9 Roberts 10 Allen 11 E.Williams Subs Comley-Excel Cross Hazelden Cwmbran Town 2 Carter 3 Wigley 4 Aizlewood 5 Blackie 6 O'Brien 7 Summers 8 Moore 9 Graham 10 Futcher 11 James Subs Pattimore Davies Powell |
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Monday 1st May 2000 Barry Town 6 v 0 Bangor City |
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| City were undone by a terrible refereeing decision, some rank bad defending, and an unlikely substitution. Barry, full of bustle and intent, grabbed the consolation cup their full time status dictated. Richard Jones coerced the inept grinner Sansom with a clever trip and dive which, once he stopped laughing, he confidently converted. The lead was a big boost for Barry, and on16 minutes Paul Evans received the ball following a woeful pass from Graham Brett. His finish left the diminutive Tucker gasping. Typically the Irish sweeper fought valiantly to retrieve the situation, but too many of his team mates had given up the ghost. City then had a decent spell, almost testing the Coventry City keeper Hildegaard whose towering 6'7 presence was in stark contrast to his opposite number. Robbie Williams, Lewis Coady and Phil Johnson were all involved; unfortunately Paul Roberts and XL could not capitalise on the half chances created. Two goals immediately after the interval from Justin Perry, both would have been stopped by a better keeper and more alert defence. Two more - goals 5 and 6 followed nearer the end from the youngster Jamie Jenkins. Robbie Williams worked hard to try a inject some life into the dazed blues, Matthew Cross replaced XL on the hour, Hazel was probably glad he stayed on the bench. Man of The Match: Robbie Williams Opposition MoTM: Barrow |
2 P Johnson 3 Rowlands 4 G Brett 5 Bird 6 Sc Williams 7 R.Williams 8 Coady 9 Roberts 10 Comley-Excel 11 E.Williams Subs Allen Cross Hazelden Barry Town 2 Evans 3 Lloyd 4 Jones 5 York 6 Barrow 7 Ince 8 Jenkins 9 Perry 10 P.Evans 11 Jenkins Subs Burke Davies Davies |
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Saturday 29th April 2000 Inter Cardiff 1 v 0 Bangor City 0 |
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| This expensive defeat was partly caused by misinformation in the final quarter which led Cty to believe Newtown were drawing at Carmarthen. The pre match news was that Nigel Moore had been brought in to inject some pace into the frontline and Emrys Williams some bite into the midfield. City created first half chances, the best of which fell to the normally reliable Paul Roberts. Unfortunately he was off target when well placed as did Emrys Williams. Aled Rowlands and Gavin Allen failed to convert from outside the box as the half ended goalless. On the hour Nathan Comley-Excel replaced the tiring Nigel Moore, and ten minutes later Lewis Coady came on for Emrys Williams in the City midfield. All to no avail. Then in the 83rd minute Samir Misbah ran from his own half to chip Andy Mulliner from the edge of the box. City fought hard for an equaliser but found no reward, and were further galled to hear that reports of Newtown drawing at Carmarthen were grossly inaccurate. All credit to the UWIC lads who have saved Inter from relegation and done themselves proud in very difficult circumstances. The attendance was 82, no yellow or red cards were shown. Man of The Match: Opposition MoTM: |
2 P Johnson 3 Rowlands 4 G Brett 5 Bird 6 Sc Williams 7 Moore 8 E.Williams 9 Roberts 10 Allen 11 Hazelden Subs Cross Comley-Excel Coady Inter Cardiff 2 Davies 3 Clark 4 Colman 5 Burrow 6 Lock 7 Plant 8 Misbah 9 Chesters 10 Buchanan 11 Beddard Subs Edwards Crocker Bekker |
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Monday 24th April 2000 Bangor City 0 v 2 Connahs Quay |
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| This match was settled by two early Stuart Rain goals before City got out of second gear. Rain scored the first of his goals in the 14th minute seizing on a mistake by the normally reliable Phil Johnson. The second followed within three minutes from the edge of the box after a good pass from midfielder and former Wrexham Youth Andy Griffiths. The visitors almost went further ahead when Kevin Davies raced clear close to the half hour, but he fired into the side netting. Finally substitute Robbie Williams saw his shot saved by Collister and the points were gone. The crowd of 333 went home hoping for better things to come in the three, or perhaps the two, remaining games. Man of The Match: Opposition MoTM: |
2 P Johnson 3 Cross 4 G Brett 5 E Williams 6 Sc Williams 7 Coady 8 Rowlands 9 Roberts 10 Allenl 11 Bird Subs R Williams Comley-Excel Hazelden Connahs Quay 2 A.Thomas 3 Carroll 4 Holmes 5 Jardine 6 Smythe 7 Rain 8 Griffithsl 9 K Davies 10 Kenworthy 11 Mazzarella Subs Pepper Renshaw Henderson |
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Saturday 22nd April 2000 Bangor City 1 v 0 Caernarfon Town |
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| This was pretty uninspiring, settled by a close range header, with neither side looking like there was much to play for. City opened brightly enough, the opposition was visibly poor, and the likes of Phil Johnson and Lewis Coady settled to play some neat football. Unhappily yet another strange referee, this time from Merthyr, whistled at every opportunity and appeared to favour the yellow and greens. It was the visitors who nearly took the lead on 20 minutes when little Richard McNeil headed against a post from six yards. City scored what was to be the only goal of the game in the 37th minute with what was their first real chance. Lewis Coady forced a corner on the left which was taken by Phil Johnson, flicked on near post for Emrys Williams to haed in from close range. This was a great moment for the affable Cofi who has enough jibes to put up with without childish banners! Aled Rowlands ran down the left and shot just wide from 30 yards, whilst on 65 minutes Paul Roberts shot at Turner from a tight angle. Other chances fell to Gavin Allen who replaced Comley-Excel, and again to Paul Roberts, but the visitors pressed gamely but lacked any real forward threat. In the 86th minute Matthew Cross replaced Robbie Williams. Man of The Match: Aled Rowlands Opposition MoTM: Neil Roberts |
2 P Johnson 3 Rowlands 4 G Brett 5 E Williams 6 Sc Williams 7 R Williams 8 Coady 9 Roberts 10 Comley-Excel 11 Bird Subs Cross Allen Hazelden Caernarfon 2 Hinchcliffe 3 McKeown 4 Short 5 Godfrey 6 Roberts 7 Phillips 8 McNeil 9 Evans 10 Sadler 11 Peters Subs Corcoran Bailey Jones? |
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Saturday 15th April 2000 Afan Lido 2 v 4 Bangor City |
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| This amazing
game kicked into life in the 8th minute when Paul Roberts charged the
Lido defence, the ball broke for Gavin Allen
who fired home past the day's central character Brian Thomas.
With City in command, Steve Bird released Aled Rowlands down the left, his cross was met by a resurgent Robbie Williams but unbelievable the crossbar saved Lido. Then the influential Phil Johnson caused havoc in the centre of the Lido defence but unfortunately fired too close to the keeper. Sadly the travelling horde then saw the impressive Steve Bird limp off to be replaced by the giant teenager Sean Hazelden on 25 minutes. On the half hour Brian Bevan got stuck in with a couple of needless bookings, then Robbie Williams won a corner on the left which ended in a fiercely struck shot from Paul Roberts being deflected over. The second half was in its final minute when a Lido long throw into the City box which was not cleared and Mitch Patten levelled the scores. On 75 minutes Lewis Coady, improving as the game progressed, set up Paul Roberts but his shot went wide, then Lewis was booked for kicking the ball away - and offence not penalised in the first half when commited by Patten. With around ten minutes to go, everything happened. Gavin Allen was replaced by XL, then Bevan go his wish and sent off Robbie Williams. Ten Men - No Problem! Five minutes later penalty - well done ref - as the ball struck Emrys Williams on the arm. Mitch Patten converted the penalty. Both the Lido fans went mad! Adversity? We are Bangor! On 89 minutes Lewis Coady left the Lido midfield behind, reached the edge of the box, and fired home an unstoppable left footed goal to bring massive relief and celebration to the travelling blues! Extra time. The first half was reasonably even and almost uneventful. To be fair the defence, with Scott Williams working heroically in front of them, battled and harried for every ball. Then Paul Roberts illuminated the second 15 minutes with a excellent strike to put City ahead in the 5th minute. City promptly replaced Robbo with Matthew Cross as the ten men had ten minutes to survive. Giant striker Nathan Comley-Excel had other ideas, chasing a bouncing clearance he exploited some indecision in the Lido rearguard to flick the ball past whinger Thomas into the gaping net. 4-2! City defender as competently as they had to, Andy Mulliner had remarkably little to do. Even Brian Bevan had no choice but to blow his whistle and race into the sanctuary of the dressing room alongside the Lido keeper. Man of The Match: Phil Johnson Opposition MoTM: Mitch Patten |
2 P Johnson 3 Rowlands 4 G Brett 5 E Williams 6 Sc Williams 7 R Williams 8 Coady 9 Roberts 10 Allen 11 Bird Subs Cross Comley-Excel Hazelden Afan Lido 2 Cook 3 Parry 4 Johnstone 5 Scott 6 Rickard 7 Patten 8 Evans 9 Taylor 10 O'Leary 11 Galsworthy Subs
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Saturday 8th April 2000 Afan Lido 4 v 0 Bangor City |
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| This was a fourth successive defeat for City against a rejuvenated Lido side whom we meet again in a weeks time. City gave a debut to Ritchie Owen on the left and brought Gavin Allen onto the substitutes bench. However the planning went astray in the 8th minute when James Taylor put Lido ahead. On the half hour City had two players booked, Phil Johnson and young Ritchie Owen. On 34 minutes Morrys Scott put the home side further ahead to the delight of the majority of the 156 crowd. On 73 minutes Shaun O'Leary wrapped up the scoring the make the final score 4-0 and send City home with their tails between their legs. One final switch was substitute Gareth Parry on for Aled Rowlands on 81 minutes. So Lido took the points and seized a considerabl psychological advantage for the bigger encounter scheduled for Newtown on Saturday. Man of The Match: Opposition MoTM: |
2 E.Williams 3 R.Owen 4 G Brett 5 Cross 6 Sc Williams 7 Johnson 8 Rowlands 9 Roberts 10 Comley-Excel 11 Hazelden Subs Coady G.Parry Allen Afan Lido 2 Scott 3 Parry 4 Galsworthy 5 Jones 6 Rickard 7 Patten 8 Evans 9 Piper 10 Taylor 11 Johnson Subs O'Leary Llewellyn Isaac |
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Saturday 1st April 2000 Newtown 2 v 0 Bangor City |
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| This is the second time in my memory that City have gone a half without a single shot at goal or a single corner. The first was on Saturday. That City went down without trace to a mediocre and truly predictable Robins side was very gard to swallow. The only incident of note in the first half came on thirty minutes when Paul Roberts put Robbie Williams through on goal, the little man chased hard and collided with Pat Jennings Jnr on the edge of the box. The injury meant the legends son could hardly carry on, but he did, and had nothing at all to do. The credit in the first half went to the exposed rearguard, in particular Aled Rowlands, Graham Brett and Sean Hazelden. On 65 minutes Robbie Williams was replaced by Matthew Cross, with wingback Aled switching into midfield. Matthew made a positive impact but - on the opposite side of the pitch - Scott Ruscoe found the time and space to drive a good shot past Andy Mulliner for a 1-0 home lead. To be fair to Andy he had made some good saves and there was little he could do. With 7 minutes to go against a defence that would look up to Lulu City sent on XL in place of Paul Roberts. The lone striker worked hard but with no real support or supply he ran without purpose. One minute after this substitution Mark Williams scored Newtown's second and that was that. Man of The Match: Sean Hazelden Opposition MoTM: Scott Ruscoe |
2 P Johnson 3 Rowlands 4 G Brett 5 Horan 6 Sc Williams 7 R Williams 8 Coady 9 Roberts 10 E Williams 11 Hazelden Subs Cross Tony Smith Comley-Excel Newtown 2 Thomas 3 Evans 4 Reynolds 5 Bates 6 Roberts 7 Wickham 8 Ruscoe 9 Yates 10 Williams 11 Craven Subs Edwards Onions Pike |
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Saturday 1st April 2000 Bangor City 0 v 1 Carmarthen |
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| This is the
first time in my memory that City have gone a half without a single shot
at goal or a single corner. And yet the end result, a home defeat,
was a travesty - but that's football. The most important and harrowing incident in the first half came in the thrid minute when Aled Rowlands and Gavin Rees collided near the half way line. Both fell prone with head injuries and neither was able to continue following a three minute stoppage. City replaced the cultured left footer with new signing Tony Smith, with Lewis Coady moving into the left wingback position. In a dreadful first half City had Andy Mulliner to thank for a couple of excellent saves as Carmarthen wholly dominated. Perhaps they might have been disappointed at the number of clear cut chances they created, but unhappily they were given a golden opportunity on 37 minutes. The culprit was Graham Brett who called for and controlled the ball outside his box, only to be caught in possession for Parker to score with ease. To be fair to Graham he might have expected a warning shout from someone - but from the stand there was no such sound to be heard. Happily for City the referee (Trade Descriptions Act?) played 13 seconds of injury time despite the three minute stoppage! City won a few corners, with Paul Roberts becoming more involved, Emrys and Phil Johnson prompting, and Graham Brett defending well when required. Tony Smith, perhaps looking a little rusty, also got involved to good effect. On the hour the penalty incident. A corner from the attacking left, a clear and blatant overhead handball by a visiting defender. Play on! This was truly a shocking decision and he would still be paid and thanked warmly by all and sundry! On 65 minutes David Sweet replaced XL. Chances came and went, Paul Roberts was a growing menace, hitting the post and forcing a good save from Fitzgerald, Emrys Williams also went close with a couple of headers. Phil Johnson sent a freekick just wide and finally from City Paul Roberts forced a brilliant save again from Fitzgerald. There was some corner flag time wasting from the visitors, but without warning an excellent cross which Delicate headed downwards to force a superb save from Andy Mulliner. Man of The Match: Andy Mulliner Opposition MoTM: Dean Rossiter |
2 P Johnson 3 G Parry 4 G Brett 5 Horan 6 Sc Williams 7 Coady 8 Rowlands 9 Roberts 10 Comley-Excel 11 Hazelden Subs E Williams Tony Smith Sweet Carmarthen 2 Rees 3 Nicholas 4 Thomas 5 Evans 6 Barnhouse 7 Meredith 8 Rossiter 9 Nicholls 10 Walker 11 Parker Subs Delicate Jones Jones |
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Sunday 25th March 2000 Haverfodwest 2 v 1 Bangor City |
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| A disappointing result for a City squad stripped to the bare bones as Paul Roberts was not risked at Haverfordwest. The absence of Steve Bird meant Scott Williams filled in at the back with Emrys Williams coming into midfield alongside Robbie Williams and Aled Rowlands. City were slow to get going in the first half as the home side played some decent football. Graham Brett kept the scores level with a goal line clearance. Unfortunately the lead lasted less than five minutes as Billy Timothy capitalised on some uncertainty in the City defence. The match seemed to be heading for a draw when deep into injury time Aled Rowlands led City forward in search of a winner. The ball was taken by home defenders who supplied Phil Evans for a critical final goal. So points dropped by City and the lack of depth in the squad clearly a concern to the management as the seasons reaches a climax. Man of The Match:
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2 P Johnson 3 Cross 4 G Brett 5 E Williams 6 Sc Williams 7 R Williams 8 Rowlands 9 Comley-Excel 10 Coady 11 Hazelden Subs A Richards Gareth Parry Ritchie Owen Haverfordwest 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Subs |
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Tuesday 21st March 2000 Bangor City 1 v 0 Rhayader Town |
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| A poor football match with City overhitting the ball endlessly
and Rhayader pretty happy with the point they so nearly took home...
It all started brightly enough, with Steve Bird heading over from a Matthew Cross corner after good work from XL. Next Lewis Coady was prominent as XL forced a corner but with no end result. Then lethargy took a grip. The visitors were keen to waste time - they seemed quite good at it - and City again and again blasted the ball out of defence reminscent of Mark Edwards at his worst. It was the 40th minute before Aled Rowlands chased down the left, forced a corner from which Steve Bird caused problems and Sean Hazelden flicked a back header over the bar. XL was visibly lifted by the change, likewise Lewis Coady, whilst Rhayader had no answer to real pace. Openings started to come along, Aled Rowlands and Phil Johnson going close on the hour. Around 70 minutes had elapsed when Graham Brett, Sean Hazelden and Phil Johnson worked the ball from defence to force a corner, then newcomer Nigel Moore dragged shot wide from the left. Then the dreadful incident involving XL and a crass Rhayader official (see Newsdesk) and the tempo rose. The giant figure of Sean Hazelden made a 50 yard charge down the right and was fouled by Matthews. City wasted the free kick and all hope seemed lost. Then a long clearance misjudged by Ray John (hee hee) and enter stage Nigel Moore to chase onto the ball, round Mike Barton and slot the ball calmly into the empty net - to the mass delight and relief of all and sundry. This was no classic - but a look at the league table testifies to the value of the points snatched. Man of The Match: Nigel Moore Opposition MoTM: |
2 P Johnson 3 Cross 4 G Brett 5 S Bird 6 Sc Williams 7 R Williams 8 Rowlands 9 Comley-Excel 10 Coady 11 Hazelden Subs E Williams Gareth Parry Nigel Moore Rhayader Tn 2 Graham 3 Chesterfield 4 John 5 Morgan 6 Wills 7 Cooper 8 Matthews 9 Pike 10 Russell 11 Cottrell Subs Corrieri McPhee Bedward |
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Friday 17th March 2000 Conwy United 0 v 2 Bangor City |
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| A satisfying result, three valuable points on a bumpy pitch
against a Conwy team whose quality surprised most City supporters.
The large travelling contingent almost had a goal to cheer in the first minute when Lewis Coady shot just wide following a mistake from left back Lee Carroll. In the fourth minute Aled Rowlands worked his way across from the left on to his right to lift the ball into the net for a rare right footed goal. Next XL again created an opportunity but shot wide as City played some neat flowing approach play. However Conwy fought back to force a good save from Andy Mulliner whose partly saved effort was hit against the post. To be fair United then held the initiative as some apprehension crept into the visitors defence. On the half hour XL again shot wide as the game flowed end to end. On the hour XL again caused chaos with a run on the right, saw his shot blocked and a second effort drift wide with Lewis Coady close at hand. Moments later Aled Rowlands sped past the pedestrian Thelwell to be brought down for a penalty which Phil Johnson duly converted with calm authority. Conwy could not deal with Aled Rowlands whose mobility and close control were beyond them, as indeed they struggled to stiffle the attacking threat posed by Matthew Cross. There was a period of City pressure then, resulting in corners and some truly excellentsaves from Hill. Ironically this period culminated in an excellent save from Andy Mulliner as Conwy survived and counter attacked. In the final quarter hour Robbie Williams created an opening for Aled Rowlands which he could not convert, then Xl retrieved a ball he had headed on himself but then failed to extend the lead. Credit to Conwy for a competent spirited performance, also to Bangor for picking up the points despite the absence of a couple of name strikers. Man of The Match: Aled Rowlands Opposition MoTM: Alex Hill |
2 P Johnson 3 Cross 4 G Brett 5 S Bird 6 Sc Williams 7 R Williams 8 Rowlands 9 Coady 10 Comley-Excel 11 Hazelden Subs E Williams Gareth Parry Ritchie Owen Conwy United 2 Roberts 3 Carroll 4 Thelwell 5 Quinn 6 Holton 7 Dixon 8 Pease 9 Semple 10 Lennon 11 Adamson Subs Lloyd Hargreaves Hawkins |
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Saturday 11th March 2000 Caerleon 1 v 4 Bangor City |
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| A warm sunny day, a good crowd, a ludicrous referee and
deserved success for City at Caerleon. A noisy but good humoured City following were soon in good voice as Aled Rowlands jinked down the left wing, chipped Brendan Dowd in the box and placed the ball past Neil Davies for a third minute lead. First Aled and then Graham Brett were called upon to show sound defensive qualities as Caerleon hit back within minutes, but the next notable incident was a stoppage for a knee in the back suffered by Lewis Coady. But on 17 minutes the scorers were level as Robbie Howells chased trhought he heart of the City defence to score from the edge of the box. On the half hour player manager Andy Beattie launched a two footed lunge at Matthew Cross. A flurry of players grabbing a pushing - but nothing too serious - then saw Steve Bird sent off along with Beattie, plus a number of random yellow cards. City re-organised with Scott Williams dropping back to effectively snuff out Howells and Paul Roberts work alone upfront. Just before half time Phil Johnson stepped up to convert a penalty awarded for a foul on Paul Roberts by Dowd, 2-1 and then the whistle. On 53 minutes Andy Mulliner made an excellent point blank stop, then Caerleon withdrew Waddon, Tucker and Flage as all three subs entered the fray. Five minutes later Lewis Coady ran into an opening created by clever running from Paul Roberts, but right foot shot drifted wide. On the hour Emrys Williams replaced Lewis Coady as City looked to stiffen their midfield, moments later XL replaced the tiring Paul Roberts. On 70 minutes Robbie Williams hit the post and then forced a good save from Davies. Five minutes later Nathan Comley-Excel nodded in a Matthew Cross corner to seal the victory at 4-1. XL, operating alone upfront, caused other problems and twice ran through on the left without troubling the keeper. In the final minutes Andy Richards replaced the industrious Robbie Williams. So a deserved win, progress to the Semi Finals, and back to the BBQ and bar before starting the long trip home! |
2 P Johnson 3 Cross 4 G Brett 5 S Bird 6 Sc Williams 7 R Williams 8 Rowlands 9 Roberts 10 Coady 11 Hazelden Subs E Williams Richards Comley Excel Caerleon 2 Waddon 3 Quarterly 4 Dowd 5 Witcombe 6 Harley 7 Beattie 8 Tucker 9 Flage 10 Howells 11 Spencer Subs Poyner Evans Truman |
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Friday 3rd March 2000 Bangor City 3 v 3 Cefn Druids |
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| An entertaining match played on a dreadful pitch on a
wet night, a fair result and yet - in reality - a game City should have
won. In the first meangingful action of the first half, Gavin Allen put City ahead with a simple tap in from a Lewis Coady cross from the left. Unhappily this was to be Gavin's last contribution of note as he left the pitch with an injury, to be replaced on 17 minutes by Emrys Williams. On 20 minutes Matthew Cross fired a left footed free kick just wide from 25 yards following a foul on Paul Roberts. Ten minutes later the leftback threw himself infront of Mike Davies to block a goalbound effort on the edge of the box. On 33 minutes Paul Roberts sidestepped the visiting defence to make it 2-0 as the home crowd appealed for a penalty against Huw Griffiths. But the visitors rallied, and caused alarm in the home defence through Richards who admirable dive outside the box led to a penalty courtesy of some bizarre refereeing. Happily justice was partly done as Rowlands' saw his penalty saved low by Andy Mulliner. On 65 minutes Rene Pinaud brought the Druids back to 3-2 with a cool chip after he had robbed Graham Brett on the edge of the box. Ten minutes later XL ran clear on the left but drove his shot just wide of the keepers left post. Moments later XL again opened the visitors up but the chance provided for Lewis Coady resulted in an easy save for Edwards. On 77 minutes Tim Allen hit a left foot shot wide of the City goal, on 81 XL had a shot saved after City failed to capitalize on a 4 to 2 break. As luck would have it Mike Davies was ruled onside seconds later to copy Pinaud with a clever chip to level the scores. The final whistle probably offered more relief for the City fans who could see the entreprising visitors sneaking a winner in what were by now attrocious conditions. A fair overall result - or two points dropped? |
2 P Johnson 3 Cross 4 G Brett 5 S Bird 6 Sc Williams 7 Coady 8 Rowlands 9 Roberts 10 G Allen 11 Comley-Excel Subs Hazelden Richards Em Williams Cefn Druids 2 Davies 3 Rutter 4 Rowlands 5 Morris 6 M Allen 7 Pinaud 8 Richards 9 Davies 10 Griffiths 11 Williams Subs Pierce Tim Allen Shields |
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Saturday 26th February 2000 Cwmbran 6 v 0 Bangor City |
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| City were thrashed by a rampant Cwmbran for whom Chris Summers hit four goals, including a first half penalty. The match was barely two minutes old when a Graham Brett header looped out to Adam Moore on the edge of the City penalty area. His first touch was poor and as the ball ran away he lashed out more in hope than conviction. Unhappily Andy Mulliner could only palm the shot up and over his own head into the net and allow the home side a one-nil advantage. City then shared much of the action, had plenty of possession and carved chances which unfortunately were not converted, two such fell to the usually reliable Lewis Coady. One created with a run on the left, but dragged his left foot shot wide across the goal. Other chances fell to Aled Rowlands, Gavin Allen and Paul Roberts. On 40 minutes Chris Summers put the home side two nil ahead as a cross eluded Andy Mulliner, and minutes later he converted a penalty awarded for a Steve Bird trip on Jamie Hughes. It was left for substitute Eston Chiverton to raid down the right to provide centre forward and fellow sub Deiniol Graham with a tap in to complete the rout. The better performances on the day came from Phil Johnson and striker Gavin Allen, although none of the players gave up at any time. So a dreadful result, worse than the 5-2 drubbing at Barry Town in September. The following Saturday City travelled to Rhayader, won 3-1, and then drew 1-1 with Cwmbran. Strange times... |
2 P Johnson 3 Cross 4 G Brett 5 S Bird 6 Sc Williams 7 Coady 8 Rowlands 9 Roberts 10 G Allen 11 Hazeldean Subs R Williams Richards Comley-Excel Cwmbran Town 2 Carter 3 Wills 4 David 5 Blackie 6 O'Brien 7 Summers 8 Moore 9 Hughes 10 Futcher 11 James Subs Chiverton Evans Graham |
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Saturday 12th February 2000 Bangor City 4 v 0 Inter Cardiff |
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| City swept
aside a depleted Inter to cruise into the last eight of the Welsh Cup,
despite a deteriorating pitch and windy day at Farrar Road.
In fact had they taken their early chances Phil Johnson on five minutes and then Gavin Allen and then XL might have settled the argument inside ten minutes. It took 26 minutes for Bangor to go ahead through Aled Rowlands who jinked along the edge of the box from the right before placing a low left footed effort beyond Norris. Within moments Lewis Coady ran through but shot narrowly wide, next XL and Gavin Allen combined but the Deiniolen striker saw his shot lift over. Just before half time Gavin Allen saw a close range shot blocked at the foot of a post after a Steve Bird flick from a Phil Johnson corner. Within five minutes it was 3-0 as Nathan Comley-Excell pounced on an opening created by a blocked effort from Gavin Allen. This report does not do justice to the visitors who created the odd chance, including one effort from close range into the sidenetting. On 71 minutes Lewis Coady made it 4-0 with a firm drivve from the edge of the box following a determined run. Minutes later City replaced Lewis Coady and Phil Johnson with Matthew Bishop and Gareth Parry. The Anglesey youngster (Parry) had two goalbound efforts, the better of which went narrowly wide. He showed some beat touches, composure and real promise. Aled Rowlands might have added a fifth in the final minute but his on etwo with Gavin Allen created an opening which he just failed to finish. So a comfortable 4-0 win, a despondent Inter who travelled to Farrar Road without a sponge man or single supporter. How the mighty are fallen. Man of The Match, an all action display from Nathan Comley-Excell. |
2 P Johnson 3 Cross 4 G Brett 5 S Bird 6 Sc Williams 7 Comley-Excel 8 Rowlands 9 Coady 10 G Allen 11 Hazeldean Subs R Williams Gareth Parry Bishop Inter Cardiff 2 Brightman 3 Lock 4 Coleman 5 Lock 6 Pugh 7 Williams 8 Pitcairn 9 Maye 10 Bekker 11 Jones Subs Wooster Jackson Jones |
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Saturday 5th February 2000 Bangor City 3 v 3 Barry Town |
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| This was a
tremendous fighting performance, littered with goalmouth incidents and
defensive insecurity. But the overriding image is of the chanting
City fans lifting the team for a second half rally second to none.
City opened brightly with XL and Lewis Coady combining for the former Wrexham man to force an early save from Wells. Then XL raced down the right and crossed left footed for Gavin Allen, the ball cleared him to reach Aled Rowlands who shot just over. Barry carved out chances too, but on 22 minutes Steve Williams launched a deep cross towards Gavin Allen but his header across goal went begging, next Lewis Coady cut in from the left but failed to put any power into his shot. On 40 minutes Barry took the lead when a cross from the right was swept in Evans with the City defence static. From the kick off XL rushed through and fired a rising shot over the visitors bar. Then Phil Johnson fired wide from inside the box and Lewis Coady crossed for XL whose header went across and over. A sweeping crossfield ball from Steve Bird found Gavin Allen who shot over. City inspired by the all action Aled Rowlands cam forward again, on the hour Steve Williams crossed right footed from the left for Gavin Allen to score from close range. Moments later Aled Rowlands nearly put City ahead with a well struck low shot which Wells managed to keep out. On 65 minutes Fry appeared to be offside but kept his cool to put Barry ahead again, 1-2. Lewis Coady launched a counter, fed Gavin Allen, but he was quickly closed down. On 75 minutes the game seemed over as Evans put Barry 3-1 ahead with an excellent crisp strike from the edge of the box. Rather than bicker or wilt City charged back, Aled Rowlands skipped round the left side of the box and crossed low for Gavin Allen to tap in, 2-3. Barry were on the defensive now, City cheered on by a lively St Pauls end, had the initiative. To the background noise of City-City Aled Rowlands and Lewis Coady inspired Bangor pushed forward. Then deep into injury time (50th minute of second half) Sean Hazelden charged through the middle, riding his luck as he rode a couple of tackles. The ball came to Gavin Allen on the edge of the box, his shot was stopped but Nathan Comley-Excel celebrated his home debut with a cool finish to level the scores. Drama indeed! Man of The Match? Ray Rowlands energetic, inspirational son Aled. |
2 P Johnson 3 St Williams 4 G Brett 5 S Bird 6 Sc Williams 7 Comley-Excel 8 Rowlands 9 Coady 10 G Allen 11 Hazeldean Subs R Williams Cross Bishop Barry Town 2 Evans 3 Davies 4 Jones 5 Lloyd 6 Barrow 7 Jenkins 8 Davies 9 Burk 10 Evans 11 Fryt Subs Jenkins Perry York |
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Saturday 29th January 2000 Aberystwyth 2 v 1 Bangor City |
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| City were luckless
in this slender defeat in the home of patronising politicians, students,
dolphins and - Meirion Appleton. Aber kicked off with the win at their backs, blowing roughly from the direction of those familiar crosville buses. With that advantage the home side has much of the possession, but City created some good openings. On 13 minutes Robbie Williams picked up the following an excellent crossfield run from Lewis Coady but shot a yard wide. On the half hour the impressive Steve Williams, playing at leftwingback, swept in a cross which the lunging pylon Thomas scooped over his own bar. Within a minute Robbie Williams chipped the defender and skipped past him, chipped the keeper too - only for the ball to drift wide. Aber were creating chances too, and after a couple of efforts had gone close, Thomas hit a clean drive which Andy Mulliner did well to push round his right post for a corner. Gavin O'Toole hit the corner inswinging - and the TV replays will tell - was Andy Mulliner fouled or at fault as the ball swung straight into the net. On the stroke of half time. Llanelli? TV replays showed Andy was fouled by Mop Head Boy. On 50 minutes Curlylox himself Glyndwr Hughes nipped inbetween two City defenders to score from virtually nothing. The contingent of two dozen City supporters with mop-wigs bowed their heads in dismay. City roared back, Scott Williams had a long range shot saved, midfielder Aled Rowlands blazed over from the edge of the box' Lewis Coady had a shot blocked by Thomas. Aber came back through substitute Dyer and Graham Brett was forced to clear from just in front of goal. Then Aled went clean though, we celebrated early as he delayed and Jones snatched the ball at his feet. Then Lewis Coady his a beautiful clean drive on target but again Jones saved - bloody scousers! With 20 minutes to go City gave striker Nathan Comley-Excel his debut. XL looks like his name, big - perhaps the same in height and build as centre back Sean Hazelden. Almost immediately City nearly scored as XL had a shot cleared off the line, then he lifted a ball back in from the edge of the box which which somehow struck the Aber post. Matthew Cross then replaced the impressive Steve Williams on the left. On 83 minutes a Phil Johnson corner was flicked on for Sean Hazelden to narrow the margin with a firm close range header. Aber did everything they could to kill the game, taking the ball into the corners, but there was still time for Gavin Allen to set up Scott Williams for a terrific shot which pulled an outstanding save from MoTM Jones. So defeat, but surely not dishonour, but the luck has well and truly turned. |
2 P Johnson 3 St Williams 4 G Brett 5 S Bird 6 Sc Williams 7 R Williams 8 Rowlands 9 Coady 10 G Allen 11 Hazeldean Subs Comley-Excel Cross Bishop Aberystwyth 2 Ga Hughes 3 Finley 4 O'Toole 5 Thomas 6 Lewis 7 Gl Hughes 8 Williams 9 Mardenb'gh 10 Morrison 11 Hewitt Subs Dyer Philpott Griffiths |
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Tuesday 25th January 2000 Bangor City 8 v 0 Conwy United |
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| This match
was never a contest as City crushed a makeshift Conwy side, racing to
an 8-0 half time lead. But the result was marred by late hamstring
injury suffered by goalscorer Paul Roberts after he had netted his twelth
league goal of the season. The first goal came in 22 minutes when Phil Johnson set up Paul Roberts for a simple tap in, then Aled Rowlands raced clear from the half way line to coolly beat the hard working United keeper. Paul Roberts returned the compliment on 37 minutes to present Phil Johnson with the simplest of chances for a 3-0 lead. On a cold, still night the hot soup and anticipated second half rout were warming enough for most City followers. On 72 minutes Matthew Bishop replaced Phil Johnson, within minutes Steve Bird had the ball in the net but an offside flag ended his celebrations. The Lewis Coady replaced Aled Rowlands, on 80 minutes Gavin Allen took the lead to 7-0 after good build up play against the flagging visitors. Then the mood changed as Paul Roberts was carried off with a suspected hamstring injury. There was still time for Robbie Williams to complete his hatrick from close range, 8-0. The crowd applauded the well intended comments from the City PA regarding the sad state of the United club; it is becoming to familiar a sentiment. Where's your McKenna now eh? Ok sorry - that is a bit mean. On a positive note for Conwy, the performance of their hard working keeper who - despite the odd mistake - never gave up. |
2 P Johnson 3 Rowlands 4 G Brett 5 S Bird 6 Sc Williams 7 R Williams 8 St Williams 9 P Roberts 10 G Allen 11 Hazeldean Subs Coady Cross Bishop Conwy United 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Subs
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Saturday 22nd January 2000 Bangor City 1 v 3 Llanelli |
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| City were comfortably
beaten by a well organised Llanelli side who were guided throughout in
colourful fashion by manager Leighton James. And yet, if those early chances had been taken will fell to Paul Roberts and then Matthew Cross in the opening quarter as City attacked the St Pauls end. If Robbie Williams' jinking run had ended up with a chipped effort not just drifting wide on twnety minutes. If only... More chances came and went, Scott Williams charged through in the 21st minute but had his shot saved, then Andy Mulliner pulled off an excellent low save on twenty five minutes. Ten minutes before the interval Gavin Allen found Paul Roberts with a long passbut Robbo saw his shot blocked and deflected for a corner, which itself created another corner, but to no avail. On forty two minutes Aled Rowlands and Paul Roberts combined well on the left, Paul saw his effort clear the keeper only to be hacked off the line. Worst time to concede? Last second of the first half - que Gary Davies whose effort close in was deflected pastAndy Mulliner. There then followed a five minute break as the referee had to be replaced by one of the linesmen due to a strain or pull. A local linesman was recruited to make up the numbers. City then brought Lewis Coady on for Matthew Cross on the hour mark, a slightly strange decision. On sixty seven minutes is was 3-0 as a shot hit the bar and Fowler clamly converted the rebound with City's defence in disarray. To be fair although three goals were conceded the defence were not wholly to blame. Within minutes Paul Roberts shot City back into contention after an excellent run from Aled Rowlands on the left. Moments later Robbo had another chance when the visitors failed to clear a corner. Lewis Coady made some impression with some telling passes and neat one twos, but not enough to change the result. The champagne is back on ice, and for Llanelli the very real likelyhood of a first LoW title. |
2 P Johnson 3 Cross 4 G Brett 5 S Bird 6 S Williams 7 R Williams 8 A Rowlands 9 P Roberts 10 G Allen 11 Hazeldean Subs Coady S Williams Bishop Llanelli 2 Hill 3 Jones 4 Jenkins 5 Mumford 6 Davies 7 Folwer 8 Wright 9 Bowen 10 Watkins 11 Dickenson Subs Anderson Jones Parfitt |
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Tuesday 18th January 2000 Bangor City 3 v 2 Rhyl |
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| City deservedly
won against a limited but industrious Rhyl side who had the games outstanding
perfomer in goalkeeper Danny Embleton. The first clear chance of an entertaining match came in the 13th minute when Fisher needlessly conceded a corner taken on the right by left footer Matthew Cross. Scott Williams met the cross firmly but his header was cleared off the line. Three minutes later Robbie Williams blazed over from ten yards when set up by Gavin Allen. Robbie saw another effort cleared off the line by Thomas' heel as he went the wrong way. In the 23rd minute Gavin Allen and Robbie Williams again combined and this time Embleton saved, three minutes later Matthew Cross fired a left footed freekick towards the top corner but Embleton turned it away. From the resulting corner Rhyl broke clear and appeared to have scored, but were flagged offside. Moments later Aled Rowlands was clean through but again Embleton saved, this time by standing his ground. Then controvesy. Striker Dan Barton took a laughable, clear cut dive which fooled bald ref Mike Jones. Former City defender Dave Fuller converted the ensuing kick, 0-1. This stirred City even more, and on 36 minutes an excellent right wing cross by Robbie Williams was met with absolute power by Paul Roberts for a spectacular headed equaliser. On half time Gavin Allen found time - and composure - in the visitors box to cross to Sean Hazelden for the giant to nod home from five yards. City continued to attack, Paul Roberts curled a beauty towards the top right corner but Embleton pulled off a breathtaking save. On 75 minutes Gavin Allen appeared to get caught in two minds and sent the ball across the goal - along the line virtually - but the supporting players were ten yards back. Then on 82 minutes, disaster. Aaron Thomas jinked through the tiring home defence and calmly slotted past Andy Mulliner, 2-2. The tiny visiting contingent had barely sat down when Paul Roberts forced a point blank save from Embleton. Corner - and only half cleared - for Scott Williams to volley home from 20 yards for a deserved winner. So three points against an inspired Embleton, and Coady-less points at that. Back to winning ways - lets hope so. |
2 P Johnson 3 Cross 4 G Brett 5 S Bird 6 S Williams 7 R Williams 8 A Rowlands 9 P Roberts 10 G Allen 11 Hazeldean Subs G Parry S Williams L Dixon Rhyl 2 Fuller 3 Curtiss 4 Anthrobus 5 Rutter 6 Taylor 7 Thomas 8 Roscoe 9 Barton 10 Steve Jones 11 Fisher Subs Jones Ungi Pickthall |
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Saturday 15th January 2000 Llansantffaid 2 v 1 Bangor City |
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| City lost 2-1to
a pretty average home side, who on the balance of play and possession where
deserved winners. And yet it could have been so different...
The first half hour was wholly Llansnatffaid. They forced corners, had chances on goal, and Andy Mulliner made some decent saves. Thge centre midfield area was over run, the wide left (Coady-less) again was weak on the day, and the home side deserved something. The most notably incident of this first period was a long stoppage for a collision between Andy Mulliner and Wilson which left the home midfielder in need of attention. City's first chance came on the 32nd minute when a freekick on the left was over hit by Matthew Cross. Five minutes later Gavin Allen might have scored when a good move by Aled Rowlands and Paul Roberts opened up the Saints defence, but his shot was blocked by Lee Williams. Before half time Gavin Allen ran in from the left, curled a right footer - but just wide of the right post. On the hour Llansantffraid leftback Lee Coathup lunged at Graham Brett to inflict an injruy which left the little Irishman limping. The veteran of more clubs than Ibitha simply blamed everyone but himself. In the 64th minute good build up involving Phil Johnson opened up a chance for Gavin Allen but he shot over. Then Paul Roberts shot at Lee Williams following good approach play from Aled Rowlands and Matthew Cross. On 76 minutes City took the lead from a break down the right from Aled Rowlands, Williams parried the shot, Paul Roberts tucked in the rebound. Within five minutes Arwel Jones had an efforted deflected in at the far post from a left wing cross, one all. City almost took the lead again on 85 minutes when Paul Roberts shot just wide, but on 88 minutes a more distinct deflection off Steve Bird let the home side grab the points, two one. Disappointing? Well both goals were undeserved although on possession and similar counts the result was a fair reflection of the outcome. But we have failed against another top six side - and there are sterner tasks to come. |
2 P Johnson 3 Cross 4 G Brett 5 S Bird 6 S Williams 7 R Williams 8 A Rowlands 9 P Roberts 10 G Allen 11 Hazeldean Subs Bishop S Williams L Dixon Llansantffraid 2 Cooper 3 Coathup 4 Parry 5 Jones 6 Alexander 7 Edge 8 Evans 9 Toner 10 Wilson 11 Cocks Subs McKenna Morris Millington |
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Saturday 8th January 2000 Bangor City 1 v 3 Caersws |
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| City lost to
a mediocre Caersws on a rough pitch in a disappointing match. The
fact that the visitors triumphed thanks to an own goal, a fluke and one decent
effort just about says it all. The match started so slowly that it was the twelth minute before either side had a chance, a low shot from outside the box from Geraint Lewis comfortably saved by Andy Mulliner. This shook a lethargic Coady-less City into action, in the next five minutes they forced a couple of corners but created neither openings nor opportunities. On the half hour Robbie Williams and Phil Johnson combined well on the right, the former Conwy man was clearly blocked on the edge - but just inside - the Caersws box. The little referee gave an indirect free kick pointedly outside the area, this resulted in a direct free kick after thirty seconds which Matthew Cross fired just over. Five minutes later a below par Paul Roberts intercepted a poor clearance, but his shot was blocked by visiting keeper Paul Evans, the corner came to nothing. On the stroke of half time a clumsy Caersws cross was deflected on by the pedestrian Whitticase, to loop over a stranded Mulliner for a 0-1 lead. On 55 minutes Gavin Allen managed to set up Phil Johnson but his shot went wide, the next serious action saw Sean Jehu seal the victory with a clear header as City's defence stood still, 0-3. Nothing seemed able to change the lethargic City approach, but in the end a decent cross found Gavin Allen whose placed header easily beat Evans, 1-3. For the final five minutes City showed more fight and determination than for the previous eighty five, but it was too little too late. The small band of visiting fans were cheerful, their players slightly subdued, they are as poor a Bluebirds side as I have seen - it was that sort of day. It always felt like it would be. |
2 P Johnson 3 Cross 4 G Brett 5 S Bird 6 S Williams 7 R Williams 8 A Rowlands 9 P Roberts 10 G Allen 11 Hazeldean Subs Bishop E Williams G Parry Caersws 2 Thomas 3 Jehu 4 Griffiths 5 Howells 6 Hughes 7 Lewis 8 Whitticase 9 Clarke 10 Steel 11 Cook Subs Harding Davies Fletcher |
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Monday 27th December 1999 Connahs Quay 0 v 1 Bangor City |
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| A deserved
win for Bangor, in the proverbial game of two halves.
Neville Powell had the Nomads fired up and they started well, causing problems for City on their right (our left) with Andy Thomas in plenty of space. Happily Thomas is nothing to pine for and despite some good work from Kenworthy and neat prompting from Griffiths possession did not convert into goals. On fifteen minutes City showed what difference a class striker can make. Paul Roberts thrashed the ball home from 20 yards after a great solo run - despite having defenders around him. Collister was beaten by the pace on the ball and the travelling fans were on their feet! Two minutes later Paul Roberts again ran through, Collister this time pulled off a good save, and as the rebound broke wide, Pau hit his shot into the side netting. On the half hour Kenworthy hit the Bangor bar as the home side fought back, dominated territorially, but seldom forced a shot on target. The 53rd minute brought calamity as Griffiths ran into Hazeldean for a pretty disappointing penalty decision. Kenworthy took the kick, but Mulliner dived low to his right to catch and hold the shot, to the huge delight of the City contingent of more than 200. From that position Paul Roberts found himself upfield but again shot wide. City were comfortably in control now, with the calm figure of Phil Johnson and the gliding Lewis Coady prominent, and Gavin Allen and Paul Roberts confusing Jardine and Smyth with the balance and movement. More chances came and went, Aled Rowlands replaced the injured Gavin Allen on 75 minutes, then Andy Mulliner held two well struck crosses as the spirited Nomads fought for a point. Ten minutes from time Matthew Cross centred from the left, Paul Roberts headed powerfully goalwards only for Lewis Coady to blaze over from less than a yard! There was still time for Scott Williams to create havoc with a surging run, and for Paul Roberts to hit the crossbar with a fierce shot. Overall a deserved win, three more points, and that run goes on... |
2 P Johnson 3 Cross 4 G Brett 5 S Bird 6 S Williams 7 R Williams 8 L Coady 9 P Roberts 10 G Allen 11 Hazeldean Subs Bishop E Williams Rowlands Connahs Quay 2 Thomas 3 Hopkins 4 Hutchinson 5 Jardine 6 Smyth 7 Rain 8 Griffiths 9 Pepper 10 Kenworthy 11 Mazzarella Subs Holmes Davies Carroll |
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Saturday 18th December 1999 Bangor City 3 v 1 Inter Cardiff |
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| This was lifeless
stuff, perhaps due to the level of opposition, the tacky playing surface,
or the seven days to Christmas factor. Either way even some excellent
goals, neat approach play and a sending off couldn't really raise things.
The opening fifteen minutes offered precious little as the students settled to a pleasing passing game and City opted to let them. Then Robbie Williams began his solo display by winning a freekick in front of the main stand as City attacked the Farrar End. Phil Johnson delivered a pacey cross and Sean Hazeldean headed in from six yards. Ten minutes later Phil Johnson was involved again as he cut in from the right only to see his shot deflected wide. Next Gavin Allen, looking a little below par, hesitated when put through by the little wingback and the chance was gone. To be fair to Inter's youngsters they were creating the odd chance and at one point forced two corners, but on 44 minutes the game was settled by another clever passage of play from Robbie Williams. This time he weaved his way past several defenders before finding Paul Roberts who calmly shot passed the impressive Robinson. In the 63rd minute Robbie Williams scored a magnificent solo effort. Receiving the ball thirty five yards out with his back to goal, Robbie flicked the ball over himself and his marker, turned quickly, gathered the ball and lashed it into the right hand corner. At that point Aled Rowlands replaced a mystified Matthew Cross. Moments later Lewis Coady was sent off for a two footed tackle on Owen on the halfway line. Obnoxious little Swansea Official S.Jones gleefully brandished the red plastic and City were down to ten men. Aled Rowlands and Phil Johnson combined well to open Inter up a couple of times, but to no real gain. With five minutes remaining Matthew Bishop replaced Gavin Allen, and within moments of that Ian Jones grabbed a deserved token goal for Inter. Right on the bell Paul Roberts missed a good chance after an excellent build up involving Bishop on the right. Overall a reasonable outcome, three more points, and despite all the patronising back slapping Inter look doomed. |
2 P Johnson 3 Cross 4 S Williams 5 S Bird 6 G Brett 7 R Williams 8 L Coady 9 P Roberts 10 G Allen 11 Hazeldean Subs Bishop E Williams Rowlands Inter Cardiff 2 Davies 3 Hughes 4 Davies 5 Plant 6 Burrow 7 Edwards 8 Owen 9 Smothers 10 Buchanan 11 Broadbent Subs Beddard Jones Brennan |
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Saturday 11th December 1999 Caernarfon Town 1 v 2 Bangor City |
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| This game was
played in difficult conditions, which could be described as muddy, heavy,
slippery or worse. There was also a strong wind and by 3.30 the
floodlights were prominent. That said City won, Caernarfon deserved
at least a draw, and the difference between the two team? Well.
The first 15 minutes belonged to the home side who forced a series of corners and the occasional goal line clearance. Add to this some great work from Andy Mulliner and the picture is complete. During this time the pick of the action was a wonderful save by Andy Mulliner from a superb right footed shot from left winger Fisher. The ball dipped, veered into the Bangor net but "Mullers" somehow pushed it over. As often happens, a goal comes against the run of play. On 32 minutes Matthew Cross sent over a high centre, Gavin Allen and Paul Roberts caused problems, Steve Bird crashed home the lose ball. On 67 minutes Gavin Allen supplied Paul Roberts whose one on one with the tiny Clifton ended with the ball in inside the keepers left post. Two nil and surely home and dry. Not really. With the introduction of Cockram the home side rallied and he forced yet another fine save from Andy Mulliner, turned away for a corner. The Canaries were not to be denied a goal, and a Daley header on 81 minutes ended the scoring but could not salvage a point. Both wingbacks Phil Johnson and Matthew Cross found the heavy conditions sapping, in particular against Fisher and Hinchcliffe respectively the pick of the home side. There were two serious candidates for Man of The Match, outfield boss Lewis Coady who left home defenders gasping and tugging at his shirt, but credit to Andy Mulliner for some brilliant saves and never looking worried. A truly excellent display. |
2 P Johnson 3 Cross 4 G Brett 5 S Bird 6 S Williams 7 R Williams 8 L Coady 9 P Roberts 10 G Allen 11 Hazeldean Subs Bishop E Williams Rowlands Caernarfon 2 Hinchc;iffe 3 McAndrew 4 Byrne 5 Taylor 6 McGosh 7 Gouldborne 8 Doherty 9 Daley 10 Robinson 11 Fisher Subs Pickering Cockram Brookman |
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Saturday 4th December 1999 Bangor City 4 v 1 Afan Lido |
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| This was as
comfortable as the scoreline suggests - in the end. At times a spirited
Lido side carved out chances, but were hit by the dismissal of big centre
half Leighton Jones in the second half. City might have taken the lead in the first couple of minutes when Gavin Allen ran clear on the left but fired his shot into the side netting. It was the 13th minute when Paul Roberts headed home a Matthew Cross centre to put City one nil ahead. The architect behind this goal was Lewis Coady who found Cross in space on the left from centre midfield. Two minutes later it was Lewis Coady's turn to hit the side netting after a Matthew Cross corner was only partly cleared. Ten man Lido went 2-0 down on the hour when Lewis Coady drilled home a low shot from the edge of the box after Paul Roberts stepped over the ball. Lido played their best football with ten men, hit a post and at one point forced three successive corners. But it was City who scored again through Gavin Allen as he fired home at the far post after a corner was only partly cleared. In the 80th minute Lido did score, a scrambled effort from substitute Andrew Pearson. City wrapped up the points with a fourth goal from the ever industrious Robbie Williams after he robbed the defence, rounded the keeper, and slotted home from the right of goal. In the closing minutes Bangor replaced Matthew Cross and Phil Johnson with Matthew Bishop and Aled Rowlands. A good performance, three more points, and the unbeaten run stretches to eleven, including nine straight wins. |
2 P Johnson 3 Cross 4 G Brett 5 S Bird 6 S Williams 7 R Williams 8 L Coady 9 P Roberts 10 G Allen 11 Hazeldean Subs Bishop E Williams Rowlands Afan Lido 2 Deeney 3 Parry 4 Johnstone 5 Jones 6 Rickard 7 Patton 8 Evans 9 Piper 10 O'Leary 11 Hurley Subs Pearson Cook Taylor |
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Saturday 27th November 1999 Carmarthen 0 v 1 Bangor City |
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| A solitary second half goal from top scorer Gavin Allen was enough to secure three important points for City against the side placed third this morning in the LoW. The first half stayed goalless, with City's best chance falling to Gavin Allen who failed to convert a chance at the "far" post from a left wing cross. Young striker Matthew Delicate and Ryan Nicholls both went close fo Carmarthen. The home side again went close when Richard Parker forced Andy Mulliner to stretch full length to push aside his well struck shot. Lewis Coady nearly doubled the lead minutes later when he took a pass from the busy Robbie Williams and shot from 25 yards, only to see his shot deflected narrowly wide. Carmarthen came back through Wayne Jones whose long range effort was pushed away by Mulliner. The ball was crossed back in only for Sion Meredith to head just over. Then a sweeping right to left crossfield move involving Phil Johnson and Lewis Coady saw Scott Williams free Gavin Allen on the left. His shot was parried by Fitzgerald but Lewis Coady's point blank effort was bravely blocked by Wyn Thomas. Paul Roberts also had a chance courtesy of Gavin allen but his powerful shot hit the side netting. City held onto the lead and three valuable points; a personal triumph also for Meirion Appleton over his former striker Tommy Morgan. To some degree this was a rearguard display, with Mulliner outstanding and the whole defence competent and composed. The attendance was 347, the only player booked Carmarthen number 7 Paul Walker |
2 P Johnson 3 Cross 4 G Brett 5 S Bird 6 S Williams 7 R Williams 8 L Coady 9 P Roberts 10 G Allen 11 Hazeldean Subs Bishop E Williams Rowlands Carmarthen 2 Rees 3 Nicholas 4 Thomas 5 Cable 6 Jones 7 Walker 8 Nicholls 9 Burrows 10 Delicate 11 Parker Subs Meredith Morgan Vaughan |
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Tuesday 16th November 1999 Bangor City 5-0 Llandudno |
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| Bangor cantered
into the final 16 of the Welsh Cup without having to break sweat to thrash
a pretty ordinary Llandudno side. And yet the biggest attendance for a while had to wait until the 12th minute for a Robbie Williams effort on goal, and until the 18th minute for a comical miskick from foul mouthed Mally Tidswell which contrived an own goal and one nil lead from a harmless Gavin Allen cross. Five minutes later Hazeldean flicked on a corner which rebounded to Steve Bird who scored from close range for a 2-0 advantage. On the half hour Lewis Coady was clean through but fired his shot at the keepers legs, almost immediately Robbie Williams chipped just wide and then Walker saved low down from a Matthew Cross header. Before half time Steve Bird wasted a glorious opportunity and Gavin Allen took an excellent ball from Phil Johnson on the right but curled his effort wide. Then Paul Roberts had a well struck shot saved. On the hour a Gavn Allen centre was met forcibly by Matthew Cross whose header left naughty keeper Paul Walker helpless. (He was the Colywn Bay sub who got them booted out of the NW Cup). Llandudno had their moments and the best of them followed next as Andy Mulliner made a good double save. Lewis Coady cut through onto his favourite left foot and struck the ball cleanly, but unfortunately straight at Walker. Then in the last minute or so Gavin Allen added a touch of realism to the scoreline after another good ball from midfield, this time from Phil Johnson. A good result, satisfactory performance, five more goals. But caution - there must be better sides around than Llandudno and Caersws. Man of The Match - Phil Johnson |
2 P Johnson 3 Cross 4 G Brett 5 S Bird 6 S Williams 7 R Williams 8 L Coady 9 P Roberts 10 G Allen 11 Hazeldean Subs Bishop Aa Thomas Rowlands Llandudno 2 Tidswell 3 Williams 4 Brewerton 5 Gizzi 6 Rawlings 7 Sumner 8 Carey 9 Corcoran 10 Evans 11 Jones Subs Jones Robshaw Jones |
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Tuesday 16th November 1999 Bangor City 6-2 Caersws |
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| City routed
and outplayed Caersws in an impressive second half display, after the
visitors had taken a first half lead. The pre match news was the
Aled Rowlands was injured, Cross took his place. Into the 14 came
the ever reliable Ritchie Semple. There was no sign of things to come early on a Innes saw a shot strike the home crossbar. Bangor started to get into their stride though after 20 minutes when Jehu nearly turned a Lewis Coady cross into his own net, then Gavin Allen saw a shot deflected and forced an excellent save from Paul Evans as Paul Roberts started to dominate proceedings. To make things difficult Michael Innes conspired to slip as a long range effort from Steel swept into the City net for a shock Caersws lead in the 25th minute. Within minutes Robbie Williams fired in a near post cross which was defelcted wide by Paul Roberts. On the half hour City drew level as Gavin Allen coolly converted a chance created by a superb crossfield ball from Paul Roberts. Then both Roberts and Allen were both denied by agile work from the visiting keeper. Just before half time Gavin Allen struck again as a mishit shot from Roberts found the leading scorer unhindered. 2-1 There was still time for Phil Johnson to fire a shot directly into the keepers midrift from 20 yards.. On 56 minutes Gavin Allen completed his hatrick with a simple tap in after Roberts had run the viistors defence ragged to create a tap in chance from 2 yards. 4-1. Five minutes later giant defender Sean Hazeldean got in on the act as a Phil Johnson corner was not cleared, "Hazel" grabbed his chance from five yards for a 5-1 lead. Moments later Gavin Allen was clean through but Evans again rescued The Bluebirds. Allen was then replaced by Semple, Robbie Williams hit the bar, and Bishop came on for Phil Johnson who had another composed game. In the 83rd minute lanky defender Harding headed a consolation to close the score to 5-2 but within minutes Paul Roberts raced clear to score with ease, his second and Bangor's sixth. He was then replaced by Aaron. A good evening's work, another League Cup Final, and another win against Mid Wales opposition - can't be bad. A word to for Cross who was excellent in place of Rowlands. Man of The Match - Paul Roberts |
2 P Johnson 3 Cross 4 G Brett 5 S Bird 6 S Williams 7 R Williams 8 L Coady 9 P Roberts 10 G Allen 11 Hazeldean Subs Bishop Aa Thomas Semple Caersws 2 Thomas 3 Jehu 4 Harding 5 Howells 6 Hughes 7 Hamer 8 Whitticase 9 Clarke 10 Steel 11 Davies Subs Jones |
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Saturday 13th November 1999 Bangor City 1 v 0 Haverfordwest |
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| Three points
gained, another goal for Paul Roberts, and precious little else to shout
about at a semi deserted Farrar Road. The inclusion of Scott for Emrys
Williams - a straigth swap in centre midfield - was the only change from
the side which had won Meirion Appleton the Manager of The Month Award,
duly presented at around two o clock. The visitors had been mauled 6-0 at home last Saturday and most home supporters sat back and waited for the goals to arrive. Unfortunately so did the players and as a consequence the chances never materialised. One did though in the sixth minute to Gavin Allen who, put through by Paul Roberts, shot tamely at the exposed keeper. City then forrced a couple of corners which Phil Johnson meekly presented the competent Miles. On the quarter hour Lewis Coady put Paul Roberts through but his was saved lowdown by Miles. City then forced four or five more corners taekn by Johnson and Rowlands from left and right respectively. One produced a fierce shot from Paul Roberts, the rest very little. Before half time Gavin Allen curled a shot wide of the right post with Miles beaten. Ths spurred the mediocre visitors into greater efforts but also promopted Bangor to play football and pass the ball around. It was Paul Roberts who lashed in a couple of long range shots after good work by Coady and Allen. At the other end Graham Brett made good use of sound positioning and sure footedness to keep out the odd County attack. As time ran out the referee decided to up his quota of bookings at the expense of home forwards, but even he could only stand and watch as Roberts fired just over from outside the box. The last move of purpose saw Robbie Williams play a one-two with Roberts and force a good save from Miles. Overall though a poor show, if there was to be a Man of The Match it would probably go to Graham Brett. |
2 P Johnson 3 Rowlands 4 G Brett 5 S Bird 6 S Williams 7 R Williams 8 L Coady 9 P Roberts 10 G Allen 11 Hazeldean Subs Bishop Aa Thomas Cross Haverfordwest 2 Simon 3 Rickard 4 George 5 Otten 6 Stevenson 7 Davies 8 J Jones 9 Mainwaring 10 Gay 11 Burrows Subs Jones Kissick Timothy |
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Saturday 30th October 1999 Bangor City 3 v 2 Newtown |
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| Bangor were
deserved winners against a tiny Newtown side although in the end they
were forced to hang on for the points. With a strong wind at their backs Newtown started the better attacking the St Pauls end. Andy Mulliner made a good save from the impressive Ruscoe who was at the hub of most of the visitors moves. On the quarter hour mark City carved their first real opening as Paul Roberts fired wide of the left post after good work from Robbie Williams. Minutes later Emrys Williams shot wide after he siezed on a defensive lapse by Thomas. In the 21st minutes City won a corner on the attacking left, Phil Johnson fired it in near post for giant defender Sean Hazeldean to flick his header past Withington. Burly Newtown striker Mark Williams shot wide from the edge of the box, likewise Paul Roberts for City. On the 38th minute Newtown drew level with a mishit cross from Webster which drifted into the net. The 58th minute also saw the first booking from impressive ref Sansom of Pontypool, the unlikely Gavin Allen for a foul on Reynolds. The 72 minute and Paul Roberts was clean though but delayed his shot as Withington back peddled for Thomas to intercept. Then Scott Ruscoe fired over for Newtown after a corner was cleared to the edge of the box. With five minutes remaining Paul Roberts was again clear thanks to the impressive Aled Rowlands, this time he thrashed the ball home through the keeper's legs to put City 3-1 ahead. The roar around Farrar Road was as much relief as celebration. There was still time for the puny Wickham to narrow the deficit with a minute to go, but City derved the win and held on. The match featured dull patches, the pitch was soft, and this was a poor Newtown side. However there were good individual performances from the giant Hazledean, Rowlands, Johnson and forwards Roberts & Allen. |
2 P Johnson 3 Rowlands 4 E Williams 5 S Bird 6 G Brett 7 R Williams 8 L Coady 9 P Roberts 10 G Allen 11 Hazeldean Subs Bishop Aa Thomas Cross Newtown 2 Webster 3 G Evans 4 Reynolds 5 M Thomas 6 M Roberts 7 M Williams 8 Ruscoe 9 Ward 10 Wickham 11 Yates Subs Line Davies Pike |
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Tuesday 26th October 1999 Bangor City 3 v 1 Caernarfon Town |
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| This Gilbert
Cup Quarter Final certainly gave good value to the 400 or so present, with
Bangor worthy winners despite playing for 70 minutes with 10 men and having
Jason Turner stretchered off. The match started with a purposeful Gavin Allen shooting wide from the edge of the box, but on the 7th minute Caernarfon took the lead as Steve Bird headed into his own net having needlessly conceded a corner. Then Turner made a good save to deny the visitors a second before Aled Rowlands combined well with Lewis Coady t shoot directley at Clifton in the 19th minute for City's second serious effort of the match. Then disaster struck - or so it seemed. Strutting referee Kevin Parry awarded a free kick to City on the edge of the visitors box, and promptly dismissed Emrys Williams for an alleged foul on Peter Byrne. Once the Canaries number 4 had received his Oscar, the freekick eventually fell to Lewis Coady who scored with ease from close range to level the score. In the 62nd minute Gavin Allen ended the contest as he latched onto a Aled Rowlands through ball to round the keeper and net confidently for a three one lead. The visitors struck back and forced Turner into a good save from a shot from outside the box. Minutes later Paul Roberts span off the pedestrian Byrne again to fire over the bar from the edge of the box. The the 73rd minute crisis as Jason Turner fell awkwardly and dislocated an elbow - no one else was involved - and a seven minute stoppage. Matthew Cross took his place from the bench and, with some good humour, performed well in the remaining 20 minutes. There was still time for the hard working Coady to find Roberts who beat his man but hit the bar. This was a night for the partisan, one when Gavin Allen scored his first home goal, when Coady and Roberts worked hard and to good effect, and when the likes of Aled Rowlands and Hazeldean came of age. |
2 P Johnson 3 Rowlands 4 E Williams 5 S Bird 6 G Brett 7 R Williams 8 L Coady 9 P Roberts 10 G Allen 11 Hazeldean Subs Bishop Aa Thomas Cross Caernarfon 2 Hinchcliffe 3 Gouldborne 4 Byrne 5 Rowlands 6 McGosh 7 Brookman 8 Hagan 9 Daley 10 Robinson 11 Fisher Subs Cockram Rhone Tynan |
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Saturday 23rd October 1999 Cefn Druids 1 v 2 Bangor City |
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| Bangor stuck
with the side that had battled through against Corwen last week, with newcomer
Graham Brett on the bench instead of Bishop. Gavin Allen should have put City in front in the first minute, but it was the unhappy Paul Roberts who missed three decent opportunities in the opening half hour. The first was well blocked on the edge of the box, then a header and shot both missed the target. In the 36th minute Steve Bird showed the way with a telling header from an Aled Rowlands corner to put City ahead. Before half time Coady shot wide but then Mulliner was forced to make a good save from Davies, former City midfielder Roden fired over from the corner. In the 56th minute veteran striker Mike Davies got the better of Steve Bird on the edge of the box, saw his first hot saved, but calmly slotted home the rebound to level the score. At this point Scott Williams, who had been receiving treatment for an injury, was replaced by debutant Graham Brett at sweeper. (He was greeted by Mulliner who asked "Whats your name mate?") The little Irishman immediately made a good impression as he was in the right place when needed and dealt with danger with absolute calm. The long legged Hazeldean also defended well, in particular one block on Davies in a similar position to the earlier equaliser. In the 65th minute Paul Roberts charged through only to shoot over from outside the box. He was immediately replaced by Aaron Thomas. Within moments Thomas had a "goal" disallowed for handball - which it was - and Gavin Allen fired over from closer range. Lewis Coady headed onto the roof of the net when City followers thought he had scored. Cefn also enjoyed plenty of possesion and forced Brett and Hazeldean, abetted by the relentless Emrys Williams, to defend deep. With hope fading Aaron Thomas showed good determination to win a corner on the right. Phil Johnson crossed it onto the edge of the six yard area for Lewis Coady to steal the points. At the end opinions varied, certainly Bangor could and should have scored more, but most visiting City supporters were glad of three points. |
2 P Johnson 3 Rowlands 4 E Williams 5 S Bird 6 S Williams 7 R Williams 8 L Coady 9 P Roberts 10 G Allen 11 Hazeldean Subs Brett Aa Thomas Cross Cefn Druids 2 Roberts 3 Rutter 4 Rowlands 5 Morris 6 Davies A 7 Penaud 8 Jones 9 Davies M 10 Williams 11 Phelan Subs Jeffreys Roden Montgomery |
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Saturday 16th October 1999 Corwen 1 v 2 Bangor City |
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| Bangor were
desrved if unimpressive winners in this hard fought duel at Corwen's War
Memorial fields. The general gloom amongst the visitors followers
was a though a fair reflection of a simple job made difficult. The first incident of the match came in the 17th minute when home centre back Andy Owen handled the ball overhead to stop Allen and Roberts running clear. He should have walked - but the ref, sorry the card, was yellow. Minutes later big redhead Dafydd Morris clobbered Emrys Williams to gain the second yellow. On the half hour Bangor took the lead thanks to Gavin Allen who ran clear on the right, cut inside, shot and forced a good save from Samuels but cooly slotted home the rebound. Three minutes later Mark Jones prompted a brilliant one handed save from Mulliner from a ten yard shot. Before half time both Gavin Allen and Lewis Coady went close, as did Phil Johnson on the whistle with a run and shot again well saved by the 17 year Corwen keeper. On the hour Emrys Williams headed City into a 2-0 lead from an inswinging Aled Rowlands corner. But before City could relax former Oswestry Town utility man Dafydd Morris - who hails from Glynceiriog - seized on a dreadful wayward pass from Bird to beat Mulliner, 2-1. On 72 minutes Bangor made their sole substitution when Cross replaced Paul Roberts, with Copady pushing into the frontline. The former Hereford trainee proceeded to hit the bar when he might more easily have scored, whilst Robbie Williams ran rings around the home defence to set up Gavin Allen whose shot again forced a fine save from Samuels. So a 2-1 win. Whilst this report accurately reflects that Bangor had far more chances, it does not convey the disappointing nature of the overall display. Perhaps it does now! |
2 P Johnson 3 Rowlands 4 E Williams 5 S Bird 6 S Williams 7 R Williams 8 L Coady 9 P Roberts 10 G Allen 11 Hazeldean Subs Bishop Aa Thomas Cross Corwen Ams 2 Pierce 3 Rowlands 4 Owen 5 Wilson 6 Bride 7 Austin 8 Jones 9 Roberts 10 Morris 11 Lowe Subs Jones Williams |
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Saturday 2nd October 1999 Bangor City 1 v 1 Cwmbran |
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| Bangor were
worth at least a point in this entertaining drawn match with the league
leaders which kicked off late because The Crows bus broke down. The only goal of the first half was bizarre and controversial in equal measure. Coady and Semple combined well, the former Prestatyn man appealed for a penalty but the Swansea ref waved play on, O'Hagan launched the ball upfield and watched as it bounced over Andy Mulliner and into the goal for a sixth minute lead. Ten minutes later Deiniol Graham was clean through but shot straight at Mulliner, on 25 minutes Lewis Coady cleared off his own line as The Crows made the most of the strong wind from the Farrar End. On the half hour Futcher hit the post from 30 yards, from the next effort Mulliner made a good save look easy. Ten minutes later Bangor forced their first and then second corner after good work by Semple and Rowlands; the second ended in a freekick which Coady struck well but unfortunately only made contact with the crossbar. The 52nd minute saw the first of five consecutive Bangor corners, the first three from our left, one saw a Coady shot deflected over, another a firmly met Bird header well saved by O'Hagan. The next action saw Mulliner save at Graham's feet, then Semple attempted a chip after a determined challenge by Johnson, then a long range shot by Lewis Coady was easily gathered by O'Hagan. On 67 minutes Paul Roberts replaced Semple, he immediately ran at the visitors defence and was clearly obstructed, the resulting free kick was wasted. The 76th minute saw O'Hagan make a good save from a corner, then O'Brien was very lucky to escape punishment as he fouled Jamie Davies. The freekick resulted in a corner which the aggressive Bird headed wide. No further incidents or goals, a better performance against valid opposition, much better. A special mention for the three defenders Hazeldean, Bird and Scott Williams, plus my Man of The Match, Emrys Williams who worked hard in midfield, and to good effect. |
2 P Johnson 3 Rowlands 4 E Williams 5 S Bird 6 S Williams 7 S Hazeldean 8 L Coady 9 J Davies 10 G Allen 11 Semple Subs Roberts Aa Thomas Cross Cwmbran 2 Carter 3 Wills 4 John 5 Blackie 6 O'Brien 7 Summers 8 Moore 9 Graham 10 Futcher 11 Wigley Subs Dyson Patmore Powell |
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Saturday 25th September 1999 Rhayader 1 v 3 Bangor City |
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| Bangor were
comfortble winner at Yr Weirglodd thanks to two goals from defender
Emrys Williams and an impressive display from Lewis Coady. City settled quickly and dominated the opening fifteen minutes with Lewis Coady showing well in midfield, in the 4th minute he nearly put City ahead with a run and shot which Barton eventually saved quite easily. On 10 minutes Steve Bird ran through and struck a fierce shot which again brought he keeper into action. From the resulting corner Rhayader only half cleared the danger and from an ensuing corner Emrys Williams headed just wide. It was the 17th minute when Rhayader had their first attempt on goal, a Crompton header tipped over the bar by Jason Turner. Ten minutes later the impressive Coady won the ball and cleverly found Gavin Allen, but the out of luck striker saw his chip hit the top of the crossbar. On the half hour, against the run of play, Rhayader took the lead as Russell was unmarked 10 yards out and he cooly beat Turner. Immediately though Ritchie Semple ran at and throught he home defence before unleashing a 25 yarder over the diminutive Barton and into the roof the the net for the City equaliser. In the five minutes before half time City killed the game as Emrys Williams twice netted with close range headers from crosses. Both times the defender attacked the ball and both times he found the back of the net. In between Lewis Coady had a good shot deflected - which led to one of the important corners. In the 65th minute Aaron Thomas replaced the tiring Temple, then Steve Bird pulled off a superb tackle on the edge of the City box on Rhayader sub Richard Jones. Three minutes later Turner made a good save from his namesake in the home side. Referee Gillham then incensed the visitors as he instructed Robbie Williams off the pitch for treatment after a heavy challenge. The free kick resulted in a corner from which Aaron Thomas shot but hit a defender, then saw another effort go wide, and quicky received the ball in the box, span round to create an opening but just failed to connect. On 75 minutes City again forced a series of three corners without managing to get a decisive touch. On 80 minutes Russell wasted a good chance for the home side, firing straight at a well positioned Turner, then Aled Rowlands who impressed at left wingback did well to block the lively Jones and concede a corner. In the final minutes Steve Bird fired in a fiercely hit long range left foot shot which Barton saved left handed. The resulting corner offered another good opportunity for Gavin Allen but unfortunately he shot wide. So 3-1 it was, an important win and imporved performance. In particular Turner looked calm and assured in goal, as did Scott Williams ahead of him, but my Man of The Match was Lewis Coady who was at the centre of all the positive moves from City. |
2 P Johnson 3 Rowlands 4 E Williams 5 Bird 6 S Williams 7 R Williams 8 Coady 9 J Davies 10 G Allen 11 Semple Subs Mooney Aa Thomas Cross Rhayader 2 Williams 3 Willis 4 McPhee 5 M Hughes 6 Crompton 7 Vick 8 Turner 9 Russell 10 I Jones 11 Williams Subs R.Jones Gittins Blair |
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Saturday 18th September 1999 Barry Town 5 v 2 Bangor City |
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| Bangor were
thrashed at Jenner Park by a Barry side which led 4-1 at half time.
The Wales on Saturday programme broadcast the unpalatable truth which was
dubbed with a mocking commentary "defence what defence?" at relevant moments.
There were five! These moments occured on the 15 minute when right winger Fry cut inside to shoot home past an exposed Brian Davies. On 26 minutes Terry Evans made things worse, as did Paul Evans on 32 when Davies flailed at a cross and 36 minutes when he dropped one.. Four nil down against a strong wind and rejuvenated Barry side; fair to comment that Davies in the City goal was poor, culpable for 2 of 4 conceded. Just before half time Gavin Allen set up Lewis Coady on the left of the Barry box, he calmly took the opportunity to beat the David Wells with a low drive, 4-1. Bangor replaced Cross with Semple, in a shuffle which saw Rowlands move to left back and Allen into midfield, Semple joining debutant Davies up front. The visitors then played which much more heart and purpose, and young Davies scored the simplest of chances following a difficult backpass which the keeper Wells headed onto his own crossbar, 5-2. At the death Gavin Allen fired a point blank opportunity against the cross bar when it looked easier to score, but all it would have done is ease the discomfort. Bangor appear to have no defensive capacity in midfield, and look most vunerable down the left, where Cross has steadily worsened. The other subs, Mooney and Aaron Thomas were not used, whilst the non playing 15th man was striker Paul Roberts who has patched up his differences with the club. A glimmer of good news, welcome back Paul. |
2 P Johnson 3 Cross 4 S Williams 5 Hazeldean 6 E Williams 7 R Williams 8 Coady 9 J Davies 10 G Allen 11 Rowlands Subs Semple Aa Thomas Mooney
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Saturday 11th September 1999 Bangor City 1 v 3 Aberystwyth |
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| Another defeat
at the hands of a bigger, better organised side. And yet on the first
half display the outcome could have been different, with Tommy Mutton
continually outpacing Foster on the visitors left, only to flounder for
lack of support. If Thomas (Ffred) had let Gavin Allen out of his
pocket for five minutes we might have scored. The developing Bangor tactic of "give it to Tommy" caused problems for Aber, and it was the little Denbigh Express himself who nearly scored close to half time, only to see his deflected shot loop wide for a corner. In fact Bangor forced a number of corners which Thomas and Lewis dealt with comprehensively. Disappointing when you look at the size of Sean! Unfortunately three minutes from half time Bangor's defence played statues as the limited but hard working Evans scrambled in a chance from a cross from the left at the Farrar End. On 55 minutes the lanky hairdressers model Glyndwr Hughes (wish he played for us) raced through and rapped up the points with the defence no where in sight. This was in many ways rough justice as Scott and Emrys Williams, plus Hazeldean had not defended that badly. The amazing sight then of Paul Mooney (our best player in my opinion and of everyone I spoke to afterwards) being replaced was mindnumbing. He was not injured; he had worked hard and tackled resolutely. His replacement was Lewis Coady. However it seemed a clever move when Tommy Mutton pulled one back, but in truth Tommy ran without support at and through the big Aber defence, rode his luck and scored from ten yards. It might have signalled a revival but it didn't and in honesty Bangor simply gave the ball away too often to build anything worthwhile. Also Rowlands was clearly injured. Overall then another horrible result and poor performance. I had Mooney down as my man of the match, awarding scores from ten is tedious and contrived - but on that scale neither Gavin Allen nor Robbie Williams would have got past three. Playing with Nine Men? There is much to do. |
2 P Johnson 3 Cross 4 S Williams 5 Hazeldean 6 E Williams 7 R Williams 8 Mooney 9 Mutton 10 G Allen 11 Rowlands Subs Semple Aa Thomas Coady Aberystwyth |
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Tuesday 7th September 1999 Connahs Quay 1 v 3 Bangor City |
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| The pre match
news was that Meirion has opted for a 5-3-2 system, with Emrys, Scott
and Sean Hazeldean forming a trio of central defenders, wingbacks Matt
Cross and Phil Johnson. The centre midfield was bolstered by Paul
Mooney who had Aled Rowlands to his left and Lewis Coady his right.
Up front, Aaron and Ritchie Semple. Gavin Allen was a sub because of late work commitments, Tommy Mutton said to be off to Swansea for a trial. The new forward line up made their mark within 3 minutes as Semple ran down the left, shot across Walsh who parried the ball to Aaron Thomas who tapped in from close range. On twelve minutes it was Semple who made it 2-0 with a similar finish after a low centre from the left, from Matthew Cross. Within minutes Aaron Thomas restored the two goal cushion as he grabbed a close range chance following some poor Nomads defending. Shortly afterwards the impressive Semple ran through on the keeper who partly saved his on goal effort which was then scrambled away by Hopkins. Then it was Davies' chance to shine in the City goal as he made excellent saves from Kenworthy and Griffiths. Nomads best spell coincided with the arrival of defender Jardine, City responded by bringing on Gavin Allen near the end. Overall a much better result, an improved performance, and all the players chosen clearly preferring the chosen system. Perhaps a best performance so far from Aled Rowlands, much better from Lewis Coady, and the three centrebacks. Also Paul Mooney, my MoTM for a hard working, constructive and destructive midfield display. |
2 P Johnson 3 Cross 4 S Williams 5 Hazelden 6 E Williams 7 Coady 8 Mooney 9 Semple 10 Rowlands 11 Aa Thomas Subs M Allen G Allen Bird Connahs Quay 1 Walsh 2 Hopkins 3 Carroll 4 Hutchinson 5 P Jones 6 Smythe 7 K Davies 8 Griffiths 9 Pepper 10 Kenworthy 11 Mazzarella Subs Jardine Rain |
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Saturday 4th September 1999 Llanelli 4 v 1 Bangor City |
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| Bangor were
thrashed at Stebonheath Park with goalkeeper Jason Turner at
least partly to blame for two if not three of the goals. However
some unconvincing defending plus a sending off did not help matters either.
Llanelli took the lead on 13 minutes with a goal from striker John Anderson, signed during the summer from Ammanford. Bangor drew level on 19 minutes when a good run by Tommy Mutton created an opening for Gavin Allen which he headed home for his fourth goal of the season. City had chances to go ahead, with Mutton again prominent, but failed to turn possession and good positions into chances. The little Denbigh flier hitting the post with a close range header. On the half hour Anderson struck again to make it 2-1. Further goals in the final twenty minutes or so from Paul Fowler and Mark Dickenson sealed the victory for Llanelli - and a third successive defeat for Bangor. Overall a disappointing defeat for City with below par defending largely to blame; back to the drawing board. |
2 M Allen 3 Cross 4 Bird 5 E Williams 6 Rowlands 7 R Williams 8 Johnson 9 Mutton 10 G Allen 11 S Williams Subs Hazeldean Coady P Roberts
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Saturday 28th August 1999 Bangor City 0 v 2 Llansantffraid |
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| Bangor were
wholly disappointing and deservedly beaten by an ordinary Llansantffraid
side containing the obligatory old boys, both in terms of ex players and
the pedestrian Hodges & McKenna. Bangor had the better of a goalless first half, in which chances fell to Paul Roberts who hit the side netting, and Cross who hit a long range effort wide. Even so the lack of direction was obvious and the time and space given to Hodges frightening. Also Turner was forced to make some good saves when the defence was found wanting. On 38 minutes Bird needlessly fouled McKenna, penalty - which the old stager took but Turner saved. Just before half time Gavin Allen had a "goal" disallowed for hand ball - which was probably a fair decision. After that both sides gave the ball away, both created some chances, with Bangor again enjoying possesion in midfield without creating many openings. Gavin Allen dropped into midfield. With less than ten minutes left the game effectively ended as sub Ricky Evans (who replaced Hodges) chipped the exposed Turner from probably 35 yards. That horrible Rhyl rat Millington, already booked for fouling Tom Mutton, should have been dismissed for shoving the little striker in the back and onto the dug out. It was a Swansea referee. That said, the sending off would have changed nothing, and the ref did not constantly give the ball away. |
2 M Allen 3 Cross 4 Bird 5 E Williams 6 Rowlands 7 R Williams 8 Johnson 9 Roberts 10 G Allen 11 Coady
Llansantffraid 2 D Parry 3 Millington 4 A Jones 5 Edwards 6 Alexander 7 Edge 8 G Evans 9 Hatton 10 McKenna 11 Hodges |
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Tuesday 24th August 1999 Rhyl 1 v 0 Bangor City |
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| Bangor
slumped to a single goal defeat in a game they should have won, had a
goal disallowed, and had upteem chances saved. The solitary goal came with around five minutes of the match left,a well taken effort from Danny Barton. For much of the time before Bangor had played the football whilst Rhyl concentrated on their six or seven man defence and hit and run attacks. The first half saw Lee Williams produce an excellent save from Gavin Allen, Sean Hazeldean head wide and Paul Roberts shoot wide following a good run. The three big defenders for Rhyl, Rutter, Thomas and Antrobus looked one paced (slow) and in front of them two more defensive minded plodders, Marsh and Webster, created little. Thomas and Antrobus frequently booted the ball off the park as if to frighten it away. However they had the inevitable good spell built around long punts forward, some good work from Barton and occasional defensive errors. Inevitably, with the game becoming more open and end to end, a mistake and slice of luck would prove decisive. Enter Barton and a good finish, followed by some more goalmouth scrambles and good saves from Williams. The goal came when perhaps 0-0 was an serious option rather than (admirably?) chasing the extra points. Sour grapes? It is disappointing to lose to such a poor footballing side; our lack of a experienced presence in midfield was evident. |
2 Fuller 3 Curtis 4 Antrobus 5 Rutter 6 Thomas 7 Cairns 8 Webster 9 Currier 10 Barton 11 Marsh Bangor City 2 Bishop 3 Cross 4 Bird 5 Hazelden 6 Rowlands 7 Williams 8 Johnson 9 Roberts 10 G Allen 11 Coady |
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Saturday 21st August 1999 Caersws 2 v 5 Bangor City |
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| A five
star performance from Bangor who were comfortable winners against a depleted
but competitive Caersws side. City took the lead on 23 seconds as Paul Roberts confidently converted Lewis Coady's left wing cross. The play was fairly even then, with debutant centreback Sean Hazeldean and no nonesense Steve Bird dominating the middle of the visitors defence. On 25 minutes Aled Rowlands ran through cutting in from the left to hit a firm pass to Gavin Allen which finished in fine style to make it 2-0. Within a couple of minutes Coady, Cross and Paul Roberts combined to create another opening for Allen who again finished precisely. Other first half chances created by the visibly improving Rowlands and hard running Robbie Williams fell to Coady and Allen, whilst Caersws hit the woodwork and then saw Bird chest a "certain goal" off the line. A combination of tiredness and complacency saw Caersws hit back twice through Geraint Lewis in the last fifteen minutes, but both were little more than consolation efforts. Overall a good afternoon, an impressive debut by the tall No 5, a promising display from Paul Roberts, and some very clinical finishing. No subs were used. |
2 Thomas 3 Jenu 4 Williams 5 Weetman 6 Hughes 7 Lewis 8 Whitticase 9 Clarke 10 Hamer 11 Davies Bangor City |
| Saturday 14th August 1999 Bangor City 0 v 2 Tranmere Rovers Friendly |
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Defeat but not dishonour for Bangor in their final friendly against a determined
Rovers reserves side for whom the best known player was goalkeeper Eric
Nixon. In a fast and furious game Rovers exploited the imbalance of our 4-3-3 system by taking the lead on 17 minutes with a far post header from Perry Taylor. Bangor hit back with Coady shooting wide and Bird heading over a Tommy Mutton corner. In the 24th minute Gavin Allen sent Mutton through but is attempted chip of the vastly experienced 6'4 stopper Nixon came to nothing. As the first half drew to a close Bangor were consistently exploited down their defensive right where Lee Dixon had two opponents to deal with on a regular basis. Half time 0-1 Ten minutes into the second half Bangor made a double substitution as Mutton and Aaron Thomas were replaced by Paul Roberts and Ritchie Semple. This seemed to lift the home side who created an opening for Bird whose diving header was well saved. On the hour Paul Roberts ran incisively and passed to Coady whose powerful shot was saved by Nixon, then Roberts himself had an effort saved by the keeper. With Bangor doing well Tranmere broke to settle the scoringafter more good work involving Jones and Holmes for Ryan Williams to score on 70 minutes. Minutes later Gavin Allen was injured and replaced by Danny Shepherd, with less than ten minutes to go Nixon saved at Semple's feet and then Rowlands conjured up a chance but shot over. Semple might have scored once more in the final minutes but just failed to do so. BANGOR: TURNER, DIXON, CROSS, MOONEY, BIRD, ROWLANDS, GAVIN ALLEN, JOHNSON, COADY, AARON THOMAS, MUTTON. This match report was brought to you courtesy of Mad Howard |
| Wednesday 11th August 1999 Holyhead 0 v 6 Bangor City Friendly |
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Another impressive result for Bangor on their pre season travels, another
hatful of goals - five in the second half. Bangor led 1-0 at half time thanks to a Tommy Mutton goal on the half hour. Other than this both teams had chances yet neither held a clear advantage. Bangor made three half time substitutions, goalkeeper Steve Taylor for Turner, plus Neil Wenham and Danny Shepherd for Robbie Williams and Gavin Allen. The second half was dominated by Bangor who led 2-0 on the hour again thanks to an impressive goal from Tommy Mutton, followed on 65 and 70 minutes by a brace of goals from Paul Roberts. The 4-0 scoreline prompted another handful of City substitutions which served to hand the iniative to Holyhead for whom Nigel Moore missed a number of chances. Bangor boosted their tally on 90 minutes when Aled Rowlands scored his first goal for the club with a shot from outside the box, then Neil Wenham converted a penalty after Aaron Thomas was fouled. So a 6-0 scoreline and another promising performance, with Paul Mooney, Aled Rowlands, Phil Johnson and Gavin Allen catching the eye. BANGOR: TURNER, DIXON, AARON THOMAS, MOONEY, DEWI HUGHES, ROWLANDS, JOHNSON, ROBBIE WILLIAMS, PAUL ROBERTS, GAVN ALLEN MUTTON. |
| Saturday 7th August 1999 Barmouth 1 v 4 Bangor City Friendly |
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A good result and satisfying performance from City again on another difficult
pitch and against determined opposition. Bangor took the lead after 10 minutes when Phil Johnson converted a penalty after Gavin Allen was fouled. Minutes later both Aaron Thomas and Aled Rowland shot across the face of goal. On the half hour Lewis Coady scored his first City goal with a tap in when the home 'keeper fumbled a Paul Roberts shot. Within five minutes Roberts himself made it 3-0 after good approach work from Gavin Allen. At half time Semple and Mutton replaced Paul Roberts and Robiie Williams, soon after Bishop and Shepherd came on for Lee Dixon and Aaron Thomas. To some degree this unsettled Bangor who became disjointed as players came and went and moved positions. Barmouth capitalised on a defensive error for their 7 to score in the 65th minute. Phil Johnson was then replaced by Dewi Hughes. Tommy Mutton scored a fourth five minutes later following good work by Coady on the left, other goals could have come but 4-1 was the final result. Overall good performances again from midfielders Rowlands and Johnson, and a good display from Paul Roberts up front. Also a mention for Lee Dixon, back after injury at Buckley, who was competent and composed at right back. BANGOR: |
| Wednesday 4th August 1999 Glantraeth 3 v 3 Bangor City Friendly |
| Another good workout with a few changes from the Buckley
game, most notably the first appearance of Gavin Allen and Robbie Williams.
Bangor took the lead in the first half through Gavin Allen, only for the home side to draw level via a penalty. Tommy Mutton put Bangor ahead before half time and the scoreline at the interval was 2-1 to City. The second half opened with former City youngster Carl Owen equalising for Mikey Owen's side, and Gerallt Jones putting them ahead. Fortunately Tommy Mutton scored a fine individual goal to finish the scoring and bring Bangor level. Paul Roberts made a good impression when he replaced Neil Wenham in the second half, whilst Aled Rowlands and Phil Johnson again looked impressive. The match was played in a good spirit on a poor, bumpy pitch. BANGOR: |
| Saturday 31st July 1999 Buckley 2 v 6 Bangor City Friendly |
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A promising start to the warm up matches - on a hot enough afternoon - as
Bangor cruised to a 6-2 win at the new Globe Ground in Buckley. In
particular robust centreback Bird and the skilful central midfield pair Aled
Rowlands and Phil Johnson caught the eye. Despite losing centreback Lee Dixon early on with a serious injury, Bangor were always too good for spirited Cymru Alliance opposition on a dry, bouncy pitch. Bangor led at half time thanks to two Phil Johnson penalties after blatant fouls on Semple and Mutton, in the 30th and 40th minutes respectively. The second half began with Buckley closing the gap to 2-1 in the 55 minute through Goodhall. Some unpleasant barracking from the home bench, much of it aimed at the abrasive Bird, appeared to spur Bangor on. Within two minutes Tommy Mutton hared through to easily beat the keeper for a 3-1 lead, whilst on 60 minutes Semple showed excellent composure and ability to cut in from the wing and fire home for 4-1. At 4-1 goalkeeper Brian Davies was replaced by Jason Turner, on 65 minutes Tommy Mutton raced in from the left to curl a right footer beyond the diving keeper. A truly pathetic dive on 70 minutes easily misled the tubby referee into awarding a penalty which Randles converted confidently brought the score to 5-2. Neil Wenham completed the scoring on 85 minutes to leave the visiting Bangor supporters reasonably happy with a promising display. Never thought I would see Aaron at right back and Lewis Coady at leftback! BANGOR: |