THE NEWS FROM FARRAR ROAD







  CS Maritimo v Bangor City
WEDNESDAY 28TH JULY 2010

   Destiny Awaits...

   With the final members of the party arriving today, the Bangor contingent are converging on Madeira and a date with destiny in the Europa League.
   The dramatic final five minutes of the Honka tie are etched in Bangor folklore but this is a chance for Nev Powell and his side to firmly claim a place in the club's history.
   It is of course a tall order.  CS Maritimo are a full time club, who like City are effectively out of season, as distinct from the Irish side Sporting Fingal they defeated in the last round.
   Last season they finished fifth and were beaten to the Portugese title by Benfica, with Braga, Porto and Sporting Lisbon also above them. Amongst their former players are Paulo Alves, Nuno Valente and - more uniquely - former Wolves legend John Richards.
   The present Maritimo squad includes around a dozen Brazilians alongside Algerian striker Abdel Charrad who has scored seven goals in 18 appearances for his country. Other Internationals include Djalma Campos who has a dozen caps for Angola.
   So what of Bangor's chances?
   Manager Powell was part of another midfielder turned manager's side which put City on the map in 1985.  Then it was John Mahoney who picked the side and Powell who carried out his instructions alongside the likes of Mark Palios and Les Armor.
   Now the circle is complete and Powell and his able lieutenant Marc Limbert will look to the likes of Nicky Ward, Craig Garside and Honka goalscorer Dave Morley to keep their shape and discipline during the all important first leg.
   Bangor will have to be at their very best, from front to back and from start to finish. They will need Maritimo to have an off day and for the rub of the green on the day.  Then who knows?
   What is clear though is that this Bangor side, the squad and the management, have already done more than anyone expected. They will not lack for effort and heart.
    Cmon City!

BANGOR CITY

1 Paul Smith
2
Peter Hoy

3
Chris Roberts

4
Dave Morley

5
Jamie Brewerton

6
Michael Johnston

7
Eddie Jebb

8
Craig Garside

9
Les Davies

10
Nicky Ward

11
Sion Edwards

12
Chris Jones

13
Andy Mulliner

14
Alan Bull

15
Matthew Hurdman
16
Marc Limbert

17
Clive Williams

18
Ashley Stott

19
John Owen




 




  Blues Fly Out On Monday
SUNDAY 25TH JULY 2010


   Bangor boss Nev Powell and his side will fly out to Madeira on Monday.
 
 
With some Bangor fans already on the Portugese holiday island, the Bangor party will follow suit on Monday ahead of Thursday's historick clash.
   The time of year and short notice have combined to make travel arrangements particularly difficult, but a decision was made to make the most of the "inconvenience" and ensure thorough preparation.
   Some City fans are flying from airports afar afield as Exeter to make sure they are in Portugal on time - with necessity once again proving the mother of invention.







  



  Heroes of Honka!
FRIDAY 23RD JULY 2010

   Late Double Salvo Flattens Finns!

   Trailing from the 20th minute it seemed all over for City.
   After that all important away goal in Finland it was set fair for a goalless draw that would take City through this Europa tie/
   Unhappily Sampo Koskinen has other ideas and his clean strike from twenty yards on 20 minutes gave Honka the lead - and an away goal.
   Just before half time Sion Edward and Les Davies did enough to unsettle the previously firm looking Espoo defence, but with ten minutes to go it looked like curtains for Bangor.
   And then!
   Sion Edwards crossed and Dave Morley headed home a vital equaliser with five minutes on the clock.  Minutes ticked by, extra time beckoned, the fourth official indicated three minutes of added time. And then it really happened.  Nicky Ward shanked his effort and as just about everyone else stood and watched Chris Jones prodded home from close range.  
   Wow!  The Bangor supporter erupted as the 20 man squad and management celebrated wildly!


Bangor City:
Smith, Hoy, Roberts, Morley, Brewerton, Johnston, Jebb (Bull 61), Davies, Ward, Edwards, Jones.
Subs Not Used: Mulliner, Hurdman, Limbert, Clive Williams, John Owen.

<>Honka Espoo: Peltonen, Koskinen, Heilala, Vuorinen, Paatelainen (Vasara 70), Puustinen, Koskimaa, Savage, Otaru, Lepola, Schuller.
Subs Not Used: Henriksson, Aalto, Vayrynen, Heikkila, Rasimus.


BANGOR CITY

1 Paul Smith
2
Peter Hoy

3
Chris Roberts

4
Dave Morley

5
Jamie Brewerton

6
Michael Johnston

7
Eddie Jebb

8
Craig Garside

9
Les Davies

10
Nicky Ward

11
Sion Edwards

12
Chris Jones

13
Andy Mulliner

14
Alan Bull

15
Matthew Hurdman
16
Marc Limbert

17
Clive Williams

18
Ashley Stott

19
John Owen



  
   Sporting Fingal 2 v 3 Maritimo (Maritimo won 4-6 on aggregate)

   Bangor discovered the face a race against time to make their travel arrangements for a trip to Madeira after the Portugese side edged out Dublin based Sporting Fingal, winning both legs.
   This second tie was settled by Alonso, Marquino and Kanu with Eamon Zayed netting both for the Irish hosts.
   Bangor visit Madeira - and Portugal - for the first time on Thursday 29th July and play the return a week later.


  




  Hopes Held High
WEDNESDAY 21ST JULY 2010

   Bangor Back in Blue for Racecourse

   After donning red for the match in Helsinki it is back to blue for Bangor for the Europa League Second Leg at
The Racecouse on Thursday night.
   City boss Nev Powell will be hoping that the famous blue shirt brings out the best in his cup kings who performed so heroically in Finland last week.
   Hopes are high that captain Jamie Brewerton will have recovered from the stomach bug which forced him off early in the second half, and that a couple of others with aches and pains report fit.
   That dramatic equaliser from Chris Jones - after the dangerous Demba Savage had given Honka the lead - earned both a draw and the huge advantage of an away goal.
   There are some famous names amongst the nine who have scored for Bangor in Europe. Roy Matthews, Reg Hunter and Jimmy McAllister (2) all v Naples back in 1962.  Everton Williams against Frederikstad in 1985, Frank Mottram v Akranes in 1994,
Paul
Roberts against Sartid in 2002, Ricky Evans twice against Gloria Bristrita and more recently Les Davies home to Midjylland in 2008 and now Chris Jones..
   Strike partners Jones and Davies will be keen to double their tally and boost Bangor's hopes of progression.
   But Honka have hopes of their own, in the form of Jami Puustinen (who scored in the corresponding match last year) and Demba Savage who scored in Finland last week.  
   Reports suggest that Gambian International Savage may have visa problems blocking his entry to Britain, but doutbless his club's officials will be working overtime to overcome this obstacle.
   Bangor boss Powell, ably assisted by the perceptive Marc Limbert, has steered the club to a position of hope. Last year after the first leg there was precious little. City still start as underdogs, albeit ones with an advantage after that first leg, but Honka will still feel they have a great chance of going through.
   All to play for...
   Cmon City
  
   Lying in Wait....

BANGOR CITY

1 Paul Smith
2
Peter Hoy

3
Chris Roberts

4
Dave Morley

5
Jamie Brewerton

6
Michael Johnston

7
Eddie Jebb

8
Craig Garside

9
Les Davies

10
Nicky Ward

11
Sion Edwards

12
Chris Jones

13
Andy Mulliner

14
Alan Bull

15
Matthew Hurdman
16
Marc Limbert

17
Clive Williams

18
Ashley Stott

19
John Owen



  
   Sporting Fingal v Maritimo

   Kicking off fifteen minutes later than City, the two sides who lie in wait, Sporting Fingal and Maritimo clash in Dublin.
   The Portuges visitors lead 3-2 from the first leg but the Irish hosts must have a great chance given their two away goals.  The oddity of European competition dictates that whichever two sides emerge as winners from Wrexham and Dublin will play next week, with Bangor or Honka away in the first leg.



  



  Bangor Mourns Ken Barnes
SUNDAY 18TH JULY 2010

    Former Bangor manager Ken Barnes dies, aged 81.

  Ken Barnes managed Bangor only briefly, for a short spell at the start of the 197-71 season, taking over from Mick McGrath and handing over to John Doherty.
  Not one to suffer fools gladly, the straight talking Barnes had previously managed Wrexham but is best known for his forty odd years as player, coach and scout at Manchester City.
  He is known as the father of former Manchester City (and United) winger Peter Barnes who made gained twenty England caps, and Michael Barnes who played for Bangor in 1979. 
   Our thoughts and sympathies go to Ken's family and close friends.





  Bangor Far From Finished!
SATURDAY 17TH JULY 2010

    Chris Jones Strikes Gold!

   If Chris Jones had any second thoughts about joining Bangor he wont have now! The little Nefyn striker netted a second half equaliser as City earned a one all draw and a genuine chance of Europa League progress.
   But the first half was all Honka with Paul Smith saving from Puustinen and other shots flying wide. Ten minutes before the interval Paatelainen missed a penalty for Honka but they led the minute before the interval as Demba Savage headed home from eight yards.
   Trailing at the interval City responded with a strike from Chris Jones on 58 minutes which levelled the tie.  Les Davies held the ball up and slid the little striker in on goal, his low finish beat Peltonen from outside the box and secured that all important away goal.  Schuller and Koskinen went close for Honka but Bangor stood firm and celebrated wildly at the final whistle.
   All still to play for in Wrexham next Thursday - Bangor even have the audacity to hold that slight advantage!
    STARTING LINE UPS
City:  Paul Smith, Peter Hoy, Chris Roberts, Michael Johnston, Jamie Brewerton, Dave Morley, Eddie Jebb,
         Craig Garside, Les Davies, Nicky Ward, Eddie Jebb.
Honka: Peltonen, Koskinen, Koskimaa, Aalto, Helkklla, Schuller, Paatelainen, Savage, Puustinen, Lepola, Vuorinen
  

  DUBLIN OR MADEIRA FOR EUROPA WINNERS

    If Bangor win their way past Finnish opponents Honka next Thursday they face a trip to Dublin or Madeira.

   The draw on Friday lunchtime paired Bangor or Honka with the winners of Sporting Fingal and CS Martimo, of Dublin and Madeira respectively.
Fingal go into this Thursday's second leg at Bohemians ground in Dublin trailing 3-2 after the first leg.  They have a great chance of going through and optimistic Bangor fans are already keeping their fingers crossed that City and Sporting can win through to stage an exciting Celtic deryby.
   Long way to go yet though!
   Whoever is involved has little time to make their travel arrangements as the matches are scheduled for Thursday 29th July and 5th August.



  Bangor Off To Honka..
WEDNESDAY 14TH JULY 2010

   City In Red for Finnish Test

   Bangor City, players and officials, head off to Helskini on Wednesday morning for their Europa League clash with Honka Espoo.
   And Bangor will return to a red strip for the away leg and then don blue for the return leg at Wrexham a week later.  The red is change for the better and represents the end of the road for the unfamiliar yellow which was introduced by then manager Clayton Blackmore.
   More importan
t though are the players who will wear the City colours, and manager Nev Powell has announced his squad - and numbers - ahead of the Helsinki match.
   The only newcomers to the Bangor squad apart from those on duty in the Welsh Cup Final 
at Parc Y Scarlets in May - are Chris Jones and Alan Bull plus goalkeeping cover in the form of Andy Mulliner.
  Jones arrived in May from local rivals Porthmadog whilst Bull signed more recently from Wirral based Cammel Laird FC.  The surprise inclusion of Mulliner adds experience to the squad. 
  "Mullers" is no stranger to Farrar Road having played for the club during the final NPL years and then in the WP during the 1999-2000 season. Andy spent last season with Ellesmere Rangers whilst working as a goalkeeping coach with Wolves.
   But without without wishing to put too much pressure on the fit again left footer, something
tells me Bangor's hopes of pulling off a positive result may rest on Les Davies who is likely to lead the Bangor attack. 
   Big Les missed much of last season with a knee injury, returned for a Welsh Cup cameo but - with a few pounds shed along the way - looks in good shape for the tough Honka test.
   Reports suggest as many as a hundred Bangor fans are travelling from various parts of the globe, and had the luck of the draw seen the ties reversed I would have been one of them.  The exodus began on Monday and seems set to continue to the land of the £10 pint until the last possible moment!


BANGOR CITY

1 Paul Smith
2
Peter Hoy

3
Chris Roberts

4
Dave Morley

5
Jamie Brewerton

6
Michael Johnston

7
Eddie Jebb

8
Craig Garside

9
Les Davies

10
Nicky Ward

11
Sion Edwards

12
Chris Jones

13
Andy Mulliner

14
Alan Bull

15
Matthew Hurdman
16
Marc Limbert

17
Clive Williams

18
Ashley Stott

19
John Owen



   Honka though are not to be taken lightly. After 13 games in the Finnish league Honka are 
second behind HJK Helsinki with 23 points compared to 30.  Previous opponents of Bangor's in Europe, FC Haka, lie in tenth. They are full time, play in a competitive league and Finland are 52nd in the FIFA World rankings whilst Wales are 77th.
   Their most dangerous player may well be Under 21 Cap and former Manchester United youngster Jami Puustinen with seven goals to his name this season and 33 from 91 games all together,
   Nevertheless City have a real chance of coming home with all to play for - so lets hope that Thursday evening is the scene of a few celebratory pints in the Finnish capital.
   Cmon City!

Jami Puustinen

   KICK OFF TIME SHOWN IS UK TIME - NOT LOCAL TO HELSINKI - PLEASE CHECK




  Blues Draw......
SUNDAY 11TH JULY 2010

    Bangor drew with Everton at Farrar Road yesterday.

   Before a crowd of close on 750 Bangor took a two goal lead but were eventually pegged back by a youthful Everton side.
   The opening goal on the half hour came when Jamie Brewerton headed home Sion Edwards corner, and before half time left winger Sion Edwards doubled the adantage.
   But second half strikes from England Youth International Hallam Hope and then Anton Forrester levelled the scoring and both sides had to be happy with a draw - which suited the occasion - in what turned out to be an entertaining visit by the Goodison giants.
   City now look forward to their journey to Finland and a stiff Europa test against Honka Espoo. 
    STARTING LINE UPS
City:  Paul Smith, Clive Williams, Chris Roberts, Michael Johnston, Jamie Brewerton, Dave Morley, Chris Jones,
         Nicky Ward, Les Davies, Eddie Jebb, Sion Edwards
Everton: Adam Davies, Jordan Barrow, Jake Bidwell, Ged Kinsella, Aris Nsiala, Dan Murphy, Adam Forshaw,
                                               Hope Akpan, Conor McAleny, James Wallace, Nathan Craig.
  




  Bangor Bag Bull!
FRIDAY 9TH JULY 2010


    Bangor City have completed the signing of Cammell Laird striker Alan Bull

   The 23 year old striker played for City in the friendly at Buckley Town and signed on the line this week.
   At Cammell Laird, Alan was a team mate of City winger Eddie Jebb and has previously played for New Brighton of the West Cheshire League where he played - and scored - for the league representative side.
   Birkenhead based Alan is likely to be included in the squad for the visit of Everton tomorrow and will join the travelling party for the trip to Finland a few days later.
   
  





  Bangor Welcome Everton
FRIDAY 9TH JULY 2010
 
   Bangor City welcome an Everton X1 to Farrar Road on Saturday

   The young Toffees, led by former Rhyl defender Andy Holden, are due at Farrar Road on Saturday afternoon for City's final warm up match before the Europa League.
   Flint born Holden is well known in North Wales. He left Rhyl in 1983 and made precisely one hundred appearances for Chester City - and was capped by Wales - before moving to Wigan and then Oldham Athletic. His career was hit by injury and his time amongst the backroom staff at Everton has seen many managerial changes since Joe Royle appointed him in 1994.
   The Everton squad is likely to includes the likes of goalkeeper Carlo Nash and Iain Turner, Irish defenders Seamus Coleman and the towering Shane Duffy, Bangor born midfielder Nathan Craig and scouser Adam Forshaw and strikers Kieran Agard and Jose Baxter.
  Bangor boss Nev Powell will be keen to settle on a side and shape to take on Honka Espoo five days later. Apart from departed pair Dave Swanick and Mark Smyth the rest of the Welsh Cup winning squad are still on City's books so there should be a familiar look to the Bangor side.
   One last point, the match is billed as a 3pm kick off.
  




  Big Les Lashes Home As City Draw
WEDNESDAY 7TH JULY 2010
 
   Bangor drew one all at Buckley Town on Tuesday night

   This evenly fought encounter at Globe Way ended up all square which was a fair reflection on the balance of play.
   Bangor started with a 4-4-2 formation which included pretty much the City side of last season but with Chris Jones on the left and trialist Alan Bull alongside Les Davies upfront.
   Eddie Jebb was dangerous down the right but the Bucks defence - with Mark Orme and the towering Gareth Edwards prominent - held firm.
   After a goalless first half City took the lead on 55 minutes when Les Davies sent a right footed curler inside the left hand upright from twenty yards.  But after a flurry of substitutions Bangor allowed Buckley back into the game midway through the half as Neil Wynne slotted home after Paul Smith had made a fine save from Liam Caddick.
   The final twenty minutes was end to end, subs came and went, some old and some new!  Young John Owen came on upfront whilst Clive Williams also enjoyed a run out at rightback.

   Next up for Bangor is a 3pm ko v Everton X1
at Farrar Road on Saturday 10th July 2010
    




  Morley Strikes As City Lose
SUNDAY 4TH JULY 2010
 
   Bangor gained match fitness despite a 2-1 defeat at Llanelian Road yesterday.

   In front of a crowd of just over 350 the home side took the lead inside five minutes as Alan Bull beat Paul Smith with a wel placed curler.
   Chris Jones forced a good save from the Bay keeper but he could do nothing as Dave Morley headed home an inviting cross from Eddie Jebb on twenty minutes.
   It was one all at the interval.
   The only goal of a second half of many changes came when Mike Burke prodded home against his old side to secure a one nil win in what was a game played in good spirit and with little heavy contact.

   Next up for Bangor is a 7pm ko at Buckley Town on Tuesday night.....
    



  WP Season Starts Against Neath
THURSDAY 1ST JULY 2010
 
   As promised the Welsh Premier fixtures for 2010-11 were released on Wednesay 30th June.

   Bangor kick off on Saturday 14th August 2010 with the visit of Neath and follow that up with a Friday night trip to Bala Town who have grabbed the headlines today with the reported signing of Mark Jones form Wrexham after Ricky Evans left for Newtown.
  City round off the month with the visit of last season's runners up Llanelli.
  The oddity this year is that the schedule only runs as far as January 2011. At that point the league is divided into the top and bottom six who then play each other again in a further run of ten home and away fixtures. Quite bizarre but the brainchild of some well meaning individual no doubt.
   Once the top and bottom six are decided upon the seventh placed team cannot finish higher than seventh, but under another strange lunge towards incentive for the strugglers, they will play off for the third place European entry position.

   The new schedule for Bangor is online at FIXTURES whilst the remainder can be seen on WP FIXTURES.
    



  Pre Season Kicks Off
TUESDAY 29TH JUNE 2010

 
   After the leg work and lung bursting comes the first pre-season game.
   With a good few miles under their belts - and the odd practice match - City get their first taste of football this weekend with a trip along the coast to Colwyn Bay.
   This 12.30 kick off gives manager Nev Powell a chance to assess his team's state of readiness ahead of the Europa League encounter with Honka, and to run the rule over new signing Chris Jones.
    Colwyn Bay have seen their manager Neil Young leave to take up the challenge of reviving Chester City but move quickly to appoint popular player Dave Challinor as his replacement. Reports suggest former Bangor fullback Martin Beattie has signed for the Unibond side whilst Steve Aspinall - son of former blues boss John - has also trained with The Bay ahead of the new campaign.
    Blues boss Powell is thought to be on the look out for a new striker with Lee Hunt having departed, but no names are being mentioned as yet.
    




  Honka Espoo Eto!
TUESDAY 22ND JUNE 2010

   Blues Face Honka Espoo In Europa League Draw
   

   It was the draw that no one expected yet everyone seems happy enough with.
   Bangor face a second tilt at Finnish side Honka Espoo in the second preliminary round of the Europa League after Monday's draw in Nyon.
   The order of the draw suggests that City will travel to Finland for the first leg on Thursday 15th July 2010 and play the return at Wrexham a week later.
   For what it is worth there is no absolute confirmation yet that this order is set in stone. However there is a post on the club's Facebook site that this is the case.
   Last season Bangor travelled to the Helsinki area side and lost the opening encounter 2-0 and then trailed by a solitary goal at Wrexham in the return.
   With ten games played in the Finnish league Honka have 17 points and lie in second place, four points behind leaders HJK Helsinki on 21.
   Here we go!




  Euro Draw Looms
SATURDAY 19TH JUNE 2010

   Blues In The Hat For Monday's Draw
   
   Along with the other Welsh qualifiers, Bangor City will learn something of their fate when the UEFA draws are made at Nyon, Switzerland at around lunchtime on Monday 21st June 2010..
   City will be one of eighty clubs in the second qualifying round draw. The system involves placing the clubs into one of eight "hats" which each holds ten clubs, five seeded and five not.
   In the first case though UEFA must make the draw for the first qualifying round, with matches to be played on 1st & 8th July 2010. The draw - scheduled for 1pm Central European Time - will be for the first two rounds, the draw for round two will follow round one.
   Effectively then City will know they face the winners of one specific first qualifying round, with our matches to be played on the Thursday 15th & 22nd July 2010.
   The winners of the second qualifying round then go forward to the third round draw which takes place on 16th July 2010.



  Nev Powell is Manager of The Season
MONDAY 14TH JUNE 2010

   City Boss Scoops Top Award

    At the annual end of season gathering of clubs - held this year at Llandudno - the annual player and manager of the season awards were announced.
   And it was Bangor boss Nev Powell who scooped the top award following City's third Welsh Cup win in a row.  Powell beat chief rivals Andy Cale and Mark Jones of Port Talbot who were also shortlisted.
   Other awards were Player of The Season which was won by Port Talbot's Liam McCreesh who got the nod ahead of TNS defender Steve Evans and 'Talbot team mate Martin Rose. 
   The young player of the year was surprisingly won by Craig Jones of TNS, ahead of Talbot left back Scott Barrow and Bangor striker Jamie Reed.  Surprising perhaps that Jones, whose father Brynley managed the old Oswestry Town side, is now 23. Nevertheless there would seem to be no age restriction.
  
   FARCICAL FIXTURE FORMAT IN FORCE

   What first seemed like an unfunny joke has been confirmed as a WP reality.
   The fixture lunacy outlined in the article below (of 8th June) has been accepted by the WP clubs and will be in place from August 2010.
    So the 8th placed club - out of 12 - will compete for a European place.  Unbelievable.
  



  Gareth Parry Takes Over At Port
TUESDAY 8TH JUNE 2010

   Former Bangor midfielder Gareth Parry is the new manager of Porthmadog

   
The 29 year old steps in as Tomi Morgan once again returns to Carmarthen who have parted company with Deryn Brace after a disappointing season.
   Gareth Parry made a handful of first team and reserve appearances for City in two spells, back in 1999 and more recently in Nev Powell's first season in charge at Farrar Road. Most of his career though has been spent with Porthmadog where, in seven season, he has racked up roughly 150 WP appearances - and now faces the challenge of returning the club to national league status.
   Given that leading goalscorer Chris Jones has just joined Bangor, Gareth has work to do, and will be keen to get home from his USA holiday to get to grips with keeping the better players and strengthening his squad. The new look CA promises to be difficult, with Rhyl hanging on to seasoned campaigners John Leah and Gareth Owen. It could be a tough test.
    Good luck Gareth!
  



 Clubs Meet To Square The Circle..
TUESDAY 8TH JUNE 2010

          With twelve clubs left after the cull of 2010, its decision time...

The surviving clubs have to decide on a fixture format this weekend...
The twelve who must decide:

Playing four games home and away, generating 44 fixtures (thats two less than all three English football leagues) and could be accommodated easily enough by abandoning the largely ignored League Cup.

Playing each other three times, generating 33 games, but containing some inequality of home advantage between the clubs.
The wierd and wonderful Scottish option which involves playing 22 games and then splitting the league into top and bottom six who play within those groups, and generates the unwelcome scenario of seventh finishing below - yet on more points - than sixth.
The bizarre "Dutch" option which also involves playing 22 games and then splitting the league into the top and bottom six who play fixtures within those groups. Then, to continue the absurdity, the clubs go into play offs! The champions and runner up go into Europe, but the next five go into a long winded play off system to produce one eventual "winner" whose prize is the remaining European place. Given that the Welsh Cup winner would probably come from the top seven, there is every chance the eighth placed club would be involved!
That eighth placed club could then represent Wales in Europe.
Thats eighth out of twelve?  Bonkers.


Aberystwyth Town
Airbus UK
Bala Town
Bangor City
Carmarthen Town
Haverfordwest County
Llanelli
Neath
Newtown
Port Talbot
Prestatyn Town
TNS

Which means that, having been bullied by the FAW into accepting a twelve club league, the survivors have to agree on some vaguely acceptable fixture format.
The South Wales clubs have reportedly come to an agreement on the ludicrous Dutch format - which means anything else is virtually impossible.
Those six are Aberystwyth, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest, Llanelli, Neath and Port Talbot.
The other six are Airbus, Bala, Bangor, Newtown, Prestatyn and TNS.
In normal circumstances it would be vaguely worrying that six clubs have formed a power base to push through their own plans. These days it is par for the course.





  Chris Jones Signs
SATURDAY 29TH MAY 2010


   Powell Swoops for Port Striker

   Bangor Cty have confirmed the signing of Porthmadog striker Chris Jones.

  
The 24 year old right footer was top goalscorer at The Traeth last season with six league goals in a difficult campaign.
   Chris began his football career with Leeds United before joining Bournemouth on loan. He spent a spell in Ireland with Limerick before moving closer to home with Colwyn Bay. He has been capped by Wales at Under 19 and 20 level.
    In Welsh Premier circles Chris has played for Caernarfon Town, Llangefni and, for the past two seasons, Porthmadog. He has scored 19 goals from 118 starts and - with no disrespect intended - impressed in some struggling teams.
    Chris was a target for then blues manager Steve Bleasdale some years ago.
    A Nefyn based winger or striker, he also continues the club's policy of seeking to bring the best local players to the Farrar Road whenever possible.

    Welcome to Bangor!
  
  




  First Pre Season Matches Announced
SATURDAY 29TH MAY 2010

   Goodison Giants To Visit Farrar Road

   Bangor City have announced some initial pre season fixtures:

   Saturday 3rd July   at Colwyn Bay (ko 12.30pm)
   Tuesday 6th July    at Buckley Town (ko 7pm)
   Saturday 10th July  v Everton X1 (ko 3pm) [FARRAR ROAD]
   Wednesday 28th July at Chester (ko 7.30pm) provisional
  



  Welsh Cup Prize Money Increased
MONDAY 24TH MAY 2010

   The FAW have added £50 000 to the prize money for 2010-11.

   Not all for the winners though!

   Although the prize money awarded to the winners goes up from £25 000 to £30 000.
   There is also a later start for the (fewer) Welsh Premier clubs who now enter in the third round in November.
   The full details - including conference dates - are as follows:
Qualifying Round 1 - Saturday 14th August 2010
Qualifying Round 2 - Saturday 28th August 2010
Round One - Saturday 11th September 2010
Round Two - Saturday 2nd October 2010 (Losers in this Round get £750)
Round Three - Saturday 6th November 2010 (Losers in this Round get £1,500)
Round Four - Saturday 29th January 2011 (Losers in this Round get £2,500)
Round Five - Saturday 26th February 2011 (Losers in this Round get £6,000)
Semi Final - Saturday 9th April 2011 (Losers in this Round get £12,500)
Final - Saturday 7th May 2011 (Runners-Up get £20,000 and Winners get £30,000)




  Lee Hunt Moves On
WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2010

   Bangor striker has signed for coast rivals Prestatyn Town.

   Lee returned to Farrar Road from Rhyl during the January 2010 transfer window and - despite not quite breaking the net - played and well and scored some important goals. He won over the doubters with his wholehearted displays and added that all important Welsh Cup Final strike to five league goals.
   Lee has also been something of a controversial character since entering WP circles in June 2002 when he joined City from Helsby. He enjoyed a prolific and successful spell with Rhyl and is now set to wear the red of Prestatyn.
   Good luck to Lee.
  



  City Granted License
TUESDAY 18TH MAY 2010

   Bangor City were one of a number of clubs who secured the coveted license after today's appeal hearing in Cardiff.

   The appeal hearing lasted for five hours and City officials were informed at tea time that all had gone well.
   Well nearly all, for the successful clubs which were Bangor City, Airbus, Bala, Llandudno and Porthmadog.
   Those who did not win their appeal were Afan Lido, Connahs Quay, Llangefni and Rhyl.  The last name on that list will come as a surprise and disappointment to most Welsh domestic football fans.  Bangor have been deprived of their arch enemies, their local rivals and biggest gate.
   Not all the successful appellants though will be in the Welsh Premier as they did not finish high enough in their
league table.
   The final list now looks like this:
   North Wales (5):    Bangor City, Airbus, Bala Town, Prestatyn, TNS
   Mid Wales (2):       Newtown, Aberystwyth
   South Wales(5):     Carmarthen, Haverfordwest, Llanelli, Neath, Port Talbot
   So congratulations to all involved with Bangor, especially I would imagine chairman Dilwyn Jones who has put in a huge amount of effort to ensure that everything was in order.  He wont thank me for mentioning him, definitely someone who prefers to keep quiet and  get on with the job in hand. Sorry Dilwyn, but...
   Well done!
  



  The Citizens Choice Player of The Year..
MONDAY 17TH MAY 2010

    Chris Roberts

  Chris joined Bangor during the summer of 2009 to replace one of my favourite City players Martin Beattie!
  After appearing the Honka Espoo games Chris missed a couple of WP matches and appeared to take a few games to settle in.  However once he had he grew in confidence and became one of the most consistent performers at the club.
  Chris went on to make 32 WP appearances at left back.  From Christmas onwards, with both Dave Swanick and Clive Williams injured, the Bangor back four had a settled look with Peter Hoy, Michael Johnston and
Jamie Brewerton settled alongside Roberts. You can only defend well with a settled defence, but then only if the four work well together.  They did this with growing authority.
   Chris Roberts showed the important knack of being in the right place at the right time, of winning tackles and headers and of making important clearances.  As his confidence grew his passing and general distribution did likewise and launched many a counter attack.
   All in all an impressive first season and hopefully the first of many.
   Well done Chris




Citizens Choice Player of The Season
1999-00
Aled Rowlands
2000-01
Ritchie Owen
2001-02
Marc Lloyd Williams
2002-03
Simon Davies
2003-04
Alan Goodall
2004-05
Clayton Blackmore
2005-06
Paul Roberts
2006-07
Sion Edwards
2007-08
Michael Johnston
2008-09
Peter Hoy



  Hatrick Heroes - Six of The Best
WEDNESDAY 12TH MAY 2010


   Half a dozen City players have now won three successive Welsh Cup winners medals with the blues.

   Can you name the six?
   If you cannot, then they are Paul Smith, Peter Hoy, Michael Johnston, Les Davies, Marc Limbert and Sion Edwards.
   Player manager Limbert (2) and goalkeeper Smith (1) also won the cup with coast rivals Rhyl to have five and four to their names respectively.
   There are also a trio of lads who have won two medals, Dave Swanick, Jamie Brewerton and Clive Williams, still with the club. 
   To this you can add four who won twice before moving on - Martin Beattie, Mike Walsh, Kieran Killackey and Christian Seargeant.


Welsh Cup Winners 2008

Welsh Cup Winners 2009

Welsh Cup Winners 2010

4 v 2 Llanelli

2 v 0 Aberystwyth Town

3 v 2 Port Talbot Town

Stott, Seargeant, Limbert, Noon

Les Davies, Seargeant

Hunt, Reed, Morley
1
Paul Smith
1
Paul Smith
1
Paul Smith
2
Dave Swanick
2
Dave Swanick
2
Peter Hoy
3
Peter Hoy
3
Peter Hoy
3
Chris Roberts
4
Michael Johnston
4
Michael Johnston
4
Dave Morley
5
Lee Webber
5
Jamie Brewerton
5
Jamie Brewerton
6
Christian Seargeant
6
Kieran Killackey
6
Craig Garside
7
Marc Limbert
7
Marc Limbert
7
Jamie Reed
8
Mike Walsh
8
Mike Walsh
8
Michael Johnston
9
Les Davies
9
Les Davies
9
Lee Hunt
10
Ashley Stott
10
Christian Seargeant
10
Eddie Jebb
11
Sion Edwards
11
Sion Edwards
11
Mark Smyth

SUBS

SUBS

SUBS
12
Karl Noon
12
Martin Beattie
12
Les Davies
14
Martin Beattie
14
Clive Williams
14
Marc Limbert
15
Kieran Killackey
15
Paul McManus
15
Sion Edwards




16
Clive Williams




17
Mattie Hurdman

 
   Youngest ever double winner?

   There is also an interesting question surrounding local youngster Clive Williams who has two winners medals to his name at the age of nineteen.  I wonder if records exist to see if he is one of - if not the - youngest player to win two medals?
   More specifically perhaps two winners medals with one club by that age?
   Clive is a hugely promising youngster, arguably the best player to through the ranks since Owain Tudur Jones.
   Any welsh football historians out there with an answer?



  






  Bangor Mourns Ian Lawther
THURSDAY 6TH MAY 2010

  
Bangor City supporters have been saddened to learn of the death of Ian Lawther

   Former Northern Ireland striker Ian Lawther died on 25th April 2010 at the age of  seventy.
   Belfast born Ian began his career at Crusaders but came to prominence with Sunderland for whom he scored 41 goals in 75 league matches between 1958-61.  He had tried his luck with Manchester United as a youngster, but like another Irishman became homesick and went back to Belfast.  Whilst building a reputation as a no nonesense centre foward Ian played for Blackburn Rovers, Scunthorpe, Brentford and Halifax before signing for Stockport County in 1971.
  At Halifax Ian won promotion from the old Fourth Division under the management of Alan Ball senior. By the time of his move to Stockport he had remoulded himself as a midfielder but at Farrar Road, where he arrived during the summer of 1976, Ian was a centrehalf.
   His Football League career showed 178 goals from 577 appearances, alongside four caps for Northern Ireland from 1960-62.
   This was a Bangor side guided by Dave Elliot and a typical line up, from October 1976 v Northwich Vics showed the following line up:
   1 Peter Eales  2 John McClelland  3 Phil Lunn  4 Dave Elliot  5 Ian Lawther  6 Kevin Williams 7 Dewi Atherton  8 Tony Broadhead  9 Pat Olney 10 John Hughes 11 Derek Hughes
                                                                            Sub
Derwyn Hughes
   Ian will be remembered an influential figure in that Bangor side, and as an approachable gentleman who brought professionalism to the side and the younger players around him - including future Northern Ireland cap John McClelland.
  After his retirement Ian returned to Halifax where he kept a tailors shop and then moved to live n Swindon.
   Our deepest sympathies go to Ian's friends and family.






  Hatrick Heroes
SUNDAY 2ND MAY 2010

   The Welsh Cup Final 2009-10
  Bangor City 3 v 2 Port Talbot Town

  Bangor City made it three Welsh Cup wins in a row at Parc Y Scarlet yesterday.
   City took a sixth minute lead through Lee Hunt and doubled that advantage when Jamie Reed headed home on fifteen minutes.
   With Dave Morley in commanding form and the back four resolute City held the lead until the interval but thirteen minutes after the restart a close  range finish from Drew Fahiya halved the deficit and five minutes from time Liam McCreesh levelled.
   Bangor had a couple of shouts for penalties turned away by referee John but refused to be disheartened.
   With thoughts turning towards extra time and fitness levels, the fourth official declared five minutes of added time. City needed less than two for a foul on Lee Hunt to yield a freekick delivered by Sion Edwards and headed home by Dave Morley to the delight of the blue horde.
   Bangor played out the remainder of what turned into six minutes and were able to celebrate a third successive Welsh Cup win, European entry and everything that goes with it!
   Well done blues!
DAVE MORDAVE MORLEY IS MOBBED TWO MINUTES INTO ADDED TIME

HATRICK HEROES - CITY CLINCH THEIR THIRD WELSH CUP WIN IN A ROW!




  Jamie Reed Wins Coveted Award
TUESDAY 27TH APRIL 2010


   Bangor striker Jamie Reed has won this season's Phil Stanley Award.

  The free scoring striker has 29 goals to his name and reportedly polled more votes than any previous winner.  He joined City during the summer of 2009 and initially played wide right before the departure of Chris Sharp.
   It is not just the goals scored though - or their quality - but also his all round play which has earned Jamie the award named after a well respected Daily Post sport journalist.
   Previous winners include Michael Johnston, Gareth Owen, Lee Hunt and George Horan.

   Jamie is pictured being presented with his award by Daily Post sports reporter Dave Jones.

.