Newsdesk

THE NEWS FROM NANTPORTH

HOY SET TO BREAK ROBERTS APPEARANCE RECORD

   Blues defender Peter Hoy is poised to break the club's Welsh Premier appearance record for Bangor City

   If the ong throw king is in the action tomorrow against Prestatyn Town he will break Paul Roberts' total appearance tally of 218 games. At present both are tied on that number. Hoy as 191 starts plus 17 as a sub whilst Roberts numbers 182 + 26.
   Of course it all comes down to Nev Powell's selection tomorrow at around three o clock but City fans will hope popular Hoy breaks the record and moves closer to the 200 starts which is gradually looming in the not to distant future...

   Just a note of clarification - this record is purely in the Welsh Premier era - I am not sure if proper records exist before that time.

Welsh Premier League Action Returns

Saturday 4th February 2012
Welsh Premier League
Bangor City v Prestatyn Town

Brewerton Back To Lead Blues

Bangor captain Jamie Brewerton is set for a return to action on Saturday having served his one match suspension. And with 99 WP starts for City he is set to reach the hundred mark agai

nst coast rival Prestatyn Town.

   Neither manager was particularly busy in the transfer window, opting instead to trust what then know.
Prestatyn boss Neil Gibson would have been frustrated by his sides fruitless League Cup trip to Newtown in midweek which culiminated in a late postponement. At least he did not suffer any further injuries or suspensions.
   Gibson has a decision to be made in goal between WP first choice Dave Roberts and Jon Hill Dunt who stepped in for the Welsh Cup defeat at home to Cefn Druids.
   Whilst Gibson and fellow midfielder Ross Stephens are joint leading goalscorers with eight the usual front line threat comes from Shrewsbury based marksman Steve Rogers.
    Bangor boss Nev Powell signed goalkeeper Kyle Clancy in midweek but Lee Idzi is the likely starter behind captain Jamie Brewerton who bids to make that landmark appearance a winning one.
   With Mike Walsh departed for Aberystwyth midfield selections centre around Dave Morley, Damien Allen and Craig Garside.
   Up front regular strike pair Les Davies and Kyle Wilson are likely candidates as City bid to start the Nantporth era with a first league win.
   Here's hoping...
   Cmon City

City Sign Keeper Clancy

   Bangor City have signed goalkeeper Kyle Clancy from Barrow after his brief appearance as a trialist in the Wigan friendly last weekend.

   Twenty two year old Barking born Kyle played for the Everton youth side and Bury before signing for Blackpool where he was a regular member of their reserve side. He then moved to Burscough, and Conference side Droylsden before switching to Burton Albion and Barrow in October 2011.
   Kyle brings welcome cover for the goalkeeping position which could prove vital in the weeks ahead.

Mike Walsh Moves On...

Midfielder Mike Walsh has joined Aberystwyth

The popular 25 year old returned to Farrar Road towards the end of last season and rejoined the club officially during the summer.
Unfortunately

Mike had few chances to impress as the likes of Dave Morley, Neil Thomas and Craig Garside hit top form. His situation worsened with the arrival of Damien Allen and it was obvious that someone was likely to leave.
   "Walshy" is a likeable lad and bided his time patiently, but with the transfer window about the slam shut the option of first team football at Aberystwyth was hard to resist.
   His arrival at Park Avenue co incides with the departure of another former blue Ricky Evans who has been released
   Mike Walsh is a good footballer and should offer Aberystwyth a mucn needed consistency and standard of performance in midfield as they seek to push away from the relegation zone and challenge for seventh. The sad reality of this crazy "six and six" league set up is that he wont play against City now until next season.
   But with any luck Aber will be back next time around...
   Good luck Walshy.

Farrar Road on Stella...

Bangor City's iconic ground appears on Sky One programme

   The Friday night TV show Stella, broadcast on Sky One at nine o clock, is set in South Wales and features Ruth Jones who came to fame as Nes in Gavin & Stacey.
   Broadcast on Friday 27th January 2012 the storyline took in a pubscene as Stella sought to protect her son from a local ner do well.
   In the background a TV shows football, its S4C sgorio, a clip from Farrar Road.
   To be honest it took me by surprise, a moment of clarity, the fact that I would never watch football at Farrar Road again. But on the otherhand it confirms that life goes on and as long as it does we all keep alive those memories.

Premier League Visitors...

City Slip to Single Goal Defeat

   Bangor lost 2-1 to Wigan Athletic at Nantporth yesterday.
   The youthful visitors took the honours but both sides enjoyed a useful run out which also served as further familiarisation for City on the new Nantporth surface. Off the field 640 or so City fans found their away around the ground.
The visitors took the lead on the half hour through Tim Chow who ran through to beat Lee Idzi. But two minutes later City drew level as Les Davies headed home after Jamie Brewerton flicked on Peter Hoy's long throw. This was to be the only time Lee Nicholls and the Wigan defence, well marshalled by Josh Langley, was to be beaten. His father Kevin watched from the stand and even found time to share a few thoughts with Radio Bangor.
City rang the changes at the interval with Craig Garside, Neil Thomas, Alan Bull and Mark Smyth coming on for Dave Morley, Damien Allen, Kyle Wilson and Sion Edwards.
   Wigan scored what turned out to be the winner on the hour mark as Jordan Rugg netted from six yards. In the closing stages the trialist goalkeeper saved well on a couple of occasion to prevent Athletic from increasing their lead.
Bangor: Idzi, Hoy, Roberts, Morley, Brewerton, Johnston, Chris Jones, Allen, Davies, Wilson, Edwards
                 SUBS Trialist (keeper) Garside, Thomas, Bull, Smyth and Corey Jones
Wigan: Nicholls, Buxton, Trialist, Langley, McCormack, Chow, Watson, Morris, Rugg, Boorthman,
                Dawson SUBS Girvin, Breeze, Angoy, Hare, Robinson
   So well done Wigan, that makes close on 2000 who have filed through the Nantporth turnstyles so far - despite fears for our better fed supporters - and helps the club sort out any teething problems.
   Cmon City

Blues Launch Nantporth Era in Style	WEDNESDAY 25 JANUARY 2011
TUESDAY 24 JANUARY 2012 NWCFA CHALLENGE CUP Bangor City 6 v 1 Caernarfon Wanderers Chris Jones struck first and second as Bangor overhwhelmed visitors Caernarfon Wanderers.... Bangor fans had their first proper look at Nantporth and must have been impressed with matters on and off the pitch as City ran out 6-1 winners on the night. There was plenty of interest too as kick off had to be delayed by fifteen minutes to allow those lingering outside time to file in. A crowd of 1280 was recorded. And the coveted first goal at the new stadium went to Chris Jones who bagged a brace in the opening quarter to make the rest of the evening an enjoyable formality. To the football first. Chris Jones struck on nine and twelve minutes to end the visitors hopes and when Les Davies netted a third on twenty minutes it looked like being a cricket score. Things got worse for the visitors on the half hour as Sion Edwards crashed home from close range and within four minutes it was five nil with Craig Garside adding his name to the scoresheet. The second half began with Alan Bull deflecting Damien Allen's low shot but with a rout on the cards the Caernarfon side dug deep, kept playing and capitalised on some wayward finishing and great saves by their goalkeeper Dylan Roberts. An 82nd minute strike by substitute Gavin Lloyd Jones lifted their spirits and rightly rewarded a positive footballing approach to a difficult situation. Of the stadium itself, City clearly boast a stadium to be proud of. Over a thousand seats, a pristine new playing surface, a carpark (!) and of course a new club, tea huts, toilets etc. Superb. Those old days of spending a penny in the wind and rain at Farrar Road seem a distant memory! The "rumour" last night was that Bangor would play Colwyn Bay in the quarter final of the NWCFA Cup following this win. Confirmation or otherwise to follow.. Cmon City!
CONFIRMATION THAT WE DO HOST COLWYN BAY IN THE NEXT ROUND

Loan Watch...

City loanees John Owen and Eddie Jebb on target...

   The loanees lifted Conwy to a 4-2 win at Porthmadog - whose goals consisted of an og and an eighteen yard strike from Clive Williams. But the honours went to United whose third and fourth goals were scored by Eddie Jebb and John Owen respectively.
   Powerful 19 year old Owen now has a dozen goals in the CA this season - including nine for struggling Llangefni - only Mike Burke (15) and Gary O'Toole (19) have more.
   Sad news from the Traeth though is that former blues youngster Aaron Richmond left the field five minutes into the second period with a susepected broken ankle.
   Also amongst the goals in the Cymru Alliance was former blue Mike Burke who hit a hatrick . Worthy of mention too is one time Bangor youngster Darren Gowans who is in excellent form for Llandudno who won 1-0 at Rhyl on Friday night in front of a crowd of 424 at Belle Vue.

Blues Occupy & Train at Nantporth!

Bangor players trained at Nantporth today as City moved in...

It has been a long time coming! But at last Bangor City have a new state of the art home and the man behind the completion of the move, chairman Dilwyn Jones, was a happy man.

   ‘I am absolutely thrilled that we are now able to move into Nantporth and enter an exciting new era in the development of Bangor City FC. It has been a long time in the coming, and has involved an incredible amount of work by a large number of people, but we’re here at last, and will use this as a springboard to even greater achievement for the Club.’
   ‘I would like to thank all involved in completing this major project, particularly colleagues and supporters within Bangor City FC, former City Chairman Ken Jones who did so much preparatory work for us, City of Bangor Council and the development team.'
   City defender Michael Johnston and the long serving Peter Hoy were among the City squad who trained on Nantporth this morning with Johnno tweeting that he was impressed by the new arena. It is important that City players get used to the surface and surroundsby training and the forthcoming NWCFA Cup match ahead of the resumption of the Welsh Premier season next month...

Nev Powell is December Manager of The Month

Blues boss wins final award of 2011

   Bangor City manager Nev Powell is the WP Manager of The Month for December 2011.
   City began the month with a Welsh Cup exit at the hands of Llanelli but bounced back to win three Welsh Premier matches in a row.
   These began with a 2-1 Friday night win over Bala at Farrar Road, continued with another 2-1 success this time at Port Talbot and concluded with that rousing 5-3 defeat of Prestatyn in the last ever fixture at Farrar Road. In that sequence City were watched by more than 3500 supporters, including in excess of 2500 for the Prestatyn match.
   That City ended the first phase fixtures at the top of the table would also have helped!
   To trumpet his own case for player of the month Les Davies scored in all three league wins (and the cup defeat) but this was not enough to sway the judges - Matthew Rees of Neath won that award. A bit of glory for a defender for a change!
   Well done to both.

City Too Strong for United

Bangor

eased to a 6-2 win at Y Morfa tonight

   At near full strength Bangor were too strong for Conwy United in a mid season friendly at Y Morfa on Tuesday night.
   The only blues absentees were Lee Idzi who was spared the 300 odd mile journey whilst captain Jamie Brewerton watched from the bench. City's scorers were Peter Hoy (2), Chris Jones, Kyle Wilson, Alan Bull and young Corey Jones.
   In reply Conwy's goals came from City on loan pair Eddie Jebb and John Owen.

Loan Watch...

City loanee John Owen netted twice for Conwy yesterday

Talented young striker John Owen - who scored nine goals for Llangefni in the first half of the season - was on the mark again yesterday with a double for Conwy United as they beat Guilsfield at The Morfa.
Eddie Jebb also featured for United who were watched from the sidelines by City regulars Peter Hoy and Alan Bull...

Another promising City youngster Clive Williams played the full ninety minutes for Porthmadog who were unlucky to lose at Cefn Druids on Saturday afternoon.

CITY PAIR SIGN NEW DEALS

Sion Edwards and Les Davies have signed contract extensions

Reports in the Daily Post today confirm that two of City's finest - Sion Edwards and Les Davies - have signed contract extensions with the club.
Although no specific term or length of contract has been revealed it can be assumed that both left footers will be with City - at their new home at Nantporth - for next season and beyond.
This comes with clarification that Lee Idzi has also agreed to extend his deal to the end of next season - whilst taking in a summer stopover downunder.

The full story can be read on
DAILY POST

CITIZENS OF THE WORLD

This logo shows the TEN nationalities to have represented Bangor City in the Welsh Premier League:

But who are they?

1&2 Well the majority have been English and Welsh, too many to mention, but what of the others?
     3   The Eire (Republic of Ireland) players include Paul O'Friel and Graham Brett.
     4   Northern Ireland has been represented by Jon Hall who played under Ernie Whalley
     5   Centreback Jim McNulty represented Scotland as a youth, Graeme Sharp went a bit further...

6 Rene Bruce Pinard came from the Ivory Coast
7 Much travelled striker Sammy Ayorinde - and fellow Nigerian goalscorer Dele Adebola

     8   Goalkeeper Dimitris Brinias hailed from Australia
     9   A Swedish defender Martin Morey played under Meirion Appleton ten years back
   10   Finally the towering Adam Karim Docker played international football for Pakistan

FINALLY CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE FOR ALL THE PLAYERS
TO HAVE WORN A CITY SHIRT IN THE WELSH PREMIER

A Brace of Legends

Peter Hoy & Les Davies have joined the citizens choice Legends

The legends section features players from the past fifty years at Farrar Road.
With City leaving the middle of town and settling in Nantporth, it seemed like the ideal time to add to the section.
Peter Hoy is a wholehearted defender who has played in goal, across the defence, holding midfield and even found time to score the odd important goal and launch a thousand killer long throws. He has appeared in Europe a dozen times and made more than 200 league appearances for City.
Les Davies is a one time left winger who has remodelled himself as skilful centre forward who scores and makes goals, leads the line and to many City fans is - quite simply - The Truck. Stop him if you can!

Pej Flies Out/Duo Out On Loan

Shaun Pejic has flown to Canada...

Married scarcely fortnight ago blues defender Shaun Pejic has now fled the country!
The former Wrexham stopper has moved to live and work in Canada with his new wife.
Since joining City in the summer Pej made roughly a dozen first team appearances, scoring once. He cut a powerful yet patient figure around the first team squad and goes with the best wishes of everyone at Farrar Road.

Duo Go Out On Loan

Bangor pair Eddie Jebb and John Owen have joined Conwy United on loan, potentially until the end of the season.
Right winger Jebb has made just two starts for City this season and will clearly benefit from a run of games. Ever more so if he hugely promising John Owen is on the end of the crosses!
Centre forward Owen has been at Llangefni this season and has top scored with nine goals for the island strugglers.
Conwy boss Mick McGraa took over from departed pair Steve Jones and Dean Martin recently. He
“Both myself and the board have worked hard this week in completing two major signings for the club; John Owen is a quick striker and is also technically very good who I am sure will bring goals to our team. We have also brought in Eddie Jebb who will bring pace, skill and give us a different dimension in our forward play.”
United already boast a number of former blues in their ranks including midfielder Robbie Williams and striker Leigh Craven.
Conwy United host Cefn Druids on Saturday 7th January 2012 - both could make their debuts.

Paul Smith Moves On...

City goalkeeper Paul Smith has left the club

With goaleepers grabbing the headlines at Farrar Road came the news that Paul Smith has left the club.
   Smith made 129 League appearances for Bangor during four successful seasons. During this time he played a huge central role in the success which included three Welsh Cup wins on the bounce and that cherished Welsh Premier Championship in April 2011.
   It would be fair to say that with some outstanding saves, including some from the penalty spot, Smith was a pivotal figure. In making those 129 pretty much consecutive appearances he broke the 100 mark which had eluded the likes of Phil Priestley (90) and Nigel Adkins (95).
   Reflecting on his time at Farrar Road the departing keeper commented:
   "I would like to thank the fans over the past four years because they have been superb and without them I doubt we would have won what we did. I would like to wish you all future success and hope you create the same atmosphere at Nantporth like we had at Farrar Road."
   At present Paul has not signed for another club.
   Good luck and thanks..

   from penpics
   A former TNS and Colwyn Bay goalkeeper Paul Smith's outstanding performances were a feature of the successful Rhyl side of 2004.   In July 2005, after around 80 WP starts, he moved to Connahs Quay where he made another 60 WP appearances before following manager Nev Powell to Bangor City in June 2007.
   Following the Europa matches in 2010 Paul has ten European appearances for Bangor City and has won three Welsh Cup winners medals with the club. In 2011 he added a Welsh Premier championship medal with Bangor to his haul and had totalled 129 league starts for the club, a club record for a goalkeeper.

Idzi Staying...

Top the table - now more good news - Lee Idzi is staying put

After concerns that the young 'keeper might be tempted down under to try his luck in Australia, the welcome news that Lee Idzi has agreed to play on until the end of the season.
Idzi, aged 23, only joined Bangor City during the summer and had big gloves to fill as he replaced Paul Smith. But fill them he did and set a high personal standard which he quickly made him a firm favourite with the Farrar Road faithful.
This season Lee has passed the 150 league appearances milestone (with 22 at City under his belt he now stands on 152) which at such a young age is a tremendous achievement for a goallkeeper.
Nev Powell builds his teams around consistency of selection and team spirt.
Idzi staying is great news on both counts.

   from penpics
   Brecon based Lee Idzi was with Merthyr Tydfil as a youngster but has come to prominence in the Welsh Premier.
   He is best known for four seasons with Haverfordwest County whom he joined in 2007 but after 122 WP appearances for County he moved to Neath during the 2010-11 season. Lee was recognised as the oustanding goalkeeper in the league by the WP managers and featured in the end of season "select" side. He has also represented the Wales Semi Professional side.
   He joined Bangor during the summer of 2011 and appeared in the Champions League matches against HJK Helsinki which proved to be something of a baptisim of fire!

Five Star City Smash 'Statyn	MONDAY 2 JANUARY 2011
MONDAY 2ND JANUARY 2012 The Corbett Welsh Premier League Prestatyn Town 0 v 5 Bangor City Bangor ran riot on Bastion Gardens to stay top as the WP goes into hibernation Bangor made light work of the Prestatyn side which had run them close on that final match at Farrar Road less than a week ago. And the reason was simple. City attacked as well as they had in that first game but defended much better. And with Damien Allen shining on his debut there was plenty to smile about for the blue horde who swelled the crowd on a chilly but sunny afternoon at the seaside. The first strike came on eleven mnutes when debutant Damien Allen turned home Kyle Wilson's low cross from the left. Four minutes later Sion Edwards made it 2-0 as he crashed home a twenty yard volley to leave goalkeeper Roberts fearing the worse. When Prestatyn tried to get a toehold in the game Michael Johnston was first to the ball, Jamie Brewerton had Steve Rogers tucked in his pocket and both fullbacks covered intelligently. City then saw chances come and go. Chris Jones and Dave Morley went close, Lee Idzi saved from Steve Rogers, Les Davies ran on goal but Roberts saved bravely, Morley had a shot hacked clear and Damien Allen shot wide from the right. Kyle Wilson also shot wide as did Ross Stephens on the stroke of half time which ended with City two nil up. Eight minutes after the restart Chris Jones smashed home from twelve yards with Roberts grasping at thin air and on 63 minutes the improving Kyle Wilson finished stylishly from the left to put Bangor 4-0 ahead. The game went into the doldrums for a while but with seven minutes left substitute Mark Smyth rounded off a neat passing move to beta Roberts for the fifth and final time. There was a time for Dave Hayes to be sent off for something or other before Mark Whitby blew for time to the delight of the blues fans and the relief of those in red. The crowd by the way was announced as 550 or thereabouts. A good way to start the new year! Cmon City! check out the full account

Allen Poised for Bangor Bow	SATURDAY 31 DECEMBER 2011
MONDAY 2ND JANUARY 2012 The Corbett Welsh Premier League Prestatyn Town v Bangor City Midfield signing Damien Allen could make his Bangor debut at Prestatyn Bangor make their shortest away trip of the season on Monday to Bastion Gardens and a final league game of the opening 22 matches against Prestatyn Town. The two sides met a week ago in the final match at Farrar Road in that eight goal thriller captured by S4C cameras and witnessed by 2500+ supporters. One man who will not have enjoyed the scoreline though is Town manager Neil Gibson who will be keen to secure the points needed to confirm their top six participation after the break. He will have been concerned by his sides defending at Farrar Road and has the option of re-instating the burly Jon Hill Dunt in goal in place of Dave Roberts but his defensive options seem limited. Veteran midfielder Gareth Wilson has served a one match suspension and should be available to stiffen the goal scoring midfield butt doubts may surround striker Steve Rogers who left the field during the second half at Farrar Road during his 300th WP appearance. Young striker Karl Murray caught the eye during the previous game and could be set for a starting berth. Blues manager Nev Powell is unlikely to change his back five although Shaun Pejic's brief cameo in the final minutes at Farrar Road confirms his fitness and availability. Where City do have options though is in midfield where new signing Damien Allen has waited patiently for his chance since arriving from Colwyn Bay. Neil Thomas has served his suspension and is also hoping for a recall but Mike Walsh misses out after his red card at Port Talbot. The forward options available are unlikely to be exercised with Les Davies and Kyle Wilson in fine form although predicting a Nev Powell selection can be a dangerous business! A win would see City end the first chapter of the season on top of the table. Here's hoping... Cmon City! check out the seasiders

Blues Farewell Farrar Road in Style	WEDNESDAY 28 DECEMBER 2011
TUESDAY 27TH DECEMBER 2011 The Welsh Premier League Bangor City 5 v 2 Prestatyn Town Bangor duly and deservedly won this eight goal thriller. But credit to Prestatyn whose attack minded front six notched those three goals and contributed fully to the amazing spectacle that thrilled the 2590 crowd from start to finish. It all began with a blitz from Bangor for whom Les Davies headed home inside ninety seconds during a sequence of six corners in as many opening minutes. This was a sign of things to come and a second strike from local lad left winger Sion Edwards followed on 19 minutes. But Prestatyn refused to bow and Neil Gibson's brilliant solo effort halved the deficit on 26 minutes. It stayed at 2-1 as the half time whistle blew. On the hour Dave Morley unleashed a missile from 30 yards which put Bangor 3-1 ahead and three minutes later it looked all over when Craig Garside netted from closer in. But the visitors won a penalty on 66 minutes with Jamie Brewerton penalised - and needlessly yellow carded - for handball. Up stepped Ross Stephens to beat Lee Idzi's low dive to make it 4-2. With some twenty minutes left it was 5-2 and surely all over bar the shouting as DaveMorley added his second of the afternoon and fifth of the season. But Prestatyn's attack minded midfield were not beaten and with fifteen minutes remaining lanky midfielder Mike Parker also notched a solo strike to renew hope for the reds. And that was it for the goals. At the final whistle City fans young and old ran on the pitch for one last time. Not so much to celebrate the win or going top of the league at the new year, but to celebrate being a Bangor supporter and mark the end of a ninety year era in the club's proud history. To which Neville Powell's side look capable of adding Cmon City! check out the full report

Who Is This?

Everyday, sometimes more often, a face from the past of Bangor City at Farrar Road will be seen.
Next to it a simple question - who is this? The person in question could be a former manager or player from the clubs history.
The first seven mystery men are shown below and to the right

Steve Croudson!

Harry Hadley
Bangor Manager
1935-36

Tough taclking and
no nonesense late 1970s defender
Alan King

Centre half Albert Jackson from the Sixties & early seventies

Fullback or sweeper Chris Evans from the 1980s now assistant manager at Sheff Wednesday

Right back Steve Cooper from the end of the Appleton era, now Academy Manager at Liverpool FC.

Smart Arridge
from the 1890s

City Seek Groundman...

The official Bangor City website carries and advert for a groundsman (and more) for Nantporth.
   For full details:

   www.bangorcityfc.com

   The closing date for applicants is Friday 6th January 2012

Officials Badly Wrong - Again

   Sgorio Highlights confirm Bangor were badly done to once more...

   The match officials had two big decisions to get right and sadly it seems this was beyond them.
   At 3

3 referee Wayne Stephens is one of the younger whistlers in the Welsh Premier.
Credit where it is due S

tephens is an RAF sergeant and has served in Afghanistan.
   But his decision to send Mike Walsh off on ten minutes owed more to the concerted - and disappointing - efforts of the Port Talbot players. It was yellow card, a controlled full lenth tackle, not a venemous two footed lunge.
   Wrong decision, bad call and again Bangor seem to be on the receiving end.
   The second big moment came before half time when Martin Rose shot and hit the bar, the ball bounced down and quite clearly did not cross the line. Rules differ from sport to sport, but in football the whole of the ball must cross the whole of the line. The line can be up to but not more than five inches wide.
   It simply didn't but somehow a linesman - lets forget that assistant referee nonesense for a moment - saw the whole of the ball across the line. Which is wasn't. Explain that!
   One can understand why the beleagured Mark Jones over egged the sending off - but the match officials need to be better than this for a national league. They are simply woeful and despite what PR the FAW employ there is no sign of any improvement.
   Help!
   Cmon City!

click the photo for S4C footage

Powell Praises Battling Blues

Bangor boss Nev Powell was full of praise for his ten man Bangor side.

City had Mike Walsh sent off inside ten minutes but this did not prevent Powell's side from bringing the points home from Port Talbot.
But the two managers saw the incident quite differently.
Whilst blues boss Powell commented "We we very disappointed with the red card and felt a yellow would have been sufficient" Talbot manager Mark Jones countered " It was a bad tackle and we had Lewis Harlin, our best player, carried off so we suffered as well."
You have to consider how Jones' could refer to Harlin as his sides best player given that the game was only ten minutes old and the nineteen year old had made just four starts for Port Talbot all season.

   However Powell was full of praise for his Bangor side
"The lads were outstanding and the performance summed up what Bangor City are all about. The sending off only served to spur us on and we produced a display full of passion, heart and commitment".
   Doutbless City fans will tune into Sgorio tonight (Monday) at ten o clock to see the incident and the disputed goal from Martin Rose which many thought had not crossed the goalline.
   Regardless of this though Powell is right to praise all those involved - along with the noisy fans who made the tiring and tiresome journey - to keep City very much in touch with table toppers Llanelli.
   Cmon City!

updated placings

Ten Man Bangor Too Strong....	SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 2011
SATURDAY 17TH DECEMBER 2011 The Welsh Premier League Port Talbot Town v Bangor City Bangor won 2-1 at The Genquip despite playing with ten men for eighty minutes The fateful moment came in the tenth minute when Mike Walsh was red carded for a heavy challenge on Lewis Harlin who was replaced by Sacha Walters. But Bangor refused to panic, re-organised with three at the back, took the game to Port Talbot and won. The first goal came from leading goalscorer Les Davies on 29 minutes and within a minute strike partner Kyle Wilson continued his rich vein of form with a sixth goal of the season. Talbot responded with a goal from Martin Rose although City fans disputed whether the ball actually crossed the line. So a 2-1 half time lead for City and a chance of manager Nev Powell and Marc Limbert to reassess. In the end the second half could not quite live up to the first, with neither goals nor major incidents to report, although Bangor could feel proud of how well the ten men competed and stood their ground. And of course three vital points in the final away game of 2011. Cmon City! check out the full account

City Reserves Win...

   Bangor City reserves beat Llanllyfni 3-1 at Farrar Road this evening

A young reserves side bolstered by a handful of first teamers beat Gwynedd League rivals Llanllyfni 3-1 at Farrar Road.
The opening goal for City came from Eddie Jebb with Mark Smyth adding a brace to secure the win. Midfielders Mike Walsh and Damien Allen also featured to give the last but one reserves match at Farrar Road a happy ending.
   Check out the reserves link below for their fixtures and results for the season.

DOUBLE GOALSCORER MARK SMYTH

Les Davies Hits Fifty!

City striker Les Davies notched his 50th WP goal for the club on Friday

He did so with the first of his two goals against Bala and moved to 51 with his second half winner.

Les also has 18 goals from his time with Porthmadog to being his league tally to 69.
He becomes only the fourth Bangor player to pass the fifty goal mark in league matches. Above him are Frank Mottram, Paul Roberts and Marc Lloyd Williams, three of the top strikers in the twenty year history of the Welsh Premier.

   Originally signed by Peter Davenport in November 2003, Les moved to Porthmadog after scoring twelve goals in two seasons and quickly established himself as a firm favourite with The Traeth followers.
But two years on Nev Powell wisely made the return of The Truck one of his first signings and City fans will thank him for that.
   In the five seasons since - including one decimated by injury - the big left footer has scored 51 goals from 151 starts for Bangor. He has won Welsh Cup winners and Welsh Premier Championship medals and been capped by Wales Semi Professional side.
   To Bangor fans Les Davies is an iconic figure and to WP defences a feared but respected opponent. And despite all this he remains modest, self effacing and approachable to the average blues fan whom he meets on match days or around the area during the working week.
   Lets hope Les continues to close the gap on Mottram and co in the weeks and months to come...

12th December 2011

Bangor Mourns Former Manager Roy Rees

The death has been announced of Roy Rees who managed Bangor during the 1975-76 season. He died on 24th November 2011 in Temecula, California.

Roy made a big impact in his short time at Farrar Road, signing the likes of John McClelland and Frank Corrigan.

He was a lecturer at Bangor UniversIty who moved to live in the USA.
The following is an extract from the managers entry on Roy Rees:
While coaching in England, Roy Rees led the Skelmersdale United team to F.A. Amateur championships in 1967 and 1 971. During his years as head coach in Altrincham (1971 to 1977), the team won the Vauxhall Conference championship twice and the F.A. Trophy once. He also coached the national teams in Iraq, Iceland, Sudan, and Algeria, and was coach of the British team in the 1978 World University Games.
   As head coach of the US National U-17 Team from 1985 through to 1993, Roy Rees led the Americans to four consecutive appearances in the World Cup.
   Since living in America, Roy has also found time to co-author a book on football coaching.
   Our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

Monday 12th December 2011

Davies Double Lifts Bangor	SATURDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2011
Friday 9th December 2011 The Welsh Premier League Bangor City 2 v 1 Bala Town A brace of goals from leading scorer Les Davies lifted Bangor back to the top of the WP table thanks to a 2-1 win over Bala at Farrar Road. But it was the visitors who shook the 700 strong crowd with a seventh minute lead when former Rhyl and Buckley youngster Rees Darlington crossed from the left and celebrated an unlikely goal as Lee Idzi and everyone else seemed to miss the ball. Just after the half hour City drew level as Les Davies potted Kyle Wilson cross to send the teams in all square at one all at the interval. Ten minutes after the restart Les Davies doubled his tally with a calm finish from Sion Edward's defelcted shot. Sion Edwards rattled the woodwork with a long range freekick, referee Bryn M Jones went a touch beserk and started flashing the plastic as nine players - six from Bangor - saw yellow. In so doing he managed to yellow card Chris Roberts twice and send him off. We seem to have poor referees whether we win or lose, it just become pretty much pointless commeting on them. Nevertheless City go top of the table ahead of Aberystwyth v TNS which is live on S4C this afternoon, and Llanelli who host Prestatyn tomorrow. Well done! Cmon City! check out the full account

TV Highlights Prove Whitby Wrong

The S4C highlights of the Bangor City v Llanelli match prove that first half penalty award was wrong.

   The highlights show referee Mr Whitby in a good position to make - what proved to be - a bad decision.
   From the left of the box Chris Venables runs into the box, barges Neil Thomas off the ball, and heads for and slightly across goal.
   Enter Michael Johnston who slides in to win the ball with his leading foot and collide with Venables who goes down in the aftermath.
   The replay clearly shows the ball hop up against Venable's shin and bounce away as the two players go down. [click the photo for the S4C coverage]
   The net result a penalty that should never have been and lengthy treatment for the injured Michael Johnston
   At half time Bangor fans were angry - at me in passing - about the referee and at the time I could not see why. Glasses on order thanks and - Mr Whitby - could I get some for you whilst I'm at it?
   The fact that Mr Whitby lives in Swansea, 12 miles from Llanelli, and was deemed to be the ideal official to take charge of Bangor City v Llanelli now seems a little unsettling. A 300 mile round trip by the way.
   It is a result which has deeply upset Bangor supporters and shaved three or four possible fixtures off this briefest of schedules. Of course winning and losing are part and parcel of football, but perhaps the last ever Welsh Cup tie at Farrar Road deserved something slightly better...

Powell on Welsh Cup exit

Speaking to Dave Jones at the Daily Post, blues boss Nev Powell gave his view on Saturday's Welsh Cup defeat:

    I'm very disappointed, we had enough chances in the first half to put the game to bed but it never happened. We've been punished at the back. They had four or five chances and scored four goals."
    The penalty was a bit harsh. Michael Johnston has been fouled himself and the ref's pointed to the spot.
    That turned the game as they scored again just after that.
    Asked whether he felt it was a fair end result, Powell replied:
“Not really. The second half was pretty even, we did all the pressing and they sat back and defended, but in the first half we had enough chances to kill the game and disappointingly came in 3-2 down.
   We tried to keep Rhys Griffiths quiet, but he scored three goals. He took his chances, but how many did Kyle Wilson have? That’s the difference – you’ve got to put the ball in the net.”

What is the point?

Llanelli travelled to Farrar Road as Welsh Cup holders...

...and are currently sitting on top of the Welsh Premier League.
Yet despite this they appeared to bring only one supporter or official. When Surman equalised the only shout I heard was from the Llanelli bench. This seemed to be the pattern each time the lanky Rhys Griffiths scored. A Welsh Cup tie, the last one ever at Farrar Road for the holders or any other side, had to be worth a few hours in the car or coach?
You have to ask what on earth is the point running a club with no support?

Cup Dream Over	SUNDAY 4TH DECEMBER 2011
Saturday 3rd December 2011 The FA Welsh Cup Third Round Bangor City 2 v 4 Llanelli In four previous season's under manager Nev Powell reign City fans had enjoyed a Welsh Cup Final outing. Defensive blunders meant there will be no May weekend in the diary this season. The basic details are this. Bangor went ahead inside a minute through Kyle Wilson but immediately allowed big Lee Surman to equalise within two minutes of that initial strike. Fifteen minutes later Les Davies headed Bangor in front once more but, first from a penalty and then an unchallenged header allowed Rhys Griffiths to put The Reds ahead at the interval. Trailing 3-2 and undeservedly so Bangor tried to respond but a 59th minute hatrick strike from Rhys Griffiths effectively killed the game and sent the Llanelli fan home happy. There was some noisy advice for referee Mark Whitby as he left the field. He might have sent off niggly rightback Thomas for first a lunge and then an elbow on Sion Edwards. He might not have given the penalty. But in all truth defending like this against the top striker in the Welsh Premier is asking for trouble. And trouble we got. City have now lost twice in a row for the first time this season and leaked six goals in the process. Manager Nev Powell will doubtless be mulling things over between now and Friday night and the visit of Bala Town. Either way though the Welsh Cup run is well and truly over... Cmon City! check out the full account

Welsh Football Mourns Gary Speed

Welsh football manager Gary Speed has died at the age of 42.

The news of any death is sad enough, but far more so in the case of a young man with so much to live for.
Hawarden born Gary Speed enjoyed an illustrious playing career with Leeds, Everton, Newcastle, Bolton and Sheffield United amassing some seven hundred appearances in more than twenty years at the highest level. The left footer also won 85 caps for Wales and had made such a positive impact in his role as International manager.
   But more than this Gary Speed was an ordinary down to earth bloke who never forgot his roots and would watch his son playing youth football with the other parents.
   The thoughts of everyone connected with Bangor City and further afield are with his family at this terribly sad time.

Robins Nest Spells Danger...	SUNDAY 27TH NOVEMBER 2011
Saturday 26th November 2011 The Welsh Premier League Newtown 2 v 1 Bangor City Bangor came off second best at Latham Park today. Newtown ran out unlikely winners against Bangor today thanks to a wonder strike from midfielder Gareth Partridge. Truth be told this was a poor afternoon. The pitch was bumpy and unhelpful, the linesman judging City in the first half was quite bizarre, the referee was inconsistent and the whole afternoon was gloomy, grey and disappointing. Having said all that! Newtown took a seventh minute lead when Zak Evans latched onto a weak clearance to score from fiften yards. They might well have doubled the lead when Rushton hit the post from the left after Michael Johnston headed off the line. City finally settled and Les Davies went close on a couple of occasions as did Mark Smyth but not enough to get the better of goalkeeper Thomas. Into the second period and City drew level. A long throw from Peter Hoy on the right and Les Davies netted on 53 minutes. Bangor enjoyed the better of the second period creating, but not taking chances, but with no one closing down, midfielder Gareth Partridge lashed home from twenty five yards to beat the despairing Idzi all ends up. City tried hard to respond, fresh faced referee Harrington added four minutes, Mark Smyth fired across goal and Peter Hoy headed on target but Newtown held on for the win and three vital points. And sent City home empty handed. Cmon City! check out full account

Loanee Owen at The Double

At the start of the season Bangor City striker John Owen went out on loan at Llangefni.
He knew manager Mark Poole as his former City reserves gaffer but, a fortnight ago, Llangefni opted for a change and brought back their former boss Adie Jones.
Reports suggest Jones has a healthier budget than his predecessor as the C

A strugglers look to beat the drop. One of Jones' first signings was Ruthin Town striker Kevin Garland who had attracted attention from a number of CA clubs.
There are bound to be more comings & goings at Talwrn Road, so where does all this leave Big John?
Well the answer would seem to be better off!
19 year old John Owen has been a regular starter for the Island side in their thirteen league matches so far. They have only scored sixteen goals but John has five of them, and most encouragingly in a stronger side he scored twice as 'Cefni beat fellow strugglers Rhos Aelwyd 3-0 last weekend..
With Garland for company upfront, and Luke O'Mahoney sending over some crosses with a more experienced team across the park, the Chwilog youngster could be a big player for Llangefni in their fight to avoid the drop.
And hopefully play himself back into contention at Farrar Road in the process...

Bangor Sign Damien Allen

Bangor City have signed Colwyn Bay midfielder Damien Allen.

The 25 year old h

as signed for City but due to the transfer restrictions cannot play until the window re opens in January 2012.
Stockport born Allen was on Manchester United's books as a schoolboy but signed for Stockport County as a 14 year old in 2000 and went on to make

57 first team appearances for County under the management of Sammy McIlory before moving on loan to Royal Antwerp in 2007 where he made fifteen loan appearances.
   In August 2007 he signed for Morecambe in the League Two and made a further twenty appearances before moving to Bury and then Halifax. Damien joined Colwyn Bay in July 2010.
   Neville Powell commented:
   'I am delighted to have signed a player of Damian's quality who will hopefully take us to the next level, he will add strength to what is already a strong midfield and will make the competition for places in the team even greater which in turn will keep all the players on their toes as we enter the second half of the season.
   I would like to thank the Chairman and the directors for their continued support and also to Colwyn Bay FC for their co-operation in allowing us to sign Damian'
   So proof that Nev Powell and Marc Limbert are tough taskmasters. This signing comes after a 4-3 away win at Park Hall against full timers TNS.
   Good job they didnt draw!

click photo above for Sky Sports news item

LEE IDZI IS THE OCTOBER WP PLAYER OF THE MONTH

     Bangor City goalkeeper Lee Idzi is the Corbett Sports Player of the Month for October.
The former Haverfordwest and Neath gloveman has been in outstanding form as the last line of defence for current Champions Bangor, who climbed up to second during the month with four wins from five matches.
   Lee Idzi was nominated as Man of The Match by three opposition managers during that fine run, including Aber boss Alan Morgan who witnessed a double penalty save as City won against the depleted Seasiders.
   Idzi arrived with big gloves to fill. Paul Smith had featured prominently as City won three Welsh Cup Finals in a row and then reached a fourth after winning the Welsh Premier title.
   A hard act to follow, but the 21 year old seems up to the job and has won the blues faitfhful over with some outstanding saves.

What John Deakin Said Five Weeks Ago
About that Prestatyn game Despite recent comments and criticisms from Bastion Road about pre planned Boxing Day activities, this email shows that both clubs have known for some time that the Christmas fixtures were to be reversed. It was not at the request of either club. You could argue it has upset a lot of supporters and caused a good deal of column inches in various guestbooks and forums. The date shown of 21st September is five weeks ago now and some twelve weeks in advance of Boxing Day. And yes some issues need to be resolved, not least the lack of payment for the host clubs as a minimum - but to be fair that is for another day.	(Sent to Bangor City + Prestatyn FC) I have received a request from S4C that the fixtures over the Christmas/New Year period between your two clubs are reversed, the revised schedule to be as follows: Tuesday 27.12.2011 Bangor City v Prestatyn Town KO 14.30 Monday 2.1.2012 Prestatyn Town v Bangor City KO 14.30 This is to enable S4C to broadcast the final game ever played at Farrar Road live. There is no live programme on 2 January, hence the request for a change. John Deakin 21st September 2011

Powell Points Elbow At Griffiths...

   Following Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Stebonheath blues manager Nev Powell has claimed Llanelli striker Rhys Griffiths should have been sent off for an elbow in the face of midfielder Craig Garside.
    Former Everton starlet Garside left the pitch before the half time whistle suffering from a facial injury.
   "Griffiths shouldn’t have been on the field to score those goals," Powell told the Daily Post's Dave Jones..
   "We were very concerned for Craig at half time as he’d been knocked out by what was clearly an elbow."
    Of course Bangor fans will remember The Welsh Cup Final 2008 at Latham Park which saw Griffiths red carded for a cowardly elbow in the face of leftback Martin Beattie in the closing minutes of added time as City led 4-2.
    At Stebonheath City led 1-0 at the interval and conceded two goals to Griffiths in the closing fifteen minutes.
    Those blues fans unable to travel to Stebonheath will watch Sgorio tonight with a certain added interest...

Monday 17th October 2011

Second Half Salvo Sinks City	SUNDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2011
Saturday 15th October 2011 Corbett Sports Welsh Premier Llanelli 2 v 1 Bangor City - Rhys Griffiths proves blues undoing After taking an early lead through Peter Hoy, a decisive double strike from Rhys Griffiths secured the points for Llanelli as Stebonheath this afternoon. Just seven minutes had passed when Peter Hoy headed home but City suffered an injury set back on 26 minutes when Mark Smyth was forced off and replaced by Sion Edwards. Although still leading at the interval there was a second blow for Bangor as Craig Garside was also injured with Dave Morley taking his place. A third blues change saw Kyle Wilson come on for Alan Bull on sixty six minutes. However City held firm until fifteen minutes from time when Llanelli were awarded a penalty for handball. Michael Johnston was yellow carded for the "offence" as he tried to block a goalbound shot. Up stepped leading goalscorer Rhys Griffiths to convert the spot kick and level the scores. There was just four minutes of the ninety remaining when a close range finish again from Rhys Griffiths put the home side ahead with what proved to be the winning goal. So a disappointing afternoon for Bangor with points lost and key players injured. This result sends Llanelli second and within a point of TNS who drew at Bala last night. Neath to come next Saturday at Farrar Road so no time to wallow in pity or self doubt... Cmon City! check out the full account

champions on parade!	SUNDAY 12TH JUNE 2011

Welsh Premier champions Bangor City parade the trophy today The fifteen year wait is over. This morning Bangor players and officials board an open topped bus for a parade of honour around Bangor - with the Welsh Premier title taking pride of place. The parade forms part of the Bangor City carnival event whose organisers include blues supporters. Hundred of City fans are expected to turn up to see the homecoming and recognise the achievement and progress the club has made during the past twelve months. Rumours that the FAW have insisted that Jamie Brewerton be forced to walk behind the bus have been dismissed by club officials. He is allowed onboard but not upstairs.

Champions!	SUNDAY 1ST MAY 2011
The Welsh Premier Bangor City 1 v 0 TNS Bangor City are Welsh Premier champions after fifteen years of hurt. City fans turned out in good numbers - to be fair there was a tense mood - until on sixty seven minutes Craig Garside scored from close range, This was an odd afternoon. City attacked the St Pauls End in the first period and the win blew in their faces from the deserted Dickie's boat yard. Blues boss Nev Powell opted for Darren Moss at centre half with Peter Hoy at right back - it worked a treat - whilst TNS drafted in young Connell Rawlinson alongside Phil Baker. A goalless first half belonged more to Bangor than TNS but so what? A blank scoreline suited the eighty or so celtic style supporters and City fans held their breath. Les Davies and Alan Bull went close whilst Craig Jones threatened with a low shot on Paul Smith's goal. Referee Dean John waved away some appeals for fouls and handballs and by and large got things right. The second half was as quiet and at times disjointed as the first, with Michael Johnston looking comfortable alongside the influential Darren Moss and leftback Chris Roberts sweeping calmly when required. And finally the all important goal. No sooner had Phil Baker limped off on 66mins than Peter Hoy hurtled a long throw into the box from the right. Big Dave Morley headed on for the alert Craig Garside to net from close range. There were not that many chances in the time that folloed. Tension aplenty of course but not too many difficult moments for either keeper. Certainly Paul Harrison abandoned his time wasting tactics but his side could do little to upset the blue applecart and despite five minutes of injury time it was City who triumphed and celebrated at the final whistle. A third Welsh Premier championship for Bangor, the first since 1995, and a welcome shot in the arm for Welsh football. Cmon City!
Champions