| BANGOR CITY
MATCH REPORTS 2016-17 |
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2015-16 |
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Europa Play Off |
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 EUROPA LEAGUE PLAY OFF FINALThe pre match news was gloomy for City. Experienced striker Dan Nardiello was away on holiday, booked well in advance, so young Rittenberg and Burnley loanee Brad Jackson stepped in, and up. Attacking the Antelope End, playing into a gusting wind, Bangor dominated the opening ten minutes. The clearest sight of goal came to Henry Jones who shot from the left was pushed away by Will Fuller. On five minutes a Bangor corner was played low to Gary Taylor Fletcher but his first time strike was pushed over by Fuller. It was the thirteenth minute that Cardiff cleared their heads, won a corner and wasted it by fouling Connor Roberts. But the balance had shifted and the students were now a threat. On twenty minutes a booming diagonal from Gary Roberts found Gary Taylor Fletcher but he headed wide.City won a corner but the visitors broke and it took a determined challenge from Brad Jackson to halt the danger. With Danny Gossett, Gary Taylor Fletcher and Damien Allen on top in midfield City had the better of things, Gary Roberts a threat down the right and of course Henry Jones drawing defenders into making mistakes all round the pitch. On the half hour a foul on Henry Jones by Brad Woolridge led to a freekick which Gary Roberts delivered and Will Fuller dropped but his defence reacted first to smash clear.  Two minutes later Bangor had the lead. Henry Jones slid the ball forward from the right - and was clattered by Kyle McCarthy - for Gary Taylor Fletcher. The player manager controlled the ball and picked out Dean Rittenberg who picked out the bottom corner with his low drive. One nil. Five minutes later Connor Roberts bagged a weak shot from Adam Roscrow as the students struggled to sustain a serous challenge on the blues goal. Referee Bryn Markham Jones had played a good advantage for the Bangor goal and was clearly trying to keep a low profile. His leniency on the visitors defenders who repeatedly fouled Henry Jones was evident again four minutes before the interval. But overall so far so good for the whistler. Cardiff mounted a measure of pressure on the Bangor goal in the final minute and into added time. Paul Connolly stopped Rhys Thomas who fell injured to floor. Three successive corners followed, bringing their first half tally to six, but Paul Connolly and Anthony Miley stood firm and goalkeeper Connor Roberts claimed the third cross and the danger passed. A single goal advantage for City who would also benefit from the wind in the second period. photo above with thanks to Andre Pepper of Menai Photograph
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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| One change at the interval as Jordan Lam replaced Rhys Thomas. Six minutes after the restart a yellow card for a foul on Henry Jones, Josh Barnett the offender. Five minutes later a good save from Connor Roberts to deny Elliot Evans who clean  strike
threatened the blues lead. On the hour another foul on Henry
Jones, this time Jordan Lam, and deep freekick from the right which
Anthony Miley stretched for but could not control. On 62 minutes a change by both sides. Long serving Sion Edwards replaced Gary Taylor Fletcher who left to a warm applause, then Ben Bowler replaced Josh Barnett. A freekick for a foul by Paul Connolly on Adam Roscrow, a yellow card for a clear pull by the blues centreback. Cardiff were pushing Bangor back and as their corner tally reached eight they had the ball in the net. But again credit to the officials for spotting the clear use on an arm to control the ball by Adam Roscrow before he turned and tapped home. The deft ball skills of Brad Jackson sent him clear down the right to cause absolute chaos in the visitors defence but Anthony Miley could not quite direct his header goalwards. Substitute Sion Edwards forced a good save from Fuller who also repelled a follow up from Brad Jackson. With eleven minutes to go Damien Allen was replaced by Yalany Baio who proved himself a bundle of energy in the midfield. Matt Taylor lined up a shot at goal but Sion Edwards did enough to put him off and the effort flew over. Five minutes from time Gwion Howell came on for Adam Roscrow who had been well marshalled by the Bangor defence. Big Emlyn Lewis launched a long throw from the attacking left which caused some uncertainty and, in the three minutes of added time, the big defender headed over from a ninth Cardiff corner. It was not to be for the gallant students who had kept their spirit and composure but not quite threatened the Bangor goal often enough. For Bangor though a single goal by Dean Rittenberg the key to Europa League competition, a £200,000 windfall and the prospect of exciting times at Nantporth in the the months ahead. photo above with thanks to Andre Pepper of Menai Photograph
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| FINAL SCORE 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Europa Play Off |
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EUROPA LEAGUE PLAY OFF SEMI FINAL And they did so in what might well be described as a game of two halves. The first fast and open, end to end, four goals and twice as many missed chances. The second more cagey and cautious decided by one set piece. Bangor were able to recall Anthony Miley in central defence and generally field their strongest starting eleven. Newtown without Jason Oswell were unable to select  Tom Goodwin who took a place on the bench.
City started off, blown forward by a stiff breeze, attacking the
Antelope End. After a couple of off target efforts from either side
Bangor struck first inside five minutes as Dan Nardiello crossed from
the left and Gary Taylor Fletcher headed home emphatically from six yards.Newtown unsettled the blues defence through Luke Boundford's long throw but City cleared and seconds later Paul Connolly headed wide from a corner from the left. On eleven minutes Neil Mitchell lifted over from point blank range and thirty seconds later was made to pay as Dan Nardiello beat Dave Jones from the left for a two nil lead. The end to end nature of proceedings continued as Henry Jones lobbed off target before Luke Boundford headed wide from Jamie Price's inviting cross. But on twenty minutes Newtown halved the deficit. Alex Fletcher released Nick Rushton on the left and Luke Boundford converted his low cross from close range. The Robins went looking for an equaliser but Connor Roberts was on hand to catch Jamie Price's cross shot but on twenty five minutes a let off for the visitors as Dan Nardiello appeared to slip as he headed Henry Jones' cross and sent his efort off target. A minute later Newtown were level. Luke Boundford found space on the left and turned provider for Neil Mitchell to atone for his earlier miss. Another inviting cross from Price this time Connor Roberts pushed Nick Rushton's header away for a corner. Having surrendered a two nil lead City tried to respond as Gary Roberts cut in from the right but Dave Jones saved his left footer with his feet. The Gary Taylor Fletcher saw his long range shot deflected just the wrong side of Jones' right hand post for a fourth Bangor corner. Five minutes before the interval Danny Gossett powered a header narrowly wide. The final action was a Bangor freekick from the left which was overhit and referee Dean John blew for half time. Both sides could feel they might have been ahead so perhaps all square was about right. |
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| HALF TIME 2-2 |
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| No changes at the interval with City now attacking the Bangor end. And with a touch of good fortune the wind had dropped and now scarcely impacted the game. City threatened early on as Dean Rittenberg fired wide following Laurence Wilson's left wing cross. Then goalscorer Mitchell was yellow carded for a foul on 49 minutes. Five minutes later midfielder Ryan Kershaw followed him into the book for a heavy challenge on Henry Jones. Just after the hour mark Kershaw was the first player to withdrawn as Joe Kenton trotted on, to be followed within a minute by Brad Jackson who replaced Dean Rittenberg. As the game became increasingly cagey Dan Nardiello was also booked. Welsh International striker Dan Nardiello was struggling with the attentions of the linesman who seemed to raise his flag whenever Shane Sutton asked, irrespective of whether he was offside or not! Substitute Brad Jackon was showing some dribbling skills on the right, lifting the crowd and pushing the visitors defence deeper than they wanted. Half an hour had drifted away with Bangor largely in control but certainly not dominant. Then with a quarter of an hour left to play Anthony Miley controlled a juggled the ball on the edge of the box and was fouled. Freekick claimed and duly dispatched by Gary Roberts from twenty yards, a right footed curler which left Jones' grasping thin air. The visitors had to gamble now and one long throw from Boundford skidded off Gary Taylor Fletcher's head but Connor Roberts held on confidently. A final change for Newtown with five minutes left as Steff Edwards replaced Neil Mitchell. A long range freekick saw Shane Sutton and Kieran Mills Evans trot forward but Jamie Price over hit his cross and cleared the bar. The fourth official indicated four minutes of added time. Bangor pushed forward and had the ball in the net but the standside linesman had flagged for the umpteenth time and the "goal" was wiped off. And as City controlled possession through Dan Nardiello and Henry Jones, the added time passed and Referee Dean John blew for time. A hard fought win, played in a good spirit and for Bangor a play off final to look forward to next Saturday against Carmarthen or Cardiff Met. Commiserations to Newtown whose fine run of form had brought them to this semi final.  |
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| FINAL SCORE 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Depleted Bangor were perhaps unlucky to lose to visitors Carmarthen who took their chances and with it all three points. The lack of resource available to manager Gary Taylor Fletcher was reflected in just three substitutes on the bench, although one of the trio goalkeeper Connor Roberts was rested to allow young Matthew Hall to make his City debut. But Bangor did more than enough to deserve at least a share of the spoils. Early on Gary Taylor Fletcher swept the ball out to Gary Roberts who surging run ended with a low shot saved by Lee Idzi at The Antelope End. Then Brad Jackson won the ball on the right and baffled Dave Vincent but the big defender did his job and conceded a corner as the young winger shot on goal.  Against the run of play Carmarthen took the lead. A booming clearance from Luke Cummings unsettled the blues defence who failed to clear their lines. Midfieler Declan Carroll had a couple of shots blocked on the edge of the box before the ball skewed to Matthew Thomas whose shot flew to Liam Thomas who reacted with a low jab beyond Matthew Hall into the bottom corner. Credit to the visitors for persistence but this was a shoddy goal to concede. On eighteen minutes a blow to the visitors as Matthew Thomas has to be replaced by former Goytre strikerLiam Griffiths. City won a freekick on the left side of the box for a foul on Sion Edwards, the kick was rifled goalwards by Gary Roberts but pushed away by Lee Idzi for a corner. A fanstastic save. Gary Taylor Fletcher again found Gary Roberts in space on the right, he slid the ball through for Yalany Baio who ran into the box but Lee Idzi rushed out to block with his body and the ball ran out for another Bangor corner. Ten minutes before the break Laurence Wilson's deep cross is controlled by Brad Jackson but his effort is blocked. There is a minute of time to be added in which Gary Roberts shooots wide from distance and Mr Hames blows for the interval with the visitors perhaps fortunate to be a goal ahead but that is exactly how things stand on a bright sunny Nantporth afternoon. photo above with thanks to Andre Pepper of Menai Photograph
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| HALF TIME 0-1 |
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No changes at the interval. But seven minutes after the restart City committed footballing suicide. Big Sergio Uyi sent a header towards his own goal from thirty five yards out despite the presence of the lurking Liam Thomaswho calmly ran up to Matthew Hall and slid the ball home for a two nil lead. No blame on the young glovesman who was hopelessly exposed. In fairness to Uyi he might well have been ring rusty given his recent lay off, better pehaps to make a mistake now than in two weeks time. On the hour mark a first change for Bangor as Damien Allen replaced Danny Gossett and moments later a yellow card for Liam Thomas for a poor challenge on Gary Roberts. With fifteen minutes left it should have been three nil as Lewis Harling ran clear but his low shot was turned away by the feet of Matthew Hall who would have been relieved to prove himself after being beaten twice. Carmarthen also gave a couple of their long distance substittutes a run out in the final ten minutes as time slipped away in their favour. City responded by sending young Christoph Aziamale on for player manager Gary Taylor Fletcher but in truth Mark Aizlewood's side had seized on their good fortune and were now on their way to all three points. There was a bit of added time mischief between Yalany Baio and substitute Craig Hanford which ended in both being shown the yellow card before Mr Hames blew for time. With Cardiff Met drawing this win meant Carmarthen finished fifth and gained home advantage against the students in the forchcoming play off semi final. The defeat really meant nothing to Bangor who would have been relieved not to have suffered injury or suspension ahead of their home encounter with the resurgent Robins of Newtown on Saturday 6th May. photo above with thanks to Andre Pepper of Menai Photograph
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor were worthy and emphatic winners over champions TNS. There were goals, yellow and red cards and for a change this season a referee with the courage to penalise the full timers for their sins. Keen eyed City fans might have noticed a familiar name on the visitors bench. Seventeen year old Sam Ashworth is the grandson of former blue Barry Ashworth. He joined TNS from Caernarfon in January. The ever alert Henry Jones and Dan Nardiello both went close for City in the opening exchanges which also saw TNS leftback Chris Marriott strike a freekick against the resolute Bangor defensive wall. On the quarter hour though a clear chance for the visitors as Greg Draper exploited some creaky defensive work from Bangor but sent his low shot wide right to left from eighteen yards. Then controvesy as City thought they had the ball over the line but the officials disagreed. The chance came from Gary Taylor Fletcher who pass found Henry Jones via Dean Rittenberg. The former Swansea youngster crossed low from the right and Dan Nar  diello
seemed to turn the ball over the line but Paul Harrison scraped it away
and no goal was awarded. The officials behind the goal - wearing Bangor
blue it must be said - all signalled a goal!On twenty minutes a blow for the visitors as Wrexham based defender James Jones was replaced by Romanian Mihal Leha. The substitute was in the right place moments later as Dan Nardiello pounced on a loose back pass, rounded Harrison but saw Leha clear at the near post. City went close once again as Dean Rittenberg charged from deep inside his own half before passing to Dan Nardiello. His low cross shot from the left ran across goal before being returned by Brad Jackson for Henry Jones who was denied by Harrison before Gary Taylor Fletcher skied the rebound. Five minutes before half time Gary Taylor Fletcher nutmegged Alex Darlington before lifting the ball for Dan Nardiello who ran on goal. His progress was abruptly halted by a tug from Mihal Leha who was clearly last man. There was no covering defender. Would Mr Pratt flash red? Yes. Rightly so, and the replacement headed for an early shower as TNS faced up to playing the final fifty or so minutes a man down. Apart from a yellow card for a sullen Alex Darlington there was nothing more of note in the closing minutes of the first half, the players left the field with the scores even but the sides rightly not. photo above with thanks to Andre Pepper of Menai Photograph
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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| No changes at the interval . Could Bangor get the lead their first half display deserved? The answer was yes thanks to Henry Jones whose downward header beat Harrison all ends up. Why the former Southport stopper had failed to claim Bradley Jackson's high cross from the right as it dropped in his six yard area is for him alone to know.  With an hour gone Alex Darlington sent a long range effort over
Connor Robert's crossbar; moments earlier Yalany Baio was booked for
halting a TNS counter.On 67 minutes a double change for the weary Saints as Polish winger Adrian Ciewslewicz and Shropshire lad Scott Quigley replaced Alex Darlington and Jamie Mullan but nothing changed. City continued to control possession, to switch play and exploit the width of the Nantporth grass to good effect. First Dean Rittenberg and then Yalany Baio went close for City as the home side pushed for a decisive second strike. The outstanding Henry Jones was fouled by Ryan Brobbel who received a yellow card for his troubles. From the freekick Gary Roberts hit the target but Paul Harrison denied him. With fifteen minutes to go it was two nil. A low cross from the right from Gary Taylor Fletcher found Dan Nardiello who twisted and turned the TNS defence before stabbing the ball beyond a helpless Harrison from six yards. The build up play involving Yalany Baio, Damien Allen and Dean Rittenberg as the ball swept from left to right was excellent. Another yellow card for the frustrated Saints, this time Jon Routledge for another foul on Henry Jones. Bangor fans had waited a good while for this scoreline and made their presence felt with chanting and singing, including some noisy youngsters who must have been hoarse at the final whistle. Ten minutes from time Sion Edwards came on for Yalany Baio as City looked to extend their lead. It could easily have been three nil as Sion Edwards pounced after Henry Jones' shot had been deflected but Harrison saved well at his near post in the closing minutes. Left winger Sion Edwards took the corner from the right and picked out Gary Taylor Fletcher who controlled the cross and beat the visitors defence from close range. City fans celebrated a long overdue victory against the Shropshire side although, in the bigger scheme of things, there would be tougher tests ahead. photo above with thanks to Andre Pepper of Menai Photograph
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor were given a late fright by the students of Cardiff Met but held
on to record a three two win and gain some revenge for a heavy defeat
before Christmas. In a defensive reshuffle Gary Roberts partnered Paul Connolly in central defence with Laurence Wilson and Brad Jackson again occupying the fullback positions. City started the brighter and threatened as new player manager Gary Taylor Fletcher fired over before Cardiff goalkeeper Will Fuller saved from Henry Jones. But against the run of play - but with the wind - it was the students who went ahead on twenty minutes as Adam Roscrow released Kyle McCarthy who ran clear to calmy clip the ball beyond Connor Roberts. Leading goalscorer Dan Nardiello failed to trouble the keeper as City sought an equaliser but one arrived just after the half hour mark. Henry Jones and Brad Jackson combined on the right and young striker Dean Rittenberg.reacted first after Will Fuller had saved a header from Gary Taylor Fletcher. Moments later Cardiff replaced Chris Baker with Will Evans. The home side responded but Connor Roberts was equal to the threat posed by Roscrow. At half time the scores stood level at one all. |
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| HALF TIME 1-1 |
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| No changes at the interval. Ten minutes after the restart City had the lead for the first time as Laurence Wilson beat Fuller direct from a freekick on the left which flew in just inside the far post. Connor Roberts then nearly caught out his opposite number Fuller with a wind assisted booming clearance which bounced high off the artificial pitch. Cardiff thought they had an goal back but Adma Roscrow's effort was ruled out for offside. Then Dean Rittenberg burst into the box but Swindlehurst halted his progress. On 66 minutes Yalany Baio won the ball and found Henry Jones who ran into the box and shot beyond Fuller for a three one advantage. Sion Edwards came on for Gary Taylor Fletcher and went mighty close to making it four one with a first time effort from Brad Jackson's pull back after he had retrieved Jones' deep cross from the left. The students pressed for a goal to halve the deficit as Gary Roberts cleared at the feet of Adam Roscrow before Will Evans headed on target but blues stopper Connor Roberts was up to the task. With just nine minutes left the students were back in the game as Roscrow and Evans combined to set up Rhys Thomas who scored to close the deficit to three two. Blues substitute Sion Edwards' cross nearly caught out Fuller but the glovesman adjusted to spare his blushes. But Bangor navigated three minutes of added time, stood firm and ran out three two winners to further cement their fourth place finish. |
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Welsh Premier | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A fair result on a warm, sunny afternoon on Deeside, although the point was more ornament than use for Bangor. It did though serve to secure fourth as both Carmarthen and Cardiff Met lost. In truth it was a pretty poor match, two teams visibly unsettled by a wretched unpredictable surface which tempted  defenders to wallop the
ball clear. And unfortunately yet another very poor referee, this time
from Swansea, yet again fastracked and inevitably horribly out of his
depth alongside former Football League regulars and an International. And for added peculiarity the game was variously played with white and then yellow balls. Something for everyone. Attacking the River Dee End the home side started on the front foot. Wes Baynes fired over before Matty Williams - or was it Paul Connolly - crashed a shot against the Bangor bar from close range. Right back Brad Jackson did well to track back and snuff out another Nomads surge but the opening goal was not too far away. After dominating the opening quarter hour it was no surprise the home side took the lead. A long throw from the right by Wes Baynes was headed on at the near post by former blues favourite Les Davies and the ball looped up and over the City defence to nestle inside the far post. Five minutes later a first opening for City as Brad Jackson ran down the right and squared the ball to Dean Rittenberg who unfortunately missed his kick. By the half hour mark the game was quite even apart from the scorline, as Bangor won a couple of threatening freekicks which George Horan used his bandaged head to clear emphatically. But Connahs Quay threatened once more as Kai Edwards sent a shot on target but Gary Taylor Fletcher cleared off the line. Eight minutes from half time blues striker Dan Nardiello chased a bouncing ball into the Nomads box and received a yellow card for his challenge on Jon Danby. Hard to see if it was for a high foot or handball but there was clearly some kind of peril. The impressive Brad Jackson ran and crossed from the right but Dan Nardiello headed over. Moments later Danny Gossett gathered the ball some thirty yards out and sent a clean strike on goal but unfortunately it lifted over Danby's crossbar. One minute of added time came and went before the fussy little Swansea official marched off for the interval. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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Three changes at the interval, two of them by Bangor. Gary Roberts and Rodrigo Branco replaced Danny Gosssett and Dan Nardiello.
The home side sent on lanky left footer Lewis Short for Matty
Williams. Three half time replacements a first for me this season.Three minutes into the second period and Wes Baynes appeared to stamp on Henry Jones who needed treatment for a red welt on his side. Oddly the referee who was closeby saw nothing. Baynes could count himself lucky. Ten minutes in and Connahs Quay won a couple of corners at the school end which caused some uncertainty in the blues defence. As City pushed forward Callum Morris picked up a yellow card for a foul on Gary Roberts who has slotted in to central midfield with Jackson still at right back. With 63 minutes gone a first corner for Bangor which ended in an Anthony Miley header being held by former Chester keeper John Danby. Moments later a punch from Connor Roberts dropped to James Owen but his goalbound lob was headed off the line by Anthony Miley. Three minutes further on and centreback Miley gathered the ball from Gary Taylor Fletcher but fired high and wide from thirty yards. Both sides had plenty of Football League experience and of course the home side play on this corrugated paddock every other week, but none of them looked at home or a  t ease. Most of the second half had expired when on 77 minutes Les Davieswas tripped by Anthony Miley in the right back area. Paul Connolly was in his central defensive position which meant a yellow card was likely. Unhappily Swansea whistler brandished red to the astonishment of all around. A terrible decision but one which seemed to confuse the home side who stepped up their timewasting tactic. Four minutes earlier Sion Edwards had replaced Dean Rittenberg and he quickly gave City some width and penetration on the left. With four minutes left the winger won just their second corner of the afternoon which was half cleared but lofted back into the danger area by Bradley Jackson where Sion Edwards pounced to send over a low cross which Rodrigo Branco netted from close range. A well deserved equaliser. The Brazilian marksman ran quickly to respot the ball to speed things up. Strange to see Connahs Quay continue to waste time, taking short corners and delay goalkicks until the smug little whistler blew for time. At the end Gary Taylor Fletcher talked himself into yellow card trouble with Mr Morgan. In 2011 Taylor Fletcher was playing for Blackpool in the Premier League whilst Mr Morgan was officiating in the Swanse Junior League. That says it all in terms of the huge gulf in experience , the woefully inept referees who are above and beyond reproach or criticism. Good luck to them, seriously doubt anyone in Neptune Court even notices. 
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| FINAL SCORE 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| Two
goals from Kieran Smith settled this closely fought contest and pretty
much ended City's chances of finishing second in the WP table. The simple truth is that Bangor are a side in transition whilst Bala are established and proven at this level. On the bench the visitors had Lee Hunt, Mike Hayes and Ian Sheridan who would start for most Welsh Premier sides. But before the action began both teams stood in remembrance of City supporter Reuben Lee who died in the days before the match. 
With the wind at their backs attacking the City End, Bangor had
the early initiative but the matching pair of Stuart Jones' were in
determined mood and held out against the
blues attack.That said Henry Jones shot from distance in the third minute before Danny Gossett and Henry Jones combined but Dan Nardiello headed wide. The experienced Nardiello then slid through Dean Rittenberg but Ashley Morris rushed out to snuff out the danger. All this in the opening ten minutes. Around the twenty minute mark Bangor were in full control with Gary Taylor Fletcher prompting a wave of attacks which saw Stuart Jones at full stretch before Brad Jackson sent over a low cross which span across the goalface. City won a freekick as Ashley Stephens was yellow carded for a foul on Yalany Baio but Laurence Wilson's cross was cleared by the Bala defence. On 25 minutes Dean Rittenberg went close before Stephens was a touch fortunate to avoid further punishment for a foul on Gary Taylor Fletcher. A gentleman lacking popularity at Nantporth on a damp evening was the little linesman who flagged as persisently as the rain, the latest to deny Dan Nardiello after a clever through ball from Dean Rittenberg. Ten minutes before the interval Ryan Wade dragged his shot wide for Bala before Brad Jackson was shown the yellow card for a foul on Thompson. From the resulting freekick Chris Venables curls the ball over the Bangor crossbar for a goalkick. Five minutes before the break Dean Rittenberg links with Henry Jones but again the linesman's flag cut short any progress. In the one minute of added time Connal Murtagh conceded a central freekick for a foul on Dean Rittenberg but Dan Nardiello fired high over the crossbar and referee Iwan Griffiths blew for the break with the scoreline blank. photos with thanks to Bangor City
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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| No changes at the interval although Bala now had the wind at their backs. Bangor forged the first opening through Henry Jones but that came to nothing. But seven minutes after the restart the visitors had the lead. Blues goalkeeper Connor Roberts did well to keep out Chris Venables clean strike with his legs but it was Kieran Smith who reacted first to net from close range. Seven minutes later Bangor were level.  A Henry Jones corner found the determined Anthony Miley
who shook off his marker to head home to the relief of the sodden home
crowd. Bala responded through John Irving whose cross found substitute
Ian Sheridan but he fired wide. Then a moment of farce as a
misunderstanding in the blues defence led to the referee rightly
awarding a freekick for a backpass but Chris Venables lifted his effort
over.On 66 minutes a change for City as Rodrigo Branco replaced young Dean Rittenberg. What proved to be the winning goal came on 69 minutes. Jordan Evans ran through midfield and with the benefit of a good advantage from Iwan Griffiths he fed John Irving whose low cross was swept home by Kieran Smith for his second of the evening. Referee Griffiths then went back to show the yellow card to blues defender Paul Connolly for his attempted foul on Evans. With fifteen minutes left Damien Allen entered the fray in place of Yalany Baio but as the tension rose both Allen and midfield partner Henry Jones were cautioned for fouls on their Bala counterparts. Five minutes from time and one final change for Bangor as Sion Edwards came off the bench for the 83rd time in a Bangor shirt, in place of a weary Laurence Wilson. Stuart Jones was yellow carded for a foul on Dan Nardiello, four minutes of added time came and went, in which Danny Gossett headed over from Sion Edwards cross, before the final whistle blew to confirm a hard earned two one win for the visitors which effectively ended any prospects of City finishing in second place. The difference between the two sides the goal poaching insticts of former Chester Nomad's striker Kieran Smith. Second may be out of reach but the match at Connahs Quay next week could offer hope of third, a measure of clear progress over the past twelve months. Then it was relegation that was on the horizon. photos with thanks to Bangor City
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| FINAL SCORE 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Bangor snatched a dramatic win thanks to two late goals from Dan Nardiello who bagged his first hatrick for City. Manager Ian Dawes was able to bring back Laurence Wilson and Paul Connolly plus young Yalany Baio. The bench again had a youthful look with Shaun Cavanagh, Alex Boss and Chester based Christoph Aziamale amongst the options. City forged the first effort on target as Lee Idzi comfortably held Dan Nardiello's clean strike. But on fourteen minutes it was Carmarthen who took the lead. A long throw from the right was headed down by Kyle Bassett and Matthew Thomas hooked the ball home from close range. The lead lasted just four minutes as Dan Naridiello's pass tempted a foul on Yalani Baio by Kieran Lewis in the Town penalty area. Referee Tom Owen pointed to the spot and former Wales striker Dan Nardiello sent Lee Idzi the wrong way to level the scores. Both sides had chances on the half hour as first blues striker Dean Rittenberg chipped the ball off target before Declan Carroll fired wide for The Old Gold. Then Anthony Miley had to be alert to deny Liam Thomas who was in on goal. Luke Cummings shot well wide on fourty minutes and the home side forced a couple of corners which again saw Anthony Miley defend stoutly to keep the scores level. The final action of note saw Gary Taylor Fletcher fire over from distance before one minute of added time came and went and the teams wandered off for a half time break with the scores all square at one all.  Photo above courtesy of Gwynfor Edwards |
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| HALF TIME 1-1 |
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| No change at the interval. The first incident of note after the restart was a yellow card for Ceri Morgan on 52 minutes. 
Three minutes later a great save from Lee Idzi to turn away a low
strike strike from Dan Nardiello. From the resulting corner the former
blues glovesman then
denied Brad Jackson before Yalany Baio lofted over when well placed.
The little midfielder then fired over again as City pressed for the
lead.But after a period of indifferent play the home side took the lead. Liam Thomas netting from a ball crossed into the blues box by Ceri Morgan on 70 minutes. The home side went close again but Connor Roberts did well to turn a long range effort from Declan Carroll for a Carmarthen corner. With just ten minutes to play and still trailing 2-1 City sent on Shaun Cavanagh for Yalany Baio to bolster their attacking options. With five minutes left midfielder Henry Jones was shown the yellow card for dissent but seconds later it mattered not as Shaun Cavanagh found Dan Nardiello who cut in from the left and levelled the scores from the edge of the box. The former Wales striker then went close to his hatrick but fired over as time ran out. But on 89 minutes a mazy run and selfless lay off from Brad Jackson set up Dan Nardiello who netted with ease for his hatrick goal and the 3-2 lead. An assist for Jackson scarcely does justice to his part in the goal. Into three minutes of added time City sent on Sion Edwards for Dean Rittenberg but the scoreline did not change and Bangor celebrated a late fightback win which all but confirmed a top four finish for City with hopes alive of finishing second or third. |
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Welsh Premier | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Bangor crashed
to a heavy defeat at Park Hall before a sparse home crowd and muted
away support after both clubs issued a statement calling for supporters
to behave in a "manner appropriate for such an event". With players missing through suspension and injury Sion Edwards earned a start at leftback with Sergio Uyi alongside Anthony Miley in central defence. The referee was Kris Hames. Blues keeper Connor Roberts was soon into the action with a stooping save from Brobbel whose low shot reared off the artificial surface. On five minutes Ryan Pryce won a corner which City struggled to clear. Spender flashed a wonderful cross from the right but Fletcher failed to make contact. The thirteenth minute saw Damien Allen win a corner which was taken short to Gary Taylor Fletcher whose header forced a great low save from home keeper Harrison. Moments later a second TNS corner headed wide by Saunders. On twenty minutes a third home corner ended with Henry Jones heading off the line after a freak bounce from Cieslewicz header. Most of Bangor's brighter moments involved Gary Taylor Fletcher but it was Connor Roberts who stole the show on 24 minutes when Fletcher got a touch to a right wing cross. But moments later City countered on the right as Henry Jones fired on target from outside the box. TNS might have had a penalty soon after as Sion Edwards and Ryan Brobbel tangled but Referee Hames was unimpressed. Fletcher then claimed a penalty when he was the one who had handled the ball. Half an hour gone, no score, City having enjoyed slightly more of the game after the opening twenty minutes although it was the home side who held sway. A fifth corner for the home side on 32 minutes headed goalwards by Saunders and pushed over by Connor Roberts for a seventh flag kick which was overhit and straight out. Sion Edwards had made some important interceptions and Sergio Uyi a number of decent challenges. Ten minutes from time an 8th TNS corner comfortably held by Connor Roberts. Bangor passed their way upfield but Dan Nardiello's straight pass ran out of play with Gary Taylor Fletcher unable to respond. Another decent save from Harrison from Dan Nardiello as his firm header from Gary Taylor Fletcher cross was turned over. The home side broke down the right to Mullen whose lay off invited a clean strike from Marriott but Roberts pouched easily. Into the final five minutes City broke down the left but lost possession before Ryan Pryce ran the ball out of play at the opposite end. Then with a minute left of the half Mullen crossed from the right for Adrian Cieslewicz to bundle the ball home from close range. City forced a late third corner on the left but TNS headed clear and - with no stoppages - the whistle blew with a narrow advantage to the home side. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No changes at the interval. The first chance though came to Bangor whose Henry Jones fired narrowly wide from distance at the far end. On 50 minutes dreadful defending from Bangor as Ryan Brobbel crossed from the right and Jamie Mullen placed the ball home for a two nil advantage and game over. Right on 53 minute it was 3-0 as a deep cross from the left was headed home by Steve Saunders who had clearly climbed all over Anthony Miley but it mattered not. Moments later the sturdy Brobbel shot from 30 yards and it took all Connor Roberts resolve to deny a fourth. Instead a fourth corner headed clear by Gary Taylor Fletcher. On 60 minutes a first change for City as Dan Nardiello made way for Shaun Cavanagh. But on 66 minutes it was four nil as Jamie Mullen jigged in from the right to fire home left footed from just wide of the penalty spot. It might have been worse moments later but Connor Roberts saved dramatically from Brobbel before City conceded a freekick on the defensive left. In the meanwhile young Christoph Aziamale replaced a weary Gary Taylor Fletcher. With thirteen minutes left Sergio Uyi fell to the floor holding his knee. On 80 minutes he was replaced by U19s regular Alex Boss before Leca came on for centreback Saunders. Then a real chance for Shaun Cavanagh as the ball broke to him on the penalty spot but he rushed his effort and missed the target. The Bangor defencer now had the resolute Danny Gossett back in central defence alongside Anthony Miley. Five minutes from time Alex Boss won a freekick on the left. Henry Jones delivered but Anthony Miley could only slide the ball into the side net at full stretch. Midfielder Routledge hit the post for the home side as City struggled to clear. The fourth official indicated a further three minutes. City won a freekick swung in by Henry Jones which Shaun Cavanagh headed wide under pressure. A word for referee Kris Hames. Anonymous. Got on with his job without seeking the limelight. Well done. |
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The Welsh Cup | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Bangor  bowed out of the Welsh Cup after an extra time defeat at Park Hall.Throw in a red card for Yalany Baio, a early injury to Paul Connolly and a serious knee injury to Rodrigo Branco and you might just avoid a comment about referee Tom Williams. But not quite. 
With Sergio Uyi apparently not fit enough to start Anthony Miley
slotted into central defence, Yalany Baio at rightback. Damien Allen
again at leftback.TNS enjoyed a spell of early pressure which came to little but City had a golden chance as Gary Taylor Fletcher unsettled Chris Mattiott to set up Dan Nardiello who ran through on goal but goalkeeper Paul Harrison saved with his foot. Blues goalkeeper Connor Roberts saved well from a shot from Fletcher on the right before Paul Connolly fell down injured in his six yard area. Moments later, on the quarter hour mark, he was replaced by Rodrigo Branco. In the reshuffle that followed midfielder Danny Gossett dropped into centreback alongside Anthony Miley, fellow midfielders Baio and Allen still as fullbacks. TNS went perilously close as Aeron Edwards hit the post with his header before on 22 minutes a first yellow card for Yalany Baio for persistent fouling. A fair decision by the referee who was tainted in Bangor minds by his performance at Bala a fortnight earlier. Big Scott Quigley was lurking with menace on the left wing and he cut in to force a great save from Connor Roberts. Gary Taylor Fletcher was a calm and inventive figure for City who worked hard without the ball but perhaps failed to keep it, or threaten enough, when they had possession. For the home side little Jamie Mullan was positive and direct on the right. On the half hour TNS forced a couple of corners which ended in Ryan Brobbel's shot being saved by goalkeeper Roberts who was becoming the key figure in the clean sheet. But Bangor again created a good chance for Dan Nardiello whose progress on goal - in the box - was hindered by a challenge from Aeron Edwards which had the blues followers at the carpark end howling for a penalty. He slid in from behind, didnt win the ball as a goalkick was given, and felled the former Wales International. The referee avoided a tough decision by turning away, no penalty or card. Nardiello was so incensed he complained too loud and too long for Mr Williams and was shown the yellow card. Simply dreadful from the out of his depth official. Three minutes before the break Rodrigo Branco flashed a high shot across goal from the right before the pink faced whistler blew for the interval with honours even and the scoresheet blank. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No changes at the interval. The restart saw Bangor now attacking the far end but it was Connor Roberts at the opposite end who was called into action with a smart save to deny Scott Quigley. The lanky youngster shot on target again and forced a great save from the Bangor glovesman before Jamie Mullan headed over. There was a yellow card for Jon Routledge for a wild challenge on Yalany Baio on half way then another for Steve Saunders for a trip on Rodrigo Branco as City broke over half way. On 66 minutes a double change for TNS who brought on Alex Darlington and Adran Cieslewicz for Wes Fletcher and Jamie Mullan. Next a yellow card for Gary Taylor Fletcher for what looked like a good challenge but also one injured himself. A moment of real quality then as Yalany Baio won the ball and released the marauding Taylor Fletcher who unleashed a twenty yard curler which Harrison did well turn push wide for a corner. But TNS continued to hold sway and substitute Adrian Cieslewicz fired into the side netting. With seven minutes left a change for each side as first City sent on Shaun Cavanagh for a weary Nardiello and then Greg Draper replaced Scott Quigley. Almost immediately leftback Cavanagh found himself in space on the left but sliced his cross shot into the side netting. With five minutes left a yellow card for Aeron Edwards for another foul on Henry Jones but a moment later disaster for City as Yalany Baio was shown a second yellow and red for an innocuous trip on half way. Gary Taylor Fletcher was injured in the incident then seemed less mobile but he soldiered on in the blues midfield. As time ran out TNS went close three times in quick succession but each time Connor Roberts stood firm and denied what would have been a winner. In front of him Danny Gossett caught the eye in the unusual position of centreback but in fairness the whole team worked overtime to reach the final whistle unbeaten. EXTRA TIME
 Four minutes after the restart City won a freekick for a foul by Simon Spender. The ball was crossed in and Henry Jones latched onto a flick from substitute Rodrigo Branco to crash home from six yards. The heart felt celebrations that followed brought back memories of Chris Jones at Rhyl. Thirteen minutes gone as Christoph Aziamale replaced Rodrigo Branco but on the fifteenth minute Greg Draper levelled the scores and before the half time break arrived Simon Spender saw his low shot strike the upright. Six minutes into the final period Ryan Brobbel forced a great save from Connor Roberts before Greg Draper crashed the rebound against the crossbar. City had a half chance as substitute Aziamale's lay off invited a shot from Henry Jones but it flew wide. But heartbreak was on the cards as TNS subsititute Adrian Cieslewicz waltzed through to slide home beyond the wrong footed Roberts. And that was about it, harsh on Bangor in many ways, but the home side had the lions share of possession and chances. Nevertheless a lot of pride in defeat and from a gutsy performance, albeit at price paid in injury and red card. |
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| FINAL SCORE 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor led three nil at half time but were made to fight to the last against the spirited students of Cardiff Met. In a league based on big budgets it is refreshing if a little sobering that a bunch of amateurs comfortably finish in the top six whilst others spending thousands a week sit below them. Part of that might be that they fielded the same starting eleven as on their previous visit. 
This game was largely about a strong wind blowing along the
Menai Straits, from behind the Antelope End and towards the Bangor end
which City attacked with purpose in the first period. All five goals
came at that end.The visitors number eight Chris Baker sent an early long range dipping volley onto the roof of the net from 25 yards with Connor Roberts back peddling furiously. But City soon took a grip with Gary Taylor Fletcher pulling the strings although three early Bangor corners came to nothing. Bradley Jackson impressed on the right and he ran through only to denied by a diving save from Will Fuller. A yellow card for Brad Woolridge for a poor challenge on Dan Nardiello. Bangor threatened again as Dan Nardiello crossed low from the right but Henry Jones saw his shot saved. But on 27 minutes City had the lead. Gary Taylor Fletcher lofted the ball over the Cardiff defence for Henry Jones to race through and slide the ball beyond Fuller for a calm finish despite the valiant pursuit of Emlyn Lewis. The next action that mattered was a second goal for Bangor on 32 minutes. It began with a long clearance from centreback Sergio Uyi gathered by Dan Nardiello who as the provider with a low pullback from the right which was crashed home by young Dean Rittenberg for his first Welsh Premier goal. Cardiff responded through Dan Spencer but his shot flashed wide. But on 42 minutes Bangor went three nil up, Gary Taylor Fletcher set Henry Jones through once more and he again beat Fuller with a cool finish to put City in a strong position as half time approached. The fourth official indicated one minute of added time, this duly came and went and the home fans wandered for refreshments with wide smiles. An unassailable lead? |
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| HALF TIME 3-0 |
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| No changes at the interval. The big change though that Cardiff now had the wind and Bangor had to play into the elements. That is not to say the wind was hurricane force but it was a stiff breeze, gusting unpredictably. Fears that this second half might be a very different affair gathered momentum on 49 minutes as Elliot Evans fired home left footed from twenty five yards as the blues defence left him unchallenged. On 56 minutes these concerns grew as Dan Spencer tapped home and the lead was all but gone. Bangor seemed to struggle to clear half way and gave the ball away in their own half far too regularly. 
Something had to change for City and on 64 minutes a tired
looking Brad Jackson made way for Sion Edwards whose return attracted
noisy applause.Edwards slotted in at leftback for Damien Allen who moved into midfield. The impact was noticable. A left footer at leftback offers balance, a composed presence in the heat of the battle equally so. Dan Nardiello forced a good save from Fuller but the linesman on the family stand side had his flag up. To be honest he was guessing far too often and on that basis some right some wrong. Number five Emlyn Lewis was then booked for a cynical block on half way before the visitors replaced one goalscorer Spencer with Harry Owen before the other marksman Evans was yellow carded as the temperature went up a notch or two. With thirteen minutes left on the clocksome threatical nonesense from centrehalf Lewis made sure Dan Nardiello was carded for nothing. In fairness the former Welsh International was visibly distracted by this injustice. Moments later he was replaced by Rodrigo Branco in a move which denied the sturdy whistleblower Leigh Jones a chance of a famous red. Branco immediately raced through - more good work from Henry Jones - but fired across goal but he too was yellow carded a minute later for kicking the ball away. The all action Brazilian then raced on goal once again but Fuller was on hand deny him. He went even closer moments later with a shot which hit the post! But the real drama lay ahead. Bangor seemed to have weathered the Met storm but Connor Roberts was at full stretch to deny Charlie Corsby and as three minutes of added time were indicated, more controvesy. Emlyn Lewis had the ball in the net from a rare Cardiff corner but referee Leigh Jones blew for an infringement, possibly a foul on goalkeeper Roberts, and the moment passed. And that was about it. No further alarm as the minutes elapsed and City ran out three two winners and sent the students home empty handed. Phew! |
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| FINAL SCORE 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| Two
goals early in the first half from midfielder Henry Jones helped Bangor
get the better of visitors Connahs Quay on a chill night at Nantporth A crowd of more than five thousand along the coast at Eirias Park for an U20 Rugby International might have helped explain the two hundred or so drop on the attendance of the corresponding fixture in August. So too the wea  ther and familiarity breeding contempt.Only four of City's starting line up that August night started this, although Damien Allen would scarce have expected to line up at leftback. Attacking the Antelope end with the wind at their backs Bangor knew a positive start would be important. But things could have hardly got off to a much better start from a Bangor point of view. Henry Jones took a freekick just outside the box which deflected off the wall and left John Danby stranded. One nil to City with less than three minutes played. Stung into action the visitors went close ten minutes after the opening goal as first Wes Baynes fired over the bar and then former blue Tom Field rattled the woodwork with a clean strike which drew a good save from Connor Roberts. Both defences had work to do but on twenty minutes it was two nil as Henry Jones netted after measured approach play down the right and a low cross from Brad Jackon. Former Cefn Druids Matty Owen went close for The Nomads who had the ball in the net from a Wes Baynes freekick but the referee whistled for a foul on City goalkeeper Connor Roberts. The blues midfield was in fine order with Danny Gossett busy and purposeful, Gary Taylor Fletcher picking a pass and Henry Jones looking a threat. On the half hour rightback Anthony Miley raced into the visitors box but was thwarted by Danby. Three minutes later a yellow card for George Horan, a freekick for City which GaryTaylor Fletcher crashes into the wall. City enjoyed a spell on the attack but Danby was well protected by Kai Edwards and co. Ten minutes before the break a Matty Williams cross was headed over by George Horan who seemed in the thick of the action. Burly defender John Disney was the second name in the referee's book for a foul. Young Dean Rittenberg went close for Bangor but despite a minute of added tiem at the end of the 45 scheduled the scoreline remained two nil to Bangor who were still on course for their first win over the Nomads in their third attempt of the season. |
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| HALF TIME 0-2 |
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| One change at the interval as former blue Callum Morris replaced Lewis Short. The visitors started brightly after the restart and from the second of a couple of early corners Mike Wilde headed w  ide.But on 59 minutes the deficit was halved as Matty Owen netted from close range to give the visitors half an hour to salvage at least a point. Moments later a Bangor first team debut for midfielder Yalany Baio whose previous clubs include Sporting Lisbon and Liverpool. On 66 minutes Baio sent the ball beyond Connor Roberts and into his own net but referee Griffiths had blown for a foul. A second effort disallowed for the visitors, With twenty minutes left on the clock Brad Jackson shot on goal but Kai Edwards blocked. There was a an open feel to the game now with City fans wondering if the blues could hold onto their advantage. Baio caught the eye with his athleticism and movement. With a quarter hour of the match left Henry Jones went close to grabbing his hatrick goal but missed the target. Connahs Quay sent on Danny Harrison for Tom Field on 77 minutes but two minutes later they were down to ten men as George Horan was shown a second yellow and red card for a foul on young striker Dean Rittenberg on half wat. Bangor prompty sent on Jack Metcalfe for Bradley Jackson. Substitute Metcalfe crossed from the right but Henry Jones saw his header flash wide as the hatrick again beckoned. The visitors sent on sixteen year old Connor Harwood for Matty Williams. In the final minute the visitors had a penalty claim waved away before the fourth official earned his match fee by indicating that four added minutes were due. And that was about it as City eased their way through those added minutes to clinch a hard fought victory over their rivals. Photos above with thanks to Andre Pepper
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| FINAL SCORE 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The early chances fell to Lee Hunt whose header was saved by Connor Roberts and blues debutant Dean Rittenberg who latched onto Gary Taylor Fletcher's header but scuffed his shot. On ten minutes Chris Venables unleashed a long range shot which forced a full length save from Roberts. From the corner Lee Hunt netted but had climbed on the City defender. On the quarter hour leftpeg Stephens crossed but Chris Venables lashed well wide form beyond the far post. Moments later a freekick for Stephens but Lee Hunt headed high and wide. Danny Gossett was booked for a blatant foul on Chris Venables on half way. Stuart J Jones joined him in the book for a foul on Damien Allen. Neither any more than a technical offence. Then on 26 minutes a trip by Connal Murtagh on Henry Jones saw the Irish midfielder carded and City awarded a penalty. To the dismay of the blues fans behind the far goal the ball sliced wide of the righthand post and the chance was wasted. Moments later Bangor won a freekick which Roberts took but the wall did its job and the ball span out for a corner which came to nothing. Just before the half hour Ryan Wade ran on goal, Damien Allen tackled him but Mr Williams awarded a freekick and yellow carded the midfielder. A freekick which Chris Venables struck against the Bangorwoodwork. On 36 minutes Lee Hunt limped off to be replaced by Ian Sheridan. A classic plastic pitch knee injury where the knee twists as the foot cannot slide. The pattern of the game was Bangor trying to play football out from the back whilst Bala in traditional fashion hit it long and chased. No right or wrong in this of course. Bangor so nearly took the lead when Henry Jones released Laurence Wilson on the left to cross for Dean Rittenberg whose header was straight at goalkeeper Morris. Dan Nardiello was clattered by leftsided Stephens in the build up and the offender was shown the yellow card. Wilson was injured in the move - a groin strain perhaps - and had to be replaced by Jack Metcalf minutes later. Damien Allen fooled Dave Thompson on the right, crossed but Rittenberg turned his header wide from ten yards. The fourth official indicated three minutes of added time were due largely for the stoppage for Lee Hunt. Taylor Fletcher crossed form the left but Gary Roberts headed wide. Three minutes came and went without incident or stoppage.. Bala won a freekick on the left, in front of the clubhouse. On 49 minutes Stephens bent the ball in and Chris Venables headed home from close range. City might wonder where the extra time came from and of course Mr Williams would not want to comment. Harsh in the extreme, a wasted penalty and a very late goal conceded. Worse was to come. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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| No changes at the interval. Bala won a couple of early corners with the bearded Stuart Jones going close and as City broke Kieran Smith was yellow carded for a trip on the fast moving Gary Roberts. Henry Jones shot from the edge of the box but Morris pushed the ball wide for a corner. Jones crossed and Dan Nardiello headed home despite a desperate goal line clearance from Kieran Smith with Bala claiming the ball was not over the line although it clearly was. Goalkeeper Ashley Morris had a nervous moment next as he fumblked Henry Jones' low shot after Gary Taylor Fletcher had seen his effort blocked. On 62 mins total farce. Stuart Jones (the one with the beard) fouled Dan Nardiello on the edge of the box. Referee Tom Williams showed yellow and then red to the defender whose namesake was the one booked in the first half. Eventually justice was done and Bala kept eleven men as Henry Jones sent the resulting freekick against the crossbar with Morris well beaten. With Bangor passing the ball neatly on the polished green surface it was Bala who broke to feed Ryan Wade whose crossshot flashed across goal. Nut on 67 minutes more controvesy as Dean Rittenberg hit the bar from distance and Dan Nardiello reacted first to convert the easy chance but the linesman was quick to rule offside. Which of course he wasnt. Then Sergio Uyi tracked and tackled Ian Sheridan on the right, stayed on his feet, but for no obvious reason Referee Williams consulted with his linesman and awarded a penalty. Gary Roberts was booked for dissent. Anthony Stephens sent Connor Roberts the wrong way and the score was two one to the home side. The officials to the fore. With eighteen minutes left City sent on Bradley Jackson for Damien Allen. Then Mark Jones replaced Chris Venables but Gary Roberts grabbed the headlines with a crazy lunge on leftback David Thompson which was a clear straight red card. Off he went on his birthday, a missed penalty, a yellow card and straight red for good measure. City still played more football, the better passing style, with Gary Taylor Fletcher, Henry Jones and substitute Bradley Jackson catching the eye. The third and fnal goal for Bala camer as Jack Metcalf conceded a freekick on the right. Ashley Stephens crossed and Stuart J Jones climbed all over Gary Fletcher Taylor to head home from close range. With five minutes left Mike Hayes replaced Kieran Smith and then Rodrigo Branco came on for goalscorer Nardiello. Hayes went close with a back to goal effort which flew just wide. Then Connor Roberts saved well from Ian Sheridan and Mike Hayes. Four minutes of added time. Bradley Jackson slid the ball through for Rodrigo Branco who raced past Ashley Morris and finished with a rabona from six yards to set up a thrilling closing spell. Oddly the little official blew moments after the four minutes had elapsed, unlike his generous interpretation of the first period.  Rittenberg shoots and Nardiello, right of picture, is ready to run in and score. Offside? |
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| FINAL SCORE 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Welsh Cup |
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Bangor swept into the Welsh Cup Quarter Finals but for long periods this game was much closer than the final scoreline suggests. City paired Paul Connolly with debutant Sergio Uyi in defence and introduced Gary Taylor Fletcher and Louis Robles into the attack. Both were outstanding on a pleasant if damp afternoon at Nantporth in a game which kicked off an hour earlier than normal to accomodate the televised match  at Caernarfon at five fifteen.But it was Taylor Fletcher who was the tormenter in chief of the bewildered visitors who could not cope at t imes as he variouly led the line then dropped deep to play alongside Danny Gossett and co.Yet it was Llandudno attacking the Bangor end who forged the first opening of the afternoon on ten minutes when Connor Roberts was at full stretch to palm away Lewis Buckley's low shot from the edge of the box. As the visitors looked to have settled the quicker they soon won their second and third corners of the afternoon - Lee Thomas saw his header deflected wide - but Roberts was untroubled through this sequence. As fate would have it Bangor took the lead with their first real chance. Dan Nardiello crossed from the right and Gary Taylor Fletcher controlled the ball to offer fellow newcomer Louis Robles a chance he finished with aplomb on nineteen minutes. The visitors rallied instantly and midfield general Danny Hughes sent a dipping volley heading goalwards but Connor Roberts was up to the challenge with a superb save at the expense of another corner. Tudno did not make the most of their corner kicks and were made to pay on 22 minutes. This time the provider was Gary Roberts who right wing cross found Louis Robles who scored off the post to double the lead. It was nearly three nil moments later as Paul Connolly went close but Danny Taylor scrambled the ball off the line. On the half hour right back Danny Taylor fired in from the right and once again Connor Roberts was forced to concede a corner which was also cleared but soon after Danny Hughes fired over from twenty yards as Llandudno continued to threaten. Next Lee Thomas sped in behind the blues defence on the left but dragged his shot across goal. So at half time the scoreline showed two nil to Bangor which was harsh on the visitors but few in blue were too worried. |
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| HALF TIME 2-0 |
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| One change at the interval for Llandudno as Ben Jago replaced Gareth Evans in midfield. The clouds had cleared and the afternoon was bright enough to see some hardy souls take their hats off. It was City's turn to attack th  e Bangor end and within minutes of the restart ther busy Danny Gossett shot just wide from the edge of the box.Referee Pratt then booked the pencil slim Lee Thomas for a hissy fit after he had fouled Gary Roberts on the right. Bangor had the momentum and Henry Jones crashed a shot narrowly off target as Dan Nardiello opened a space for him with a clever run off the ball.  But Llandudno still believed and centreback Danny Shaw headed wide from a good position. A goal then might have swung the balance of play. Then on 58 minutes the masterful Gary Taylor Fletcher slid the ball out to the left for Louis Robles who crossed low for Henry Jones who bungled the ball home from point blank range. This capped a good spell of passing from Bangor who seemed to improve, as confidence levels rose. On the hour Llandudno sent on Liam Dawson in place of Lewis Buckley who had been well policed by the towering Sergio Uyi. Seconds later Taylor Fletcher lifted the ball into the six yard box but Henry Jones sent his header just wide. On 64 minutes Llandudno players and supporters shouted for a handball against Uyi but Mr Pratt was unmoved. Connor Roberts was injured as he saved bravely at the feet of Marc Williams but was able to continue after treatment. Leftback Laurence Wilson got forward and crossed for Dan Nardiello but his header was too close to goalkeeper Dave Roberts. Llandudno had one last fling with four corners in a row, the last of which was their tenth of the afternoon, but Bangor defenders Uyi and Connolly dealt with the threat. Tudno manager Morgan would have been pleased with his sides general effort but bitterly disappointed with their set piece delivery. Then on 78 minutes the man of the match left his stamp on the game. Gary Taylor Fletcher twisted and turned past three or four Llandudno defenders before beating goalkeeper Roberts with a right footed curler from the edge of the box. A fantastic individual goal from the former Leicester striker. That brought a final substitution from Llandudno as Leo Riley replaced a weary Marc Williams whose race was run. Bangor made a double change with Shaun Cavanagh and Jack Metcalf came on for Damien Allen and Gary Roberts. The final action of the afternoon was another substitution as Rodrigo Branco replaced Gary Taylor Fletcher who left to a noisy and richly deserved ovation from all round the ground. A tremendous debut. And that was about it, the final whistle sounded and Bangor celebrated reaching the quarter finals where fate would decree they travel to Park Hall.  |
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| FINAL SCORE 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| This was about as bad as it gets. Beaten four two by the bottom of the table team on a poor pitch under dreadul floodlights. Of course a fair comment could be that it was the same for both teams. Certainly the murky gloom and the bouncy cheap plastic surface were levelle  rs. And it has to be said the Airbus players seemingly wanted it more.The Bangor side saw recent signing Jack Metcalf drafted into midfield instead of the suspended Damien Allen. Newcomers Sergio Uyi and goalkeeper Jack Cookson sat on the bench. Airbus gave debuts to Shuan Pearson in goal, Glenn Rule in midfield and Obi Anoruo upfront. City won an early corner attacking the runway end, Airbus a freekick at the other, neither came to much. On 24 minutes a blow for the Planemakers as former Bangor midfielder Ryan Edwards was forced off through injury and replaced by Jamie Menagh. Two minutes later Airbus had the lead. Substitute Menagh launched a high cross from the right which struck Sam Hart and looped up and over Connor Roberts into the Bangor goal. City fought for a reply and within seconds Dan Nardiello headed wide from a Gary Roberts cross. Another former blue Tony Gray shot over on the half hour and then saw his low shot saved by Connor Roberts. Ten minutes before half time Rodrigo Branco saw his shot deflected for a corner which was crashed home by blues centreback Paul Connolly against his former club. City enjoyed a spell of pressure which involved a number of corners and from the sixth of the evening Henry Jones crossed from the left and leading goalscorer Dan Nardiello headed home on 43 minutes for what looked like an interval lead. But Airbus won a couple of corners of their own and from the second of these Connor Roberts appeared to be pushed as he went for the ball. In the moments that followed defender Bailey Jackson prodded home and referee Markham Jones waved away Bangor protests and jogged off off to the centre circle. There was barely time to restart before the half time whistle blew and the two sides trotted off two apiece and honours even in the Broughton gloom. |
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| HALF TIME 2-2 |
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| One change at the interval as Liam O'Neill replaced Ashley Williams for the home side. The home side forced City backwards with a couple of corners and a long range shot from Glenn Rule. Then Menagh tested Connor Roberts with a long range freekick which took a slight deflection. Bangor responded with Brayden Shaw shooting wide before, on 55 minutes City rang a double change. Shaun Cavanagh and Christian Langos came on for Dan Nardiello and the debutant Jack Metcalf. Five minutes later a yellow card for Danny Gossett for a challenge on Rule which saw the Airbus man reacted angrily but escape punishment. Gossett venting some frustration that might have been aimed at his lacklustre team mates. Christian Langos went out onto the right wing and might have unhinged Airbus but was caught in two minds and his cross shot drifted harmlessly wide of goal. Then Rodrigo Branco fired on target but Pearson saved. Next Gary Roberts crossed from the right but Branco headed over. Bangor fans at the Social Club end had grown tired of goalkeeper Pearson's timewasting tactics but nothing was done by the officials. With twenty minutes left Bangor again pushed for a winner through their seventh corner of the evening but after a frenetic scramble the ball was hoofed out and ran to Brayden Shaw who fired over. An eighth Bangor corner followed and this time Danny Gossett shot over from outside the box. James Murphy fired across goal for Airbus. Then on 79 minutes the first of two goals from substitute Liam O'Neill who had scored at Nantporth a month ago. He broke from half way to run left to right before slotting the ball low into the left hand corner. Four minutes later a corner from the right invited a close range header from Liam O'Neill who made the points secure for the Broughton side. To be fair as most City fans had migrated to the opposite end of the pitch it might have been Derek Brockway who netted in the gathering gloom. With five minutes left Jake Hulley came on for Anoruo and beyond that City won a tenth corner but Shaun Pearson and his defence stood firm and grabbed the three points on offer. For Bangor nothing at all to compensate the visting fans who had witnessed a very poor away perfomance in dreadful grim circumstances. This game should never have gone ahead with an evening kick off. A free weekend before the visit of reinstated Llandudno in the Welsh Cup. Much to do.  |
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| FINAL SCORE 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Friendly |
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Bangor were
taken to the cleaners by Liverpool U23s who dominated from start to
finish. However this was more an evening to enjoy the football on offer
than worry about the result. Manager Ian Dawes took the opportunity to give a debut to rightback Jack Metcalf and run the rule over a couple of trialists before a crowd of just over 2000 at Nantporth, boosted by a good number of North Wales based Reds fans. Liverpool has a trialist of their own in the shape of left footed defender Cian Harries of Coventry City. There was an early hint of things to come as blues centreback Paul Connolly did well to repel and effort from Toni Gomes. But on 14 minutes Liverpool took the lead as a pass from Paolo Alves set up Welsh International winger Harry Wilson who slid home confidently. The visitors were in full control but the Bangor defence marshalled by Paul Connolly and the tall Trialist kept them at bay although Wilson and Virtue both went close to extending the lead. But a second goal duly arrived six minutes before the break as Tony Gomes netted after Matty Virtue saw his shot blocked. The home midfield of Danny Gossett and Henry Jones were working overtime, often without the ball, to keep on terms with the visitors. The closest City came in the first half was a freekick. Nathan Phillips stopped Rodrigo Branco with a blatant pull. Brayden Shaw hit the target but could not get the better of Kamil Grabara. And that was about it for a first half dominated by the young Premiership side on a cold but cheerful night at Nantporth. |
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| HALF TIME 0-2 |
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| One change at the interval as Madger Gomes replaced Sheyi Ojo. And no real change in the balance of play as Connor Roberts did well to deny Harry Wilson before Shaun Cavanagh replaced Brayden Shaw. Then Alves set up Virtue but he fired wide when well placed. On 55 minutes Tom Brewitt replaced Nathan Phillips. 
Just after the hour mark a couple more changes as Jack Dunn replaced
Gomes or Liverpool and Rodrigo Branco made way for Oscar Durnin.Dunn was quickly into the  action but his rising drive flashed over Connor Roberts' crossbar. Jake Brimmer came on for Alves.Bangor were defending bravely albeit pinnned back byt a Liverpool side in complete control but on 72 minutes almost inevitably Matty Virtue set up substitute Jack Dunn and he finished to make the score three nil. Blues goalkeeper Connor Roberts denied Harry Wilson with a full length save but he was back in action moments later as Laurence Wilson fouled Dunn in the box for a Liverpool penalty. Upstepped Harry Wilson whose penalty was well saved by Roberts but the left footer tapped home rebound for a four nil advantage. With twelve minutes left to play Rodrigo Branco came back on for a weary Michael Higdon and Leon Clowes replaced a Trialist. But literally a minute later it was five nil as City wilted under the constant probing and Jack Dunn got his second of the night. Moments ater his goal Dunn wasted a chance for his third as he fired over but with seven minutes left on the clock Jack Dunn completed his hatrick thanks to an assist from towering Bangor youngster Jordan Williams. Bangor had a rare chance as Rodrigo Branco had a shot blocked. And despite having an emphatic lead the young visitors went pushing for a seventh in the closing stages but City managed to resist them. So a great night's entertainment for the local football fans who had braved the cold to pack Nantporth and some names to watch out for amongst the reds. For Bangor a difficult evening perhaps but more enjoyable than training! And all things considered a brave performance against talented opposition on an annoyingly good surface! Photo with thanks to Andre Pepper
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| FINAL SCORE 0-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| A
poor second half display by Bangor cost them dearly on the grim shiney
plastic of Maesdu Park as Llandudno seized the three points they badly
needed. And this despite a prominsing first half display which had seem them dominate and create enough openings to have been home and hosed at the interval. As Bangor had to rule out Henry Jones through illness. Laurence Wilson came into midfield whilst a new look strike partnership started upfront in the form of Michael Higdon and Jamie Reed. With Damien Allen pulling the strings City assumed control although both Marc Williams and Leo Riley went close for Tudno in the opening quarter. Bangor got into their stride and first Laurence Wilson fired on target before Brayden Shaw forced a save from Dave Roberts. Midway through the half a second Bangor corner of the afternoon saw Danny Taylor scramble Anthony Miley's header off the line. The match was dominated by Damien Allen and the calm figure of Brayden Shaw whose ability to spot and deliver a short or long pass was unsettling the home defence. Next Brayden Shaw slid the ball through to Jamie Reed but he fired wide and on the half hour a melee in the home penalty area saw Jamie Reed, Damien Allen and Brayden Shaw all foiled as Mike Williams marshalled his defence to good effect. In the space of five minutes, just after the half hour, City went close three times in quick succession. First Jamie Reed hit the post from the edge of the box, next Dave Roberts saved from Gary Roberts and then Laurence Wilson tested the ginger glovesman. The final act of the first half was a weak header from Marc Williams which missed the target before referee Huw Jones blew for the break with Bangor having done just about everything but score. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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| No changes at the interval. The home side seemed brighter and more positive after the restart despite City winning an early corner. But the only goal of the game was not far away. On 54 minutes Lewis Buckley crossed from the left and Marc Williams capitalised on Leo Riley's back heel to fire home from six yards. Bangor responded through Laurence Wilson and Michael Higdon but Roberts was not unduly concerned. Just after the hour mark Sam Hart made way for Dan Nardiello as Laurence Wilson slipped into the leftback berth. Llandudno midfielder Danny Hughes was injured but cleverly manouvered and out thought Mr Jones by variously lying down and seeking treatment to break the flow of play. On 71 minutes Shaun Cavanagh replaced Michael Higdon but it was Llandudno, through Hughes and goalscorer Williams, who went close although the burly number eight was to be replaced by Gareth Evans moments later. Llandudno won their second corner of the evening and Marc Williams forced a decent save from Connor Roberts. Then with fifteen minutes left on the clock Gary Roberts beat James Joyce on the right but Dan Nardiello headed wide at the near post. Jamie Reed saw his shot saved before Brayden Shaw shot and saw Williams head out for a fifth Bangor corner. Into the final ten minutes and Llandudno grimly determined to hang on to their slender lead. Rightback Gary Roberts got his customary booking for a lunge on Marc Williams before on 84 minutes Sion Edwards replaced Laurence Wilson on the left. As time ran out John Owen was bookeds for time wasting and Llandudno sent on Sean McCaffery for Leo Riley. Jamie Reed won a freekick on the left which saw Tom Williams booked but that, and three minutes of added time, changed nothing and the home side ran out winners as the final whistle blew. Harsh on City given their first half dominance but after the break they looked flat, one paced and disjointed. Llandudno could also reflect on that piece of invention from Riley which set up Williams and settled the contest. A good effort. |
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| FINAL SCORE 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor were
deserved winners in a Boxing Day derby dominated by a rank awful
referee. Quite what the obligatory assessor made of it all in the
mainstand besty we never know. The plodding Mr Petch got more wrong than right, let far too much go and seemed to get the big decisions horribly wrong. That said it was good that Bangor won lest we be accused of sour grapes. The first half saw City attacking the Bangor end with a low sun at their backs on a bright crisp afternoon. With Michael Higdon on compassionate leave Rodrigo Banco led the line and on five minutes Brayden Shaw shot wide form distance. Moments later Dan Nardiello latched onto a stray backpass but could not get the better of Dave Roberts whilst Damien Allen's follow up was blocked. Next Brayden Shaw ran down the left and crossed but Dan Nardiello lofted well over. A foul on Rodrigo Branco on the edge of the box saw Mike Williams yellow carded and gave City a freekick but Gary Roberts shot into the wall. Brayden Shaw fired wide from distance once again before he was fouled by namesake Danny Shaw who was shown the yellow card. A wild challenge by the shakey Shaw who might have seen red. Midway through the half Lee Thomas saw his shot deflected for a corner before Marc Williams went close twice inside a minute as the visitors pressed for the first time. On the half hour the panto got into full swing as Rodrigo Branco chipped Roberts from the right for what looked like the opening goal. But the linesman on the mainstand side had been flagging and hopping around for half a minute. Mildly interested Mr Petch wandered over and chalked off the opening goal he had just awarded in favour of a Bangor throw on half way. When danger threatened Anthony Miley and Paul Connolly were calm but decisive at the heart of the blues defence. Burly Llandudno striker Lewis Buckley was yellow carded for a heavy challenge on Gary Roberts before centreback Shaw was replaced by Leo Riley with Danny Hughes dropping back into central defence alongside Mike Williams. A wild sliced clearance gave Bangor a second and then third corner of the afternoon before Damien Allen crossed and Sam Hart crashed a low shot wide from the edge of the box.  Llandudno rallied but rightback Danny Taylor saw his shot pushed away for a corner which came to nothing. Most of Llandudno's forward movement involved John Owen who found time and space on the ball better than most. Danny Gossett was enjoying a fine first half and his clean hit was deflected and saved by goalkeeper Roberts legs for a fourth Bangor corner. Moments later he fired at goal again and Dan Nardiello just failed to get a touch. As time ran out Referee Petch managed to send yellow cards to Gary Roberts and then substitute Leo Riley but the scoreline remained blank with City having seen more of the ball but both sides having created chances. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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| No changes at the interval. The opening exchanges saw Brayden Shaw fire wide from distance before Marc Williams forced a good save from Connor Roberts. Danny Gossett set up Rodrigo Branco but he sliced wide.  Ten minutes after the restart former Llandudno striker Jamie
Reed replaced Welsh International Dan Nardiello in the home attack.
Bangor were allowing Llandudno too much space on blues the right, which
visting leftback James Joyce exploiting to cross and shoot in this case
for a corner.Midway through the half Mr Petch caused consternation in the home camp. Anthony Miley tackled John Owen in the box and seemed to everyone to win the ball which ran towards the corner flag with the linesman clearly shouting "corner" although it was still in play. The referee wandered over to his flag bearer and after brief discussion determined a penalty not a corner was in order. Lee Thomas easily dispatched the spot kick and the visiting contingent behind the goal danced with delight. Leo Riley immediately spurned a chance to double the visitors lead. The opening goal was timed at 65 minutes but on 68 it was all square.  Brayden Shaw fed Sam Hart on the left whose deep cross was headed back across goal by Jamie Reed to Henry Jones who smashed the ball home from close range. The visitors almost regained their advantage moments later but Connor Roberts continued his fine run of form with a save from goalscorer Lee Thomas who threatened from John Owen's clever pass. There were more yellow cards, this time for Damien Allen and Tom Dix before with fifteen minutes to go Christian Langos replaced goalscorer Jones on the Bangor right. Jamie Reed slid the ball through for Brayden Shaw but he shot wide. Bangor made one final roll of the dice as Shaun Cavanagh came on for Rodrigo Branco with ten minutes to go, Llandudno then sent on Jamal Crawford for John Owen. Five minutes from time Gary Roberts found Brayden Shaw who spotted a gap between the two Llandudno centrebacks for Shaun Cavanagh to turn through on goal. The young substitute kep his composure, moved the ball onto his left foot behind Hughes before sending the ball through Roberts into the net and celebrating wildly (right). A brave substitution by manager Ian Dawes fully rewarded by the young striker's calm finish. As time ran out the fourth official indicated four minutes to be added which came and went without undue concern although Connor Roberts picked up a yellow card for delaying a freekick. Curious Bangor fans will be eager to see a replay of the bizarre penalty incident but oddly that seemed to spark the home side into life and perhaps prompt the substiutions which changed the course of the game. Either way a well deserved win in a game of three goals, a penalty and nine yellow cards. Merry Christmas Mr Petch! Photo of Danny Gosset above left with thanks to Andre Pepper
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| FINAL SCORE 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor booked their top six place with an emphatic win at Aberystwyth who now have a lot to do to escape the bottom half next month. And the hero of the hour was Damien Allen whose double second half strike secured the win that sent the Bangor camp home happy. The chill wet evening saw both goalkeepers wish they had brought warmer clothes as neither side could muster a persistent threat in the opening forty five minutes. With Sam Hart re-instated on the left his combination with Brayden Shaw seemed the most likely source of a breakthrough for the visitors as he cut inside and unleashed his trademark long range shots. In the first minute Aberaeron based Henry Jones went close for Bangor with a flicked header, so too did Chris Jones for Aber but neither could find the target. Brayden Shaw cut in from the right but saw his low shot fly off target. Then the big midfielder found Gary Roberts with a booming crossfield ball but his left footer flew high over the Aber crossbar. The best chance of the first half came when Brayden Shaw found Gary Roberts who crossed from the right but Dan Nardiello headed over the bar. Aber responded as longserving Geoff Kellaway raced clear but his progress was halted by an offside flag. Connor Roberts was called into action to keep out Chris Jones' freekick but the home side suffered a setback three minutes from half time as winger Geoff Kellaway limped off to be replaced by former Garden Village attacker Kostya Georgievsky. Bangor had shaded the opening period but the blank scoreline meant there was still everything to play for after the break. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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| No changes at the interval. But the pace and intent seem to go up a notch and Brayden Shaw shot on target but Chris Mullock pulled off his first serious save. But it was Aber who went close to breaking the deadlock as Cledan Davies' long clearance released Luke Borrelli but he sliced high and wide. City were winning corners but not creating clear cut chances or making the pressure pay. The breakthrough came on hour mark as Dan Nardiello found Henry Jones who was denied but Damien Allen pounced on the loose ball to put Bangor ahead. Gary Roberts crossed but Michael Higdon headed over before he was replaced by Jamie Reed. Aber goalkeeper Chris Mullock did well to push Henry Jones's long range strike around the post for a corner. But the danger did not go away as Henry Jones passed to Damien Allen sent over a cross or was it a shot from the left which beat everyone and ended up in the back of the net for a two nil Bangor lead on 69 minutes. Aber sprang into life as Chris Jones picked out substitute Kostya Georgievsky but his effort could not get the better of Connor Roberts whose fine run of form continues. But it was Town goalkeeper Chris Mullock who was the busier of the two and he did well to deny Damien Allen hsi hatrick as he fired goalwards from the right. A third Bangor goal duly arrived six minutes from time as Brayden Shaw slid in substitute Rodrigo Branco crashed home from close range to leave the defiant Mullock with no chance and settle the result beyond all reasonable doubt. A final replacement for Aber young Jack Rimmer passed to Luke Borrelli but his shot grazed the wrong side of the post - from a home perspective - and that was about it. A keenly contested match, a clear win, a clean sheet and top six guaranteed. Not a bad week for Bangor and new manager Ian Dawes who would seem to be finding his feet at Welsh Premier level. |
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| FINAL SCORE 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor won this game despite taking quite a pounding in the second half from bottom club Airbus. City gave an instant debut to new signing Michael Higdon upfront whilst Leon Clowes stepped into central defence with loanee Paul Connolly ruled out. Airbus left back Bailey Jackson was shown a yellow card for a wild challenge on Gary Roberts as City pressed down the right. 
With a low bright sun setting over the Menai Bridge the home side
scored at the Bangor end inside seven mintues. Henry Jones crossed from
the right and the alert and largely unmarked Dan Nardiello
headed home from six yards. Brayden Shaw and then debutant Higdon went
close for City who seemed set for a routine win over lowly opposition.But Airbus hadn't read that script and No 17 Liam O'Neill raced clear only to be denied by Connor Roberts. That was a duel which was to dominate the match deep into the second half. Airbus won a corner which was half cleared to Jonny Spittle who fired over from long range. Then Zebb Edwards released James Murphy but he choked his shot and the danger passed. On the half hour goalkeeper Roberts did well to deny eighteen year old Jake Hulley but then City might have won a penalty but referee Jenkins waved away appeals after Michael Higdon was pulled down in the box. There was an open if disjointed feel to the match with Ryan Edwards catching the eye for Airbus whilst Danny Gossett was quietely effective in midfield for City. Big number nine Michael Higdon (photo left) also enjoyed a promising first outing. Former Crewe apprentice O'Neill forced another good save from Connor Roberts before City won their first corner of the game with some ten minutes to play before the interval. Brayden Shaw found goalscorer Nardiello but he headed wide this time. Damien Allen saw his goalbound shot deflected wide. Airbus goalkeeper Ryan Neild did well to keep out a trademark strike from Brayden Shaw before Damien Allen was shown the yellow card for a mistimed tackle. As time ran out the visitors pushed for a deserved equaliser, won their six and then seventh corner of the half but could not get the better of the blues defence. One minute of added time began with Dan Nardiello in behind the 'Bus defence but his weak effort did not threaten Neild's goal. Up the other end went The Planemakers for Jake Hulley to tap home from close range for a goal which had been on the cards. The scoreline could have been 2-3 or even 3-3 but all square was about right and moments after the goal the two teams trundled off for a half time cuppa. |
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| HALF TIME 1-1 |
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| No changes at the interval. But with the sun now having disappeared behind the goal City were attacking, the the floodlights came on and winter chill set in. Bangor went close from the off as a fifth corner invited a looping header from Leon Clowes but Airbus cleared off the line. As play switched up to the other end there was a stoppage as Brayden Shaw needed treatment on the edge of the visitors box. Zebb Edwards was then booked for a foul on Gary Roberts on half way. Then on the hour Ryan Wignall raced in behind, lifted the ball over Connor Roberts, but Anthony Miley somehow got back to clear. Former TNS midfielder Ryan Edwards then thought he had given the visitors the lead but the linesman stepped in to silence the celebrations. Brayden Shaw won a sixth corner for Bangor before on 68 minutes a double change as Jamie Reed and Sam Hart replaced Michael Higdon and Laurence Wilson respectively. The slender Liam O'Neill raced clear but Connor Roberts saved well - sounds familiar - then Brayden Shaw fired wide from distance. Substitute Jamie Reed saw his underhit shot cleared off the line by Jonny Spittle but Airbus were now running through on the counter almost at will and it took another intervention to by Connor Roberts to keep out O'Neill. Moments later Ryan Wignall shot on target but again Roberts saved. With around twelve minutes to go Airbus won five corners virtually back to back with Anthony Miley standing strong as danger threatened. The end of this onslaught on 83 minutes saw Christian Langos replaced Henry Jones who scarcely suited wide duties. Two minutes later it was Bangor's turn to have celebrations cut short as Dan Nardiello's goal was ruled out by an offside flag. There was precious little time left as Airbus won their thirteenth corner of the afternoon but City cleared upfield. As the fourth official (money for old rope) indicated three added minutes a draw seemed inevitable and perhaps welcome for home fans. But a foul on Christian Langos on the left led to a free kick crossed by Damien Allen, half cleared to the edge of the box where Anthony Miley swiveled to crash home into the roof of the net. This time the celebrations were not cut short and the home players and fans could hardly believe their eyes. Referee Jenkins found another minute and a half to add but City kept out any danger and moments later the crowd celebrated again as the final whistle blew. Hard not to feel sorry for the visitors who looked anything but bottom of the table. How they missed Tony Gray upfront. Happily for Bangor though he wasnt there and the three points would go a long way to securing a top six finish at the forthcoming split. Some fine individual performances, notably Danny Gossett who worked hard in midfield, Connor Roberts who was outstanding in goal but the man of the match had to be Anthony Miley who spent all afternoon denying the visitors and then found a moment to finish them off!  92nd minute Jamie Reed is gripped by Spittle (5) but Anthony Miley is on the move...  Reed is now free, Spittle stumped and Miley has smashed home the winner |
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| FINAL SCORE 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Welsh Cup |
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Bangor mastered the bulldogs and the mud to pass this third round test with heads held high. And that must have been a huge relief to rooky manager Ian Dawes whose side played some crisp passing football in near impossible conditions. Despite the damp conditions the match went ahead although not for six minutes as an eagle eyed assistant referee demanded extra tent pegs secure the net at the open end. There was also a well observed silence for the Brazilian footballers of Chapecoense who had perished in an aeroplane crash a fortnight earlier. When play did get under way Referee Dean John had to speak to left winger Leon Jacka for some heavy challenges and awarded a couple of freekicks against captain Tom Davies the second of which saw young Joe Massaro save from Brayden Shaw. Ton Pentre pressed through Sam Small whose shot was bravely blocked by Anthony Miley before Connor Roberts grabbed Corey Shephard's low driven cross from the right. Around the quarter hour mark Massaro saved first from Damien Allen and then from Jamie Reed whose low shot on the turn arrowed at the middle of goal. With the surface breaking up by the minute City won a corner which came to nothing before Referee John settled a dust up between Leon Jacka and Damien Allen by showing each a yellow card. To be fair it was good see the gifted Allen standing toe to toe against the Rhondda valley side. As the home side applied some pressure the hugely impressive Anthony Miley stood firm with head and foot. Ten minutes before the interval Miley went close to giving City the lead but Massaro clung on, the minutes later Brayden Shaw dragged a long range effort wide from the left. Shaw seemed to have the ability to glide across the heavy surface which clung to others like, well like mud. A word too for Jamie Reed who grafted in difficult conditions - as did all the Bangor players - and for Danny Gossett who was everywhere. With four minutes left to the interval Leon Jacka hit the post with a curling right footer which rebounded to Liam Reed. Unable to set himself the luckless striker lifted his effort high and wide from six yards. On 45 minutes Jamie Reed broke through midfield but was brought down by Liam Hutchinson who was booked for his troubles. Henry Jones took the freekick to Gary Roberts on the right. He stood the ball up at the back post for Brayden Shaw to nod home to hand Bangor an interval lead. The visitors celebrated as the home side stood in disbelief. So one nil at the interval but with a long way to go.  |
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| HALF TIME 0-1 |
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| No changes at the interval. The rain had stopped and although there were few to be sunbathing on the grassy bank the likelyhood of the game being abandoned dimished. Brayden Shaw went close for City but the resulting corner came to nothing. Then Shaw fired wide from distance before on 55 minutes Dan Nardiello replaced Brazilian striker Rodrigo Branco who must have thought he was in some sodden hell. Connor Roberts saved well from Corey Shephard before Brayden Shaw capped off a fine flowing move from Bangor with a goalbound effort blocked by Tom Davies. With twenty minutes gone Dan Nardiello struck the crossbar from the tight angle on the right. The Jamie Reed lost his footing on the right to the delight of everyone, apart from himself, before Sam Small was denied by the alert Miley who was at hsi defiant best in the blues defence. With twenty to go Brayden Shaw headed and then Damien Allen lifted the ball to Jamie Reed but his back header lacked the power to beat Massaro. A minute later, with nineteen left to play, City doubled their lead. Brayden Shaw glided down the left, crossed to Jamie Reed whose shot was blocked but Henry Jones was on hand to prod home from close range. It was all Bangor now as Jones and Danny Gossett had a grip of midfield. Dan Nardiello hit the bar again - this time with a header - moments after Massaro had denied him with a good diving save. Lewis Hitchcock replaced Liam Reed on 76 minutes but it was City who pressed again as the luckless Jamie Reed hit the crossbar from ten yards. Up the other end stormed Sam Small but Anthony Miley stopped his progress on the right side of the box. This lead to a third corner of the afternoon for Ton Pentre which Scott Hayward headed wide when the goal gaped. Brayden Shaw, still gliding around effortlessly, fired wide from distance as Bangor again threatened the home goal. Another change for The Bulldogs as Phil Clarke replaced Scott Haywood who had enjoyed a fine afternoon. Henry Jones saw his shot saved by Massaro and Jamie Reed chased through on goal but somehow the ball ran out of play by the upright. City won a couple of late corners and sent on Christian Langos for Henry Jones in the final minute but nothing much happened before Mr John blew for time. Mud mud glorious mud. A great win in the conditions which would have the 3g brigade reaching for their hair spray. Played in a good spirt, refereed with common sense and a good advert for cup football. And well done Bangor and new manager Ian Dawes who must have been impressed and mightily relieved at the final whistle. photos with thanks to
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| FINAL SCORE 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor were second best to visitors Carmarthen who had the better of the chances on a bittterly cold Nantporth afternoon. The first team selected by new manager Ian Dawes saw Anthony Miley moved to right back and Paul Connelly partner Leon Clowes in central defence. Bangor attacked the Antelope End in the first half with Sion Edwards also back in the starting line up after a lengthy absence through injury. And at first it all looked quite positive as City forced a couple of early corners and Henry Jones unsettled the visitors with a cross 
which no one quite knew how to deal with. But the red shirted
Carmarthen side settled and Connor Roberts was tested by a low shot
following which th eever dangerous Liam Thomas could and probably
should have done better when he ran through the blues defence.Craig Hanford went close at the wrong end as he headed against the frame of his own goal as City forced a couple more corners. Kieran Lewis threatened for Carmarthen but on 23 minutes a poorly timed challenge from Paul Connolly saw him yellow carded a the visitors awarded a freekick turned away for a corner. Kieran Lewis crossed into the middle of the goal from the left and Liam Thomas placed his header into the corner of the net from six yards for a goal timed at 26 minutes. Liam Thomas went close again moments later before Lewis Harling dragged his shot wide. Ten minutes before the interval Danny Gossett saw his shot saved by former blues keeper Lee Idzi. Bangor looked awkward at times with Sion Edwards and Brayden Shaw playing on the opposite side of the pitch to the on you might expect, with the idea that they could cut inside a shoot. But on 42 minutes it was all square. With little apparent danger Brayden Shaw gathered the ball and fired at goal from fully 35 yards. Idzi may have been caught flat footed or off guard but the low shot nestled in the bottom corner to the delight of the home support. Henry Jones was fouled and took the freekick himself but it curled out of play and away from danger. And that was about it, the whislte blew for half time with Bangor a touch fortunate to be level but level they were. photo above with thanks to Andre Pepper
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| HALF TIME 1-1 |
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| No changes at the interval. But from the kick off Carmarthen pushed towards the Antelope End and Liam Thomas had a header held by Connor Roberts. Ten minutes after the restart Dan Nardiello, who had been flattened by a Town defender minutes earlier, was replace  d by Rodrigo Branco.Brayden Shaw was the next to take a kicking before goalkeeper Roberts did well to deny Kyle Bassett as the visitors pressed. City forced a couple more corners but could not seriously threaten Idzi's goal. Twenty minutes after the restart Jamie Reed came on for Sion Edwards who had spent most of the afternoon on the "wrong" side of the pitch. Moments later, on 67 minutes, visitors Carmarthen regained their lead as burly centrehalf Lee Surman powered a header home from a floated freekick. Bangor responded through Rodrigo Branco who headed just over. There was a yellow card as Liam Thomas lunged two footed on Branco to the anger of the home fans in the main stand. Needless to say the hopelessly inept Markham Jones had little or no idea what was going. Sam Hart replaced Anthony Miley at right back. City were too prone to go long early, long ball but with no Les Davies. The crisp passing style that had been the feature of the Legg regime now gone. Carmarthen went close again as Lee Surman headed over from six yards before centreback Dwaine Bailey trotted on for Ceri Morgan. City won a corner which dropped to HenryJones but his rising drive skimmed the crossbar and flew to safety. But there was still drama afoot. Leon Clowes was yellow carded but a worse fate awaited Lee Surman who clobbered Henry Jones and was sent off by Markham Jones. Too little too late from the hopeless whistler. In the final minute of the ninety Laurence Wilson shot across goal from the left before the fourth official indicated an additonal four minutes were to be played. But the only real action in those closing stages was a good save by Connor Roberts from Kyle Bassett when a third goal for the visitors looked to be one the cards. So a second consecutive defeat for Bangor, a scrappy performance and although the referee was his usual gormless self, a deserved win for the visitors. A week ahead, the visit to Ton Pentre in the Welsh Cup. That is not really where you would want to go on the back of two defeats. |
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| FINAL SCORE 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor were well beaten by the students of Cardiff as Elliot Evans grabbed their first ever hatrick at this level.There was a debut in the blues defence for Paul Connolly and a start for Lawrence Wilson in the absence of young Jordan Davies. Cardiff sounded an early warning as Charlie Corbsy ran through but Connor Roberts kept him out. Moments later Brayden Shaw tried his luck from distance but missed the target. Elliot Evans went close twice inside the opening quarter hour as the students threatened to take the lead. City caused some uncertainty in the home defence as Henry Jones crossed and the ball richoted around the penalty area. Then Brayden Shaw threatened and won a corner but that came to nothing. There could be no real complaints on 35 minutes when Cardiff took the lead. Elliot Evans smashed the ball beyond the despairing Roberts after a well constructed move from the home side. Cardiff won a freekick and Henry Jones was shown the yellow card for kicking the ball away. But moments later a chance for City as Dan Nardiello was fouled some thirty yards out. Brayden Shaw hit the target but Will Fuller was on hand to deal with the danger. There was another yellow card, this time for Danny Gossett, one minutes added time was played and passed without incident and the solitary Evans strike divided the two teams at the break after a lacklustre peformance from City. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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 No changes at the interval.The home side went close soon after the restart as Charlie Corsby raced onto a through ball but Connor Roberts held his shot. But on 55 minutes it was two nil as Elliot Evans reacted first after Connor Roberts parried Charlie Corsby's goalbound effort. On the hour mark a first change of the afternoon as Chris Baker replaced Will Evans for the students. City sent on Rodrigo Branco for Laurence Wilson. The changes changed little though as on 61 minutes another passing move culminated in Elliot Evans grabbing his hatrick goal and giving the home side an emphatic three nil advantage. Evans is a product of the Bristol City academy. Jordan Lam fired over for a well on top home side before with eighteen minutes left Anthony Miley got his head to a Damien Allen freekick but could not find the target. Dan Spencer replaced Adam Roscrow for Cardiff. Bangor rallied briefly as replacement Rodrigo Branco saw his shot saved by goalkeeper Fuller before Dan Nardiello set up the Brazilian striker but this time he blazed over. With some ten minutes left on the clock Jon Littlemore, once of Bangor and with his family home on Anglesey, replaced goalscorer Evans. If City thought their problems had eased with the departure of Evans they were wrong as Jon Littlemore celebrated his arrival against his old team with a close range finish as the ball bounced back to him. There were late bookings for Cardiff captain Brad Woolridge and blues defender Sam Hart as he battled with goalscorer Littlemore. And that was about it. No hard luck stories for City who were simply second to everything and generally outplayed by the Cardiff side who have surprised many so far this season. And they dont look like they have finished yet! photos with thanks to Cardiff Met photographer Graham Haines
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| FINAL SCORE 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor were
deserved winners on this remembrance Sunday afternoon clash but were
made to graft in the closing stages by a spirited Newtown side. The first chance of the afternoon fell to recalled striker Jamie Reed whose low shot on the turn was comfortably caught by Dave Jones. But moments later, on seven minutes, Shane Sutton headed home Ross Stephen's corner and despite a blues defender hooking the ball clear a well placed linesman signalled the ball had crossed the line. One nil. 
Bangor looked for a leveller as Brayden Shaw saw his shot deflected out
for an early corner and soon after Jordan Davies slid the ball across
from the left but no one could get the vital touch. On the quarter hour
Brayden Shaw shot over from a second Bangor corner. Luke
Boundford then chased a flick from Jason Oswell but Connor Roberts
saved comfortably enough.By now it was all Bangor attacking the social club end, but Kieran Mills Evans and Shane Sutton won their share of clearing headers and goalkeeper Dave Jones delayed every goalkick. Referee Tom Williams seemed oblivious. Rodrigo Branco sliced wide from the edge of the box before Jordan Davies saw his effort blocked by Sutton. Sam Hart lashed the ball high and wide before Jamie Reed sent his header on target but too close to Jones. Danny Gossett and Henry Jones had a grip in midfield and Jordan Davies down the left in particular looked a real threat. With pressure mounting and Newtown dropping deeper and deeper City struck. As City pressed Aberaeron midfielder Henry Jones smashed home from twenty five yards to beat Jones all ends up. And with the game there for the taking City took it two minutes later as Brayden Shaw drove home. hard and low, beyond the despairing Jones to put City ahead. This was well deserved and - for the neutral in particular - served to sharpen the interest of all concerned in getting on with the game. Leading goalscorer Jason Oswell was still a threat for Newtown but Connor Roberts saved his low strike. The lively Rodrigo Branco ran in behind The Robins defence from the left but sliced his shot into the side netting. With five minutes to go to half time Gary Roberts was rightly carded for a foul as Newtown broke down his flank. The final chance of the first half fell to Neil Mitchell but he headed well wide from the near post and City walked off with a two one lead. |
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| HALF TIME 1-2 |
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| One change at the interval for City as Dan Nardiello replaced Rodrigo Branco. Bangor were quickly onto the attack and won a couple of corners, the second of which Gary Roberts fired well over from distance. Newtown went close as Jason Oswell headed wide and the home side caused mayhem in the blues box but somehow City cleared with Miley and Hart in the thick of the action. Referee Tom Williams cut a forlorn figure at times, a boy amongst men, but he flashed the plastic at Neil Mitchell and then Jordan Davies before City won a fifth corner as Dan Nardiello's shot was deflected wide. Henry Jones crossed for Jordan Davies but his firm downward header was clawed away. 
Newtown needed a lift and on 62 minutes a double change as Ryan Kershaw
and Alex Fletcher came on for Ross Stevens and Joe Newton.But it was Bangor who continued to press and Jamie Reed saw his shot saved by Jones, then Dan Nardiello headed over from a sixth blues corner. More yellow cards from young Mr Williams for Brayden Shaw and substitute Kershaw who then raced left to right before shooting across goal from twenty yards.Connor Roberts seemed to save but happily accepted the goalkick awarded. Bangor were now guilty of dropping deeper as Newtown pressed higher up the pitch, prone to take too many short passes near their own box when the ball over the home fullbacks was beckoning. Bangor pushed forward through Jamie Reed who found Dan Nardiello but his shot was well saved by Jones. Ashley Young replaced Brayden Shaw as City looked to bolster the central midfield area. Then Gary Roberts sprung the trap with a well flighted ball down the right which released Dan Nardiello. He slid the ball through for Jamie Reed but his heavy first touch allowed Jones to gather on the edge of his box. In the confusion rightback Craig Williams was injured and needed treatment. Which partly explained the four minutes of added time shown during which Anthony Miley again rose highest to head clear. Bangor negotiated the final minutes without alarm and won a seventh corner before Mr Williams blew for time and the travelling contingent around Latham Park celebrated a hard fought victory. |
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor lost the hundreth game at Nantporth against league leaders TNS
but can hold their heads up high after pushing the runaway leaders all
the way.The fact that visiting goalkeeper Harrison was booked in the closing minutes for timewasting tells you this was a game very much alive until the final whitle. Without Leon Clowes or River Humphreys blues boss Andy Legg paired Anthony Miley and Sam Hart in central defence and either of these could have been man of the match. Both were outstanding. But before any of this a minutes silence impeccably observed in memory of all those who lost their lives in wars and conflicts. Once the action go underway rampaging rightback Simon Spender caused City problems throughout. His fifth minute cross was cleared by Sam Hart before Connor Roberts saved well from Alex Darlington as he fired on goal from Spender's low cross. The Saints won an early corner and freekick but the Bangor wall stood firm. On the quarter hour calm defending from Anthony Miley snuffed out danger before Dan Nardiello turned and shot from the right but Harrison saved well at his near post. Moments later City went close to taking the lead. Henry Jones' corner found Brayden Shaw whose sliced shot looped to Sam Hart but his header struck the inside of the post and rolled to a grateful Harrison. With the defence on their guard and midfielders Allen, Gossett and Jones positive at all times, City looked dangerous. Rodrigo Branco worked hard to unsettle the Saints rearguard and help pinch possession up the field. The visitors pressed and Connor Roberts again denied Darlington from a short corner move but on twenty minutes Greg Draper fired home off Sam Hart to open the scoring. The dozen or so visiting fans behind Connor Roberts' goal celebrated loudly. But inside five minutes the celebrations had a more widespread appeal as City drew level.  Wrexham loanee Jordan Davies waltzed into the box and was fouled by Steve Saunders for a clear penalty duly awarded by Huw Jones. No real protest or to do as the reliable figure of rightback Gary Roberts stepped up to send Harrison the wrong way to level the scores. The visitors nearly responded immediately but once more Anthony Miley was on hand to ease Greg Draper off the ball. The next seven or eight minutes saw Gary Roberts, Miley and Sam Hart withstand pressure from the greens which saw Darlington again latch onto a low cross from Spender but fire wide. Five minutes from half time some fluent passing from Henry Jones and Danny Gossett released Jordan Davies but he shot over. TNS appealed for a penalty as the ball struck Sam Hart's arm by his side - seen them given - but nothing doing from Mr Jones. Three minutes before the break Jon Routledge was shown the yellow card for a pull on Henry Jones but Gary Roberts lifted the resulting freekick high and wide. The final action saw Dan Nardiello slip past Connell Rawlinson in thebox but Harrison again saved well at his near post and the opportunity was gone. So all square at the interval and on the balance of play just about right. photo above with thanks to Andre Pepper
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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| No changes at the interval . But from the offset there was a different feel to this half. Reports of raised voices from the visitors dressing room suggested manager Harrison wanted more effort from his players. He certainly got a response. Within five minutes Anthony Miley denied Llandudno based winger Robbie Parry then Connor Roberts did well to pouch Greg Draper's close range header. City responded as Dan Nardiello created a half chance for Brayden Shaw but his shot from the right flashed wide. But on 52 minutes the full timers had the lead.  Ryan Brobbel shot from the right, Connor Roberts saved but the Irish winger reclaimed the ball and crossed for Alex Darlington
to head home despite the best efforts of Danny Gossett on the blues
line. Bangor went close as Henry Jones latched onto Brayden Shaw's
crossfield ball but Harrison saved.The visitors won their fifth and sixth corners of the afternoon, Connor Roberts saved well from Saunders before Danny Gossett who had enjoyed a fine hour or so to that point, cleared off the line. It nearly got even better for Gossett as he ran onto Brayden Shaw's chip into the Saints box but fired narrowly wide from ten yards. On the hour Jamie Reed replaced Rodrigo Branco. There were calls for a card as Jon Routledge blocked the progress of Jamie Reed as City looked to break. It would have been a second yellow - and red - and perhaps a touch harsh given that he was twenty yards inside the Bangor half. But again it comes into the "seen them given" category. With twenty minutes left the awkward looking Rawlinson was yellow carded for a foul on Brayden Shawbut the resulting freekick came to nothing. Bangor sent on leftback Laurence Wilson for Damien Allen in a reshuffle which saw Jordan Davies move forwards into midfield. Craig Harrison made a double substitution with fifteen minutes to go. Chris Seargenat and Wes Fletcher came on for Alex Darlington and Greg Draper. Jordan Davies was higher up the pitch and made a couple of surging runs but both saw his crowded out by Saints defenders. Into the final ten minutes, without doubt the visitors had been the dominant force in the second period but with time now running out they had more to lose and City all to gain. But it was Ryan Brobbel whose shot, blocked by the ever vigilant Sam Hart, which resulted in an eighth corner beofre City countered and substitute Jamie Reed header was deflected for a corner, the second of the afternoon followed immediately by a third. The game now reached the closing mintues, Jamie Reed headed off target and centreback Phil Baker came on for winger Robbie Parry. Referee Jones yellow carded Paul Harrison for timewasting as the ninety ebbed away and despite the best efforts of all in blue - and goalkeeper Roberts - City could not find and equaliser and the Park Hall side ran out deserved winners. Probably the best game seen at Nantporth this season, arguably Bangor's best performance. A good ninety minutes too for referee Huw Jones who was a strange appointment given his Oswestry area connections but he let the game flow and kept his intervention to a minimum. photo above with thanks to Andre Pepper
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| FINAL SCORE 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor won this game at the last thanks to late winner from Anthony Miley who before the game was listed amongst the replacements... The drama began before kick off as City centreback River Humphreys, who had been with The Druids earlier in the season, pulled out during the warm up. Anthony Miley took his place. The hand of fate. The home side took the lead on seven minutes. A freekick from Naim Arsan was flicked on by Aaron Bowen for Matt Eckersley to curl the ball beyond blues goalkeeper Connor Roberts. Five minutes later Bangor went close to an equaliser as Brayden Shaw shot from the edge of the box but Danny Lloyd, apparently recommended by none other than Phil Priestley, saved at full stretch. The game switched to the other end of the pitch and Connor Roberts did well to deny Ashely Ruane who sped on goal in a "one on one" scenario. But on 25 minutes Bangor drew level. Brayden Shaw combined with Jordan Davies on the left before the Wrexham loanee slid past two home defenders and crashed the ball into the roof of the net. The home side threatened on the half hour as Ashley Ruane gathered his own cross to run on goal and eventually create a chance which Aaron Bowen headed over to the relief of the blues defence. Dan Nardiello went close a couple of times then Cefn pushed forward but Ruane headed over. The final action of the first half was a half chance for midfielder Danny Gossett but his shot was too high and the danger passed. So all square at the interval with City still very much in the hunt for their first Welsh Premier away win of the season. |
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| HALF TIME 1-1 |
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| No changea at the interval. The home side went close through Kyle Parle but Connor Roberts saved comfortably. Seven minutes into the second period The Druids won a freekick on the edge of the Bangor box but Naim Arsan saw his shot slide over the bar. City took the initiative then as Dan Nardiello saw his shot hit the crossbar and minutes later Brayden Shaw grazed the woodwork with a clean strike. On the hour mark the first change of the evening as Jamie Reed replaced Rodrigo Branco. And five minutes after the change City had the lead for the first time. The hard working Gary Roberts latched onto Dan Nardiello's lay off to smash the ball wide of Danny Lloyd from a tight angle. Time for a change for Druids boss Huw Griffiths who sent on Jordan Harper for Aaron Bowen and with eighteen minutes left the change worked. A long clearance found Ashley Ruane who managed to beat Connor Roberts despite the best efforts of Sam Hart. The impressive Brayden Shaw went close once more with a long range curler that rattled the upright then Jamie Reed got his head to a cross from the right but could not keep his header down. The home side had penalty appeals waved away by referee Rob Jenkins. The game moved into added time with a draw looming large. But City had other ideas and replacement defender Anthony Miley rose highest to head home past Lloyd and seal the points for City. Not that added time passed peacefully as referee Jenkins showed his yellow plastic card to three players including City goalkeeper Connor Roberts. The final whitle blew and City celebrated a first away win in the league, oddly at The Rock where they had won three weeks earlier, by the same scoreline and with the third goal scored by Anthony Miley... |
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| FINAL SCORE 2-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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League Cup |
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Bangor bowed out of the League Cup at the Quarter Final stage as both managers made changes to their normal starting line ups.For City there were starts for Anthony M  iley, Jamie Reed and
Christian Langos with Damien Allen and Sion Edwards on the bench. For The Saints several academy graduates were drafted in including goalkeeper Andy Wycherley, defenders Ryan Pryce and James Jones, and strikers Scott Quigley and seventeen year old Nantwich based Jacob Farley. City right winger Christian Langos unsettled the visitors defence with a run that forced Ryan Pryce to bring him down. Freekick specialist Sam Hart stepped up but his clean strike just cleared the visitors crossbar. Bangor tried a high press and Rodrigo Branco put young Andy Wycherley under pressure but the Saints cleared their lines. Then a half cleared corner dropped to Scott Quigley on the edge of the box but his powerful drive was blocked by the blues defence. Brazilian Branco saw his cross shot nearly embarrass Wycherley before tricky winger Jamie Mullan wriggled free of the Bangor defence but fired wide as the goal opened up before him. So all square at the interval and a fair reflection of the play to that point. photo above with thanks Tomos Wyn Jones & A Jones.
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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Two changes at the interval for the visitors as Greg Draper and Robbie Parry came on for Scott Quigley and Jamie Mullan.
But the restart was delayed due to a floodlight failure which was resolved in around ten minutes to the relief of all concerned.Bangor lost Christian Langos who had to be withdrawn through injury with Brayden Shaw taking his place. Ten minutes after the game got back underway the inevitable contovesy. Henry Jones played in Rodrigo Branco who bent the ball around goalkeeper Wycherley but the offside flag dampened the celebrations. City fans were far from happy with the decision but that changed nothing. Blues goalkeeper Connor Roberts did well to deny Greg Draper as he ran through "one on one" but on 64 minutes Robbie Parry smashed home a freekick awarded on the edge of the box with the aid of the crossbar. Moments earlier Damien Allen had replaced the injured Danny Gossett. The impressive Henry Jones was then involved in a fluid attacking move which saw him shoot from the edge of the box but Wycherley saved well. Ten minutes from time Damien Allen saw his shot graze the wrong side of the post as City pressed for an equaliser. But the goal which did come fell to substitute Greg Draper as he latched onto Wes Fletcher's assist to slide the ball home from close range. So a disappointing end to an exciting and entertaining evening at Nantporth as the ever elusive League Cup slips away for another season. photo above with thanks to Tomos Wyn Jones & A Jones.
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| FINAL SCORE 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor dominated
much of this game but somehow found themselves two nil down at half
time. The second half fightback was - at you might expect - not without
controvesy. Prior to kick off their was a minutes silence in memory of the victims of Aberfan fifty years ago. City had to rule out Leon Clowes, Sion Edwards and confine Damien Allen to the bench. The versatile Sam Hart lined up alongside River Humphreys with Lawrence Wilson at leftback and Jordan Davies in midfield. 
The blues were quickly into their stride on a clear sunny Nantporth
afternoon. Lawrence Wilson and Jordan Davies fired long range efforts
just off target before in the fifth minute applause echoed around the
ground in tribute to Bangor fan Kevin Pritchard and former Rhyl player Selwyn Morris who had both died in the lead up to the game.On the seventh minute Bangor won and wasted a corner before Jordan Davies scuffed a half chance from a City freekick. The thirteenth minute proved unlucky for City as Owen Evans saved from Dan Nardiello before Henry Jones saw his follow up effort hit the post. Next Gary Roberts's long range free kick was saved by Evans and on 18 minutes Rodrigo Branco had the ball in th net but the offside flag was already up. Frustration got the better of the visitors as Jamie Brewerton variously clobbered Connor Roberts, pulled Dan Nardiello back and then fouled Rodrigo Branco. But Bangor continued to dominate with Danny Gossett, Jordan Davies and Henry Jones prominent and it was the Aberaeron schemer who tested Owen Evans with a low strike from the edge of the box. And then calamity struck. Gary Roberts was adjuged to have fouled Kristian Pierce on the edge of the blues box. The former Denbigh frontman took the freekick which rolled into the back of the net via a vicious deflection beyond Connor Roberts. That goal was timed at 33 minutes and no more than three had elapsed when some dreadful defending in the home box allowed Toby Jones' backheel to set up Rio Ahmadi who slotted home from six yards. His wide eyed celebrations owed something to sheer disbelief shared by most in the ground. Bangor were visibly rocked but pushed forward through Jordan Davies who was tripped by Jamie Brewerton who received a slightly overdue yellow card. Gary Roberts crashed the freekick against the wall for a second Bangor corner which came to nothing. City continued to press as James Bell fouled Jordan Davies. This time Jordan Miller headed the ball out for a corner which again came to nothing. In added time a corner for Rhyl and as City broke upfield a foul by Aaron Simpson on Rodrigo Branco earned the Lilywhites defender a yellow card before the whistle blew and the side trotted off. Could Andy Legg work the oracle and inspire his charges to redouble their efforts? Time would tell. photo above with thanks Phil Stead
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| HALF TIME 0-2 |
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| One change at the interval as Carl Lamb replaced Oliver Buckley. Two minutes after the restart Rodrigo Branco unleashed a thirty yard dipping volley which forced Evans to tip the ball over his own crossbar. The burly Kristian Pierce fired over from long range but on 52 minutes the fightback that Andy Legg demanded began. Brayden Shaw slotted the ball through for Rodrigo Branco whose calm finish beat Evans all ends up. Undeterred Legg now sent on Christian Langos in place of Lawrence Wilson with Jordan Davies dropping back into the defence. As the hour mark approached City were in full flow. Gary Roberts found Rodrigo Branco, his lay off invited a volley from Dan Nardiello which Evans did well to keep out, Then on 57 minutes dismay for the visitors as Aaron Simpson fouled substitute Langos and was shown a second yellow and red card by Lee Evans which had it been against a Bangor player would caused a riot. Down to ten men Rhyl struggled to reorganise. Against ten men Bangor adopted the tactic of spreading play, using the width of the pitch to find space.  Text book stuff. Much of this space was to be exploited down the Bangor right by Gary Roberts and the pacey Christian Langos. Dan Nardiello latched onto a through ball from the majestic Henry Jones but Evans saved his low shot. But on 64 minutes the scores were level. Gary Roberts crossed low to Dan Nardiello whose shot on the turn beat Evans inside hsi near post for his sixth goal of the season on his 24th birthday. Rhyl though were far from beaten as Rio Ahmadi ran into the blues box but shot wide. Four minutes later on 68 City went ahead for the first time. Bangor pushed the visitors deeper and deeper before the composed figure of Gary Roberts crossed from the right for Henry Jones to rise above Jamie Brewerton (you read that right) and head the ball back across goal inside the far post. The marauding Brayden Shaw then shot narrowly wide as the man advantage began to wear the visitors down. Christian Langos crossed from the right but Rodrigo Branco saw his first time flick saved at the near post for a fifth corner which was cleared. With fifteen minutes to go Toby Jones fired wide with a long range freekick before Zyaac Edwards replaced goalkeeper Kristian Pierce. Another Bangor chance came and went as Rodrigo Branco's side footer was saved by Evans. Exasperation got the better of young Niall McGuiness who was then sent from the dugout by referee Evans, presumably for comments passed. He watched the remainder of the game from the front row of the mainstand. Rhyl won a corner but Jamie Brewerton headed tamely on goal. Bangor moved upfield Henry Jones was tripped in the box but no penalty according a strange interpretation of the laws from Mr Evans, one introduced by his colleague Mark Petch at Connahs Quay. Five minutes from time the towering Stefan Halewood replaced Mike Sharples but rather than slotting in at centreback he wandered around the left wing to no great effect. With two minutes left a foul by Zyaac Edwards on Christian Langos earned City a freekick on the edge of the box. Gary Roberts fired on target but Evans saved once more. The fourth official indicated four minutes of added time which passed without much more than a yellow card for Dan Nardiello for a trip on James Bell as he led a surge upfield. And so the final whistle which was loudly celebrated by the home fans, not sweeter victory than a fightback from two nil down and against Rhyl at that. Well done! photo above with thanks to Andre Pepper
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| FINAL SCORE 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Blues again had to rule out Damien Allen and Sion Edwards whilst the home side are set to be without seasoned centrebacks Ian Kearney and Mike Pearson for most of the season.  On a bright afternoon Connahs Quay kicked off with the wind at their backs as City defended the river end. The home side won and wasted an early corner and moments later Nick Rushton chased a lost cause and almost capitalised on an error of judgement from Connor Roberts. On eight minutes City fell behind in unfortunate circumstances as a high straight freekick from the left was headed past his own goalkeeper by River Humphreys. Five minutes later the hard working Leon Clowes was injured and on seventeen minutes Nathan Woolfe sent a freekick straight into the hands of Connor Roberts. Midway through the half a shot from Danny Gossett was deflected to Rodrigo Branco who rounded the keeper but the offside flag and whistle had signalled before the ball rolled ino the empty net. Referee Mark Petch was to be involved in controvesy as usual. After failing to penalise Les Davies for a wild lunge on Leon Clowes he proceeded to book Dan Nardiello for an supposed dive in the Nomads box. Bangor had the better of things in midfield where Henry Jones and Danny Gossett impressed. The Nomads opted for a more direct approach aimed at Les Davies but Leon Clowes and River Humphreys had his measure. Lewis Short was a threat with his long throws. But on 28 minutes it was all square. Jordan Davies saw his shot saved by John Danby but Rodrigo Branco reacted quickly to slot home from a tight angle on the right despite desperate efforts from retreating Nomads defenders on the goal line. Goalkeeper Connor Roberts pulled off a great save to deny the Nomads and moments later the tall glovesman caught a high cross which ended in former blue Les Davies needing treatment. Five minutes before the interval Henry Jones saw his shot blocked before the offside flag intervened once more. The end to end nature of the afternoon continued as Les Davies gathered the ball on his right, appeared to have lost the moment but then unleashed a trademark shot which poleaxed Jordan Davies. As time ran out Nick Rushton ran clear but Lawrence Wilson recovered well to snuff out the danger. There had been a number of stoppages which all added up to three minutes more play which saw Bangor attack through Dan Nardiello who capitalised on a rush of blood from John Danby but Gary Roberts sent his drive over the bar. So all square at the interval and probably about right on the balance of play. |
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| HALF TIME 1-1 |
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| No changes at the interval. Now attacking the school end Connahs Quay pushed for a second goal and after a skirmish in the blues goalmouth the ball was recycled to the left wing but Matty Williams headed over from a well flighted cross.  Five minutes into the second half Rodrigo Branco split the home defence but could not get his shot away as he closed on goal, then Gary Roberts appeared to be felled on the right edge of the box but rather than a penalty he earned a yellow card. This was the second yellow of the afternoon for diving awarded by Mr Petch who never shuns controvesy. He got this decision badly wrong but dont expect him to be relegated to officiating Anglesey League. On 57 minutes Mike Wilde replaced Matty Williams in the Nomads attack but it was City who went close as Rodrigo Branco shot wide after more uncertain defending. But Connahs Quay pushed forward once more and Lawrence Wilson had to be alert to deny Wilde before Connor Roberts saved from Les Davies. On 64 minutes Jamie Reed replaced Rodrigo Branco but four minutes later it was fellow substitute Mike Wilde who headed home from close range to put the home side ahead once again. Brayden Shaw then crossed from the right but Jamie Owen somehow lifted the ball out for a corner from under his own crossbar. A corner for Bangor which came to nothing. But on 75 minutes City were level again. Brayden Shaw controlled the ball thirty yards out before smashing a long range shot beyond Danby and into the back of the net for a goal of the season contender. Credit to Jock Morrison who joined the applause as the visitors celebrated. With ten minutes left on the clock River Humphreys and then Jamie Reed both went close but it was Connor Roberts who denied the home side with a great save from a close range shot from Lewis Short. On 82 minutes Anthony Miley replaced Gary Roberts who was injured and Christian Langos came on for Dan Nardiello. As the ninety minutes ran out the fourth official indicated four added minutes - five were played - but neither side could find a winner although Wilde threatened late on but lost control at the vital moment. So a hard earned point for both sides, one which maintained the status quo in the battle for second and third. A draw probably a fair result and an enjoyable game for the neutral - according to the one sat next to me! |
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| FINAL SCORE 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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League Cup |
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Bangor swept through to the Quarter Finals of the League Cup with a comfortable win at The Rock. And the damage was done in the first half as Henry Jones masterminded a wholesale destruction of the uncertain Druids defence who were at sixes and sevens from the off. On a dry evening the ball tended to stick on the new artificial surface and bounce oddly at times. But Matty Cook got to grips with the elements to shoot on target from distance on ten minutes but Connor Roberts pouched confidently. On the quarter hour City won the third of three successive corner kicks which culminated in a cross from the right which dropped to Henry Jones who slotted home from ten yards. No 91 Rodrigo Branco then headed headed over before the impressive Naim Arsan shot wide for Cefn. But on 24 minutes City doubled their advantage as Christian Langos chased a long ball which bounced too high for the unsettled Hesp and the little winger rose highest to head home from six yards. Stuart Cook shot wide from distance but - yes Huw Jones was the referee - controvesy moments later as Christian Langos was clearly pushed over in the box. Penalty shouted the blues fans but no said Mr Jones. Either side of the half hour the quick thinking Henry Jones went close twice before Ashley Young lashed over from outside the box. Some great defending by Tommy Cooney denied Rodrigo Branco who shot from a tight angle looked like goal number three until he scooped it out for a corner. City continued to dominate as Anthony Miley shot from the right but the ball fizzed across the goal. A long overdue third goal arrived on 40 minutes as a sixth Bangor corner dropped to Anthony Miley who crashed home from close range. In reality this was game over although the was fifty minutes to go. As half time drew closer a shot from the left led to a collision between Ashley Young and Steve Blenkinsop at the righthand upright which left both needing treatment. But as the whistle blew City ran off three nil to the good and every prospect of more to come in the second period. |
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| HALF TIME 0-3 |
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| One change at the interval as Pavel Vieira replaced the injured Ashley Young. The pattern of the second half was similar to the first, City quick and purposeful in possession, Cefn uncertain at the back. Bangor quickly won a sixth corner of the by now much cooler evening before Naim Arsan again tried his luck from out on the left but missed the target. Stuart Cook shot wide. More hesitation in the home defence led to Adam Hesp dithering and Rodrigo Branco shooting over before Jamie Reed crossed and the Brazilian fired wide. On 58 minutes Gareth Partridge made way for Fisnik Hajdari and moment later Bangor won but wasted their eighth corner of the evening. Pavel Vieira spread the play out to the right, Christian Langos gathered a cut inside but his shot crashed into the side netting. Then Sam Hart, who had impresved in the middle of the blues defence, sent over a trademark freekick but Jamie Reed headed over. On 68 minutes another change for the home side as Ashley Ruane came on for Stuart Cook. But City kept pushing the Ancients back as Jamie Reed's speculative lob dropped agonisingly close onto the roof of the net. Substitute Ashley Ruane then reduced the deficit with a solo goal which saw him gallop in from the left, see his shot hit the post but keep his composure to tap in the rebound. City tried to respond through Henry Jones who went close twice but could not add to his tally. On 82 minutes Oscar Durnin trotted on in place of Jamie Reed but play had to stop as Connor Roberts fell awkwardly on the harsh surface and required lenghty treatment for a sore back. With two minutes left on the clock Cefn sent on Mike Pritchard for Steve Blenkinsop. With the ninety minutes up the fourth official indicated four added minutes. In the third of these Naim Arsan again fired on goal and despite a good save from blues keeper Connor Roberts the ball ran to Mike Pritchard who reacted first to tap home from close range. Three two with a minute left to play. An unlikely comeback was possible but the final minute or so passed without incident and City rightly took their place in the Quart Finals of the League Cup, with the draw due on Friday afternoon. |
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| FINAL SCORE 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor survived a late scare to beat the Cardiff students at the Bangor University stadium. And the hero for City was two goal Dan Nardiello who scored a goal in each half. Without River Humphreys, Damien Allen, Henry Jones and Sion Edwards the blues started with Jamie Reed watching from the bench. 
Bangor made a bright start and thought they had the lead on seven minutes as Rodrigo Branco netted but the offside flag waved high. Three minutes later the visitors Dan Spencer just failed to get a touch on an inviting cross before Christian Langos cross and as Branco lurked the student conceded a corner. The influential Gary Roberts then fired wide left footed from the edge of the box after earlier appearing to lose the ball. Then Connor Roberts pulled off a tremendous save to deny Charlie Corsby who shot seemed to be heading for the back of the net. On the half hour Dan Nardiello got on the end of a Christian Langos cross but headed wide. Ten minutes before the interval Cardiff goalkeeper Will Fuller pulls off a great save to deny Christian Langos tormented Lewis but then fired too close to the busy Fuller following a well weighted pass from Dan Nardiello. With Bangor deserving a lead it came along two minutes before the interval. Anthony Miley won the ball and the dynamic Danny Gossett stormed through midfield. The ball ran to Gary Roberts who crossed from the right and Dan Nardiello glanced a header beyond Fuller and into the visitors net. If there is a good time to score a goal - more than any other - just before the break ticks that box. A minute of added time was indicated and duly played out before the sides left the field with City ahead by the narrowest of margins. photos with thanks to Tomos Wyn Jones & A Jones.
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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| No changes at the interval Bangor pushed forward early on through Gary Roberts and Danny Gossett on the right and Brayden Shaw saw his clean strike fly just over the students bar. On fifty minutes Kyle McCarthy went into Mr Pratt's notebook for a foul on Christian Lango. Nothing new there. Christian Edwards had seen enough and promptly made a double change with Jon Littlemore and Will Evans coming on for Elliot Evans and Ben Bowler. A special moment for Anglesey based Littlemore who came through the Bangor academy and regularly featured in match day squads. 
Littlemore was quickly into the action but his shot was blocked
by Anthony Miley and on 56 minutes a first change by Andy Legg as Jamie
Reed came on for Rodrigo Branco in the blues attack. Visiting
goalkeeper Will Fuller saved comfortably from Jordan Davies and moments
later he did even better to keep out an effort from substitute Reed.But on 61 minutes Fuller could not deny City as second as Dan Nardiello controlled a pass from Brayden Shawand turned both Wooldrige and Lewis to slot the ball into the bottom right hand corner. Two nil up and with half an hour or so left to play. City went close to a third as Jamie Reed shot on target but Fuller saved well but the students proved they were still a threat as Jordan Lam raced on goal but could not get the better of Connor Roberts in a one on one duel. On 65 minutes another effort from Dan Nardiello but his left footer went just over and then a final change of the afternoon by Cardiff as Adam Roscrow replaced Dan Spencer. With twenty minutes left on the clock another change for Bangor as Sam Hart replaced Brayden Shaw, with Jordan Davies pushing forward onto the left wing. Charlie Corsby tested Connor Roberts with a snapshot from a quickly taken corner but the former Everton youth teamer was up to the challenge. Bangor pressed and Jordan Davies saw his low effort blocked by the goalkeeper's feet before, with thirteen minutes left Gary Roberts was shown the yellow card for a foul on McCarthy. Jordan Lam tested Connor Roberts who saved well before, with twelve minutes left, City gave Sion Bradley a run out in place of Christian Langos. Dan Nardiello spurned two chances to grab his hatrick with one shot flying wide and the busy Fuller saving another. But with around five minutes left a corner for the visitors was headed home by defender Emlyn Lewis to set home nerves jangling. To make things worse the board went up to indicate four minutes of added time, but happily from a Bangor perspective this came to nothing and City ran out deserved winners. photos with thanks to Tomos Wyn Jones & A Jones.
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| FINAL SCORE 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Bangor boss Andy Legg rang the changes with starts for River Humphreys at the heart of the defence, Brayden Shaw, Rodrigo Branco and Christian Langos upfront with Ashley Young and Danny Gossett competing for everything in midfeld. Attacking the end with all the trees City saw Rodrigo Branco flick the ball wide before Bala broke and Gary Roberts was shown the yellow card for a trip. Christian Langos then created a chance for Dan Nardiello but he fired over from twenty yards. Bala attacked down their left but Langos this time turned defender to stop Ryan Wade in full stride. Rodrigo Branco slid the ball through to Brayden Shaw on the right but recalled keeper Ashley Morris saved with his feet. The incident came after Morris had been deceived by a backspin bounce from a high ball. On twenty minutes Gary Roberts arched a freekick goalwards but unfortunately it cleared the crossbar. A word for both Gossett & Young who worked tirelessly in midfield as well as centrebacks Humphreys and Clowes whose no nonesense resilience established a platform for all those around them. On the half hour Christian Langos was flattened in mid air from behind by leftback Thompson. No foul, no yellow card until the little winger earned himself one for comments passed to Dean John. Thompson had no chance of reaching the ball and simply barged Langos into touch. Strange times. As half time drew closer Gary Roberts fed Dan Nardiello who ran in behind the home defence but Tony Davies somehow recovered to race round the blues number nine and clear. Christian Langos then cut in from the right and shot on goal left footed but Morris gathered easily. Connor Roberts pouched a weak effort from Nathan Burke as Bala countered. One final effort for City as the industrious Danny Gossett pulled the ball back to Christian Langos but again Morris saved without too much ado. So a blank scoreline, chances wasted again unfortunately and parity in a game they should have been winning. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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| One change at the interval as Mike Hayes came on for Kieran Smith. With City now attacking the Social Club end another foul on Christian Langos went virtually unpunished. The little winger is light but deserves better protection than this, how Thompson in particular was not yellow carded is a complete mystery.  City went close twice early on as Brayden Shaw shot over from outside the box and Leon Clowes just failed to get his head to Christian Langos' high cross from the right. But on 51 minutes the opening goal finally arrived. Christian Langos won the ball in midfield, fed Rodrigo Branco wide on the right and as he ran free on goal he squared to Dan Nardiello was on hand to slot the ball home from ten yards. It has to be said there was more than a hint of offside in the move but the goal stood. Brayden Shaw then charged past the pedestrian Ryan Wade who resorted to a shirt pull and earned a yellow card. Next Gary Roberts crossed high from the right but Rodrigo Branco got under the ball and headed over from close range. Another chance gone. Giant defender Tony Davies was then yellow carded for dissent and moments later his central defensive partner Stuart Jones followed him into the book for a pull on Dan Nardiello. All this resulted in a freekick for Bangor on the left edge of the box. Gary Roberts saw his shot strike the wall before Rodrigo Branco completely missed his shot when glory beckoned. With some fifteen minutes left on the clock Bangor forced a couple of corners but ten minutes from time Bala pressed upfield and as City failed to clear Chris Venables blocked shot rolled to substitute Mike Hayes who prodded home from six yards to level the scores. Bangor fans had been calling for changes and Andy Legg now sent on Jamie Reed for a weary Nardiello. Oddly both managers used just one sub when several players looked tired in the final quarter. Jamie Reed immediately rushed in and blocked a clearance from goalkeeper Morris but the rebound flew high over the bar. Chris Venables headed wide for Bala. Then with five minutes to go Jordan Davies ran on goal and was stopped illegally by Tony Davies who saw a second yellow and red card. Those of us level with the box thought this was a penalty, that the foul was inside the area, but Dean John thought otherwise. Gary Roberts saw his freekick blocked but he recovered to sent the ball deep to the back post but Brayden Shaw headed over. There was a late yellow card for River Humphreys who cut a powerful figure in centre defence but in the three minutes added it was Ryan Edwards who should have won it for Bala with a wasteful wild shot from the right with only Connor Roberts in his sights. And so that was it, a one all draw, two points dropped by Bangor after being the better team for much of the evening, and yet they might have lost it in the closing seconds. A tale of wasted chances but also - as a City fan commented - a sign of how far the team has come to be disappointed with a draw at Bala, be it on grass or plastic. 
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| FINAL SCORE 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Bangor
lost a game they might well have won and after the match manager Andy
Legg bemoaned wasted chances. In truth this game might have ended 2-2
or 3-2 either way but in the final analysis a solitary strike from Toby
Jones gave the Lilywhites the points. But as Llanelli snooker player Terry Grififths once remarked, there is a lot of beauty in defeat. Not that former Reds manager Andy Legg would have agreed but in a league which has seen crowds of less than fifty already this season (for those who can count) it was heartening to see over a thousand North Wales football fans singing, shouting and being part of the action. Action which started off with Rhyl winning and not quite making the most of a couple freekicks before Jamie Reed thought he had put Bangor in front, but an offside flag cut short his celebrations. Moments later, on twelve minutes Toby Jones shot wide before on loan goalkeeper Owen Evans saved twice, once from Brayden Shaw and then from Danny Gossett. Rhyl responsed with a shot from Rio Ahmadi which arched across goal and to safety. On twenty minutes Ahmadi unleashed a half volley which former Everton apprentice Connor Roberts did brilliantly to repel. Moments later Bangor fans thought they should have had a penalty when goalkeeper Evans clashed with Dan Nardiello but not according to Iwan Griffiths. On the half hour Gary Roberts crossed from the right but Jordan Davies headed over the crossbar. Damien Allen did likewise for Leon Clowes but the big defender also headed over. The game by now was open and end to end. Rhyl won a corner which Jamie Brewerton headed goalwards but again Connor Roberts saved well. There was a minute of added time which changed nothing and at the half time whistle the blank scoreline was scant reflection of a pulsating first half. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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| No change at the interval. But the most meaningful change of the evening came two minutes after the restart as Toby Jones latched on to Rio Ahmadi' deflected cross shot to beat goalkeeper Roberts from close range. Moments later Brayden Shaw saw his shot gathered at the second attempt by Owen Evans. Blues manager Andy Legg made a double change on 55 minutes. On came Ashley Young and Rodrigo Branco with Brayden Shaw and Jamie Reed leaving the field. Centreback Anthony Miley then had a shot saved by the undefeatable Evans who seems an inspired signing by The Lilywhites. A foul on Rodrigo Branco won City a freekick on the edge of the box. Leading goalscorer Gary Roberts sent his effort narrowly wide, a feat he repeated moments later. Some trickery from Dan Nardiello set up a chance for substitute Branco but again Evans saved. On 67 minutes a yellow card for Jamie Brewerton for a foul on Jordan Davies led to a series of events which summed up the evening. City crossed the ball in, Brewerton himself headed clear and as Rhyl surged upfield Rio Ahmadi wasted a good chance to double the advantage. This sparked a final change for City as Christian Langos came on for Sam Hart. Bangor were now in all out attack mode and goalkeeper Evans again to the fore with saves from a looping header and a shot from Rodrigo Branco. A yellow card was shown to Alex Jones for a foul on Christian Langos as the pressure built. With fifteen minutes to go Oliver Buckley replaced Rob Hughes and moments later Rio Ahmadi fired wide. Rhyl pressed again and Kristian Pierce saw his shot blocked. With around five minutes to go another yellow card, this time for Hartley and a late run out for substitute Carl Lamb on for Rio Ahmadi as one former blue replaced another. With two minutes left on the clock City won a freekick but again Evans saved, this time from Jordan Davies. The fourth official indicated five minutes of added time which gave the blues followers a lift and Jordan Davies and then Danny Gossett went close but not close enough. A Bangor freekick brought a header from Dan Nardiello but he hit the crossbar. There was a late yellow for Gary Roberts and in one last desperate scramble Evans saved from Christian Langos and Dan Nardiello saw his header hacked off the line. The final whistle signalled an end to the evening and celebrations for the home fans. A game of wasted chances for City perhaps against one taken by Rhyl. But in this stagnant, sterile increasingly artificial league this was a fiercely contested local derby played on grass and watched by a thousand noisy supporters. Something money cannot buy but something rarely seen these days. |
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| FINAL SCORE 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Bangor were pegged back in the closing minutes after taking a late lead through a Gary Roberts penalty. And to add spice to the occasion they did so with ten men after Henry Jones was red carded for an alleged stamp. The pre match news was mixed. Positive in that Damien Allen was fit to return, and that Dan Nardiello was okay to continue after his substitute outing last time out. More good news that Sam Hart was included albeit on the bench. Less so that Brayden Shaw was again ruled out. Bangor had the better of the opening exchanges but former blues glovesman Lee Idzi proved his worth with a fine save to deny Gary Roberts whose freekick seemed to be dipping under the crossbar. Gary Roberts was wrestled to the ground but midfielder Henry Jones found space on the right to cross for Damien Allen but his near post shot was also pushed away by Lee Idzi this time for a corner. The swinging corner by Henry Jones was attacked by Dan Nardiello who header rattled the upright but bounced to safety. On fifteen minutes a deep freekick found Lee Surman whose header bounced across the goal with Matthew Thomas unable to effect a close range finish. Gary Roberts sent a searing crossfield ball to Sion Edwards who ran at goal but sent his rising drive just over Lee Idzi's crossbar. Ten minutes before the interval a yellow card for Dave Vincent for a heavy challenge on Henry Jones and a minute later Dwaine Bailey entered the fray as a substitute replacement for the injured Matthew Thomas. Worst was to come for The Old Gold four minutes before the interval when Lewis Harling was also taken off with Craig Hanford taking his place. So all square at the interval but with the home side having used up two of their permitted three substitutes. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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| No change at the interval. And referee Leigh Jones was back into action five minutes after the restart as he showed Dan Nardiello his yellow card for comments passed to the Treharris official. Just before the hour mark a welcome return for Sam Hart on the left as he came on for Sion Edwards with Jordan Davies pushed forward along the left. Henry Jones and Damien Allen combined with Danny Gosset to release Sam Hart on the edge of the box but his shot was scrambled away. Ten minutes later substitute Sam Hart sees his freekick deflected for a corner but this came to nothing. Twenty minutes from time calamity for Bangor as midfielder Henry Jones was adjudged to have stamped on a Carmarthen player and shown the red card. There was precious little contact but from a distance there was a case to answer, as explained to Mr Jones by an eagle eyed linesman. However the ten men rallied and as Jamie Reed flicked on and Jordan Davies raced into the box. Defender Dan Sheehan clearly tripped the young left footer and Mr Jones awarded a penalty. No debate here as Gary Roberts stepped up to notch his fourth goal of the season and put the visitors ahead on 76 minutes. Carmarthen sent on Danny Thomas in place of Danny Sheehan and after the home side won a late corner centrhalf Dave Vincent reacted first to nod the ball home at the near post to level the scores with just three minutes remaining. To be fair Camrarthen threw the kitchen sink at City for the closing few minutes but Leon Clowes and co stood firm and made sure the scores stayed level. And that was how they finished, City forced to accept a point for their long journey south. |
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| FINAL SCORE 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Bangor were well beaten at Park Hall, if this was a title decider the title is decided. This result saw the home side open up a six point gap - after six games - with a goal difference of plus twenty four.  With Damien Allen still sidelined blues manager Andy Legg introduced Pavel Vieira into the midfield with Jamie Reed left to toil alone up front. TNS gave Alex Darlington a rare start in place of former blue Christian Seargeant. The home side took the initiative from the kick off and Leon Clowes was quicky into the action to deny Greg Draper. On seven minutes TNS has the lead as Routledge found Alex Darlington slotted home his right wing cross. Bangor managed to push forward to send over a couple of crosses but nothing that unduly troubled goalkeeper Harrison or his defence. Henry Jones fired over from distance but it was Leon Clowes and Anthony Miley who were called into the action more and more. Ryan Brobbel fired wide but then should have been cautioned for a clear pull on Henry Jones. The traffic was pretty much one way as Jon Routledge and Aeron Edwards directed traffic and exploited the width on offer to attacking fullbacks Spender and Marriott. Ironically after some controlled football from the home side it was a long bouncing clearance that undid the blues defence as the pacey Alex Darlington pounced on some indecision and raced clear to slot the ball wide of Connor Roberts in the City goal. Bangor tried to resond as Jamie Reed found some space on the right but his low cross eluded the inrushing Sion Edwards and the danger passed. The half ended with the fulltimers on the attack through a series of corners which saw Leon Clowes lift the ball over his own bar to avert further harm. So a two nil home lead at the interval which was a fair reflection on the flow and direction of play. Could manager Legg craft and recovery during the interval? Time would tell. |
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| HALF TIME 2-0 |
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| A change at the interval as Dan Nardiello replaced midfielder Pavel Vieira. And the former Welsh international pushed forward to join forces with Jamie Reed as City looked to close the gap on the league leaders. Referee Dean John incurred the wrath of blues followers when he turned a blind eye to a foul by lanky centreback Steve Saunders before showing his yellow card to Gary Robert s
for a similar offence. Leon Clowes and Connor Roberts combined to keep
the home side at bay before Robbie Parry headed over when well placed.On the hour Danny Gossett fired over for City from outside the box and moments later Henry Jones followed suit after good buil up play on the left involving Sion Edwards and Dan Nardiello. A minute later Ashley Young also fired over as Bangor enjoyed a period of pressure. On 65 minutes a second substitution as Shaun Cavanagh replaced Sion Edwards who had been booked and issued with what amounted to a final warning by referee John. The home side had the ball in the net but an offside flag cut short any celebrations. On 70 minutes Jamie Reed was replaced by Rodrigo Branco who went up front alongside Nardiello. Bangor won but wasted a freekick before midfielder Ashley Young was yellow carded for a clear trip. The hosts made a double change as Scott Quigley and Jamie Mullan came on for Greg Draper and Robbie Parry. But the relative parity of the second period was soon to disappear. On 81 minutes Scottish centreback Steve Saunders scrambled the ball home from close range. Henry Jones shot on target for City but his Harrison saved comfortably. Leftback Jordan Davies crashed a twenty yarder narrowly wide. A strange incident on 83 minutes as substitute Scott Quigley appeared to pull a hamstring as he chased a through ball and had to be replaced by the versatile Ryan Pryce. Then on 85 minutes a final blow for City as Jamie Mullan ran through to beat Connor Roberts. And with little to report in the closing few minutes other than some unlikley time wasting from the home side the referee blew for time and the Welsh Premier title would seem to be destined to stay in England a little while longer. |
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| FINAL SCORE 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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League Cup |
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Bangor edged Prestatyn out of the League Cup on penalties after the proverbial game of two halves at Bastion Gardens. With one eye on Sunday's trip to Park Hall there were several changes in the City line up. On the plus side right winger Christian Langos was reinstated after suspension whilst Pavel Vieira and Rodrigo Branco also started. To be fair Prestatyn also fielded a mix and match blend of the old and new, which in turn made for a madcap evening! On four minutes the new look City side took the lead as Shaun Cavanagh beat Ryan Roberts. Cai Owen fired wide from distance before Oscar Durnin has a shot saved by Roberts. Jack Kenny threatened for Prestatyn before home keeper Roberts saved again, this time from Sion Bradley on the half hour. Jack Kenny and Dave Hayes went close for Prestatyn but ten minutes before the interval City doubled their advantage as Rodrigo Branco latched onto Christian Langos' through ball to score his first goal for the club in his second game. And moments later the visitors went three nil up thanks to young flier Sion Bradley who found the bottom corner with Ryan Roberts well beaten. It could have been even better but Christian Langos fired over from Oscar Durnin's pass before Jack Kenny lifted his shot over after the home side sent a freekick into the Bangor box. So a three nil half time lead for City. Game over surely... |
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| HALF TIME 0-3 |
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| No changes at the interval. But a huge change on the pitch as Jack Kenny pulled one back for Prestatyn on 49 minutes following a through ball from Jordan Davies. Bangor sent on young Jake Boss for Christian Langos but on the hour the home side cut the deficit still further as Liam Smith headed in off the upright. City responded through Shaun Cavanagh but his freekick flew over and moments later a the other end Paul O'Neill headed over against his former club. Antoni Sarnowski saved from Jordan davies but with fifteen minutes left on the clock Paul O'Neill found the target with a header to level the scores. There were quick fire bookings for goalscorer O'Neil and Warren Adam before Sion Bradley fired narrowly wide for Bangor. Young Sarnowski denied Jack Kenny and then pushed a rising effort from Noah Edwards over the crossbar. And that was about it, ninety miinutes up with a three all scoreline after the home side matched the visitors effort and won the second period three nil. So to extra time. Paul O'Neill and Liam Smith both has shots saved by Sarnowski. Brazilian Rodrigo Branco saw his shot saved by Roberts from a Bangor corner. City went close again as Oscar Durnin fired into the side netting but moments later a foul on Alec Williams meant a penalty for Prestatyn. Top scorer Jordan Davies stepped up but blasted over from the spot. Moments earlier Danny Gossett had replaced Cai Owen. Bangor sent on Connor Roberts for Antoni Sarnowski as the first half of extra time ended. Liam Smith was replaced by Hulme. On 115 minutes Bangor seemed to have grabbed a winner thanks to Oscar Durnin and when Connor Roberts denied Mike Parker with a superb save moments later the result seemed settled. But with a minute left Jack Kenny netted his second for a four all scoreline which was how things stood at the final whistle of the 120. So to penalties with saves and misses along the way Bangor won the shoot out 3-1 the goalscorers Oscar Durnin, Sion Bradley and after Connor Roberts denied Jack Kenny the decisive strike from Shaun Cavanagh which meant all three had scored during the match. A great evening's entertainment for those at Bastion Gardens as City wait to find out who they face in the next round. |
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| FINAL SCORE 4-4 (Bangor won 3-1 on penalties) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor swept visitors Aberystwyth aside on a drenched Nantporth with two goals in each half. Before kick off the talk was about the missing, Sam Hart, Laurence Wilson, River Humphreys, Christian Langos, Ashley Young, Damien Allen, Brayden Shaw and Dan Nardiello. At the final whistle the names that mattered were Gary Roberts, Jordan Davies, Henry Jones, Danny Gossett and Jamie Reed to name just a few.  To cover for the absentees there were starting places for Rodrigo Blanco upfront and Jake Boss on the right wing.But Bangor had some early concerns as fussy referee Bryn M Jones yellow carded Jordan Davies, Gary Roberts and Rodrigo Branco within the opening twelve minutes. Driven forward by the elements Aber started well with Ricky Watts and former Neath winger Chris Jones both going close at the City End. But it scarcely mattered as City took the lead on nine minutes. Attacking the Antelope End, into the wind, City won a freekick on the edge of the box which Gary Roberts struck into the top corner despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Richards. Two minutes after the restart Brazilian debutant Rodrigo Branc  o
was shown the yellow card after appearing to be felled in the box. On
the quarter hour Aberystwyth won a freekick which Luke Sherbon arched
goalwards, Connor Roberts saved and as Blake Davies prodded home the
rebound the linesman raised his flag for offside.Midway through the half another Bangor freekick, slightly further out, but again Gary Roberts found the target and Richards fumbled but eventually gathered. Moments later ironic applause for the inconsistent referee for a yellow card against Luke Sherbon for a foul on blues midfielder Henry Jones, who along with Danny Gossett, was outstanding the heart of the action. On the half hour the petulant Borrelli should have seen at least yellow and probably red for his head but on Sion Edwards but nothing doing. But two minutes later it mattered not as ### released Jamie Reed down the left. He lifted the ball over Richards from a tight angle out wide to nestle inside the far post. A great goal and one which sparked noisy celebrations around Nantporth. (photo right) Seven minutes before the interval young Jordan Davies twisted his way along the left wing before firing on target but Richards pushed the ball away. Three minutes to go and Jamie Reed clearly had his progress to goal blocked by former Bala blocker Will Bell but not according to referee Jones. The final action saw right winger Jake Boss pull the ball back to Gary Roberts whose low shot was again fumbled by Rchards but the danger passed, as did the one added minute. Bangor left the field to well deserved warm applause from the mainstand as they headed for shelter and welcome cuppa. |
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| HALF TIME 2-0 |
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| One change at the interval as Shaun Cavanagh replaced Jake Boss with City now attacking the Bangor end. The wind and rain persisted and swept City forwards, although this proved difficult to judge at times. 
The lumbering Bell fouled Jamie Reed again, the referee not worried,
but on 49 minutes City struck to take a three nil advantage.A freekick from Henry Jones dropped to Leon Clowes who kept his cool to pick out Sion Edwards who drove home from six yards out to the left. Five minutes later a great overlapping run from Gary Roberts down the right created an opening for Danny Gossett but his effort was blocked. Then Henry Jones opened up the visitors defence with a telling run down the left but Richards beat his shot away and Shaun Cavanagh fired over. On 53 minutes a first look for City fans at Pavel Vieira who replaced Rodrigo Branco. But it was Aber who threatened through Luke Sherbon although Connor Roberts held his long range effort. On the hour mark captain Sherbon was injured in the slippery conditions and carried off to be replaced by Kurtis March. Henry Jones and Danny Gossett combined to create a chance for Shaun Cavanagh but Richards pushed his low shot away. On 62 minutes the short tempered Borrelli was replaced by Geoff Kellaway and moments later he fired off target from the right. With eighteen minutes to go Oscar Durnin replaced Sion Edwards who received a noisy ovation from the home fans. A City supporter in the stand close to me commented that this was a training exercise and by and large he was right. Aber looked a beaten side - they certainly hadn't in the first half - and City were in complete control. Pass and move. Central to this were Danny Gossett and Henry Jones whose long range shot was blocked before Jamie Reed latched onto a loose ball in midfiled and attempted a long range chip but Richards had it covered. Leftback Jordan Davies again cut through the visitors defence to find Danny Gossett but he fired wide. Seven minutes before the end it was all over. Henry Jones was tripped in the visitors box and Gary Roberts fired home for a four nil scoreline. If they could things got worse for Aber six minutes from time as Joe Clarke limped off and with no more subs to be had they finished with ten men. City kept pushing for a fifth with substitute Oscar Durnin going close on a couple of occasions but it was not to be. However after five minutes of added time the whistle blew. With traffic light chaos on the roundabout some City fans sped for their cars but the majority stayed to applaud the sodden blue shirts after their best performance and result of the season so far.  Gary Roberts send Dominic Richards the wrong way for a four nil lead
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| FINAL SCORE 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor beat visitors Newtown despite having debutant River Humphreys sent off inside twenty minutes. The visitors also had defender Kieran Mills Evans shown red late on in the second half as Jamie Reed got the  better of the Robins rearguard.The early exchanges saw Ashley Young clear a Ryan Kershaw cross and Craig Williams foul Sion Edwards to concede a freekick which Sutton headed clear. But Bangor suffered a major blow on six minutes as Damien Allen limped off to be replaced by Danny Gossett. To his credit the Bethel midfielder filled the assistant manager's boots impressively. But it was Henry Jones who nearly put City ahead as he ran on goal only to be denied by David Jones. Substitute Gossett linked up with Henry Jones but leftback Jack Hughes defended well. On the quarter hour a shocking miss from Craig Williams who headed over from Neil Mitchell's inviting cross with the goal at his mercy. But on twenty minutes a swinging arm from River Humphreys aimed at Robins striker Jason Oswell tempted match referee Iwan Griffiths to show the former Rochdale trialist a straight red card. It was a swinging arm not an elbow but enough for a red card. Within minutes winger Jack Hughes released Craig Williams who crossed right footed from the left and Jason Oswell capitalised on the disruption in the blues defence to head home from close range. As the visitors celebrated City effected their restructure with Ashley Young slotting into central defence and Jamie Reed being asked to plough a lone furrow upfront. With Damien Allen off the field and Ashley Young forced to play deeper it was Aberaeron youngster Henry Jones (right) who caught the eye, aided and abetted by local lad Danny Gossett in the blues engine room. City won a corner but it was Newtown who threatened from a 20 yard freekick which winger Craig Williams fired low on target but Connor Roberts turned his shot around the post. But on 33 minutes the ten men grabbed a vital equaliser. Henry Jones freed Sion Edwards who raced down the left, skipped past fullback Craig Williams and crossed to Jamie Reed whose glancing header beat Robins goalkeeper David Jones into the corner of the net for his first goal of the season. As half time drew closer Neil Mitchell saw his shot blocked before blues midfielder Danny Gossett saw his shot deflected wide by a Robins defender. One minute of added time came to nothing as the players left the field it was referee Iwan Griffiths who earned the wrath of the blues faithful. All square and a fine battling performance by the ten men. |
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| HALF TIME 1-1 |
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| No changes at the interval with City now attacking the Bangor end. At the hour mark Ross Stephens replaced Jack Hughes for The Robins. On 65 minutes Williams fired over from a Newtown corner but blues keeper Connor Roberts was not troubled. Ross Stephens saw his shot loop up off a blues defender but Roberts collected comfortably. With twenty minutes left to play Sion Edwards crossed and Jamie Reed was set to pounce but Shane Sutton and David Jones combined to snuff out the danger. Moments later Deiniolen youngster Cai Owen replaced Brayden Shaw who had worked hard down the right. The academy product was quickly into the thick of the action and combined with Henry Jones before shooting at goal, albeit off tar  get.More drama on 76 minutes. Jamie Reed seemed set to shoot on goal but was clearly dragged back by Kieran Mills Evans. Referee Griffiths pointed to the penalty spot and flashed the red plastic at the hapless defender. The visitors goalkeeper and defence protested in vain. The reliable figure of Gary Roberts stepped up and despite some attempts as putting him off by the visitors sent Jones the wrong way to give City the lead for the first time in the game. With the sides now even at ten men each Bangor pressed for a decisive third as Sion Edwards collected the ball off the industrious Gossett but sent his effort wide. Shane Sutton then fouled Jamie Reed and Roberts delivered the freekick but Leon Clowes headed over. With five minutes remaining a final change for the visitors as Joe Newton replaced Ryan Kershaw and academy defender Adam Pritchard made a well deserved Welsh Premier debut in place of a weary Sion Edwards who received a noisy ovation from the blues faithful in the main stand. Jason Oswell headed one last chance wide for Newtown who were guilty of not hitting the target often enough. The fourth official indicated four minutes of added time. The outstanding Henry Jones sent a curler narrowly off target and City kept the visitors at arms length so that it was the home crowd who celebrated at the interval. A great battling performance but also one skilfully crafted from the sidelines by the wily Legg whose influence was evident. Brilliant! Gary Roberts penalty photo with thanks to David Humphreys
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| FINAL SCORE 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor were worthy winners over a Bala side who strangely lacked bite upfront and solidity at the back. Or was it that Bangor made them look second best. The mastermind behind the home win was Gary Roberts lurking in an unfamiliar right back position. The former Football League schemer displayed a range of passing that Dave Elliot or Ricky Evans would have been proud of, along with a competitive edge that lifted his team mates. Bangor went close on seven minutes when Dan Nardiello found space on the left and squared for Gary Roberts to shoot for the top corner, only to see Holyhead gloveman Alex Lynch push the bal away for a corner with a full length dive. Henry Jones took the corner from the right but Anthony Miley headed over. But three minutes later City had the lead. Brayden Shaw flicked the ball behind Lee Owens and left him for dead as he charged down the left wing. He had the composure to slide the ball low across the edge of the box to Damien Allen who low drive beat Lynch into the bottom corner. Bala responded with a shot from Connal Murtagh which flew just wide and moments later Nathan Burke was unable to score from close range due to pressure from Connor Roberts. Chris Venables threatened on the edge of the blues box but Anthony Miley stood strong. Then on 21 minutes, having defended well, City doubled their lead. A booming clearance from Connor Roberts was headed on by Jamie Reed for Dan Nardiello to get the better of a bandaged Stuart Jones and slot the ball past Lynch for his second goal in three Welsh Premier starts for City. This was a difficult afternoon for former Aberystwyth defender Jones who had ten stitches protected by the heavy bandage. 
City were on top and Henry Jones dragged his shot wide from 25 yards
before the Aberaeron schemer was fouled by Nathan Burke to win Bangor a
freekick which Gary Roberts fired against the upright with Lynch well
beaten. Gary Roberts passed in field to Jordan Davies who ran at goal and saw his shot take a wicked deflection but drift wide. The closing quarter of an hour passed with both defences, notably Jones for Bala and Leon Clowes for Bangor, blocking bravely. In the final moments of the half a yellow card for No 88 Nathan Burke for a foul on Henry Jones. Gary Roberts hit the target but Lynch gathered and referee Nick Pratt blew for half time with the home crowd in good spirits as the sides left the field. |
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| HALF TIME 2-0 |
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| One change apiece at the interval as Danny Gossett replaced Damien Allen and Ryan Wade came on for Ryan Edwards. Bethel lad Gossett slotted into centre midfield alongside Ashley Young with Gary Roberts ruling the roost from right back. Youngsters Jordan Davies and Brayden Shaw combined down the left but the Accrington striker lifted over from the left. The second half saw more than City happy to keep the ball and protect their two nil lead, but also seeking a conclusive third, with Bala seemingly unable to exert any sustained pressure. 
With ten minutes gone Mike Hayes replaced an out of sorts Mark Connollyin the Bala attack.On the hour goalscorer Dan Nardiello played in the impressive Brayden Shaw but Lynch pulled of a decent save with his legs. The home side were still shading the midfield battle with Gary Roberts influential, along with Henry Jones and substitute Danny Gossett. And the powerful figure of Brayden Shaw clearly benefitting from getting some playing time under his belt. Then Shaw turned provider with an inviting cross but Jamie Reed saw his header fly over the crossbar. With twenty minutes to go Bala built up some pressure on the Bangor goal with four corners with two or three minutes which culminated in a cross from Ryan Wade headed over by Anthony Stephens. On 74 minutes a double change as 18 year odl Shaun Cavanagh came on for Dan Nardiello and Mark Jones replaced Ian Sheridan. Bangor pushed forward and hard working midfielder Ashley Young forced a good save from Lynch. Cavanagh showed some good touches and composure in his brief showing around the edge of the Bala box. With ten minutes to go Ryan Valentine's free kick was directed towards substitute Mike Hayes by summer signing Chris Venables but he shot wide. In the closing minutes Jamie Reed, who had worked tirelessly for the blue shirt, won a corner on the right which Brayden Shaw fired on target but Lynch gathered comfortably. Three added minutes came and went and referee Pratt, who had enjoyed a straightforward afternoon, blew for time to the delight of the players and supporters. So a great home win for Bangor, a solid team performance, a clean sheet to add to outstanding individual contributions not just from Gary Roberts but others including Leon Clowes, youngsters Jordan Davies and Brayden Shaw along with Jamie Reed who worked hard and Dan Nardiello who showed his class and composure when it mattered. photos with thanks to Andre Pepper
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor were well beaten by an experienced and purposeful Connahs Quay side on a Sunday afternoon at Nantporth. Add to the mix a penalty save by Connor Roberts and a red card for Christian Langos in the closing minutes of the ninety. A disappointing afternoon got off to a bad start for reorganised Bangor. Leon Clowes tripped Nathan Woolfe. Up stepped Wes Baynes who smashed the ball home to the dismay of the home crowd. 
Attacking the Antelope End the blues tried to respond, forced a
couple of corners, but the noisy Danby was in charge. But on thirteen
minutes it was nearly unlucky for Bangor as Callum Morris saw his
glancing header strike the post from a right wing cross. Then a lengthy stoppage as veteran defender George Horan needed treatment which a few minutes later saw him replaced by Matty Owen with Caernarfon grafter Jamie Owen dropping into central defence. But on 22 minutes the visitors grabbed a second decisive goal which left Bangor with a mountain to climb. The impressive Woolfe crossed from the left for former blue Callum Morris to slide in and score at the back post. Bangor switched now from three at the back to a rough 4-4-2 with Gary Roberts pushing forward into midfield and Danny Gossett reverting to right back, young Jordan Davies (photo left) on the left. Another stoppage now as Nomads goalkeeper John Danby required treatment for what looked like a groin strain. Happily he was able to continue. Bangor forced a couple more corners which culminated in Ashley Young heading wide as the makeshift visitors defence certainly looked vulnerable. Five minutes before the interval Danny Gosset went close with a clean strike from the right which Danby was well enough to catch. Then with two minutes to the interval Jamie Reed turned Lewis Short who was yellow carded for a clear pull and consequent dissent. Young leftback Jordan Davies delivered but the ball went out for a visitors goalkick. The final action of the half belonged to Connahs Quay for whom Nathan Woolfe raced down the left and crossed to Mike Wilde but he mistimed his back post header and the danger passed. So a 2-0 interval deficit signalled by Swansea whistler David Morgan and much to do for Andy Legg and his charges to close the gap on the season Nomads. |
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| HALF TIME 0-2 |
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No chan ges at the interval with City now attacking the Bangor end.And it quickly got worse for City who conceded an early penalty for a foul on Mike Wilde which handed the visitors a golden opportunity to clinch the match. But home goalkeeper Connor Roberts had other ideas and his full length save denied Callum Morris his second of the evening to keep home hopes alive. Ten minutes into the second period a change for City as Christian Langos came on for Dan Nardiello and moments later Leon Clowes saw his powerful shot blocked. The ball broke for Gary Roberts who fired high and wide. Former TNS striker Mike Wilde was a thorn in City's side throughout and he charged on goal but saw his progress halted by Leon Clowes' well timed challenge. Gary Roberts then went into the referee's book for something. Wrexham leftback Jordan Davies enjoyed a fine debut for Bangor and his run down that flank ended with a clean strike which crashed into the side netting. Then another change for City with twenty minutes left as Anthony Miley replaced Danny Gossett who had also worked hard in defence and midfield but was taken off for another change in shape. Midfield general Tom Field took longer than he should - and then some - to deliver a freekick so he was also shown the yellow card. With fifteen minutes left on the clock Mike Wilde turned and shot but dragged his effort wide before Henry Jones shot wide from outside the box. A final change for Bangor with thirteen minutes left as teenager Sion Bradley (photo left) made his WP debut on the left in place of Ashley Young. Moments later former blues favourite Les Davies came on for Mike Wilde, one to applause and the other to a chorus of boos. Seven minutes from time any slim chances City harboured disappeared as Christian Langos lunged two footed as Nathan Woolfe in front of the home dugout to leave the referee with little choice other than to send him off. A final chance did come as Henry Jones saw his shot blocked off Bangor fifth corner of the afternoon, but it was not to be and in fairness the visitors were clear and undisputed winners on the banks of the Menai Straits. So an early setback in the new Andy Legg era and with another tough test against Bala on the horizon, much to do. |
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Welsh Premier |
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The Andy Legg era opened with a home win at Nantporth. But the goals that mattered were gifted to Bangor by the visitors goalkeeper and defence moments after the interval to the delight of a six hundred strong crowd. Both sides opted for a 3-5-2 formation. Not my personal favourite. City had Leon Clowes and young Jacques Kpohomouh part  nered
at the back by Gary Roberts with Ashley Young anchoring a five man
midfied. As Cefn mirrored this formation the middle of the pitch was
busier than the tea hut at half time whilst both goalkeepers could have
called for camping seats.The first half was low on chances as a fine rain - warmed by the summer sun - drifted across the pitch from behind the visitors backs as they attacked the Bangor End. The first chance came as former blues winger Stuart Cook swung in an inviting cross but former Rhyl leviathan Aaran Bowen was unable to get a telling touch. Bangor responded through debutant Jamie Reed whose low cross fizzed across the six yard line with no one there to cash in. On the twenty minute mark Ruabon based Naim Arsan crossed but Aaron Bowen mistimed his header and the ball crashed out off his shoulder. But on 25 minutes a worrying scene as Cefn defender Max Penk fell to the floor in pain and distress after appearing to twist his knee. After a lengthy delay he was stretchered off for what looks like a long spell on the sidelines. On 28 minutes he was replaced by former City defender Kyle Parle who slotted into the back three. Ashley Young was enjoying his midfield tussle with Matty Cook, Leon Clowes battling with Aaron Bowen, but on the stroke of half time it was young Naim Arsan who caught they eye with an inviting cross which Aaron Jones turned on target but watched in disbelief as Connor Roberts defied him with a great save. There were five added minutes which began with Adam Hesp also needing treatment and Bangor winning a couple of corners but former Wrexham glovesman Michael Jones pouched both confidently and the danger passed. A disjointed first half, a dozen or so debutantsa on view, and both sides cancelling each other out. Better to come hopefully for Bangor. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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 No changes at the interval with City now attacking the Bangor end.And they did so to great effect as Jamie Reed sent Dan Nardiello clear on goal and he rounded Michael Jones to slot home, with Adam Hesp unable to half his progress for fear of seeing red. No sooner was it one nil than it was two. Goalkeeper Jones made a dreadful hash of a clearance and Henry Jones (right) slotted home from the right to send the home crowd into raptures. Next Laurence Wilson crossed from the right but Leon Clowes sent his effort wide. On the hour Sion Edwards replaced Laurence Wilson on the left. Five minutes later his freekick forced a good save from the red faced Jones. In between these a Cefn corner was headed away twice by the impressive Kpohomouh whose pace and mobility around the pitch served City well. The Druids replaced midfielder Corey Roper with Adam Eden and then on 69 minutes a Welsh Premier debut for 17 year old former Pentraeth striker Alex Boss who has impressed for the Bangor Academy side. Two minutes later a chance for Cefn but substitute Eden sends his low shot into the side netting. With nothing to lose the visitors where a menace to a Bangor side who occasionally slotted into a confident pattern of play. The impressive Nardiello saw his long range effort held by goalkeeper Jones. Another former blue Joe Williams replaced Aaron Bowen with fifteen minutes left on the clock. It was young Boss who caught the eye with his pace and close control and it took a well timed challenge from Hesp to deny the teenager as he ran into the box. But with the fourth official indicating four added minutes Stuart Cook struck from the edge of the box to halve the deficit and give the visitors a real chance of stealing something at the death. Bangor resorted to some wind assisted clearances but there was still time for Steve Blenkinsop to shoot on target but happily for City fans Connor Roberts gathered comfortably and the final whistle signalled a home win. A positive start for Bangor and new manager Andy Legg, lots still to do but some good signs and three points. both photos with thanks to Andre Pepper
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| Pre Season 2016-17 |
| Bangor City 1 v 1 Wrexham |
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Friday 8th July 2016
Bangor drew their opening warm up match of the 2016-17 campaign in a lively encounter with Conference side Wrexham.And with both line ups featuring new signings and trialists there was plenty of interest for both sets of supporters at Nantporth. 
As the teamsheet shows both sides had strengthened over the summer with
Wrexham featuring the likes of former Chelsea youth Norti Nortey and TNS defender Kai Edwards alongside John Rooney brother of Wayne.For Bangor there Lee Owens and Jacques Kpohomoh at the back, Gary Roberts and Tom Field in midfield and Ryan Wade and former Conwy man Lloyd Ellams in attack all started. Rooney forged the first opening as he cut in from the left and forced a good save from Connor Roberts. City responded as young Jaques Kpohomouh saw his looping header strike the crossbar. On twenty minutes, and with Bangor having enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges, Wrexham took the lead. Former Chester and Yeovil midfielder Anthony Barry fired home from twenty yards with a shot that beat Connor Roberts all ends up. Rooney again tested Roberts who responded to push the ball over. Wrexham led one nil at half time.
With no changes at the interval City again started positively
with new signings Tom Field and Gary Roberts prominent in midfield.Freekick king Sam Hart saw his effort deflected over as Bangor pressed for the leveller before a triple substitution on 65 minutes. Anthony Miley, Danny Gossett, Shaun Cavanagh and Rio Ahmadi replaced Leon Clowes, Gary Roberts, Sion Edwards and Lloyd Ellams. And it quickly paid dividends on 66 minutes as Hamza Bencherif lost the ball as he tried to find goalkeeper Jawal and Rio Ahmadi nipped in to equalise. In response Wrexham made six substitutions then moments later Bangor youngster Alex Boss replaced debutant right winger Ryan Wade. One of the bench men, former Dunfermline striker Jordan White forced a defiant double save from the acrobatic Connor Roberts. Another substitute, one time Prestatyn loan goalkeeper Kieran Wolland saved well from Shaun Cavanagh. As time ran out City sent on a final batch of young replacements including Sion Bradley, Aron Dowsett, Adam Pritchard and Cai Owen who all looked comfortable in good company. Rio Ahmadi might have stolen a win at the death with a glancing header which just drifted wide, but a draw was a fair result all round. So a satisfying start to pre season, a deserved draw against full time Conference opposition. And for City fans a first look at half a dozen or so new faces and grounds for optimism for the new campaign. |
