| BANGOR CITY
MATCH REPORTS 2017-18 |
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Friendly |
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Bangor entertained a Liverpool U23 side in a game marked as a testimonial for Alan Lewer. The Liverpool side managed by Neil Critchley used the game in part as preparation for their forthcoming U23 finale against Chelsea. Young Portugese striker Toni Gomes scored twice as the Premier League giants ran out clear winners with all three goals coming in the opening period. |
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| HALF TIME 0-3 |
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| One change at the interval And |
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| FINAL SCORE 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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 Bangor completed their season - and their stay in the Welsh Premier - with a two one win at Bala.A win which showed a good attitude amongst the players but a result that owed much to some wasteful finishing from the home side who dominated large periods of the first half in particular. 
With Danny Holmes injured and watching from the dugout alongside the
likes of Brayden Shaw and Yves Zama, young Guto Williams started at
right back with Joel Bembo Leta in central defence next to Anthony
Miley.But it was Bala who took the initiative and should have gone ahead in the opening stages. Both Nathan Burke and Kieran Smith went close either side of the ten minute mark and again three minutes later. For Bangor Bembo Leta and Miley worked overtime to clear the danger and of course the near unbeatable Matthew Hall patrolled his line in DeGea fashion. Rob Pearson had the run of midfield as the home side seemed first to everything a cold damp evening on the banks of Llyn Tegid. This pattern continued as Bala pushed towards the Bangor goal, with Chris Venables and Stuart Jones also going close but not close enough. On or around the 25 minute mark City started to find their feet. Horwood conceded a freekick on the right which was half cleared to the edge of the box where Danny Gossett blazed high and wide. Bala responded through Kieran Smith but Matthew Hall held comfortably. Next Luke Wall shot on target but Ashley Morris was on hand. Guto Williams lifted the ball over the defence for Dean Rittenberg to turn through but again Morris held cleanly. Then on 37 minutes City took the lead in fine style. A well constructed passing move was capped by a calm finish from Steven Hewitt to stun the home support and to the delight of the travelling blues in that small cover behind the goal. This move began with a crossfield ball from Danny Gossett, involved Laurence Wilson and Steven Hewitt on the left, then Alex Darlington to Dean Rittenberg whose low cross found the blues midielder. In the time that remained Bangor won a corner which came to nothing and Ian Sheridan fired well over to waste yet another reasonable chance. So at the interval, perhaps against the balance of play, City led by a goal to nil. |
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| HALF TIME 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 No changes at the interval but the City fans had now taken up residence on the grassy bank behind Lewis' goal.Bala gain settled and pushed Bangor back with Chris Venables first heading wide and then shooting into the side netting. On the hour mark some desperate defending by City who cleared one effort from Disney off the line before Mike Hayes hit the post. Somehow the ball stayed out. Moments later a yellow card for Anthony Miley after he was put under pressure from an unwanted pass and four minutes later the centreback limped off injured to be replaced by George Harry. In the reshuffle Tom Kennedy went to centreback alongside Bembo Leta and Laurence Wilson dropped one position back on the left. On seventy minutes Bala finally scored to draw level as Ian Sheridan volleyed home from a left wing cross. Moments later centreback Stuart Jones tested Matthew Hall before on 77 minutes Lewis Short replaced Kieran Smith and proceeded to variously trip and elbow anyone who came near him at leftback. Thankfully he does have a long throw. Five minutes from time Bangor legend Les Davies trotted on in place of Mike Hayes but could only manage to sky a half chance from around the penalty spot. Bangor supplied Dean Rittenberg whose snap shot span wide from distance. With both sides pushing for a winner and time running out, a moment of individual quality lit up the closing stages. Young George Harry collected a crossfield ball, squared up fullback Disney before arching a superb right footer over and beyond goalkeeper Morris who was well beaten. If that is to be Bangor's final goal in the Welsh Premier it could scarcely have been better struck. That goal came into three minutes of added time which then passed with little to report. The blue horde on the grassy bank celebrated at the final whislte and the players acknowledged their efforts and support. A win which confirmed a second place finish for Bangor given that Connahs Quay lost at Cefn Druids on the same night. Photos above The Citizens Choice
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| FINAL SCORE 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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A bright sunny Sunday afternoon at Nantporth with Prematch news confirmed an unchanged Bangor team against the backcloth of the license rebsubmission due to be heard on Thursday. Within that line up a centrehalf role for Danny Holmes with Joel Bembo Leta at rightback or wingback.
The first half chance came via Arek Piskorski whose snap shot was deflected for a throw in at the Bangor End on three minutes. Several shapeless minutes followed as neither side threatened or exerted any control. On fourteen minutes a first corner for City as Laurence Wilson's cross was blocked. And moments later it was one nil as Steven Hewitt's delivery from the left was flicked home at the near post by Alex Darlington with goalkeeper Jones nowhere to be seen. Heard perhaps and seen booting the post angrily moments later. Five minutes later Luke Wall pulled the ball back to Dean Rittenberg but his first time effort lacked the power to beat Jones. Midway through the half a stoppage for Piskorski to receive treatment for a head injury which seemed soon remedied. On 25 minutes a first corner for Cefn on the right crossed by Matty Owen and headed out by Tom Kennedy for a repeat pushed out by Matthew Hall for a third corner inside a minute, the first from the left, bungled out for a fourth again from the right claimed by Matt Hall and the danger passed. Bangor moved up to The Antelope End and Dean Rittenberg just failed to get a touch to Laurence Wilson's mishit shot which Jones gathered easily. On the half hour Naim Arsan was perhaps lucky to escape an early bath for a nasty challenge on Luke Wall. Nick Pratt must have been unsighted, so too the adjacent linesman. Next a freekick for City from the right crossed by Jones who fumbled the ball but gathered at the second attempt. A second Bangor corner from the left but this time Cefn defended firmly at the near post. As the ball was worked across to Bembo Leta on the right who was fouled by Mudimu who was shown the yellow card. Another freekick on the right, again Wilson on duty, headed clear by Arsan. Three minutes form the break a fifth Cefn corner flicked clear by Matt Hall and fired upfield to Joel Bembo Leta as City looked to break. In the action that followed Hajdari booted clear in front of goal as Jones half saved Dean Rittenberg's low shot - with a bit of help from the near post. Cefn countered and Arsan crossed to James Davies whose weak effort was easy for Matt Hall. One added minute amounted to nothing and City left the field with a one goal to nil lead to show for their general dominance of the first half. photos above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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| No changes at the interval. City now attacking the Bangor End with the sunny weather prevailing. 
And the half nearly got off in startling fashion as Danny Holmes ran
through and unleashed a thunderbolt from 35 yards which crashed against
the Druids crossbar under anxious gaze of goalkeeper Jones. Then Luke Wall shot wide from distance but Jones had this one under control.Six minutes after the resumption Danny Gossett fired over from twenty yards. Cefn were still very much in the game and from a sixth corner, half cleared to Mudimu, the centreback Peate just failed to get a touch. Moments later Michael Pritchard lashed wide from close range when off balance. Seconds later, on 55 minutes, George Harry came on for Laurence Wilson on the left. The young substitute then shot on target from twenty five yards but Jones saved comfortably. A seventh Cefn corner confidently crossed by Matty Owen was held by Matt Hall. City had the edge in midfield where Danny Gosset and Steven Hewitt held sway over Matty Owen who had little support from the lanky left footer Mudimu. Hajdari was his usual industrious self. Bangor broke through Wall on the right and won a freekick fired goalwards by Steven Hewitt and deflected for a third Bangor corner on 68 minutes. Nathan Peate headed clear before City forced a fourth corner seconds later. Cefn broke and Piskorksi nipped in behind Tom Kennedy but fired across goal. Hajdari was lucky not to be booked as he felled Steven Hewitt as he ran upfield, City were awarded a freekick but that came to nothing. The young midfielder was then yellow carded for another trip on half way and seconds later on 72 minutes he made way for Ashley Ruane as Cefn boosted their fire power. Cefn were beaking up play with a series of petty fouls which angered the home crowd but it was Michael Jones who picked up a head injury as he slid at the feet of George Harry. With seven minutes left Luke Wall crossed from the left and Dean Rittenberg hit the crossbar from close range as City sought a second goal. At the other end Ben Burrows crossed but Michael Pritchard could only steer the chance straight at Matt Hall. In the closing minutes a couple more corners for Cefn, the second of which was claimed by Hall who calmed the home nerves. This was the best spell of the game as the vistors pressed via an aerial barrage. The clearest chance fell to Arek Piskorski whose headed was easy for Hall. Into three minutes of added time a freekick from the left for Cefn, close to the touchline. Matty Owen crossed and Nathan Peate rose highest to head goalwards but he struck the crossbar with just over a minute to tick away. And yet the final action saw Tom Kennedy clear, Luke Wall race towards goal and fire at goal but he too hit the post! So a close scoreline, a deserved home win, and level on points with second placed Connahs Quay with just the Friday night games to play. |
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photos above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| FINAL SCORE 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| At Farrar Road many years ago a High Street wag bellowed "Cmon referee you're ruining a bad game". He would have been tempted to repeat his jibe at Deeside on Saturday. The only thing to add is that this was a poor game on a very poor pitch which gave Matthew Hall kittens in the second half as the ball adopted a mind of its own as it hopped and jigged back towards him at the River Dee End. 
The referee in question was the reliably wretched Huw Jones who
lives somewhere near me in Oswestry. His petty, fussy and random style
saw ten yellow cards flashed plus a red alongside a double dismissal
for the home manager and his assistant on six minutes.Both sides had half hearted penalty appeals turned down either side of the ten minutes mark. By now Messrs Morrison and Gibson had been sent packing, the big west countryman into the stand and his little apprentice behind his goalkeeper on the athletics track. The immediate improvement in the Bangor defence from a week earlier was largely due to Anthony Miley who shook off injury to add height and commitment, lining up alongside Danny Holmes and Tom Kennedy in a back three as Joel Bemba Leta and Laurence Wilson played wingback. Bangor's best move of the opening twenty minutes saw Luke Wall cross to Dean Rittenberg who headed over but the linesman had his offside flag held high. City then won a corner as Dean Rittenberg's looping header disturbed Danby, then Michael Bakare fired a shot on the turn well over at the other end. On 32 minutes a yellow card for Johnny Spittle for a foul on half way and then, quick as a flash, a card for Danny Gossett for a challenge in the Nomads box. Moments later a deserved card for Steven Hewitt as he blocked Sean Smith as he broke over half way. Pugnacious winger Ryan Wignall then got himself yellow carded for leaving the pitch and rolling back on for treatment near the half way line. Five minutes before the interval he was replaced by leading goalscorer Mike Wilde who was available after suspension. The odd little official then added one minute of extra time but played an additional fourty seconds more, clearly to allow the home side to take an attacking throw in. He blew immediately City headed clear. Still a blank first half in terms of goals but action aplenty for Mr Jones. Photo above Dean Rittenberg challenges Mike Pearson (The Citizens Choice)
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| HALF TIME 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No changes at the interval City now defending the River Dee End and attacking the other. An early yellow card for Anthony Miley for foot up on Declan Poole before Danny Holmes and Bembo Leta defended stoutly to deny Michael Bakare as the threatened down the left. Seven minutes after the restart Anthony Miley was forced to head Poole's effort over but from the second flag kick in succession Matthew Hall calimed the cross confidently. On 57 minutes Dean Rittenberg ran through on goal and was stopped by Danby who chested his effort down outside the box. The ball ran Luke Wall whose thirty five yard effort hit the crossbar and looped up for Danby to gather as he scrambled back. A minute later Bakare was replaced by Nathan Woolfe who took up his left wing berth. And on 58 minutes Sean Smith crossed for Callum Morris to head home at the back post courtesy of a flick on from substitute Wilde. 
Moments after the restart Andy Owens galloped clear on goal but his low
shot was kept out by the feet of Matthew Hall as City had to hang on.On 63 minutes Luke Wall broke down the right and his cross was half cleared to Steven Hewitt but he fired over from outside the box. Three minutes later Johnny Spittle accumalated the inevitable second yellow card to earn an early bath for a challenge on Steven Hewitt as he crossed half way. In a bid to increase their attacking options City sent George Harry on for Tom Kennedy on 67 minutes. The youngster took up a rightwing berth with Luke Wall switching to the left. With twenty minutes to go Andy Owens was yellow carded for delaying taking a throw in and moments later made way for Jamie Owen. City won a freekick on the right of the box but Laurence Wilson could not get enough devil in his effort and Danby saved comfortably. With fifteen mintues to Joel Bemba Leta burst into the box and went down under pressure. With City fans hoping for a penalty the referee instead booked the big defender for simulation. He quickly made way for Menai Bridge youngster Sam Jones who added some pace and urgency to the blues frontline. By now Matthew Hall was dreading every back pass as the ball jumped like a manic frog on the ill kept pitch. The watching Gwyn Derfel might have been considering offering the Deesiders a shiny plastic replacement but unfortunately they have one a hundred yards away. Luke Wall crossed from the left but Dean Rittenberg headed wide. The west country tones now held an air of desparation as City looked like making a dent on the Nomads lead. And the best chance of the game was about to emerge as Alex Darlington lofted the ball through for Steven Hewitt who raced on goal but sliced his low shot wide from ten yards. In the four minutes of added time Mr Jones yellow carded John Danby for timewasting but it mattered not as the Nomads ran out one nil winners and effectively sealed second spot in the process. Play offs perhaps for Bangor if they achieve the license, if not the Neptune Court mandarins will have some head scratching to do. Photo Johnny Spittle sees red (The Citizens Choice)
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| FINAL SCORE 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Welsh Cup Semi Final |
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no mistake this was as heavy a beating as the scoreline suggests. Men
against boys even. And without some poor finishing and good goalkeeping
it could have been worse. Luckily there weren't too many there to see
the destruction.The initial impression from the warm ups was that Connahs Quay looked a big strong side, Bangor looked younger and lightweight. Of course despite which City had beaten them in WP games this season. The early omens were positive enough, Steven Hewitt fired on goal and forced John Danby into a low stop before Danny Holmes low strike was arrowing into the bottom corner before the Nomads keeper pulled off a more urgent save. But on or soon after the Deesiders began to establish a dominance, intiially through a series of corners which tested the blues defence. In all this though Matthew Hall was not unduly troubled as the midway point of the half came and went. But on 25 minutes the sixth and seventh corners for Connahs Quay came along before, on 27 minutes Andy Owens headed home Declan Poole's deep cross from the left. Owens exploited the lack of height in the blues defence with Anthony Miley forced to watch from the sidelines. Former Rhyl winger Rob Hughes then threatened a couple of times before on 34 minutes Ryan Wignall cut in from the left to beat Matthew Hall with a clean strike to double the lead. And three minutes later Michael Bakare kept up his record of scoring in every round with a similar goal to Wignall's. This was effectively game over and a determined Nomads side showed no interest in letting their foot off the pedal. With the damage done City tried to respond but found Mike Pearson and Johnny Spittle in command at the back. The half time whistle blew on a truly dismal spell for Bangor with some long faces amongst players and supporters scattered around Belle Vue. |
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| HALF TIME 0-3 |
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| A change at the interval for Bangor as George Harry replaced Guto Williams. Could the young striker spark a revival for the shell shocked blues? Ten minutes after the restart the Nomads delivered an emphatic no as Andy Owens fired home low from distance to beat Matthew Hall's full length dive. And on the hour mark Andy Owens grabbed his hatrick as he latched onto a Bakare pass to find the back of the net. The twenty or so Nomads fans amongst the mediocre crowd could scarcely believed their eyes. The giant striker had scored twice for Telford against City in a pre season match four years ago and had now gone one better in a competitive game. A couple of changes soon after the goal saw Danny Harrison replaced Rob Hughes and City send on Sam Jones for Gary Taylor Fletcher. Right winger Luke Wall threatened the goal with a low shot but Danby had it covered all the way. Bangor won what was their second corner of the evening and Danny Gossett met the cross but sent his header wide. Minutes later Andy Owens charged down the left but shot weakly at Hall. On 72 minutes Gethin Thomas replaced Steven Hewitt in the blues midfield and three minutes later Kai Edwards handled the ball in the box and City had a penalty. Up stepped young George Harry to crash the ball home to make the scoreline five one. But as if to prove they had the game in their hands the Nomads replied within two minutes as Nathan Woolfe who fired home from the edge of the box to restore the five goal advantage. And that was to prove to be the final action of note, an incredible evening on the pitch with most people expecting a hard, close fought game. No criticism of Connahs Quay or Rhyl whose Belle Vue ground was well prepared as always. But the decision to schedule this match for a Saturday evening appeared to reduce the crowd by perhaps three or four hundred. Certainly 398 is an embarrassment generated by what was either a mindless or very selfish decision by the broadcasters and readily agreed by the FAW. Genuine Welsh football fans, supporters of the domestic game, wonder why crowds are so low.. |
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Photo above with thanks to
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| FINAL SCORE 1-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor completed a home double over a much changed New Saints at Nantporth on Saturday evening. And the star of the show for City was Matthew Hall who denied - and defied - Greg Draper time after time as the Kiwi striker threatened. In the opening minutes Tom Holland fired over before Matthew Hall saved well from Greg Draper as the visitors looked to sweep City aside. Part of the problem for Bangor seemed to eminate from an unfamiliar back three set up which was unsettled by movement down the flanks. But on six minutes a loud penalty shout from City fans behind the goal at the Antelope End as young Ben Clark blocked Alex Darlington's shot with his arm. In fairness it was at point blank range. But on ten minutes City had the lead. The impressive Danny Holmes slid the ball down the right to Luke Wall whose cross was headed goalwards by Alex Darlington. Goalkeeper Harrison pulled off a fine stop but Darlington rolled the loose ball across to Dean Rittenberg who netted his fifteenth goal of the season from two yards out. Against the flow of play perhaps but a lead nonetheless. Within a minute Matthew Hall saved well from Greg Draper and then Dean Ebbe as the Shropshire side won a couple of corners, the second following another save, this time at his near post from Kevin Kauber. On nineteen minutes an enforced change for Bangor as Anthony Miley limped off to be replaced by Guto Williams. This triggered a change of shape with calm eighteen year old slotting into midfield in front of a back four in a 4-3-3 formation. The game became more evenly contested now as first Danny Holmes and then left back Simon Spender fired off target from distance. The re organised defence looked more solid and young Guto did his job alongside Danny Gosset and Steven Hewitt in the blues midfield. Credit though to Tom Kennedy and Danny Holmes who stood strong when danger threatened. Five minutes before the interval Danny Gosset wriggled in along the touchline from the right but the blues forwards got in each others way and ther ball ran out for a goalkick. Then two minutes from time another Matthew Hall save as a Greg Draper snapshot crashed into the ground from six yards but Hall somehow tipped the effort onto the crossbar. Simply outstanding, a hugely impressive first half from the young custodian. Into a minute of added time both sides won and largely wasted freekicks the second of which saw Joel Bembo Leta head on goal but Harrison gathered comfortably. So a narrow interval lead for the blues due in no small part to the former West Bromich goalkeeper,, |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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| No changes at the interval for either side. The blues now attacking the Bangor End, an early cross shot from Ryan Brobbel drifted wide before on the hour mark another good save from Matthew Hall as Greg Draper threatened once more. 
Minutes later a couple of stoppages as first Tom Holland and then Danny
Holmes suffered injuries and few minutes later Dean Ebbe sent a header
wide of the target.With twenty minutes left Simon Spender also headed wide as the second half failed to live up to the excitement of the first. Nick Pratt had a decent game in my opinion but young Craven should have been shown the yellow card for a high foot lunge on half way. The former Cefn Druids youngster then fired well wide from distance as clear cut opening were at a premium. The visitors continued to have the lions share of possession but to little effect. In the blues midfield substitute Williams, Danny Gossett and Steven Hewitt worked overtime to protect their defence and keep the game on an even keel. Twelve minutes from time Ben Clark also fired high and wide from long range which only troubled the caravaners at Woodside. Ten minutes before the whistle yet another Hall v Draper contest which the twenty year old won once more. By now the Somerset born striker bore a slightly resigned expression. Moments later a second change for Bangor as Brayden Shaw came on for a weary Luke Wall who had been amongst City better outfield performers. In the closing two or three minutes The Saints sent on teenage subs Harry Bower and Callum Jones for Kevin Kauber and Ben Clark respectively before two minutes of added time came and went without incident. A vital win for Bangor, three big points towards their European ambitions, with a great deal owed to Matthew Hall whose one man battle with Greg Draper was the highlight of the game. Well done! photos above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| FINAL SCORE 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor struck for a vital win in a close fought battle at the Cyncoed Stadium. And in so doing gained a measure of revenge for a 3-1 defeat against pretty much the same students in the opening phase of fixtures. 
The home side started the stronger and Matthew Hall was called into
action with early saves from Elliot Evans and fullback Dylan Rees.
Evans fired left footed from the edge of the box whilst Rees failed to
get any power into his close range effort after strong work down the
right from the marauding Roscrow. After having a handball - freekick-
shout waved away by referee Morgan the first threat from the visitors
came on twenty minutes when Luke Wall fired over after goalkeeper
Fuller failed to gather a Steven Hewitt freekick.Three minutes later Matthew Hall did well to keep out a shot from Adam Roscrow as the students continued to threaten the Bangor goal. The opening goal came on the half hour mark. George Harry played the ball forward to Alex Darlington who chipped Will Fuller but the Met keeper parried the ball which dropped behind him for the blues striker to control and slot wide of Joel Edwards who had got back onto the line. But the students were level six minutes later when Emlyn Lewis headed home powerfully from a Elliot Evans freekick from the right. Blues striker George Harry was then injured following a strong challenge from Met goalscorer Lewis and minutes before the interval City were forced into a change as the teenageg striker limped off to be replaced by fit again Brayden Shaw. The half time score stood at one all. |
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| HALF TIME 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
No changes at the interval. But City with no choice but to push forward for the all important winner in the second period. Five minutes after the restart another hefty challenge, this time from Adam Roscrow, resulted in the first yellow card of the afternoon. Brayden Shaw sent a right footed curler from the left which Fuller did well to palm over. The home side went close as Adam Roscrow saw his effort hit the post. Then ten minutes after the restart a first change for Cardiff as Chris Baker replaced Josh Barnett. But on 54 minutes Bangor had their second goal and the all important lead. Luke Wall released Steven Hewitt down the right, his inviting lowe cross was swept home at the near post by Dean Rittenberg for his 14th goal of the season. Two minutes later substitute Brayden Shaw went close to increasing the lead but his shot veered wide of the target. On 66 minutes a second change for the home side as Dan Spencer came on for Will Evans and two minutes the change nearly had an impact as Elliot Evans saw his long range freekick strike the Bangor cross bar. Within a minute Luke Wall chased past Joel Edwards but could not keep his powerful shot on target. With fifteen minutes to go a second change for City as Yves Zama replaced goalscorer Rittenberg and ten minutes later Joel Bembo Leta stiffened the blues defence as he came on for Luke Wall who had impressed on the right. No further scares for City as the final minutes ran out and the whistle blew on a hard earned win on the 3G which has yet to see a home win since the second phase of fixtures began. Photos above with thanks to Bangor City FC
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| FINAL SCORE 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor lost to runners up rivals Bala in a game which saw Chris Venables score twice and miss a second penalty for the Lakesiders. And the fact that blues goalkeeper Matthew Hall was heralded as City's best player suggests that the visitors were worthy winners. The outstanding Venables was in the thick of the action all evening with an early shot that tested Matthew Hall on seven minutes and then on the quarter hour a foul on Steven Hewitt that gave City an attacking freekick on the left. Hewitt swung the ball in for Yves Zama to head home and give Bangor an early lead. Moments later Venables fouled Hewitt again before on the half hour Gary Taylor Fletcher found himself in a couple of promising positions but was flagged offside both times. After a brief stoppage for Danny Holmes to receive treatment Yves Zama bullied his way past Stuart Jones to unleash a fierce strike which Ashley Morris did well to keep out. But on 39 minutes the visitors were level. Glenn Rule sent over a deep cross to Stuart Jones and his header was tapped home by Chris Venables from close range. Bangor looked to responded immediately as Rule fouled Danny Gossett on the edge of the box for a freekick which Steven Hewitt fired at goal but Morris again kept out, with Anthony Miley unable to keep the rebound on target. There was a late booking for Ian Sheridan for a foul on Luke Wall and a timely challenge to deny the dangerous Yves Zama but the whislte blew on an evenly contested opening half with honours even. Photos above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| HALF TIME 1-1 |
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| No changes at the interval. The visitors soon tested Matthew Hall with first Mike Hayes and then Kieran Smith shooting on target. But City countered through Luke Wall who pounced on a loose ball in the Bala box but fired over. But ten minutes after the restart disaster for Bangor as Joel Bemba Leta was harshly ruled to have conceded a penalty which Chris Venables duly drove home to put the visitors ahead. The tall midfielder cum striker has been the outstanding Welsh player in this domestic competition over the past five years. On 64 minutes a first change for Bangor as goalscorer Zama made way for George Harry. But two minutes after this change more calamity for Bangor as Gary Taylor Fletcher was ajudged to have handled in the box. A second penalty for Bala and Chris Venables but Matthew Hall refused to be beaten and the score stayed at two one for the visitors. On 71 minutes a change for Bala as Andrai Jones replaced Mike Hayes. Dean Rittenberg gathered the ball on the left and tried one of his trademark curlers but the shot flew wide. With then minutes to go a change for each side as Bangor lad Les Davies came on for Kieran Smith and Alex Darlington replaced Dean Rittenberg. City won a corner and then a freekick which came to nothing but as time ran out the most significant action saw Matthew Hall stand strong to deny the rampaging Les Davies as he ran clear on goal. Four minutes of added time came and went with the Bala defence, marshalled by the Stuart Jones' rarely troubled. So a disappointing evening for the hoem faithful but a deserved win for Bala who now move into second with a game in hand over City. |
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Photos above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| FINAL SCORE 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Welsh Cup Quarter Final |
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| Bangor
cruised into the Welsh Cup Semi Finals with a seven goal win over
Merthyr based Penydarren. And hatricks from Luke Wall and Yves Zama led
the way. But this should not detract from an entertaining cup tie in which the fifth tier visitors played a full part and played with a positive attitude and good spirit throughout. Attacking The Antelope End Bangor won a third minute corner which came to nothing but the visitors had already missed a golden opportunity as Chris Owens headed wide from close range. On eight minutes a second corner for City as George Harry saw his shot deflected wide.  But on eleven minutes Bangor took the lead. Anthony Miley passed to Luke Wall who beat Jon Green all ends up with a long range strike which hit the top right hand corner.Danny Holmes struck a fine crossfield ball to Yves Zama but he fired over. Then on twenty minutes a heavy late challenge from Chris Owens went unpunished by Huw Jones which was simply unacceptable. It mattered not though on 24 minutes as the blues doubled their lead. The mercurial Luke Wall lifted the ball to George Harry eight yards out. His firm effort struck goalkeeper Green and ran out to Steven Hewitt who swept the ball into the empty net. Penydarren did not give up. They won a freekick which Josh Brogden headed wide from the penalty spot as the game slid into a scrappier phase. Young Ben Jones caught the eye for the Merthyr side with a slide rule pass for Owens but Danny Holmes put him off with a well timed challenge. Then Jones cut in from the right but fired low at Matthew Hall who gathered cleanly. With eight minutes to go to the break City regained a measure of control as Steven Hewitt fired a long range freekick at Green but again Pen bounced back with a speculative volley from Owens which flew well over the bar. With five minutes left a second very poor call from Mr Jones who failed to see Ben Gibbons block Luke Wall's shot with his arm. The distance between striker and defender was several yards, the offence as clear as day. Penalty all day long but nothing given. In the closing minute Brogden again went wide from close in and Gibbons received a yellow card for a heavy challenge from behind on Yves Zama. And that was about it, City well worth their lead but signs from the visitors that they still had plenty of fight left in them. Photo above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| HALF TIME 2-0 |
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| No changes at the interval. Bangor now attacking the City End (surely someone could name the ends) and with all still to play for. That situation changed drastically inside two minutes of the second period as George Harry released Tom Kennedy on the left. His precision cross was headed home at the back post by Yves Zama to make the score three nil.  And four minutes later, on 51 minutes, it was four nil and definitely all over. Luke Wall
dispossed a dawdling defender, turned with a drag back and placed the
ball beyond the despairing Green. A superb piece of individua skill
from the outstanding left footer. It was all over bar the shouting but
the visiting fans were still supporting their side and City fans were
in bullish mood as the substitutions began. The first change on 53
minutes as the long serving Kyle Sullivan made way for the imposing
Nathan Williams.On 57 minutes Dan Holmes had a shot defelcted for a fifth Bangor corner from which Yves Zama went close at the post. Pen midfielder Alex Lloyd shot on target but Matthew Hall pulled off a routine save. Just after the hour a raft of substitutions. First Kinsey and Keating replaced Lewis and Owens. Then a triple change as Gethin Thomas, Guto Williams and goalkeeper Connor Roberts came on for Steven Hewitt, George Harry and Matt Hall respectively. Not often you see a goalkeeper changed (there was no evident injury), good management too for giving Llanrug youngster Gethin Thomas and Abergele boy Guto Williams a chance to sample the atmosphere and gain some cup experience. On 70 minutes it was five nil thanks to a thunderous strike from Yves Zama thanks to another assist from Luke Wall on the right. The big number nine's second goal from a tight angle left goalkeeper Green bemused. But again the gutsy visitors refused to lie down and Connor Roberts pulled off an outstanding one handed save to deny substitute Nathan Williams who looked a threat on the right. Bangor went close again through Dean Rittenberg and Yves Zama but on 77 minutes another good save from Roberts this time from the skilful Brogden who caught the eye for the Merthyr side. With nine minutes to go a freekick on the right for Penydarren fired across low by Brogden was smothered by the alert Roberts who had been busier in his 25 minute outing than Matthew Hall had in double that. But with seven minutes to go it was six nil. A booming crossfield ball from Tom Kennedy picked out Luke Wall who ran into the box and slid home beyond Jonathan Green for his first hatrick in a Bangor shirt. Into the final minute and a seventh goal for City. Young Gethin Thomas ran into the box and was brought down by Asa Lloyd for a penalty which was spotted and crashed home by Yves Zama for his hatrick. A rarity in modern football two hatricks in a game, hard to remember the last one for City. Nevertheless a convincing win for Bangor to secure a semi final spot but credit to the spirited visitors who stuck to their guns, played football and might have gained a consolation goal or two with better luck. Good luck to them for the rest of the season. |
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Photo above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| FINAL SCORE 7-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| Two Steven Hewitt goals just before half time guided City to an important win at a chilly Rock on Friday night. Bangor dominated long spells of the opening period with as Danny Gossett and Steven Hewitt pulled the strings in midfield. Cefn won an early corner which came to nothing before City fired their first warning shot from Gary Taylor Fletcher whose header was held by Michael Jones. This came from a Tom Kennedy freekick flicked on by Yves Zama.  City continued to press at the car park end as young Fisnik Hajdari
conceded a freekick on the right. Again Tom Kennedy delivered and Hajdari
nearly turned Taylor Fletcher’s header into his own goal. On ten minutes Dean
Rittenberg fired on target but Jones denied him with a good low save.On the quarter hour mark another Bangor freekick delivered by Steven Hewitt headed goalwards by Gary Taylor Fletcher but pushed away for a corner by goalkeeper Jones. Two minutes later little Jamie Davies chased a left to right diagonal but Matthew Hall raced out to clear. On 25 minutes the veteran Neil Ashton was booked for comments passed to the young referee who warned the Ancients defender he would tolerate no more. The home side started to threaten more now as Davies again raced into a good position but Matthew Hall was in command. Further efforts from Ashley Ruane and Nathan Peate emphasised the growing menace but seven minutes before the break Steven Hewitt’s freekick appeared to strike the hand of a Cefn defender. Loud appeals for a penalty were waved away. Then a minute before the interval Bangor had the lead. Steven Hewitt latched onto Gary Taylor Fletcher’s lay off to beat Jones from the edge of the box, probably with the help of a slight deflection. No sooner one nil than two. Yves Zama twisted and turned in the Druids box and was brought down for a clear penalty. Mudimu thought otherwise though and his angry confrontation was rewarded with a yellow card for himself and, unfairly perhaps, Zama. Unflustered by these shenanigans Steven Hewitt blasted the spot kick home for a two goal advantage which stood at the interval as the two teams trotted off for a warming drink. |
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| HALF TIME 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No changes at the interval. The second half had the feel of job half done, with Bangor content to hold what they had and Cefn lacking any real cutting edge in attack to undermine their position. City went forward soon after the restart as Dean Rittenberg threatened but the offside flag Midfield generals Gossett and Hewitt were now in command with fullbacks Holmes and Kennedy also impressing. The powerful figure of Bembo Leta also left the home strikers wondering where to go to find time and space. Then another effort from Dean Rittenberg whose low shot beat Jones but not the upright and cannoned out for a goalkick. Midway through the half Zama won the ball in midfield, released Rittenberg to his left but the inrushing Danny Gossett could not keep his first time effort down. With fifteen minutes to go the ineffective Mudimu was replaced by Bala based Ilan Ap Gareth and soon after Iwan Cartwright limped off for Oswestry school teacher Alun Morris. The big defender had a half chance but his header flew wide. Defender Peate then seemed to throw an arm at Dean Rittenberg as he shielded the ball out on the left hand side but the blues striker made nothing of the incident. A final change for the home side as Jon Taylor came on for Jamie Davies whose movement had posed most of the danger for his team. The final minutes ran out with substitute Luke Wall seeing his shot blocked before referee Griffiths blew for time and City celebrated a well deserved win in the freezing conditions.  Photos above The Citizens Choice
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Welsh Premier |
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A commanding display from defensive lynchpin Anthony Miley guided Bangor to a hard fought win against visitors Copnnahs Quay. This result maintained City's push for second and made it three wins from three Welsh Premier encounters with Jock Morrison's men. The blues were pushed all the way by the Deeside outfit who were denied by some brave defending and at tim es outstanding goalkeeping from Matthew Hall.City kicked off attacking The Antelope End but the opening exchanges were edged by The Nomads for whom leading goalscorer Mike Wilde headed over inside five minutes following some positive play on the right wing from Declan Poole. On ten minutes the visitors forced a couple of corners as Anthony Miley and Tom Kennedy defended purposefully. Five minutes later another corner for Connahs Quay saw Michael Bakare fire into the side netting. Midway through the half the visitors pressed again through Bakare and Wilde with blues leftback Laurence Wilson injured as he cleared. On the half hour Sean Smith fired over the bar before Bangor stirred as Tom Kennedy found Gary Taylor Fletcher whose volley forced a fine save from John Danby as City forced their way into the game. But they suffered a setback as Alex Darlington limped off to be replaced by George Harry. In truth Bangor players had been on the receiving end of some heavy challenges from the visitors. Ten minutes before the interval Bangor had a penalty appeal against Kai Edwards waved away by Referee Lee Evans. But the last word belonged to Matthew Hall who pulled off a good low save from Michael Bakare to keep the blues on level terms as Referee Evans blew for half time moments later. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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| A change at the interval for City as Yves Zama replaced Luke Wall. City now attacking the Bangor end and from the restart more determined to snatch the opening goal. Five minutes into the second period Dean Rittenberg robbed Jake Phillips on the left and forced a full stretch save from John Danby as his curling right footer threatened the top corner. 
From the ensuing corner City went ahead as Kai Edwards inadvertently headed past his own goalkeeper after Michael Bakare appeared to flick Laurence Wilson's flag kick on.(This goal was initially credited to Anthony Miley) Soon after the restart things might have got worse for the visitors as Danny Harrison halted Yves Zama as he broke on half way. Referee Evans opted for a yellow card when red was an option. On 58 minutes a first change for the visitors as Ryan Wignall came on for Callum Morris. Ten minutes later a yellow card for Jamie Owen for a heavy challenge on Laurence Wilson. The Nomads pressed through Mike Wilde, Michael Bakare and Kai Edwards but Anthony Miley marshalled his defence and the danger passed. More substitutions on 72 and then 78 minutes as Andy Owens replaced Mike Wilde and then Rob Hughes came on for Jamie Owen. Both new signings over the January window. Ten minutes from time a good strike from Bakare was blocked by Danny Gossett and two minutes another yellow card for the abrasive visitors, this time to Sean Smith. With around five minutes left Joel Bembo Leta came on for a weary Gary Taylor Fletcher and within minutes the big substitute sent a shot wide from the edge of the box as City sought a conclusive second. Into the four added minutes and Bembo Leta unwittingly nearly turned the ball past his won keeper but Matthew Hall did well to prevent the unwanted own goal. As time ran out assistant manager Neil Gibson was sent to the stand for appearing to boot the dugout. Somethings never change. Finally the whistle blew and the 420+ fans present could celebrate an important win in the race for Europe. You cannot always win in great flowing style, as manager Kevin Nicholson rightly commented after the whistle, results are what matter most now. |
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Photo above with thanks to Aled Wyn Jones
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| FINAL SCORE 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| Bangor left empty handed after being outpassed and largely outplayed by the champions elect at Park Hall. Before a sparse crowd on a damp chill evening City kicked off attacking the car park end and started brightly but unfortunately soon ran out of steam. The opening quarter hour belonged to Bangor who seemed intent on making a statement with Danny Holmes sending over an inviting cross that no one could connect with before the chance of the evening - from a blues perspective - came and went. On the twelth minute Gary Taylor Fletcher sent Luke Wall in on goal but the left footer lashed his shot too close to Paul Harrison who made a decent save. The home side now gradually took control with their patient passing play from the back, with leftback Chris Marriott and new striker Dean Ebbe both having half chances to open the scoring. Midfielder Tom Holland and Aeron Edwards central to the home sides performance although recent signing Ebbe did not hold the same menace as normal number nine Greg Draper who was injured when the two sides met a month ago. But although the Shropshire side held sway blues goalkeeper Matthew Hall was not tested and just before half time City rallied to win a freekick on the left. This clearly upset the home side who had first Aeron Edwards and then Tom Holland booked for variously protesting the decision and then trying to delay the taking of the freekick. Ironically perhaps the set piece came to nothing which meant the two sides left the field with honours even although fair to say City had spent probably the final half hour chasing shadows or similar. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No changes at the interval for either side. With City now attacking the Bangor Hill end the blues fans gathered in the metallic stand which echoed their chants of support. But it was the home side who took the initiative from the kick off and within two minutes Matthew Hall did well to deny to energetic Aeron Edwards. City responded as Dean Rittenberg latched onto Luke Wall's pass but fired over.  On 53 minutes the game began to unravel. Some weak defensive work offered Aeron Edwards the chance to latch onto a loose ball and crash home from twelve yards.Minutes later Connal Rawlinson saw his header tipped over by Matthew Hall who was by now earning his keep in the blues goal. Danny Holmes went into Nick Pratt's book for a foul but on 63 minutes the home side double their lead as Aeron Edwards got on the end of a cross from Chris Marriott to grab his second of the evening. On 65 minutes a first change for Bangor as January signing Yves Zama came on for Alex Darlington and three minutes later Gary Taylor Fletcher was shown the yellow card for comments passed to the referee. Greg Draper came on for midfielder Tom Holland as he searched for his 100th WP goal. The pitch was by now hard and crunchy as the players trod warily as the frost settled. In fairness to Nick Pratt there appeared to be no complaints from the players or their benches and no one seemed to fall foul of the elements. With seven minutes left to play a low cross from Luke Wall just evaded the inrushing Dean Rittenberg as City looked to finish on the front foot and were repeatedly present the ball by the cumbersome Blaine Hudson booking aimless passes forwards. Minutes later one newcomer replaced another for the Saints as Irishman Dean Ebbe made way for the Estonian Kevin Mauber. As the game entered added time Hudson was replaced by Steve Saunders but it was Ryan Brobbel who had the last word with a great run and finish from the left which left Matthew Hall well beaten. So a three nil defeat for the blues and further proof if needed that the Park Hall side are the masters of this artificial surface. Photos above The Citizens Choice
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| FINAL SCORE 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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This was a strong team performance from Bangor who kicked off their
second phase fixtures with an emphatic win over the Cardiff side.
The pre match news saw Paul Connolly step in for Laurence Wilson with Tom Kennedy moving to left back. Further upfield there was a start for Alex Darlington but the two newcomers, who had scored at Llanrhaeadr, were on the bench. Bangor kicked off attacking The Antelope End on a firm Nantporth pitch, protected pre match by the two teams warming up on the adjacent 3G. The visitors began by dominating possession with a studious if futile display of sideways passing which ended in the sixth minute when Steven Hewitt snatched the ball and lashed wide from twenty yards. Two minutes later Bangor had the lead. Danny Holmes freed Luke Wall on the right, his inviting cross was headed home powerfully by Gary Taylor Fletcher from ten yards to leave Will Fuller no chance. An eighth goal of the season for the mercurial veteran reminscent of Wyn Davies who also wore the blue of Bangor and orange of Blackpool. 
But on eleven minutes a setback for City as Paul Connolly trudged off
to be replaced by Joel Bembo Leta in central defence. Cardiff now had to come out of their possession orientated stupour and attacked although one foray was cut short by a head injury to Will Evans which tempted a visiting defender to bellow an obscenity at the officials which appeared to go unheard. The first threat from the students came from a rusty looking Adam Roscrow who scuffed a shot at Matthew Hall from the right on twenty minutes before the Bangor keeper was yellow carded for a clearance on the edge of his box. The ball crashed out on the Menai Straits side but a freekick was duly awarded which Elliot Evans fired at goal but Danny Gossett bravely blocked and cleared. On the counter City won a corner crossed from the right but crashed narrowly wide by substitute Bembo Leta. The all action Gossett along with Steven Hewitt and Gary Taylor Fletcher were at the centre of all good things from City whilst Luke Wall had the beating of leftback McCarthy. Elliot Evans went close for Cardiff before City won another corner which again saw Bembo Leta have a shot blocked. Adam Roscrow was growing into the game and his snap shot from the left forced a good save from Matthew Hall and led to a couple of corners which City defended well. Ten minutes from time Danny Gossett raced in on goal and netted but the offside flag was already waving in the wind. Moments later the busy midfielder fired over from twenty yards after a Steven Hewitt diagonal had created a chance for Danny Holmes to cross. Five minutes before the interval Luke Wall picked out debutant Darlington on the left but Fuller did well to parry his fierce drive. Bangor won a couple more corners before Dean Rittenberg burst into the six yard area but Fuller denied him with a brilliant point blank save. Two minutes of added time signalled by the fourth official which saw Steven Hewitt shoot off target and as the half time whistle blew City left the field with a single goal advantage which scarcely reflected their dominance. Photo above The Citizens Choice
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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| No changes at the interval. Bangor now attacking the Bangor end with the wind blowing across from from the left hand corner flag into their faces. Four minutes after the restart Bangor doubled their lead. A fifth corner of the afternoon from the left was fired home at the near post by Anthony Miley from Steven Hewitt's cross. 
Cardiff responded on 55 minutes by introducing right winger Jordan Lam
for Joel McCarthy but it was City who continued to create the openings
as Dean Rittenberg ran into the box but was denied at close range by
Fuller. On the hour mark a debut yellow card for Alex Darlington for a
foul on Aaron James on the half way line.On 69 minutes City reaped the rewards their performance deserved and dispelled any fears of a copy cat comeback from the Met side who fought back from a two nil deficit in October. The goal came when Joel Bembo Leta's fourty yard pass picked out Dean Rittenberg who lifted the ball over Will Fuller and into the top right hand corner from the left of goal. City fans had barely finished celebrating the certain victory when goalscorer Rittenberg was replaced by Yves Zama. Cardiff kept their sense of purpose and Adam Roscrow fired on target from long range bu Matthew Hall saw it all the way. Yves Zama then cut in from the left but saw his right footer swerve side of the upright. Danny Holmes, who had impressed on the right with Luke Wall, then fired on target but Fuller held cleanly. Zama then fired across goal from the right and City strove for the fourth goal. The visitors theatened by once again Anthony Miley stood strong and cleared the danger. With ten minutes left Brayden Shaw replaced Danny Holmes and Gwion Howell came on for Will Evans. On ninety minutes a final change for the visitors as Adam Roscrow made way for Josh Barnett and in the three minutes of added time Yves Zama chased down a ball which seemed to be running out for a goalkick. He passed to Brayden Shaw but his shot from the left veered wide. So a comfortable win for the blues over a Cardiff side who had won both previous encounters between the two sides in the first schedule of fixtures. And with the other two top six matches ending in draws this was a positive start to the final phase for Bangor. |
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Photos above The Citizens Choice
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| FINAL SCORE 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| Bangor slid past Llanrhaeadr
on a slithery Recreational Field with both new signings scoring and
giving a good account of themselves in very difficult conditions. City gave debuts to recent signings Joel Bemba Leta in midfield and Yves Zama upfront. Certainly the powerful Leta stood strong alongside the hardworking Danny Gossett in midfield and looked the dominant blues (or reds) player on the day.  Bangor kicked off up the slight slope and into the wind. A sizeable crowd gathered around the sides, bolstered by those freed up by local postponements. But the early focus was on referee Nick Pratt as he awarded Llanrhaeadr an eighth mnute penalty. Blues goalkeeper Connor Roberts challenged Mark Griffiths at full stretch and the former Bala striker fell over to allow local lad Iwan Matthews to smash the ball beyond Roberts from the spot for a one nil lead.  But the visitors had not come to lie down and within five minutes Laurence Wilson crossed for number nine Yves Zama (right) to send a looping header over Connor Lee to level the scores. Both sides started to slug it out on a tricky slithery pitch. Referee Pratt soon began to influence the flow of the game with his random interventions. On 25 minutes Bangor went ahead, once more the new signings at the heart of the action. A Laurence Wilson cross from the left was flicked on by Zama for Joel Bemba Leta (left) to crash home from six yards to the delight of the noisy blues contingent. Leftback Dale Evans might have thought he had equalised but Tom Kennedy managed to divert his goalbound shot over. Danny Gossett and Bembo Leta were grafting in midfield whilst Anthony Miley was as full stretch to keep tabs on the veteran Griffiths. Seven minutes from the break Bembo Leata was yellow carded for a pull on Joe Vaughan before Iwan Matthews tested Connort Roberts with a fine strike from the left. The ball ran to Glenn Evans but his shot was blocked before Tom Bailey headed wide. Next a clever piece of play involving Dean Rittenberg and Luke Wall on the right released the marauding Zama but he fired into the side netting. Llanrhaeadr player manager Griffiths then threatened with a shot on the turn but sent his effort just wide of the post. In the three minutes of added time there was a yellow card for Danny Holmes for a poor challenge and that was about it. The pitch which had started off soft and slippery was now bobbly and treacherous. Perfect for cup football - and a cup upset! Photos above The Citizens Choice
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| HALF TIME 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No changes at the interval for either side. The theory was now that with the wind at their backs, being fitter and all that, City would dominate and stroll through. Well... City took the early initiative as they attacked the school end. The impressive Zama wriggled through three or four challenges before Dale Evans floored him on the blue right. A yellow card for the left back as Mr Pratt gathered momentum. A freekick to City which saw Dean Rittenberg shoot wide from the edge of the box. 
Seven minutes after the restart Bangor went three one up and the script
suggested they might. A Luke Wall cross from the right headed home emphatically by Joel Bemba Leta for his second of the afternoon on debut which he celebrated in acrobatic style. But rather than give up the Spar Mid side redoubled their efforts and threw everything they could at the blues goal. They pushed City back and won three corners on the bounce, their fifth, sixth and seventh of the afternoon to test Connor Roberts and his defence to the full. Ten minutes after the restart a clean strike from Iwan Matthews brought a good save from Connor Roberts from a freekick which resulted in a close range effort being skied from close range by Tom Bailey. On the hour Matthews shot narrowly wide as he continued to threaten with his pace and trickery on the slithery surface. Referee Pratt ramped up the fines finances with three yellows inside a mnute, one for Laurence Wilson for a poor tackle quickly followed by two more for Anthony Miley and Tom Bailey for reasons unknown. On 68 minutes the inevitable red card as Laurence Wilson was shown a second yellow for a tackle from behind on Iwan Matthews. How would City manage for the final twenty with ten men? One advantage was the two goal cushion, the other the narrow pitch which made it very difficult to get in behind. With twenty minutes left young Guto Williams replaced Dean Rittenberg and then Dale Evans and Mark Griffiths made way for Iain Edmunds and Khyam Wytton. Momnets later a yellow card for burly Glenn Evans as Llanrhaeadr conceded a freekick which Joel Bembo Leta headed just over as he searched for a hatrick. One final change for the home side saw Dan Graham come on for Tom Bailey. Brayden Shaw got the ball out of his feet and shot on goal but Lee saved well down by the foot of his post.  Then with nine minutes left George Harry replaced Luke Wall before Joel Bembo Leta again went close but goalkeeper Lee was up to the challenge. Four minutes left on the clock as Sam Jones trotted on for Yves Zama who had impresedon debut. But with three minutes to go the ten men had their backs to the wall as Iwan Matthews crossed for Dan Graham to flick the ball home despite the best efforts of the mud and blues defenders. Into added time - no electronic boards - and as players and supporters scratched their heads about the time remaining a yellow card for Kieran Evans and four minutes into what proved to be six - Sam Jones raced clear only to be brought down by Dan Kelly. Second yellow and red for the defender which even to hardened Pratt watchers seemed harsh. And that was about it, the final whistle finally blew and City slid out of Llanrhaeadr with their cup hopes alive after an exciting accident ridden afternoon in the Tanat Valley. A word of praise for the village side both in terms of their efforts on the pitch and the preparations off it, good luck for the rest of the season. Photos above The Citizens Choice
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| FINAL SCORE 2-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| Bangor
slipped to a narrow defeat at Park Hall despite deserving at least a share of the spoils. Needless to say Referee Bryn Markham Jones was the focal point of a moment of controvesy. City left Anthony MIley and Paul Connolly on the bench and started with Guto Williams alongside Tom Kennedy in central defence. City settled quicker and won a early corner after a jittery clearance from Rawlinson before the one paced Tom Holland was yellow carded for a pull on Luke Wall as he threatened on the blues right. Tom Holland picked out Greg Draper who fired over from the left on the quarter hour. Then Steven Hewitt's raking diagonal found Luke Wall whose instant control opened up the defence but Paul Harrison saved comfortably. Minutes later Dean Rittenberg supplied Luke Wall whose cross from the right was volleyed goalwards by Gary Taylor Fletcher but Harrison pulled off a tremendous stop. Just before the half hour, Draper who was after 100th WP goal, forced a fine save from Matthew Hall who had scarcely been inolved up to that time. Five minutes before the interval Dean Rittenberg supplied George Harry but he was denied by Harrison as his near post. But there was a major scare for City minutes before the interval as a defensive slip up on half way left in Greg Draper but Guto Williams recovered impressively to deny the Somerset born striker with a well timed challenge as he closed in on goal. So a blank first half during which Bangor had bettered the English side but found goalkeeper Paul Harrison in defiant form. Certainly Luke Wall, Steven Hewitt and Gary Taylor Fletcher had asked questions of the league leaders defence that they had to let the glovesman answer. |
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| No changes at the interval for either side. The blues fans now relocated to the stand behind the far goal and continued their noisy support. But the action switched to the other end as TNS won a corner which was headed over by Rawlinson from close range. Ten minutes after the restart another great stop by Harrison to deny George Harry who firm strike from the left came from a Dean Rittenberg pass. Within a minute Matthew Hall did well to keep out an acrobatic effort from Greg Draper as chances came and went at both ends. Next Gary Taylor Fletcher saw his goalbound effort deflected wide Controvesy was now on the horizon. Danny Gossett was shown the yellow card by Mr Jones for a clear pull on Jamie Mullan as the little Saint broke upfield. A minute later Tom Holland committed a very similar offence and was apparently on the verge of a (second) yellow card when the official relented and merely awarded the freekick. With thirty minutes left to play this was a big decision which in all fairness the referee appeared reluctant to make. Just over twenty minutes remained when it seemed the home side had the lead. A TNS corner was headed home by Blaine Hudson but the beanpole defender had climbed over Tom Kennedy and a freekick cut short the celebrations. With around fifteen minutes to play both sides made a change. First Brayden Shaw came on for George Harry and then Alex Darlington replaced Greg Draper who had been injured a short while earlier. On 79 minutes Aeron Edwards put the home side ahead as Darlington square the ball from the right. But City were far from beaten and four minutes later Luke Wall fired home from ten yards out after Brayden Shaw's header and a Gary Taylor Fletcher shot had been repelled. Taylor Fletcher shouted for a penalty against Spender in the melee but Referee Jones rightly allowed the follow up. Three minutes from time, with a draw seeming likely, Blaine Hudson netted again and this time the goal stood. The Shropshire side celebrated a goal which effectively clinched the league title in early January. So an undeserved defeat for Bangor on a ground which holds few happy memories for City fans. But a performance to be proud of, in particular the outstanding Tom Kennedy alongside seventeen year old Guto Williams who is surely destined for better things. And when did Bangor last play at Park Hall in a match which saw the home goalkeeper their outstanding player. Photos above The Citizens Choice
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| FINAL SCORE 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor bounced back from recent disappointments with a three one win over Newtown at Nantporth. As the sparse Friday evening crowd filed into a chilly SVM Stadium the two sides warmed up on the adjacent 3G. When they emerged before kick off the Robins had left their re-signing Alex Fletcher on the bench whilst City gave starts to teenagers Guto Williams an d George Harry.But it was leading goalscorer Dean Rittenberg who fired the first warning shot with a effort which flew wide to the right from the edge of the box.  Ten minutes in a
Newtown corner brought a telling clearance from Matt Hall before City
went close through George Harry and Dean Rittenberg.But the first decisive blow arrived on 17 minutes as City took the lead. Steven Hewitt lifted the ball over the visitors defence for Gary Taylor Fletcher to run through and volley beyond Dave Jones. The Newtown bench and back four claimed offside but the goal stood. On 25 minutes a Newtown corner slipped from the grasp of goalkeeper Hall but the Newtown forward smashed over from close range. As the first half drew towards the final five minutes Tom Goodwin fouled Steven Hewitt but his pass had already freed Dean Rittenberg who forced a good save - in two stages - from Dave Jones. A good advantage played, a corner for City and a yellow card for the Newtown midfielder. The final action of the first half saw Gary taylor Fletcher win the ball and slide Luke Wall in on goal but the visitors defence closed ranks and the danegr passed. So a slender, slightly controversial, but deserved lead for City at the interval and at last a goal for the home faithful to cheer. Photo above with thanks to Bangor City (& Richard Birch)
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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| No changes at the interval. Bangor now attacking the City End. Both sides had some promising moments but the first period of pressure came from Bangor for whom Laurence Wilson unleashed a fierce dipping volley which just cleared the crossbar. This after some good battling from Danny Gossett who won the loose ball and supplied the lurking left peg. Then seven minutes after the restart Bangor doubled their lead. Luke Wall passed to nineteen year old striker George Harry cut in from the left and fired home from the edge of the box to beat the despairing Jones. In the aftermath Newtown defender Kieran Mills Evans was shown the yellow card by Mr Williams for dissent. 
Robins manader Chris Hughes made the first change of the evening
as Joe Kenton replaced former Caersws midfielder Jolyon Harries who was
injured minutes earlier. On the hour mark he went double or bust with
his final two changes as midfielders Alex Fletcher and Ryan Kershaw
came on for Tom Goodwin and Nick Rushton.Kenton was quickly into the action but his long range effort faded well wide. Jamie Reed went close for the visitors but was flagged offside before Dean Rittenberg's effort was saved by Dave Jones but Gary Taylor Fletcher could not get his shot away and Jones gathered at his feet. Then Taylor Fletcher ran through on goal but dragged his shot wide. With Bangor not able to take their chances Newtown seized the moment as Alex Fletcher crossed and Neil Mitchell sent a looping header over blues keeper Matt Hall to halve the deficit. Joe Kenton was the next name into the officials book again for dissent. Ten minutes from time and another good advantage from Tom Williams and another yellow card, this time for Ryan Kershaw, the second replacement to find his name taken. Young blues defender Guto Williams was the next name in the book. With six minutes left Newtown thought they had equalised as Ryan Sears had the ball in the net but the offside flag cut short any celebrations./ And hopes of a comeback were dashed a minute later as George Harry grabbed his second of the evening after Dave Jones had twice denied Luke Wall with some defiant goalkeeping. Moments later young Cai Owen replaced rightback Danny Holmes as City finished with three teenagers on the pitch. Credit to goalscorer Harry and seventeen year old centreback Guto Williams who had fared well against the wily Jamie Reed. In what was left of the time Gary Taylor Fletcher might have made it four but he flashed his effort wide but it mattered not as Referee Williams blew for time and the three points belonged to Bangor. |
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Photo above with thanks to Bangor City (& Richard Birch)
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| FINAL SCORE 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor started 2018 with a home defeat as Llandudno snatched a late late winner against the run of play and one which owed much to a huge slice of luck...
The
pre match news saw Anthony Miley fail a fitness test which meant a flat
back four included Tom Kennedy and Paul Connolly. In the continued
absence of Damien Allen who watched from the stand James Demetriou led the attack alongside Dean Rittenberg. Attacking The Antelope End it was Bangor who fired the first shot as Danny Gossett crashed over from the edge of the box after good work from Danny Holmes.  On the quarter hour Danny Holmes was forced to head over his own crossbar. Bangor cleared Shaun Cavanagh's corner and raced upfield courtesy of a telling pass from Laurence Wilson to James Demetriou whose layoff invited an effort from Dean Rittenberg but Dave Roberts saved low in the middle of the goal. Minutes later Gary Taylor Fletcher bustled into the visitors box but Roberts saved his deflected shot. Midway through the half Dean Rittenberg cut in from the left but his right footed curler was again claimed by Roberts. Llandudno threatened from a Toby Jones freekick but Matt Hall comfortably caught Shaun Cavanagh's header. On 27 minutes City won a corner which taken short to Steven Hewitt whose dipping strike landed on the crossbar with Roberts back peddling. Injuries then began to disrupt City as Paul Connolly limped off to be replaced at centreback by seventeen year old Guto Williams. The Abergele youngster cut a composed figure in the heart of the defence. Gary Taylor Fletcher smashed a cross in from the right which Llandudno cleared before Danny Hughes missed the target by fourty yards as he fired from that distance out. Ten minutes before the interval a freekick for the visitors was punched out by Matt Hall to the waiting Shaun Cavanagh but he volleyed well over. Both sides had chances as Mike Williams headed at Matt Hall before Luke Wall forced two saves from Dave Roberts in as many minutes. But further problems befell Bangor as Danny Gossett limped off to be replaced by Brayden Shaw three minutes before the break. Luke Wall and Dean Rittenberg both had long range efforts for City before, in the two added minutes, Marc Williams forced a save from Matt Hall and Steven Hewitt sent a long range effort well wide. So another goalless first half for Bangor fans and although Dave Roberts had been the busier of the two keepers he was not seriously tested often enough. Photo above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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| No changes at the interval. Bangor now attacking the City End. Within two minutes Brayden Shaw unleashed a trademark effort which forced a good save from Dave Roberts but the ensuing corner was cleared. Llandudno pushed forward and it took a timely intervention from Tom Kennedy to thwart Marc Williams before Sam Hart fired over the crossbar from 25 yards. Seven minutes in Brayden Shaw slid a well weighted pass through for Luke Wall but he lifted over from ten yards. On 56 minutes a first change for the visitors as former Connahs Quay midfielder Ryan Edwards came on for Shaun Cavanagh. Bangor enjoyed a period of sustained pressure which saw centrebacks Mike Williams and Danny Shaw stand firm and protect Dave Roberts who was not tested. Minutes later more of the same as Gary Taylor Fletcher worked his way into the box but Brayden Shaw's shot was blocked. 
On 69 minutes a Welsh Premier debut for Development side leading
goalscorer Sam Jones who replaced James Demetriou. The 18 year old came
through the Menai Bridge Tigers youth set up and has 21 goals to his
name so far this season.Two minutes later Danny Hughes hit a decent effort which tested Matt Hall. Then Luke Wall opened the defence but Dean Rittenberg shot wide before Brayden Shaw forced a save from Dave Roberts after Ryan Edwards had fallen down with an injured ankle. On 78 minutes substitute Edwards hobbled off to be replaced in turn by former Blacon and Leicester City twenty year old Aaron Hassall. Bangor pushed forward again as Brayden Shaw and Laurence Wilson combined on the left but Gary Taylor Fletcher fired over. With three minutes left on the clock a final change for Llandudno as the veteran Lee Thomas came on for Sam Hart but it was the earlier replacement Hassall who unleashed a powerful rising strike which Matt Hall handly cleanly. And with time running out the unlikely winner. Llandudno launched the ball upfield for Marc Williams to chase and as Matt Hall's clearance struck the red head he chased goalwards and prodded the ball home from close range. No blame on Hall or his defence, a huge slice of bad luck unless of course you were a Llandudno fan. In the added time that followed a deserved yellow card for young Guto Williams for a calculated block on the half way line. City forced a fifth corner of the evening but Brayden Shaw blasted the loose ball high and wide. There was still time for Luke Wall to work an opening and fire low on goal but again Dave Roberts saved at his post. And that was that. A disappointing start to the new year, a game City should have won on chances created and the balance of play, but they lost. No hardluck story, referee Nick Pratt was a competent low profile figure, just a case of wasted chances and a big slice of bad luck. |
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Photos above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| FINAL SCORE 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| Bangor
were held to a goalless draw for the second week in a row after largely
outplaying the opposition, this time Llandudno on their Builder Street
3G. City left out the hugely influential Gary Taylor Fletcher and kicked off with Tom Kennedy, Anthony Miley and Paul Connolly at the heart of a 3-4-3 formation. Bangor had the better of the opening quarter hour without unduly troubling Dave Roberts in the Llandudno goal. But on twenty minutes City went close as Laurence Wilson fired into the side netting from the left. His opposite "number" James Joyce responded for the home side with a long range effort over the crossbar. This stung City into more action as Dave Roberts was forced to save from Steven Hewitt and then Luke Wall who had helped create Hewitt's opportunity. As City pressed Llandudno looked to play on the counter attack and Toby Jones seized one such opportunty but Matthew Hall was always in command. But on 32 minutes a setback for the home side as Sam Hart limped off to be replaced by former Connahs Quay redhead Ryan Edwards. As the first half ran out of time Bangor pressed, won a couple of corners, then forced City to defend as little Toby Jones threatened. Referee Grittith blew for the break with City having enjoyed the lions share of possession but not perhaps having created the number of clear cut chances they would have wanted. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| One change at the interval as George Harry replaced Anthony Miley. This meant City reverted to a more familiar back four with young Harry adding to the attacking threat. But it was Shaun Cavanagh who went close five minutes after the restart as his chip landed on the roof of the net. 
There was an end to end flow for the opening quarter of the second half
which culminated in a header from Marc Williams from Toby Jones' cross.Next Dean Rittenberg turned his marker and sent an arching effort goalwards but Roberts saved at full stretch With thirteen minutes left a change for the home side as Aaron Hassall came on for Shaun Cavanagh. City sent on Gary Taylor Fletcher and James Demetriou for Brayden Shaw and Dean Rittenberg. Into the closing ten minutes Bangor picked up yellow cards for Gary Taylor Fletcher and Tom Kennedy before George Harry forced a fine save from Dave Roberts before James Demetriou hit the woodwork. Three minutes from the final whistle a handball off James Demetriou's goalbound effort was spotted by Mr Griffith who awarded a penalty. Up stepped James Demetriou whose shot was well saved by Dave Roberts and blasted clear by the relieved home defenders. Roberts cleared moved forwards before the kick was taken but in reality referees nationwide take no interest in this offence any more. Two minutes of added time changed nothing and Bangor had to be content with a point on plastic for the second week in a row. The two sides destined to meet again - on grass - on New Year's Day. Photos above with thanks to Bangor City FC
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| FINAL SCORE 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| Bangor
were held by a spirited performance from rock bottom Carmarthen but
must feel this was very much a case of two points dropped rather than
one gained. City partnered Anthony Miley with Paul Connolly in central defence in the absence of Tom Kennedy who was suspended. 
Bangor
went close in the opening minutes as Laurence Wilson passed to Steven
Hewitt who crossed from the right but Anthony Miley steered
his header wide. But on seven minutes Miley was the first name into referee Hames' book for a trip on Liam Thomas. Three minutes later a chance for Carmarthen as Kieran Lewis headed goalwards but the ball struck Liam Thomas and City cleared. Just after the quarter hour Dean Rittenberg created some space but sliced his shot well wide. City came again as Gary Taylor Fletcher slid the ball through for Rittenberg but Brayden Shaw smashed the ball at Lee Idzi who crashed the ball clear. City won a couple more corners but could not forge an effort on goal. The Dean Rittenberg effort blocked for another flag kick which is half cleared and recycled via Laurence Wilson and Luke Wall to Dean Rittenberg outside the box but the acrobatic Lee Idzi saved at full stretch. Carmarthen were still alive and kicking and a Kyle Bassett corner found Ceri Morgan but his looping header flew over Matthew Hall's crossbar. City pushed forward and from another corner Gary Taylor Fletcher sees his effort turned around for another Bangor corner which unfortunately came and went without changing the scoreline which remained blank as referee Hames blows for the interval. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 No changes at the interval.After fouls on Dean Rittenberg and Danny Gossett City won a corner in the fifth minute after the restart. Town midfielder Ceri Morgan went down injured and both sides were forced to wait as he received treatment. Moments later, with ten minutes gone of the second period, another corner for the blues which ends in Steven Hewitt firing off target for a goalkick. Twenty minutes into the second half Gary Taylor Fletcher barged his way into the box and played in Luke Wall but he was crowded out and the door slammed shut. Then Brayden Shaw shot at goal but his effort was deflected for another corner. City were pressing but not managing to get the better of Lee Idzi who was busy behind the resolute Old Gold defence. Five minutes further on and more frustration for City as Laurence Wilson saw his shot turned away for another corner after a quick one two with Steven Hewitt. With thirteen minutes left to play George Harry came on for Steven Hewitt as City tried to unlock the stubborn Carmarthen defence. Next yellow cards for Danny Holmes who fouled Kieran Lewis who in turn was cautioned for comments passed. Holmes was quckly back into the action with a run and shot which Idzi saved once more. Bangor forced a flurry of late corners but it was Matthew Hall who had to be on his toes to clear as Bassett broke upfield. With three minutes left on the clock a second change by Kevin Nicholson who sent James Demetriou on for Brayden Shaw. Two minutes of added time indicated, a late yellow card for the big Greek replacement, but no alteration to the scoreline which scarcely helped either side although struggling Carmarthen would see it as a result to build on. For a dominant City it was primarily a case of two points dropped and time to move on to the Christmas double header against Llandudno. Photos above with thanks to Bangor City FC
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| FINAL SCORE 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| A goal in each half saw City take all three points at a wintry Rock in Rhosymedre. City made a couple of changes as Paul Connolly came in for Anthony Miley and record signing Brayden Shaw replaced George Harry. For Cefn the tall left footer Alec Mudimu came back into midfield amidst reports that he was the subject of interest from bigger clubs, Welsh and English. There was even a replacement ref as Deganwy chef Mark Petch stood in for South Wales whistler as common sense prevailed. It was Huw Griffiths' side which stole the initiative with Matthew Hall collecting the ball at the feet of Ashley Ruane. Then Tom Kennedy was caught offguard by Laurence Wilson, the lively Ashley Ruane pounced on the mistake but fired into the side netting from the right. 
Minutes later Wilson redeemed himself with a well timed tackle
on James Davies to concede a corner delivered by Neil Ashton but
cleared by Luke Wall. But on eight minutes Laurence Wilson swept the
ball in to Danny Gossett who lay off invited a low finish from Dean Rittenberg which beat Jones from twenty yards.On the quarter hour mark Alec Mudimu won possession and fired at goal from 25 yards but was denied by Matthew Hall. Corner for Cefn which was crossed deep to Matt Eckersley but his header was easy for the blues keeper. Five minutes later Eckersley tripped Dean Rittenberg thirty five yards out but City wasted the opportunity. On the half hour mark some neat interplay between Luke Wall and Brayden Shaw created an opening for Dean Rittenberg but his acrobatic effort struck a home defender and a linesman's flag ended the action. Cefn responded with an edge of the box scramble but Matthew Hall was not called into acton and City cleared, provoking a bizarre fall from Neil Ashton who somehow got the ball back to Jones. Another passing move from City, Luke Wall set up Danny Gossett but Jones saved and moments later a first Bangor corner came and went. Moments later, with fight minutes remaining, a second blues corner. But Cefn broke and Tom Kennedy headed clear as danger threatened. In the closing minutes Matthew Eckersley fired well wide from twenty five yards but Matthew Hall was untroubled. Into one minute of added time a corner for Cefn delivered by Neil Ashton too high for all and sundry and Mudimu could only head the ball out beyond the far post. So a slender lead for City but a deserved one and something to build on in the second period. |
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| HALF TIME 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No changes at the interval. Bangor now defending the car park end, but they pushed upfield for Luke Wall to fire on target but Jones saved comfortably. The game now became very open, end to end, but with most attacks stumbling against the respective defensive walls. For Cefn the tall trio of centrebacks Hesp, Eckersley and Simpons stood strong whilst Kennedy and Connolly for City likewise let little pass. The closest City were a couple of efforts from outside the box by Luke Wall and then Brayden Shaw. 
In the 63rd minute a first change as Bala youngster Ilan Ap Gareth
replaced Ashley Ruane. Blues fullback Danny Holmes shot high and wide
from the right before Fisnik Hajdari won a challenge with Laurence
Wilson but saw his effort blocked by Danny Gosett who then won a second
tackle to put City in a position to break forwards.More disjointed play now with stand in ref Mark Petch angering the blues faithful with some odd decisions - involving Neil Ashton - which generally favoured the home side. A deep cross from Laurence Wilson was headed down by Gary Taylor Fletcher but Brayden Shaw blazed high over. Twelve minutes from time a fourth corner of the evening swung over from the right by Steven Hewitt was headed just wide by Danny Holmes back peddling at the back post. Then a second change for Cefn as Lewis Buckley came on for former Llanfair United striker James Davies. As The Druids threatened Tom Kennedy won two challenges in quick succession to snuff out the danger. But with seven minutes left Bangor struck a magnificent second goal to settle the issue. Danny Gossett won the ball in midfield and passed to Brayden Shaw on the left. He squared to Gary Taylor Fletcher slid Luke Wall in on goal to guid the ball past Jones from the ten yards. Brilliant! Cefn withdrew Fisnik Hajdari in favour of Jon Taylor but he could not change the scoreline. Bangor went close to a third as Dean Rittenberg held on the Cefn defence to set up Brayden Shaw but he sent his low shot just wide of the upright. Next Danny Holmes crossed but Rittenberg could not threaten with his header. Two minutes of added time indicated which featured a run form Dean Rittenberg but he dragged his low shot wide from the right. Time blew on a deserved win for City with several stand out performers including Tom Kennedy in the middle of defence, Laurence Wilson to his left and all action midfielder Danny Gossett. Photos above The Citizens Choice
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| FINAL SCORE 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| Bangor
took the lead just before the half hour mark at Jenner Park but a
second half penalty for Barry saw the game end in a draw, City's first
of the season. City had to rule out Damien Allen which meant Danny Gossett started in midfield with Paul Connolly amongst the substitutes. Barry were without goalkeeper Mike Lewis and brought Joe Massaro  in between the sticks.And with most fixtures in Wales postponed due to heavy snow there was none to be seen on the Jenner Park artificial surface. Massaro was in goal for Ton Pentre against Bangor in The Welsh Cup Third Round tie at Ynys Park in December 2016. The man in charge for the afternoon was Tom Owen who was also in the middle for the visit of Cwmamman last weekend. Both sides forged but largely wasted early chances. City won an early corner through Luke Wall but moments later it took a top save from Matthew Hall whose feet denied Luke Cooper as his header seemed destined for the back of the net. The ball ran out to Paul Morgan on the edge of the box but his snapshot flew over the crossbar. On ten minutes Gary Taylor Fletcher found George Harry who crashed a shot into the side netting from a tight angle out on the right. Then Dean Rittenberg combined with Taylor Fletcher whose arching shot from 22 yards forced a good low saved from Massaro. Bangor won a freekick on the left which was half cleared to Danny Gossett. His run culminated in a pass to Taylor Fletcher who found Anthony Miley on the right but he shot wide. On 27 minutes City had the lead. Laurence Wilson won the ball in the left back position and fired a clearance up to Dean Rittenberg who played the ball to Gary Taylor Fletcher and latched onto the return ball to slot the ball beyond the diving Massaro for his seventh league goal of the season, eleventh in all competitions. Minutes later a yellow card for Ryan Evans for a calculated foul on Luke Wall who threatened for City. In the final minutes Steven Hewitt joined him in the book as he took one for the team as Barry countered following some Bangor pressure. A minute of added time was played before referee Tom Owen blew for the interval with City leading by that Dean Rittenberg goal to nil. |
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| HALF TIME 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No changes at the interval. But the home team took the early iniative with midfielder Callum Sainty going close before Matthew Hall was forced to rush out from his goal to clear. Ten minutes after the restart Hall sav  ed well from Luke Cooper
who shot from twenty yards. Then Ryan Evans saw his header fly narrowly
wide.But on the hour mark Barry had a penalty under dubious circumsances. A freekick was given against George Harry inside his own half for a handball which was clearly neither intentional nor to his advantage. The kick was taken from fifteen yards away from the incident and drilled towards the Bangor box where Tom Kennedy was adjudged to has fouled Drew Fahiya who fell under the slightest contact. Lets hope his pet poodle doesnt jump up at him tonight. However leading goalscorer Kayne McLaggon netted his ninth of the season to level the scores with half an hour left to play. Five minutes later he nearly put Barry ahead but sent his header over the crossbar, following a run and cross from leftback Chris McHugh. Bangor forced onto the back foot and weathering the storm. With around twenty minutes left on the clock both sides made changes. Barry sent on Elliot Scotcher for Callum Sainty and City Brayden Shaw for George Harry. And it was Shaw who was straight into the action with a shot which seemed destined for the goal but veered wide of the upright with Massaro scrambling. Six minutes from time goalscorer McLaggon made way for Louis Gerrard but with three minutes of added time indicated the scores were still level at one apiece. City make a late change as James Demetriou came on for goalscorer Dean Rittenberg, meaning that both sides had now withdrawn their scorers. But nothing else changed an at the final whistle it was all square as the blues gained a point - or dropped two - depending on your point of view. Photos above with thanks to Bangor City FC
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| FINAL SCORE 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Welsh Cup Third Round |
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| Bangor
finally got the better of gutsy Cwmamman who fought tooth and nail from
start to finish on a warm damp Nantporth afternoon. City fans were surpised to see several changes from the side which beat Bala. Connor Roberts started in goal, youngsters Cai Owen and Guto Williams came into the right hand side of defence whilst Danny Gossett returned in midfield. Upfront James Demetriou, Brayden Shaw and Anderson Cayola all started. The visitors were also depleted with Jack & Josh Medwin unavailable but it scarcely made a difference in a game which c  ertainly
went the distance. Brayden Shaw headed wide from an early corner and
inside ten minutes Craig Spring was shown the yellow card for a foul on
Anderson Cayola.Both sides went close as James Demetriou and then Colin Harris brought saves from the goalkeepers. The burly Chris Allen was causing problems for the new look Bangor defence but on 22 minutes City had the lead. Midfielder Danny Gossett played a neat one two with Anderson Cayola before slotting the ball wide of Rob Jones who had perhaps unwisely involved himself in an exchange of words with the watching home fans. But if the breakthrough was meant to settle the home side and deflate the visitors it had the opposite effect. For much of what remained of the first half United were the more dangerous side with Connor Roberts in the thick of the action. First of all Kurtis Rees saw his shot just abput deflected for a corner and minutes later Roberts saved well from Ashley Curtis. The recalled keeper pulled off another tremendous save to keep City ahead before Brayden Shaw sent over a low cross which George Harry tried to turn goalwards but narrowly failed to do so. But Cwmamman were still on top and No 7 Ryan Thomas hit the woodwork with a header which ended in some last ditch defending by the blues. Young rightback Cai Owen put in some hefty challenges alongside him Guto Williams was quitely effective against the strong United forward. But the calm sure footed Danny Gossett was the most prominent City player - other than goalkeeper Roberts! As the pressure told there were yellow cards for Paul Connolly and Steven Hewitt for clear trips on half way. Big Chris Allen forced one last save from Connor Roberts before referee Tom Owen blew for half time. Certainly the home fans were the happier to hear the whistle and the blues management had the opportunity to regroup and build on the slender lead. Photos above The Citizens Choice
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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| No changes at the interval. Bangor now attacking the City End. Within a minute Cwmamman sounded another warning as right back Jordan Vickers fired wide from outside the box before James Demetriou followed suit minutes later. But on 51 minutes the game swung dramatically in Bangor's favour. First Laurence Wilson's inviting cross was headed home from close range by Anderson Cayola to double the home lead. Then two minutes later it was three nil as James Demetriou turned on the edge of the box and sent a low shot which seem to deceive Jones and spin into the bottom corner. 
For a brief spell United seemed beaten and it took a brave
challenge from the impressive Gareth Howarth to deny Steven Hewitt.But the visitors cleared their heads and pushed forward once again. On 57 minutes Ashley Curtis got them back in the game to cut the deficit to 3-1. Again Bangor responded as Brayden Shaw beat Jones from the edge of the box to restore the three goal cushion. Game over surely. But on 66 minutes United replaced Curtis with Tom Blackburn and two minutes later they scored again, No 9 Chris Allen headed the goal his display deserved to make to four two. On 72 minutes captain Craig Spring made way for Ryan Hurlow but he could only watch as young George Harry sent his curler just wide of the United upright. With fifteen minutes left a double change for City as Anthony Miley and Luke Wall came on for Steven Hewitt and Anderson Cayola respectively. As time ran out, with five left on the clock, final changes as Tom Kennedy replaced the outstanding Danny Gossett and Rhydian Jones came on for Colin Harris. Rob Jones saved well from James Demetriou and in the four added minutes Luke Wall sent a shot crashing just wide and into the bill boards behind the goal. Three minutes into the added four a penalty for Cwmamman which was converted by Ryan Thomas to make it 4-3 but it was George Harry who nearly finished the scoring with a powerful effort before Mr Owen blew for time. Relief amongst the Bangor faithful and heads held high for the boys from the Amman valley who had given City a real battle. For City goals from four of the reinstated players and valuable experience for youngsters Cai Owen and Guto Williams, and of course a good slice of the action for Connor Roberts! |
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Photos above The Citizens Choice
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| FINAL SCORE 4-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor thrashed Bala to go top of the Welsh Premier League on Friday night at Nantporth.
The
pre match news involved a start for Paul Connolly at centreback with
Tom Kennedy slotting in at leftback in place of the suspended Laurence
Wilson. For Bala neither of the matching pair of Stuart Jones' was
available so Will Bell marshalled the defence. Attacking The Antelope End it was City who made the early running with Steven Hewitt firing wide from distance before Bala won a couple of corners which City defended well.  On thirteen minutes Bangor had the lead as Gary Taylor Fletcher tapped home beyond Ashley Morris from Luke Wall's low left wing cross. Eight minutes later a high cross form the dangerous Wall was headed over the verbose Morris by Steven Hewitt to put City two nil up. Evan Horwood was shown the yellow card for comments passed to referee Mark Petch in the aftermath. City continued to press with Danny Holmes going close before on 27 minutes a yellow card for Luke Wall for a foul. Gary Taylor Fletcher fired at goal from outside the box but saw his effort turned behind for a corner. Bala weres still very much involved and ten minutes before the interval the action switched to the other end as Matthew Hall did very well to keep out Les Davies' header as he got on the end of Mike Hayes' cross. Moments later another timely intervention from the young glovesman to catch a shot from Jordan Evans. With around five minutes left Bangor passed the ball around the visitors defence before Danny Holmes fired goalwards but narrowly wide. Moments later Paul Connolly who vindicated his return to action with a dramatic goal line clearance to deny the lively Mike Hayes. One minute of added time came and went before the two sides left the field with City sitting on a two nil advantage. Still a real threat from Bala with Hayes lively and big Les Davies always and danger. Photos above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| HALF TIME 2-0 |
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| No changes at the interval. Bangor now attacking the City End. With words of wisdom from Colin Caton ringing their ears the visitors won a freekick on the edge of the box. Evan Horwood fired on target but Matthew Hall pulled off a fine save to keep  the lead intact. Ten minutes after the restart a yellow card for David Thompson for a wild challenge on Gary Taylor Fletcher.Bala threatened again as Jordan Evans picked out Mike Hayes but he missed from close range and moments later Hayes headed over and then latched onto a through ball from Nathan Burke but sliced wide. For City a Luke Wall shot hit the post before Damien Allen's long range effort was gathered by Morris. But on 64 minutes Bangor extended their lead as Dean Rittenberg beat Morris with a right footed curler from the left edge of the box. With the game as good as won City sent on Brayden Shaw for Gary Taylor Fletcher who had run the show for the blues along with Steven Hewitt and Damien Allen. And on 69 minutes it was four nil as Luke Wall added to his two assists with a calm finish beyond the exposed Morris. Bala pushed for a consolation but Matthew Hall saved well from centreback Will Bell. With fifteen minutes left Jordan Evans made way for Ian Sheridan and two minutes later James Demetriou came on for Dean Rittenberg who left to a warm ovation. And the big substitute went agonisingly close moments later as his follow up from George Harry's initial effort was blocked by the Bala defence. With three minutes left a tremendous strike from man of the match Luke Wall crashed into the back of Ashley Morris' net to complete the scoring and end the evening with two goals and two assists. Outstanding. In the closing minutes Ruthin based teenager Josh Jones came on for Nathan Burke and soon after Abergele youngster Guto Williams replaced Damien Allen. With two minutes of added time played referee Petch blew for time and City celebrated an emphatic win and a phase one double over Colin Caton's side. And of course moved to the top of the table ahead of Saturday's games. |
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Photos above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| FINAL SCORE 5-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| Bangor
won this game in the first half and played the second period at their
ease with Gary Taylor Fletcher and Paul Connolly enjoying a first team
return. City were able to recall Danny Holmes at right back, Taylor Fletcher in midfield and have Paul Connolly on the bench. With Mike Wilde suspended Connahs Quay gave a start to the towering Melford Simpson. Attacking the River Dee end Bangor won a couple of corners and with the wind at their backs would have fancied a first half lead. The home side started with Ryan Wignall pushed upfront alongside the enormous Simpson who was well marshalled by Anthony Miley who certainly had a job on his hands.  After some sparring it was City who took the lead. Gary Taylor Fletcher slid the ball to Dean Rittenberg who calmly slotted the ball wide of John Danby for his fourth goal in five games. Two minutes later it got better for Bangor who won a freekick on the edge of the box. Up stepped midfielder Steven Hewitt to send a low curler wide of Danby and inside the right hand post. Two nil and City had a real grip of the game. Certainly Damien Allen and goalscorer Hewitt were bossing the midfield. The blues No 24 had bristled at criticism that City were too nice to win tough matches and has responded  with
real purpose in recent weeks. This platform, of the passing Bangor side
pitted against route on Nomads proved the point effectively. The Nomads went close but Callum Morris headed across goal when well placed before the giant Simpson could not get any power into his header and Matthew Hall saved comfortably. On 26 minutes the game was effectively over. Laurence Wilson found Luke Wall with a booming crossfield ball. His run into the box was cut short by a challenge from George Horan which resulted in a penalty and a red card for the former blues defender. This did seem an over reaction from the fussy little official but red it was and off Horan trudged. Laurence Wilson spotted the kick but unfortunately blasted his kick into the night and the home side breathed a sigh of relief. City pushed for a third with George Harry going close and Damien Allen header over from Gary Taylor Fletcher's return. Ten minutes form time more problems for the home side as Ryan Wignall limped off to be replaced by Michael Bakare. The young substitute went close but his shot was blocked and looped up conveniently for Hall to pouch. Bangor again showed their passing form with a clever move involving Taylor Fletcher which set up George Harry but his curler slid just side. Two minutes of added time came and went with City walking off with a two nil interval lead. A strange feeling came to some blues fans that the scoring might be over as both sides would settle for what they had.. |
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| HALF TIME 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| One changes at the interval as Sean Smith replaced Matty Owen. The half time prediction came true. Bangor seemed quite content with the two nil advantage and by and large the ten men realised that they were unlikely to score twice. The long ball up to Simpson was futile without more support which was not on offer. 
But in the early stages City won a couple of corners with Luke Wall
impressive and the home side pushed back at the school end.Connahs Quay were not entriely resigned to their fate and forced a corner but Matthew Hall held high. Midway through the half Danny Harrison shot high over from just outside the box. With 22 minutes remaining a welcome sight for City fans as Paul Connolly replaced Tom Kennedy in central defence. The game was now being played at walking pace with Steven Hewitt and Damien Allen dominating and dictating possession and the ten men often chasing shadows. What chances the home side did force came from corners and long throws which, despite blatant attempts at blocking, Matthew Hall gathered confidently each time. With around fifteen minutes to go some clearer chances came and went as Simpson saw his shot blocked by Laurence Wilson before Michael Bakare headed over from six yards. Eleven minutes to go and Laurence Wilson was shown the yellow card for a foul on Bakare as he broke on half way. The burly Simpson found time and space to run at goal but his powerful strike crashed into the side netting. Then on 85 minutes a second yellow and red card for Laurence Wilson for a foul on Nathan Woolfe. Harsh perhaps but the fussy Mr Jones was perhaps keen to even things up before he walked off the pitch. In the closing minutes there was a yellow card for Mike Pearson for a wild challenge, born of frustation, on Steven Hewitt. Into the added time and a run out for young Guto Williams who came on for Gary Taylor Fletcher who would have been pleased to get pretty much a full game under his belt. Special mention to Anthony Miley who certainly got the better of his tussle with the big centre forward. And so the final whistle blew, a comfortably two nil win for Bangor, some concern over the injury to Tom Kennedy and of course the red card to Laurence Wilson. Bala next... Photos The Citizens Choice
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| FINAL SCORE 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor were made to fight all the way by Nev Powell's Aber side who
took the lead early in both halves. But the grit and determination
shown at Newtown a few days earlier was evident again as City refused
to accept anything less than three points.
The pre match news saw
teenagers Guto Williams and George Harry recovered from injury and able
to take their places in the starting line up. Another youngster Deegan
Booton was amongst the replacements. But it was a returning favourite who scored first to give Aber an early lead. On four minutes a corner won by Dec Walker was headed home by the fullback from Ashley Young's inviting delivery to stun the blues support. This was Walker's fourth goal of the season and lifted him clear as the club's leading scorer. Inside nine minutes City drew level from Guto Williams' bouncing cross which was missed by defender Johnny Spittle and smashed home by Steven Hewitt to the relief of most in Nantporth. Former blue John Owen raced clear to cross from Malcolm Melvyn but he headed at Matthew Hall who reacted well. But with Damien Allen and goalscorer Hewitt in the thick of the action City took a grip of proceedings. Luke Wall had a shot deflected for a corner before on twenty minutes Chris Mullock had to be alert to snuff out a Steven Hewitt cross. Brayden Shaw fired on target but Mullock saved again. Then Hewitt played a one two with George Harry but saw his shot flash wide. But as time ran out Aber enjoyed a period of pressure which saw Anthony Miley head over a John Owen effort to concede a corner from the left which former Llandudno defender Johnny Spittle forced a great save from 20 year old Matthew Hall in the Bangor goal. So having gone behind to that early goal City fought back in style and had the lions share of the first half although with the scorelines tied at one all it was clearly a case of all to play for in the second period. Photos above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| HALF TIME 1-1 |
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| No changes at the interval. Bangor though were to fall behind to early goal as they had at the start of the first period. After Anthony Miley had done well to deny John Owen the visitors won a throw in which was launched goalwards by Ashely Young, flicked on by Spittle and fired home at the far post by Luke Borrelli for a two one advantage. 
City won a freekick on the edge of the box which saw Johnny Spittle
booked for delaying the kick. Luke Wall struck the target but Mullock
did well to tip over his clean strike. Ten minutes after the restart
Laurence Wilson sent over an arching cross but Damien Allen could only
head over the crossbar.Moments later a yellow card for Anthony Miley for a foul on the menacing John Owen who impressed on his return to Nantporth. On the hour mark a first change for City as James Demetriou came on for George Harry. Tom Kennedy went close for City before James Demetriou got into the action with a cross shot that no one could quite capitalise one. On 73 minuites Bangor drew level once again. Shots from Laurence Wilson and James Demetriou were blocked but as the ball ran to Luke Wall he volleyed home to set up a grandstand finish. Five minutes later big Craig Hobson replaced Luke Borrelli in the Aber attack. The change designed no doubt to bring about a change in the scoreline but when the goal came moments later it was Dean Rittenberg who put Bangor ahead with a smart turn from Laurence Wilson's low cross to net his third goal in two games. But Aber nearly grabbed an equaliser as City were forced to clear off their own line before launching a counter attack led by Dean Rittenberg who was brought down by Malcolm Melvin who would see his yellow card as "one for the team". With around five minutes left substitute James Demetriou unleashed a dipping volley which just cleared Mullock's crossbar. Three minutes of added time included a brief appearance for Sion Edwards who came on for Brayden Shaw but nothing changed on the scoreline and City were able to celebrate another three two in over Aberystwyth and three important points as they bid to keep in touch with the league leaders. A good win that gives Bangor a bit of breathing space and time for injuries to clear as higher placed opposition loom on the horizon. |
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Photos above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| FINAL SCORE 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| City fans had demanded more effort and grit from Bangor and that was what they got on a sunny showery afternoon at Latham Park. And thanks to a brace from the hard working Dean Rittenberg, and some assitance from the home goalkeeper, they came home happy with all three points. 
The pre match news focused on another start for young Matthew Hall in
goal and a WP debut for Abergele youngster Guto Williams alongside
Anthony Miley with Tom Kennedy replacing Damien Allen in midfield.But all this fell asunder on thirteen minutes as Danny Holmes hobbled off following a heavy challenge. Damien Allen resumed his normal midfield berth, Tom Kennedy stepped back to centrehalf and young Guto moved to right back. For a few minutes this favoured the home side as the pacey Kenton exploited some space down his flank  but
Anthony Miley quickly recognised the confusion and directed operations
to close the gap. Williams did a good job of steering the wingman into
midfield where he tended to surrender possession.Former blue Jamie Reed fired on target for The Robins before Brayden Shaw shot over for City. The closest City came was a Dean Rittenberg header from George Harry's right wing cross midway through the half. On the half hour City forced a couple of corners and had penalty claims waved away when Dean Rittenberg was clattered in mid air. Referee Hames was over fussy in midfield areas but less so in the box. Newtown then pressed forward and won a couple of corners which City defended, the ball ran out to Craig Williams who fired high over the crossbar from outside the box. Then with 45 minutes all but done and both sides contemplating the break City went ahead. Steven Hewitt got a touch on to Luke Wall's cross and Dean Rittenberg smashed home from close range. City fans celebrated and the home contingent shook their heads as half time followed minutes later. |
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| HALF TIME 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
No changea at the interval City were now atacking the carpark end but it was Newtown who went close early on as Neil Mitchell fired over. Ten minutes after the restart another defensive reshuffle was forced on City as Guto Williams limped off to be replaced by Sion Edwards making his 91st WP substitute appearance for City. He has also started 232 league  matches
since making his debut in the 2006-07 season. The left footer slotted
in to a central midfield role with Damien Allen moving to right back.Bangor threatened through Brayden Shaw who burst through but failed to spot Luke Wall to his left, then a trademark long range effort flew over Dave Jones' crossbar. A stoppage followed as Tom Kennedy needed treatment for an elbow in the chest as he challenged inside the centre circle. On 67 minutes the fragile nature of home goalkeeper surfaced as he was shown the yellow card for dissent. Certainly the glovesman seems to involve himself in "banter" with visiting fans but does not always win these futile battles. Sion Edwards was working hard in midfield and he combined wit  h Laurence Wilson to clear the danger as Newtown pressed for an equaliser. The goal they sought arrived on 73 minutes when Jamie Reed
backheeled home after a goalmouth scramble. All square with just over
fifteen minutes to go. In fairness a draw was no use to either side and
both teams pushed for a winner.It was City who went close as Sion Edwards crossed in left footed and Anthony Miley shot wide from six yards at the back post. As before midfielder Damien Allen caught the eye as a make shift rightback with some wholehearted challenges and application. On 83 minutes City struck the winner as Dave Jones decided to dribble the ball past Dean Rittenberg who won the ball and slid home calmly from 30 yards out on the left. City celebrated and Newtown fans cursed their keeper! The goalscorer instantly made way for James Demetriou. Moments after the game got back underway George Harry was badly injured and had to be stretchered off. With all three subs used City had to finish the game with ten men but they did so bravely although Kieran Mills Evans went close with a header which Laurence Wilson had to volley off his line. With four minutes of added time done the whistle blew and City celebrated a hard fought win. Certainly no lack of effort or application from anyone in a Bangor shirt and food for thought for the watching Aberystwyth manager Nev Powell. Photos above The Citizens Choice
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| FINAL SCORE 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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A disappointing Friday evening attendance in turn disappointed by a poor display and damaging defeat. A season which started with so much promise has nosedived in recent weeks. The big surprise before kick was that Connor Roberts was on the bench and Matthew Hall started in goal. No word about whether this was injury related. And unhappily the young glovesman was at the centre of the night's big controvesy which surrounded the only goal. They were also without injured player coach Gary Taylor Fletcher and the suspended Brayden Shaw.
More of that shortly. But City started on the front foot with Danny
Holmes sending over an inviting cross from the right before a tenth
minute freekick from Laurence Wilson was saved by Michael Jones.
Moments later a booking for Michael Pritchard for a pull on Dean
Rittenberg and a similar sanction for Steven Hewitt on thirteen minutes.On fifteen minutes Cefn scored in controversial circumstances. A cross from the right saw Matthew Hall collide with Max Peate and Alec Mudimu rolled the ball home from eight yards. Was Hall fouled? Opinions were divided and it has to be said City could and should have responded quicker and cleared the danger. Five minutes later Ashley Ruane pounced on a misjudgement by Tom Kennedy but Matthew Hall saved well as he broke clear. It was end to end now as TNS loanee Ryan Pryce raced down the right and his cross had to be turned behind for a Druids corner. On the half hour Luke Wall crossed invitingly but Anderson Cayola headed over when well placed, then Laurence Wilson lifted the ball behind the Druids defence but Anderson Cayola was flagged offside. Minutes later Oliver Buckley and then Danny Holmes fired off target. But the scoreline was unchanged at the interval and Bangor trailed the visitors by that solitary fifteenth minute strike. |
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| HALF TIME 0-1 |
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| No changes at the interval. Bangor with forty five minutes to rescue the match and get their season back on track. City pressed early on but Anderson Cayola was adjudged to be offside from Danny Holmes' cross. But after a bit of shadow boxing it was Cefn who might well have gone ahead as Oliver Buckley hit the post just before the hour mark. Almost immediately George Harry came on for James Demetriou. And moments later it might have been one all as Michael Jones managed to push Steven Hewitt's thunderbolt onto the woodwork. Cefn responded with their first change of the evening as Ruabon based Naim Arsan came on for Michael Pritchard. Bangor simply could not mount any sustained pressure or string enough passes together to get a grip of the game. The disappointing crowd of 422 started to become restless as time ran out. On 73 minutes another change as James Davies replaced Ilan Ap Gareth. Then Tom Kennedy was shown the yellow card for a foul on the dangerous Buckley who looked to break clear. Then former blues winger Stuart Cook came on for Ashley Ruane. And really it was all but done. The referee added four minutes and Laurence Wilson sent a shot over the crossbar but Cefn held on comfortably and recorded a rare but deserved win against a deflated Bangor side. The final whistle was scarcely well received by the home crowd but credit the visitors who have enjoyed a fine start to the season. |
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| FINAL SCORE 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| This
was a poor as the scoreline suggests as Prestatyn out thought and
largely out fought Bangor in the second period after an evenly
contested first half. And the usual suspects, Neil Gibson from the sidelines and Michael Parker in the thick of the action, were central to the outcome. Certainly Parker deserves praise for a battling performance whilst prompting and guiding Mark Petch who clearly needed help. The home side got of to a dream start as Jack Kenny netted inside two minutes as he latched on to Noah Edwards flick and the Bangor defence failed to clear. Town fans muttered that they might have scored too soon and their fears were confirmed as Bangor responded with a Dean Rittenberg header from Luke Wall's right wing cross. One all on eight minutes. A quiet word for the linesman on the attacking right from Bangor's point of view. Guesswork is no substitute for being in line with the back defender. Flagging when the home defence shout for offside is no better. To think these officials are involved in European matches is frightening. 
Brendan Shaw had the wind in his sails now as he cut in from the left
with a shot narrowly wide and another saved by Carl Jones. Play was
then stopped for treatment to Anthony Miley and Jack Kenny following a
clash of heads. Both are able to continue after treatment.Bangor continued to press as Damien Allen found James Demteriouon the edge of the box at the social club end. He was fouled first by Hayes and then Fairhurst. Mr Petch spotted one offence and City had a freekick on the edge of the box. Steven Hewitt shot goalwards but failed to hit the target. Then Anthony Miley skied one from close range with the goal at his mercy from Hewitt's low cross. But a deserved second goal did arrive for City on 22 minutes as Steven Hewitt connected with Dean Rittenberg's lay off to crash the ball beyond the startled Jones. Bangor were on top and should have increased their lead. They failed to do so and paid a price. On the half hour Zyaac Edwards had a shot deflected for a corner from which Jamie Fairhurst prodded home after Tom Kennedy had cleared off the line. The Bangor goalmouth was a scene of chaos. Prestatyn were visibly lifted by the goal and Connor Roberts had to save from Ben Maher. With Bangor fans looking at their watches Connor Roberts made a great save from a Prestatyn header and somehow the ball was scrambled clear. So two all at the interval, Prestatyn starting and finishing well but with City perhaps enjoying the majority of possession and territory. |
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| HALF TIME 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No changea at the interval City now attacking the open end with a handful of hardy souls gathered behind Carl Jones' goal. Bangor started well enough with Dean Rittenberg finding James Demetriou but Jones saved well. Then the first real controvesy - if you disregard the linesman- as Luke Wall crossed left footed from the right and the ball bounced cleanly into the net. City celebrations were cut short by the linesman's flag which made no sense as no one touched the cross. City pushed the home side back, Carl Jones cut an uncertain figure, a couple of corners came and went. If Bangor needed further encouragement both Dave Hayes and right back Tom Kemp were variously limping and pulling up grimacing. Laurence Wilson realised this, exploited the space to send in crosses which no one managed to attack effectively. 
The next ten minutes, after the hour mark, change the game. Mike Parker
and the veteran Hayes become increasingly vocal and referee Petch, who
at first responded angrily to their suggestions, now appeared to be
swayed. Brayden Shaw was shown the yellow card for obstructing the
goalkeeper. Then four minutes later he saw red for a mistimed challenge
from behind. Harsh but you could say to the letter of the law which
Parker and his clan were at pains to point out as they surrounded the
plodding official in great numbers. Sad to see.But two minutes later Mike Parker clattered Demteriou with an identical challenge and was not booked. On went Prestatyn and Ben Maher unleashed a dipping strike from 25-30 yards which left Connor Roberts without a prayer as it flew into the Bangor net. On 79 minutes an unlikely yellow card for Mike Parker which was long overdue. 
With twelve minutes left Bangor sent on George Harry for James
Demtriou. The game became something of a farce as hobbling Prestatyn
players dropped to the floor shouting for help at carefully
choreographed sequence. Bangor scarcely helped themselves by sending on
Anderson Cayola for Luke Wall who had been the pick of the blues on the
night. Referee Petch then booked Tom Kemp for timewasting over a throw
in.Two more Prestatyn changes both involving players on the far side of the pitch, shuffling off pitiably, within thirty seconds of each other. Bangor fans clinging at straws were anticipating six or seven minutes of added time. What was shown was four. It mattered not though as a final minute clincher from Jack Kenny settled the argument and the former Alsager marksman might have grabbed his hatrick but for a late save from Connor Roberts as the home side enjoyed the closing stages more than the visitors. So another defeat for Bangor who have beaten TNS, Connahs Quay and Bala but been beaten by both promoted sides in recent weeks. Something wrong somewhere and with a five point deficit between them and the top of the table, it is playing for places time. This was a typical Prestatyn clash, unpleasant, uncomfortable and controlled from the side and middle by the home side. But they also put in a real shift, grafted and battled. City could not match them for some reason and whilst one bench (management) was vocal and demonstrative, the other stood quiet and reflective. Photos above The Citizens Choice
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| FINAL SCORE 4-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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|
A
defensive disaster from Bangor who threw away a two nil lead to cast a
shadow over title aspirations against the sports students from Cardiff. No hard luck story though, no controvesy involving the referee. Just poor defending which was partly masked by some fine saves from goalkeeper Connor Roberts.
On a bright sunny afternoon at Nantporth City kicked off attacking The Antelope End and largely dominated the opening exhanges.
City forced a couple of early corners which ended with Gary
Taylor Fletcher sending a header narrowly wide from Dean Rittenberg's
left wing cross.On the quarter hour mark Taylor Fletcher bulldozed his way in from the right, chested the bouncing ball into his path, but Will Fuller saved with his feet. Chaos ensued in the student's goalmouth as City pressed from the resulting corner but the danger passed. Cardiff responded with a couple of corners on the twenty minute mark after Danny Holmes did well to defend at the back post. Five minutes later Steven Hewitt burst through midfield but was halted by a calculated trip. Freekick to the right which Laurence Wilson crashed into the side netting as he tried to beat Fuller at his near post. A yellow card then for Damien Allen for a heavy challenge on No 5 Emlyn Lewis who needed treatment on half way. Ten minutes before the interval Luke Wall cut inside and shot on target but Lewis blocked bravely. Indeed the former Aberaeron youngster was very effective as he variously headed and clubbed the ball clear when danger threatened. Gwion Howell tested Connor Roberts minutes before the break but it was City who broke the deadlock in the closing moments. A determined Danny Holmes pulled the ball back from the right for Damien Allen to turn the ball home at the near post. City even had time to force another corner in added time but Cardiff dealt with the danger and referee Huw Jones blew for the break. Photo above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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| One change at the interval as Brayden Shaw replaced Dean Rittenberg. Bangor now attacking the Bangor end with a gusting breeze at their backs. Within minutes Shaw gathered the ball from a Laurence Wilson throw and fired goalwards, albeit too high on this occasion. 
Bangor won a corner which Steven Hewitt took inswinging from the right
which nearly caught the keeper out at his near post. Connor Roberts was
called into action next as he saved well from Adam Roscrow who looked a
threat for the visitors. On 62 minutes young George Harry came on for James Demetriou who is working his way back to match fitness. Five minutes later a change for Cardiff as Harry Owen replaced Gwion Howell. But on 68 minutes City doubled their lead. Luke Wall cut in from the right, Fuller saved and Brayden Shaw scrambled home the rebound. Game over surely. But no one had told the students who halved the deficit within three minutes as Elliot Evans netted from close range. On 77n minutes it was two all. Bangor has their seventh corner of the afternoon which was cleared down the right. Gary Taylor Fletcher tried to snuff out the danger with a wild lunge which failed to halt the breakaway. Adam Roscrow chased clear and crossed for Elliot Evans to score again. Taylor Fletcher was rightly carded by Huw Jones and moments later Roscrow made way for Rhys Thomas. Despite playing with the wind at their backs City seemed determined to play out from the back and simply failed to adapt to the conditions or match situation. City fans were variouly shaking or scratching their heads but things got worse five minutes from time as sub Harry Owen had time to turn and fire home from six yards. City sent on Anderson Cayola for Taylor Fletcher moments later. Bangor so nearly salvaged a point as Brayden Shaw fired goalwards in added time but Fuller saved and the corner came to nothing. The final whistle signalled a near silent Nantporth save for the two Cardif fans - and their players of course - but in truth this was poor outcome for City. |
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Photos above The Citizens Choice
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| FINAL SCORE 2-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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| A debut goal fifteen mnutes from time from debutant James Demetriou won Bangor the points on a damp Maes Tegid. City opted to leave the new number nine on the bench and it gave Brayden Shaw a chance in the opening half. The opening exchanges were promising enough. The impresive Jordan Evans forced a good low save from Connor Roberts and one of the Suart Jones' headed narrowly wide from the resulting corner. City won a couple of corners but these were comfortably dealt with by the Jones boys before on twenty minutes the veteran Ryan Valentine entered the fray in place of leftback Evan Norwood. 
Bala won a freekick a fair way out which Jordan Evans sent goalwards
but a sizeable deflection took away any pace and Connor Roberts
gathered easily.Bangor won a third corner and by now the home defence had realised that they could hold and pull shirts with impunity which made their task much easier. On the half hour the ball fell to Dean Rittenberg on the left, he turned and sent a low skidding effort gathering pace of the painted plastic. Ashley Morris saved low left handed at his far post. Morris was better suited to bellowing advice at the officials and generally picking up the war or words with anyone who thought differently. On the half hour a fourth Bangor corner was cleared as far as Tom Kennedy but his low left footer crashed wide. Bala pushed City back and forced Danny Holmes to sweep across to good effect before Connor Roberts aved easily from Andrai Jones. All this makes the game sound better than it was. In truth it was scrappy and littered with stoppages and freekicks which largely accrued to Bala and attracted the attention of Jordan Evans. Five minutes before the interval the former Fulham left footer fired over and as Bala pressed Anthony Miley and then Steven Hewitt defended bravely to keep their clean sheet intact. With Morris booming every goalkick deep into Bangor territory Miley was in the action throughout with a series of important headers and tackles. The sides exchanged long range shots ad Andrai Jones and then Laurence Wilson fired wide before in the one minute of added time Anthony Miley again blocked a goalbound effort from Jordan Evans and the half time whistle blew. Not a great first half but Bala were fighting for their lives and Bangor stood up well to the occasional onslaught. |
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| One change at the interval as James Demetriou replaced Brayden Shaw. City now attacking the car park end occupied by the travelling supporters seeking shelter from the intermityent showers. Immediately Jordan Evans lashed wide from distance. Then Luke Wall opened up the Bala defence from the left but James Demetriou fired wide. At least the big striker t  ook a shot.
Bala won a couple of corners which saw Dean Rittenberg charge over half
way on the counter but Stuart Jones tripped him and accepted the
inevitable yellow. Correct decisioin as at least two defenders lay in
wait for the charging Rittenberg.On the hour Gary Tyalor Fletcher gathered the ball to the right of goal and set up Damien Allen but he fired over from around the penalty spot. Then substitute Demetriou again showed a willingness to shoot with a low effort which sped across the face of goal. The left wing berth seemed to bring the best out of Luke Wall who in the knowledge that the big No 9 was lurking sent over crosses which had the Bala defence in a tangle. On 75 minutes the all important goal. There didnt seem much danger when James Demetriou controlled the ball thirty yards out but his low shot at goal seemed to wrong foot Ashley Morris who could only help the ball into the net! A welcome break for Bangor and a horrible gaff from the verbose glovesman whose red face said it all. Three minutes later a yellow card for Andrai Jones and a change for Bala as Ian Sheridan made way for Mike Hayes. Of course the home side had to raise their game and from a corner Stuart Jones headed wide. Laurence Wilson went close for City who sent on young George Harry for a weary looking Dean Rittenberg who had struggled bravely against the burly Bala defence. Referee Morgan added three minutes to the ninety and despite a stoppage when Anthoy Miley was fouled by Nathan Burke he blew when the three elapsed. Some harsh words of frustration from the home camp but this Bala side, without Mark Connolly and Lee Hunt, look below par. Nonetheless an important three points for City who return to the top of the table with Connahs Quay and TNS due to meet on Tuesday. Well done, especially Anthony Miley and his determined defence and of course the debutant James Demetriou whose goal made all the difference. Photos above The Citizens Choice
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| FINAL SCORE 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier League Cup |
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Bangor bowed out of the cursed League Cup as hosts Connahs Quay scored too late goals at The Deeside Stadium.
And although both sides made changes to their starting line ups it was two of The Nomads established players who struck the late blows. Bangor gave a start to Cai Owen on the right and young Guto Williams as one of three centrebacks alongside Anthony Miley and Tom Kennedy. Connahs Quay gave a first start to their full time goalkeeper Rhys Williams, the nineteen year old signed from Colchester in July 2017. Two more full timers Bakare brothers Michael and Mathias also played. Experienced striker Mike Wilde was in the thick of things early on with a header off target and was then on the wrong end of a challenge from Anthony Miley which saw the blues centreback booked. Midway through the half Rhys Williams was called into action with a save from Dan Nardiell's left footer and minutes later Steven Hewitt latched onto Anderson Cayola's pass but fired across goal. Michael Bakare attempted a spectacular scissor kick but failed to hit the target or trouble Matthew Hall. On the half hour a yellow card for centrehalf Ian Kearney for a block on George Harry in midfield. The chief threat for the hosts was the long throws of Jake Phillips which City largely repelled with little alarm. There was one moment of concern though as Nathan Woolfe crossed from the left and Mike Wilde headed goalwards but Matthew Hall was in the right place to catch the looping header. So a blank first fourty five with the deadlock unbroken. |
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Changes at the interval for both sides as Danny Holmes replaced Anthony Miley for City, and Callum Morris and Joe Heath came on for Danny Harrison and Ian Kearney.
City went close within minutes of the restart but George Harry could
not quite hit the target. The long throws from Phillips were unsettling
the blues now minus Miley a the heart of the defence. On the hour mark
an inviting cross from Danny Holmes found Harry but his header looped
over the crossbar.Minutes later Connahs Quay made their final changes as the injured Nathan Woolfe made way for Ryan Wignall. And soon after Michael Bakare missed an open goal as City struggled to clear their lines. A second change for Bangor with thirteen minutes left as Sam Henry replaced Dan Nardiello in the blues front line. George Harry sent over a low cross which Cai Owen reached but could only send his header narrowly wide. As time ran out Sion Edwards delivered a menacing low cross but no one in blue could make contact. A final roll of the dice for Bangor saw young George Harry replaced by Dean Rittenberg. Manager Nicholson then happy enough with young Guto Williams to allow the young man to complete his debut with a ninety minute stint. Then with extra time seeming inevitable Callum Morris crossed and Mike Wilde headed home. The fourth official indicated three added minutes which the home camp might have feared but Callum Morris settled any nerves with a fine solo run and finish to double the lead as time ran out. So a close fought tie pinched at the death by The Nomads who later found out they would face a trip to Airbus UK in the Quarter Finals. Manager Nicholson said after "An impressive debut from academy product Guto Williams tonight, a confident and composed performance to be proud of". Well done! Photo Guto Williams and Cai Owen with thanks to Bangor City FC
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Welsh Premier |
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After the Lord Mayor's Show. Or rather after the impressive win over rivals Connahs Quay. This was very much a game Bangor dominated but lost, failed to take their chances, and came out on the wrong end of three big refereeing decisions which saw a penalty awarded and then not, and two second half goals disallowed for offside.
It would be churlish not to acknowledge the dogged defence, the
determination shown by the Welsh League champions whose defence stood
firm and repelled wave after wave of albeit one paced attack.Attacking the Antelope End th  e first shot on target came from Dean Rittenberg inside three minutes, but Mike Lewis saved well. Barry countered and won the first of four successive corners which City defended calmly and eventually cleared upfield. On ten minutes Brayden Shaw crossed but assistant manager Gary Taylor Fletcher fired over the crossbar. Moments later the roles were reversed as Shaw shot wide. On fifteen minutes a rare strike from the visitors as Kayne McLaggon saw his shot saved by Connor Roberts. The No 7 raced through minutes later but Anthony Miley was on hand to clear. McLaggon then clearly fouled Gary Taylor Fletcher but the referee waved play on. City were pretty much in charge but Tyrrell Web  be posed a threat for the visitors on their right.With around ten minutes left to play City won a corner which came to nothing largely due to the aerial power of centrebacks Cooper and Watkins who dealt with everything. Moments later controvesy as both the linesman and referee appeared to signal a penalty for City as Danny Holmes freekick struck a defenders arm. Celebration turned to confusion as Mr Griffiths changed his mind and awarded a freekick two yards outside the box. SEE FOR YOURSELF ON THE PHOTO TO THE RIGHT
A minute of added time came and went with Bangor well in
control, Barry sound defensively and most Bangor fans pondering the
penalty incident.A word too for twenty or so travelling Barry fans beating a drum in the family stand. Singing and chanting, generating an atmosphere but in the chant of "youre only here for the money" suggested few if any followed the team fifteen years ago although most looked old enough... Photo above left The Citizens Choice - the penalty shout off twitter
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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| No changes at the interval for either side. City now attacking the Bangor end. Surely time to move the ball faster and shift the deep defence. Whatever was said at the interval it seemed to have worked when Dean Rittenberg netted off Laurence Wilson's shot. But the offside flag halted the celebrations. As City pressed Damien Allen shot on target but Lewis saved comfortably. Then Gary Taylor Fletcher forced Lewis to save with his feet after collecting the ball of winger Luke Wall. On the hour Taylor Fletcher went for a curler from the left edge of the box but it flew wide. Next it was the turn of Dean Rittenberg to fire at goal off Taylor Fletcher's lay off but again Lewis saved. In fairness the experienced Lewis was not really tested by enough of these tame goalbound efforts.  Laurence Wilson cut a frustrated figure on the left as he repeatedly found space but rarely received the ball.On 66 minutes a first change of the afternoon as Drew Fahiya made way for Michael George. This changed little as within five minutes Lewis had again saved quite comfortably from Luke Wall and then Brayden Shaw who also shot wide after a clever back heel from Taylor Fletcher. With fifteen minutes left Dan Nardiello came on for Dean Rittenberg who had been well marshalled by the Barry centrebacks. With eight minutes to go further controvesy as City had a second goal disallowed. Luke Wall's shot was parried by Lewis to Welsh international Nardiello but his tap in was ruled out by the stand side official. Sensing their luck was in the visitors then broke upfield and Kayne McLaggon netted from twenty yards with Connor Roberts at full stretch. In a final belated roll of the dice City sent on Sion Edwards and George Harry in place of Brayden Shaw and Taylor Fletcher. Straight into the action on the left wing Sion Edwards crossed and Luke Wall saw his header cleared off the line. Four minutes of added time were signalled, deep into which City were awarded a freekick on the edge of the D. Laurence Wilson sent his effort over the bar and the visitors knew they were home and hosed. A disappointing afternoon, a small and largely subdued crowd visitors excepted, and some one paced football. That said Bangor forged enough changces to have won and despite this setback sit one point of the leaders. With the inconvenience of the League Cup to negotiate on Tuesday the next meaningful match is at Bala next Saturday. |
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photo above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| FINAL SCORE 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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This match was the re-arranged fixture which followed on from the match abandoned a week or so earlier. Which was abandoned with City winning one nil, which exactly how this one finished up although the goalscorer this time around was the outstanding Gary Taylor Fletcher.
A win which saw City leap to the top of the Welsh Premier table and send out a notice of intent to the rest of the league.But they didnt have things all their own way. In the opening minutes both George Horan and Jay Owen went close as the visitors exerted some early pressure. Left winger Nathan Woolfe looked dangerous and Danny Holmes seemed set for a testing evening. On ten minutes though Gary Taylor Fletcher found Dean Rittenberg but his shot was pushed away by John Danby who went to be the stand out perfomer for the Nomads. Moments later he pouched a looping header from Gary Taylor Fletcher. On the quarter hour mark Brayden Shaw boomed on target, Danby saved and from the corner Anthony Miley's header took a deflection of Sean Smith but Danby adjusts well. Five minutes later Luke Wall sent a twenty yarder on target but again Danby saved. Another effort from Shaw is saved before Woolfe's cross finds Mike Wilde but Connor Roberts gathers his header. By now Bangor had settled into the composed passing game demanded by manager Nicholson and the visitors had settled into a strong defensive shape to frustrate and look to hit on the break. With half an hour gone Kai Edwards bundled the ball into the Bangor net but the referee had whistled for a clear handball. A flowing passing move by City involving Dean Rittenberg sets up Damien Allen but Danby saved once again. The first half drew to a close with a number of stoppages and corner kicks which came to nothing. So at the interval a first half which had seen the Nomads start well but Bangor grow in confidence to forge the better chances but with nothing to show for their dominance. |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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| No changes at the interval for either side. City now attacking the Bangor end and determined to take at least one of the chances on offer. Five minutes after the restart a yellow card for Sean Smith for a pull on Luke Wall who looked to break. Ten minutes in a long range effort from midfielder Jamie Owen flies well over. Gary Taylor Fletcher sent a low cross shot over but no one could make contact although goalkeeper Danby was injured in the action and needed treatment. Another booking, this time for George Horan also for a foul on Luke Wall who was proving too hot to handle for the visitors defence.Freekick for City which Brayden Shaw fired wide. Midway through the half a first change as Mathias Bakare makes his Noamds debut in place of Matty Owen for the visitors. More pressure from Bangor as Dean Rittenberg finds Luke Wall whose shot is blocked before Brayden Shaw passed to Rittenberg but the recovered Danby saved well. Then a well worked move opened up the visitors defence but Danny Gossett fired over. Then on 75 minutes the breakthrough for City. Laurence Wilson passed to Brayden Shaw in the blues midfield. He ran to the right before sending over a dipping cross which was somehow guided beyond Danby at the near post by Gary Taylor Fletcher. A great finish and a well deserved goal for City. Moments later Danny Holmes volleyed narrowly wide with the visitors rattled.With as little over ten minutes left a second change for the Nomads and a second Bakare as brother Michael replaced Sean Smith who was on a yellow card. Seven minutes left as Danny Holmes again shoots goalwards and again the defiant Danby stands firm. Then Luke Wall fires from distance but Danby saves once more. With a minute to go a loud ovation for Gary Taylor Fletcher who is replaced by Saturday's hero Steven Hewitt. No sooner had the change happened that George Horan pulled Dean Rittenberg back in the box. Second yellow card and red, and a penalty. Up stepped Rittenberg but he sent the spot kick over Danby's crossbar with perhaps two minutes of the three added left to play. That was his final action as George Harry trotted on in his place and with little more to report the final whistle blew on a great evening at Nantporth and a win which lifts City top of the Welsh Premier. |
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Welsh Premier |
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fantastic finish to an exciting first half crowned by a blistering
strike from Steven Hewitt. Wow what a climax. Three points for Bangor,
a first away win of the season and a match which had both sets of fans
dancing around in the final minutes. Bangor made a couple of important changes to the starting line up with Gary Taylor Fletcher and Damien Allen watching from the sidelines as Steven Hewitt and Dan Nardiello got starts. And it did look like a weakened blues side at times in a lacklustre first half. A crowd restricted by the kick off time and tv coverage scarcely helped add any atmosphere to proceedings. The first half chance fell to Joe Phillips who chased through but chipped wide on ten minutes. Then Anderson Cayola squared to Steven Hewitt who sliced wide. More of him later.. A better effort midway through the half as Danny Gossett found Dean Rittenberg but Johnny Spittle turned it for a corner which City wasted. Hewitt tried his luck from long range but again missed the target. The home side opted to play centreback Woollacott in central midfield to try and stifle Brayden Shaw as Aber seemed set up to win a point. But on the half hour Dec Walker and Ryan Wade both had shots at goal and moments later it took a brave stop from Anthony Miley, solid as a rock in the blues defence, to deny Luke Borrelli. Both making their 100th WP appearance for their respective clubs. City threatened through Dan Nardiello but he dragged his effort wide from the left. As half time beckoned a freekick for Aber on the left in front of goal. The ball was played to Dec Walker whose low shot had Connor Roberts scrambling at the foot of his post. A minute of added time passed without incident and both sides wandered off to contemplate the words of their respective managers. Hopefully words which would improve the entertainment on offer for the blues and greens present. |
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| No changes at the interval. City now attacking the Dias Stand end and hoping to put on a better show than in the first period. Inside five minutes Laurence Wilson and then Geoff Kellaway went close. The impressive Tom Kennedy standing firm for Bangor with the knack of being in the right place and making the right decision from start to finish. Reminscent of left footers Kev Mooney and Harry Wiggins. Praise indeed. On 50 minutes a first change for Bangor as Luke Wall trotted on for Anderson Cayola. Five minutes later a corner to the visitors was headed over by Johnny Spittle who had varously fouled and pushed his way through the opening hour or so. No malice to be fair but endless small offences unnoticed by the typically inept Mr John. Moments later the little whistler nearly turned local villain as he inadvertently deflected a clearance to Brayden Shaw on the edge of the box. He shot at goal but Chris Mullock pulled off a rare save to spare his blushes. From the flagkick a break way led by the pacey Kellaway down the right forced Anthony Miley to concede a corner which yielded another confidently caught by Connor Roberts. Had the repeat offender Spittle been dealt with during the opening period he might have seen red as he lept elbow first into Dan Nardiello. Both players needed treatment and during the stoppage Mr John must have completely forgotten the main offence and again the defender went unpunished. But none of this came to much and on 62 minutes Aber took the lead. Ryan Woollacott crossed from the left and Luke Borrelli celebrated his hundredth appearance with a fantastic strike beyond Connor Roberts.  Immediately Gary Taylor Fletcher replaced Dan Nardiello. With a minute the scores were level as the simply outstanding Tom Kennedy swept the ball to the right edge of the box where Gary Taylor Fletcher smashed home between Chris Mullock and his near post. What an impact! Buoyed by the goal and driven on by the goalscorer City now pushed for a winner. Danny Gossett and Brayden Shaw went close as Mullock was drawn into the action once more and the home side began to look weary. So with twenty minutes left a sensible double change for Aber as John Owen and young Matty Jones came on for Geoff Kellaway and Ryan Wade. But it was Bangor who continued to make the running as Brayden Shaw charged on goal and saw his shot hit the post and booted clear by Dec Walker for a sixth Bangor corner which Chris Mullock took cleanly. But Aber were not finished and Joe Phillips forced a save from Connor Roberts before Steven Hewitt blocked Jones' effort. Corner for the hosts from which John McKenna's header struck Danny Holmes and was walloped away. Shaw for City and Borrelli for Aber went close. Then with five minutes left a final change for both sides as Damien Allen came on for Laurence Wilson and Craig Hobson replaced Joe Phillips. In the final minute Bangor scored what looked like the winner. Luke Wall crossed from the left and Brayden Shaw rose highest to head in off the back post. City celebrated but before the dust had settled the home side struck back. Luke Borrelli controlled the ball on the right, managed to turn and cross low for big Craig Hobson to prod home at the back post. In the midst of the noisy celebrations the fourth official indicated four added minutes. By now Bangor had gone for broke with a back three and all eyes on a winner. When it came it brought the house down. Dean Rittenberg crossed from the left, Ryan Woollacott could only head half clear to the edge of the D where Steven Hewitt unleashed an absolute thunderbolt beyond the flat footed Mullock for goal worthy of three points on its own! What a way to mark you first start for the club. A minute or so later the final whistle sounded and City fans celebrated once more and the dejected locals shook their heads. Good luck to them until we meet again but what a closing five minutes captured by S4C Sgorio cameras. Photos with thanks to Bangor City FC
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| FINAL SCORE 2-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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This match was abandoned due to floodlight failure three minutes before half time. Which is a great pity as City were leading one nil although of course the second half may have turned out differently.
With
no new injury worries City fielded the starting eleven which had beaten
Carmarthen a week earlier. There was a place on the bench for talented
young midfielder Guto Williams.The visitos won an early corner and inside five minutes saw Mike Wilde fail to trouble Connor Roberts with a weak shot. On the quarter hour Danny Gossett tested the experienced John Danby with a clean strike but the saved well. City took the lead on the half hour. The initial attack ended in a corner won by the influential Gary Taylor Fletcher but moments later Laurence Wilson shot from the edge of the box. With the aid of a slight deflection Danby was beaten and the crowd roared their approval. For Wilson a second goal in as many games. For City midfielder Danny Gossett was in fine form whilst Brayden Shaw was also clearly in the mood. As half time drew close - possibly three minutes away - some of the floodlights down one side went out and the referee had to stop play. And as it turned out that was it. Referee Huw Jones gave the club time to address the problem but in the end he had to abandon the match.  |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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MATCH ABANDONED photo above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| FINAL SCORE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor made heavy weather of a beating a well organised if dour Carmarthen side on a sunny Nantporth afternoon.
With
Dan Nardiello ruled out through injury there was a start for Dean
Rittenberg upfront whilst the visitors line up included former blues
glovesman Lee Idzi. City kicked off attacking The Antelope End and soon won a corner on the right which Damien Allen turned wide at the near post. Appeals for a corner were brushed aside. The visitors were awarded a freekick twenty five yards out and Kieran Lewis forced a good diving save save from Connor Roberts. Twelve minutes in a Bangor freekick floated in from the left by Laurence Wilson  was headed back across goal by Anthony Miley but Gary Taylor Fletcher hoisted his overhead effort over the bar.Either side of the quarter hour a chance at either end as Dean Rittenberg hit his low shot straight at Lee Idzi before Kyle Williams struck the side netting from the left. Lewis Harling went close moments later but Tom Kennedy denied him with a well timed block. Idzi pulled off his first significant save just before the half hour from Brayden Shaw's header before rightback Luke Cummings was shown the yellow card for a foul on Luke Wall. On the half hour a bizarre moment as No 3 Jordan Knott punched the ball off Gary Taylor Fletcher's head in his six hard box. Penalty surely and yellow card at least. But neither Mr Harrington or his linesman saw the blatant offence. This sounds like an open end to end game. In reality Bangor were trying to play football, with Danny Gossett, Damien Allen and Gary Taylor Fletcher at the centre of things whilst the visitors were largely complying with instructions from their bench which boiled down to boot it long. And chase. Again Laurence Wilson delivered an inviting freekick and again Lee Idzi saved from Brayden Shaw. One minute of added time came and went as City forced their second corner of the game but it was a blank scoreline as the sides wandered off and the queue at the tea hut lengthened. No one looked wearier than big Lee Surman who had dominated from his central defensive position and refereed the match for much of the opening forty five minutes. In fairness he did let Mr Harrington keep the whistle.  Lee Idzi saves from Brayden Shaw (photograph The Citizens Choice) |
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| HALF TIME 0-0 |
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| One change at the interval as Dan Sheehan came on for rightback Luke Cummings. City now attacking the Bangor End and with substitute Sheehan man marking Brayden Shaw regardless of where he went on the pitch. The visitors fashioned the first opening of the second period as Kieran Lewis fired wide from distance before Dean Rittenberg sent a weak effort on goal which Lee Idzi gathered easily. On 55 minutes fouls by Kieran Lewis and then Lewis Harling earned both Town players yellow cards as City tried to apply some pressure. Just after the hour mark another change for Carmarthen as Craig Hanford came on for Ceri Morgan in midfield. His brief appeared to be to hook, or boot, the ball forward down the right. Job quickly done. Either side of this corners for Bangor which came to little against the big Carmarthen centre backs and goalkeeper Idzi. 
A first change for Bangor on 69 minutes as Anderson Cayola replaced
Brayden Shaw who might have hoped for quicker service from the back.
Dan Sheehan was told to stay on the pitch.The little Bolivian took up a station on the left and was quickly involved in a couple more Bangor corners but again former blue Idzi was in command. On 76 minutes City broke the deadlock. A trip on Gary Taylor Fletcher by Vincent yielded a freekick on the edge of the box in front of goal. Up stepped leftback Laurence Wilson to steer the ball low to his right and just inside the upright despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Idzi. Some symmetry here with the last home league match, won one nil by a left footed strike by rightback Danny Holmes. At that moment a final change for The Old Gold as Liam Griffiths replaced Kieran Lewis. His arrival sparked a rare onslaught by conservative Carmarthen as City somehow survived a goalmouth scrambe which ended as Danny Holmes smashed the ball upfield. Twelve minutes from time a shot from Dean Rittenberg tight on the right was scooped out for a seventh Bangor corner followed five minutes later by a third for the visitors which Connor Roberts bagged confidently. Five minutes from time Steven Hewitt replaced Gary Taylor Fletcher. Then little Anderson Cayola saw his shot held by Lee Idzi. The visitors now had nothing to lose and were awarded a freekick on the right which Jordan Knott headed wide. He might have gone closer with a punch. In the closing minutes young George Harry replaced Dean Rittenberg and there was stoppage following a collision involving Anthony Miley and goalkeeper Connor Roberts. Happily both were able to continue. Four added minutes instructed by Lee Surman became five in which young Harry had a shot held by Lee Idzi and City won an eighth corner which came to nothing. Finally the whistle blew and a sigh of relief more than a roar of celebration filled Nantporth. A glum scenario at times as City laboured to beat the dogged visitors whose away day odyssey continues for another fortnight or so. But as a seasoned Bangor watcher commented at the end, three point and three wins from four. We would have settled for that. And of course is right. You could add another clean sheet and no yellow cards. Laurence Wilson & Danny Gossett photo above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| FINAL SCORE 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier League Cup |
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Trailing two one at the half time interval City stormed back to beat
Denbigh 5-2 with four goal Dean Rittenberg the hero of the hour. There were several changes for City as Matthew Hall started in goal, young Cai Owen at fullback and young strikers Sam Henry and George Harry upfront. City made the early running as Sam Henry was denied by Jon Hill Dunt and fouled as he closed on goal. But Denbigh made their intentions clear as first Josh Davies and then Craig Pritchard brought Matthew Hall into the action. George Harry went close a couple of times for City but it was the visitors who took the lead on 17 minutes as former Porthmadog striker Josh Davies latched onto debutant Steve Cunnigham's through ball to slot the ball beyond the exposed Hall. But City fans didnt have long to wait for a response, on 23 minutes Bangor drew level as Steven Hewitt sent over a corner which was headed home by Anthony Miley. Josh Davies went close again before former Lex midfielder Warren Duckett saw his looping header clear the crossbar. Ten minutes before the interval a worrying moment as Dean Rittenberg and Denbigh 'keeper Hill Dunt needed treatment following a goalmouth collision. Seven minutes before the break the visitors went ahead once again. Goalscorer Davies crossed from the right and Anthony Miley inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. A goal at both ends for his troubles. Two minutes later Luke Wall won a corner which resulted in George Harry being denied a debut goal by a last ditch clearance. A minute of added time came to nothing and the Cymru Alliance visitors strode off with heads held high and a one goal advantage. |
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| HALF TIME 1-2 |
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| One change at the interval as Tom Kennedy replaced Paul Connolly in the blues rearguard.. Within three minutes of the restart a yellow card for Craig Pritchard for a heavy challenge on Cai Owen. Blues winger Luke Wall went close twice, the first with a long range effort which flew just wide, the second caused a goalmouth melee after an intitial block from goalkeeper Hill Dunt. Danny Gossett forced a save from the former Prestatyn glovesman before a change for Denbigh on 58 minutes. Craig Pritchard, who had been injured following a challenge with Steven Hewitt, was replaced by Jake Eyre. Five minutes later Steven Hewitt saw his shot saved and Luke Wall could only send the rebound over the crossbar. The next change again belonged to the Denbigh as Sam Tate replaced Warren Duckett in the visitors midfield. Still trailing and still trying to get back on terms more frustration for City as Steven Hewitt saw his effort hit the woodwork on 65 minutes. Moments later Anderson Cayola came on for George Harry in the blues attack. More reinforcements immediately as Brayden Shaw came on for Sam Henry. And on 72 minutes the changes paid off as Dean Rittenberg beat the visitors offside trap to slide the ball beyond Hill Dunt. But Denbigh were not without threat as goalscorer Josh Davies dragged his shot wide of the blues goal. Cai Owen went close for City but his long range effort just cleared the crossbar. Then with ten minutes left on the clock City went ahead for the first time. Anderson Cayola released Dean Rittenberg who calmly chipped Hill Dunt. Denbigh responded with a third and final change which saw David Lawson Cook replace substitute Jake Eyre who was off the pitch injured when City scored their third. Three minutes from time a hatrick strike from Dean Rittenberg from a Brayden Shaw cross settled the outcome of the game. The fourth official indicated four added minutes to be played. Denbigh threatened but Josh Davies was flagged offside but worse was to come as the man of the hour Dean Rittenberg grabbed his fourth of the evening with a twenty yard curler which rubbed salt in the visitors wounds. So an emphatic win for a much changed Bangor, a relief perhaps after the first half deficit, and a place in the second round of the League Cup. |
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| FINAL SCORE 5-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor edged past rugged Prestatyn in a short tempered encounter at Nantporth. Assistant manager Gary Taylor Fletcher missed out, feeling the after effects of a heavy challenge suffered at Cardiff Met. In his place City drafted in Sion Edwards whilst Dan Nardiello replaced Luke Wall who was on the bench. Both teams gathered for a pre match huddle in front of a sparse Nantporth crowd before City kicked off attacking the Antelope end. The first incident was a heavy challenge involving Danny Gossett and Zyaac Edwar  ds followed by a tackle by Sion Edwards on brother Noah. Game on!On ten minutes Danny Holmes crossed but Brayden Shaw fired wide. Moments later a yellow card for centre forward Jack Kenny following a late tackle on Laurence Wilson. On thirteen minutes a corner for Prestatyn half cleared to James Stead who blazed over from twenty yards. Then on 21 minutes Danny Gossett won possession for Danny Holmes who stepped from right foot to left and slotted the ball home from 25 yards. One nil. By now the crowd had grown to around 500 and most celebrated what was something of a bolt from the blue. Credit to goalscorer who along with midfielder Danny Gossett and Anthony Miley had pushed City forward more than most. Moments later Damien Kelley put Connor Roberts under pressure but the tall glovesman managed to clear. Then Anthony Miley did well to deflect a shot from Jack Kenny over for a Prestatyn corner. The visitors indulged in some strange mutual shirt grabbing tactic but city cleared. Five minutes from time a sharp turn and shot from Kenny forced an acrobatic save from Connor Roberts. The corner was cleared and Tom Kemp picked up a yellow as city broke upfield. City could and probably should have gone two up when Danny Holmes cross was headed wide by Brayden Shaw. Photos above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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| No changes at the interval other than that City were now attacking the Bangor End. Anderson Cayola and Brayden Shaw were both frustrated by blocks on the edge of the box  By the now the game was scrappy and disjointed. Manager Nicholson repsonded with a double change on 55 minutes as Luke Wall and Dean Rittenberg replaced Sion Edwards and Dan Nardiello.Moments later Brayden Shaw waltzed through but Carl Jones saved with his feet Then on the hour sub for Prestatyn as Zebb Edwards made way for leftback Jack Lewis Prestatyn sent in the free kick but this was cleared to Luke Wall who was fouled by Dave Hayes as he broke down the right and picked up a yellow. But worse was to follow for Prestatyn as James Stead needlessly kicked out at Danny Gossett and was shown the red card. Referee Mark Petch could scarcely have been better positioned to make a decision. The visitors a goal and man down with twenty minutes left to play. But they forced Connor Roberts into action as he saved well from Ben Maher On 76 yellows for Danny Holmes for delaying a throw in and substitute Ben Maher for a wild challenge. All eyes on the fourth official who indicated six minutes to be added. Most people would have settled for none! Former Holyhead 'keeper Carl Jones saved at point blank before Damien Allen fired over from twenty yards Rightback Tom Kemp lost his temper with Brayden Shaw as he shielded the ball near the corner flag. Then Macauley Taylor replaced a weary looking Michael Parker Photos above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor were undone at Cyncoed where two goal Adam Roscrow led the students with a goal in either half. Both teams were unchanged as the sides lined up on the windswept plastic surface at Cyncoed on the outskirts of Cardiff. Wit the wind at their backs the home side forged the first opening of the game but Joel Edwards sent his effort wide of the goal. On ten minutes Adam Roscrow also shot wide but his effort did carry more menace. On the quarter hour a yellow card for Joel Edwards for a foul on City winger Luke Wall as he ran on goal. Brayden Shaw sends the freekick low on target but goalkeeper Will Fuller gathers comfortably. Minutes later Roscrow forced a good save from blues custodian Connor Roberts. Then on 22 minutes the students went ahead. Jordan Lam found Elliot Evans who fired home from the edge of the box with a shot into the corner. Bangor responded through Luke Wall but Fuller saved. Around the half hour mark City twice went close to an equaliser. First Gary Taylor Fletcher twisted his way through the home defence but saw his shot blocked by Emlyn Lewis, then Brayden Shaw shot powerfully but Fuller saved. And then on 31 minutes Cardiff doubled their lead. Adam Roscrow headed down and goalwards and despite the best efforts of Anthony Miley the ball crossed the line. Striker Anderson Cayola turned and shot in the box but saw his effort speed wide. Then the little Bolivan's back heel fed Gary Taylor Fletcher but Fuller was up to the challenge and the Met defence hacked clear. One minute of added tiem came and went. So a two nil wind assisted advantage to the students. Could City triumph with the elements in their favour? Time would tell... |
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| HALF TIME 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No changes at the interval. But Bangor now driven forward by the wind and determined to do something about the two goal deficit. Five minutes after the restart a shot from Damien Allen thanks to a pass from the impressive Luke Wall but his effort struck Taylor Fletcher. Blues midfielder Danny Gossett tried his luck with the wind but could not keep his effort down. 
On ten minutes a heavy challenge from Brad Woolridge on Gary
Taylor Fletcher earned him a yellow card. It might easily have been red. A freekick to Bangor which
Brayden Shaw dispatched but Fuller saved. On the hour an inviting cross from Brayden Shaw was just out of the reach of Gary Taylor Fletcher. Moments later Danny Holmes crossed for Anderson Cayola but Fuller pulled off a point blank save. And then, albeit against the run of play, a third goal for Cardiff as Adam Roscrow vollyed home from a quickly taken short corner. The goal timed at 64 minutes which promptly brought about the first change as Dan Nardiello came on for Luke Wall. Former Wales International Nardiello is quickly into the action courtesy Laurence Wilson but Will Fuller was again in the right place at the right time. With fifteen minutes to go Laurence Wilson crossed but Gary Taylor Fletcher sent his header over. Moments later Dean Rittenberg replaced last week's hero Brayden Shaw. Then with thirteen minutes on the clock a goal for City from Gary Taylor Fletcher. With ten left a clumsy challenge from Joel Edwards on Danny Holmes. Summer signing Edwards was booked in the first half received a second red and his marching order from Referee Jenkins. Anderson Cayola very nearly arched his corner kick straight into the net but Cardiff scrambled clear. With the wind and the man advantage City still had the feel of a side in with a shout despite the scoreline. With five minutes left Dan Nardiello shot low for the corner but again the outstanding Fuller pulled off the save. With two minutes left a yellow card for Damien Allen for a pull on Will Evans some thirty yards out. The fourth official indicated four minutes of added time with the result now beyond doubt. City then sent on Sion Edwards for Laurence Wilson. As the minutes elapsed goalscorers Roscrow and Evans combined but Connor Roberts denied the opening scorer who fired over moments later as the students nearly grabbed a fourth. So a disappointing defeat for City after the opening day euphoria of a week ago.. Photos with thanks to Bangor City FC
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Welsh Premier |
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Bangor swept aside champions TNS in a barnstorming second half performance at Nantporth on Friday evening. This after an evenly contested first half which saw City take the lead twice and the full timers draw level both times. And perhaps surprise a few people with the quality of the football on display. 
City set out a marker inside five minutes with a flowing passing move
involving Brayden Shaw, Gary Taylor Fletcher and right winger Luke
Wall. Then on five minutes Bangor had the lead. Clever first time build up play involving Brayden Shaw and Gary Taylor Fletcher saw the ball reach Bolivian striker Anderson Cayola who crossed from the right and Brayden Shaw headed home at the near post with goalkeeper Harrison rooted to the spot. (celebrations left) Referee Dean John then yellow carded Tom Kennedy for a pretty innocuous challenge. This despite ignoring some wild challenges from Saints defender Rawlinson. With fourteen minutes gone City conceded a freekick which Wes Fletcher delivered and Connal Rawlinson reacted first as the ball bounced to him off the upright. One all. But two minutes later Bangor regained the lead. Laurence Wilson crossed from the left and Gary Taylor Fletcher headed home in a mirror image of the opening goal. City forced a couple of corners as Anderson Cayola and then Danny Gossett went close. But the end to end nature of the evening continued as left winger Adrian Cieslewicz ran clear but lifted his effort over the crossbar. The Saints equalised from a Bangor freekick. The ball was crossed in and cleared by the greens defence for Cieslewicz to race clear and create an opening which Jamie Mullan converted from close range. Two all after 24 minutes. At this rate it could end up ten each! And so almost inevitably both sides became a touch more conservative. Connor Roberts saved well from Jon Routledge whose dipping volley was just dropping into the net. The visitors won this and another corner and as time ran out Laurence Wilson was shown the yellow card for a foul on right winger Jamie Mullan. So half time and honours even on a pleasant dry evening at Nantporth. All to play for. (Brayden Shaw photo above mine)
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| HALF TIME 2-2 |
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| One change at the interval as Christian Seargeant replaced Alex Darlington. The opening fifteen minutes belonged to the New Saints who laid seige to the Antelope End with Aeron Edwards shooting wide. City had goalscorer Brayden Shaw and Saints wi  nger
Cieslewicz booked as Dean
John cracked down on some pullls and challenges. If you had a bet to
place at this moment on the eventual winners it would have been the
visitors. Bangor sunk deeper defensively but credit to the whole team
for standing firm.Special mention though for Connor Roberts, Anthony Miley and Tom Kennedy who marshalled the rearguard effort superbly. And then suddenly everything changed. City won a corner which was crossed deep to Anthony Miley whose header was nutted home by Gary Taylor Fletcher from six yards. Saints manager Ruscoe responded by sending on Greg Draper in place of Wes Fletcher. Gary Taylor Fletcher was next into the little South Walian official's notebook. On 70 minutes Luke Wall joined him. On 73 minutes Danny Gossett limped off to be replaced by Sion Edwards who slotted into midfield. Two minutes later a contender for goal of the season put City two goals clear. Leftback Laurence Wilson threw the ball to Brayden Shaw who stepped infield and unleashed a trademark "LeTissier" style thunderbolt beyond the startled Harrison and into the top corner. What a goal! Moments later the young striker made way for Dean Rittenberg and earned a noisy ovation from the mainstand and indeed the whole ground. There was still a quarter of an hour left and no reason to suggest the visitors might not respond. But any likelihood of a fightback was snuffed out ten minutes from time as little South American striker Anderson Cayola sped round the tiring Sainst defence and was brought down for a penalty. With a sense of purpose Anderson Cayola spotted the ball and sent the hapless Harrison the wrong way to complete the scoring and set the home fans dancing! The visitors were finally beaten but there was still time for Connor Roberts to pull off a tremendous save to deny Routledge what would have been a late consolation. So a fantastic start to the season for Bangor, some outstanding individual performances but more importantly a great all round team effort especially when the going got tough at the start of the second period. City sides have wilted under that pressure in the past. And a second emphatic home win over the reigning champions! Anderson Cayola photo above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| FINAL SCORE 5-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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NEV POWELL TESTIMONIAL |
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  Local interest centred on former manage  r
Nev Powell naturally enough. Whilst Porthmadog younster Gethin Jones at
fullback for Everton and local hero Nathan Broadhead started on the
bench. His grandfather Tony Broadhead was a fantastic player for Bangor
in the sixties and seventies.Either side of the ten minute mark both sides went close as Luke Wall fired wide for City and Bassala Sambou sliced his shot into the side netting. Bangor had their best chance on the half hour mark when a long range shot from Gary Taylor Fletcher seemed to take a deflection but former Wrexham and Cefn Druids glovesman Louis Gray saved from under the crossbar. City were very much in the game with Sion Edwards impressing on the left and Gary Taylor Fletcher in the thick of the action. But in the closing minutes of the first half it was the young Toffees who pressed, first through £4m summer signing Josh Bowler whose shot was well saved by Connor Roberts, then through a couple of corners which City defended well. On the stroke of half time the pressure told as a Gethin Jones cross was headed home by Senegalese striker Bassala Sambou to give the visitors a one nil interval lead. photos above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| HALF TIME 0-3 |
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| Before
the restart Liverpool based Antony Evans was replaced by Nathan Broadhead. Both goalscorer Sambou and Callum Dyson went close for the Everton before a second goal arrived on 65 minutes.  
Midfielder Luke Wall was harshly adjudged to have fouled Wirral
youngster Harry Charsley in the box and the experienced 24 year old Luke Garbutt stepped up to send Connor Roberts the wrong way for a confident finish.City sent on two second half substitutes as local youngster Cai Owen replaced South American Anderson Cayola and Sam Henry came on for Brayden Shaw. As time ran out Nathan Broadhead got the better of Connor Roberts but the former Everton youth keeper was not punished as the shot span wide. So a two nil defeat for Bangor but an enjoyable afternoon for both sides and their supporters at Nantporth. More importantly recognition of the services rendered to the club by Nev Powell both as player and manager in different decades. photos above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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EUROPALEAGUE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Bangor
bowed out of Europe following an emphatic three nil defeat against visitors
Lyngby. The Danes led one nil from the first leg as play got underway on a
bright sunny evening at Nantporth.
With Gary Roberts having departed for Southport earlier in the day there was a recall for Anthony Miley at rightback and a start for Dean Rittenberg in place of Dan Nardiello up front. Any hopes City harboured all but disappeared inside three minutes. A loose pass across his own penalty area from Damien Allen was seized upon by Kristoffer Larsen who stepped to his right but unleashing a clean curling strike beyond the despairing Connor Roberts inside the far post. 
Bangor
settled after this early setback but after an even and largely uneventful
passage of play it was Lyngby who again went close on twenty minutes as Connor
Roberts held Rygaard Jensen left footer.
Lithuanian official Donatas Rumsas then awarded an indirect freekick against Roberts for delaying his clearance. Larsen crashed the kick against Damien Allen and City dealt with the ensuing corner. On 24 minutes Paul Connolly limped off to be replaced by winger Luke Wall. Anthony Miley slotted in at centreback with Damien Allen now operating as emergeny rightback. Maverick referee Rumsas then yellow carded No 7 Jesper Christjansen for a foul by No 2 Thomas Christensen on Dean Rittenberg. On the half hour mark Laurence Wilson intercepted the ball some thirty yards out on the left but dragged his shot wide. But on 37 minutes the Danes doubled their advantage with a fine attacking move. Goalscorer Larsen released Lumb on the left who pulled the ball back for Jeppe Kjaer to clip beyond Connor Roberts from ten yards. The Danes needed no help from the oddball official but they got some three minutes before time when Christjansen, who had been booked in error, slid into Dean Rittenberg and should have seen yellow (whether this led to red or not) but Mr Rumsas did nothing. Moments later midfielder Martin Ornskov was replaced by Mathias Hebo. With two minutes to go Kristoffer Larsen played a clever one two with Jeppe Kjaer to make it three nil and emphatically end the evening as a contest. Harsh on Bangor who had battled well and kept their heads up but the Danes were by far the better team. There was though one final act of defiance as Dean Rittengerg tested Andersen with a shot on the turn but the big keeper saved comfortably. photo above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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| HALF TIME 0-3 |
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Before
the restart Lyngby sent on David Boysen for goalscorer Kristoffer Larsen.
But
it was City who went close as Brayden Shaw who sent an effort on target but
Andersen held.
There was inevitably a feeling of "forgon conclusion" about the second period but City kept their shape and set out to keep their heads held high. In fairness they did so despite the difficult circumstances. On the hour mark an impressive string of passes began with Laurence Wilson and spread through Danny Gossett out to Luke Wall but his attempted cross was blocked.  Two minutes later Steven Hewitt took one for the team for a trip on
Rygaard as he threatened on half way. Yellow card and then a long range freekick which Connor Roberts
collected on the bounce.
But soon after goalkeeper Roberts did well to push over an effort from Jensen and minutes later substitute Hebo fired over from ten yards. On 73 minutes a double change for Bangor which saw Chester based Sam Henry and local legend Sion Edwards come on for Dean Rittenberg and Brayden Shaw. Eight minutes from time Gary Taylor Fletcher set up Danny Gossett but his shot lacked real venom. One final effort from Bangor via Laurence Wilson whose dipping volley tested Andersen but the big keeper saved acrobatically. From the corner Anthony Miley scrambled at the back post but could net get a conclusive touch and seconds later the Lithuanian whistlers signalled the end of proceedings. No disgrace for Bangor, beaten by a far better team, but the European frustrations suffered by the part time Welsh Premier sides go on. Until next time… photo above with thanks to Event Photo Wales
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EUROPALEAGUE |
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Bangor trailed one nil at the interval and that is how it ended up in a
keenly contested skirmish on the outskirts of Copenhagen. City fell behind on thirteen minutes but by then the Danish side had
sent a warning shot over from distance via a Larsen freekick and forced
a brave double save from Connor Roberts moments later as he denied first
Kim Ojo and then Michael Jensen. In the midst of all this Paul Connolly was shown
the yellow card for a trip.But the acrobatic glovesman could do nothing on thirteen minutes as 25 year old Bror Blume Jensen pounced on a downward header to crash home from the edge of the box. Rather than go under City settled and passed the ball confidently from the back where Paul Connolly and Tom Kennedy used their experience to find time on the ball. Coaxed forward by the noisy travelling fans Bangor eased into the game with everyone working hard, no one more so than Danny Gossett in the midfield alongside the debutant Steve Hewitt. A first strike on goal came on twenty minutes from Gary Taylor Fletcher albeit one easily held by goalkeeper Mikkel Andersen. On twenty seven minutes Dan Nardiello fired goalwards and earned a corner but moments later leftback Lumb missed his kick when a chance beckoned and City breathed a sigh of relief. On 37 minutes Brayden Shaw won the ball and sent a long range effort from outside the box which failed to dip enough to trouble the keeper. But as time ran out at the end of the first half Lyngby pushed City back with their sixth and seventh corners of the period but again Connolly stood firm and made sure goalkeeper Robers was not unduly bothered. So a goal down at the interval but with City still very much in the game. |
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| HALF TIME 1-0 |
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 PHOTO WITH THANKS TO BANGOR CITY FC
Five minutes after the restart a missed chance by Brandrup followed by a spell of composed possession from City but unhappily it could not lead to a clear chance. However the ability to keep the ball and frustrate the home side offered something to build on. Ten minutes after the resumption goalscorer Blume fired wide. Then a real chance for City as Gary Taylor Fletcher chests the ball beyond centreback Hallgrimur Jonasson but saw his low shot saved by the feet of Andersen. What a chance and in fairness a good save from the former Reading keeper. Up the other end and substitute Hebo forced a good save from Connor Roberts before on the hour mark a first change from City as Dan Nardiello made way for Dean Rittenberg. Playing upfront alone in an away leg is tiring and at times demoralising; definitely a case of fresh legs. A yellow card next for Martin Ornskov for a foul on Gary Roberts and moments later a third change by Lyngby as Jeppe Kjaer came on for big centre forward Kim Ojo. Laughable nonesense next as leftback Michael Lumb hurt himself diving across Gary Roberts who looked perplexed. Next a yellow for centreback Hallgrimur Jonassen for a foul on Dean Rittenberg. More of Hallgrimur later.  With fifteen minutes to go a double save from Connor Roberts, first from Kjaer and then Boysen. The former Everton youngster standing up to whatever the Danes could throw at him. Moments later those the glovesman is yellow carded for supposed time wasting. By now Lyngby were pushing City deeper and deeper but still Connolly and his experienced defence - of more than a thousand Football League appearances - stood firm. Despite all this is might easily have been two nil on 85 minutes but Kjaer blazed over from six yards. On 87 minutes Dean Rittenberg cut in from the right but was pulled down by Hallgrimur Jonassen who saw a sec  ond yellow and then red
for his troubles from the Greek official. A freekick delivered by
Brayden Shaw, headed across goal from Gary Taylor Fletcher but a harsh
foul awarded against Dean Rittenberg ended the danger.Three minutes of added time saw Brayden Shaw cross from the left but Gary Taylor Fletcher was running on empty and could not get any sort of touch on the ball. And so the final whistle blew on a solitary goal defeat from Bangor, which in context is probably one of the club's best away displays in Europe since the LoW reared its head all those years ago. All still to play for, heads held high and once again magnificent travelling support. PHOTOS ABOVE WITH THANKS TO PHIL STEAD
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