U21s to play two big games at City ground
THERE are fears for the red squirrel population on Anglesey after one was found dead with a suspected case of squirrel pox virus.
The virus is usually fatal in red squirrels and, if it spreads, it could lead to a wipeout of the population on the island.
The dead squirrel has been sent for tests and the Red Squirrels Trust Wales is awaiting results.
In September, test results confirmed a red squirrel in Treborth Gardens, Bangor, had died after contracting the squirrel pox virus.
Holly Peek, a ranger for Red Squirrel Trust Wales, said: “If it is pox, the chances are it has spread from Treborth as the squirrels can travel back and forth from the mainland.”
The Red Squirrel Trust Wales has been working to reintroduce the reds after the SOME of the future stars of Welsh international football will be returning to Bangor next month.
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) announced this week that the Welsh Under 21 side will host two Euro U21 championship qualifiers at Nantporth Stadium, which could decide the fate of Robert Page’s youngsters.
Bosnia and Herzegovina will be the visitors on Friday November 10, grey squirrel nearly wiped out the native breed.
Ms Peek added: “If we get the results that it is a confirmed case on Anglesey, it would be absolutely devastating.
“One thing we have to consider is we may have to euthanise red squirrels once we get results and there are definitely a lot more confirmed cases.
“We don’t want to but, if there was squirrel pox at Coed Mor, we would have to think about it.
“At the moment, it is just as important to report absent sightings. If you are walking around Coed Mor and don’t see a squirrel like you usually would, please report it to us.”
Please report any sightings of red squirrels to the Trust on 07966 150847 or mail@redsquirrels.info. followed by the visit of Romania on Tuesday, November 14.
Both matches will kick off at 7pm, with a big crowd expected for both matches under the floodlights.
Rising stars Tom Lawrence and Ben Woodburn are some of the senior side’s current crop to have represented their country in under 21 and under 19 matches at Bangor over recent years, with hopes that more stars of the future will be on show this time round.
With the senior side also slated to play friendlies at same time, it’s currently unknown if young guns such as David Brooks and Ben Woodburn will play, but one familiar face expected to be named in Robert Page’s squad is Nathan Broadhead, the Bangor-born midfielder playing for Everton’s Under 23s after signing a new three year deal in summer.
Having started his career at Bangor and Wrexham, he joined Everton’s academy aged just 10.
Ticketing details will be released over the coming weeks.