Hat-trick of wins puts Bangor on front foot
BANGOR City were set to host Porthmadog last night (Tuesday), buoyed by three straight wins which have secured them the early leadership of the Huws Gray Alliance.
The Citizens’ latest success was a 3-1 verdict at Guilsfield last Saturday.
With Yalany Baio serving a one-match ban and Marc Williams injured, Tom Field partnered Sam Dool in a new-look midfield.
City steadily took control as the first half developed and, 10 minutes before the interval, had the lead.
A Field corner was headed home emphatically by Andy Jones from six yards.
Guilsfield nearly responded through Chris Cathrall, but new keeper Chris Mullock grabbed his low shot at the second attempt.
Dool almost embarrassed debutant goalkeeper Mike Jones with a lofted effort which the glovesman let slip through his fingers and grabbed gratefully off the upright.
After the restart it was Guilsfield who settled fastest, with Cathrall shooting over from the edge of the box.
In the 65th minute Field ran down the left and released Robbie Parry, whose drive forced a good save from Jones. Two minutes later it was 2-0 to Bangor as Jacob Farleigh created an opening which Parry smashed home.
Dool was denied a penalty for what appeared a clear trip in the area from Callum Bromley.
City sent on Alex Boss for man-of-the-match Parry and a third goal promptly arrived on 79 minutes as Robbie James deflected the ball into his own net under pressure from Andy Jones.
Guilsfield had the last word, with Cathrall, who weaved his way through and this time finished with a low drive beyond Mullock.
Last Tuesday saw Bangor edge a 2-1 win at Ruthin Town.
With the wind at their backs, City got off to the best possible start as Sam Barnes headed home from Jake Phillips’ long throw inside two minutes.
And, on eight minutes, it was same again as centre-half Barnes nodded in from another Phillips missile.
Bangor continued to press and twice went close from distance before an Alex Darlington 20-yarder hit the post.
Ruthin rallied a little towards the interval but, overall, Bangor could feel slightly disappointed they had only two goals to show for their dominance.
After the break, Ruthin seemed to grow in confidence and certainly had more of the ball.
On 79 minutes, Llyr Morris netted from close range to set up an anxious closing quarter hour for the 150-plus Bangor fans pitchside.
A minute from time, controversy as Yalany Baio clearly tripped a breaking Ruthin striker and was duly yellowcarded.
The offended Town player pushed Baio over and was yellow-carded for violent conduct.
Then Baio was shown a second yellow. Bangor are due to visit Denbigh Town this Friday (7.45pm).