Firsts are edged by Timperley

BANGOR CITY Hockey Club men’s first-team succumbed to a narrow 1-0 loss at home against Timperley’s third-string last Saturday.

It was Bangor who began confidently as they pinned Timperley back with their press and created some good chances. Oli Fleming, Dave Paterson and Tom Hughes had shots well saved by the visitors’ keeper, while skipper Ash Hardaker had a well-placed flick palmed away.

After weathering the early storm, the away side had some chances of their own, which did little to trouble the ever-alert City glovesman Rayshauun Suen.

The second half saw the game turn into a far more open affair, which benefited Timperley more than Bangor. And 10 minutes after the restart, they forced the ball over from closerange to take the lead.

Suen pulled off some superb reaction saves to keep City within arm’s length and the home side piled on the pressure during the latter stages.

Tats Greenhalgh, Gwion Jones and Paterson all had shots on target in the last few minutes but, crucially, the Timperley keeper kept them all out to earn his side all three points at the Brailsford Centre.

Bangor’s second-team, who travelled to high-flying Birkenhead two players short of a full 11, went down to a 9-0 loss.

This Saturday sees Bangor travel to Chester’s third-team (2pm), while City’s seconds host their counterparts from Lymm (2.15pm).