Bangor back on track as Airbus lead trimmed
SAM JONES STRIKE SEALS FIRST WIN IN FOUR OUTINGS AT IN-FORM CONWY
BANGOR City produced a terrific allround effort to get back on track in the Huws Gray Alliance with a timely 1-0 success away to in-form Conwy Borough.
Sam Jones’ strike midway through the second half earned the Citizens a first win in four outings, and a double over Conwy.
Conwy, whose boss Warren Gibbs was named manager of the month for January, had their chances, notably when Corrig McConigle had a penalty saved by Nathan Wolland six minutes from time.
But Bangor, with former Citizens defender Michael Johnston one of three debutants, showed plenty of resolve following a tough few weeks that included exits in the Welsh Cup and Huws Gray Cup.
And they gained their reward on 67 minutes as young forward Jones continued his fine form, producing a neat finish after being put through to sentence Conwy to a first defeat in seven outings. Bangor now lie third, nine points behind Airbus but with a game in hand over them and second-place Flint.
Porthmadog notched their first win in five outings as they stayed in sight of the leaders in fourth position with a 2-0 home success over bottom side Holyhead Hotspur.
A goal in each half from Sion Edwards (24), and Iwan Lewis (65), and some smart saves from Paul Pritchard, saw Port bag the points against the Huws Gray cup finalists, keeping the Traeth men three points off second spot.
Both sides had their chances, but the hosts were more clinical in front of goal, with Edwards netting from the edge of the box while Lewis converted after good work from Rob Evans.
High-fliers Airbus UK Broughton have seen their lead at the top trimmed to seven points after being pegged back by a last-gasp leveller in their 1-1 draw at Guilsfield.
The Wingmakers carved a 14thminute lead courtesy of a Lewis Buckley goal, an advantage they held until the last minute when Robbie James pounced to salvage the Guils a share of the spoils.
Now in range of the leaders are Flint Town United, who kept up the pressure in second spot following their 2-0 success against Rhyl at Cae-y-Castell.
After a goalless first half, Ieuan Hewitt put the Silkmen in front seven minutes into the second period before a Richie Foulkes penalty five minutes later wrapped up the points.
A last-gasp headed goal from Dave Hughes secured Prestatyn Town a 2-1 over struggling Denbigh Town, who slipped deeper into relegation danger.
It was tough on the lowly visitors who had battled manfully after playing much of the second half with 10 men with Kristian Pierce sent off for a second caution on 57 minutes.
Trailing to a 26th-minute goal from Jack Higgins after the defence had failed to clear, Denbigh dug deep after the break and earned parity six minutes from time with a terrific free kick from Pat Hinchcliffe.
They looked to have a valuable point in their grasp before Hayes pounced to nod in from a corner in the dying moments.
A stunning free-kick from Simon Smith two minutes from time earned injury-hit Gresford Athletic a battling 1-1 draw with Holywell Town at Clappers Lane. The Wellmen had taken the lead on 77 minutes through a Steve Lewis penalty.
Buckley Town secured a 1-0 win at Ruthin Town, with defender Luke Blizzard finding a way past in-form keeper Ryan Goldston when he stooped to nod in after his first shot had been blocked from a 51st minute corner.
Llanrhaeadr took another step towards league survival after hitting back to defeat fellow strugglers Penrhyncoch 2-1 at Treflan.
Having overcome lowly Denbigh Town the week before, it was another big win for Llan, who showed plenty of resolve after trailing to Steff Davies’ 17th-minute strike.
They were back on terms at the break when captain Joe Vaughan converted a rebound after keeper Cledan Davies had saved Sam Thomas’ free kick.
Then, after the Roosters had forward Jonathan Evans sent off for his second booking, the hosts were in front on 68 minutes as Khyam Wyton poked in from close range after a defensive muddle.