Bangor reflect on heavy defeat
... and Hotspur stay marooned at bottom after Guilsfield loss
AFTER several creditable displays, Bangor City were left with plenty to ponder after slipping to a painful 4-0 Huws Gray Alliance defeat against Ruthin Town at Llandudno, writes John Bridgwater.
Two early goals from Llyr Morris followed by a Ryan Jones free kick on the stroke of half time and an Ilan Hughes penalty early in the second period secured a convincing victory for Ruthin.
Still unable to play at their Nantporth base, City switched the encounter to Llandudno’s Maesdu Park – their third different ‘home’ ground this season.
And they were soon chasing the game as the visitors found the net after just one minute when Morris opened his account with a neat finish following a swift move.
The visitors then doubled their advantage on 13 minutes through Morris’ second, and a free kick from Jones made it three at the break.
City’s cause was also not helped with defender Michael Johnston forced off in the first half through injury.
There was no way back once Hughes slotted in a penalty eight after the break following a defensive mix-up as Ruthin continued to look lively going forward.
A young City, who had plenty of the ball, battled hard, but were unable to find a way through at the other end, with Gary TaylorFletcher going closest when heading against the bar.
Holyhead Hotspur continue to find themselves marooned at the foot of the table after slumping 4-1 at home to Guilsfield.
After a goalless first half, the Guils prevailed with a brace from Jake Cook, with Jack Richards and Steve Blenkinsop getting the others. Mel McGinness had put Holyhead level.
Porthmadog – who announced management changes during the week – are up to third after their 3-0 success at Denbigh Town.
Julian Williams nodded Port in front from a Sion Edwards assist on 24 minutes and the same player doubled the lead with another header soon after the break.
The points were in the bag midway through the second period when Iwan Lewis supplied a smart finish, making it back-to-back wins for Port.
Next season, Porthmadog’s reserve team boss Sion Eifion Jones – who holds the required UEFA B Licence – will take over the senior side from Craig Papyrnik who will remain on the coaching staff.
Airbus UK Broughton remain seven points clear at the top after edging out Rhyl 1-0 at the Hollingsworth Group Stadium.
They were made to battle all the way, but Nathan Woolfe’s strike on 62 minutes proved enough to earn a crucial three points.
Flint Town United stayed in sight of the pacesetters after securing a 1-0 success at Conwy Borough, with Richie Foulkes’ penalty on 36 minutes enough to earn the visitors the spoils in a hard-fought affair.
Gresford Athletic stretched their unbeaten run to 12 games after a late Tom Freeman free kick rescued a 1-1 draw at home to Llanrhaeadr who had taken the lead through Kyham Wyton.
Prestatyn Town were frustrated in a 0-0 draw at struggling Penrhyncoch, but could take positives from a solid defensive display at Cae Baker.
Holywell Town remain deep in basement danger after their 2-0 loss at home to Buckley Town who continued their unbeaten run of form.
The visitors were in front after just a minute through Jake Roberts and, after the Wellmen had Steve Lewis dismissed on the hour, Shaun Tinsley sealed victory three minutes later.