Citizens held on return to league action
BANGOR City finally got their Cymru North campaign under way with a 0-0 draw at Conwy Borough.
The Citizens returned to competitive action following a lengthy dispute with the Football Association of Wales that ended with a successful result from their recent arbitration hearing, but they had to be content with a share of the spoils against a very organised and disciplined Boro side.
The Citizens face another busy week of second tier action that begins with a home tie against Buckley Town on Tuesday, before they make the short trip to Porthmadog on Saturday.
Manager Stephen Vaughan Jr was in reflective mood following the game at Y Morfa.
“A 0-0 draw is not really what we wanted, but credit to Conwy Borough who frustrated us throughout.
“The season has started and two big games coming up this week.”
A cagey opening to the contest saw City striker Ashley Ruane booked for protesting a penalty appeal which the referee was unimpressed with and a superb Corrig McGonigle delivery narrowly evading the head of Sean McCaffrey at the other end.
The competitive affair saw plenty of robust challenges from both sets of players that resulted in yellow cards for Rob Jones and Francesco Serafino, but despite both sides enjoying large portions of possession after the interval neither were able to create a significant chance of note to ensure they shared the spoils on a sweltering day throughout the North Wales region.
The Citizens also announced a double signing ahead of the Boro game.
Damase Kiwanda and James Thomas have been added to the squad in the attack and midfield positions.
Kiwanda has joined from Vauxhall Motors, having previously been in Huddersfield Town’s academy before playing for Hyde United.
The 24-year-old had a spell at Mold Alexandra, scoring six goals in seven games, and has also turned out for Airbus UK.
“Damase is a strong powerful player who can play on the wing or up front,” said manager Vaughan Jr.
“He gives us a really good option across the front line.
“He’s done a chunk of pre-season with us, playing in two games against Llandudno Albion and Tranmere Rovers’ development squad and he’s really impressed me and the other staff – he’s another strong addition to the squad.”
Thomas is another player who has been with the club throughout pre-season, training and playing in friendlies against various opposition.
The 34-year-old joins from South Liverpool FC and has previously played for a number of non-league outfits.
“James has trained with us since the first day back for pre-season,” Vaughan Jr added.
“He’s lost over a stone in weight and has really committed to losing the weight and getting fit.
“He has bags of talent and will, I’m sure, prove to be another good addition to the squad.
“He sees this as his last crack of the whip at this level and he will bring a lot of quality to the setup.”
The transfers are subject to approval from the Football Association of Wales.