Nine-man Citizens exit cup as dismal run continues
BANGOR City’s disappointing form continued as they were beaten in the Welsh Cup at the second-round stage by Prestatyn Town.
The pressure on new boss Pedro Pasculli increased as the runaway Cymru North leaders, who made the most of their numerical advantage after City were reduced to nine men during the tie, ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.
They now turn their attentions to improving their second tier form this Saturday when City entertain a dangerous Gresford Athletic side at Nantporth.
Midfielder Rob Hughes was the first to go close for the away side, flashing an effort into the side-netting on seven minutes, but they did not have to wait much longer for the breakthrough which arrived through Jack Kenny with 11 on the clock.
City duo Francesco Serafino and Aldair Neto looked lively at the other end following the goal, but despite getting into some promising positions they were unable to find a route past the resolute Town rearguard, who were marshalled superbly by former Wales C international Kai Edwards throughout.
Visiting stopper Jon Rushton had to be at his best to keep out a Massimo Sammartino attempt from point blank range midway through the half, and the same player tested the ex-Connah’s Quay Nomads player again soon after when his latest opportunity was comfortably diverted.
Pavel Vieira and Neto almost took advantage of some careless defending on 31 and 33 minutes only for the Town back-line to recover just in time, but a significant turning point came just before the break when combative midfielder Yalany Baio was shown a second yellow card leaving the Citizens’ with ten men.
After the break saw the away side take further control of the contest on 55 minutes when Jack Higgins was sent through and delivered a chip over Gabriel Bruno to double their tally.
The tie was settled on 80 minutes when Alex Jones headed in a longrange delivery from Dan Roberts, shortly after Vieira received his marching orders for a second bookable offence.
Off the field, president Dominico Serafino has issued an apology to a former groundsman regarding unpaid wages.
The Citizens confirmed that the previously unresolved financial obligations towards Mike Frazer have now been settled, which was believed to be upwards of £30,000, according to sources.
Mr Serafino took over from Vaughan Sports Management earlier this year and has immediately tried to restore respectability to the set-up following a turbulent twoyear stint that saw them drop from Cymru Premier runners-up to facing the prospect of Welsh Alliance football before their 42-point deduction was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
This is the latest positive move from the new owner, who has ousted manager Stephen Vaughan Jr and Max Leghissa from their respective positions and installed World Cup winner Pasculli as their new boss.
He has also invited Mr Frazer back to the fold, but recognised that both he and the club must “rebuild trust” as they attempt to move forward.