Shaun hopes goal will boost Bangor career
Football: Welsh Premier League
BANGOR City’s match-winning hero Shaun Cavanagh hopes his crucial late goal in the Boxing Day victory over Llandudno will convince manager Ian Dawes he is worth a run in the first team.
The 19-year-old local lad, who has progressed through the ranks at Nantporth, made just his fourth appearance of the season on Monday - all as a substitute.
He marked the occasion with an 85th-minute decider via a composed left-foot finish, making it four goals in 29 games for the Citizens - 21 of those outings coming from the bench.
After the match Cavanagh was understandably delighted.
“I’m really pleased, it was really important we got the three points,” he said.
“It was the kind of game where we had lots of chances but nothing was quite going in, then when that penalty decision went for them - and I didn’t think it was the correct decision - fair play to the lads they got back into the game.
“It was nice to get that goal when I came on and hopefully proved to the gaffer than I’m capable of playing in this league.”
Cavanagh had only been on the park for five minutes - replacing Brazilian Rodrigo Blanco - when his magic moment arrived.
He recalled: “I saw the centre half stepping out, I asked Brayden (Shaw) to put it through, and I was too far out to shoot first time, so I worked the ball onto my left foot, hoped for the best, swung my leg and it went in.
“It was a great feeling to do it for another great crowd here at Bangor.”
Cavanagh hopes to get more minutes when City play the return clash at Llandudno on New Year’s Day.
“It will be another hard fixture to get another three points, but we take each game as it comes.
“Hopefully we can get something there and keep it going till the end of the season.”
Manager Dawes was full of praise for Cavanagh, saying: “I felt all three subs made an impact when they came on.
“Shaun’s had to be very patient in waiting for his chance, but he’s a great prospect and took his opportunity really well.”