Citizens show true grit in cup fightback
BANGOR City will be out to prove their cup victory over Gresford Athletic last Friday was no fluke when they travel to face the Wrexham area side in a Huws Gray Alliance League clash this Saturday (2.30pm).
City were up against it when they went 3-1 down at home to Gresford in last weekend’s Huws Gray Cup tie at Nantporth, but Craig Harrison’s side fought back to win a thrilling encounter 5-3.
Bangor started the stronger and, on the 15-minute mark, took the lead through midfielder Steven Hewitt.
This sparked Gresford, who exploited some very weak defending from the home rearguard. On 19 minutes, Kieran Evans levelled the scores. A minute later, Sam Molyneux put Athletic ahead as the Blues defence dithered. Things went from bad to much worse three minutes later as former Airbus midfielder Jack Chaloner made it 3-1.
In the 26th minute the fightback began as Marc Williams set up Les Davies, who headed home his third of the season.
It was 3-2 to Gresford at half time, but City manager Harrison’s interval team-talk obviously had the desired effect as the hosts controlled the second period.
On the hour, the home side drew level as Sam Barnes headed home from a corner.
Then, on 62 minutes, came the goal of the night as Robbie Parry swept home beyond Gresford keeper Ben Jones.
Athletic had loud appeals for a penalty waved away before Bangor pressed for a fifth. Davies nodded down but Williams fired off target. Midfielder Hewitt released Lee Owens, who, in turn, found Jacob Farleigh, but his shot lacked any malice.
It was Bangor who had the final say as young Farleigh netted his fourth goal of the season to make it 5-3 and secure a place in the quarter-finals, where the Citizens will visit Prestatyn Town.
A hard-fought victory for Bangor, some poor defending but a spirited fightback and one which uniquely featured five individual goalscorers.
City fans will hope the result can serve as a turning point and that much-needed league points can be picked up at Gresford this Saturday.