Pascarella double seals Citizens’win
BANGOR City were tested before eventually securing a 2-0 victory at Nefyn United in the Welsh Cup.
The Citizens withstood a significant onslaught from the Gwynedd League side to reach the second round stage, which was manager Pedro Pasculli’s first win since taking over at the helm from Stephen Vaughan Jr.
City now turn their attentions to improving their Cymru North fortunes during their next outing, which sees them make a trickylooking trip to Penrhyncoch on Saturday (2.30pm).
The visitors almost broke the deadlock on 11 minutes when Francesco Leghissa failed to convert from close range after good work from Aldair Neto, with Franceso Serafino’s effort brilliantly saved just a minute later.
A ferocious free-kick attempt by Neto rattled the cross bar following another spell of possession on the quarter hour mark, but the home side gradually grew into the game and created a number of slight chances towards the end of the first period that they were unable to convert.
Young stopper Jack Atkinson produced a great save to deny the home side a shock opener on 48 minutes to keep his side on level terms, and Piero Cauterucci missed a glorious opportunity at the other end moments later when put through on goal.
Leghissa and skipper Pavel Vieira went close for the away side on the hour mark in quick succession as the danger was eventually averted, but they finally made the most of a chance on 71 minutes when Serafino’s superb delivery was steered in by substitute Salvatore Pascarella to give City a slender lead heading into the closing stages.
The hosts gave it a real go, but the Citizens’ rear-guard held firm and they pulled further clear in stoppage time when Yalany Baio teed up Pascarella for his second of the tie.
Bangor City have been drawn at home to face Cymru North leaders Prestatyn Town in the next round.
The club announced last week the return of long-serving former secretary, Alun Griffiths.
Griffiths previously served the club for 25 years before a 10-year break, however is now looking forward to returning to City and the new challenges that await.
In a statement, Bangor City said: “The club would therefore like to wish a warm welcome to Alun Griffiths as he returns.”