Flashback – 10 years ago: Jamie Reed’s late pair make it 15 straight wins for Bangor

Aberystwyth Town 1 (Evans 43)
Bangor City 3 (Davies 24, Reed 90 & 90 +)
Welsh Premier League – December 11, 2010

Two injury time goals from Jamie Reed ensured Bangor made it a top-flight modern-day British record 15 straight wins from the start of the season.

It had been a remarkable run for Neville Powell’s side and this victory at Aberystwyth was the most thrilling of the lot.

City had to find a winner despite being down to 10 men from 65 minutes when goalkeeper Paul Smith was shown a red card by referee Dean John.

On a heavy surface both sides had early chances with Reed and then Gareth Hughes for Town going close – the latter from halfway – before the hugely influential Les Davies crashed a 25-yarder wide.

Lewis Codling, one of a trio of former Everton youngsters in the home side, went close twice inside a minute.

First Smith ran out to clear then it was Michael Johnston whose perfectly-timed tackle epitomised his performance.

Bangor responded with another low drive from Davies which crashed wide once more.

Former Farrar Road favourite Ricky Evans was on fine form and he was alert to a rare loose ball from Dave Morley and forced a full-length save from Smith.

Again a low corner sped across the goalmouth with no-one able to get a touch for the home side.

In the 24th minute, City snatched the lead. Smith’s high clearance was controlled by Les Davies who turned Sion James, cut inside Aneurin Thomas and unleashed a fierce low drive which beat Stephen Cann all ends up from 12 yards.

Reed cut in from the left, Chris Roberts crossed but Cann pulled off a great save from Alan Bull.

The pacey Codling again caused problems but Craig Williams failed to capitalise. Reed then created an opening, but Bull was again denied by Cann. Chances galore.

With five minutes remaining Reed’s back-heel was repelled and Nicky Ward’s shot blocked.

Two minutes before the interval Aber drew level. Midfield dynamo Adam Pepper delivered a corner from the right and Ricky Evans reacted first to guide a low shot into the back of the net.

Bangor tried to respond, Bull’s header was pushed away, but the whistle blew at one-all.

Half-time: 1-1

After the break Smith’s long clearance was headed on by Davies but Reed shot at Cann and the chance went.

On 65 minutes disaster struck for the blues. The pacey Codling raced down the right and cut across Smith who clearly tripped the little whippet just outside the box. Free kick, and, despite the presence of Morley, a red card for Smith.

Up stepped Peter Hoy to don the gloves and green jersey. Bangor down to 10 men and Aber sensed their chance.

The next 20 or so minutes were a catalogue of chances missed and cards shown. On 70 minutes Clive Williams came on for Bull and made a huge impression at right back, winning headers and tackles as if his life depended on it.

Ten minutes later Aber’s sole replacement Ryan Marriott came on for Aneurin Thomas as the hosts committed themselves to attack, but City defended strongly and carved out some openings themselves.

But on 90 minutes it was 1-1 and Bangor’s winning streak looked set to end at 14.

However, this team was used to victory and leading goalscorer Reed gathered a Ward free kick, turned and fired home from the left.

Minutes later Ward won the ball on the edge of the Bangor box to send a long clearance down the left.

This was gathered by Reed, who ignored shouts to take the ball to the corner by charging around Craig Williams, switching the ball onto his right foot before thrashing a low shot past Cann for an unbelievable third goal.

There were some wild scenes as home players collapsed on the pitch in disbelief while Bangor players and supporters celebrated a 15th league win on the bounce.

Aberystwyth: Stephen Cann, Gareth Hughes, Michael Howard, Aneurin Thomas (Ryan Marriott 70), James McCarten, Sion James, Craig Williams, Lewis Codling, Adam Pepper, Ricky Evans, Steff Edwards.

Bangor: Paul Smith, Peter Hoy, Chris Roberts, Dave Morley, Michael Johnston, Craig Garside, Jamie Reed, Alan Bull (Clive Williams 70), Les Davies (Sion Edwards 90), Nicky Ward, Chris Jones (Eddie Jebb 55).