Flashback – 10 years ago: First home defeat of the season for title-chasing Bangor

Bangor City 1 (Davies 28)
Neath 2 (O’Leary 61, Trundle 75)
Welsh Premier League – March 5, 2011

After 11 straight home league wins, title-chasing Bangor had their spotless run at Farrar Road ended by a talented Neath outfit on this date 10 years ago.

The Eagles started strongly and after three minutes winger Chris Jones ran through and shot low at Paul Smith, who held confidently.

Attacking the Farrar End, the blues failed to trouble Lee Idzi until the 18th minute when first Alan Bull and then Nicky Ward, the latter off an inch-perfect pass from Les Davies, forced last gasp saves.

City pressed through long throws from Peter Hoy and when Neath countered Michael Johnston and Chris Jones had the knack of being in the right place at the right time.

Bangor took the lead on 28 minutes. Right back Ian Hillier fouled Alan Bull and Ward delivered an inswinging freekick which Les Davies headed home Billy Telford style. An old fashioned centre forward’s goal if ever there was.

Before the break Hoy set off on a marauding run from right back which ended in a crossfield ball to goalscorer Davies but his long range left footer served only to stir the crowd at the Farrar End. Then Dave Morley went down in the box but referee Mike Jones ruled against the penalty appeals.

On the stroke of the interval Neath had the ball in the back of the net but Mr Jones had already blown for a sliding challenge by Paul Fowler on Jamie Brewerton.

Half-time: Bangor 1 Neath 0

Early in the second half, the visitors’ Chris Jones saw his shot strike the crossbar and hacked clear. Next Jones was in again but Hoy swept across to clear, a feat he repeated moments later.

But on 61 minutes Neath drew level as Kristian O’Leary headed home from a rare corner.

Bangor tried to respond as a deep cross from Hoy found Davies, but he headed across goal. Bangor boss Nev Powell had seen enough and sent Craig Garside on for Darren Moss in midfield.

Lee Trundle was drifting in and out of the game but his shot needed a decisive block from Johnston.

With 20 minutes left a double change as wingers Eddie Jebb and Sion Edwards came on for Jones and Ward.

Within moments left winger Edwards sent over an inviting cross met by Davies at the back post but his right footer was palmed down and away by Idzi.

Garside fired high and wide from a Hoy cross but it was Neath who had something to cheer when Hillier’s diagonal ball broke for Trundle on the left. The Liverpudlian kept his composure to slot home past Smith and sent the visitors bench dancing and bellowing in delight.

Bangor were behind but determined to get something out of the game. Hoy’s long throw fell to Edwards but he fired over. Brewerton then headed narrowly off target.

Chris Roberts fired over from outside the box and four added minutes were signalled – six were played – as Neath tried to kill the game but despite a couple of late corners and skirmishes the travellers stood firm and took all three points back to The Gnoll.

Bangor: Paul Smith, Peter Hoy, Chris Roberts, Dave Morley, James Brewerton, Darren Moss (Craig Garside 63), Chris Jones (Sion Edwards 63), Alan Bull, Les Davies, Nicky Ward (Eddie Jebb 68), Michael Johnston.

Attendance: 775.

Thanks to Mike Smith of the Citizens Choice website for another fine report