Flashback – 5 years ago: Early Elstone strike seals Bangor City points at Carmarthen

Carmarthen Town 0
Bangor City 1 (Elstone 2)
Welsh Premier League – March 5, 2016

Mike Elstone’s second-minute goal was enough to secure City three points in this Welsh Premier clash at Richmond Park back in 2015-16.

With Dec Walker, Ryan Edwards and Sion Edwards injured or suspended, City kept faith with Adam Cummins at the back and drafted in young attackers Shaun Cavanagh and Elstone in a strike force which also featured Steve Lewis and Rio Ahmadi.

Ahmadi and Lewis forged an opening for 17-year-old former Crewe prospect Elstone, who put City ahead inside two minutes with a calm finish through the legs of goalkeeper Lee Idzi, who rushed out to narrow the angle.

The Old Gold forged an opening when a long throw from Jordan Knott bounced through the blues defence only for Liam Thomas to lift his shot over from 10 yards.

On the half hour the home side went close to an equaliser as Mark Jones headed wide from Ceri Morgan’s free kick.
Despite staying well on top in the remainder of the first half Bangor could not add to their early strike.

Half-time: 0-1

Carmarthen came out with a sense of purpose and won a free kick on the edge of the box but Mark Jones’ effort was blocked by the Bangor wall.

Moments later another opportunity for the home side via a free kick slightly further out but Morgan blasted high over Connor Roberts’ bar.

Play remained evenly balanced as Carmarthen sought an equaliser but Bangor battled to hold onto the lead.

Roberts safely pouched a corner but moments later, with 10 minutes left on the clock, substitute Luke Prosser headed wide from close range as the pressure began to mount.

With five minutes left to play a first change for Bangor as Chris Jones replaced Cavanagh. Moments later Lewis nipped the ball away from Dwayne Bailey and might have sealed the win but sent his shot across goal and just wide.

On 90 minutes another change for Bangor as Christian Langos replaced Ahmadi.

And that was about it, added time came and went before referee Kris Hames blew for full time.

Match-winner Elstone played just the one season for Bangor, scoring three goals in 14 outings. He later progressed up to U23 level with Fulham and has since worn the colours of Marine, Glossop. Hyde United, Curzon Ashton and Trafford.

Bangor: Connor Roberts, Adam Cummins, Sam Hart, Leon Clowes, Ashley Young, Anthony Miley, Shaun Cavanagh (Chris Jones 85), Damien Allen, Rio Ahmadi (Christian Langos 90), Steve Lewis, Mike Elstone.

Thanks to Mike Smith of the Citizens Choice for report