Football

Flashback – 20 years: Three crucial points for Bangor as Robbo strikes late

He did it again: Paul Roberts sealed three points for Bangor. Picture: Citizens Choice

Haverfordwest County 0
Bangor City 1 (Paul Roberts 72)
League of Wales – April 7, 2001

A vital win for Bangor in this LoW encounter played 20 years ago this week which saw Paul Roberts yet again emerge the hero with the winning goal on 72 minutes.

The visitors also took the points thanks largely to a hard-working performance from a makeshift midfield and some confident defending from Clayton Blackmore.

City gave a full debut to young midfielder Ian Burgess who lined up alongside Matthew Bishop and Steve Cooper in the centre, with Graham Brett making a welcome return at right wing-back

The match was dominated by a strong wind which favoured the hosts in the first half and they applied some pressure in the opening quarter with Andrew Hughes and Carl Thomas going close.  

On the half hour Craig Roberts appeared to have lost the ball but his pace unsettled the home defence and he regathered 20 yards out to force a good low save from Ben Miles.

Before half time Blackmore and keeper Paul Evans were called upon as County pressed but again they could not make the pressure pay.

Half-time: Haverfordwest 0 Bangor 0

The second half turnaround meant Bangor had the wind at their backs and were able to apply more pressure.  
Paul Roberts shot wide with one opportunity as he capitalised on some defensive uncertainty.

Then 18 minutes from time, the all-important goal.

Craig Roberts made a run down the left, held the ball up momentarily and then sent a deep cross over which found Bishop in the box.  

The former Swansea apprentice controlled the ball and supplied Paul Roberts who fired past Miles from eight yards out.

Immediately City replaced the tiring Brett  and Paul Sellers with Sean Hazelden and Anthony Hughes.  

Universities defender Hazelden effected two goal-line clearances as the home side pushed for an equaliser.

So a hard fought victory for a much changed City line up which offered real hope for LoW survival entering the final matches.

Bangor: Paul Evans, Graham Brett, Richard Owen, Paul Sellers, Clive Brown, Clayton Blackmore, Matthew Bishop, Steve Cooper, Paul Roberts, Craig Roberts, Ian Burgess. Subs: Sean Hazelden, Anthony Hughes, Jason Anthony.

Many thanks to Mike Smith of the Citizens Choice for report and image

davejones

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