Match of the Day: Llannefydd knock Bangor 1876 out of FAW Amateur Trophy

FAW AMATEUR TROPHY ROUND FOUR
Llannefydd 3 (Morris 3 & 44; Appleby 21)
Bangor 1876 1 (Corey Jones 80)

Report: Dr Jonathan Ervine

For just the third time in 42 matches since they formed Bangor 1876 ended up a losing side today.

Fellow tier 4 team Llannefydd defeated the fan-owned club 3-1 in the last 32 of the FAW Trophy.

The only defeats in 1876’s debut season of 2019-20 came in the Trophy and Welsh Cup against higher-level Llanrwst United and Ruthin Town respectively.

The start of this season had seen Bangor establish a 100% record of 11 straight wins in all competitions, but they met their match in Gwyndaf Pritchard’s Llannefydd, leaders of the North Wales Coast East Premier Division.

The hosts made a lively start and took the lead after three minutes. A free-kick was swung in from the left and Llion Morris rose highest to head in the opener.

After 17 minutes, Chris Jones turned and shot from the edge of the penalty area but home goalkeeper Elias Jones saved well.

Within a minute, Tom Clarke headed goalwards following a corner but the Llannefydd defence managed to clear.

Shortly after these two chances for 1876, the hosts doubled their advantage after a quick break. Morris this time turned provider as he played in strike partner Luke Appleby, who finished well.

Bangor sought to gain a foothold in the game and Cameron Barry had a shot saved before a Clarke header was tipped over the bar by home keeper Jones on an afternoon when he pulled off a string of impressive saves.

Shortly afterwards, it was visiting goalkeeper Mark Hawkins who had to look lively as Appleby broke through and had a great chance to score his second. However, Hawkins this time came out on top.

On the stroke of half-time, Llannefydd again showed their ruthlessness in front of goal as they added a third. A shot from the edge of the penalty area was kept out by Hawkins, but Morris was on hand to turn in the rebound from close range.

Half-time: 3-0

Harry Galeotti replaced Barry at half-time as 1876 sought to use the recent signing’s pace on the left.

But it was the hosts who threatened first and came close to extending their advantage. Six minutes into the second period, Morris came close to crowning a fine performance with a hat-trick goal after a cross from the right, but his shot hit the outside of the post.

Two minutes later, defender Cian Williams came close to reducing the arrears at the other end following a corner but his shot was cleared off the line. Soon afterwards, Galeotti broke into the left-side of the penalty area but his strike was well saved by Elias Jones.

Clarke and Jones went close for the visitors to no avail.

A goal for 1876 did finally arrive within the last 10 minutes as Corey Jones netted a rebound from close range after Jones had saved a Les Davies free-kick.

After finally managing to breach the home defence, 1876 went in search of a goal that would have set up a grandstand finish. However, they continued to be thwarted by a home goalkeeper who was in inspired form.

Davies headed just wide before Llannefydd’s goalkeeper pulled off the save of the afternoon when he managed to palm away a header from Clarke that looked as if it was about to create late excitement.

At the other end, Llannefydd almost put the result beyond doubt when substitute Nico Clwyd made space just outside the box and curled in a shot that cracked against the frame of the goal and rebounded to safety.