Bodedern triumph in clash of Premier giants – two Marc Evans penalties seal victory

North Wales Coast West League Premier Division

Bodedern Athletic 3 (Thomas 9, Evans 2 pens 73 & 86)
Bangor 1876 2 (Chris Jones pen 54, Edwards 60)

Two second-half penalties from Marc Evans not only ensured Bodedern stretched their perfect record to 13 straight wins and went top of the table, they also became the first team ever to beat Bangor 1876 in a league game.

A tremendous battle at Cae Ty Cristion ended in favour of the Anglesey villagers and meant that after winning 28 and drawing one of 29 league matches since forming in 2019-20, 1876’s proud unbeaten record ended at the 30th hurdle.

Bodedern manager Ricky Williams praised the performance of both sides, but stressed the result meant little in terms of the overall Premier Division title race.

“We were expecting a tough game and that’s what we got,” he said. “They’re (1876) a good side, no doubt about it, but I thought we fully deserved to win. We played some good stuff at times today in poor conditions.

“It’s another win on the board but nothing is won after today. There is a lot of football to be played and we’re aware of that. We’ll enjoy tonight and look to get a positive result in Pwllheli next week.”

Hosts Bodedern took the lead in the ninth minute. The ball was worked across to the right side of the penalty area towards Asa Thomas, who scored his 32nd goal of the season with a powerful low shot.

The islanders continued to press, and Ben Heald did well to tip away a shot from midfielder Sam Gregson.

However, the opening period also saw some chances for 1876.

Sion Edwards was looking lively on the left wing and twice came close. An attempted lob from almost 25 yards skimmed the top of the netting before the recent signing from Colwyn Bay went near with a shot across the face of goal.

HALF-TIME: Bodedern 1-0 Bangor 1876

After the break, Bangor 1876 showed a clear sense of determination to get back into the game. Nine minutes into the second period, they equalised from the penalty spot.

Following a handball, Chris Jones stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Six minutes later, 1876 took the lead. A ball through the middle looked like it was going to lead to a chance for Jamie Petrie to go through on goal.

However, after he was floored by a strong challenge the ball broke to Edwards, who managed to poke the ball through legs of home keeper Carl Jones and into the net.

Not long afterwards, a glancing header from Sam Roberts went close to making it 3-1 but his effort drifted just wide of the far post.

With 17 minutes left, the hosts had an opportunity to bring themselves level after a foul adjudged to be inside the area resulted in a spot kick being awarded. Home striker Evans made no mistake from 12 yards.

Soon after Edwards again showed his pace down the left, but unfortunately pulled up with an injury and had to be substituted.

As the clock ticked down, both sides pressed. Heald saved well with his feet before with five minutes left, the home side again broke into the box and were awarded a second spot-kick after the keeper was adjudged to have committed a foul.

Evans stepped up to send his side back into the lead with his 38th goal of the campaign.

In the time that remained, Bangor had several chances to get the ball into the box from free kicks but were unable to create any more clear opportunities.

Victory for Boded and the home fans celebrated wildly.

Teams

Bodedern Athletic

Carl Jones, Eric Leach. Joe Caven, Ryan Lees, James McMinimee, Ryan Taylor, Sam Gregson, Asa Thomas, Marc Evans, Jordie Murphy (Tom Wood 83), Casey Boylan.

Other subs: Declan Jones, Sean Pritchard, Casey Gregg, Shaun Jenkins.

Bangor 1876

Ben Heald, Joe Culshaw, Shaun Lock, Ben Owen (Dylan Williams 82), Corey Jones, Tom Clarke, Jamie Petrie, Chris Jones, Les Davies, Sam Roberts, Sion Edwards (Cameron Barry 76).

Other subs: Aaron Heald, Cian Williams, Michael Johnston.