Bodedern Athletic’s unbeaten league record falls at last hurdle as 1876 enjoy taste of revenge

NORTH WALES COAST WEST LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – MAY 7, 2022

Bangor 1876 3 (McGonigle 38, Edwards 52, Jones 56)

Bodedern Athletic 1 (Evans 44)

Bodedern are deserved champions but at least runners-up Bangor 1876 ended the campaign with the satisfaction of halting the title-winners’ long-standing unbeaten record.

Before Saturday’s clash at Treborth, Athletic had astonishing stats of 26 wins and a draw from 27 matches.

However, 1876 had lost twice in the league term before welcoming the title-winners and that proved crucial as they finish up five points behind Boded.

After applauding the champions onto the pitch at Treborth, 1876 wasted little time before going on the attack.

In the seventh minute, Sion Edwards swung in a cross that almost led to the opening goal but Les Davies’ header struck the crossbar.

Bodedern created some chances at the other end and on 20 minutes Ben Heald did well to save a free kick from Marc Evans.

Midway through the opening period, Bangor 1876 twice went close to scoring.

First of all, Corey McGonigle headed wide after Joe Culshaw had swung in a free-kick. Only a minute later, Bodedern defender Casey Boylan was very close to turning the ball into his own net following a corner from Edwards.

Just before the half hour, Bodedern’s Sam Gregson made a run down the left and cut inside. However, the Caernarfon Town Development team player’s shot was charged down by Culshaw. Gregson had another try a few minutes later but his effort was saved by Heald.

In the 38th minute, the deadlock was broken when McGonigle nodded in his 30th goal for 1876.

Bodedern drew level six minutes later when Marc Evans broke into the left side of the Bangor 1876 box before rounding Heald and scoring from a tight angle for his 61st goal in all competitions.

Just before the interval, the Anglesey visitors were reduced to 10 men when Declan Jones was sent off for tripping McGonigle just outside the penalty area when the striker was about to run through on goal.

HALF-TIME: Bangor 1876 1-1 Bodedern

After the break, 1876 sought to move the ball swiftly and make their numerical advantage count.

Seven minutes into the second half, they regained the lead after Edwards met a cross from Harry Galeotti with a powerful low shot.

Within four minutes, 1876 were 3-1 up. Corey Jones netted from close range following a corner from Edwards.

Midway through the second period, Davies’ shot from the edge of the penalty area struck the post and stayed out.

Although 1876 enjoyed the majority of the possession after the break, visitors Bodedern remained a threat on the counter and some resolute defending was required to keep them out.

A good end to the season for 1876, but the major prize had been won by Bodedern eight days earlier.