Ardal North West – Brickfield, Hawarden and Vale win on the road, 1876 fight back for draw

Ardal North West reports – August 13

Rhostyllen 3 Bangor 1876 3

Report: Jonathan Ervine

A hat-trick from the amazing Corrig McGonigle ensured 1876 recovered from 2-0 and 3-1 down to rescue their unbeaten record in tier 3 with a hard-earned draw at Rhostyllen.

While the Wrexham side had lost their opening two league fixtures, they had played well in both games, so it was no surprise they presented such a tough hurdle for the visitors.

In sweltering conditions, the hosts took the lead in the third minute when a free-kick was swung into the box and side-footed in from the edge of the six yard area by Adam Williams.

Rhostyllen doubled their lead after 10 minutes when the ball was cut back from the left to Tomos Williams, who turned it in at the near post.

In 30 degree heat, Bangor 1876 gradually grew into the game and had a chance when Jamie Petrie crossed from the right but Harry Galeotti’s glanced header went wide.

Just after a drinks break, McGonigle sprinted down the right and broke into the box. He cut inside on his left foot but his shot was saved by home goalkeeper Lee McBurney.

Near the interval, Bangor almost got a goal back after Galeotti crossed from the right but Ben Owen’s flicked effort missed narrowly.

After half-time, Bangor came out keen to make a difference. McGonigle had a shot saved at the near post before Tom Clarke saw a header kept out. McGonigle blasted a shot from the edge of the box which crashed off the crossbar.

However, McGonigle had better luck just before the hour mark when he converted a left wing cross by Gethin Thomas from close range.

With 20 minutes left, Joe Culshaw almost equalised, but his shot was saved by the feet of the home goalkeeper. Moments later, however, the Wrexham outfit extended their advantage after Cian Thomas’ attempted clearance allowed Tomos Williams to score his second.

Despite the blow of conceding against the run of play, 1876 got back into the game almost instantly when McGonigle scored his second.

Minutes later, McGonigle completed his hat-trick with a glancing header following a Galeotti cross from the left for his 12th goal in four matches.

In the closing minutes, Bangor came close to taking the lead after a McGonigle cross was headed over by Clarke.

Two further efforts by Clarke were kept out, including one that was cleared off the line. Despite valiant late pressing, there was not to be a winner and the match finished all-square.

Bodedern Athletic 0 Hawarden Rangers 3

Bodedern suffered their first home league defeat in a long time.

A Casey Boylan own goal in first half added time, plus further net-finders from James Ratcliffe (53 minutes) and Luke Crabtree (57) earned a Hawarden side which had lost their first two league matches maximum points.

Athletic created a good few chances but had one of those rare days where they were profligate in front of goal.

Rhydymwyn 2 Nantlle Vale 3

A good away experience for Nantlle with Ashley Owen, Sion Jones and Guto Gwenallt grabbing the goals which earned them all the spoils.

Iwan Rogers and Matt Gilsenan replied for Rhyd.

Both sides had a player sent off – Rogers for Rhydymwyn and Mathew Davies for the visitors.

CPD Y Felinheli 1 Brickfield Rangers 4

Andy Vale was a hat-trick hero as Brickfield ran out comfortable winners at Cae Seilo.

Harley Steel also netted for Gareth Wilson’s team for the third match in a row.

Ifan Emyr was Felin’s sole marksman, making it 1-1 midway through the first half, but Vale edged Bricky in front just before the interval.