Ardal North West – great wins for Bangor 1876, Llay Welfare, Nantlle Vale and Bodedern

ARDAL NORTH WEST REPORTS – OCTOBER 8

Saltney Town 2 Bangor 1876 4

Report and photos: Matt Johnson

Undefeated 1876 made it six league matches unbeaten with a hard-fought success in the Flintshire borderlands.

The hosts opened the scoring in the 31st minute when one of their attacks down the left wing led to Tom Rowlands firing a low shot past keeper Huw Shaw.

1876 then increased their attacking pressure. A positive outcome arrived in the 38th minute when Les Davies scored an equaliser with a powerful header.

The ball took a circuitous route over the line via the crossbar and the back of home keeper Alex Swindell.

The visitors ended the half strongly as Liam Morris almost scored with a long range effort that Swindell saved well.

In the 48th minute Corrig McGonigle calmly put 1876 into the lead with a penalty awarded for a foul on Morris.

The visitors continued to attack, the efforts of Luke Steele particularly noticeable as he once again showed his midfield mettle.

Edwards and Morris made some great runs with the ball at their feet. McGonigle also looked sharp and dangerous as part of several threatening breaks.

Saltney also added to the entertainment. They won an indirect free kick in the away penalty area that caused 1876 to fear the worst, but the final shot was wayward.

Town were reduced to 10 on 82 minutes when Matthew Woodward received a second yellow card.

Soon after, Saltney substitute Ryan Hassett also received his marching orders.

In the 83rd, McGonigle extended the 1876 lead with another penalty – his 24th goal of the season – and five minutes later Harry Galeotti curled the ball past the keeper with the outside of his foot to give the scoreline a very pleasing, if somewhat flattering, air for the 1876 faithful.

Hayden Hughes, Saltney’s second half substitute, completed the scoring in injury time with a header.

Nantlle Vale 3 Brickfield Rangers 1

Second-place Nantlle Vale again proved their great early season form is no fluke as they saw off fellow high-flyers Brickfield at Maes Dulyn.

Hat-trick hero Ashley Owen put the hosts ahead on 10 minutes from the penalty spot.

Kian Davies levelled on the quarter-hour, but a second Owen pen on 25 made it 2-1.

And in the 35th minute, Owen completed a treble with his ninth goal of the campaign.

The second half brought numerous substitutions, but no goals.

Bodedern Athletic 4 Rhostyllen 1

Bodedern were delighted to get back to winning ways after five straight league losses.

With a stronger squad available than in recent weeks, the Anglesey side took a ninth minute lead via Shaun Jenkins.

It was 1-0 at half time, but on 57 minutes Casey Gregg doubled the home tally.

Boded soon had Chris Jones dismissed for a second yellow card, but this did not knock Athletic out of their stride.

Ryan Taylor made it 3-0 on 64 minutes, and although Ashley Ryan pulled one back after 68, the hosts had the last word.

It was Ryan Taylor who struck again, making it 4-1 from a Jenson Rowlands assist deep into added time.

Llay Welfare 3 Llangefni Town 2

Table-toppers Llay were made to work hard for their victory by next-to-bottom Llangefni.

Tom Wells handed the hosts a 26th minute lead, but Dewi Thomas made it all-square from a penalty close to half time.

And things looked good for Cefni when Jack Williams put them ahead with 55 on the clock.

However, Llay are notably hard to beat at home and they got back on terms when Matty Worrall scored in the 69th minute.

The visitors were holding on for what would have been a fine point until sub Lewis Bickerton-Cole delivered an 89th minute decider.