A new football rivalry based on a long-running theme commences today.
CPD Y Rhyl 1879 and Bangor 1876 will meet for the first time in a competitive match.
Both are unbeaten in the tier 3 Ardal North West League with Bangor lying second and Rhyl fourth with a 100 percent record.
1876 formed in 2019 with 1879 a year after that, although they did not play their first competitive match until 2021, with the previous season wiped out by the pandemic.
The arch rivalry between Rhyl and Bangor goes back many decades, long before they began facing each other in the Welsh Premier League from 1994-95 onwards.
At that time, of course, the clubs were known as Rhyl FC and Bangor City, names each had carried for numerous years previously.
Spells in the English pyramid Northern Premier League and Cheshire County League saw both coastal clubs achieve success in different eras.
Probably the earliest meetings came in the North Wales Coast League in the late 19th century.
But that is the past….both Saturday’s combatants, fresh names and new outlooks, are ambitious with eyes very much on the future.
The fan-owned clubs were both promoted to tier 3 this season, but are aiming much higher.
Although Saturday brings the first competitive encounter between 1879 and 1876, it will not be the first time their paths have crossed.
Prior to the 2021-22 season, Bangor won a friendly 1-0 at Rhyl thanks to a goal from Jamie Petrie.
However, on Saturday the result will very much count with points and undefeated records at stake.
Ryan Roberts, Chris Bennett, Warren Adam, James Jones, Reece Fairhurst (c), Miles Todd, Jordan Worthington, Alex Jones, Jack Higgins, Kieran Ellis, Macauley Taylor, Daniel Sim, Jonny Taylor, Elliott Evans, Sion Williams, Tom Cain, Luke Wilmot.
Huw Shaw, Ben Owen, Kian Owen, Cameron Barry, Corey Jones, Michael Johnston, Jamie Petrie, Gethin Thomas, Les Davies (c), Corrig McGonigle, Liam Morris, Cian Thomas, Harry Galeotti, Shaun Lock, Aaron Heald, Luke Steele, Sion Edwards, Joe Culshaw.
Kieran Ellis
Tall, powerful striker with eight goals already this season and scored a magnificent 29 last term in just 24 starts.
Alex Jones
Midfield dynamo who has played in the Welsh Premier for Flint Town United, Prestatyn Town and Rhyl. Brilliant passer of the ball and a real midfield battler.
Miles Todd
Powerhouse defender who is outstanding in the air and strong in the tackle. Inspirational character.
Corrig McGonigle
Already has more than 350 career goals to his name at the age of just 25.
Joined 1876 last season and has in no time amassed 61 goals for the club from just 26 appearances, including 27 in 11 games this term.
Les Davies
1876 captain and current all-time record club goalscorer. Well-known for his many years of great service in the Welsh Premier, mainly with Bangor City. Tremendously strong on the ball and in the tackle, deadly in the air.
Gethin Thomas
Excellent young midfielder with an eye for goal. Past Welsh Colleges international, ex-Porthmadog and Nantlle Vale.
PLAYED 50
WON 45
DRAWN 2
LOST 3
GOALS SCORED 189
GOALS CONCEDED 35
CLUB HONOURS
North Wales Coast East Premier Division champions 2021-22
Cookson Cup winners 2021-22
North Wales Women’s League winners 2021-22
PLAYED 82
WON 72
DRAWN 4
LOST 6
GOALS SCORED 452
GOALS CONCEDED 80
CLUB HONOURS
Gwynedd League champions 2019-20
North Wales Coast West League Premier Cup winners 2021-22
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