A different kind of experience for Bangor 1876 and their fans

ARDAL NORTH WEST – MARCH 26

Bangor 1876 5 (McGonigle 8 & 58, Culshaw 38, Morris 50, Edwards 79)
Saltney Town 4 (Reynolds 54, Flatman 60, S Davies 70, G Davies 71)

What a humdinger!

Usually when Bangor 1876 go 3-0 up it spells bad news for the opposition and any sort of scoreline can ensue in favour of the blues.

However, the battling Bordermen remarkably fought back to level at 4-4 from going 4-1 behind, only for the hosts to break their hearts with a Sion Edwards decider!

The hosts edged ahead in the 10th minute when Corrig McGonigle received a pass from midfield and calmly stroked the ball past Andy Swindell in the visitors’ goal.

Bangor kept attacking to no avail and Saltney also had their moments, hitting the post with one effort.

The 38th minute saw the blues increase their advantage as Joe Culshaw scored with a shot from 20 yards.

Half-time: 2-0

The home side started the second half strongly and in the 50th minute Liam Morris half-volleyed the ball into the net from the edge of the area.

Saltney then showed the danger in relaxed contentment when on 54 minutes they made it 3-1, Sam Reynolds planting wide of keeper Huw Shaw.

At first the blues appeared to have taken the setback in their stride because a deep corner kick allowed McGonigle to score with a firm curling header – his 49th goal in all competitions this term making it 4-1.

However, the next 11 minutes brought the sort of drama that could induce the sound of the late Sir Harry Secombe having his crown jewels twisted by Vinnie Jones.

The 60th minute saw a move down the left wing that propelled the ball into the area. Shaw was able to deny the first goalbound attempt but Leon Flatman gained control of the ball and drilled it across the goal-line.

Ten minutes later Shay Davies took advantage of Shaw’s slight misjudgement to score Saltney’s third. A minute later the comeback was complete when George Davies levelled from close range. 4-4!

When the shock of the stark reminder of football’s capacity to be inexplicable subsided, 1876 tried to change the flow of the match.

They succeeded when in 79th minute substitute Edwards dribbled the ball into the area and calmly placed it past Swindell.

More chances fell at both ends but there were no more goals!

Highwayyyyyyyyy!