Report: Bangor 1876 win epic Ardal Northern play-off final in extra time

ARDAL NORTHERN PLAY-OFF FINAL 2022-23

Bangor 1876 4 (McGonigle 50 & 120 pen, Clarke 55, Morris 113)
Cefn Albion 2 (Kershaw 85, Kehoe pen 90)
(after extra time – Bangor 1876 are promoted to the Cymru North)

Dave Jones reports from Bastion Gardens

From tier 5 to tier 2 in just four years – it has been a meteoric rise to prominence for Bangor 1876.

Today the fan-owned club clinched promotion to the Cymru North after beating Cefn Albion 4-2 in extra time of the tier 3 Ardal Northern play-off final at Bastion Gardens, Prestatyn.

1876’s achievement is even more commendable considering one of the four seasons they have been in existence – 2020-21 – was completely scrapped due to the pandemic.

So Michael Johnston’s side have been promoted three rungs up the Welsh Pyramid ladder in just three active seasons.

This afternoon’s play-off involved teams which had finished runners-up in Ardal North West and Ardal North East this season.

North West outfit Bangor almost enjoyed a dream start when Tom Clarke’s header from a Sion Edwards corner was cleared off the goal-line.

North East charges Cefn threatened in the sixth minute when a fierce low strike from Kien Morris was bundled behind for a corner by 1876 keeper Carl Jones.

On 24 minutes, Corrig McGonigle flicked on into the box where 1876’s Jamie Petrie tried a lob which narrowly missed the target.

Left-back Jordan Williams was next to chance his luck on 29 minutes when his firm drive was kept out then gathered by Jones.

McGonigle went close with a volley before Albion’s Dion Gibbins saw a straight red in the 43rd minute for a dangerous challenge on Liam Morris.

Half-time came with no score, but 1876 would have a man advantage after the break.

Bangor started the second half well, Petrie breaking into the box from the right and forcing Josh Roberts into a fine stop.

The pressure was building from the blues and they took the lead on 50 minutes.

Petrie again burst into the box from the right and set up McGonigle, who lashed in a left-foot beauty to send the lively 1876 fans behind the goal wild.

Five minutes later those same supporters were ecstatic when Clarke met Edwards’ corner with a bullet header for 2-0.

Bangor had the game under control and should have made more out of good attacking situations which could have put them out of sight..

Cefn had been largely ineffective going forward and needed something special to turn the tide – and how they delivered!

In the 85th minute, substitute Ryan Kershaw let fly with a stunning 20-yarder which arrowed into the net beyond Jones.

Bangor had substitute Shaun Lock sent from the bench for dissent and things got worse when the Wrexham side won a 90th minute penalty for a foul on Ryan Kehoe.

Kehoe beat Jones from the spot and now it was the turn of the Cefn fans to raise the roof.

Nine minutes of added time produced no further goals so an extra half-hour was needed to settle the issue.

EXTRA-TIME

Extra time saw Bangor back on top, with Albion seemingly happy to contain and aim to pounce on the break.

McGonigle was denied by the legs of Roberts before at the other end substitute Alex Williams skewed wide after a neat build-up.

Into the second period and when Les Davies turned in the box onto his famed left foot, the whole ground gasped, but his effort flew inches wide.

Cefn went desperately close when Luke Griffin drilled low across the six-yard box and the ball deflected onto the crossbar and over.

Then came a huge moment with 113 on the clock. Liam Morris showed great persistence to win the ball and drive home beyond Roberts’ dive for his 22nd goal this term.

The 120 minutes were up when McGonigle outpaced Nic Jones down the right, sped into the box and was pushed over by the Cefn defender. Jones was red-carded for the foul.

A clear penalty which McGonigle smashed beyond Roberts for his 56th goal of the season which made absolutely sure of an 1876 victory.

What a fantastic day for Bangor fans, but also an occasion where Albion supporters could feel proud of their team for battling back from 2-0 down with 10 men to force extra time.

TEAMS

Bangor 1876

Carl Jones
Ben Owen
Kian Owen
Joe Culshaw
Corey Jones
Tom Clarke
Jamie Petrie
Sion Edwards
Les Davies
Corrig McGonigle
Liam Morris
SUBS USED: Cameron Barry, Gethin Thomas, Dylan Williams.

Cefn Albion

Josh Roberts
Torne Samuels
Jordan Williams
Nathan Williams
Nic Jones
Josh Sumner
Jordan Johnson
Kien Morris
Callum Mannion
Dion Gibbins
Ryan Kehoe
SUBS USED: Tyler Wilkinson, Alex Williams, Luke Griffin, Chris Budrys, Ryan Kershaw

ATTENDANCE

610

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Aaron Wyn Jones
Assistants: 1st – Connor Fowler; 2nd – Richard Dolphin
Fourth official: Andy Harms