Welsh Cup: Seven heaven for 1876 in caning of former promotion rivals

REPORT: WELSH CUP ROUND TWO

Bangor 1876 7 (Whelan 14, Morris 16, 26 & 50 pen, S Jones 31 & 55, Clarke 63)
Cefn Albion 1 (N Jones 86)

When these two sides last met it was in a close-fought Ardal Northern play-off final at Prestatyn at the end of last season which 1876 won 4-2.

On Saturday, it was a different story, with promoted Cymru North hosts Bangor whipping their Tier 3 Ardal North East opponents 7-1 at Nantporth Stadium.

This Welsh Cup second round tie was subject to a change of venue, with Albion’s current adopted home of Clywedog Park not available to them this weekend.

And the switch of ground could have had a key impact on the tie, although in fairness 1876 have lost five of their seven matches at Nantporth this season.

Today would see no such problem, as Michael Johnston’s men advanced to the last 32 of the national knockout.

With top-scorer Corrig McGonigle out through illness, Bangor ironically rattled up their biggest goals total in a game this season.

Craig Whelan put the hosts ahead from close range on 13 minutes and soon after Liam Morris doubled the lead after his initial penalty was saved.

In the 26th minute, a nice move down the left ended with Morris finishing at the far post.

Sam Jones made it 4-0 on the half-hour when he took the ball into the area and applied a side-footed finish.

Half-time: Bangor 1876 4-0 Cefn Albion

Five minutes into the second half, Morris completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot.

Jones notched number six on 55, assisted by Cai Powell-Roberts.

Tomos Clarke brought up the magnificent seven with a far post header, Jones the assist provider.

Outclassed Albion at least picked up a consolation goal late on through a Nic Jones finish at the back stick.

The draw for Round 3 of the JD Welsh Cup will be streamed on RedWall+ at 8 pm on Wednesday, 18 October.