JD Cymru North: Dramatic win for 1876, new leaders Airbus survive late scare

JD CYMRU NORTH REPORTS – DECEMBER 2

Buckley Town 2 Bangor 1876 3

Report: Jonathan Ervine

Memories of two of the greatest victories in Bangor 1876’s short history were revived as Michael Johnston’s men fought back from two-down to earn a dramatic win at Buckley on Saturday.

In the closing weeks of last season, 1876 overturned a 2-0 deficit at Flint Mountain to grab a 3-2 success which played a big part in the fan-owned club securing runners-up spot in Ardal North West, with promotion via a play-off eventually achieved.

And as recently as September 23 this term, the blues trailed 2-0 at Caersws come the interval, only to rally in the second stanza and pull off a 3-2 verdict in a Cymru North battle.

However, Saturday’s win at Deeside Stadium in Connah’s Quay was probably 1876’s most edge-of-the-seat triumph so far, as they were two-behind until the 80th minute before goals from sub Sam Jones (2) and Corrig McGonigle totally transformed the picture.

Just before the quarter-hour mark, Connor Littler gave Buckley the lead. Carl Jones came out to try to clear a long ball forward but the Buckley No 9 got to it first to lob the keeper and open the scoring.

The hosts made it 2-0 midway through the opening period. Adam Smith beat his man on the left, got to the byline and cut the ball back to enable Littler to side-foot in his second.

The visitors did not make the most of their chances, and in the final minute of the half, Carl Jones had to show sharp reflexes to tip over a long range shot from Littler.

HALF-TIME: BUCKLEY TOWN 2-0 BANGOR 1876

Having lost 3-0 at Nantporth a fortnight earlier, Bucks were well on course to dish out revenge with 45 minutes remaining.

After the break, Bangor had more possession but initially struggled to create chances.

Buckley’s Smith let fly from 20 yards on the hour, but Jones did well to push the ball away.

At the other end, half-time substitute Mason Blackwell-Jones sent in a curling shot that home stopper Ryan Goldston kept out smartly.

With just over 10 minutes to go, another Bangor substitute gave them a glimmer of hope. Sam Jones controlled the ball well on the edge of the box before scoring with a hooked left-foot shot.

Five minutes later, Blackwell-Jones swung the ball into the box and McGonigle scored his 15th goal of the season with a neatly placed header.

In the final minute of the 90, 1876 turned the game on its head. A long ball forward from Carl Jones reached Sam Jones, who beat Goldston with a powerful low shot.

The dying stages saw Bangor clear the ball off the line in a goalmouth scramble following a long throw.

Seconds later the final whistle went and 1876 had produced something special.

Airbus UK Broughton 3 Chirk AAA 2

Airbus are top of the table – but they had to survive a scare to claim three points against battling basement boys Chirk on Saturday.

Craig Lindfield’s double proved to be the difference for the Wingmakers, who hold a three-point lead at the summit, but nearest challengers Holywell Town and Flint Town United have three games each in hand on Mark Allen’s side.

The deadlock was broken in the 33rd minute when Airbus youngster Sam Baker tapped home from Kaiden Cooke’s cross.

Lindfield scored a second from the penalty spot after 54 minutes and made it three on 62 by finishing the rebound from Joe Palmer’s initial effort.

Chirk’s Max McLaughlin gave his side a lifeline when he converted a spot kick on 68 and five minutes later, Tristan Lloyd halved the deficit to set up a tense final 20 minutes.

After a nervy ending, Airbus held on for the spoils.