Cymru North: Corrig at the double as Bangor 1876 celebrate a revenge victory

JD CYMRU NORTH – FEBRUARY 2

Gresford Athletic 1 (Ozlu 49)
Bangor 1876 3 (McGonigle pen 25 & 65, Blackwell-Jones 69)

Report: Jonathan Ervine

Pictures: Matt Johnson

Cymru North leading marksman Corrig McGonigle added another two goals to his tally to make it 21 for the season as 1876 gained revenge for a 3-1 home loss to Gresford in September by winning the away return by the same score.

Within the first five minutes Athletic’s Haci Ozlu broke down the right and sent in a cross towards Dominic Deacon, but the attacker’s header went wide.

At the other end, Tom Mahoney created a chance for himself when he cut in from the right but home goalkeeper Lewis Dutton held his curling shot from just outside the penalty area.

Soon after Cai Powell-Roberts crossed towards McGonigle, who appeared to be pulled back by a home defender. Mason Blackwell-Jones then fired the loose ball into the net from the edge of the box.

However, the referee disallowed the goal and gave a foul against the Bangor attacker.

Bangor continued to create chances. Sam Jones headed narrowly wide and then McGonigle had a shot on the turn that was saved by Dutton.

With 25 minutes gone, McGonigle was pushed over in the box and then stepped up to send Dutton the wrong way from the resultant penalty.

Bangor continued to press with Powell-Roberts regularly posing a threat on the right wing.

HALF-TIME: GRESFORD ATHLETIC 0-1 BANGOR 1876

The hosts made a lively start after the break and drew level in the 49th minute. Ozlu cut in from the right and found the net with a low left foot shot.

Bangor almost regained the lead shortly afterwards following a corner but Gresford managed to clear the ball after a goalmouth scramble.

After 65 minutes the visitors found themselves back in front. After a neat exchange of passes on the left between Dale Davies and Mahoney, Sam Jones broke into the left side of the box. He fired in a low cross that was side-footed in at the back post by McGonigle.

Four minutes later, Mahoney cut in from the right and sent in a powerful curling shot that Dutton parried up into the air. Blackwell-Jones followed the ball in and converted the rebound from a tight angle.

Such a deserved goal for this young player who has been outstanding since joining Michael Johnston’s side.