FLASHBACK – 25 years ago: How did Caernarfon Town v Bangor City finish up on this day back in 1999?

League of Wales – December 11, 1999

Caernarfon Town 1 (Daley 81)
Bangor City 2 (Bird 32, Roberts 67)

Match information: Mike Smith (Citizens Choice website)

On this date 25 years ago Bangor City edged a close-fought local derby at The Oval.

This game was played in difficult conditions, which could be described as muddy, heavy, slippery or worse.

There was also a strong wind and by 3.30 the floodlights were prominent. That said City won, Caernarfon deserved at least a draw, and the difference between the two teams was minimal.

The first 15 minutes belonged to the home side who forced a series of corners and the occasional goal line clearance. Add to this some great work from City keeper Andy Mulliner and the picture is complete.

During this time the pick of the action was a wonderful save by Mulliner from a superb right footed shot from left winger Steve Fisher. The ball dipped, veered into the Bangor net but “Mullers” somehow pushed it over.

As often happens, a goal comes against the run of play. On 32 minutes Matthew Cross sent over a high centre, Gavin Allen and Paul Roberts caused problems, Steve Bird crashed home the loose ball.

Half Time 1-0

Second half and City had the first chance as Paul Roberts shot from the right but saw his effort drift wide of the left post. Again a physical home side pushed City back, again Sean Hazelden, Bird and Graham Brett defended with both effort and luck.

On 67 minutes Allen supplied Paul Roberts whose one on one with Ray Clifton ended with the ball in inside the keeper’s left post. Two nil and surely home and dry. Not really.

With the introduction of Dave Cockram the home side rallied and he forced yet another fine save from Mulliner, turned away for a corner. The Canaries were not to be denied a goal, and a Phil Daley header on 81 minutes ended the scoring but could not salvage a point.

Both wing-backs Phil Johnson and Cross found the heavy conditions sapping, in particular against Fisher and Geoff Hinchcliffe respectively the pick of the home side.

There were two serious Bangor candidates for Man of The Match, outfield boss Lewis Coady who left home defenders gasping and tugging at his shirt, but credit to Mulliner for some brilliant saves and never looking worried.

TEAMS

Caernarfon Town

Ray Clifton, Geoff Hinchcliffe, Paul McAndrew, Peter Byrne, Andy Taylor, Gary McGosh, Ronnie Gouldborne, Neil Doherty, Phil Daley, Karl Robinson, Steve Fisher
Subs: Chris Pickering, Dave Cockram, Nicky Brookman.

Bangor City

Andy Mulliner, Phil Johnson, Matthew Cross, Graham Brett, Steve Bird, Scott Williams, Robbie Williams, Lewis Coady, Paul Roberts, Gavin Allen, Sean Hazelden. Subs: Mattie Bishop, Emrys Williams, Aled Rowlands.

What else happened that season?

Bangor City and Caernarfon Town met 3 times, the Citizens winning all three matches – 2-1 away and 1-0 at home in the league and 3-1 at Farrar Road in the League Cup.

Bangor finished up ninth in the league, but qualified for the Uefa Cup through winning the Welsh Cup. Sadly, Caernarfon were relegated after finishing bottom with just one win in 34 matches – a 3-0 home success over Rhayader Town.

Meirion Appleton was the Bangor manager in 1999-2000, while Caernarfon ended the campaign with Wrexham AFC legend Dixie McNeil in charge.