MATCH OF THE DAY 2: Bangor 1876 heartbreak – now it’s one more chance to save themselves
JD CYMRU NORTH
Bangor 1876 1 (Ellison 51)
Caersws 2 (Hesden 44, Rowlands 90+3)
After a season full of ups and downs for Bangor 1876 and Ruthin Town their immediate futures rest on one last game.
If 1876 win or draw away to Ruthin next Saturday, the fan-owned club will remain in the JD Cymru North next season.
However, if Ruthin are victorious, they stay up and Bangor will go down.
The citizens looked set to earn a vital point on Saturday at home to Caersws, but the Powys side, whose own safety was guaranteed after Ruthin’s 0-0 draw at Buckley on Friday, broke 1876 hearts by scoring a 93rd minute winner.
The home fans which made up the majority of the 597 crowd inside Bangor City Stadium were stunned.
They had just seen their side suffer a seventh straight league defeat – and by far the most painful.
The situation looks like this….
Ruthin Town or Bangor 1876 will be relegated along with Prestatyn Town and Llay Welfare depending on next Saturday’s result at Maes Tegid, Bala.
Ruthin must win the game to stay up, while a draw or victory will keep 1876 afloat.
Current standings
13th Bangor 1876 – Played 29 Points 28 (goal difference -17)
14th Ruthin Town – Played 29 Points 26 (GD -20)
Final fixture: Saturday, April 12 (2.30 pm) – Ruthin Town v Bangor 1876
There was plenty of optimism before Saturday’s game at the Bangor City Stadium that the home team would get the three points needed to remain in tier 2.
The fact Caersws took the field in a position of safety themselves, gave 1876 followers an added touch of reassurance.
Match action provided by Jack Griffith
Before kick-off, there was a moment of reflection and emotion as players and fans stood for a moment of applause in memory of Geraint Jones – fondly known as “Ger Shops” – a former Bangor City and Porthmadog player, who has sadly passed away at the age of 58.
Caersws came out of the blocks quickest. Early pressure saw Carl Jones called into action multiple times, including a crucial fingertip save from a Sam Philips free kick just four minutes in.
Bangor’s defence, though under siege, remained composed through the first 20 minutes with keeper Jones and the backline repelling waves of Caersws attacks.
Bangor’s first real threat came in the 21st minute when Liam Morris tested the Caersws keeper with a low drive from outside the box, forcing a smart save and earning the home side their first corner.
Just as it looked like both sides would go in level, a Caersws counter-attack in the 44th minute saw Rhys Hesden curl the ball into the bottom corner.
Half-Time: Bangor 1876 0-1 Caersws
Bangor came out for the second half with renewed fire. Within six minutes of the restart, they were level.
Tom Mahoney whipped in a pinpoint cross, met with a perfect finish by Jake Ellison.
The home side now pressed for a winner, with Iolo Hughes and Ryan Stratulis going close. Stratulis’ 72nd-minute free kick whistled just wide.
Bangor threw everything forward in injury time. An attempt from Sam Jones after a late throw-in nearly snatched a winner, but it sailed just over.
In the 93rd minute, heartbreak for the hosts. Caersws’ number 12 Tommy Rowlands latched onto a loose ball in the box and rifled it home past a stranded Carl Jones. The away bench erupted.
It was a cruel end to a spirited performance from Bangor 1876, who showed resilience and heart throughout.