FLASHBACK – 15 YEARS AGO: Dramatic climax brings Bangor City 15th straight league win

WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE – DECEMBER 11, 2010

Aberystwyth Town 1 (Evans 43)
Bangor City 3 (Davies 24, Reed 90, 90+3)

Report: Mike Smith, Citizens Choice

Fifteen years ago today Bangor City made it a remarkable 15 straight Welsh Premier wins from the start of the 2010-11 season with a stunning late show to beat Aberystwyth 3-1 at Park Avenue.

Even more amazingly, the Citizens achieved the feat with 10 men from the 65th minute after keeper Paul Smith was red-carded.

On a heavy surface, both sides had early chances with City’s Jamie Reed and then Aber’s Gareth Hughes going close – the latter from halfway – before the hugely influential Les Davies crashed a 25 yarder wide.

After 15 minutes, the visitors forced a couple of corners but it was Lewis Codling, one of a trio of former Everton youngsters in the home side, who threatened twice inside a minute. First keeper Smith ran out to clear then it was Michael Johnston, whose perfectly-timed tackle epitomised his performance.

Former Bangor favourite Ricky Evans was in fine form and he was alert to a rare loose ball from Dave Morley and forced a full-length save from Smith.

Chris Roberts and then Davies sent long range efforts narrowly wide before, in the 24th minute, City snatched the lead.

Smith’s high clearance was controlled by Davies who turned Sion James, cut inside Aneurin Thomas and unleashed a fierce low drive which beat Steve Cann all ends up from 12 yards.

Both sides attacked. Chris Roberts crossed but Cann pulled off a great save from Alan Bull. Pacey Codling again caused problems, but Craig Williams failed to capitalise. Jamie Reed created an opening but Alan Bull was once more denied by Cann.

Two minutes before the interval Aber drew level. Midfield dynamo Adam Pepper delivered a corner from the right and Ricky Evans reacted first to guide a low shot into the back of the net. Bangor tried to respond, Bull’s header was pushed away, but the whistle blew at one-all.

HALF TIME 1-1

Early in the second half, Bull almost made it 2-1 before another low corner skidded across the Bangor goal on the slithery Park Avenue surface.

Smith’s long clearance was headed on by Davies, but Reed, strangely subdued, shot at Cann and the chance went.

Ricky Evans lifted a free kick over the bar, then Nicky Ward fired on goal but Cann saved.

On 65 minutes, disaster struck for the leaders. Codling raced down the right and cut across keeper Smith who clearly tripped the little whippet just outside the box. Free kick, and, despite the presence of Morley, a red card for Smith. Up stepped Peter Hoy to don the gloves and green jersey. Bangor down to 10 and Aber sensed their chance.

The next 20 or so minutes were a catalogue of chances missed and cards shown. On 70, Clive Williams came on for Bull and made a huge impression at right back, winning headers and tackles as if his life depended on it.

Ten minutes later Aber’s sole replacement Ryan Marriott came on for Aneurin Thomas as the hosts committed themselves to attack. Thomas’ departure proved their undoing.

Meanwhile, Hoy was going about his business calmly, fielding a long range shot and holding one low on the turf.

Davies found Reed but again his shot lacked conviction.

City forced three corners, nothing doing, but on 90 minutes the dream came true as leading goalscorer Reed gathered a Ward free kick, turned and fired home from the left.

Minutes later Ward won the ball on the edge of the Bangor box to send a long clearance down the left.

This was gathered by Reed who ignored shouts to take the ball to the corner by charging around Craig Williams, switching to his right foot before thrashing a low shot past Cann for an unbelievable third goal.

There were some wild scenes as home players collapsed on the pitch in disbelief as Bangor players and supporters celebrated a 15th league win.

Aberystwyth Town: Stephen Cann, Gareth Hughes, Michael Howard, Aneurin Thomas (Ryan Marriott 70), James McCarten, Sion James, Craig Williams, Lewis Codling, Adam Pepper, Ricky Evans, Steff Edwards.

Bangor City: Paul Smith, Peter Hoy, Chris Roberts, Dave Morley, Michael Johnston, Craig Garside, Jamie Reed, Alan Bull (Clive Williams 70), Les Davies (Sion Edwards 90), Nicky Ward, Chris Jones (Eddie Jebb 55).

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?

Bangor’s 15-match winning run ended in their next test, a 1-1 draw at Airbus where a 93rd minute equaliser from Alan Bull at least ensured Neville Powell’s men remained unbeaten.
Although the second phase of the inaugural 12-team competition had its dodgy moments for City, they did eventually clinch a third Welsh Premier title after beating The New Saints on the final afternoon of 2010-11.

Table courtesy of Welsh Football Data Archive

THE FAB FIFTEEN 2010-11

Aug 14, 2010: Neath (h) 2-1 (Dave Morley, Eddie Jebb)
Aug 21, 2010: Bala Town (a) 3-2 (Dave Morley, Chris Jones, Alan Bull)
Aug 28, 2010: Llanelli (h) 2-0 (Dave Morley, Jamie Reed)
Sep 4, 2010: Carmarthen Town (a) 1-0 (Dave Morley)
Sep 10, 2010: Airbus UK Broughton (h) 5-1 (Jamie Reed 3, Alan Bull, Les Davies)
Sep 18, 2010: Port Talbot Town (a) 2-1 (Eddie Jebb, Jamie Reed)
Sep 26. 2010: Aberystwyth Town (h) 2-1 (Chris Jones, Les Davies)
Oct 2, 2010: TNS (h) 4-3 (Alan Bull, Jamie Brewerton, Jamie Reed, Les Davies)
Oct 9, 2010: Haverfordwest County (a) 2-1 (Alan Bull 2)
Oct 16, 2010: Newtown (h) 5-1 (Alan Bull 2, Dave Morley, Nicky Ward, Jamie Brewerton)
Oct 23, 2010: Neath (a) 2-1 (Les Davies, Jamie Reed)
Oct 29, 2010: Bala Town (h) 3-0 (Jamie Reed 2, Nicky Ward)
Nov 20, 2010: Carmarthen Town (h) 5-0 (Alan Bull 3, Dave Morley, Sion Edwards)
Dec 4, 2010: Port Talbot Town (h) 8-1 (Jamie Reed 5, Peter Hoy 2, Craig Garside)
Dec 11, 2010: Aberystwyth Town (a) 3-1 (Jamie Reed 2, Les Davies)