FLASHBACK: 25 years ago – Bangor City show up well in cup loss at League Division Two Wrexham

FAW PREMIER CUP GROUP A – DECEMBER 19, 2000

Wrexham 4 (J P Roberts og, Sam, Thomas, Barrett)
Bangor City 0

Report: Mike Smith, Citizens Choice website

On this date 25 years ago Football League Division Two Wrexham defeated Welsh Premier League visitors Bangor City 4-0 in the FAW Premier Cup group stages.

The hosts deservedly won a competitive cup tie at the Racecourse which was competently refereed by Kevin Parry of Anglesey.

With Manchester United starlet Lee Roche and Frenchman Bouanane at the back, Gareth Owen and Waynne Phillips in midfield, plus Hector Sam and Craig Falconbridge up front, Wrexham had too much pace and movement for a hard-working City side.

Debutant John Paul Roberts was unfortunate to concede an own goal in the 8th minute when he deflected a left wing cross from the pacey Sam.

This came moments after Clayton Blackmore’s free kick had found Deiniol Graham in the box – but his header drifted wide.

Rhodri Giggs was well picked out by a Graham crossfield ball but he ran across the edge of the box and shot at keeper Walsh. Sam then added a second for The Robins.

City had cause to thank debutant keeper Ray Newland as Sam and Falconbridge caused problems but found the former Newtown man in fine form. However, Bangor did fashion chances with Paul Roberts finding space to send a couple of headers at The Robins goal.

Half time: Wrexham 2 Bangor City 0

The first opening of the second half was created by Aled Rowlands on the left in combination with Paul Roberts, but there was no-one to convert the half chance.
On 55 minutes it was all over as Steve Thomas saw his shot deflected past Newland after Sam had caused City’s defence difficulties. Falconbridge and Sam continued their running and opened up space and angles for others.

Giggs sent a 20 yarder goalwards but Walsh tipped it over before Steve Cooper came on for the tiring John Paul Roberts in the 70th minute.

Scott Williams then sent a 25 yarder wide after good build up play from Graham. Next Ricky Lampkin replaced Steve Smith with around 10 minutes remaining. The former Nomad promptly struck a firm low drive on target but too close to Walsh whilst Cooper hit a long range shot wide of the mark.

Wrexham though were firmly in control and sealed the scoring with a fine run from Paul Barrett, whose cool finish on 85 minutes was the goal of the night.

So a deserved win for The Robins but a decent performance by Bangor who kept their shape and worked hard. Particular mention for keeper Newland who impressed on his debut and JP Roberts, who is certainly one for the future.

WREXHAM

David Walsh, Lee Roche, Emad Bouanane, Gareth Owen, Adrian Moody, David Ridler, Robin Gibson, Steve Thomas, Craig Falconbridge, Hector Sam, Waynne Phillips. Subs: Paul Barrett, Martyn Chalk, Carlos Edwards.

BANGOR CITY

Ray Newland, Steve Smith, John Paul Roberts, Emrys Williams, Sean Hazelden, Scott Williams, Clayton Blackmore, Aled Rowlands, Paul Roberts, Rhodri Giggs, Deiniol Graham.
Subs: Ricky Lampkin, Steve Cooper, Mark Thomas.

ATTENDANCE: 302

HOW DID THINGS END FOR WREXHAM AND BANGOR CITY IN THIS COMPETITION?

• Wrexham topped Group A unbeaten – five wins and a draw – and went on to lift the Premier Cup, beating Swansea City 2-0 in the final.

• Bangor City finished bottom of Group A with just a single point, The Citizens lost 6-0 to Wrexham at Farrar Road and were beaten by Aberystwyth Town twice (3-1 home and away), plus Carmarthen Town (1-0 away). Bangor did manage a home 1-1 draw with Carmarthen.