FLASHBACK – 25 YEARS AGO: Ex-Manchester United striker scores twice for Bangor City in draw against TNS

LEAGUE OF WALES – DECEMBER 26, 2000

The New Saints 2 (Toner, Edge pen)
Bangor City 2 (Graham 2, 1 pen)

Report: Mike Smith, Citizens Choice

On this day 25 years ago two goals from former Manchester United player Deiniol Graham, on loan to Bangor, earned the Citizens a point away to the Saints.

Ten-man City shared the spoils thanks largely to a wonderful display from Graham and Marc Lloyd Williams up front and an impressive debut from Paul Evans between the sticks.

Evans contributed to one of the first incidents when his fifth minute save denied the outstanding John Toner.

Minutes later, Lloyd Williams took on three Saints defenders on the edge of the box and the ball broke for Graham, whose shot was deflected wide.

Next Lloyd Williams chased a ball to the right but his right-footed shot drifted off target.

In an end to end half, Lloyd Williams then set up Scott Williams who forced a good save from City old boy Mark Deegan.

Toner and Nick Welton were causing problems for City but Emrys Williams and big Sean Hazelden stood firm, so too full-backs Steve Smith, who had his best game for the club and the ever-impressive Aled Rowlands.

On 28 minutes, Graham put City ahead with a wonderful volley after a free kick for a foul on Emrys Williams had not been cleared.

The visitors defended well enough, but on 40 minutes Toner levelled the scores with a confident finish from a Colin Webster right wing cross.

A minute later the prolific striker nearly doubled his tally, but luckily for City his effort went into the side-netting.

HALF-TIME: 1-1

After the restart, the home side forced an excellent double save from Evans, first a brave stop with his feet off Toner, then a high punch as the rebound floated goalward.

On 65 minutes disaster for the away side! Clayton Blackmore conceded a needless penalty with a push on Toner. Quite why he was red-carded is unclear, nevertheless Chris Edge flicked the spot-kick into the roof of the net..

Down to 10 men, City still played some good football. Lloyd Williams struck a 22-yard free kick just over before the 70th minute substitution of Rhodri Giggs, who was replaced by Paul Roberts.

Instantly, the competitive Roberts won the ball in midfield, found Lloyd Williams on the edge of the box, and he was fouled by Dewi Parry. Penalty but no card.

Up stepped loan hero Graham to convert the opportunity and level the scores.

There was still time for Evans to deny Nicky Ward and Graham to limp off to be replaced by Steve Cooper.

A fair result? Most fans leaving the ground seemed to think so and neither manager seemed aggrieved.

Bangor City

Paul Evans, Steve Smith, Aled Rowlands, Emrys Williams, Sean Hazelden, Scott Williams, Clayton Blackmore, Marc Lloyd Williams, Robbie Williams, Rhodri Giggs, Deiniol Graham, Subs: John Paul Roberts, Steve Cooper, Paul Roberts

The New Saints

Mark Deegan, Dewi Parry, Lee Coathup, Tommy Holmes, Timmy Edwards, Chris Edge, Colin Webster, Maurice Doyle, John Toner, Ricky Evans, Nick Welton.
Subs: Paul Smith, Tim Alexander, Mark Roberts

WHAT ELSE HAPPENED THAT SEASON?

TNS won the reverse fixture at Farrar Road 4-0.

Saints finished eighth in the League of Wales and qualified for the Uefa Cup via being losing finalists in the Welsh Cup. Barry Town won the cup, but were already in Europe after landing the League of Wales title, thus progressing to the Champions League.

Bangor ended up 14th in the LoW. Graham scored four goals in his brief loan stint at Farrar Road.