FLASHBACK – 10 years ago: Bangor City win delayed Christmas derby at Maesdu Park

WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE – DECEMBER 29, 2015

Llandudno 1 (Marc Williams 90+)
Bangor City 2 (Hart 58 pen, Miley 66)

Report: Mike Smith, Citizens Choice website

On this date 10 years ago Bangor City picked up a crucial three points in the race for the top six in front of 722 spectators at Maesdu Park.
The game was planned for Boxing Day but had to be postponed because of the weather. A couple of days later, with some good fortune conditions had eased to make it a pleasant afternoon for all present, more so of course for the Bangor faithful, littered around the gleaming green 3G.
Pre match news for the Citizens confirmed Antoni Sarnowski in goal but there was a surprise at right-back with the return from long-term injury of Dec Walker. Finally, a place in central defence for Anthony Miley with Adam Cummins injured.
City kicked off attacking the clubhouse goal and early on theythreatened twice through Walker. First with a low effort which deflected for a throw in, then a higher attempt which soared just over to the right.
Llandudno responded as Lee Thomas latched onto a crossfield diagonal into the box from left winger Leo Riley but ballooned his rushed shot high and wide.
Bangor clicked into an impressive passing rhythm with Ashley Young and Damien Allen involved through the midfield before Chris Jones found Christian Langos but his shot from the edge of the box was blocked.
On 20 minutes Walker again caught the eye as he slipped past left-back Tierney and crossed near post where Chris Jones’ first time effort crashed just wide. Leon Clowes then ran through midfield before seeing his goalbound effort thwarted on the edge of the box.
Five minutes later the ever industrious Young won the ball and picked out Jones whose shot on the turn sped just off target.
Bangor won a free kick which Sam Hart spotted but fired wide before Sion Edwards crossed from the left and caught keeper Dave Roberts napping as the ball dropped onto the crossbar and out for a goal kick.
There was not too much for young Sarnowski to do as Clowes and the masterful Miley stood firm, answering every question asked of them.
The final action of the first period saw the impressive Riley run down the left, cut infield and shoot goalwards, only to be denied by a brave block from Clowes.

HALF TIME 0-0

Llandudno started the second half the stronger, a corner seeing veteran defender Mike Williams head just off radar.
Then on 58 minutes City had a penalty. Langos hared past Danny Shaw and was tripped by right back Danny Taylor, who was yellow carded.
Goalkeeper Roberts kicked the ball off the spot to disrupt proceedings and was also carded.
None of this seemed to particularly upset regular penalty taker Hart who crashed home for a one-nil lead.
On 66 minutes, it was 2-0 to Bangor. A corner from the right cannoned around the Tudno box to Miley, whose six yard drive beat Roberts into the net. This capped a tremendous display from the centre-back.
Sarnowski made a good stop and caught a couple of difficult crosses as the home side pressed before on 68 minutes a double change for the home side as Alan Bull and Liam Dawson came on for Buckley and Riley. Five minutes later Shaun Cavanagh replaced a weary Langos who had been down with cramp. A second former blue Michael Johnston then came on for Shaw.
It remained 2-0 up to the 90 and as the four minutes of extra time ebbed away Marc Williams rushed through the middle and drilled a low drive into the bottom corner to raise home spirits.
But it was to be nothing more than a consolation as the Bangor contingent celebrated a welcome win.

LLANDUDNO
Dave Roberts, Danny Taylor, Connor Tierney, Danny Shaw, Mike Williams, Leo Riley, Tom Dix, Danny Hughes, Lee Thomas, Marc Williams, Lewis Buckley. Subs used: Alan Bull, Michael Johnston, Liam Dawson.
BANGOR CITY
Antoni Sarnowski, Dec Walker, Sam Hart, Leon Clowes, Anthony Miley, Ashley Young, Chris Jones, Damien Allen, Ryan Edwards, Christian Langos, Sion Edwards. Subs used: Shaun Cavanagh, Mike Elstone.