FLASHBACK – 15 years ago: Revenge for Prestatyn as they end Bangor’s undefeated run

WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE – JANUARY 2, 2011

Prestatyn Town 4 (Hunt 21, Stephens 42, Rogers 76 & 87)
Bangor City 2 (Reed 7, Garside 70)

Report: Mike Smith, Citizens Choice website

On this date 15 years ago Bangor City suffered a first league defeat of the 2010-11 season in their 18th game after compiling a stunning record of 16 wins and a draw.

Prestatyn Town were the team which halted the Citizens’ run. The Seasiders had given Neville Powell’s men a really tough battle at Farrar Road in a 2-1 defeat four days earlier.

A crowd of 617 gathered at Bastion Gardens for a match unusually played on a Sunday.

The home side created the first chance as Ross Stephens forced a save from Paul Smith before Les Davies and Nicky Ward sent long range efforts off target for City.

On seven minutes, the hoardes of Bangor fans celebrated as Peter Hoy headed Ward’s deep free kick back across goal for Jamie Reed to convert from close range. 0-1 BANGOR

Stephens went close again for Prestatyn after a stoppage as Dave Hayes stayed down with a head injury, and again with a low shot from the right which arched wide of Smith’s right-hand post.

But on 21 minutes Smith could do little as a misplaced clearance and defensive mix up let in Lee Hunt who shot into the bottom corner. 1-1

Bangor responded with a Hoy cross which Craig Garside leapt highest for but headed upwards for keeper Jon Hill-Dunt to pouch.

On the half hour Prestatyn went close again as Hunt headed over. A direct run from Chris Jones set up a chance for Garside but his side-footer flew beyond the bar.

As Prestatyn’s direct style unsettled City it was Clive Williams whose determined defending did much to keep the home side at bay.

Dave Morley picked out Reed but he shot at Hill-Dunt, then Hunt ran clear but lofted the ball over Smith and onto the roof of the net.

Three minutes before the interval it was 2-1 to Prestatyn as City kept out a Steve Rogers shot but a low drive from 15 yards by Stephens deflected into the Bangor net from close range. 2-1 PRESTATYN

HALF TIME 2-1

No changes at the interval . Prestatyn went close again as Hunt shot from the left but Smith palmed over.

Rogers got on the end of a Hunt cross but fired at a grateful Smith.

Bangor stirred as Garside and Alan Bull combined but Ward saw his shot veer off target. Bull then span in on goal from the right but his dipping shot was pushed onto the near post by Hill-Dunt.

With 20 minutes left on the clock Bangor won three corners in quick succession. The third taken by Sion Edwards dropped for Garside to fire home from 10 yards. All square and all to play for, with Bangor now on the front foot and the sizeable blue contingent noisy and involved. 2-2

Another Hoy long throw found Reed but he headed wide. An away free kick was headed across goal by Davies, but Garside could only slice his shot wide when well placed.

Bangor quickly paid a high price as Kai Edwards smashed the ball upfield to relieve the pressure, Rogers gathered and swept home from the edge of the box. 3-2 PRESTATYN
Moments later Bangor’s Morley was shown a second yellow and red card for a challenge on Neil Gibson.

Three minutes from time Hunt crossed and Rogers netted with a diving header to clinch a big win for the Seasiders which few could argue against. 4-2 PRESTATYN

PRESTATYN TOWN

Jon Hill-Dunt, Kai Edwards, Chris Davies, Dave Hayes, Paul O’Neill, Gareth Wilson, Mike Parker (Steve Harris 90), Neil Gibson, Lee Hunt, Steve Rogers, Ross Stephens.

BANGOR CITY

Paul Smith, Peter Hoy, Clive Williams, Dave Morley, Michael Johnston, Craig Garside, Jamie Reed, Alan Bull (Mark Smyth 85), Les Davies, Nicky Ward, Chris Jones (Sion Edwards 60)

WHAT ELSE HAPPENED THAT SEASON?

This was the first season of the Super 12, so with both finishing in the top six at the end of phase 1, Bangor and Prestatyn played one another four times in the league over the campaign.
It ended 2-2 in victories between the coastal pair.
Bangor won 2-1 home and away, while Prestatyn claimed 4-2 and 2-1 triumphs, the first at Bastion Gardens and the second at Farrar Road.
City were crowned champions on the final day of the season after beating TNS 1-0 in a title decider at Farrar Road, It was the club’s third League of Wales/Welsh Premier championship and their first since 1994/95.
Prestatyn, who were in just their third season in the top flight, finished in fifth spot.