FLASHBACK – 15 YEARS AGO: Bangor City pegged back by two late goals in draw at Llanelli
WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE – MARCH 12, 2011
Llanelli Town 2 (Orme 82, Griffiths 90+5)
Bangor City 2 (Davies 70, Garside 74)
Report: Mike Smith, Citizens Choice website
On this date 15 years ago Bangor City lost a two-goal lead in the closing minutes at Stebonheath Park and had to settle for a point in their title bid.
In the inaugural season of the Welsh Premier Super 12, all teams would play 22 matches in phase one, then another 10 in the second phase, where the league was split into top six and bottom six.
At the end of phase one, table-topping Bangor had collected an outstanding 56 points out of a possible 66 – 18 wins, 2 draws, 2 defeats.
City began phase 2 with a win at Prestatyn Town, then lost 2-1 at home to Neath. A trip to Llanelli would be a big test as Neville Powell’s side had already suffered a 2-0 reverse away to the South Wales Reds two months earlier.
The pre-match news centered on the goalkeeper shirt where Chris Oldfield stepped up as Paul Smith failed a fitness test. There was also a recall for Mark Smyth.
Bangor forced the pace early on with Nicky Ward firing over and Ashley Morris saving from Les Davies
The home side won a couple of corners which Oldfield dealt with competently. Seconds later Morris held another Davies header before TNS loanee Craig Williams ran through but shot at Oldfield.
Peter Hoy hurled a trademark long throw into the box but Alan Bull’s shot flashed wide. Llanelli won a corner delivered by set piece expert Andy Legg but Owain Warlow headed wide.
On 25 minutes Smyth cut in from the right but Morris held his low strike. The pattern of play was very open, end to end, with Michael Johnston and Dave Morley prominent for Bangor in defence.
The Reds closed the first period on top, but the interval arrived goalless and there was nothing to suggest which way the second half would go.
HALF TIME 0-0
No changes at the break but a quick chance for Bangor as Bull spun past Kris Thomas but sent his low shot across the face of goal.
Ten minutes after the restart James Brewerton met a Nicky Ward free kick from the right but headed against the crossbar with Morris beaten.
Llanelli broke but the outstanding Johnston checked their progress before Davies saw his header cleared off the line by Reds manager Andy Legg only for the big number nine to head the rebound over.
Twenty minutes from time came the breakthrough. Ward crossed for Brewerton who headed across goal for Davies to nod home from close range.
Four minutes later, a foul by Legg set up a free kick which saw Craig Garside prod home at the second attempt for a two-nil advantage.
With eight minutes left Llanelli pulled one back as Adam Orme clipped the ball over Oldfield from inside the box to set up a nervous closing spell.
Soon after Craig Moses galloped into the box but Johnston slid in with perfect timing. On 90 minutes Llanelli defender Wyn Thomas was sent off for comments passed to referee John.
Michael Jukes replaced Les Davies and the fourth official showed the electronic board with four minutes to go.
City keeper Oldfield was yellow carded for wasting time, five minutes came and went, Llanelli won a corner on the right which Legg crossed. With Moses blocking Oldfield the way was clear for Griffiths to climb all over Brewerton and head home to level the scores.
Bangor were desolate and referee John finally blew with an extra one and a half minutes played beyond the four announced. Least said soonest mended….
LLANELLI
Ashley Morris, Kris Thomas, Andy Legg, Chris Venables, Ashley Evans (Adam Orme 81), Wyn Thomas, Jason Bowen, Antonio Corbisiero, Rhys Griffiths, Craig Williams (Craig Moses 70), Owain Warlow (Jordan Follows 90).
BANGOR CITY
Chris Oldfield, Peter Hoy, Chris Roberts, Dave Morley, James Brewerton, Craig Garside, Michael Johnston, Alan Bull, Les Davies (Michael Dukes 90), Nicky Ward, Mark Smyth (Eddie Jebb 78).