Our pre-season began in the dying embers of June with a trip to drizzly Llandudno. 1876 were visiting the Queen of Welsh Results for a very special reason; Danny Hughes’ testimonial. Danny has been a stalwart of the resort’s football scene for many years.

1876 took to the pitch to face “Llandudno Legends” with some new faces in the team. One was our new signing Telor Williams and the other two were members of the famous pre-season football family; the Triallists. A Triallist started the match and B Triallist started on the bench.

The match may have started in drizzle, but the swirling climatic dampness didn’t impede the play; both sides attempted to string passing movements together. The Llandudno team will have been easily recognisable to the 1876 fans with Jamie Reed playing up front, Mike Pearson and Mike Williams at the back and Danny Hughes taking his usual midfield place.

1876 took the lead when A Triallist (in the number 8 shirt) finished a fine passing move down the centre of the pitch with a side-footed shot. Llandudno launched a few attacks of their own before Dale Davies appeared to have doubled the away lead, the goal was disallowed for a clear foul on a Llandudno player.

Both sides continued to attack with well-placed touches. In the 28th minute Mason Blackwell-Jones embarked on a long run with the ball but after Tom Mahoney received the ball the blue midfielder’s shot ended up wide of the goal.

1876 did double their lead in the 32nd minute when Blackwell-Jones capped a fine move down the left wing with decisive finish from a tight angle. Both sides continued to attack until half time but there were no further goals.

HALF TIME – Llandudno Legends 0 Bangor 1876 2

1876 began the second half with numerous changes to their line-up, including the other member of the Triallist family., B Triallist (in the Number 17 shirt). The changes didn’t seem to inhibit the visitors as they scored their third goal of the match in the 47th minute. Davies applied the decisive touch inside the 6 yard box after a flowing left wing move involving Mahoney propelled the ball there.

Both sides then continued with their forward momentum . Llandudno stroked the ball about and Davies nearly doubled his tally but he was denied by a smart save from the ‘dudno keeper. Davies did double his dividend on the hour. Dan Cox’s burst down the left wing placed the ball at the feet of Bangor’s number 9 and a close range finish resulted in 1876’s fourth goal.

The rest of the match proceeded in the same fashion, only with a host of substitutions. The blue faithful will have been impressed by the new faces, A Triallist and B Triallist showed an assured touch and Telor Williams looked impressive with his surges down the touchline. When our manager arrived on the pitch his every touch was cheered by the blue faithful.

Rather fittingly, the hero of the hour , Danny Hughes, scored the last goal of the match. A trademarked midfield run coincided with the presence of the ball and the ball soon passed Huw Shaw in the away goal. When Hughes left the pitch he received a well-deserved standing ovation.

The match had not only offered a lovely occasion, it had produced an enjoyable match. We'd like to thank Llandudno for inviting us to be part of a wonderful event.

FULL TIME – Llandudno Legends 1 Bangor 1876 4

Don’t forget that our next 2 pre-season matches are home matches. Firstly, there’s next Saturday’s special 5th anniversary home match against our friends from FC United of Manchester. (3pm kick off). The following Tuesday (9th July) we’ll be hosting Porthmadog in Treborth.

We hope to see you there!