Despite the victory, it was our opponents who started the game the strongest. Penmaenmawr looked up for the challenge from the first whistle. In the opening quarter of the match, they asked questions of 1876’s defence. Their first chance came from a free kick just outside the area. Phoenix’s number 7 struck the free kick well and forced a smart save from Carl Jones.

Another free kick soon after caused problems for 1876, Phoenix’s number 7 decided to cross the ball on this occasion and the opponent’s number 8 headed effort just cleared the bar. Phoenix’s number 12 was next to try his luck, his long-range effort comfortably saved by keeper Jones.

After the initial flurry of chances for the visitors, Bangor started to settle into the game, dominating possession of the ball. Bangor’s first half chance fell to Corrig McGonigle who nearly pounced on a mistake by the keeper, his header missing the target.
Although Bangor’s dominance on the ball, Phoenix looked dangerous on the counter, and their dangerous number 7 was played in, his effort well saved down low by Carl Jones.

Bangor’s first big chance came from a Iolo Hughes header from a corner, which was well saved by the opponents keeper. Seconds later, Bangor won a free kick outside the area, after a handball by a Phoenix defender. Although a tiht angle, Corrig McGonigle whipped the ball in over the keeper’s head into the far corner to give 1876 the lead. Bangor had a couple more half chances, but the half time whistle blew and Bangor went in 1-0 up.

Half time – Bangor 1876 1- 0 Penmaenmawr Phoenix.

After several changes for both teams, the visitors again started the second half well. A loose ball was pounced upon by the Phoenix forward, who’s resulting shot was well saved by Carl Jones. Bangor replied straight away however, Dale Davies seeing his glancing header go wide.

The intensity in Bangor’s play increased significantly in the second half. One of the second half substitutions, Telor Williams was a menace down the left, a strong run, followed by a powerful shot was deflected out for a corner.

Moments later, Telor Williams was once again involved, this time he managed to get in behind the defence on the left, crossed a low ball into Dale Davies, who finished smartly from 8 yards to double 1876’s advantage. Bangor were now well on top and causing Phoenix’s defence problems. Dion Jones’s long-range effort was comfortable saved by the keeper.

76 added a third goal mid-way through the second half, Craig Whelan was set through on goal, his effort from a tight angle was going narrowly wide of the post before Mason Blackwell-Jones intervened and squeezed the ball home from a tight angle.

Blackwell-Jones and his midfield partner Tom Mahoney linked up effectively throughout the second half, and Mahoney came close to scoring the fourth, cutting in on his left and seeing a well hit strike go narrowly wide.

Deep into the second half, 1876 scored the bet goal of the game. Harry Galeotti was set free down the left; he squared the ball to Dale Davies who’s deliquiate flick back to Mason Blackwell-Jones allowed the midfielder to confidently strike the ball into the back of the net for his second goal of the game.

The game finished with Bangor 1876 winning 4-0, with the opponents more than playing their part in a very well contested game. We’d like to thank Penmaenmawr Phoenix for stepping in at such short notice for the game. Our pre-season continues this Saturday when we travel to face City of Liverpool FC. Please travel to support the lads if you can.