On Friday 20 November, we played our first match in over eight months as we faced Nantlle Vale at Treborth. Cameron Barry scored in a 4-1 defeat which was nevertheless a match that brought with it several positives as we returned to action after a long break. We interviewed Dylan Williams after the game, and here's what he had to say...

On Friday, we played our first match since early March. What was it like to get back on the pitch for the friendly against Nantlle Vale?
It's been quite a wait to say the least, from commencement of training to lockdown restrictions, following the FAW guidelines. It was finally a great feeling to be back on the pitch within our first competitive friendly. After only a few training sessions leading up to this fixture, it was always going to be a challenge, especially against a very well established team who were more advanced than us in terms of their friendly programme.

Although the score wasn't in our favour, what positives did you take from the game?
We always said to our players, it was not the scoreline that we were looking at, but our performance. Especially due to restrictions, we could only bring certain members of the squad, and rotation will be key throughout the programme of friendly games. We took a lot of positives, and it is the minutes on the pitch and starting back again which is crucial. We were forced into a change of tactics, due to injuries and player withdrawals, which enabled us to look at different formations.

There were several players making their first appearance for 1876 in the game against Nantlle. What did you feel they brought to the team?
I think we had five players making their debuts, all of whom fitted in well. It will take time for all five players to adjust, and blend into the style of play we expect, but all of them contributed very well. It will certainly be interesting to watch them over the games coming up within the next few weeks.

What are your hopes for the week ahead?
We are back into training on Tuesday, and will be working towards our next friendly, against another very well-established tier 3 team.

Please register with our page on Easyfundraising to generate free donations to our football cub when you shop online: https://www.bangor1876.com/news/support-bangor-1876-when-you-shop-online-2585897.html