Less than 40 yards separate the grounds where Bangor 1876 and Menai Bridge Tigers play their home games, and there was little between them in the opening period of a league match under the floodlights at Treborth.

Jamie Petrie had the first chance of the game in the fifth minute but shot into the side net after breaking into the right side of the visitors’ penalty area. It was one of relatively few opportunities in an opening period during which neither side gave much away.

Bangor 1876 captain Michael Johnston had a shot at goal midway through the half that took two deflections on the way through to the visiting goalkeeper. Shortly before half-time Les Davies came close with a header following a corner that Joe Culshaw swung in from the right but his effort was well saved by visiting goalkeeper Gethin Hughes.

HALF-TIME: Bangor 1876 0-0 Menai Bridge Tigers

Although the first half produced few opportunities, the deadlock was broken within the opening minutes of the second period. Les Davies pressed an opposing defender high up the pitch before playing in a cross from the left-hand side that was finished well at the back post by Chris Jones.

After the opening goal, the game opened up. Chris Jones found space on the right side of the field and played an inviting ball across the Menai Bridge Tigers’ penalty area but it just eluded the onrushing Luke Steele. Moments later, Les Davies fired in a shot from 20 yards that went just wide.

At the other end, Menai Bridge remained a threat and had a chance when Callum Davidson broke into the right side of the 1876 penalty area but the ball was cleared for a corner. Shortly after the midway point of the second period, it was 1876’s turn to threaten again but a powerful shot by Luke Steele from the edge of the area was palmed away well by Gethin Hughes.

Within the minutes that followed, 1876 had several more chances to double their advantage. First, a Ben Owen cross found Tom Clarke in space in the box but the defender shot wide. Moments later, Les Davies broke into the right side of the penalty area but his effort was saved.

With thirteen minutes of the match remaining, it looked like Bangor were made to pay for these missed opportunities when visiting striker Dean Redmond broke through and beat Ben Heald with a calm finish.

However, the visitors only remained on level terms for five minutes. Jamie Petrie latched onto a neat pass with eight minutes left before rounding the visiting keeper and finishing well. Two minutes later, Ben Owen had an opportunity to extend the advantage but his shot hit the post about good lead-up play by substitute Harry Galeotti.

Within five minutes remaining another goal did arrive and it was much to the pleasure of the home fans. Jamie Petrie turned provider as his cross from the left was side-footed in at the back post by Corey Jones.

FULL-TIME: Bangor 1876 3-1 Menai Bridge Tigers

Our next game is on Saturday 25 September when we travel to Mynydd Llandygai for a league match which kicks off at 2.30pm. Please make the short journey to support our team if you can. Please note that recent fixture changes mean that we will have no match on the weekend of Saturday 2 October.