1876 out of Nathaniel MG Cup

Coming into this Nathaniel MG Cup game on the back of impressive victories against Holywell and Llanidloes Town, Bangor 1876 were expected to raise their game against experienced tier 2 opponents.

In reality, 1876 were second best for much of the game, only showing glimpses of the attacking sparkle that had been so evident in the previous matches.

After a scrappy opening ten minutes for both teams, 1876 showed the early initiative when Harry Galeotti powered his way down the right wing, his pass being deftly brought down by Corrig McGonigle. His initial shot was parried out by Michael Jones in the Gresford goal, falling to the feet of Gethin Thomas. Again, the goalkeeper blocked the shot, and Thomas’ second attempt came back off the goalpost.

Disaster almost struck for 1876 on 17 minutes, when Joe Culshaw was adjudged to have brought down Gresford’s Haci Ozlu in the box. Carl Jones, playing his first competitive game of the season in goal for 1876, superbly palmed Dominic Deacon’s penalty away for a corner, keeping the game scoreless.

Gresford then started to dominate, with both Ozlu and Toby Keenan being thwarted by Carl Jones. There was confusion in the Bangor defence when Ozlu and Keenan again had chances to put the visitors ahead.

1876 attacks were few and far between, with Dan Cox putting in a telling cross which failed to find a Bangor attacker, and Jamie Petrie mis-cuing a shot for the edge of the box.

Half time: Bangor 1876 0-0 Gresford Athletic

A half time substitution by Bangor saw Sam Jones coming on for Galeotti, but the match followed much the same pattern as the first 45 minutes, with Gresford creating the better chances, getting to loose balls first, and forcing the Bangor defence onto the back foot.

The almost inevitable breakthrough came after 51 minutes, when Carl Jones punched out a half-chance, only for the ball to fall at the feet of Charley Edge, who fired home from 18 yards to put Gresford ahead.

This was no more than Gresford deserved, and they followed this up with two further chances which were cleared off the line, as well as attempts by Deacon and substitute Spridgeon to double the visitors’ lead.

On 70 minutes, Sam Jones attempted to bring Bangor back into the game, but after a promising move, his shot only found the side-netting.

On 73 minutes, Gresford managed to score their second goal, Ozlu and Spridgeon exchanging passes with Spridgeon taking a shot that Carl Jones could only parry on its way into the Bangor goal. 1876 changed formation, deciding to operate a back-three as they attempted to get back into the game, but Gresford remained dominant.

On 76 minutes, disaster struck for Bangor when substitute Cameron Barry slipped in midfield, allowing the ever-dangerous Ozlu to evade the remaining Bangor defenders to strike a calmly-taken shot beyond the despairing dive of Jones.

The game demonstrated to 1876 that tier 2 will be a tough, uncompromising league, where teams will be well organised, physical, and be able to play football.

Full-time. Bangor 1876 0-3 Gresford Athletic

We would like to take the opportunity to wish today's opponents Gresford the best of luck in the next round of the Nathaniel MG Cup and for the remainder of the season.

Next Tuesday’s trip to play Llandudno at Conwy (8 August, 7.30pm) will be another test for Bangor, where they will keen to show significant improvement as they as they go in search of valuable league points.

Today's match report was written by Glynne Roberts and the photo by Mark Farrar shows Carl Jones saving a first half penalty.