BANGOR CITY (Nantporth)

Some Friday night football, and a little bit closer to home, with my first visit to Bangor City's brand new ground, on the banks of the Menai Straights, at Nantporth.

Opened earlier this year, I have to admit I was rather impressed with it.

It's a fair trek out of the town in comparison to the old gound but there are matchday buses running to the ferry spectators. Incidently I passed Farrar Road on the way in and it has now been completely bulldozed.

Bangor were taking on last season's promoted Cymru Alliance champions Connah's Quay Nomads and the game was a cracker, a fantastic advert for the Welsh Premier League.

Bangor took the lead after 9 minutes when Chris Simm tapped home into an unguarded net (pictured left). After that it was virtual one way traffic but the homesters couldn't find that elusive second goal. There was an air of inevitability when The Nomads levelled up after 42 minutes with their first real attempt at goal, Dean Canning firing home, and they nearly went in at the break 2-1 up but a shot just flashed past the post.

The second half was played out in a similar vein with Bangor creating chance after chance but failing to put the ball in the back of the net. As Bangor pushed forward though it left gaps at the back and Connah's Quay had chances on the counter, one effort being tipped onto the crossbar. The rain that was on and off in the first half got more heavy and persistent in the second half but the pitch held up superbly.

As the game moved into stoppage time Bangor were awarded a penalty for handball which Dave Morely stepped up to convert. On chances created a deserved win for the Citizens but The Nomads' stubborn resistance perhaps did merit a draw.

Friday 17th August 2012

Welsh Premier League

Bangor City 2-1 Connah's Quay Nomads

Attendance: 846