A deserved victory for Bangor - but at a price. Midfielder Paul Friel ended up in casualty after the final whistle to receive 11 stitches in a gashed shin and will be out of action for three to four weeks.

The pre-match news surrounded Lee Hunt who had failed to turn up and would appear to be bound for Belle Vue after Rhyl served a seven-day notice of approach on the young striker. With Ricky Evans departed for Aberystwyth, the gloom-mongers looked anxiously at the Lido side suspecting another tough defensive display lay ahead.

The first half saw Lido defend confidently, aided by a strong wind gusting from the Farrar End. In the first few minutes City appealed for a penalty but Referee Andy Richards pointed to the corner. The ever dangerous Kevin Bartley forced the first save of the match from Lee Williams as play swtiched to the other end.

City's first chance came on 12 minutes when Paul Friel showed great dexterity to enable Gareth Williams to cross, but Les Davies sent his header over from six yards. On 18 minutes there was controversy as Chris Pridham repeated his ugly challenge of mid August with a distasteful two-footed lunge on right winger Kenny Burgess which appeared a clear red card. However Referee Andy Richards consulted his assistant and opted for a yellow.

Lido pressed forward for Lee Williams again to save well from the shaven-headed Bartley, with Alan Goodall clearing the resulting corner. The versatile left-footer carried the captain's armband with pride and defended well alongside Peter Hoy. Indeed Hoy stuck to his task well as Bartley threatened on the left.

The final action of note in the first period was a clean strike from Les Davies which 'keeper Cropley held comfortably.

The second half was a different story as Bangor surged forward with the advantage of the wind and Lee Wiliams' powerful clearances with hand and foot. However it was the visitors who forced the first corner which was headed clear by Les Davies.

City pushed forward with Paul Friel and Gareth Williams prominent in midfield, and Paul Roberts was put in by Ross Jefferies who flicked on Lee Williams long clearance, but Cropley saved well. On the hour Chris Piper lay prone for a worrying moment after he unwisely ran straight into City's brick wall goalkeeper. Fit again Aled Rowlands, making an impressive return at leftback, sent a long range effort on target which Cropley held. Credit also to Ross Jefferies whose workrate and endeavour created time and space for everyone around him.

On 66 minutes City finally had the lead. A fifth corner proved awkward for Cropley and as the ball dropped Peter Hoy capped a fine personal performance with a crashing volley which bulged the net. Two more corners and Gary Roberts replaced Kenny Burgess and nearly saw an own goal as a Lido defender touched the ball onto the near post. Then Clayton Blackmore, a model of composure at right back, struck a superb 30 yard rocket which skimmed the top of the bar.

On 75 minutes City doubled the advantage as giant winger Les Davies gathered the ball on the edge of the box and fired low past Cropley. An eighth corner resulted in Alan Goodall shooting on target, then Lido struck back with a free kick which shot narrowly wide. Paul Evans was lucky not to be carded for a vicious lunge on Paul Friel who in turn retaliated with a kick at his opposite number.

Lido were hanging on for a 2-0 scoreline when a tenth second half corner was met by Les Davies whose initial effort was blocked but who made no mistake with a crashing close range finish. The big youngster has made a tremendous impression since his move from Glantraeth and more than made up for the reported departure of Lee Hunt.

Bangor City: Lee Williams, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Aled Rowlands, Clayton Blackmore, Paul Friel, Kenny Burgess, Les Davies, Paul Roberts, Ross Jefferies, Gareth Williams. Subs: Rhys Roberts, Gary Roberts, Eifion Jones.
Afan Lido: Cropley, C.Evans, Walters, P.Evans, Martin, Rickard, McCeesh, Pridham, Bartley, O'Leary, Piper. Subs: Felton, Kinsey, Patten.

MAN OF THE MATCH - BANGOR CITY: Paul Friel. OPPOSITION: Sacha Walters.

Report by Mike Smith