Bangor edged a victory in a close contest which was devoid of the spirit and excitement usually associated with contests between these Gwynedd rivals. The game was settled by a goal 13 minutes into the second period of a game where clear cut chances were very few and far between. It is not surprising, therefore, that the goal came courtesy of momentary lack of concentration by a home defence which had looked secure for most of the game. A high ball was played into the home box and the tall figure of Les Davies rose above everybody to direct a header into the path of Kevin Burgess who took advantage, of the only time he was able to get behind the Port defence, to drive low past McGuigan from 6yds.
Port started the game looking rather rusty after three weeks without a fixture and Bangor were in control during the opening quarter of an hour but without really threatening to open the scoring. The nearest they came were long range efforts from Goodall after 2 mins and a more useful effort from Gareth Williams which flew narrowly wide.
Gradually Port got into the game, and after 25 mins could have gone ahead when Dafydd Evans delivered an excellent chip over the defence into the box to find Carl Owen in space, but the striker, who was proving to be quite a handful for the Bangor defence, found on this occasion that his first touch let him down. Bangor were now being penned in their own half for long periods and on a couple of occasions the inexperienced keeper Danny Evans found himself exposed and having to make despate clearances. Then in the 29th minute Evans was in action tipping over a Steve Pugh effort following a good build-up by the home team. The half ended with McGuigan going down well to save at Paul Roberts' feet.
The second period continued much the same as the first with little of the derby fire which we expect. Then in the 58th min the home defence went to sleep and Kevin Burgess took full advantage to put Bangor ahead. Port had their chances to draw level when Gareth Parry, who made immediate impact after coming on with his strong running from midfield, found Carl Owen in the box but a despairing tackle saved Bangor at the expense of a corner. Then a 70th minute corner by Mike Foster was headed over by Lee Webber at the back post.
As Port pushed forward to get back on level terms Bangor were able to hit on the break. Sub Paul Gedman dispossessed Ryan Davies and his 20yd shot crashed against the bar. Then McGuigan had to dive low at the near post to keep out Les Davies. The keeper was again in action diving low as Gedman raced in on goal and a near post save after an useful ball from Paul Roberts.
Port will feel that they deserved a share of the spoils but overall they were unable to create sufficient opportunities. Once again however they have shown that they are able to compete at this level and give a good account of themselves against any side in the league.
Port: McGuigan, John G. Jones, Ryan Davies, Lee Webber, Mike Foster, Steve Pugh, Dafydd Evans, Ritchie Owen (Gareth Parry), Gareth Caughter (Danny Hughes), Tony Williams (Mark Williams), Carl Owen.
Bangor: Danny Evans, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Jim McNulty, Steve Hitchin, Gareth Evans (Paul Friel), Kenny Burgess, Les Davies, Paul Roberts, Mark Connelly, Gareth Williams (Paul Gedman).
Sub not used: Eifion Jones.
Report by: Gareth Williams.
