Bangor have a mountain to climb in the second leg next month after conceding two second half goals at a wind swept Belle Vue last night. City kicked off with the gusty wind at their backs, buoyed by the presence of fit again Clayton Blackmore in midfield. With the unpredictable nature of the elements it was ten minutes before City created the first opening of the evening, a header off target from left winger Les Davies. On the quarter hour mark City should have gone ahead as midfielder Gareth Williams led a breakaway down the right which saw City hold a 5 on 2 advantage. His cross found Kenny Burgess unmarked infront of goal but he skied the ball over to the disappointment of the frozen few behind Paul Smith's goal.
Those who sought refuge in the Meccano stand fared little better as the wind alternated between blowing right to left - in support of Bangor - or veering crossfield into the seats. Wherever they cowered there was more disbelief as Paul Gedman headed off target before Les Davies won the first corner of the evening on the left. City had two goalbound efforts blocked before Smith eventually clasped a clean strike from Mark Connolly.
If City had a weakness in this first period it was a tendency to flick the ball forwards rather than look for measured control, neither winger saw enough of the ball. On the plus side Paul Gedman enjoyed a fine battle with towering Timmy Edwards whilst Rhyl seemed bereft of attacking ideas.
Before half time Rhyl forced a couple of corners, one under dubious circumstances involving the former Connahs Quay midfielder Mark Limbert. He had been yellow carded for a pull on Gareth Williams who was breaking clear on the half way line, and then threw ina laughable dive inside the box with the clear intention of "conning" a penalty out of referee GM Davies. A stronger official might have had the courage to issue a second yellow but Mr Davies, who overall enjoyed a reasonable evening, decided to be lenient.
The second half was bound to favour Rhyl who now enjoyed the backing of the gusting wind. With an element of farce the home side went ahead on 53 mins following a slip by young goalkeeper Daniel Evans which presented a chance to Steve Walters who scored from eight yards. This signalled a period of pressure from Rhyl which saw Moran fire over from twelve yards and City struggle to clear their lines. Chris McGinn also fired over after puncing on a downwards header from Timmy Edwards.
With twenty minutes remaining a mistake on the right let in Kenny Burgess but his hurried effort sliced yards wide of goal with Smith in disarray. The Gareth Williams made a valiant effort to reach a looping cross from Alan Goodall but he could only screw his shot away from goal.
City held up well to the second half barrage with Peter Hoy competing manfully alongside young Jim McNulty in the middle of the Bangor defence. So it was particularly ironic that on 82 mins he should concede a penalty for a needless push on top scorer Andy Moran who confidently converted the resultant spot kick. Hoy was then withdrawn and replaced by Eifion Jones in the centre of defence. At eh very end Paul Frield replaced Gareth Williams who could not shake off a heavy tackle from Brewerton.
There was still time for City to push forward but the nearest to a goal saw Clayton Blackmore fire over from 25 yards before referee Davies signalled the end of a difficult evening. This was a tale of missed chances, with perhaps the much improved Moran being the main difference between the two sides on a bitterly cold evening. At least the heated seat worked on the way home!
Bangor City: Daniel Evans, Peter Hoy, Alan Goodall, Jim McNulty, Steve Hitchen, Gareth Williams, Kenny Burgess, Clayton Blackmore, Paul Gedman, Mark Connelly, Les Davies
Subs: Eifion Jones, Paul Friel, Paul Roberts
Rhyl: Smith, Brewerton, Powell, Atherton, Edwards, Walters, Wilson, Limbert, Moran, McGinn, Graves
Subs: Adamson, Powell, Jackson
Report by: Mike Smith
