Race To Europa Goes To Last Day - Bangor City vs. Cefn Druids

The Bangor saving a dangerous first half effort

So for the final leg of my Welsh adventure I took the bus from Llandudno (there weren't many places to stay in Colwyn Bay) along the coast to Bangor. Following Connah's Quay defeat on Friday night at The New Saints, a win today for Bangor would mean the race for second spot (and automatic Europa League qualification) would go to the last day. Standing in their way were Cefn Druids who play at the fantastic looking Rock ground which is one I am very keen to visit sometime in the future. Being a Scunthorpe fan, I know Bangor for being where legendary manager Nigel Adkins began his managerial career, winning back to back league titles.

Kick off at Nantporth

The first action of the match is shown in the first picture and is a Cefn Druids shot from the edge of the area that is well saved. Bangor City then begin to settle and it doesn't take long for them to take the lead. A corner is bent into the near post where the ball is poked home from close range much to the annoyance of the Cefn Druids keeper. The Cefn Druids goalie then almost gifts them a second as he drops a cross but he is able to claim at the second attempt. The home side then gets a couple of balls in without any real end product before the keeper is called into action to save a shot and then his defenders block the second effort on the line.

Pretty sure this was the goal

Cefn Druids again have the first chance of the half with a diving header that goes just wide of the target. Then when the Cefn Druids forward gets the byline, his driven cross across goal just lacks the final touch. Bangor should then really double the lead as the forward somehow manages to hit the bar from a yard or so out following a great ball in. There is then drama at both ends in the final moments of the match. Firstly, Cefn Druids hit the bar with a header from close range which then goes out of play. Almost straight afterwards, Bangor go up the other end and hit the outside of the post with one of the last touches of the match.

Wing action in front of seating and TV gantry

It is possible to get a train direct from Euston to Bangor but this takes over three hours - assuming it actually bloody runs. In Bangor town centre I popped into The Fat Cat which had Llandudno brewery Wild Horse on tap. The ground is a fair way from town and is a bit of a slog and so it is best to break up the walk. Fortunately, Tafran Y Glôb (The Globe) is just after half way and is a great pub with the sports channels. The rest of the walk is then quite scenic with views of Anglesey and The Menai Bridge in the distance. The clubhouse at the back of the stand had the usual selection of drinks and the programme was the best for a little with a very good article on the 1978 Welsh Cup final with Wrexham. A great end to a brilliant couple of days, I will absolutely be returning to North Wales very soon. 

Elevated view of the final moments with Anglesey behind the trees