Bangor stunned in JD Welsh Premier Matchday seven

It was a weekend of shocks in the JD Welsh Premier League during match week seven, where a number of sides who were favourites on paper fell to losses to keep the top flight wide open as we enter October. 

Bangor 0-1 Barry Town United

The result of the weekend was at the Bangor University Stadium, where Bangor’s chance to stay at the top of the table was undone by a late Kayne McLaggon goal.

Bangor, who came into the game after a key midweek win over Connah’s Quay Nomads, had a great share of possession in the first half which was met by counter attacking play from Barry.

The second half saw Bangor up the tempo as their need for a win grew ever more urgent, but a strong performance from Barry keeper Mike Lewis kept the South Walians in the game.

In the 83rd minute, in-form striker McLaggon hit Bangor on the break to send the travelling support into raptures and seal a major win for his side.

The result keeps first place very much available with four teams just three points away from the top, and continues Barry’s strong start to the season as they mount a top six challenge.

Cardiff Met 2-1 Prestatyn Town 

Barry aren’t the only South Wales side enjoying the season so far, as Cardiff Met kept their undefeated record at Cyncoed Campus.

The Students started well in their first ever league game against Prestatyn, using their slick passing game to get at the final third. Spectators had only 12 minutes to wait until the first goal, which came from Charlie Corsby to put Met in control of the encounter.

Returning to Cardiff’s starting line up was star man Adam Roscrow who doubled the home side’s lead eight minutes later with a goal triggered by a free kick.

Prestatyn kept in the game and were rewarded in the second half by a Noah Edwards goal, but it was too little too late for the travelling Seasiders as Edwards’ strike came deep into injury time.

Cardiff’s win keeps them on course for a second successive top six qualification whilst keeping the pressure on Prestatyn who continue to seek their second win of the season.

Carmarthen 0-5 The New Saints 

Carmarthen’s first home game on their new 3G pitch was over shadowed by a dominant TNS performance which saw them re-take the Welsh Premier top spot.

Blaine Hudson sent the Champions ahead after 10 minutes, before a brace from Chris Seargeant gave TNS a luxurious 3-0 lead at half time.

In search of only their second win of the season, Carmarthen looked to mount a comeback in the second half but a goal on 49 minutes from Ryan Brobbel all but ended the competition.

As the game neared its final stage Chris Seargeant got his hat trick via a penalty in the final goal of the game.

The result means it’s business as usual for TNS who will now be focused on defending their pole position in the run up to Christmas. Meanwhile, Mark Aizlewood will urge his side to rediscover their home form to forge a quick climb up the table, as they currently reside in the relegation zone.

Newtown 0-1 Connah’s Quay Nomads 

The weekend’s live televised game was no classic for the archives but still provided controversy as Connah’s Quay edged to victory over the Robins.

Connah’s Quay’s full time professionals Michael and Mathias Bakare started the game, and proved a threat to the home defence with their tricky runs and flaring attacks down the wing.

Despite a lot of pressure, the Quay were unable to break the deadlock and were nearly made to pay when Newtown’s Nick Rushton had a shot saved from eight yards out just before half time.

Nomads went ahead in controversial fashion, when a Callum Morris shot was cleared off the line by Jamie Price but allowed as a goal by the assistant referee. Sgorio’s replays showed the decision as incredibly tight, leaving Newtown hard done by and Nomads with a lucky break.

Despite a good late surge by Newtown, Nomads held out for the win to retake second in the league. The result is far from disaster for the Robins who sit eighth, whilst Andy Morrison will be delighted with his side who have conceded just three goals so far this season.

Llandudno 1-2 Cefn Druids

Cefn Druids’ excellent run continued at Llandudno who were defeated by two goals to one by Huw Griffiths’ side.

The towering Alec Mudimu scored on 18 minutes for Druids before a Mike Pritchard goal gave Druids a healthy 2-0 lead at the interval.

Danny Hughes reduced the deficit for Llandudno but they were unable to launch a full comeback against a buoyant and confident Cefn Druids who secured their second win on the bounce after beating Bala 3-0 at the Rock.

Llandudno remain in the top six, with Cefn Druids right behind them in sixth place. With form such as theirs, the Druids will fancy their chances of clinching top six qualification this season.

Bala Town 1-1 Aberystwyth Town 

After losses to Connah’s Quay and Cefn Druids, Bala looked to a home fixture at rock-bottom side Aberystwyth as a chance to get back on track, but not all went as planned for Colin Caton’s side.

The Lakesiders started the strongest having an effort cleared off the line after 10 minutes, but Nathan Burke’s 28 minute effort couldn’t be stopped by Aberystwyth goalkeeper Mullock.

Bala were denied a lead at the break when after a lengthy stoppage due to injury, Jonny Spittle headed to score in the 5th minute of injury time.

Both sides sensed another goal in the game leading to a second half full of chances, but neither could find a way past one another and settled for a point.

The point is a sign of progress for Aberystwyth who are still yet to taste victory this season. Bala Town will be pleased to have found a result but still eager to get back to a solid winning run to challenge the likes of Bangor and Connah’s Quay.

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