Dafabet Welsh Premier

Bangor City 2

Haverfordwest County 1

BANGOR City probably deserved the win in a match in which they did more of the attacking, even though the Bluebirds did miss a few good chances on their way to a 2-1 defeat.

There was plenty of news on the team-sheet front as the Bluebirds introduced four of their new signings in keeper Alex Connell, Kristian Speake at left back, in place of the unavailable Spencer Williams, midfielder Tom Wellington and striker Jason Bertorelli.

Both sides traded opportunities early on, with Connell saving well from Bangor’s Steve Lewis and Kieran Howard missing an even better chance for the Blues. The Citizens’ Damien Allen twice sent crosses past the Blues’ goal but in between Sean Pemberton went close with a header from a corner.

Connell made a couple more good saves and Howard fired a free kick just over before a flurry of goal-scoring between 33 and 44 minutes. The lively Damien Allen put Bangor ahead with an fine overhead kick but five minutes later the equally dangerous Luke Borrelli equalized when he pounced on a defensive error to dart through and slip the ball past the keeper. On the stroke of half-time Anthony Miley put the City 2-1 up when he was first to a corner at the near post.

After City’s Sion Edwards had opened the second half with a long-range effort which sailed over the bar, Wayne Jones made a double substitution, bringing on attackers Steffan Williams and John Roberts for Pemberton and Wellington. For a brief moment it looked as if this move might have paid off handsomely when Williams sent in a superb cross but Borrelli headed just wide. Roberts seemed to have a good chance but scuffed his shot.

Bangor brought on subs Ahmadi and Cavanagh who each took a tilt at the Blues’ goal but were fairly easily thwarted. Ahmadi was to prove a busy attacker but it was the Blues who ended the game with a spell of late pressure, unfortunately without result.

Haverfordwest County: Alex Connell, Ricky Watts, Kristian Speake, Sam Rodon, Dale Griffiths, Sean Pemberton (Steffan Williams, 52), Greg Walters, Kieran Howard (Jason McCoubrey, 77), Tom Wellington (John Roberts, 52), Luke Borelli, Jason Bertorelli. Sub not used: Craig Morris (g/k).