Sunday 25 October 2009

Game 20 - Bangor City v Prestatyn Town 23rd October 2009 Principality Building Society Welsh Premier

I know how to finish the week off work, we'll follow the Foxes to Reading on Saturday. Except those nice chaps at Sky decide to move it to Monday night, this despite the fact we are already on TV on Friday night away at QPR. They have no consideration of the fans who want to attend their teams games at the best of times, but to move two games in the same week is unbelievable. So, where to go? After a look on the internet I notice that it is possible to do two games in two days in the Welsh Premier League and after a bit of searching we find a hotel in Bangor and the weekend is sorted. We set off on Friday morning for the 220 odd mile trip to North Wales and after a fairly easy trip arrive in Bangor actually passing Farrar Road the home of Bangor City. More importantly, I spot an open gate at the ground and after checking in at the hotel, drag the wife straight round to the ground.



We enter the ground through the open gate and see the Groundsman and ask if it is ok to take some photos. He tells us no problem and we have a good chat to him as he tells us lots of interesting things about the Club, the ground and the new proposed ground. We then make our way round the ground taking lots of photos.


The ground consists of a seated stand (pictured above), a covered stand behind one end and open terracing on the other two sides. The ground is in need of some love and attention but you cannot help but love it. An old fashioned ground with plenty of character and one to enjoy and savour. After a good half hour wandering throughout the ground we eventually leave to explore the City, the Garth Pier being our ultimate destination.
After a superb meal in the Chinese Restaurant attached to the hotel we head for the evening game at Farrar Road between Bangor City and Prestatyn Town. Bangor were founder members of the League of Wales and won the title twice under the tutelage of Nigel Adkins, the current Scunthorpe Manager. There have been Welsh Cup wins too and these have resulted in several excursions into Europe in the Cup Winners Cup and UEFA Cup. This is only Prestatyn's second season in the Welsh Premier finishing 15th in their very first season.
The game kicked off with Bangor making all the early running and the Prestatyn goal coming under early pressure. Two goals in a minute put Bangor firmly in control of the game and they extended their lead on 42 minutes to go in 3-0 to the good at half time. The ball boys came past us at half time, all wearing fluorescent jackets that were clearly made for people about three foot taller than them. The second half saw more of the same with Bangor wasting numerous chances and Prestatyn's Matty Towns making several fine saves. A fourth goal came on 85 minutes and Prestatyn's misery continued with 7 minutes additional time which saw no further goals. A very good win for Bangor which moved them up to 9th.
A very entertaining game which we thoroughly enjoyed. A special mention of the pitch, which as we had seen earlier in the day really looked superb and played very well too, a credit to the groundsman.

Bangor City 4-0 Prestatyn Town
Att: 588
Admission: £7
Programme: £1.50
Badge: £1

More photos of Farrar Road here.

2 comments:

  1. Been to Bangor City myself this season.

    Your report and pictures capture the spirit of the place precisely (liked the bit about the oversized Hi-Vi's).

    Had a burger there when I went, served up at an economical price by 2 very nice looking ladies (which was nice). Unfortunately the burger fell below expectations (Tea Hut wise).

    Some real characters about the place as well.

    The WPL just love a Television gantry don't they. I realise its all to do with TV and a higher profile but it plays hell with a clear view from that side of the pitch

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  2. I remember visiting Mold Alexandra in 2002, and although they they had not been in the WPL for years, still had a gantry at the ground.

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