The blues of the north and south fought out a score draw at Nantporth on a bright sunny afternoon on the banks of the Menai Straits.


Before kick off there was setback for Bangor as Chris Jones pulled out and twenty year old Joe Culshaw was handed a late call up from the bench to take his place in a five man midfield. The visitors lined up in a black strip which might have been bought of Neath's adminstrators.


But it was one of City's regulars Les Davies who forged the first opening with a fierce drive which flew over the Port Talbot bar at the Antelope End with a slight deflection. Sion Edwards took the corner on the right but Anthony Miley headed just over. The visitors responded with a Sam O'Sullivan shot that flew over at the other end. Winger Edwards then cut inside and fed Rob Jones but his effort was blocked by Ryan Green.


But after a promising start by Bangor it was Port Talbot who took the lead on 25 minutes. A David Brooks run down the left was halted in the box by Dec Walker and referee Iwan Griffith pointed to the spot. Rhys Grififths stepped up to convert the penalty kick who celebrated an unexpected lead.


Bangor responded through Sion Edwards who charged clear through the middle but his shot was blocked by goalkeeper Steven Hall who must have been on the very edge of his box. Edwards down the left was a source of concern for the visitors defence where Dan Sheehan looked uneasy under pressure but the veteran Lee Surman stood strong.


With twelve minutes to go to the interval City drew level. Sion Edwards again unhinged the Talbot defence down the left. His cross was half cleared to Les Davies who crashed the ball home from fifteen yards for his third goal of the season.


Jamie Petrie was also using his pace to advantage and forced Ashley Evans into a foul which resulted in a yellow card. The foul count on Bangor's pacey little striker rose as he cut infield and used his speed against the slower defenders.


Blues right back Dec Walker was still smarting from his earlier mistake and his incredible crossfield chase of his own clearance, right to left, put pressure on visiting goalkeeper Hall, won possession and created a long range shooting opportunity.


When Port Talbot threatened the calm defending of Michael Johnston and Anthony Miley was up to the test. But it was Bangor who went close again when Lee Idzi's booming clearance was headed on by Les Davies for Sion Edwards to hook goalwards which somehow a back peddling Hall tipped over for a corner. The flag kick was cleared to Michael Johnston whose return was headed over by Les Davies. And that was about it as referee Griffih blew for the interval with the scores tied at one all.


HALF TIME 1-1


One change at the interval as James Bloom replaced Leigh De Vulgt for Port Talbot.
But it was still Bangor who made the running through Sion Edwards down the left with two early crosses which went unrewarded.


Rhys Griffiths sent a long range effort just wide with Lee Idzi ready if needed and moments later Bangor's number one did well to push a clean strike from tricky winger David Brooks around the post for a corner.


Bangor then put together their best passing period of the game, sweeping the ball from side to side. Ryan Edwards and Rob Jones much involved and so too young Joe Culshaw who impressed in his central midfield outing. This culminated in a fourth corner of the afternoon for Bangor won by Sion Edwards, crossed into the six yard area to Les Davies but Hall rushed out bravely to smother his low goalbound strike.


Again the blues midfield found their passing rhythm as Ryan Edwards and Joe Culsahw combined to release Sion Edwards whose inviting cross was headed behind by Jamie Petrie on 66 minutes.


On 72 minutes Bangor made a double substitution as teenagers Jamie McDaid and Iolo Hughes came on for Sion Edwards and Rob Jones who both limped off after heavy challenges. With ten minutes to go Miles John replaced Lewis Harling and within two minutes he found his way into referee Griffith's book for a lunge on Lee Idzi.


Sam O'Sullivan then sprung to life with a run and twenty yard shot from the right before a weary Les Davies was replaced by another blues youngster John Littlemore. Again Bangor continued to pass the ball confidently in the face of the bigger and more experienced south Walian side.


Into added time and a final change for the visitors as Josh Bell trundled on for David Brooks and immediately sent a low shot across the Bangor goal which had home fans worried. That was the final action and both sides seemed reasonably content with a draw, in particular former Wales & Wolves defender Ryan Green whose "take your time" guidance to his team mates began in the third minute.

Big test next Saturday, 21 September, as we travel to league champions The New Saints. 3.45pm KO as it’s on TV.