MATCH REPORT: NO LOVE LOST IN VALENTINE'S DAY VICTORY

It was a heartfelt performance as Bangor 1876 swept Prestatyn off their feet, securing a 4-2 victory at Bangor City Stadium on Friday night. Usually a night for romance, this Valentine’s Day was capped off with a determined 1876 performance, as they battled until the end for the three points.

A Friday night under the floodlights is the perfect stage for any fixture, let alone one between Bangor and Prestatyn. It was set to be an exciting match up from the off, with the quick fire start setting the tone for the remainder of the game.

Michael Johnston’s men flew out of the blocks, taking the lead within the first minute. #10 Corrig McGonigle opened the scoring with a close-range finish from a #9 Dylan Summers-Jones ball across the goalmouth. It was simple football, but effective, and left Prestatyn stunned.

Just under a minute later, 1876 found themselves in front of goal again, with centre-half Tom Clarke on the end of a long-distance free-kick, but he was unable to steer his effort on target.

Within the first 10 minutes, the play was heavily in Bangor’s favour as they hunted for a second. Prestatyn attempted two long balls to try and catch the 1876 defence out on the counter, but both times #5 Jake Ellison dealt with them well, making his presence in the back known.

Having already secured an assist, Dylan Summers-Jones sought to add a goal to his tally. On the 8th-minute mark, Summers-Jones saw his effort sent wide of the goal. Despite the miss, it was a fantastic start for both 1876 and the number 9 on the right flank.

Despite an early goal giving them the lead, 1876 didn’t let off on their search for another. Pressure was readily applied on the visiting defence, with Dylan Summers-Jones also proving difficult to handle on the right, causing problems from the kick-off.

A great ball from Summers-Jones soon followed, picking out Corrig McGonigle. Tightly marked by two Prestatyn defenders, McGonigle found himself in a tight spot. Attempting to thread the ball through the legs of the defender to his left, McGonigle saw his effort thwarted. Nonetheless, McGonigle and Summers-Jones’ fantastic link-up continued.

On the 17th-minute mark, Johnston's men’s efforts came to fruition. After a flurry of chances, a second was netted through January signing Ryan Stratulis. It came as no surprise that Dylan Summers-Jones was involved in the goal, grabbing his second assist. A well-driven low cross was drilled into the box and was met by Stratulis who followed up with an equally strong finish.

As the first half neared its end, the contest began to heat up. Whilst 1876 still sought to test and mount pressure on the Prestatyn backline, they were beginning to be met with a sterner, more physical opponent.

With Bangor searching for a third, Prestatyn’s legs were tiring, resulting in some hard-hitting challenges being dished out through frustration.

A flurry of chances came in the final moments of the half, but there would be no further goals in the opening forty-five minutes at Bangor Stadium.

The second half started quickly, in similar style to the first. McGonigle saw himself played in on goal with an opportunity to start both halves with a goal. However, quick on his toes, the Prestatyn keeper rushed forward, prompting a shot at goal, which he was able to save.

Despite this lively start, it was a game of two halves for Prestatyn, who saw themselves enter the fold late in the match. Within the first ten minutes of the second half, Prestatyn were given a lifeline back into the game through Rob Hughes. Hughes’ shot leaving #1 Carl Jones with little he could do but watch it strike the back of the net.

As the minutes ticked away, the tide on the banks of the Menai Straits seemed to shift, as Prestatyn began to find their stride. Moments after the hour mark, Zebb Edwards equalised, bringing the visitors back into the game and creating a feisty competition to follow.

However, undeterred by the turnaround Prestatyn had pulled off, Bangor soon restored their lead on the 68th-minute mark through Ryan Stratulis. Opening goalscorer Corrig McGonigle this time popping up with the assist, his pass darting across the goalmouth to find Stratulis, who poked it home to bag his brace.

With the final whistle edging closer, 1876 still searched for a late goal that would almost certainly seal the victory. Minutes before the 90th minute, Prestatyn came close to slipping the ball into the back of the net, but their efforts were just wide of the post—much to the relief of most of the stadium.

Despite nerves being tested late in the half, in the dying moments of added time, Mason Blackwell-Jones played a superb ball to send #11 Liam Morris into a dangerous attacking position. Composed and determined Morris fires passed the visiting shot-stopper to make it a fourth for Bangor, and an exciting end to the match.

As the final whistle blew on the Valentine’s Day fixture, it brought an end to a thrilling performance defined by determination, inner strength, and character. With the three points in the bag and a much-needed confidence boost for Johnston and his side, we look forward to the next fixture and the exciting chapter ahead.