Match Preview

Fresh from a profitable November, The Citizens enter December with a record of four straight wins as they host Cwmamman United in the JD Welsh Cup Round 3 tie at the VSM Bangor Stadium on Saturday afternoon (2:30pm Kick Off).

City, of course, have a strong affinity with the Welsh Cup, having won the competition on eight occasions, beginning all the way back in 1889 when Bangor beat Northwich Victoria 2-1 at the Racecourse, Wrexham. More recently, our last appearance in a Final was in 2013, whilst we last lifted the famous old trophy by beating Port Talbot Town 3-2 in a memorable match at Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli, in 2010.

Saturday’s visitors Cwmamman United are in their debut season in Welsh League Division One following the Carmarthenshire club’s promotion with a third place finish in Division Two last season behind champions Llanelli Town. So far, the Grenig Park outfit have beaten Rhayader Town 3-1 in Round One before dispensing with Cardiff-based Division Three club Bridgend Street 3-0 in Round 2 of the competition last month.

Formed as recently as 1976, Cwmamman spent their formative years in the Neath & District League, rising steadily through the ranks to gain promotion to the Welsh League in 2002/3. Relegation followed seven years later but the Carmarthenshire outfit soon regained their place in the Welsh League with promotion in 2012/13.

Progress since has been steady culminating with promotion to Welsh League Division One following last season’s third place finish in Division Two. Their debut season in Division One has proven difficult so far with one win, three draws and four losses from their first eight league matches.

Their cause has not been aided by a glut of postponements in recent weeks, with Cwmamman last in action against high-flying Llanelli Town a fortnight ago. Llanelli were grateful for an 88th minute strike from Joe Clarke on that occasion as they ran out narrow 1-0 victors.

Mark Snell has been at the helm at Grenig Park for the last three seasons and the team is composed of experienced Welsh League players and local talent. Goalkeeper Chris Curtis has WPL experience with former club Afan Lido, while midfielder Jordan Vickers, skipper Craig Spring and striker Ashley Curtis have all featured prominently this term.

Fresh off the back of last Friday’s resounding 5-0 win over Bala Town, The Citizens will be in confident mood ahead of Saturday’s match. Goals from Gary Taylor-Fletcher, Steven Hewitt, Dean Rittenberg and a late brace from Luke Wall put paid to the Lakesiders but City were also thankful for keeper Matthew Hall’s outstanding form between the posts to deny the visitors at crucial moments in the match.

On last Friday’s performance Manager Kevin Nicholson commented:

“Once again we were delighted with the performance levels of the players. Our aim beforehand was to continue our winning run of form, finish off the month strong and we ended up doing it in style. Some of our attacking play was a pleasure to watch and there were so many positives to take both individually and collectively throughout the team from one to eleven. It was great to see the stadium rocking again and the atmosphere that was generated on the night was fantastic.”

While looking ahead to Saturday’s JD Welsh Cup tie, Nicholson added:

“We are aware that it will be one of Cwmamman's biggest games in their history so I am sure they will be giving it everything they've got. What we must do is concentrate on our attitude, application and approach the game making sure we do the basics well. The objective for any cup match is clear - win and get through to the next round and that is what we will be aiming to do. “

Read Kevin Nicholson's full Matchday Notes exclusively in Saturday’s Official Matchday Programme The Citizen.

The draw for Round 4 of the JD Welsh Cup will be made live on Sgorio following Sunday’s Caernarfon Town v Barry Town United match (2:45pm Kick Off).

Full JD Welsh Cup Round 3 draw [click here]