Match Preview

With the newly renamed Stadiwm VSM Bangor Stadium hosting a double-header of Wales Under-21 internationals over the next week, Bangor City and Aberystwyth Town will begin JD WPL Matchday 13 proceedings early when they meet this Tuesday (7:45pm Kick Off) at Nantporth.

Tuesday evening's encounter sees former manager Neville Powell's first competitive return to the club and no doubt he will receive a warm reception from the City faithful on his return to his former stomping ground. Powell needs little introduction, having served Bangor City as a player and then manager through some of the greatest achievements in the club’s long and successful history.

There will also be a few familiar faces in the Aberystwyth squad with former Citizens Ashley Young, John Owen and Declan Walker all featuring prominently for the Seasiders this term. However, all that will be water under the bridge on Tuesday evening as both clubs will be in search of vital points for different reasons at either end of the JD WPL table.

Saturday’s win at Newtown was welcome relief for The Citizens after enduring a miserable October with only three points return from the available twelve on offer. City will undoubtedly be severely tested by an Aberystwyth side that have rallied after a poor start and come into Tuesday’s match on the back of three wins from their last four outings.

With Paul Connolly, Danny Gosset and Gary Taylor-Fletcher already sidelined through injury, Saturday's match at Newtown saw The Citizens sustain a further three injuries with Danny Holmes, Guto Williams and George Harry all suffering knocks and late fitness tests may well be the order of the day ahead of kick off.

Last season The Citizens recorded wins both home and away against Aberystwyth. A 4-0 win at Nantporth on 3 September 2016 was followed by a 3-0 triumph at Park Avenue on 20 December 2016. Damien Allen claiming a two goal haul in the latter.

However, in this season's earlier meeting at Park Avenue on 23 September 2017, The Citizens claimed the three points courtesy of Steven Hewitt's dramatic late winner in a thrilling finale. Match highlights: Aberystwyth Town 2-3 Bangor City [click here]

Assessing the opposition, Manager Kevin Nicholson said "we are aware of what type of team they are and the strengths they possess."

"They will come here like most teams do when they come to Bangor and treat it like it's the biggest game of their season. We are use to that now."

"This is also a very big game for us and our focus is on playing well and getting the three points that will put us in an even stronger position heading into the break. We want to back up the win we got on Saturday and make sure that was the start of another run of positive results."

Read Kevin Nicholson's full match day notes exclusively in The Citizen (Bangor City's official Matchday Programme) - available Tuesday, price £2.