Match Preview

With the international break over, The Citizens return to JD Welsh Premier League action this Friday to face Connah's Quay Nomads at the Deeside Stadium (7:45pm Kick Off).

Back up to fourth place in the JD WPL table after winning their last two matches (2-0 at Newtown, 3-2 at home to Aberystwyth Town), Kevin Nicholson's troops will be looking to build on that momentum ahead of two critical fixtures as the first phase of the season hots up.

The Citizens should be near full-strength at the Deeside, with Gary Taylor-Fletcher, Danny Gosset and Paul Connolly all benefitting from the international break as they recover from injuries that have sidelined them in recent weeks.

Andy Morrison' Nomads side are on a fine run of form and since losing 1-0 at Bangor back in September, Connah’s Quay are unbeaten in their last nine matches (7 WPL, 2 League Cup). Last time out, they were pegged back late on as hosts Bala Town equalised from the penalty spot to make the final score 1-1 at Maes Tegid - Match Highlights [click here]

Citizens manager Nicholson is not underestimating the task ahead, stating:

"We are looking forward to getting back into action on Friday night after the international break. This fixture looks to be the toughest any team can face in the League at this moment in time."

"Since we beat them at the end of September, they have gone on a run of nine matches unbeaten in all competitions. Also, no team has won there yet this season - they have an excellent home record."

On City's current form, Nicholson added:

"We have recently put together back-to-back wins and will be looking to build on this to cement a strong league position and maintain our upturn in form this month."

The Citizens are unbeaten in their last four WPL visits to the Deeside Stadium (since November 2014), with both matches last season ending in score draws (2-2 and 1-1).

The two teams have already met at the Deeside this season with Nomads scoring two late goals to win a Nathaniel MG Cup Second Round tie 2-0 (03/10/17). The re-arranged JD WPL Matchday 5 meeting between the two sides saw The Citizens dominate proceedings in a match that ended Bangor City 1-0 Connah’s Quay (26/09/17) courtesy of Gary Taylor-Fletcher's 75th minute goal.

One player that won't be involved is striker Sam Henry who has signed for Widnes FC of the Hallmark Securities North West Counties Football League. Signed by The Citizens during the close season, Sam made his competitive debut as a substitute in the UEFA Europa League tie with Lyngby BK, but the Chester-based goalscorer has found his opportunities limited this term. Bangor City FC thanks Sam for his services to the club and wishes him the very best of luck with his new club.

Image courtesy of Connah's Quay Nomads FC