| Madeira mission for Bangor City |
| Wednesday 28 July 2010 |
 BANGOR City enter uncharted territory with a third qualifying round Europa League tie at CS Maritimo on Thursday night. The majority of the City squad arrived in Madeira - the birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo - on Monday, and will combine business with pleasure as they remain on the picturesque island for a week. Arriving early allows the players to acclimatise to the 90 degree temperatures, although Dave Morley and Chris Roberts only flew out today due to work commitments. Maritimo, who play in the Portuguese top flight alonside the likes of Sporting Lisbon, made into this round with 3-2 victories home and away to Irish outfit Sporting Fingal. They go into Thursday's game without Angolan international Djalma Campos, but still boast 12 Brazilians in their squad. The first leg is being played at the Estadio da Madeira as Maritimo's ground undergoes a major redevelopment. "Clearly, we are favourites, but we have to demonstrate it on the field," says coach Mitchell Van der Gaag, a Dutchman who played 150 games for the club as well as PSV, Rotterdam, Motherwell and Utrecht. "There are those who think that there are easy matches, but they don't exist. "We need to remember that Bangor City eliminated the Finish side Honka Espoo, who were considered favourites in the previous round, and as a result, we cannot expect an easy adversary. "We have to work hard, fight and never let up. If we score early, it will be important because it is my understanding that it would be the easiest way to disrupt the system that they will try to implement. Our idea is to win the match without suffering any goals." Marítimo have a formidable home record against European opposition with victories over Rangers, Aarau and a Leeds United side in their prime. Meanwhile, midfielder Craig Garside is doubtful for City after missing the Honka victory with a hamstring problem. Photo: The Nacional Stadium in Madeira. |