Bangor denied by the woodwork

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Published on Friday, 06 July 2012 07:37

BANGOR came within inches of securing their first European win in the city for 51 years, but were held 0-0 at home by Zimbru Chisinau of Moldova.

The first half ended goal-less but the Citizens went closest to breaking the deadlock when Damian Allen's free-kick hit the crossbar. 

City had a golden opportunity after just four minutes when Mark Smyth's mis-hit shot fell to Les Davies who blasted over from eight yards out.

However, the visitors almost hit back in the 13th minute when Chris Simm fouled Akhmet Barakhoev outside the area and Radu Catan's well struck free-kick was brilliantly tipped over the bar by home keeper Lee Idzi. 

Despite a spell of domination, Zimbru created few chances although an error from Michael Johnston ended with Oleg Molla rippling the side-netting.

Bangor's closest chance arrived just before the break when Allen's curling strike clipped the bar with keeper Nicolae Calancea beaten. 

There's a bit of disappointment because we had a couple of good chances and could have stolen it [Nev Powell].

City made a double substitution on 67 minutes when Alan Bull and Chris Jones replaced Sion Edwards and Simm and the switch paid almost instant dividends. Jones received the ball from a throw-in down the right and tricked his way into a clear shooting position only for Calancea to go down well and deny him at his near post. 

Zimbru were doing the majority of the attacking but City defended stoutly and nearly made the breakthrough seven minutes from time.

Craig Garside picked out Dave Morley with a slide-rule pass, but the ex-Manchester City defender screwed his shot wide. 

And, in the final minute, Zimbru went close to an undeserved winner when Iavorschi's strike was headed wide by Brewerton, before Chris Jones was denied by a Calancea save.