Davies is Saints' nemesis in cup exit
LES Davies once again proved to be the nemesis of the Saints as his brace sent Bangor into the League Cup's last four.
Twelve months ago "The Truck" ended TNS hopes at the same stage of the competition in Porthmadog colours and his shooting proved just as accurate back in a Citizens' shirt as he notched a goal in each half.
The Farrar Road men fully merited their place in the last four as they became the first side to defeat TNS at Park Hall.
Chris Seargeant sounded a warning in a first half of few chances when rattling the post with a seventh minute free kick.
The Saints struggled to get into their stride and were breached two minutes before the interval when Davies demonstrated his power by shrugging off defender Rob Williams as he broke into the box before firing his low shot past keeper Ged Doherty from 12 yards.
The second period saw the Saints look a greater threat with Alfie Carter seeing one effort blocked by the legs of keeper Paul Smith.
And from the resulting corner on 63 minutes, Tommy Holmes curled his cross into the box and Williams headed inside the right post from six yards.
Substitute Carl Lamb spurned one golden opening when his cross eluded three team mates while Phil Baker header inches wide.
But a determined Bangor side were to have the last word when Davies turned the home defence five minutes from time before planting his low shot through the legs of Doherty.
Manager Ken McKenna has never given the League Cup high priority and he chose to bring back several players short of match fitness on the road back from injury.
The move backfired in this competition but, with one player one club beginning to take its toll for most clubs, his planning may prove to be prudent if first choice players are available to chase more rewarding prizes.
But one who won't be able to play his part for a while is Luke Holden, who was taken to hospital after sustaining a leg injury in a crunching tackle from Michael Walsh. |
