Bangor City 0-0 Bala Town: Lakesiders progress on pens as Mullarkey misses in sudden death
Oswestry, England 08 July 2021. UEFA Europa Conference League First qualifying round match between Bala Town and Larne. Credit: Will Cheshire / Clwb Peldroed.
Bala Town moved into the quarter-finals of the Nathaniel MG Cup as they defeated Bangor City on penalties at Nantporth.
After a goalless 90 minutes, it came down to a penalty shootout to decide the winner with the Welsh Premier side making it through after a tense shootout which they won 7-8.
The first real chance of the game fell to Bala forward Chris Venables who found himself in space in the area. A great cross from the left found Venables but Brass made a good save from the header.
Mello Corbellini looked lively in the early stages looking to get on the ball and get his team playing.
Despite both sides moving the ball well in the first half it was a case of the final ball being missing.
Bangor put a great move together with ten to play in the first half after Zicarelli drove into the box, back heeled into the path of teammate Corbellini who struck his shot just wide of the post.
A Bangor mistake opened the door for the visitors late in the half when a Bala counterattack found Leslie in space, his shot missed the target.
A few minutes later there was another let off for the home side. After giving the ball away in their own half, Evans drove at the Bangor defence, he looked to square the ball across the box, but his cross was cut out.
There was a late free kick in the first half for Bala that was bundled into the net, but the linesman quickly raised his flag for a foul. No real complaints from the Bala players.
Bangor started the second half the better side. Zicarelli looked threatening cutting inside on his right foot and firing just over seven minutes into the second half.
Bangor striker Isla Cacciavillani had a headed effort saved with 60 gone after directing a cross from the right-hand side towards goal. It was a game of few chances for the striker who played a vital part in holding the ball for Bangor and bringing other players into play.
One of the best chances in the second half fell to Bangor. A corner from the left-hand side was flicked on at the near post and looked to be heading in, but a Bala defender was alive to the danger and cleared off the line.
Corbellini showed his quality late on with a beautiful switch of play to Zicarelli, he created space for himself and beat the defender with a lovely piece of skill, he cut inside on his right foot and fired just wide of the mark.
Isla and Mello showed good understanding throughout the game, linking up well at times. They linked up with a few minutes to play, Isla setting up Mello for a shot who saw his effort fly wide.
With a minute to play Bangor had another good opportunity. A mistake from Bala let Zicarelli bear down on the Bala goal. He cut inside again but hit a tame shot that was easily saved by the keeper.
With normal time played it was down to a penalty shootout to decide the winner. Despite Bangor’s dominance in the second half, they didn’t manage to capitalise on their opportunities.
Full time: 0-0
Venables stepped up first for Bala, Brass saving well down to his right.
Corbellini was up first for the home side and saw his penalty rattle against the crossbar and out.
Woods, Matanza, Bauress, Zicarelli, Rutherford, Garratt, Mendes, Isla, Stephens, Carty, Shannon, Edmonds, Walker and Tobler all scored their penalties before Southern stepped up for Bala and missed.
Bangor then had the chance to win it with Walsh, however his penalty was tame and was easily saved by the goalkeeper.
Peate scored for Bala to put the pressure back on Bangor.
Mullarkey stepped up and saw his penalty saved by Harri Lloyd to send Bala through with a 7-8 shootout win.
Bangor City: L.Brass, T.Garratt, J.Walsh, T.Thain(84’),I.Cacciavillana,M.Corbellini,D.Mullarkey, E.Zicarelli, D.Carty, T.Matanza,F.Tobler
Subs: S.Owen, P.Edmonds(84’), J.Swindell, T.Maninga
Yellow:Matanza 77’, Hugo Colace 89’ (Manager)
Bala Town: H.Lloyd, N.Peate, A.Stephens, W.Evans(72’), C.Sang (66’), S.Leslie(71’),P.Rutherford,B.Bauress,O.Southern, C.Venables, O.Shannon
Subs: D.Clark, C.Woods (71), S.Smith, L.Mendes (72’), D.Walker (66’)
Yellow: Bauress 71’
