Powell's Genius the Secret to Bangor Success
Under Nev Powell, the Citizens have become arguably one of the best teams around in Cup football. He is unbeaten in the Welsh Cup, having won the Trophy thrice in an astonishing 18 game streak, since re-joining the club as manager from Connah's Quay, at the start of the 2007/08 season. And now, in his third season of European football, he has guided his team through a UEFA competition match against a very talented Finnish team.
The Citizens left it late at the Racecourse on Thursday night, but after they went 1-0 down to Finnish outfit Honka, it seemed as though it was Powell's plan to consolidate, not concede again and then leave it until as late as possible to snatch the victory from the jaws of defeat.
If this was his plan, it was genius because after Chris Jones' winner, it was simply too late for the Finns to respond. Just as he did at Parc y Scarlets in May to qualify for this competition, Dave Morley rose the highest at the far-post to head the equaliser before the man of the match, Chris Jones got the winner to register his second European goal in as many matches.
Prior to the start of this season's Europa League, Powell has had to deal with losing his two first-choice strikers Jamie Reed and Lee Hunt. Reed - who struck 30 goals in his one season at the club - is playing in Australia in search of a professional contract, whilst Hunt was quick to move along the Coast to Prestatyn for what was reportedly a move for more money.
Powell's two replacements may have raised a few eyebrows at the time by some City fans, but any doubters would have been convinced of their talents if they were at the Racecourse last night. Chris Jones, who was with Leeds Utd as a youngster and therefore has undoubted talent, has played for Caernarfon, Llangefni and Porthmadog in the Welsh Premier - all teams that have struggled. Powell played him in front of the midfield and just behind Les Davies in the two legs against Honka and he was reportedly outstanding in Finland last week scoring Bangor's goal and he was the star man last night as well, grabbing the deserved winner.
The other striker signing Alan Bull, has joined the Welsh set-up for the first time from Cammell Laird and when he came on for his cousin Eddie Jebb on 62 minutes, he added a new dimension to the team. He has an uncanny resemblance to Hunt in the way he plays and charges around the field and he looked very lively in his half-hour on the pitch, which certainly helped City get back into the game.
Another shrewd move by Powell was bringing Welsh Premier veteran Andy Mulliner back to the squad to add goalkeeping cover, but more importantly to coach Paul Smith. Mulliner, who is a goalkeeping coach at Premier League side Wolves, puts Smith through his paces in the warm-up and it certainly works and gives him the best pre-match preparation. Smith saved a penalty last week in Finland and also pulled off some fine saves throughout the match. He was kept busy again last night and despite having no chance with the goal, gave everybody the confidence that it would take another special something to beat him.
It's evident that Powell's genius is not lost on the fans. There were many loyal supporters wearing t-shirts with his name and face on and the strapline 'Bangor's Nevillution'. And, as they were under the cosh and 1-0 down last night, the tremendous, vocal fans carried out a chant for at least ten minutes of Neville Powell's Barmy Army, which inspired their team to get that incredible winner.
