WELSHPOOL left behind ongoing speculation over their future to hand Bangor City the fright of their lives at Farrar Road.

Even the most ardent of Welshpool fans would have been forgiven for fearing the worst with just 13 players making the trip to northern Gwynedd.

Jamie Reed and Nicky Ward fired wide early on, before City broke the deadlock on 23 minutes, with Jamie Brewerton nodding home Eddie Jebb’s cross.

City were then frustrated as referee Andy Harms ignored penalty claims after John Boardman had appeared to handle.

Welshpool made the most of such a reprieve and were level on 33 minutes with Mike Cronshaw capitalising after Paul Smith spilled a Gareth Williams effort.
Ten minutes later and more defensive indecision from the hosts allowed Cronshaw the space to complete his brace and put Welshpool ahead.

City were stunned into action and succeeded in levelling deep into first-half injury-time, with Reed fed by Chris Roberts before slotting past Dave Maguire.

Reed continued to influence the game after the break and linked with Ward who fired a warning shot across Pool’s bows.

City gradually became dominant, with the pressure telling on the hour, after Reed was clumsily hauled down by Arran Pritchard before converting from the penalty spot.

Welshpool chances were rare, with Steff Edwards lashing wide under pressure from Smith, while Cronshaw was also denied his hat-trick.

At the other end Reed was joined by Lee Hunt in testing a relieved Maguire as City pushed for a fourth.