NORTH WEST WALES’ FIRST SUPER CLUB

Bangor Football Club were the first winners of the North Wales Coast Senior (later the Amateur) Cup in 1895. The following season, the club not only retained the trophy, but went three steps further, winning the North Wales Coast League Championship, the NW Welsh Challenge Cup and, most importantly, the Welsh Cup. Their achievements consigned them to the history books not only as one of the first Grand Slam winners in Welsh football, but also as one of the greatest-ever Bangor teams. With the bulk of the team staying on from the previous season, and containing no less than 4 Full Welsh Internationals, Bangor FC dominated the North Wales football scene in 1895-96.

In the North Wales Coast League, Bangor competed against Carnarvon Ironopolis, Flint, Llandudno, Holywell and Rhyl. All clubs were situated close to railway stations, and although expensive, train travel was the only way to guarantee that league fixtures were fulfilled. Bangor finished their league campaign unbeaten in all matches, and finished well clear of second-placed Flint. The Final of the North Wales Coast Senior Cup was played at Bangor’s then home stadium Maes y Dref, located near Hirael Bay, and cheered on by vociferous local support, Bangor won by two goals to nil. Bangor saved their best performances for the Welsh Cup. At the semi-final stage, Bangor travelled to Newtown, where the 60 supporters who accompanied the team on the train down to mid-Wales went virtually unnoticed amongst a crowd of over 4000. After a 1-1 draw, a replay was held at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, which Bangor comfortably won 3-0. The final was held at Llandudno, and 2000 Bangor fans amongst a record Cup Final crowd of 7000, saw their team beat favourites Wrexham 3-1, thereby consigning the name of Bangor FC to the record books.