THE NINETEEN FIFTIES

THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME

1950/51

The first season in the Cheshire League finished reasonably successfully, with Bangor finishing seventh.

1951/52

A disappointing league position of eleventh was tempered by a couple of decent cup runs. During November, Bangor played the First Round of the English FA Cup against Third Division Southport. After a 2-2 draw at home, Bangor lost the replay 3-0. A trophy was lifted on the 10th of May, when Pwllheli were beaten 3-1 at Farrar Road in the North Wales Coast Cup. A crowd of over 9000 saw Cec Wyles score a hat-trick for City.

1952/53

An improved performance saw Bangor finish fifth in the Cheshire League. City faced Southport again in the English FA Cup First Round, and fell to another defeat (1-3 away).

1953/54

Bangor had their best season yet in the league, finishing runners-up, with a final record of played 42, won 27, drawn 7, lost 8, goals for 117, goals against 62, and 61 points.

1954/55

After a fine second position the previous season, Bangor finished in the lower half of the table to the disappointment of the City faithful. Bangor progressed to the Final of the Cheshire League Cup, but lost 5-0 away to Hyde. On the 27th of April, a Bangor City XI played English First Division Champions Wolves, who were at that time, according to their manager Stan Cullis "champions of the world." The Bangor XI included four Blackpool players, including the great Stanley Matthews. The City XI won 2-0 in front of a sell-out crowd.

1955/56

Early exits from the FA Cup versus Llandudno, and the Cheshire Cup against Rhyl made for a disappointing season. In the league, Bangor scored 71 times, but conceded over 100 goals, to finish again in the bottom half.

1956/57

With 115 league goals conceded, Bangor finished last but one. The club was forced to apply for re-election for the following season, which to the relief of the supporters, was granted.

1957/58

With Thomas George Jones (Tommy T.G Jones) in charge, Bangor had an altogether better season. The defence let in less than half the goals compared to the previous season. The North Wales Coast Cup was won with a 2-0 victory against Holyhead Town. On the 29th of March, Bangor and Northwich proved the old cliché, "a game of two halves." The half time score was Northwich 0, Bangor 1. The full time score was Northwich 8, Bangor 1!

1958/59

Tommy T.G Jones’ team was starting to take shape. The supremely talented Ray Gryba signed from Ellesmere Port, whilst Bangor stalwart Len Davies joined the club from Winsford. During August, a new 600-seater stand was completed to the cost of £4000. Bangor finished in second place for the first time in five years. City reached the Semi-Final of the Welsh Cup, before bowing out to Lovells Athletic, 2-1 at the Racecourse.

1959/60

A similar season, with another top half finish. City again reached the Welsh Cup Semi-Final, losing the replay. A Ray Gryba goal was enough for City to draw at the Racecourse, Wrexham against Cardiff. Despite another Gryba goal in the replay, City lost 4-1. Tommy Jones made a key signing, with the acquisition of former Oldham centre-half, Eddie Murphy.