BETWEEN THE WARS

1920 TO 1940

After the war, in 1920, Bangor moved in with the Cricket Club at Farrar Road, and were renamed Bangor Athletic. In 1924 Bangor went one round further than they had for 23 years by reaching the fifth round, before losing 4-0 away to Aberdare. In 1926-27, Bangor changed their name again to Bangor City. This did not make much difference for this season as Carnarvon Athletic defeated City in the third round. The next year saw Bangor do much better, progressing all the way to the final, beating Aberdare 7-3 to set up a semi final clash with Football League side Merthyr Town. In Colwyn Bay the match ended 2-2 City’s goals from Smith and White. The replay at Oswestry was a two-nil success (Jeffs and White). This led to a final against English and Welsh Cup holders, Cardiff City. Over 12,000 people packed into Farrar Road to set the attendance record for the stadium. Hugh Ferguson scored for Cardiff shortly before half time, and repeated the feat minutes after the interval. Bangor were chasing shadows for much of the tie and First Division Cardiff’s six current internationals outplayed Bangor’s amateurs. There was no further scoring, Cardiff winning comfortably, 2-0. Hopes were high following the final appearance, but City failed to win a Welsh Cup Tie for five years.

In 1932-33, Bangor joined the Birmingham and District League, and the better standard of competition led to an improved showing in the Welsh Cup, leading to an unlucky 2-1 defeat against Wrexham in the Quarter Final. The next season saw further improvement. Ex-Cardiff and Wales star Len Davies scored to beat Chester 1-0 at Farrar Road. The ex-League stars of goalkeeper Kyle, and fullbacks Buxton and Johnston ensured that the Citizens held out for a single goal victory. The reward for Bangor was a home Semi Final clash with Tranmere. Unfortunately for the Blues they were the recipients of a 6-1 drubbing, Rovers legend Harold `Bunny` Bell smacking in five for the Scousers. City, however, were the only Welsh side in the last four, with Bristol City beating Port Vale in the other Semi-Final. This English-based Final, held in Chester, was therefore hardly worthy of the title Welsh Cup!