Football: Bangor City FC draw Finns of FC Honka

Jun 24 2009

BANGOR City manager Neville Powell cannot wait for his team’s latest European adventure – although he admits this week’s draw could have been better for his side.

The Welsh Cup holders were paired with Finland’s FC Honka in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League in Nyon, Switzerland on Monday.

City could have landed Turkish giants Galatasaray, Scotland’s Falkirk or a club from Croatia or Israel, but instead will meet the Finns from Tapiola, Espoo, who finished second in the Veikkausliiga last year.

The first leg will be at the Tapiolan Urheilupuisto stadium on July 16 with the return at the Racecourse, Wrexham, on July 23.

"We’d like to have drawn Galatasaray, but whoever we got it would have been a tough draw," said Powell, who led Bangor to a second successive Welsh Cup triumph in May.

"Logistically, it’s a good draw for us. We’re away in the first leg which will give us a chance to get a good look at them and we’ll know what to expect for the return game in Wrexham a week later."

The toughest hurdle facing Powell’s men could be the fact the Finnish season runs from April to October, meaning they are in regular competitive action, while City are in the middle of a summer recess.

Powell, who was in Nyon with fellow Bangor officials for Monday’s draw, added: "I was talking to an official of their club who said they are 10 games into their season.

"On top of that they are a full-time professional club so of course it’s going to be tough, but we’ll prepare as well as we can and hopefully give a good account of ourselves."

Bangor returned to European competition last season after an eight-year absence and put up a good show against crack Danish outfit FC Midtjylland over two legs in the UEFA Cup.

City were beaten 6-1 at Wrexham, but the scoreline did not truly reflect the game with Les Davies banging in an equaliser for the Blues, while the second leg finished 4-0.

"I think that experience will stand the players in good stead this time around; I’m sure we’ll have come on for it," said Powell.

The City boss said it was great to be involved again in the atmosphere of a European draw.

"To be here among representatives of so many big clubs is fantastic and what Bangor City are all about."

City were given a bye into the second qualifying round, but fellow Welsh Premier clubs Llanelli and TNS must compete at the first stage.

Llanelli will have been delighted to draw Scottish Premier League club Motherwell, while the Saints were relieved to avoid a potential long-distance trip to Israel as they meet Iceland’s Fram Reykjavik.