Roberts strike takes Sartid by surprise

Bangor City FC 1-0 NK Sartid
Bangor City FC upset the odds tonight in their UEFA Cup qualifier with Yugoslavian first division side FC Sartid thanks to a second-half goal from striker Paul Roberts.

Precious lead
The former Wrexham forward ensured the League of Wales club head into the second leg in a fortnight with a precious lead when he scored the decisive goal on 69 minutes.

Left-foot shot
Roberts took his opportunity with aplomb, blasting a left-foot shot past despairing goalkeeper Drgan Zilic after a neat cross from Kenny Burgess. Equally adept at the other end, Bangor defended resolutely throughout and stifled Sartid’s rare attacks.

Only scare
The Welsh club's only scare came inside the first five minutes, when midfield player Slavoljub Kizic fired an effort narrowly wide of Phil Priestley's right-hand post.

'We were tremendous'
Bangor coach Peter Davenport was delighted with the performance. "I thought we were tremendous," he said. "It was our night. "So many teams go out after the first leg but we have given ourselves a magnificent chance of progressing in the UEFA Cup."

Skora warning
But Sartid manager Jovica Skora warned Bangor that the Yugoslavians would present a more formidable challenge on August 29. "I thought my players under estimated Bangor and they paid the price," the 55-year-old said. "I'm sure it will be a different game next time and we fully expect to go through."