BANGOR City men’s hockey team suffered a 5-0 defeat away to NWHL Division 2 opponents Bebington 2nds on Saturday.

The Wirral-based hosts began strongly against an inexperienced City eleven and took the lead on four minutes on the rebound, after the striker’s initial shot had been saved by the feet of keeper Keith Proudlove.

Bangor’s difficult start continued as Beb netted another two goals in quick succession from short corners to put the home side in a comfortable position.

The visitors managed to steady the ship somewhat, with Harry Street and Oli Ekberg threatening for Bangor late in the half.

They continued to threaten after the break, as they aimed to pin the home side into their own half. David Paterson and Oli Ekberg both forced the Bebington glovesman into further saves as they aimed to pull one back.

However, persistent stick tackling and some very questionable umpiring calls had Bangor reduced to nine players’ midway through the second period.

The home side took advantage of their numerical superiority, scoring a fourth on 52 minutes, with a thunderbolt of a shot which hit the chest of brave defender Andrzej Griffiths, to deflect the ball beyond Proudlove.

Bangor emptied the tank in search of a late consolation, with Flynn Holt, Harry Street and Harry Collins-Jones prominent in attack - but it was not to be, and Bebington struck the final blow with a fifth goal on the counter attack.

It was frustrating afternoon for City, but they will have to put the disappointment behind them next Saturday, when they return to the Wirral to take on Oxton HC 3rds.