BANGOR City’s fate is now out of their own hands, as they prepare to make their last assault on the league title.
City have a week to recuperate before their next league clash, at home to Bala Town, knowing they need win each of their final three matches if they are to defend their Welsh Premier title.
Last week’s 2-2 draw at home to Llanelli left the Citizens four points behind leaders TNS, with just three games remaining.
Consecutive league losses to Neath and TNS at Nantporth have also contributed to Bangor’s recent downfall, as well as a humbling League Cup exit at the hands of Newtown.
However, City boss Nev Powell has refused to give up hopes of retaining their championship.
He said: "It’s out of our hands now, TNS are four points clear, and we have to hope that either Bala or Llanelli do us a favour. We just have to try and make sure we win our three remaining games.”
“The players know what they need to do, and if we're not going to win it we have to make sure we get second, to bring European football back to the new ground.”
The Citizens will now have a chance to rest their tired squad as James Brewerton is still struggling with a knee problem, while Sion Edwards came off against Llanelli with an achilles strain.
Edwards’ injury capped a bad day in the office for City, who lost out on all three points as they surrendered a two goal lead.
Powell remained defensive of his players’ efforts, despite the disappointing draw.
He said: “It was tough for the players with the heat, and after the team had played 120 minutes in midweek against Colwyn Bay.
“Llanelli came into the match with nothing to lose and they kept coming forward, and caused us problems.”
On a sunny afternoon at Nantporth, Les Davies’ towering header from a corner put City ahead, after Lee Idzi had brilliantly saved Rhys Griffith’s penalty.
Llanelli continued to pose a threat, but Bangor doubled their advantage shortly before the break through Alan Bull, who turned in the box, and struck a low shot into the net.
The second half saw Llanelli continue enjoying their share of possession, and after Damien Allen’s miss for City, the full timers struck through Jordan Follows, who finished low.
With five minutes to go, Craig Williams was played in, and with Idzi unable to hold his shot, the ball fell for Chris Venables to rifle home to earn his side a deserved point.