Thursday, July 14, 2011

Bangor facing big task - Powell

Venue: Belle Vue, RhylDate: 13 July Kick-off: 1830 BSTCoverage: Updates on BBC Sport website and BBC Radio Wales and Radio CymruChampions League logo Boss Neville Powell believes Bangor City have nothing to lose against HJK Helsinki in the Champions League second qualifying round.

The Welsh Premier League Champions face the Finnish side at Rhyl's Belle Vue in the first leg on Wednesday night.

"Obviously the odds are stacked against us," said Powell.

"We're under no illusions. It's going to be difficult [and] it's important we try and keep it as tight as we can at Rhyl."

Bangor make their Champions League debut against a side who have won their national title 23 times.

They are currently top of the Finnish First Division and are coached by former national team boss Antti Muurinen.

But former Liverpool, Barcelona and Ajax playmaker Jari Litmanen has not travelled to Wales as he continues his rehabilitation from knee surgery.

Powell and assistant Marc Limbert travelled to Finland last week to watch HJK's 4-2 victory against Turku.

"They've got international players in their side so the size of the task is immense," said Powell.

"We've got nothing to lose. Everybody's expecting us to get beat.

"We'd just like to try and keep that tie open for when we go over to Finland. If we can do that the lads will have had a massive achievement.

"I know for a fact these lads will be giving 120% and doing everything they can to try and get a result.

"The amount of times Bangor have come back from the dead and beat these big teams, it's incredible.

"You never know it might just be another fairytale in the history of Bangor City."


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