BANGOR City manager Kevin Nicholson praised the improved performance of his side despite their 1-0 loss at Connah’s Quay.

The Citizens suffered a blow to their hopes of a second placed finish against their European rivals, and they must now win their two remaining games to stand any chance of a top two placing, starting with their final home game of the season against Cefn Druids on Sunday (3pm).

Nicholson, said: “It was a much-improved display and the lads gave me everything. I said it was a freak result last week and I have been proved right.

“There was nothing in the game until they scored, we hit the bar shortly before that and their goal came from a cross that we didn’t manage to deal with.

“They have got the best defensive record in the league and it is tough when you go behind against them, but we kept plugging away but just did not have the right quality.

“It was a good performance and the supporters applauded them off at the end which they deserved. The fans have been superb all season and backed us brilliantly.

“We are extremely disappointed not to take anything from the game and it is the first time we have lost back-to-back games since the autumn.

“We have got two games left and nothing is over yet, and we will keep fighting until it is mathematically impossible.”

The crucial moments of the game happened after the break when Luke Wall’s effort for the away side crashed against the crossbar on 56 minutes, and the Nomads took full advantage of this missed opportunity to take the lead on 58 when Callum Morris produced a fine header to beat Matthew Hall.

Jonny Spittle received his marching orders reducing the hosts to ten men late on, but City were unable to take advantage and secure a leveller and fell to defeat.