BANGOR City lost further ground in the early Huws Gray Alliance standings after a 3-2 defeat at early pacesetters Airbus Broughton.

The Citizens have endured a disappointing start to life in the second tier and were unable to claim a share of the spoils despite clawing back a two-goal deficit in the second period.

Manager Craig Harrison is now under significant pressure to turn around the club’s fortunes, and he will look to get his ambitious squad back to winning ways in their Huws Gray Cup clash against Gresford Athletic on Friday (8pm).

The visitors got off to a disastrous start and fell behind after just five minutes when a left-wing corner was headed into his own net by forward Marc Williams.

Things got even worse for the away side soon after when Asa Hamilton, a high-profile signing from Guilsfield during the summer, continued his excellent start for his new club when he beat Yalany Baio to a corner to double the Wingmakers’ advantage with a fine header.

After the break saw Harrison’s men come out with a completely different mindset and they got themselves on level terms with two goals in as many minutes midway through the half.

Lee Owens’ cross found its way into the net to reduce the deficit, and Williams made up for his error earlier in the contest by slotting home the equaliser.

Despite their improved play, the Citizens were unable to hold on to a point as defender Steve Tomassen met a Leo Riley free-kick to put the home side back in the ascendency at a crucial stage of the second period.

Lewis Buckley almost added to their tally with a pair of efforts late on, with City stopper Chris Mullock doing well to keep out a Riley strike in the final stages of the clash.

The defeat leaves Harrison’s men eight points behind Airbus having played a game more than their promotion rivals.