BANGOR City Men's hockey team suffered a 3-1 defeat at home to Chester in atrocious weather conditions on Saturday afternoon.

Despite high winds and swirling rain showers making things difficult for both sides, this match was open and well-contested throughout. Chester took the lead with a tidy reverse stick finish in the eighth minute.

Bangor responded with some attacking pressure of their own, with Ash Hardaker hurtling a drag-flick just wide, and Tom Hughes forcing a couple of saves from the visiting goalkeeper.

Chester withstood the onslaught though and doubled their advantage from a short corner on 23 minutes. Bangor hit back almost immediately, as Hughes squared to Gwion Jones in the 'D', who beat the keeper with a cool lofted finish.

With conditions deteriorating, the second half was a tight battle throughout. Jonathan Gould and Flynn Holt provided an attacking edge for City, and went close with opportunities. Chester were then awarded a penalty flick after their player was felled in the 'D', but they were denied by a magnificent diving save from City glovesman Rayshauun Suen.

Despite further stops from the Citycustodian, Chester bagged the all-important third goal with 11 minutes remaining, from a short corner. Bangor finished strongly, with Hughes having a volleyed effort cleared off the line on the rebound after Harri Evans' drag-flick was well saved, but despite another battling performance, they ended the game empty-handed.

Bangor welcome Brooklands Manchester University to the Brailsford Centre 3G on Saturday (2.15pm).