ENGLISH RUIN KEV AND RUS PREPS

NEW FACES will fill the dugout on the opening day of the Welsh Premier League as Bangor City welcome reigning champions

The New Saints to the Bangor University Stadium on Friday.

But yesterday didn’t provide the best preparation for either, as both suffered defeats to English opposition.

Kevin Nicholson took over from Andy Legg at Bangor while Scott Ruscoe is the new man in charge at TNS, following Craig Harrison’s move to Hartlepool United, and both men will be looking for the perfect start as the clubs embark on new eras.

TNS won six league titles, four Welsh Cups and three Welsh League Cups under the stewardship of Harrison.

And Ruscoe will be hoping for that success to continue but Nicholson will be aiming to close the gap on the champions after finishing 33 points behind them last season. Ruscoe’s men entertained a

Wolves XI at Park Hall and were thumped 5-1 with former Newport County striker Aaron Collins scoring twice.

Sherwin Seedorf, who is related to Dutch legend Clarence, was also on the scoresheet alongside Dan Armstrong and an own goal. TNS forward Greg Draper grabbed a consolation. Bangor City lost 2-0 to Everton

U23 at the Bangor University Stadium. Bassala Sambou and a Luke Garbutt penalty sealed the win for the young Toffees.

And there was also a defeat to English opposition for Llandudno, who were beaten 3-0 at Stafford Rangers.

They host Carmarthen Town in their season opener. Carmarthen played out a goalless draw with Cardiff Metropolitan University. Cefn Druids host the students next week and they found goals easy to come by against Denbigh Town. Lewis Buckley bagged a brace and Alec Mudimu and Ashley Ruane netted in a 5-1 win Elsewhere next week, Welsh Cup winners Bala Town face Newtown and Huws Gray Alliance champions Prestatyn Town take on runners-up Connah’s Quay Nomads.

The Nomads warmed up nicely yesterday, beating Flint Town

United 3-0 , Callum Morris and Michael Wilde among the scorers.

A late James Brewerton strike helped rescue Rhyl as they held

St Asaph to a 3-3 draw. Tom Rowlands chipped Rhyl into the lead but St Asaph took control with three goals in five minutes.

John Terry brought them level before a quick-fire brace from Jake Walker. Sam Downey then gave Rhyl hope before Brewerton’s late heroics.