NICHOLSON’S CITIZENS PUT SAINTS TO THE SWORD
BANGOR CITY fired an early warning to their Welsh Premier League rivals that they mean business this season as they overwhelmed reigning champions
The New Saints 5-2 at the Bangor University Stadium.
TNS, who have dominated the league for most of the past decade having won it for the past six seasons, did not know what had hit them as the Citizens produced a superb performance.
And it was a great night for former Cardiff City Under-23 player Kevin Nicholson, with the new Bangor manager in charge of a Welsh Premier League match for the first time.
He told The NLP: “It was a really good performance. We knew we had to be at our best to beat TNS who have a great reputation and are an excellent side.”
Nicholson, who left the Bluebirds at the end of last year, says that Bangor are moving towards being a full-time set-up. “We are not yet quite like TNS, but we train three times a week.”
Brayden Shaw gave the Citizens the lead after just five minutes only for Connell Rawlinson to level matters nine minutes later. Gary Taylor-Fletcher regained the advantage for the hosts, but Jamie Mullan equalised for the champions and it was 2-2 at half-time.
In the second half, Shaw and Taylor-Fletcher both completed their braces and 20-year-old newcomer Anderson Cayola netted from the penalty spot to complete the rout nine minutes from time.
Prestatyn’s first game back in the top flight ended with a 4-0 defeat by last season’s runners-up Connah’s Quay Nomads.
Jay Owen put Andy Morrison’s men in front, slotting a deflected Ryan Wignall cross into the bottom left corner.
The visitors then doubled that lead through Callum Morris and any hopes of a revival for last term’s Huws Gray Alliance champions were dashed when Mike Wilde converted another Wignall delivery to make it 3-0.
The Seasiders looked for a consolation, but the Nomad had the final say when Matty Williams reacted quickest after a scramble.
Welsh Cup holders Bala Town, who finished third last season, opened their campaign with a 3-0 win over Newtown.
The Lakesiders settled quickest and two goals in three minutes either side of the halfhour swung the game their way.
First Chris Venables latched on to Jordan Evans’ pass, then Evan Horwood scored with a free-kick. Mike Hayes netted Bala’s third. Two Chris Baker goals set Cardiff Metropolitan University on their way to a 3-0 win at Cefn Druids, before Eliot Evans fired in a superb free-kick. Llandudno are also up and running with a 3-0 home victory over Carmarthen Town. All the goals came in the second half with Sam Hart scoring twice from the penalty spot and Sean Cavanagh also netting on his debut. Barry Town United – promoted as Welsh League champions – make their long-awaited return today as they entertain Aberystwyth Town at Jenner Park.