On a night of controversy and full-blooded commitment, the Saints dropped their first home Welsh Premier points of the season in a pulsating draw with leaders Bangor City.

The Oswestry men twice led but ultimately were left to reflect on two key decisions from referee Lee Evans early in the second half, his first to send off Danny Holmes followed moments later by a contentious penalty decision.

So, after a night of drama watched by a cdrowd of 589, it all meant that the Saints still trail the high flying Citizens by 10 points, but with two games in hand.

TNS made the perfect start when Craig Jones broke from deep on nine minutes and curled an inviting low cross for the incoming Richie Partridge to fire into the roof of the net from eight yards.

Despite the early setback, Bangor had their fair share of the play and were back on terms on 27 minutes as Chris Jones found acres of space on the right and crossed for Alan Bull to steer a low shot inside the left post. The Citizens, however, fell behind five minutes before the interval when conceding a soft goal as the lively TNS winger Jones again weaved his way towards goal and saw his shot spilled by keeper Paul Smith with Aeron Edwards forcing the rebound over the line.

Tripped

The second half got off to a dramatic start with TNS reduced to 10 men as Holmes was red-carded for a his tackle on Les Davies on 50 minutes, the fullback being ruled to have tripped the striker as he homed in on goal.

From the resulting free kick, Davies’ powerful strike was blocked by keeper Paul Harrison, but in the ensuing goalmouth scramble Edwards was harshly penalised for handling .

After the protests had died down Dave Morley stepped up to convert his penalty and level the scores.

With Bangor harrying and giving no quarter, the Saints struggled to get into their earlier stride and the visitors went close with Bull and Davies both putting efforts straight at Harrison.

The Oswestry men remained a threat on the break and almost regained the lead when Jones saw an effort cleared off he line, while substitute Chris Sharp failed to capitalise on the rebound.

At the other end Davies fired over the bar from a corner when well placed, but utlimately, the honours were shared.

The match ended in a result that pleased Bangor more than their hosts.

By John Bridgwater