The New Saints stunned at Bangor
The New Saints crashed to a 5-2 defeat at Bangor City as their defence of the Welsh Premier League got off to a shaky start.
Despite twice hitting back to level in an entertaining first half, the Saints shipped in three more goals after the break to return home with plenty to ponder.
Bangor were ahead after just five minutes when Brayden Shaw headed home Anderson Cayola’s cross, but the visitors levelled nine minutes later as Connell Rawlinson fired in following a Wes Fletcher free-kick.
City restored their lead just two minutes later when Gary Taylor-Fletcher nodded in Shaw’s left wing cross as the chances continued, but TNS were all square for a second time on 24 minutes through Jamie Mullan’s close-range effort after a swift counter-attack.
After a scrappy start to the second half, Bangor were ahead on 61 minutes through the predatory Taylor-Fletcher and Shaw made it 4-2 with a stunning strike on 75 minutes for his second of the game.
Cayola completed the nap hand with a penalty on 81 minutes after being brought down in the box.
Newtown also opened their campaign on a losing note as they slumped 3-0 at Bala Town, who took the spoils with goals from Chris Venables, Evan Horwood and Mike Hayes.
The Robins also had Leon Clowes sent off for his second bookable offence late on.
