AFTER attending Bangor City’s 5-2 demolition of Welsh Premier League champions TNS last Friday night, I changed my views on the Citizens’ hopes for the season ahead.
Prior to the match at Nantporth, I was a little sceptical as to whether or not the Citizens could truly mount a title challenge during 2017/18. Was bringing in eight new faces over the summer, too much change at one time? Or was it in fact exactly what they needed to boos their hopes?
Friday proved the latter and two of the summer signings in particular stood out amongst the rest of the squad; record signing Brayden Shaw and forward Anderson Cayola.
Shaw, who spent par of last season on loan at Bangor, opened the scoring on five minutes before bagging the goal of the match on 75 mins, when his 30 yard shot dipped and swerved its way past Saints keeper Paul Harrison. The 20-year-old also added an assist to his name when Gary Taylor-Fletcher nodded home one of his two goals on the night.
Shaw put in a man of the match performance whilst playing out wide for City before coming off to a standing ovation from the crowd as he was replaced by Dean Rittenberg late on.
Bolivian forward Cayola was also very lively throughout. His first touch and movement was incredible, with his ability to turn quickly causing both Steve Saunders and Connell Ralwinson some serious problems.
His South American style of play was clear to see and time and time again he was able to create space for his team mates and pick out a pass.
Their spectacular performances got me thinking; if they can do this against the best the WPL has to offer a.k.a. the champions, then imagine what they are capable of doing against the other ten teams in the league?
There was much worry from those associated with Bangor over the summer after they witnessed the departure of talented winger Henry Jones to National League side, AFC Fylde. Who could possibly replace him?
Although Shaw is naturally a central midfielder, he gelled well to fit the mould of a wide player on Friday night and proved that just like Jones did so often last season, he could create goals, as well as score them. If anyone can replace him, then it is the man who is two years younger than him and has so much got give for the club.
Cayola will score goals from that forward position too, I have no doubts about that. His cool as you like penalty against veteran goalkeeper Harrison on Friday was proof that he feels no pressure, even sending him the wrong way. He’ll bring some much needed flair and talent to Bangor’s front line this year and I can see him becoming a cult hero amongst the fans.
Undoubtedly, as new City boss Kevin Nicholson mentioned after the match, the one thing that Bangor really need to work on this season is there consistency. If they can sort that out, then I have no doubts that they can be a real contender for the Welsh Premier League title.
(Featured Image: EventPhotoWales)
Leave a Reply