It was the hosts who made the brighter start to the game and they came close to taking the lead inside the opening minute. Gwion Dafydd broke into the left of the box and played the ball across the face of goal to Craig Lindfield. Although Lindfield’s shot from close range was on target, it was saved by Carl Jones and the ball was cleared

Gwion Dafydd had another chance for the hosts just before the quarter hour mark but scuffed his shot from the edge of the area and the ball went wide of the target.

Slightly against the run of play, it was Bangor who took the lead just after the midway point of the opening period. Harry Galeotti dribbled past Sam Hart and cut the ball back to enable Corrig McGonigle to score from close range.

One the half hour mark, the hosts almost drew level and Gwion Dafydd was again at the heart of the action. The attacker's curling effort seemed to be heading for the corner but struck the inside of the post and rebounded to safety.

Almost immediately afterwards, however, it was Bangor who doubled their advantage when McGonigle curled the ball into the top corner of the net direct from a free-kick from a very tight angle to the right of the penalty area.

Colwyn Bay appeared frustrated at this passage of events and James Owen was soon booked for sliding in late on Bangor goalkeeper Carl Jones. Worse was to follow for the home side as they were reduced to ten men moments later. Lewis Sirrell was sent off for serious foul play after sliding dangerously into Dale Davies with his studs up in an over-the-ball challenge.

Just before the break, Tom Clarke was booked for bringing down Tommy Creamer as he broke forward towards the Bangor box. Sam Hart curled in the free-kick but his effort went narrowly wide of the near post just before the referee brought the first half to a close.

HALF-TIME: COLWYN BAY 0-2 BANGOR 1876

Inside the opening minute of the second half, Bangor came close to extending their advantage. Liam Morris showed his pace to break down the left and his inviting ball across the face of goal was turned behind for a corner with Corrig McGonigle lurking in a threatening position at the back post.

Just before the hour mark, Bangor broke forward on a quick counter attack. Harry Galeotti sent in a cross from the left but Liam Morris couldn't direct his shot on target.

It wasn't long before Bangor threatened again. Tom Clarke played a ball forward towards Harry Galeotti on the left. 1876’s captain continued his run forward and received a neat return pass. His initial shot was well saved by Rhys Williams but Clarke fired in the rebound to add a third goal.

Colwyn Bay seemed spurred into a reaction and soon had a chance at the clubhouse end..Gwion Dafydd turned just outside the box but his curling shot went narrowly over the crossbar. Tommy Creamer then had a shot from a similar position but failed to trouble Carl Jones.

With ten minutes left a goal did arrive but at the opposite end of the pitch. Liam Morris once again showed pace to break down the left and played a neat pass forward towards Mason Blackwell-Jones. After controlling the ball on the run, the attacking midfielder fired in a powerful low shot across goal that found the net.

As the clock ticked down, Carl Jones was booked for taking a goal kick from slight too far forward and there were few further chances. Bangor played out the three minutes of injury time as Mason Blackwell-Jones also received a yellow card for a foul. The large travelling contingent headed home happy after seeing 1876 start the new season in the best possible manner.

FULL-TIME: COLWYN BAY 0-4 BANGOR 1876

Our next game is at home to Mold Alexandra on Tuesday 6 August (7.45pm). Please come along to cheer on the team in their first home.league match of the season.

Thanks to Matt Johnson for the action shot of Corrig McGonigle's second goal.