It’s Bangor City v Colwyn Bay first up in the tier 2 North League

Veteran defender Mike Williams left Bangor City in May to join Colwyn Bay. Pic: eventphotowales

Colwyn Bay’s face a mouthwatering opening weekend trip to Bangor City in their first match back in the Welsh football pyramid after an absence of 34 years.

Bay travel to Nantporth to take on the Citizens in the FAW Tier 2 North League on Saturday, August 17.

City earned a relegation reprieve earlier this week when a 42-point deduction imposed by the FAW for alleged rule-breaking was cut to 21 on appeal, enabling the troubled club to stay up on goal difference.

Colwyn Bay FC shareholders voted to end their exile from the Welsh Leagues in March, after leaving in 1984.

The game at Nantporth will see new Bay signing Sion Edwards come up against the team with whom he has spent the vast majority of his career, while defender Mike Williams left City to join the Seagulls this summer.

The Tier 2 North season begins on Friday, August 16, with new-look Prestatyn Town entertaining perennial dark horses Guilsfield.

On the Saturday, newly-promoted Llangefni Town, last season’s Welsh Alliance champions, entertain Gresford Athletic.

A cracker is in store at Cae-y-Castell, where last season’s runners-up Flint Town United play hosts to Rhyl. who have already made some top-class signings this summer.

Llandudno, relegated from the Welsh Premier last term, are home to Corwen, new arrivals via the Welsh National League.

Another new name, Llanfair United, welcome Ruthin Town, while Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant take on visitors Penrhyncoch.

Porthmadog, who will be under new manager Sion Eifion Jones, face a tricky first up test when Conwy Borough land at Y Traeth.

With the newly-named league operating with an uneven 17 teams this season, Buckley Town will open the campaign with a free weekend.