With the visit of Bala Town, and the long-awaited return of the JD Cymru Premier just four days away, tonight’s friendly against Bangor City was The New Saints’ final match before the competitive action restarts.

A number of starters from Saturday’s friendly against Stoke City U-23s were rested, so tonight’s game gave Scott Ruscoe an opportunity to take a look at an almost entirely different starting 11, as he puts his plans together for the game against the Lakesiders.

Despite a spirited TNS display at Park Hall, it was the Citizens who claimed a narrow 1-0 victory, thanks to a late Salvatore Pascarella header.

It was a closely matched game, with little in terms of goalmouth action, and that was evident in the first-half, as a curling Leo Smith strike from outside the penalty area was the closest either side came to breaking the deadlock.

That pattern continued in the second period, although Beau Cornish and Dean Ebbe both had chances to score in the early stages, as the match began to get more open.

The highlight of the half came 15 minutes from the end though, as Ben Clark caught a volley perfectly, hitting the crossbar from 30 yards out, and the ball appeared to bounce in over the line.

The officials weren’t convinced though and play continued, denying the number 19 what would’ve been a certain goal of the season contender.

Boosted by that stroke of fortune, the visitors, who’d put in an equally positive performance themselves, continued to push, and got their reward just six minutes from time.

A corner from the far side wasn’t dealt with properly by The Saints, giving Pascarella a chance to head home from close range – an opportunity which he duly took.

Ruscoe’s side now turn their focus back to the JD Cymru Premier, hosting Bala Town at the weekend, where they’ll look to put right tonight’s disappointment.