It was a laboured victory

There’s no denying it, the same starting line-up that beat Aberystwyth Town 10-1 just a few days previously made hard work of it against the visitors from Bridgend.

That’s football, of course, just as the Seasiders shook off their defeat and took all three points at The Rock, beating Cefn Druids 2-1.

 

It was a victory

Although we made hard work of it, especially in the first half, let’s not forget that come the final whistle it was still a win. Climbing one place into third spot, the three points means that we keep the pressure on the early pacesetters, Barry Town United and Cardiff Metropolitan University FC.

There’s just one point separating the top three sides, with TNS FC on nine and the others on ten. Following Bala Town’s MD4 defeat, there are now just three unbeaten sides in the JD Cymru Premier – Barry, Cardiff and Connah’s Quay Nomads.

 

Inspired substitution

With both Simon Spender and Aeron Edwards coming on at the start of the second half, it was veterans to the rescue, as they combined for the equaliser.

The former’s cross from the right was met by the latter in the area, as he headed the reigning champions back into the game.

 

Adrian Cieslewicz

Looking sharp in the second period, it was a typical Ciss move as he weaved his way into a shooting position for the winning goal. Letting rip, the ball ended in the back of the net as Park Hall breathed a sigh of relief.

 

Pen-y-bont FC

The visitors defended well and made it very difficult to break down. As soon as The New Saints had the ball they were back in numbers. It was anything but a ‘park the bus’ approach though, because as soon as they broke, players flooded forward.

The league is improving, season on season, and from that perspective it’s very encouraging. Although we all have our own corner to fight, it’s important to always keep one eye on the big picture. If Welsh football as a whole prospers, then we all flourish with it.

 

Lead image courtesy of Pete Burke.