Disappointing start to the campaign

Both post-match interviews – with Craig Harrison and Keston Davies – covered the fact that it was a disappointing day for The New Saints.

Although Newtown were reduced to ten men in the second period, the visitors couldn’t get the goal that would have broken the deadlock.

 

Almost an early breakthrough

It could have been very different though, as TNS went close in the opening seconds of the game.

Excellent movement from Jon Routledge saw the midfielder in the penalty area and with just the ‘keeper to beat – albeit at a tight angle – his curled shot was just wide of Dave Jones’ left post.

 

Lots of possession

As with last week’s game against Connah’s Quay Nomads, Craig Harrison’s side enjoyed long periods of possession and dominance.

However, as per the visit to Deeside Stadium, it proved difficult to find the net.

 

Keston Davies

With the Robins down to ten, due to a straight red card, the extra space created saw Keston Davies pushing on a lot more than he would do under normal circumstances.

Going for goal from outside the area, it looked like the deadlock had been broken but Jones, diving to his right, pushed the ball away.

We interviewed the ex-Swansea City defender following the game.

 

Drawing positives

Such are the high standards set – and expected – that come the final whistle, it probably felt more like a defeat for the players and staff.

However, it wasn’t, and there are positives to take from the game.

The team enjoyed long spells of possession, remains unbeaten and kept a clean sheet.

The JD Cymru Premier is a marathon, not a sprint.

One down but thirty-one still to go.

 

Lead image: Brian Jones.