Off to a great start

In the fourth minute of the game, The New Saints took the lead and what a cracker it was.

Awarded a free-kick within striking range of the goal, it was typical Ryan Brobbel territory.

However, the dead-ball specialist was on the bench but that proved to be no problem, as Chris Marriott placed the ball on the ground and stepped back.

He beat the wall, the ‘keeper and again emphasised what a tremendous all-round player he is.

 

Cruising at 3-0

Nine minutes before the break and three after it, goals from Adam Wilson and Declan McManus put The New Saints very much in the driving seat.

When the visitors pulled one back at the two-thirds stage, most spectators watching on would have thought that it was nothing more than a consolation.

Finding the net again though, courtesy of a penalty with twenty minutes to go, meant that it was very much game on.

Fortunately, there were another three goals and they all went the way of The New Saints.

 

The goals spread across the side

While Declan McManus scored a brace, the others were all singles which meant that there were five different names on the scoresheet.

Along with the aforementioned Chris Marriott and Adam Wilson, Leo Smith and Jake Canavan were the others who found the net.

With goals coming from a defender, midfielders and forward players, it’s indicative of the team contribution and effort that we have seen so many times when there have been big wins.

 

Continuing to lead the way

Prior to kick-off, Craig Harrison’s team led the way at the top and therefore maintained that come the final whistle.

With second-placed Penybont FC dropping points at home to Pontypridd United, the gap is now three points.

That becomes four and five over third and fourth respectively, plus TNS has a game in hand over the chasing pack.

One thing we can say with absolute certainty, however, is that there will be no complacency from the staff or players.

Of course, it’s a good place to be in but that will merely drive everyone to achieve more.

 

Managerial selection headache

Craig Harrison made several changes to the starting line-up and it’s true to say that, combined with the performances of those who came off the bench, there will be some difficult choices to be made ahead of the Newtown AFC game this coming Friday.

The head coach won’t mind that though, in fact that’s what he wants.

It will probably be as much a dilemma as to who do you leave out, as opposed to which ones you include.

Away from the tough personal decisions, however, it is a good position to be in.

 

Lead image courtesy of Brian Jones.