Bouncing back with three points

Although it was a draw last Saturday at home to Barry Town United, due to the circumstances it felt more like a defeat.

However, past history shows us that whenever there has been a disappointment on the pitch, then the players invariably respond positively in the following game.

That was the case yesterday evening at Colwyn Bay, when they bounced back and secured the three points.

 

Made to work hard for the win

As you would expect from a Steve Evans side, the Seagulls were very well-organised and played with passion.

They made it difficult for The New Saints and it was goalless at the break. Persistence paid off though and a header from Adrian Cieslewicz in the second period was the ultimate difference between the teams.

Made to work hard for the win? Yes, but full credit to Craig Harrison and the players who did what was required of them on the night.

 

Players returning from injury

We’ve discussed the injury situation with Craig Harrison on numerous occasions in recent club interviews. It’s been no secret that several players have been out of action.

However, it was great to see returnees both in the starting XI and on the bench in the match at Colwyn Bay. With eight games ahead of us in the month of September, it’s a big boost.

 

The longest-serving players combine

One of the returning players was Chris Marriott. Just seeing him wearing the captain’s armband and leading the side out, was a big plus factor in itself.

When the left-back played an inch-perfect ball into the box in the 55th minute, and Adrian Cieslewicz headed home, it was the two-longest serving players combining to break the deadlock.

Between them they have a quarter of a century of experience in a TNS shirt.

 

The statistics are looking healthy

It was good to register a clean sheet, which is two from four JD Cymru Premier matches played so far in 2023/2024.

The three points means that, combined with the four teams below The New Saints all drawing, it’s now a clear lead at the top of the table.

Although it’s still early in the season, we have been leading the way since MD1 but this is the first time that it’s not been on goal difference.

With ten goals scored, we are also setting the pace there as well.

They may be just statistics but nevertheless they do reflect what happens on the pitch.

 

Lead image courtesy of Brian Jones.