A solid, professional performance
From the first whistle until the end, it was a dominant performance for The New Saints, with the possession translated to chances and the opportunities to goals.
Although Aberystwyth Town came with a game plan, it wasn’t enough to keep out the league leaders and there is much to be pleased about if you’re a TNS fan this weekend.
Five players finding the back of the net
Six goals and five names on the scoresheet indicates just how difficult it is to play against The New Saints.
Even in the absence of JD Cymru Premier golden boot, Declan McManus, there was no shyness in front of goal as for the second time this season domestically, we scored six at Park Hall.
With the goals coming froma defender, midfielders and forward players, it was a positive sign that as far as finding the back of the net is concerned, there are no rigid demarcation lines.
Jake Canavan
Making his first league start of the season, Jake Canavan scored the crucial opening goal that broke the deadlock.
He then found the net with the side’s fourth which, if it wasn’t already, most certainly put the game beyond the reach of the visitors.
His overall performance was excellent and it was no surprise that he was chosen by Henstone Distillery as the Player Of The Match.
Debuts for Jared Harlock and Tom Jones
As the second-half progressed, Craig Harrison made a number of substitutions, notably handing out debuts to Jared Harlock and Tom Jones.
Both slotted in perfectly and took to the task with confidence and passion. The former’s intuition in midfield, combined with the pace and skill of the latter down the wing, bodes well for the upcoming games, especially as we have a busy month ahead.
While we’re on the subject of young players, it was good to see Gwion Dafydd returning from injury. Another plus.
Another clean sheet and the statistics in general are looking good
Following on from the 1-0 victory at Colwyn Bay in the week, that’s back-to-back clean sheets for the league leaders and three from five games played.
Although there are matches to come this afternoon (Saturday), we currently lead the way at the top by four points, ahead of Connah’s Quay Nomads in second.
With Cardiff Metropolitan University FC losing on the road at Newtown AFC, there are just three unbeaten teams remaining and the other two – Bala Town and Penybont FC – are playing each other today.
Leading the way with goals scored (16), at the other end of the pitch the clean sheets in the last two games means that, for the first time this season, we are in the black as far as goals conceded/games played is concerned (4/5).
Lead image courtesy of Brian Jones.
