Made to work hard
The final score is what people remember long after the game has finished but it wasn’t an easy ride for The New Saints.
There were 23 points and five teams separating the sides in the table going into the encounter but Haverfordwest County weren’t affected by the statistics.
Like we see on so many occasions, games are raised against us, and especially so at the moment. There is no doubt that every opponent would love to be the one that ends the current run of good form.
For different reasons, both wanted the points, and for a long time it looked like they would be shared.
Cometh the hour, cometh the man
Introduced as a substitute in the 63rd minute, seventeen later it was Ash Baker who prodded home from close range to secure the three points for the visitors.
Although on a personal level, over time Baker will look back on his first career hat-trick in the 9-0 win against Gresford Athletic back in October, as far as importance is concerned, this is the goal that will stand out for many.
As we know, football is often about fine margins, and on this occasion it was as close as they come as far as the result was concerned.
It was just the third 1-0 win for The New Saints this season in the JD Cymru Premier, with the others in August as we beat Pontypridd United and Colwyn Bay, both on the road.
It went to the wire
With nothing to lose and the clock ticking down, the Bluebirds threw everything at The New Saints, and we have Danny Davies to thank for a last-ditch clearance late in the game that prevented an equaliser.
Again, those fine margins and those ifs, buts and maybes that every game has in abundance.
As it was, when Ben Williams blew his whistle for the final time, it was The New Saints celebrating the win.
Just the one change
Craig Harrison kept faith in the side that beat Penybont FC last weekend at Park Hall, and the only change to the starting XI was an enforced one, as Ryan Astles was out due to injury.
In from the off this week was Tom Jones, as the pack was shuffled to accommodate the absence of Astles.
It’s been a great weekend for the youngster, as the club announced that he has signed a two-year professional contract just hours before kick-off.
He’s been in the squad – and on the pitch – in recent weeks and his performances have impressed.
The bottom line looks healthy
Winning in Pembrokeshire means that the unbeaten run has been extended to 27, with 12 wins on the bounce.
The last time that The New Saints failed to win in ninety minutes was in the middle of October against East Fife in the SPFL Trust Trophy, although we did progress on penalties on that occasion.
Keeping a clean sheet at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium means that the defence has not been beaten in three games.
What most will be focusing on though, is that The New Saints is now nine points clear at the top of the JD Cymru Premier, with a game in hand.
The bottom line looks healthy indeed.
Merry Christmas. Nadolig Llawen.
Lead image courtesy of Lewis Mitchell/FAW.
