Bouncing back in style
After 26 consecutive wins, the defeat against Airdrieonians in the SPFL Trust Trophy ended that impressive run.
The immediate games following were always going to be a test of character, and it’s true to say that the players have responded positively.
Although going 2-0 down against Cardiff Met wasn’t in the script, the fact that we went on to win 6-2 is merely further credit to the resilience that exists within the squad, and beating Caernarfon Town 7-1 enforces the resolve.
Football, like life, is often not about whether things always go your way, but rather how do you respond when they don’t.
The century has been reached
Going into the game against the Cofis on 99 JD Cymru Premier goals, we didn’t have to wait long before the century was reached.
In the seventh minute, Declan McManus found the net from inside the six-yard box, and not only was the deadlock broken, but the 100 target was reached.
With six further goals, it means that we have scored 106 so far this season. In the 2022/2023 campaign, we found the net on 112 occasions and with three games still to play, will we surpass that?
Five changes
Craig Harrison made five changes to the starting XI against Caernarfon Town, which statistically means 50% of the outfield.
In recent months, the shuffling of the pack has been minimal, sometimes just one or two players and often no change at all.
However, the fluidity and flow of the performance continued, which underlines the point that is often made about the depth of squad.
Henstone Distillery MOTM
Chris Toller, from Henstone Distillery, chose Adrian Cieslewicz as his MOTM. There were several contenders but with two goals, an assist and an excellent performance, it was the number 11 who rose to the top of the pile.
In his tenth season at the club, having signed in the summer of 2014, he is one of the players that has made the benchmark decade. With intense competition at Park Hall, that in itself is an achievement.
A senior debut
It’s always great when we see a debut, especially when it’s from within the club and that was the case with Alfie Clark, the brother of Ben, who himself has progressed through the ranks at Park Hall.
Replacing Jordan Marshall in the 62nd minute, the talented youngster, who has been with The New Saints for five years took to the pitch for the first time with the senior team.
He almost found the net as well, and although we interviewed Declan McManus post-match because he scored the landmark goal, we also chatted with Alfie.
Lead image: Brian Jones.
