What a game, what a result, what a night
Going into the game against FK Panevėžys, the wider footballing world consensus – from bookies to percentages – was that the hosts were favourites to win.
However, while form, home advantage, ability etc are all factors that are taken into account when reaching conclusions, what The New Saints brought to the table were the values of confidence, determination and tenacity.
Team spirit is something that can be never be measured in a scientific situation but, one thing is for sure, the players have it in excess and ultimately, it made the difference in Vilnius.
What a game, what a result, what a night. Indeed.
Danny Davies likes playing against Lithuanian teams
Just before we left the hotel for the match, we chatted with Danny Davies.
Recording for social media footage, we asked him about the three goals he scored in the two previous games he played against FK Kauno Žalgiris in 2021.
He said he wanted a hat-trick this time, well he certainly got that as far as goals scored in Lithuania is concerned, as he added to the brace from three years ago.
Dan Williams dazzled as he doubled the lead
Craig Harrison often talks about how difficult it is when choosing the starting XI and, without doubt, one of the many selection headaches he must experience is inevitably caused by Dan Williams.
In from the off at the LFF Stadium, the ex-Swansea City midfielder put in another solid performance, which was topped by a strike just past the 2/3 stage of the game, as the visitors went 2-0 up.
What a quality goal it was as well.
Ben Clark puts The New Saints firmly in the driving seat
On the end of fellow substitute Josh Pask’s low ball across the penalty area, Ben Clark found the back of the net at close-range to put The New Saints into a very comfortable position, ahead of next week’s game at Park Hall.
We all know what Ben is capable of as far as scoring is concerned, as he demonstrates on a regular basis
Coming, as it did, into added-time at the end of the game, his goal must have been a real blow to FK Panevėžys.
Following the final whistle, not only did we interview all three goalscorers (Ben made sure he got in on Danny Davies’ chat) but we got footage of them together on the pitch as well.
It’s only half-time
There was lots of drama in Vilnius, including a challenge on Jack Bodenham that raised eyebrows for many when, after consulting VAR, the referee didn’t produce a red card. What do you think?
The most important thing though, is that Jack was ok, and we secured a clean sheet to go with the three goals.
While the players and staff were understandably very happy come the final whistle, nevertheless feet were still very firmly on the ground.
It may be 3-0, as The New Saints stand poised to make history, but everyone is still very level-headed, focused and not taking anything for granted, as we look ahead to next Thursday’s massive fixture at Park Hall.
Lead image: Brian Jones.
