Four wins on the bounce
The 1-0 Nathaniel MG Cup win against Airbus UK Broughton was the fourth consecutive, in all competitions, for The New Saints. In addition, it extends the unbeaten run to eight games.
The holders of the trophy didn’t have it all their own way though and, giving full credit to the Wingmakers, you can see why they have won all their eight opening matches in the JD Cymru North.
Three starting debuts
The New Saints is in a busy fixture period at present, but the three starting debuts weren’t handed out due to necessity, rather the selections were made on merit.
Well done to Oliver Blaney, Brodie Summers and Jack Windle, who all took to the field from the off at Hollingsworth Group Stadium.
In fact, Jack Windle’s performance was noted by the JD Cymru Leagues, who named him in the Nathaniel MG Cup team of the week.
Craig Harrison’s faith in them was rewarded, and they certainly didn’t let themselves, or the side, down. Following the final whistle, the head coach was full of praise for the youngsters, as he spoke about them in the post-match interview.
Another debut for The New Saints
It was also great to witness another first for the club, when recent signing, Aramide Oteh, came off the bench in the second period to make his club debut.
He certainly looked good, and was full of running, making it difficult for the defenders around him.
Brought in as a ‘number nine’, following the departure of Brad Young, first impressions were that, once again, the club has done some good business in the transfer market.
Clean sheets
As far as not conceding, this column is turning into a groundhog day experience. With another clean sheet, that’s six on the bounce, including two UEFA Conference League outings.
Looking back over the last eight matches, the defence has only been beaten once, when Flint Town United scored a late consolation goal in the middle of August.
With some tough European encounters on the horizon, Craig Harrison and Chris Seargeant will be happy with the way that the team is performing on the goals conceded front.
Seeing red
As far as dismissals were concerned, come the end of the game both sides were down to ten men.
Airbus’ George Peers was the first to go, when he was shown a second yellow card in the 67th minute of the game, following a challenge on Blaine Hudson.
He was joined, five minutes from time, by Oliver Blaney, who unfairly denied Sam Baker who was surging through on goal, with just Connor Roberts to beat.
Craig Harrison shared his thoughts on both incidents in his post-match interview.
Lead image: Luke Reynolds Photography.
