Thirteen, unlucky for some…

The deadlock was broken in the 13th minute and, unfortunately for The New Saints, it went the way of Penybont.

Full credit must go to the home side though, as they demonstrated from the off, why they were one of only two (The New Saints was the other) clubs in the JD Cymru Premier that were unbeaten so far this season.

The goal conceded meant that the impressive run of six consecutive clean sheets for Craig Harrison’s team came to an abrupt end.

 

A late goal changes the game 

Although Penybont continued to push forward during the first period, as they looked for an all-important second goal of the game, when it did come, it fell the way of the visitors.

He scored his first goal since returning to Park Hall, last week against Barry Town United, and Adam Wilson doubled his tally when he found the net in the 43rd minute.

We all know what Adam is capable of, and his perfectly-executed strike came at an ideal time, as Craig Harrison’s players went into the break on level-pegging.

 

No penalty given

As we entered the final third of the game, The New Saints had a penalty shout that was not given by the referee, when Danny Redmond went down under contact in the box.

You can see for yourself and make your own mind up, courtesy of the Sgorio highlights, but co-commentator, Kayne McLaggon was adamant that it was definitely a spot-kick.

It was a decision which, at that stage, would have had a big influence on the game.

In the end it proved to be a major talking point.

 

Another late goal

With five minutes to go, there was another late goal but, unlike the first-half, this time it went the way of Penybont.

Coming on as a substitute in the 79th minute, just six on from there and the 39-year-old Chris Venables showed that age is just a number, when he threw himself at a ball played in from the right, and beat both the defender and the goalkeeper.

 

Drama at the end

Off the bench in the 90th minute, the current JD Cymru Premier player of the season, Sion Bradley, found the back of the net almost immediately.

Unfortunately, for him and The New Saints, the offside flag was raised as Penybont maintained their advantage.

When Tom Owen blew his whistle for the final time, the 2-1 victory meant that the Bont registered their first win ever against the reigning JD Cymru Premier champions.

The victory was played out in front of 1,022 fans, which was incredible, considering that it was a live-streamed game.

As far as The New Saints is concerned though, although this evening in south Wales we lost a battle, it’s early days yet and there’s still the war to win.

 

League image courtesy of FAW/JD Cymru Leagues.