It was a massive game just a few days ago – not only for The New Saints but also for Welsh football as a whole – when we took on Serie A side, Fiorentina, in the UEFA Conference League.
The first Welsh league club to reach the group stage/league phase of a UEFA competition, although the 2-0 defeat wasn’t what we wanted, nevertheless there were many positives to take from the game.
Following the final whistle, when we did our interview with Craig Harrison, he rightly spoke of the pride that he felt for the players.
Our head coach also expressed his oft-stated view that ‘the next game is the most important one’, and that brings us to this weekend, as we take on Briton Ferry Llansawel in the JD Cymru Premier.
The MD11 fixture at Old Road Welfare Ground on Sunday, October 6, is the first top-flight encounter between the sides, following Briton Ferry’s promotion from the JD Cymru South.
Finding it hard going initially, the new boys lost all six of their opening games, but since then have stabilised and now find themselves unbeaten in three outings.
Home draws against Flint Town United (1-1) and Bala Town (2-2) were topped by a superb 1-0 on the road at current league leaders, Penybont (1-0).
As far as The New Saints is concerned, following back-to-back defeats against Penybont and Bala Town, the reigning JD Cymru Premier champions got themselves on track again with a 6-1 victory at Latham Park in the last league outing.
Back to this Sunday’s game, the home side side will be wearing all-red, while The New Saints will be in green and white hooped shirts, green shorts and socks.
The ‘keepers will be in all-grey and all-turquoise respectively.
The officials are as follows: Bryn Markham-Jones (referee), Connor Thomas and Cilan Thomas (assistant referees). Alex McInch is the fourth official and Edward James the referee observer.
The game gets underway at 2.30 p.m. and will be streamed for those outside the UK and Ireland via TNS TV. The audio will be broadcast on TNS Radio and you can access that via our YouTube channel.
