Although the ongoing European campaign is the most successful ever in the history of The New Saints, the domestic season – and in particular the JD Cymru Premier – has not gone the way that we would have liked so far.
Three defeats from the last four outings means that we now lost the same number of games as per the last three seasons combined.
While statistics like this are uncomfortable, nevertheless, as Craig Harrison called for character to emerge in our last post-match interview, the players will be motivated by them and will be looking to rise to the challenge.
The opportunity to get back on track comes this Saturday (October 12), when we host Cardiff Metropolitan University on JD Cymru Premier MD12.
Occupying fourth place in the table, the Archers have lost their last two games (1-0 at Haverfordwest County and 2-1 home to Caernarfon Town), although they are still on level-pegging with third, one point behind second and six adrift of the top.
While sitting in sixth spot, maximum points for The New Saints would see us just two behind the early leaders, Penybont FC.
As far as Saturday’s game is concerned, it’s the home side that dominates the head-to-head figures, with the last six matches ending in victory for Craig Harrison’s team (5-0, 6-2, 4-0, 8-0, 5-1, 7-1).
We have to go back to February 2023 for the last time the Students beat the Saints. On that occasion, although early goals from Leo Smith (8) and Adam Wilson (12) put the visitors in a commanding position, it was Christian Edwards’ side that battled back to win 3-2.
On Saturday, we will be in green and white hooped shirts, green shorts and socks, with the goalkeepers in all-purple.
Cardiff Met will be wearing sky-blue and black shirts, sky-blue shorts and socks . Their ‘keepers will be in all-black.
David Morgan will referee the game and he will be assisted by Daniel Beckett and Ethan Goatley. Alex Livesey is the fourth official and Nathan Brearley the referee observer.
Kick-off is 2.30 p.m. and you can purchase tickets here.
The game will streamed outside of the UK and Ireland on TNS TV, with the worldwide audio-only version on TNS Radio. The links will be posted on our social media platforms in due course.
