Back in the line-up and back on the scoresheet
Since arriving from Caernarfon Town in the summer, Sion Bradley hasn’t played as much as he would have liked. Then again, that’s true of all players everywhere, and at The New Saints it’s that highly competitive squad that all managers want at their disposal.
In the case of the current JD Cymru Premier player of the season, he was back in the starting XI against Bala Town. Not only that, but his superb free-kick in the 22nd minute was the one that broke the deadlock.
Minutes on from there, another free-kick saw Bradley once again beat the wall and the ‘keeper, only for the crossbar to come to the Lakesiders’ rescue on that occasion.
Double-figure changes
As far as the line-up was concerned, Craig Harrison made ten changes from the team that beat Haverfordwest County on Sunday just gone. The only player to retain his place was Connor Roberts, thus ensuring that a totally different outfield team took to the pitch.
When you look at the players that started though, it was hardly what you would call a second-string. It shows what an exceptionally strong squad Craig Harrison and Chris Seargeant have assembled at Park all and, of course, one that they need this season especially.
European progression, combined with domestic challenge, has meant that depth is more important than ever.
Youngsters played their part
It’s not just the senior players either, that have contributed to the squad, as far as quality is concerned. In from the off yesterday was Jake Canavan, Nathan Doforo and Ben Woollam, with Tom Jones joining them from the bench in the second-half.
Not one of them looked out of place and, although they might not have the depth of experience that the likes of Adrian Cieslewicz, Blaine Hudson and Leo Smith have, it certainly didn’t show.
Composure on the ball, combined with confidence ensured that they all played their part, which is great credit, not only to themselves, but also the academy set-up at Park Hall.
Eight on the bounce
We all know about the three-defeats-in-four-games blip from the end of September and early October, so there’s no need to labour that point. However, what really counts when things aren’t going your way is, how do you respond?
The 3-1 victory against Bala Town was the eighth domestic game on the bounce that The New Saints has won. It might not be evident from just watching on but, once you get behind the scenes, there is a real togetherness in the dressing room and the motivation to succeed is second to none.
Of course, in with the poor scores from a month or so ago, was a 3-2 home defeat by the Lakesiders. The victory this time round was a good antidote to that particular result.
A brace for Rem Oteh
He was brought to the club to score goals and that’s exactly what Rem Oteh has done. The two against Bala Town means that he’s now scored seven in all competitions (five in the JD Cymru Premier and two in the Nathaniel MG Cup).
When you take into account the minutes that he’s played though, his ratio is impressive, with a goal every 90.8 in the league and 58.5 in the Welsh League Cup.
Combined, that’s a goal every 81.57 minutes.
So good, so far, but you can’t help but feel that there’s even more to come from the Tottenham Hotspur graduate.
Lead image courtesy of Andrew Donnison / F28.Online
