The New Saints return to Park Hall this weekend as they welcome Haverfordwest County in the JD Cymru Premier with sights firmly set on a return to winning ways.
After consecutive draws on the road against Colwyn Bay and Barry Town United, Craig Harrison’s side will be keen to rediscover the form that saw them win both of their previous two matches.
Despite dominating large spells of possession at the Blue Turtle Arena and Jenner Park, the final product fell just short, so head coach Craig Harrison will be hoping for better in that department this time around.
Haverfordwest should arrive in Oswestry with confidence, having enjoyed a fairly solid start to their own campaign.
Despite losing their opening game against Penybont and then seeing their second postponed due to the water crisis in Flintshire, the Bluebirds have since picked up five points from a possible nine, including a 1-1 draw at home against current leaders Caernarfon Town.
Under the guidance of Tony Pennock, the side from Pembrokeshire continue to make progress, and after finishing third in the JD Cymru Premier last season and qualifying for Europe, they’ll no doubt be looking for further improvements this time around.
Although the Saints won both of last season’s meetings (3-1 and 5-1), games against the Bluebirds are often closely-fought encounters, and with just three points separating the sides in the table, we could be set for more of the same this time around.
In celebration of the 150 year anniversary of football in Oswestry, throughout September The New Saints will wearing their all-blue away kit for all of their home fixtures – the same colours worn by Oswestry United in 1875.
As a result, the visitors will be wearing black and white shirts, black shorts and black socks, with goalkeepers in all-orange and all-green respectively.
Iwan Griffith has been chosen as referee, with Johnathon Bebee-Bryant and Matthew Johnson the two assistants. Iolo Williams is the fourth official, with Michael Jones the referee observer.
Tickets can be purchased HERE and are priced at £11 for adults, £6 for concessions and £4 for U16s. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:30pm. To speed up entry into the stadium and prevent queuing on arrival, it’s strongly advised to purchase tickets online in advance.
If you aren’t at Park Hall in person, you don’t have to miss out on the action, as you can stream the match live via TNS TV (outside the UK and Ireland only) at 247.tv/live/football.
