Ahead of Saturday’s JD Cymru Premier fixture against Penybont, head coach Craig Harrison was on media duty yesterday, holding his pre-match press conference following training.

After a 1-0 victory over Barry Town United in their opening phase two fixture, The New Saints extended their lead at the top of the table to eight points. Describing the win as “another dominant performance”, Harrison reflected positively on his side’s most recent display.

The former Middlesbrough defender was then asked about the challenge awaiting his team this weekend, with third-placed Penybont travelling to Oswestry. Despite TNS having won both phase one meetings against Saturday’s opponents – and with Rhys Griffiths’ side losing two key players during the January transfer window – Harrison was quick to stress the quality of the opposition.

“Penybont have always been a strong team,” he said, adding that he and his coaching staff are expecting a similarly tough test this time around.

The former Middlesborough defender also paid tribute to Josh Daniels and Adrian Cieslewicz following their departures on deadline day, acknowledging their contributions to the club, before concluding by offering a positive update on the squad’s injury situation ahead of Saturday’s televised encounter.

Check out the video below to hear all of that, plus more.

You may have noticed that this week’s press conference didn’t take place at Park Hall as is usually the case. As part of an ongoing initiative to strengthen the club’s connection with the local community, The New Saints will be hosting pre-match press conferences at a different Oswestry-based business each week for the remainder of the season.

This week’s press conference was kindly hosted by Furrows Ford Oswestry, who the club would like to thank for their support.