Saints Women Off The Bottom With A Third Consecutive Win

Match Report

https://twitter.com/tnsfcwomen/status/1510588996040249345?s=20&t=rQtCSuAIHqIcVezdG-rnHA

Goals: Ridge (28), Griffiths [P] (59), Chapman (66)
Substitutions: Whitefoot for Platt (72), Samson for Ridge (82), Ashworth for Harrison (90+1)

Match report by Sam Wood

The New Saints Women climbed off the bottom of the Genero Adran Premier after picking up a huge three points against Pontypridd Town.

It was a third consecutive victory for Andy Williams’ side, which means their destiny remains in their own hands ahead of the final match against Port Talbot Town.

A victory against the Blues at Park Hall on Easter Sunday will keep The Saints in the Genero Adran Premier for another season.

It was the hosts who started brightest, with Alison Witts having a couple of chances inside the opening 12 minutes.

With 25 minutes gone, Pontypridd were threatening again. Some great defending from Jen Jarvie denied Millie Jones from close range though, before the ball was scrambled clear.

Just a minute later, there was another scare for the visitors, when Efa Jones put the ball into the back of the net. The offside flag went up though, which meant the match remained goalless.

And the disallowed goal proved to be a turning point, as The Saints took the lead with 28 minutes played.

It was a superb header from Lexie Harrison which set Emily Ridge on her way, before the striker showed great desire to beat the goalkeeper with a superb curling effort from just outside the box.

The visitors started to enjoy more possession following their goal, with Georgia Griffiths firing wide just before half-time.

Following the restart, The Saints picked up where they’d left off, with a cross from captain, Beth Lewis, almost sneaking in at the back post in the 52nd minute.

Minutes later, there was another golden opportunity to extend the lead, as Emily Ridge took the ball around Maisie Jones. She got her shot away, but the effort was superbly cleared off the line by a home defender.

It was the start of a superb spell for The Saints, who were awarded a penalty in the 59th minute, when Lexie Harrison was brought down inside the box.

Griffiths stepped up to dispatch the spot-kick brilliantly, coolly slotting the ball into the bottom left corner to give her side breathing room in the game.

And just seven minutes later, it was three. The ball wasn’t dealt with properly by the Dragons’ defence, which presented Caitlin Chapman with an opportunity that was too easy to miss.

The Northern Ireland under-19 international headed home from just a yard out, becoming the club’s leading goalscorer this season, with her 9th of the campaign.

Just a minute later, the home side had a great chance to hit back immediately, but Anais Trinci couldn’t connect with a superb cross in towards the back post.

However, with 70 on the clock, Fern Burrage-Male’s side did get their goal, courtesy of substitute, Ellie Gunney, who snuck the ball home from a tight angle to set up a nervy finish.

It was a professional defensive display from Williams’ team in the closing stages though, restricting their hosts to limited chances, which ensured all three points returned home to Oswestry.

The permutations are clear for The New Saints now – win at home against Port Talbot Town on Easter Sunday, and the team will be playing Genero Adran Premier football next season.