Saints leave it late to earn the points at Bridge Meadow

Match Report

Goals: Baker (80)
Yellow cards: Young (15), Marriott (44), J. Williams (85), Pask (90+1)
Substitutions: McManus for Holden (63), Baker for Smith (63), Routledge for Young (84)

Match report by Sam Wood
Lead image: Lewis Mitchell/FAW

The New Saints left it late, but did just enough to clinch all three points against Haverfordwest County.

It was an 80th minute goal from substitute, Ash Baker, which made all the difference on a tricky afternoon for the JD Cymru Premier champions.

The win moves Craig Harrison’s side nine points clear at the top of the table, with four phase one games left to play before the split.

It was a scrappy start to proceedings, but it was Tom Jones, making his first start since signing professional terms, who had the first chance in the fourth minute.

Collecting the ball on the edge of the penalty area, the number 39 tested Zac Jones with a driven shot, but the goalkeeper managed to gather at the first attempt.

Moments later, Ben Clark headed wide following an inviting cross from Jordan Williams, before Chris Marriott made an important interception to deny Rio Dyer down the other end.

The New Saints dominated possession throughout the opening period, but struggled to break down the resolute Bluebirds’ defence.

With 26 minutes on the clock, Danny Davies worked an opening after some neat link-up play, but his only reward was a corner on the right.

For all of of TNS’ attacking emphasis, however, it was the home side who enjoy a late flurry of chances before the break.

In the 40th minute, Lee Jenkins turned the ball home at the back post, only to see the offside flag go up, before Connor Roberts rushed out to deny Daniel Thomas.

It was more of the same from the league leaders after the restart, with Brad Young denied from close-range in the 50th minute after spinning with the ball inside the box.

Four minutes later, there was more defensive work to navigate, but Academy graduate, Ben Clark, made a vital interception to deny Harri John what looked like a certain goal.

In search of further attaching firepower, head coach, Craig Harrison sent on both Declan McManus and Ash Baker in the 63rd minute, meaning a move to midfield for Danny Redmond.

The change proved to be an inspired one too, as it was the latter who scored the go-ahead goal for the visitors with 10 minutes to play.

Following a corner from the left, Haverfordwest failed to clear their lines, and it was the former Cardiff City man who was in the right place at the right time to scramble the ball home at the back post.

McManus’ introduction also caused problems for the team from Pembrokeshire, and the Scottish striker tested Zac Jones with a free-kick from the edge of the box in the first minute of stoppage time.

It was the home team who had the game’s final chance though, and it took some heroic defending from Danny Davies to clear the ball off the line at full stretch with just seconds left to play.

The number 22’s crucial interception saved the day for his side, who moved nine points clear at the top of the JD Cymru Premier as a result.

After a break for Christmas, The New Saints return to action at Park Hall on Boxing Day, welcoming Caernarfon Town for a 2:30pm kick-off.