The New Saints return to JD Cymru Premier action with a 2-0 victory against Aberystwyth Town

Match Report

Goals: J. Williams (59), Canavan (90+1)
Yellow cards: Hudson (66), Canavan (78)
Substitutions: Cieslewicz for Olosunde (38), Holden for Wilson (71), D. Davies for D. Williams (87), Smith for J. Williams (87)

Match report by Sam Wood
Lead image: Brian Jones

The New Saints returned to JD Cymru Premier action with a 2-0 victory against Aberystwyth Town.

After a goalless first-half, Jordan Williams and Jake Canavan were both on target in the second 45 for Craig Harrison’s side, who picked up their 28th consecutive league victory as a result.

It was all TNS in the early stages of the match, but despite enjoying all of the possession, the defending champions failed to find space in-behind a well-drilled Aberystwyth defence.

When the game’s first chance finally did arrive in the 19th minute, Seasiders’ goalkeeper, Dave Jones, pulled off a good save to deny Dan Williams, before Matthew Olosunde fired over from the rebound.

Nine minutes later, former Aber loanee, Ben Woollam, fired wide after a scramble in the box, before Jordan Williams went close from the edge of the six-yard box. 

The JD Cymru Premier champions continued to push for the opening goal and three minutes before the half-time break, Sion Bradley curled wide of the right post from the edge of the penalty area.

Following the restart, The Saints continued to see plenty of the ball, and in the 59th minute, they finally made the breakthrough following a corner.

After a good delivery from Bradley, Jordan Williams showed great technique at the back post, not only to attempt, but also convert an acrobatic effort.

Substitute, Adrian Cieslewicz, could’ve added a TNS second 15 minutes from time after a mazy run into the penalty area, but it was Aberystwyth causing problems down the other end moments later.

Connor Roberts was on hand to make a vital save from Iwan Lewis, however, preserving his clean sheet and his side’s slender advantage.

Ten minutes from time, Harrison’s team were given the opportunity to increase their advantage from the penalty spot, but Jones pulled off a good save to deny Cieslewicz a first goal of the season.

The Saints would eventually grab their second goal in the first minute of stoppage time though, and it was another former Aberystwyth loan man on target.

After Bradley was denied by Jones from close-range, Jake Canavan was on hand to smash home the rebound, wrapping up the victory, and earning his side an important three points in the JD Cymru Premier title defence.

Next up, it’s a trip to Haverfordwest County for The New Saints – that match takes place on Saturday, September 7th, with kick-off scheduled for 2:30pm.