The New Saints move 12 points clear after a 2-0 victory at Maes Tegid

Match Report

Goals: Smith (1), J. Williams (75)
Yellow cards: Oteh (61)
Substitutions: Clark for Oteh (67), Clarke for J. Williams (80), Holden for Wilson (80), Bradley for Smith (86)

Match report by Sam Wood
Lead image: FAW/Nik Mesney

The New Saints moved 12 points clear at the top of the JD Cymru Premier following a 2-0 win against Bala Town.

It took Craig Harrison’s side just 13 seconds to break the deadlock at Maes Tegid, as Leo Smith swept home Jordan Williams’ cross, and the defending champions didn’t relinquish control.

A goal from Jordan Williams late in the second-half helped secure the three points for The Saints, who recorded a ninth consecutive league win in the process.

The visitors wasted no time whatsoever in breaking the deadlock, as they scored the game’s opening goal just 13 seconds after kick-off.

After a surging run down the left from Jordan Williams, the winger’s cross was turned home at the back post by Leo Smith to give his side a dream start at Maes Tegid.

In the 17th minute, the home side almost hit back as George Newell got his head to Lassana Mendes’ cross. Harrison McGahey was on hand to clear the ball off the line, however, and the danger was averted.

Two minutes later, Adam Wilson caused problems down the other end after driving forward from the halfway line, but his long-range effort flashed narrowly wide of Joel Torrance’s goal.

With 32 minutes on the clock, Jordan Williams fired over with his own strike from distance, before an effort from Aramide Oteh deflected through to the goalkeeper shortly after.

Just the one goal separated the sides at the break, but Danny Davies had the first chance of the second-half eight minutes after the restart.

Looking to beat Torrance from outside the box, the Wales C international tried his luck with a powerful strike, but the Bala goalkeeper managed to gather the ball at the second time of asking.

The home goalkeeper was called into action again in the 70th minute, diving to his right to prevent Dan Williams from doubling the TNS advantage from just inside the penalty area.

Another chance went begging for The Saints with 73 minutes played, as Smith curled wide from from the edge of the penalty area, but Harrison’s side would eventually put the match to bed just moments later.

Receiving the ball at a tight angle on the left of the box, Jordan Williams looked up and picked out the far corner with a chipped effort, leaving Torrance rooted to the spot as he made the score 2-0.

Substitute, Rory Holden, almost added his side’s third with seven minutes to play, but Bala shot-stopper, Torrance, denied him with a superb one-handed save.

The Saints were therefore left to settle with just a two-goal margin of victory, but there would have been few complaints, as with it, they moved 12 points clear at the top of the JD Cymru Premier table. 

Harrison’s side return to action in seven days time, taking on Aberystwyth Town in the final of the Nathaniel MG Cup.

Looking to defend the trophy they won last year against Swansea City, the match at Newtown’s Latham Park kicks-off at 7:45pm on Friday, February 28th.