The New Saints lose out to Newtown in final pre-Europe friendly

Match Report

With their UEFA Champions League fixture against KF Shkëndija now just seven days away, The New Saints made the short journey down the A483 tonight to face Newtown in pre-season friendly action.

The final fixture before that all-important European encounter, it provided the last opportunity for the coaching staff to finalise their plans ahead of the game in a competitive environment.

Falling behind with just five minutes on the clock after a Devon Torry breakaway goal, the start wasn’t ideal at Latham Park, but Craig Harrison’s side responded well and controlled the remainder of the contest.

Dominating possession as they continued to push for an equaliser, Josh Lock got a shot away in the 22nd minute after causing problems down the left, but it failed to test Dave Jones in the Newtown goal.

Lock had another go from distance five minutes later, but again the Academy graduate’s strike comfortably cleared the crossbar.

Seven minutes into the second-half, substitute Prince Agyemang called the goalkeeper into action with a shot on the turn, but the effort was gathered at the second attempt and the danger averted.

It was well-drilled Newtown defensive shape throughout the contest, but with four minutes of the 90 to play, Sion Bradley almost hauled his side level after some good footwork on the edge of the box.

Getting his shot away, it took a save at full-stretch to deny the former Caernarfon Town man what would’ve been a great goal.

It ended 1-0 at Latham Park, but it proved to another useful exercise for the JD Cymru Premier champions.