Jordan Williams on target but Saints frustrated at Blue Turtle Arena

Match Report

https://twitter.com/tnsfc/status/1959956016168075271

Goals: J. Williams (55)
Yellow cards: D. Davies (23), D. Williams (45+3)
Red cards: Craig Harrison (during half-time)
Substitutions: Cieslewicz for Brobbel (66), Oteh for Wilson (66), Charles for Davies (89)

Match report by Sam Wood
Lead image: Brian Jones

The New Saints and Colwyn Bay shared the spoils at the Blue Turtle Arena following a 1-1 draw on August bank holiday Monday.

After a first-half devoid of chances, things picked up considerably in the second, and Jordan Williams opened the scoring with 55 minutes on the clock.

Former TNS man Aeron Edwards would equalise for the hosts just 14 minutes later, however, bringing the Saints’ two-match winning run to an end.

Heading into the game on the back of two consecutive victories, The New Saints would’ve been hoping to make another fast start at the Blue Turtle Arena, but although they were enjoying plenty of early possession, Craig Harrison’s side were frustrated by their hosts.

While Rhys Williams in the Colwyn Bay goal didn’t have a save to make in the first-half, his opposite number, Nathan Shepperd, was largely a spectator too.

Despite drawing the occasional free-kick, Mike Wilde’s side also failed to offer much in terms of attacking threat, but it was they who had probably the best chance of the half.

Following a corner from the left, Jordan Davies tried his luck with an acrobatic effort, but the shot was blocked on the edge of the six-yard box.

The sides went in level at the break, but The Saints started the second-half with a renewed urgency as they looked to gain the ascendancy. 

And in the 55th minute, they were rewarded for their pressure, as the game’s opening goal finally arrived.

An in-swinging corner from Ryan Brobbel caused problems for the Seagulls defence, and after the ball bounced loose inside the crowded penalty area, Jordan Williams poked home from close-range to give his side a 1-0 lead.

Four minutes later, Harrison’s side were threatening again, but Williams pulled off a good save to keep out Dominic Corness’ free-kick from just outside the penalty area.

The home side didn’t let their heads drop though, and in the 69th minute, they got themselves back on level terms.

Jamie Cumming’s cross from the right reached Aeron Edwards at the back post, and the former TNS man bundled the ball past Shepperd and over the line from just a couple of yards out.

Looking to get their noses back in front, Dan Williams had a long-range effort saved well by Rhys Williams in the 79th minute, before the Seagulls’ ‘keeper gathered an effort from Holden at the second attempt four minutes later.

Jordan Williams then struck the side netting with 84 minutes on the clock, and a diving header from Danny Redmond was deflected behind for a corner.

The TNS number 17 sent another effort over the crossbar from distance in the second minute of stoppage time, but the home side did enough to hold on to record their third draw of the season.

The defending champions are back in JD Cymru Premier action next weekend, as they make the trip to South Wales to face Barry Town United.

Kick-off at Jenner Park is scheduled for 2:30pm on Saturday, August 30th.