All square in Jenner Park stalemate

Match Report

https://twitter.com/tnsfc/status/1961768506724176027

Substitutions: Brobbel for Phillips (58), Cieslewicz for J. Williams (72), Oteh for Wilson (81), Charles for Holden (81)

Match report by Sam Wood
Lead image: Perry Dobbins

The New Saints and Barry Town United shared the spoils following a goalless draw at Jenner Park.

Both sides had chances throughout the 90 minutes, but it was arguably the hosts who had the better opportunities to claim all three points.

Nathan Shepperd came to his side’s rescue on a number of occasions, however, including a sensational save in the 18th minute to deny Robbie Willmott.

It was a good start from Craig Harrison’s side and they had a couple of chances to make the breakthrough in the early stages of the game.

Rory Holden flashed an effort across the face of goal with less than two minutes on the clock, before Danny Davies sent a left-footed effort over the crossbar from just inside the penalty area.

Down the other end, the visitors would’ve made the breakthrough with 18 minutes on the clock were it not for a superb save by Nathan Shepperd.

Diving to his right at full stretch, the former QPR man prevented Robbie Willmott’s powerful effort from finding the top corner with a strong left hand.

There was another great chance for the home side to score the opening goal in the 24th minute, but after a pinpoint cross from Ryan Kavanagh, Ben Margetson failed to hit the target with a header from the edge of the six-yard box.

As the half wore on, Dominic Corness and Holden both had long-range efforts which were easily dealt with by George Ratcliffe, while Barry’s Ieuan Owen had a goal-bound effort blocked inside the box by Harrison McGahey eight minutes before the break.

Things took a while to get going again following the interval, but the introduction of Ryan Brobbel for Louis Phillips in the 58th minute was an attempt to re-establish a foothold in the match.

Winning his side a free-kick on the edge of the penalty just minutes after his introduction, the Northern Ireland under-21 international made the initial impact Harrison would’ve been hoping for, despite the set-piece ultimately coming to nothing. 

From a corner on the right, the home side had their first chance of the second period in the 71st minute, but after a good delivery from Owen Cuddihy, captain Callum Sainty failed to keep his header down, causing little trouble for Shepperd in goal.

Twelve minutes from time, there was a nervy moment for the visitors as the ball rolled dangerously across the face of their goal, although nobody in a green and white shirt managed to capitalise.

Battling difficult weather conditions in the closing stages of the game, both sides pushed for what would prove to be the winning goal, but despite their best efforts, it failed to arrive, meaning both teams went home with a point apiece.

The New Saints return to action at Park Hall next weekend and they’ll be hoping to get back to winning ways when they face fellow European representatives Haverfordwest County.

Kick-off at Park Hall is scheduled for 12:30pm on Saturday, September 6th.