Saints move six points clear after defeating Penybont in top-of-the-table clash

Match Report

https://twitter.com/tnsfc/status/1977032342889021557

Goals: J. Williams (13, 31, 60), Brobbel [P] (30), D. Williams (53), Nadin (85)
Yellow cards: McGahey (44), Craig Harrison (59), J. Williams (73)
Substitutions: Nadin for Jefferies (69), Marshall for Redmond (79), Charles for J. Williams (79), Cieslewicz for Brobbel (79), Godsmark-Ford for Davies (88)

Match report by Sam Wood
Lead image: Craig Thomas/FAW

The New Saints claimed an impressive 6-2 victory against second-placed Penybont to move six points clear at the top of the JD Cymru Premier table.

Four different names were on the scoresheet for Craig Harrison’s side, although the highlight of the day was a superb hat-trick scored by Jordan Williams.

It was the Saints’ ninth consecutive win in all competitions, and leaves the defending champions in pole position to retain their trophy for a fifth consecutive season.

The visitors had the first chance of the game, and could’ve made the breakthrough with less than three minutes on the clock.

Finding space on the left of the six-yard-box, Chris Venables controlled Nathan Wood’s cross with a good first touch, but was denied at close-range by Nathan Shepperd.

From then on though, it was all TNS, and with their first foray forward, they opened the scoring in the 13th minute.

After a powerful header from Danny Davies was initially saved by the goalkeeper, Jordan Williams was on hand to smash home the rebound and score his ninth league goal of the season in the process.

With 29 minutes played, Craig Harrison’s side were presented with an opportunity to double their advantage, as the number 17 was pulled down inside the penalty area by Bont defender Gabriel Kircough.

Ryan Brobbel stepped up to take the resulting spot kick, but despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to the ball, there was too much power on the strike to prevent it from nestling in the back of the net.

Things got even better for the defending champions just moments later, as Jordan Williams raced onto Dan Williams’ over-the-top pass, before lifting the ball over the goalkeeper to sensationally add a TNS third.

The league leaders went into the half-time break with a comfortable cushion, and three minutes after the restart, could’ve increased their lead further through Isaac Jefferies.

After beating a couple of players inside the penalty area, the on loan Cardiff City man looked to lift the ball over the goalkeeper, but Luke Armstrong stood up strongly to deny him.

Saints fans didn’t have to wait too long to see their side score again, however.

Following a superb run to beat three defenders, a shot from Danny Davies was blocked on the line, but former Swansea City man Williams was on hand to smash home the loose ball in the 53rd minute. 

Then, on the hour mark, Jordan Williams made it a day to remember, as he secured the match ball with a second hat-trick of the season.

Cutting inside from the left, the former Stockport County man took the ball around Little, before unleashing a superb curling strike beyond the outstretched arm of the goalkeeper and into the top corner of the net.

Rhys Griffiths’ side did pull a goal back in the 64th minute, with Owain Warlow sending a strike in off the crossbar, but at the stage of the evening, it was far too little too late for visitors.

Five minutes from time, substitute Jack Nadin scored his first goal for The New Saints with a thunderous strike from just inside the penalty area, before James Cole added another consolation in the second minute of stoppage time.

It ended 6-2 at Park Hall, with Craig Harrison’s side extending their lead at the top of the JD Cymru Premier table with their ninth consecutive victory in all competitions.

The Saints take a break from league action next weekend, as they begin their defence of the JD Welsh Cup on the road against Mold Alexandra.

Kick-off at Alyn Park is scheduled for 2pm on Saturday, October 18th.