The Winning Streak Comes To An End
Going into the game on a run of seven consecutive victories, that impressive statistic has now come to an end. The 4-1 defeat is the first time this season that The New Saints has failed to pick up a point at Park Hall.
The last time the club conceded four at home in a league game was on December 30, 2017. On that occasion it was a 4-2 victory for Newtown AFC.
In September, 2018, Cardiff Metropolitan University FC beat The New Saints 4-1 at Cyncoed.
Early Goals
In numerous recent games, it’s been TNS that has taken an early lead. However, this time round it was the Nomads who hit the back of the net, as Mike Wilde scored in the 8th minute.
As The New Saints has found, getting the opening goal has proved to be key, and with the boot on the other foot, so to speak, that was the case this time round as well.
Ryan Brobbel
Since returning from injury, the Northern Ireland U-21 international scored eight goals in four games. The last two drew blanks, as far as finding the net is concerned, but yesterday he got his name on the scoresheet again.
His well-executed goal in the 24th minute drew the sides level. Unfortunately, though, it was all downhill from there.
Penalty Saved
Although it would have been nothing more than an outside lifeline, when TNS was awarded a penalty with seven minutes to go, it was Oliver Byrne who got the better of Greg Draper, as the ‘keeper saved the spot-kick.
Had the goal been scored, with a further additional five minutes at the end of the ninety, who knows what twists and turns may have developed, as the deficit would then have been two. Sadly, though, it wasn’t to be.
The Title Is Still Very Much In TNS’ Hands
It was an extremely disappointing result and one that sends Connah’s Quay Nomads to the top of the table with a three-point lead.
However, with five games to go – including a visit to Deeside next Saturday – the fact remains that if The New Saints win that one and match the Nomads’ points tally from the remaining fixtures (based on a vastly superior goal difference), the trophy will return to Park Hall.
Lead image: Ryan Brobbel finds the net. Courtesy of Brian Jones.
