If two out of three ain’t bad…
If two out of three ain’t bad, then a full house is even better. Following on from SPFL Trust Trophy and JD Welsh Cup wins, the Nathaniel MG Cup victory against Gresford Athletic ensured three wins from as many cup competitions in recent weeks.
There’s always room for error in the league but when it comes to knockout games, it’s do or die, and so to have navigated all three hurdles successfully means that we continue to compete in four competitions.
On cloud nine
Staff and players, and most certainly fans, love to see goals and especially so when they all go your way.
Prior to the 9-0 victory against Gresford Athletic, The New Saints had found the net six times in a game on three occasions this season (Connah’s Quay Nomads 6-2, Aberystwyth Town 6-0 and Barry Town United 6-2).
It was nice to increase that statistic by 50% against the Colliers.
There were six different names on the scoresheet as well: Ash Baker, Luke Brennan, Adrian Cieslewicz, Gwion Dafydd, Josh Pask and Dan Williams.
First hat-trick for the boy from Bridgend
It was great to witness Ash Baker’s first hat-trick as a professional footballer.
He opened the scoring in the 16th minute and doubled TNS’ advantage eleven minutes later, both headers that followed on from corners, the first on the left and the second from the right.
When a penalty was awarded just after the break, there was no question as to who was going to take it. Up stepped Baker who smashed home confidently, giving the ‘keeper no chance.
Five-star Gwion Dafydd
Having scored a hat-trick last week against Ruthin Town in the JD Welsh Cup, Gwion Dafydd couldn’t quite emulate that against Gresford Athletic.
He did score twice though as he continues to impress, making that five in two consecutive cup outings. In fact, if you listen to the post-match interview with Chris Seargeant, he mentions that he’s contacted the FAW in regards to national selection for the talented youngster.
Extending the unbeaten run
The incredible run of form continues and it’s now eighteen games unbeaten for Craig Harrison’s side in all competitions.
Breaking the statistic down, that’s fifteen wins and three draws, with just Bala Town, Barry Town United and East Fife holding The New Saints at the ninety-minutes stage of a game.
We now have a run of three consecutive JD Cymru Premier games, as the club looks to distance itself even further from the chasing pack.
Lead image courtesy of Brian Jones.
