Tricks and treats galore

Going into the fixture, it was a key game for both The New Saints and Colwyn Bay, with the former looking to extend the lead at the top, while the latter needed points at the other end of the table.

Come the final whistle, it was the league leaders who triumphed, and enjoying the bulk of the possession it was Craig Harrison’s side who scored six of the seven goals.

There was plenty of entertainment on the pitch, with some excellent play and finishes.

Tricks and treats galore. Indeed.

 

Spirits were raised early in the game

As you would expect under the watchful eye of Steve Evans, Colwyn Bay were very well-organised from the off.

They put players behind the ball and made it difficult for The New Saints.

It was a tremendous strike from Jordan Williams in the 14th minute that broke the deadlock though, and another insightful decision from Craig Harrison, as Williams was the only change in the starting XI from the team that beat Bala Town last Saturday.

 

A torturous response 

Once the first goal had gone in, most neutrals looking on would have expected The New Saints to build on that opener.

However, it was the visitors who were gifted with an equaliser, when Sam Turner raced on to a wayward back pass to beat Connor Roberts with a tremendous chip.

The goal, just into the second-third of the game, ensured that the Seagulls went into the break on level-pegging.

 

A second-half exorcism

Whatever Craig Harrison said to the players at half-time certainly did the trick, with five goals in the second forty-five ensuring that the disappointment of conceding an equaliser was well and truly exorcised.

Goals from Ryan Brobbel, Adrian Cieslewicz (2), Danny Redmond and Brad Young meant that, come the final whistle, The New Saints extended both the unbeaten run to twenty games and the lead at the top of the JD Cymru Premier to six points.

 

Nightmare on Burma Road

Although it was a haunting professional experience for Steve Evans on his return to Park Hall and one that he will not want to be reminded of, nevertheless, on a personal level for all who were there, it was great to see the club legend again.

Having served The New Saints as both player and coach over many years, Evans will always be in the hearts of all associated with the club.

Testimony the man himself is that following the game, after the vast majority of attendees had long since departed, Evo was still there catching up with old friends and acquaintances.

 

Lead image courtesy of Andrew Donnison/F.28 Online