Saints Women fall to defeat at Park Avenue

Match Report

https://twitter.com/tnsfcwomen/status/1967201966125428883

Yellow cards: Webb (83)
Substitutions: Chapman for Lightfoot (46), Davies for Edge (64), Gibbs for Jones (64), Crees for Baker (81)

Match report by Sam Wood
Lead image: Sam Eaden/FAW

The New Saints fell to their first defeat of the new Genero Adran Premier season, as they were beaten 1-0 on the road against Aberystwyth Town.

Shauna Chambers scored the only goal of the game with 18 minutes on the clock, with her effort taking a helping hand off the wind to go directly in from a corner.

The Saints had chances to hit back in the second-half and score an equalising goal, but despite their best efforts, couldn’t find a way past the well-drilled Seasiders defence.

It was a quiet start at Park Avenue as both teams battled the difficult conditions, and neither goalkeeper was tested inside the first 15 minutes.

The opening goal of the game did arrive just three minutes later though, and it was Aberystwyth Town who scored it.

After winning a corner on the left, the Seasiders took full advantage of the strong winds, with Shauna Chambers’ in-swinging delivery catching Becca Elliott off guard and finding the back of the net.

Ten minutes later, the home side were causing problems again, and Elliott needed to be alert to collect a well-taken effort from Imogen Scourfield at the second time of asking.

In the 34th minute, there was a great chance for The New Saints to hit back following a surging run from Chantelle Teare.

The number nine cut the ball back for Maria Francis-Jones who was arriving into the penalty area, but she failed to get a clean connection on her effort, and the danger was easily cleared.

Just before the break, Jodie Williams’ side were causing problems again after Lexie Harrison stole the ball from the feet of Libby Isaac.

Making a good run into the penalty area, it was brave goalkeeping from Sophie Steele, however, who rushed out to block the ball at feet of the attacker.

Introducing Caitlin Chapman for Amber Lightfoot at the break, the Saints came out for the second-half with renewed intensity and had several chances in the opening minutes.

Lexi Jones sent an effort into the side netting with 50 on the clock, while Gibraltar international Chapman had an effort blocked inside the box five minutes later.

Down the other end, Kay Baker made a vital challenge in the 62nd minute to prevent Sioned Kersey from scoring Aberystwyth’s second goal after a superb cross from Carys Bufton.

Chapman had another effort deflected wide as the half progressed, while Maria Francis-Jones went close with a well-struck free-kick 12 minutes from time.

The visitors continued to fashion chances as they pushed for an equaliser, with Kelsey Richardson and Teare both going close from the edge of the penalty area, but in the end, there proved to be no way through the well-drilled Aberystwyth defence.

1-0 is how it ended at Park Avenue, with Williams’ side falling to their first defeat of the season as a result.

The New Saints are back in action next weekend as they take on Wrexham at Park Hall Stadium in their latest Genero Adran Premier fixture.

Kick-off is scheduled for 2pm on Sunday, September 21st.