Saints extend JD Cymru Premier lead with a five-star result in the capital

Match Report

Goals: J. Williams (16), Young (24, 26), Clark (67), Brobbel [P] (87)
Yellow cards: Hudson (41), Daniels (57), Young (63), Chris Seargeant (64)
Substitutions: Clark for Smith (48), Brennan for Young (70) Pask for Marriott (88), Canavan for Hudson (88)

Match report by Sam Wood
Lead image: Lewis Mitchell/FAW

The New Saints made it three wins from three as they defeated Cardiff Metropolitan University 5-1 at Cyncoed Campus.

Jordan Williams opened the scoring with 16 minutes gone, before deadline day signing, Brad Young, scored twice in as many minutes to break his JD Cymru Premier duck.

The Archers hit back through Matthew Chubb, but the league leaders ran out comfortable winners in the end thanks to further goals from Ben Clark and Ryan Brobbel.

It was the home side who had the first chance of the match with just four minutes on the clock, when Harry Owen crossed from the left in search of Lewis Rees.

The former TNS man connected with the ball inside the penalty area, but failed to keep the effort on target to test Connor Roberts.

Moments later, it was The Saints’ turn to go close, as a header from Blaine Hudson came back out off the crossbar.

After the frantic start to the game, Craig Harrison’s side began to settle, and they scored the opening goal with 16 minutes on the clock.

Turning with the ball just outside the penalty area, it was a powerful left-footed strike from Jordan Williams that gave the goalkeeper no chance whatsoever as it nestled in the bottom corner.

It wasn’t long before Williams turned provider, as with 24 minutes gone, the number 17 teed up Brad Young for his first JD Cymru Premier goal.

Another crisp strike, this time from just inside the penalty area, the deadline day signing sent the ball into the back of the net at the first time of asking.

Two minutes later, Young was among the goals again, this time surging into the box from the left-hand flank and sliding a finish beneath the outrushing Alex Lang.

Despite the league leaders seeming to be in control, the Archers reduced the deficit with 34 minutes on the clock.

After Connor Roberts pulled off a good initial save to deny Elliot Evans, the ball fell fortuitously at the feet of Matthew Chubb, and the hosts’ number two scooped home an effort from the edge of the six-yard box.

Three minutes after the restart, The Saints were dealt a blow when Leo Smith was forced off through injury, but despite the enforced change, it didn’t affect their performance.

Although the start of the second period was less eventful than the first, it was still Harrison’s side who controlled the proceedings.

With 61 minutes played, Young spotted Lang off his line and attempted a chip, but unfortunately for the former Aston Villa man, it was the wrong side of the post.

Eight minutes later though, a TNS fourth did arrive, courtesy of substitute, Ben Clark.

Jordan Williams’ initial effort was saved by the goalkeeper, but the Academy graduate was on hand to convert the follow-up on the edge of the six-yard box and put his side firmly back in control of the match.

Despite chasing the game, the Students failed to cause too many problems. Connor Roberts needed to be alert in the 82nd minute, however, diving to his left to push an Elliot Evans effort wide.

With three minutes of the 90 to go, The Saints cemented their position further, as Ryan Brobbel kept his composure to convert a penalty following a foul on Dan Williams.

That made the final score 5-1 on the night, and his side extended their lead at the top of the JD Cymru Premier to five points as a result.

Next up for the JD Cymru Premier champions is a trip to Caernarfon Town, with that match scheduled to be played on Tuesday, September 26th.