A hard-fought victory, but The New Saints return to winning ways against Colwyn Bay

Match Report

Goals: Cieslewicz (55)
Yellow cards: Astles (90+7)
Substitutions: Hudson for Pask (33), Redmond for Smith (62), D. Davies for Cieslewicz (62), Canavan for Holden (76)

Match report by Sam Wood
Lead image: Brian Jones

The New Saints bounced back from their weekend disappointment to move two points clear at the top of the JD Cymru Premier table.

Adrian Cieslewicz’s 55th minute header proved to be enough for Craig Harrison’s men to claim a narrow 1-0 victory against Colwyn Bay.

Following the 2-2 draw against Barry Town United, a reaction from The New Saints was always expected, and Jordan Williams went close to breaking the deadlock for the champions with just four minutes gone.

As the half wore on, Ben Clark had a couple of openings, first heading wide from a Rory Holden cross, before forcing Alfie Brooks into a first save of the night after spinning on the edge of the box.

Clark continued to look lively throughout the game, and the Academy graduate came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 29th minute.

His powerful strike was initially fumbled by home goalkeeper, Brooks, before he dived bravely at the feet of Jordan Williams to gather the rebound.

The number 17 tested Brooks again in the 45th minute, but as was the case with the previous effort, the goalkeeper was able to gather at the second attempt.

Following the restart, it was the home side who had the first chance of the half when Sam Turner curled an effort wide of Connor Roberts’ goal in the 52nd minute.

Just three minutes later though, the deadlock was finally broken thanks to Adrian Cieslewicz.

It was an excellent cross from Chris Marriott to pick out the number 11 inside the box and he sent sent a cushioned header back across the goal and into the far corner of the net. 

Falling behind appeared to galvanise the hosts and they began to put The Saints under a lot more pressure in the period that followed. 

In the 77th minute, Connor Roberts made a great one-handed save to push a Matthew Hill effort over the crossbar – he wasn’t aware at the time, but the offside flag had been raised just moments earlier.

Down the other end, Jordan Williams glanced a header wide from the edge of the six yard box, as his side continued to push a second goal to put the game to bed.

The Bay had a golden chance to draw level with two minutes of normal time to play, but after collecting the ball inside the penalty area, Jamie Cumming could only bend the effort wide of the far post.

Harrison’s men defended resolutely throughout the time that remained, and even struck the crossbar through Josh Daniels, holding on for a valuable three points to give them some daylight at the top of the table.

It’s another quick return to action for the league leaders, as they welcome Aberystwyth Town to Park Hall on Friday night.