The New Saints defeat Connah’s Quay Nomads 5-1 to record a 25th consecutive victory

Match Report

Goals: Daniels (4), Clark (20), D. Davies (36), J. Williams (43), McManus (85)
Substitutions: Cieslewicz for Brobbel (28), D. Williams for Clark (80), McManus for J. Williams (80)

Match report by Sam Wood

The New Saints continued their impressive form with a 5-1 victory on the road against Connah’s Quay Nomads.

All of the damage was done in the first-half, as goals from Josh Daniels, Ben Clark, Danny Davies and Jordan Williams sent The Saints into the break with a commanding lead.

Despite the Nomads pulling a goal back early in the second period, it proved to be nothing more than a consolation for Neil Gibson’s side.

Substitute, Declan McManus scored late in the game to add further gloss to what was Craig Harrison’s sides’ 25th consecutive win.

It was a bright start from the visitors, and they got their reward with just four minutes on the clock when the opening goal arrived.

Following Chris Marriott’s free-kick from the left, Josh Daniels connected with his head, sending an effort past Andy Firth and into the far corner to give his side the lead.

Seven minutes later, The Saints were awarded a free-kick in almost an identical position, but on that occasion, Josh Pask send his header wide of the target.

In the 20th minute, however, Craig Harrison’s side did score their second goal, and it arrived courtesy of Ben Clark.

Receiving the ball in the crowded penalty area, the Academy graduate did well, first to create space, before bending his effort into the far corner of the net.

Down the other end, Connor Roberts was called into action for the first time with 31 minutes on the clock, but the Wales C international made a good save to deny Jack Kenny.

Not content with a two-goal lead, the JD Cymru Premier champions continued to cause problems, and in the 36th minute, they added their third.

Following a one-two with Clark, Danny Davies beat Noah Edwards with a terrific piece of skill, before sending a powerful, left-footed strike into the far corner of the net.

The league leaders weren’t done there either, and two minutes before the break, they found the net again.

Racing onto the end of Pask’s inviting forward pass, Jordan Williams drilled the ball beneath the outrushing Firth from the edge of the six-yard box to send his side into the half-time break with a 4-0 lead.

Less than a minute into the second period though, it was Connah’s Quay celebrating, as the home side made the perfect start to the half.

It was Jack Kenny who reduced the deficit, connecting with Jordan Davies’ cross to loop the ball over Roberts and give his side a lifeline in the game.

In the 57th minute, Neil Gibson’s side were threatening again, but Noah Edwards’ cross towards the danger area was turned behind for a corner.

Down the other end, Daniels tried his luck from the edge of the box, searching for a second, but on that occasion, his strike was high over the crossbar.

The home side could’ve pulled another goal back with 75 minutes on the clock, but a superb double block on the line from Davies helped maintain his side’s advantage.

Turning to his bench in the later stages, Craig Harrison introduced both Dan Williams and Declan McManus for Ben Clark and Jordan Williams.

Ir proved to be an inspired change too, as McManus found the back of the net within five minutes of his introduction.

Some great vision from Brad Young picked out the number nine in space inside the penalty area, and after seeing himself with his first touch, made no mistake in turning the ball home for a TNS fifth.

The 5-1 victory at the Essity Stadium extended The New Saints’ lead at the top of the JD Cymru Premier table to 23 points, with just five league games now remaining before the end of the season.

It’s another away fixture next weekend for the champions, as they travel to Newtown on Saturday (March 16). Kick-off in that match at Latham Park is scheduled for 2:30pm.