Clinical Saints move nine points clear after strong display at Stebonheath Park

Match Report

https://twitter.com/tnsfc/status/1981783394393510228

Goals: Jefferies (45+2), Brobbel (62), J. Williams (72), D. Williams (90+4)
Yellow cards: Bodenham (15), J. Williams (85)
Substitutions: Wilson for Clark (69), Marshall for Bodenham (72), Nadin for Jefferies (80), Godsmark-Ford for Redmond (80), Cieslewicz for Brobbel (80)

Match report by Sam Wood
Lead image: Jamie Edwards/FAW

It was another professional performance from The New Saints, as they defeated Llanelli Town to move nine points clear at the top of the JD Cymru Premier table.

Although the defending champions won by four goals to nil on the night, Craig Harrison’s side were in control throughout the contest, and it wouldn’t have been undeserved had the league leaders recorded an even bigger margin of victory.

Isaac Jefferies, Ryan Brobbel, Jordan Williams and Dan Williams were all on target at Stebonheath Park, as the Saints also recorded their 11th consecutive victory in all competitions.

Although they were dominating possession in the early stages, The New Saints were made to wait patiently for the first opening to arrive.

It eventually did with 20 minutes on the clock, with a strike from Issac Jefferies deflecting back out off the right post.

Although the rebound fell kindly inside the box for Ryan Brobbel, Alex Pennock got to his feet quickly, however, and pulled off a smart save to deny the Northern Ireland U21 international.

The Reds’ goalkeeper was involved again shortly after, pulling off another important save to prevent a free-kick from Dominic Corness from finding the back of the net.

On-loan Cardiff City man Jefferies was causing problems again in the 38th minute, and after a surging run forward, forced a superb one-handed save from the goalkeeper.

They were made to wait a while, but Craig Harrison’s side finally make the breakthrough in the second minute of first-half stoppage time.

After a free-kick from Brobbel was initially saved by the goalkeeper, the Saints recovered the ball on the right flank, giving Danny Redmond the opportunity to cross for Jefferies.

From 18 yards, the number 37 made no mistake, as he sent a first-time finish beyond the reach of Pennock and into the bottom right corner.

The Saints picked up where they left off following the restart and could’ve doubled their advantage just six minutes into the second-half.

After some good link-up play with Jefferies inside the penalty area, Ben Clark had an effort cleared off the line by Nelson Sanca, before Dan Williams struck the post just moments later.

In the 57th minute, there was another chance for Academy graduate Clark to add his name to the scoresheet, but like before, his effort was blocked on the line, this time by Sean Cronin.

Just after the hour mark, however, Harrison’s side did take a firmer grip on proceedings, as Ryan Brobbel found the bottom corner with a long-range strike from distance to score his 100th JD Cymru Premier goal.

With 70 minutes played, things got better still for the Saints, as Jordan Williams added his side’s third from an indirect free-kick inside the penalty area following a Llanelli Town back pass.

Then, with the last kick-off the match, Dan Williams made it 4-0 in favour of the visitors, as he got on the end of Corness’ chipped ball into the penalty area and volleyed past the goalkeeper.

The league leaders were good value for their victory at Stebonheath Park, and few could’ve argued had the Saints added more than the four goals they scored on the night.

It’s another trip to South Wales next on the agenda for Craig Harrison’s side, as they travel to Haverfordwest County on Saturday, November 1st.

Kick-off at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium is scheduled for 2:30pm.