The points are shared on the opening day of the season

Match Report

Substitutions: Smith for Clark (90+5), Hudson for K. Davies (90+5)

Match Report by Sam Wood
Lead image: Brian Jones

The New Saints were forced to settle for a a point on the opening day of the JD Cymru Premier season, despite a flurry of second-half chances.

A frustrating afternoon at Latham Park, Craig Harrison’s side were unable to take advantage after Zeli Ismail’s 60th minute red card, and also had a Danny Redmond goal ruled out late in the day. 

It was almost the perfect start for the visiting side, as Jon Routledge got the better of Ryan Sears on the edge of the box inside the opening few seconds. 

The midfielder went one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but his curling effort fell the wrong side of the post. 

Eight minutes later, The Saints were threatening again after some great play on the edge of the Newtown box.

The ball was picked up by Adrian Cieslewicz who went for goal, but his powerful strike missed the target.

In the 17th minute, it was Josh Daniels’ turn to cause problems for the Robins, but his effort from inside the penalty area was blocked by the defence. 

Following a water break in the 25th minute, the game struggled to regain its momentum, and the remainder of the opening half was somewhat flat. 

Things came alive once more in the second-half though, and not long after the restart, Ryan Astles rescued his side, heading a goal-bound effort off the line. 

In the 60th minute, there was more drama, as Newtown’s Zeli Ismail was shown a straight red card for apparent dissent, leaving the home team a man light for the final half hour. 

Looking to take advantage of their extra man, Keston Davies forced Dave Jones into action, and The Robins’ goalkeeper pulled off an important save to deny the number four.

With 15 minutes to play, it was Newtown’s turn to head the ball off the line, with Ryan Sears getting the vital touch to prevent Josh Daniels from scoring his first goal for the club. 

Four minutes later, the ball cannoned back off the hosts’ crossbar, as the JD Cymru Premier champions continued to apply the pressure.

In the 85th minute, Danny Redmond thought he’d won the game for his side when he turned the ball home with a spectacular overhead kick, but referee, Thomas Owen, was unimpressed with the attempt in the crowded penalty area, and disallowed the goal.

That proved to be The Saints’ final opportunity on a frustrating afternoon at Latham Park, and as a result, they were forced to settle for a point on the opening weekend.

Harrison’s side are back in action next Saturday, welcoming Penybont to Oswestry for their first home game of the season.