Four goals, three points, as The New Saints climb to fourth at USW Sport Park

Match Report

Goals: Evans (26), Ridge (29), Staley (43),  B.Lewis [P] (70).
Substitutions: Samson for Ridge (82), Jarvie for Lockley (85), Marshall for Williams (88).

Match report by Michael Davies

The New Saints Women started 2023 in fine style, with a 4-0 victory at USW Sport Park against Pontypridd United in the Genero Adran Premier.

Helen Evans, Emily Ridge and Dani Staley netted in the first-half, as Beth Lewis scored from the penalty spot in the second 45.

The result means that The New Saints move up to fourth on goal difference in the Adran Premier.

Pontypridd United were quick off the mark when the home side had two shots in the same minute four in. Olivia Francis had a shot in the box that skipper Beth Lewis cleared off the line, before Carys Bufton struck the ball from 20-yards that hit the post.

The New Saints had their first attempt on goal in the 12th minute, as Dani Staley powered a wicked strike inches over the crossbar outside the penalty area.

Soon after The Saints had another effort from 25-yards away, which Ponty keeper, Maisie Jones managed to gather.

TNS were on the attack again in the 18th minute, Beth Lewis crossed in a ball that Emily Ridge headed wide from close range.

Not long after, Beth Lewis whipped in a free-kick that dropped to Izzy Redding, who hit just off target.

Moments on, Anais Trinci had an effort up the other end of the pitch, however Sarah Parkes was there to make the stop.

In the 26th minute Greg Draper’s side took the lead, Evans hit a free-kick from 35-yards out that found top of the net.

TNS doubled their advantage with 29 minutes on the clock, when Ridge scored with an overhead effort from six-yards out.

The Oswestry based-side made it three, two minutes before the break. Caitlin Chapman crossed a ball into Staley, which the no.8 powered in.

Just under ten minutes into the second 45, Francis had a chance that Parkes marvelously palmed away.

Seconds on, Evie Williams had a curling effort from 25-yards away that Maisie Jones pushed clear.

TNS made it four in the 70th minute, after the ball hit the hand of a Ponty defender in the box that forced the referee to point to the penalty spot. Beth Lewis stepped up straight after and sent Maisie Jones the wrong way.

That was it, as far as chances go, with the biggest away league victory recorded in the Genero Adran Premier.

Greg Draper’s team are next in action this Wednesday (January 11) at Park Hall Stadium against Abergavenny in the Adran Premier.