The New Saints lift the JD Cymru Premier trophy following a 2-1 victory against Bala Town

Match Report

Goals: Bodenham (11), Bradley (84) [P],
Substitutions: Wilson for J. Williams (46), Clark for Oteh (67), Clarke for Brobbel (67), Bradley for Holden (80)

Match report by Sam Wood
Lead image: John Smith/FAW

The New Saints returned to winning ways as they defeated Bala Town 2-1 on the night they lifted the JD Cymru Premier trophy for a record-extending 17th time. 

Taking the lead through Jack Bodenham in the 11th minute, Craig Harrison’s side were pegged back midway through the second-half, but a penalty late in the game from Sion Bradley secured the three points for the champions. 

After ending their league campaign at Haverfordwest County next Saturday (April 19th), The Saints then take on Connah’s Quay Nomads in the JD Welsh Cup final at the start of next month, as they look to complete a first domestic treble since 2016. 

It was a fast start from The Saints, and they could’ve made the breakthrough with just six minutes on the clock. 

Aramide Oteh almost connected with an inviting cross from Jordan Williams, but an important header at the back post from Nathan Peate denied the TNS striker. 

From the resulting corner, however, and after a lengthy spell of treatment for the Bala defender, the opening goal did arrive. 

It was a pinpoint delivery from Ryan Brobbel, and Jack Bodenham headed it home from just inside the six-yard box to give his side an 11th-minute lead. 

Although it was a half devoid of chances, four minutes before the interval, the visitors almost hit back through Osebi Abadaki. 

The Bala man was denied by Connor Roberts, however, who pushed his effort onto the post, before Josh Pask mopped up the danger inside the six-yard box. 

Just three minutes after the restart, The Saints almost doubled their advantage, but Joel Torrance got down quickly to prevent Rory Holden’s deflected effort from finding the back of the net. 

Moments later, half-time substitute, Adam Wilson, had a header at the back post which appeared to cross the line, but the visiting goalkeeper pulled off an important one-handed save to keep his side within touching distance. 

With 66 minutes on the clock, however, the second goal of the game arrived, and it was the visitors who scored it. 

After recovering the ball on the left of the penalty area, Abadaki held off Pask before crossing for Joe Malkin, and the Bala substitute headed home the equaliser from just inside the six-yard box. 

Harrison’s side continued to push for a second go-ahead goal, though, and they almost found it in the 78th minute thanks to substitute Zack Clarke. 

Receiving the ball on the right of the six-yard box, the former Caernarfon man tried his luck with a powerful strike, but Torrance pushed the effort behind for a corner with two strong hands. 

But six minutes from time, The Saints would retake the lead when Samba Badjana handled the ball inside the penalty area. 

Sion Bradley stepped up and dispatched the spot kick expertly, scoring his 12th goal of the season, and giving his side a 2-1 lead in the game.

That proved to be that as far as chances were concerned, and The Saints saw out the game to claim all three points against the Lakesiders. 

Following the full-time whistle, the newly-crowned champions were presented with the JD Cymru Premier trophy for a record-extending 17th time, and will now look ahead to the JD Welsh Cup final on May 4th, where they’ll be aiming to complete a domestic treble for the first time since 2016.