The New Saints defeat Bala Town to move four points clear in the JD Cymru Premier

Match Report

The teams are in ahead of tonight’s JD Cymru Premier fixture!

Here’s how The New Saints start against Bala Town…#TNSFC | #JDCymruPremier pic.twitter.com/xoLGnCduax

— The New Saints FC (@tnsfc) January 6, 2026

Goals: Holden (51), Brobbel (81)
Substitutions: Cieslewicz for Wilson (66), Godsmark-Ford for Marshall (84)

Match report by Sam Wood
Lead image: Craig Thomas/FAW

The New Saints got back to winning ways as they defeated Bala Town 2-1 at Park Hall.

After a goalless opening half in Oswestry, goals from Rory Holden and Ryan Brobbel, either side of a Nelson Digbeu strike, proved enough to secure the win for Craig Harrison’s side.

The victory moves TNS four points clear at the top of the JD Cymru Premier table ahead of the final round of phase one fixtures on Friday.

It was the visitors who had the first chance of the night with less than three minutes on the clock, as Hussein Mehasseb found space on the edge of the penalty area.

The Bala man tried his luck, but his effort was comfortably dealt with by Nathan Shepperd in goal.

With 15 minutes gone, Craig Harrison’s side created their first opening, but after connecting with Dominic Corness’ free-kick inside the penalty area, Jack Bodenham failed to hit the target.

Dan Williams then went close for the defending champions in the 23rd minute. After cutting inside from the right and getting a shot away, visiting goalkeeper Joel Torrance got down well to turn the ball behind for a corner.

Torrance came to his side’s rescue again with 37 minutes on the clock, as he produced a strong right hand to tip a powerful Corness strike behind for another corner.

The Saints had two further chances to break the deadlock before half-time. Isaac Jefferies curled wide from the edge of the penalty area, while Jordan Williams poked wide from close-range after an over-the-top ball from Rory Holden.

Harrison’s side started the second-half brightly, and with 51 minutes on the clock, they finally found the breakthrough.

A corner from Ryan Brobbel proved inviting for Holden, and the former Port Vale man turned the ball past the goalkeeper at the back post.

The TNS lead lasted less than two minutes, however, as Nelson Digbeu found a quick equaliser following a corner at the other end of the pitch.

On the hour mark, Shepperd made an important stop to deny Digbeu after another corner, with the Lakesiders unable to scramble home the loose ball.

Jefferies had another opportunity with 68 minutes gone, but after receiving the ball from Dan Williams inside the penalty area, the on-loan Cardiff City man failed to hit the target with his first-time strike.

Torrance continued to perform heroically, making a string of further saves to keep out efforts from Jordan Williams, Corness and Adrian Cieslewicz as Bala looked to leave with a point.

But the TNS pressure finally told in the 81st minute, as Ryan Brobbel restored his side’s advantage with a superb overhead kick after the ball fell fortuitously inside the six-yard box.

It proved enough to seal a 2-1 victory against a well-drilled and determined Bala side, moving The New Saints four points clear at the top of the JD Cymru Premier in the process.

The Saints are back in action this Friday (January 9th) when they host Colwyn Bay in their final phase one fixture.

Kick-off at Park Hall is scheduled for 7:45pm.

The New Saints get back to winning ways at Park Hall!#TNSFC | #JDCymruPremier pic.twitter.com/KFrjclooy8

— The New Saints FC (@tnsfc) January 6, 2026