The New Saints see off Briton Ferry Llansawel to maintain unbeaten start

Match Report

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Goals: Williams (61)
Yellow cards: Lock (15), Simeu (51), J. Williams (55), Craig Harrison (85)
Substitutions: Brobbel for Hughes (69), Jefferies for Lock (69), Redmond for Nolan (85)

Match report by Sam Wood
Lead image: 

The New Saints made it two wins from two in the Novira Cymru Premier as they defeated Briton Ferry Llansawel 1-0 at Park Hall.

It was a frustrating first-half for the defending champions who found it tricky to break down the well-drilled visiting defence.

In the second period, however, Dan Williams grabbed what proved to be the decisive goal with 61 minutes on the clock to secure all three points for his side.

The New Saints had a great chance to make the breakthrough with just nine minutes on the clock following a surging run down the left flank by Zach Nolan.

After reaching the byline, the summer signing crossed for Leo Smith, but the latter’s header went narrowly over the crossbar.

With 15 minutes played, Craig Harrison’s side thought they should’ve been awarded a penalty when Josh Lock went down under challenge inside the area.

Referee Benjamin Williams didn’t see it that way, however, and booked the Academy graduate for an alleged dive.

It was a half with limited chances in front of goal, with the visitors maintaining their defensive discipline well to frustrate the champions.

Last season’s Novira Cymru Premier Player of the Season Jordan Williams did have a couple of openings before the break though, but on both occasions, he was unable to test Fuller in the Reds’ goal.

Harrison’s side continued to control the possession following the restart, with Jordan Williams again causing problems for the visiting defence.

In the 55th minute, he got goal side of Ferry captain Alex Gammond on the edge of the area, but a tactical foul from the visitors’ captain prevented him from testing the goalkeeper.

The pressure would eventually prove too much for Andy Dyer’s side in the 61st minute though, as Dan Williams broke the deadlock for his side.

The former Swansea City man took Jack Bodenham’s defence-splitting pass into his stride on the edge of the penalty area, before sending a composed left-footed effort into the back of the net, despite pressure from a number of defenders.

Down the other end, Briton Ferry had a rare opportunity in front of goal in the 68th minute, but Nathan Shepperd remained alert to deny Ollie Anderson at point-blank range.

Two minutes from time, Will Fuller in the opposite goal came to his side’s rescue with a smart double save, first denying Ryan Brobbel and then Isaac Jefferies, both of whom had been introduced as second-half substitutes.

Despite winning a couple of corners in the four minutes of additional time, the visitors were unable to make anything of them, and the match ended 1-0 in favour of The New Saints.

Harrison’s side are back in Novira Cymru Premier action next Friday (August 21st) when they travel to the capital to take on Cardiff Met. Kick-off at Cyncoed Stadium is scheduled for 7:45pm.