The New Saints Beat Cefn Druids In A Game Of Two Halves

Match Report

Goals: Astles (47), J. Williams, (51, 67), Cieslewicz (59), McManus (61)
Substitutions: D. Davies for Baker (46), Brobbel for Denny (46), Clark for Smith (46), Canavan for Cieslewicz (80), Woollam for Hudson (86)
Yellow cards: Marriott (39), Canavan (88)

Match report by Sam Wood
Lead image: Brian Jones

The New Saints extended their JD Cymru Premier lead to 19 points following a 5-1 victory against Cefn Druids.

Following a goalless opening half, Anthony Limbrick made three changes at the break, introducing Ben Clark, Danny Davies and Ryan Brobbel.

They proved to be inspired subs, as his side took control in the second-half, and went on to run riot in front of goal.

It could’ve been the perfect start for Anthony Limbrick’s side, as they almost took the lead with just three minutes on the clock. Jordan Williams failed to keep his close-range effort down though, and the ball went harmlessly over the crossbar.

The Saints continued to dominate the ball in the opening stages, and Williams enjoyed another opportunity seven minutes later. Once again though, the number 17 failed to hit the target, and Mike Jones in the Druids’ goal went unworked.

Again it was Williams involved with 18 on the clock, and on that occasion, it needed a good save from Jones to deny the ex-Stockport man.

Limbrick’s side struggled to create openings as the half wore on though, thanks in part, to some resolute Druids defending.

Unimpressed by what he’d seen in the first period, Anthony Limbrick unusually made three changes at the break, introducing Ben Clark, Danny Davies, and Ryan Brobbel for Leo Smith, Alex Denny, and Ash Baker.

They proved to be inspired changes as well, as just two minutes into the second-half, The Saints took the lead.

It was an unfortunate moment for Jones in the Druids goal, as he dropped the ball at the feet of Ryan Astles following a corner.

The TNS defender made no mistake from close range, as he smashed the ball home to open the scoring.

Just four minutes later, The Saints were celebrating again, as Jordan Williams finally grabbed his goal. It was a delicate ball across the box from Ben Clark which gave the forward an easy finish, as he beat the goalkeeper from close range. 

The floodgates opened at that point, and Adrian Cieslewicz grabbed his second in as many matches in the 59th minute, after good work from Williams created an opening.

Two minutes later, Cieslewicz turned provider, as he picked out Declan McManus at the back post. At full stretch, the Scottish forward showed great technique to get on the end of the ball and scored his 26th goal of the season.

In the 67th minute, Williams got further reward for his positive display by helping himself to a second. After some great technique to control the ball with his chest, the winger showed excellent composure to slot the ball past the outrushing Jones to further strengthen his team’s lead.

The Ancients regained their composure in the minutes that followed, once again showing the same defensive resilience that they demonstrated in the first-half.

With a minute of normal time to go, they managed to grab themselves a consolation goal too, as Nacho Torres fired home after a scramble in the TNS box.

There were no further goals in the time that remained, so the match ended 5-1, extending The New Saints’ JD Cymru Premier lead to 19 points.