Saints keep up the consistency with Cliftonville win

Match Report

For the second consecutive afternoon, The New Saints were in friendly action at Park Hall Stadium.

Today’s opposition was Northern Irish side, Cliftonville, who are also preparing for European fixtures of their own.

Following yesterday’s win over Warrington Rylands, where the squad was mainly made up of young pros, it was a much more familiar starting line-up for today’s game.

The Saints came close to an early opener with eight minutes on the clock when Adrian Cieslewicz struck the crossbar.

In the 33rd minute, it was almost the visitors who took the lead, but a good save from Connor Roberts preserved the clean sheet.

The TNS goalkeeper made another excellent stop in the 37th minute, with his one-handed acrobatic save denying Ryan Curran.

The first goal arrived in first-half stoppage time, when Rory Hale was on hand to head home a rebound after a free-kick had come back off the crossbar.

With 64 minutes gone, Anthony Limbrick’s side hit back, courtesy of a superb Declan McManus free-kick from 25 yards out.

And in the 79th minute, the home side turned the match on its head, as Leo Smith converted Jordan Williams’ cross at the back post.

The Reds came close to snatching an equaliser in the 86th minute, but another good stop from Connor Roberts saved the day.

Full-time at Park Hall: The New Saints 2-1 Cliftonville

Just one friendly remains before the UEFA Champions League match against Linfield – away at Inver Park against Larne this coming Wednesday (June 29).

Starting line-up: Connor Roberts; Danny Davies (Warder 71), Keston Davies, Ryan Astles, Billy Kirkman; Jake Canavan, Leo Smith, Danny Redmond (Ryley Oakley 83); Jordan Williams, Adrian Cieslewicz, Declan McManus