Saints suffer first league defeat in nine league matches as Colwyn Bay win 2-0 at Park Hall

Match Report

The New Saints slipped to a first JD Cymru Premier defeat in nine matches as they were beaten 2-0 at Park Hall by Colwyn Bay.

Lewis Sirrell gave his side the lead against the run of play in the 24th minute, before Craig Harrison’s side were dealt a blow just moments later following a red card for goalkeeper Jack Edwards.

Jordan Davies doubled the advantage for the visitors soon after, and from there, there proved to be no way back for the 10-man Saints.

Although it was The New Saints who were seeing all of the ball in the early stages, there was no way through the well-drilled Colwyn Bay defence.

In the 24th minute, however, the opening goal eventually did arrive, but it was the visitors who scored it against the run of play.

Lewis Sirrell connected with George Hughes’ free-kick on the edge of the penalty area, sending a powerful headed effort beyond the outstretched arm of Jack Edwards and into the top corner.

Things went from bad to worse for the defending champions just four minutes later when Edwards was shown a straight red card for the apparent denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity following a foul on Jordan Davies.

As a result, the Saints were forced to play the remainder of the match with 10 men – Ryan Brobbel was the man sacrificed, with substitute goalkeeper Bryn Owen on for his debut as a replacement.

It didn’t take long for the visitors to take advantage of the chaos though, as they doubled their advantage with 33 minutes on the clock.

Davies was the man who capitalised on the loose ball inside the penalty area, sending a right-footed effort beyond Owen from 18 yards out.

It left the Saints with a mountain to climb at the break, ending their hopes of extending their eight-game winning streak in the JD Cymru Premier.

Mike Wilde’s side started the second-half strongly though, and Owen needed to be alert in the 52nd minute to pull off a smart save at his near post to keep out Alexander Moore’s first-time effort.

The Saints almost found a way back into the match in the 64th minute when Dominic Corness tried his luck from distance.

The former Liverpool man’s powerful effort cannoned back out off the crossbar, however, allowing the visitors to scramble the ball clear.

Just seconds later, Jordan Williams struck the right post with an effort as the champions continued to knock on the door.

With 73 minutes on the clock, Jordan Marshall got his head to Dan Williams’ cross on the edge of the six yard box, but despite sending a powerful header towards goal, it proved easy for Alex Brown to deal with.

Although they had chances in the second period, Harrison’s side were unable to find a way back into the match, and as a result, they fell to their first league defeat of 2026.

The Saints are back in action next weekend, as they travel to the Go Goodwins Stadium to face Caernarfon Town. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:45pm on Friday, March 27th.