The New Saints start quickly to extend winning run to nine
Craig Harrison was pleased to see The New Saints take an early lead as they extended their winning run in the JD Cymru Premier to nine games with a 2-0 victory at Bala Town.
Leo Smith converted a cross from Jordan Williams after just 13 seconds as Saints enjoyed a flying start at Maes Tegid on Friday night.
Williams then went from goal-maker to goal-taker when he doubled Saints’ advantage with an excellent strike in the second half.
The victory over a Bala team which had twice beaten TNS earlier this season sent Saints 12 points clear at the top of the table.
Second-placed Penybont were unable to close the gap after losing 3-2 at Caernarfon Town the following afternoon.
Reflecting on his team’s positive start at Bala, TNS head coach Harrison said: "Yes, really pleased with the goal because we haven’t started great over the last two or three games.
"We’ve give some silly free kicks away and some silly opportunities early on in games and invited pressure.
"But what a way to start - you can’t ask for much more. It’s a great cross, great finish.
"We knew it was always going to be hard here, so it’s important that we got a lead early on.
"I think that the last time we were here we had lots and lots of opportunities and we didn’t take any and we ended up getting beat 1-0, so it was really good to break the deadlock that early.”
There was no stopping Saints after their early breakthrough with Williams delivering an inviting low cross from the left which was turned home by Smith.
The visitors created a number of chances before extending their lead to 2-0 in the 75th minute.
Danny Davies set off on a good run from within his own half before picking out Williams just inside the penalty area on the left hand side.
Williams then expertly lifted the ball high into the far top corner of the net with a fine strike to give Saints a two-goal cushion.
TNS are next in action on Friday night when they will face Aberystwyth Town in the final of the Nathaniel MG Cup, the Welsh League Cup, at Newtown’s Latham Park ground (7.45pm).
TNS: Roberts, Davies, McGahey, Pask, Marshall, Smith (Bradley), D. Williams, Redmond, Wilson (Holden), Oteh (Clark), J. Williams (Clarke). Subs not used: Bodenham, Doforo, Morris.
