Shropshire Star

The New Saints have put cup heartache behind them

Danny Redmond is impressed how The New Saints have responded to the disappointment of defeat in last month’s SPFL Trust Trophy final against Airdrieonians, writes Stuart Dunn.

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TNS have impressively scored 17 goals in their three matches since losing the final 2-1 to the Scottish Championship club.

Their latest victory came under the Park Hall lights on Tuesday night as the runaway JD Cymru Premier champions beat third-placed Bala Town 4-1.

Midfielder Redmond was on target twice in the early stages. Paulo Mendes pulled a goal back for Bala, but Jordan Williams and Declan McManus then scored to complete another good night’s work for Craig Harrison’s side.

The result, a 24th consecutive league win for Saints, extended their lead at the top of the table to 28 points.

Redmond said: “When we played Airdrie, we were very disappointed not to win that, but the lads have got ourselves together and we’ve picked ourselves back up and had some great performances since.”

Reflecting on the latest win over Bala, Redmond added: “Bala played well at times and I think they deserved the goal. Obviously, we’re disappointed to concede it, but I think throughout the game we played professionally and I think we could have scored a few more goals.”

Redmond stylishly converted a cross from Jordan Marshall to give Saints an early lead, before he found the net again with another fine strike from the edge of the penalty area.

Mendes headed home to give Bala hope, but Saints restored their two-goal advantage just before the break through Williams.

McManus completed the scoring with another good finish high into the net midway through the second half.

Pleased to be on target twice for the Saints, Redmond said: “I think it’s three in two now, I’m on a little roll.

“It’s nice to be on the other side, I’m usually assisting them, but it’s nice to score a few goals.

“But as long as we get the three points that’s the main thing.”

Saints play their penultimate league game of the season away to Cardiff MU on Saturday.Danny Redmond insists The New Saints have put their Scottish Challenge Cup final heartache behind them as they close in on an unbeaten Cymru Premier campaign.

Since the disappointment of losing 2-1 to the Scottish club, the Saints have plundered 17 goals on three games – and booked a date with Connah’s Quay in the Welsh Cup final.

Redmond was on target twice on Tuesday night as Saints beat Bala Town 4-1 to make it 28 wins from 30 league games.

They have two league games remaining, at Cardiff MU on Saturday and at home to Connah’s Quay on Sunday, April 21.

“We have got ourselves together and have had some great performances since (the final defeat),” said Redmond.

“With the league done, the main aim is can we go through the season unbeaten and won the cup final as well?”

Redmond set Saints on their way to victory against Bala by bagging two goals in the first seven minutes at Park Hall.

Arnaldo Mendes reduced the deficit on 34 minutes but the hosts were in cruise control before half-time after Jordan Williams made it 3-1. Declan McManus wrapped up the scoring in the second half.

And Redmond was delighted to get his mane on the scoresheet.

“That’s three in two now, Im on a bit of a roll,” he said. “It’s nice to be on the other side, because I’m usually assisting. It’s nice to score a few goals but as long as we get three points, that’s the main thing.

“Bala played well at times and deserved their goal. We are disappointed to concede it, but throughout the game we played professionally and could have scored a few more goals.