‘I think 5-0 was good’ - The New Saints progress in Welsh Cup
FAW Welsh Cup: The New Saints 5 Briton Ferry Llansawel 0
Brad Young scored twice as The New Saints progressed to the last 16 of the FAW Welsh Cup with a comfortable 5-0 victory over Briton Ferry Llansawel.
Dynel Simeu, Zach Nolan and Jordan Williams were also on target in Friday night's all-Cymru Premier tie under the Park Hall light as Saints booked their place in the fourth round of a competition they have won 10 times.
TNS first-team coach Simon Smith, reflecting on another good night's work for the in-form Cymru Premier leaders, said: "Yes, obviously delighted. That was the aim at the start of the evening to get through to the next round. Obviously last year, we came up short, I think, this round, so fantastic for the boys and a real good performance.
"I think 5-0 was good. I think it could have been a few more. We had a few more chances that we could have put away, but can't argue with 5-0.
"A clean sheet for Jack Edwards in goal, the back four looked after him all night. I don't think they had a shot on target, maybe first half they had one, but I think a real good performance from the boys, and obviously looking forward to the next round."
Young, the striker who started his career at Aston Villa, gave Saints a 14th-minute lead when he converted a cross from Isaac Jefferies, with Craig Harrison’s side creating plenty of chances as they went on to establish a clear 3-0 advantage by half time.
Defender Simeu doubled the lead for TNS from close range, before Young grabbed his second goal of the evening, running on to a pass from Rhys Hughes to confidently fire home.
Saints widened the gap to 4-0 in the 64th minute when full back Nolan, the former Ballymena United player, ran through to score his first goal for the club since joining ahead of this season.
TNS continued to look dangerous going forward and Williams completed the scoring from close range 13 minutes from time.
Saints remain unbeaten in 18 league and Welsh Cup matches this season, winning 16 of them, with the two other games ending in goalless draws.
TNS, six points clear at the top of the Cymru Premier, resume their league campaign with a home game against Trefelin BGC, who are currently second-bottom, at Park Hall on Friday night (7.45pm).
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