Saints make more strides towards title
The New Saints moved another significant step closer to being crowned JD Cymru Premier champions again with a 2-0 victory at Colwyn Bay.
Second-half goals from top scorer Jordan Williams and Ryan Brobbel, from the penalty spot, sealed three more points for Saints on Friday night.
It was their fifth win in a row and Saints have now extended their lead over second-placed Connah’s Quay Nomads, who drew 0-0 with Penybont on Saturday, to 12 points with seven league games remaining.
Saints had to settle for a point from a 1-1 draw on their previous visit to a Colwyn Bay side managed by former TNS striker Mike Wilde last August, but this time they did enough to claim victory.
“It’s a tough place to come,” said TNS head coach Craig Harrison. “They’re doing well, Wildey’s got them really playing well.
“They’re really strong from set plays, very direct, and throwing the ball in from anywhere in their half, and corners are strong, well organised in set plays, so we’re really pleased with a clean sheet, especially coming up here.
“And how we played as well because the pitch is really tricky. Obviously we’ve had a lot of rain lately and the ground staff here have done fantastic to get the game on to start with.
“To come here and win the game reasonably comfortable, and to score two goals and have a clean sheet then we can’t ask for anything more coming away to Colwyn Bay.”
Williams broke the deadlock eight minutes into the second half when he converted Brobbel’s low cross from the left.
Colwyn Bay were close to an equaliser when TNS defender Harrison McGahey turned an attempted clearance against his own post.
Saints doubled their advantage in the 67th minute thanks to a penalty from Brobbel, awarded following a challenge by Lewis Sirrell on Rory Holden.
Harrison added he was “really pleased” for goalkeeper Jack Edwards, who kept a clean sheet on his league debut for TNS, while he also highlighted the contribution of Jacob Owen after he enjoyed an impressive return to the side at right back.
TNS are next in action at home to Caernarfon Town on Friday night (7.45pm).
Elsewhere, The New Saints Women have sold a player for the very first time - and it is the first time in the history of the Genero Adran Premier that a club has sold a player for a fee.
The 22-year-old Maria Francis-Jones has moved from the Saints to Wrexham - having scored ten goals in 45 appearances.
The deal includes additional performance-related clauses that could see the transfer value rise considerably based on appearances.
Chief Operating Officer Ian Williams said it was a big moment not just for the Saints, but for the league in terms of selling players.
He said: “Everyone at the club would like to wish Maria the very best as she begins the next chapter of her football journey. Over the past couple of seasons, she has been an outstanding player for The New Saints, playing a key role in helping us secure the Adran Trophy last season. Her consistent performances helped elevate the team to another level, and she leaves with our sincere thanks for everything she has contributed.
“Maria also makes history as the first player in the women’s game in Cymru to be transferred within our league – a significant milestone that reflects both her quality as a player and the continued progression and professionalism of The New Saints as a club.”
