Another close encounter

The statistics alone told us that the JD Cymru Premier MD25 match with Penybont FC was going to be a challenging one and that proved to be the case.

Including today’s result, although The New Saints remains unbeaten in the last eight games against Rhys Griffiths’ side, they have all been close encounters.

Four have ended all-square and the ones that we have won have all been by the odd goal.

 

Taking the lead

In the eighteenth minute, a great ball in from Danny Redmond on the left found the incoming Leo Smith, who scored from close range.

Unfortunately though, for the second time in three games the lead didn’t last.

At least, on this occasion it didn’t end in defeat though, as was the case against Cardiff Metropolitan University FC. The final score was 1-1, The New Saints’ fourth draw in the league so far this season.

 

Conceding a penalty

Penybont equalised with nine minutes to go, when Sam Snaith was fouled in the area. Nathan Wood converted the penalty-kick to level the scores.

You can watch the incident that led to the referee’s decision, via Sgorio’s Twitter account.

 

Dan Williams, MOTM

For the second week on the bounce there was a Man Of The Match award, this time sponsored by Lion Quays.

The decision is made by TNS Radio and with both Leo Smith and Dan Williams in the mix, the latter got the nod.

He had an excellent performance last week as well, missing out to Ryan Astles, so it was good that the midfielder received the award this time round.

 

The big picture

It’s easy, isn’t it, when things don’t go our way that we focus on the shortcomings and the molehill becomes a mountain.

Yes, it’s disappointing that we dropped points, but the big picture tells us that with just seven games to go, we still have a healthy lead at the top of the table.

The gap between The New Saints and Connah’s Quay Nomads in second place, is now fifteen points. Although it’s mathematically possible for a number of teams to still win the title, TNS is in a good position as we say farewell to February.

 

Lead image courtesy of Brian Jones.