Cymru Premier: Saints edge out Nomads in quality clash of the top two teams

The New Saints 1 (Louis Robles 41)
Connah’s Quay Nomads 0
JD Cymru Premier – October 13, 2020

Louis Robles’ 41st minute goal proved enough to secure The New Saints a magnificent seventh straight victory of the season which put Scott Ruscoe’s men top of the table.

Despite almost non-stop pressure in the second half from champions Nomads, they were unable to break down a rock-like TNS defence, meaning Andy Morrison’s side suffered a first league defeat of the campaign.

A good quality encounter at Park Hall really befitted a clash between the Cymru Premier top two.

Nomads threatened in the fourth minute when Paul Harrison was forced into a double save to deny Priestley Farquharson and Danny Davies.

Saints appealed for a penalty in the 16th minute when Dean Ebbe went down under challenge from John Disney, but referee Lee Evans was unmoved.

Aaron Edwards hit a long-ranger over for the visitors before at the other end, Daniel Redmond was thwarted by Lewis Brass.

Edwards, Davies and Declan Poole all saw attempts blocked for the Deesiders before the deadlock was broken.

A Chris Marriott corner came off Blaine Hudson’s heel, a strike by Jon Routledge was off target but fell fortunately to the ultra-sharp Robles, who put away his sixth league goal of the season.

It appeared Robles, a summer signing from Bala Town, could have been offside, but the goal stood.

The impressive Aron Williams headed goalwards for the Quay close to the break, but Harrison was in the right spot to save.

Half-time: TNS 1 Nomads 0

The second period saw the champions dominate the play, but despite several promising moves, that clear, gilt-edged chance never quite fell their way.

The outstanding Davies was foiled from an angle by Harrison, then Edwards skewed a header off target.

Craig Curran’s firm shot from a free kick was blocked, then Davies’ on-target cracker was deflected over by Routledge.

It was just not Nomads’ night and indeed TNS went closest to scoring in the closing stages.

First, Adrian Cieslewicz struck the post from a breakaway and from the rebound Robles worked the ball onto his left foot, but Brass beat the shot away.

Seven minutes of added time – quite excessive it seemed – were added and Saints again went close when Robles curled one inches wide.

A draw would have been a fairer result, but the home defence was tremendous it has to be said.

Played 7 Won 7 Scored 26 Conceded 0 – TNS want that title back!

The New Saints: Paul Harrison, Chris Marriott, Jonathan Routledge, Dean Ebbe (Greg Draper 84), Daniel Redmond (Thomas Holland 56), Adrian Cieslewicz, Blaine Hudson, Ryan Harrington, Ryan Astles, Louis Robles, Leo Smith.

Nomads: Lewis Brass, John Disney, Priestley Farquharson, Callum Morris, Declan Poole (Callum Roberts 76), Kris Owens, Craig Curran, Sameron Singh-Dool, Aron Williams, Daniel Davies, Aeron Edwards .

Grassroots North Wales Man of the Match
Saints: Ryan Astles
Nomads: Danny Davies