The New Saints 0-3 Dundee: Dee stun Saints in SPFL Trust Trophy

The New Saints suffered an early exit in the SPFL Trust Trophy in a rare 3-0 defeat at Park Hall Stadium to Dundee.

All the goals came in the second-half through Cillian Sheridan, Lyall Cameron and Max Anderson.

The game was a fairly even one in the first forty-five as both teams had a few chances. The Scottish Championship side were the ones that took their chances after the break which proved to be the difference on the night.

It is a first defeat for Craig Harrison in his second tenure as head coach and The Saints’ first at Park Hall since March.

In just the second minute of the game, Adrian Cieslewicz flashed a shot across the Dundee net that went out for a goal-kick.

Only a couple later Gary Bower’s side were on the attack as a through ball was played to Lyall Cameron who shot in the box, however Connor Roberts was out quickly to make a fine save.

Roberts made another brilliant stop a few minutes later to deny a Paul McMullan effort from 20-yards, as the away side were knocking on the door.

Just before the half hour mark, Dan Williams making his TNS debut on loan from Swansea had an effort from outside the 18-yard area that deflected wide of The Dark Blues’ net.

On the edge of half-time, Cieslewicz ran into the penalty area and hit wide of the sent with The Saints, as TNS had the momentum when the players went in at the break.

Dundee took the lead at the start of the second forty-five. An interception in the TNS final third saw the ball put into the box, Cillian Sheridan was there to head it home from close range.

It was a 2-0 lead for the Scottish Championship side seconds on. A ball was played across the box that found Cameron who struck it in the net from 6-yards away.

TNS were back on the attack in the 54th minute. Cieslewicz had an attempt from distance that went wide of the post.

Twelve later the Oswestry based-side were up the Dundee end once more. Declan McManus got a back flick to make an attempt at net that Adam Legzdins prevented from finding the net.

A minute on Dan Williams had an attempt from range of which forced Legzdins into a save that was worth a photo.

Seconds later TNS had a third attempt in two minutes when Ryan Brobbel whipped a ball in that found Ryan Astles who had a header that hit the ground, went on the ground and hit the crossbar.

The Dee almost finished the game for certain in the 82nd minute. Cameron struck the ball from 25-yards away with it going wide of goal.

Gary Bowyer’s side sealed the win in the first minute in stoppage time when Max Anderson tapped in from close range.

Craig Harrison’s Saints will next be in action against Flint Town United next Tuesday (September 27).

The New Saints: Connor Roberts, Chris Marriott, Keston Davies (Danny Davies, 56) , Ryan Astles, Jon Routledge (Adam Wilson 84′), Josh Daniels, Ryan Brobbel, Declan McManus, Danny Redmond, Adrian Cieslewicz (Jordan Williams, 71), Dan Williams (Leo Smith 71).

Yellow Cards: Josh Daniels 58′, Ryan Astles 75′.

Dundee: Adam Legzdins, Cammy Kerr, Jordan Marshall (Ryan Sweeney 74) , Jordan McGhee, Paul McGowan, Lee Ashcroft, Paul McMullan (Zach Robinson, 35) , Ben Williamson (Finlay Robertson 83) , Cillian Sheridan (Zak Rudden 74), Max Anderson, Lyall Cameron (Luke Strachan 83).

Goals: Cillian Sheridan 48, Lyall Cameron 50, Max Anderson 90+1′.

Yellow Cards: Ben Williamson 82′.