Barry Town United 0-4 The New Saints: Saints secure title in convincing fashion

The New Saints claimed their eighth straight Welsh Premier League title after convincingly beating Barry Town United.

Greg Draper begun the celebrations with a first half goal. Aeron Edwards, Jamie Mullan and Jon Routledge then put the champagne on ice with a clinical display in the second half.

The New Saints played mesmerising football at times and nullified the Barry attack with chances coming at a minimum.

The win now secures a second straight title for Scott Ruscoe in his second year of management and an eighth straight league title, going one further than Barry Town United.

Immediately after the whistle blew, The New Saints caused Barry problems. Firstly Aeron Edwards forced Mike Lewis into action with a goalwards header. Greg Draper then scooped an effort on the rebound but Curtis Watkins made a goalline clearance.

The Barry defence were forced again into a stop on the goal line. Edwards again headed at goal but Chris Hugh blocked.

The New Saints made their early dominance pay with Greg Draper opening the scoring with his 34th goal of the season in all competitions. Aaron Edwards headed down for the Kiwi forward to volley past Mike Lewis.

With The New Saints wanting to confirm the Welsh Premier League title, they went close to a second. Aeron Edwards well-hit free-kick hit the crossbar with Mike Lewis beaten.

Blaine Hudson had a powerful shot from distance which forced Lewis into action again for the final chance of the half.

Early in the second half, Paul Harrison was tested for the first time. Jonathan Hood played in Chris Hugh and the wing-back forced Harrison to save at his near post.

Brobbel was unfortunate not to score The New Saints second. He dummied the defender to drag a shot just wide of the post.

The New Saints did make sure the title would be heading to Park Hall when Jamie Mullan doubled the advantage. He took possession on the flank and jinked past the Barry defence to score past Lewis.

Aeron Edwards continued the scoring with a header. Goalscorer Mullan crossed in and Edwards was able to take it past the keeper. 

Just as stoppage time approached, Jon Routledge completed with the rout as he got onto a Adrian Cieselwicz cross to top off a perfect day for the Saints.

Barry Town United: Lewis, Abruzzese (Press 78), Hugh, Cooper (C), Watkins, Greening, Green, Fry, Touray (Gerrard 83), Hood, McLaggon

The New Saints: Harrison (C), Lewis, Hudson, Marriott, Redmond, Holland, Routledge, Mullan, Brobbel (Cieslewicz 78), Edwards (Byrne 83), Draper (Ebbe 76)

(Featured Image: Tomos Lewis)