What we learned as the top two shared the spoils at Maes Tegid

Ollie Shannon impressed
Signing for the Lakesiders back in February, Shannon was handed a couple of starts before the season was brought to a halt in March which didn’t allow him to make much of a mark at Maes Tegid. This season, the versatile defender has started nine out of ten games as right back but Saturday saw him pushed into midfield. Handed Sgorio’s man of the match award, Ollie offered something different for the Lakesiders as he created goalscoring opportunities and worked well alongside Antony Kay, Will Evans and Henry Jones.

Ben Clark is one to watch
We all know of the quality in Scott Ruscoe’s squad – from Greg Draper to Dean Ebbe to Louis Robles but it’s a product of the TNS Academy system that has caught the eye in recent weeks. After a loan spell at Caernarfon last season, three goals in his last three games has seen Ben Clark repay the faith that the TNS management have shown in the 20 year old. His introduction in the 70th minute had an immediate impact as he scored with his first touch less than 30 seconds after replacing Tom Holland. If he continues with his current form, he will be giving Ruscoe and his management team a selection headache!

Henry Jones stepped up the mark
Thanks to the new additions at Maes Tegid, Henry Jones has seen his chances in the Bala starting eleven limited compared to last season. Given his chance last night, he certainly took it and showed his quality with a superb performance. Everyone is aware of the attacking threat he imposes on opposition players but he needs to ensure that he builds on this weekend’s display to keep his spot in the starting line-up and make his name as one of the League’s top players this season.

Common sense prevails!
It has been well documented about the 88th minute floodlight abandonement at Maes Tegid which saw plenty of outrage on social media about re-arranging the fixture considering the current situation with the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the game was subsequently replayed on Saturday afternoon thanks to the hardwork of the two clubs and TV broadcasters Sgorio to ensure a game was played whilst Wales was in lockdown. The original meeting was a 2-2 draw before the floodlights failed and Saturday’s game finished as a highly entertaining 1-1… so regardless of all the initial criticism, it seemed that the final outcome of sharing the points prevailed!

The title race is on!
Plenty of the Sgorio pundits claimed that Saturday’s live match was the best match of the season to date and it’s fair to say that The New Saints and Bala Town both gave it their all, making it a truly entertaining watch for the tv audience. What is apparent is that there will 100% be a title race this season even though The New Saints currently have a 5 point lead in the table. You can’t rule out the Lakesiders who have definitely improved their calibre of squad yet again this season without forgetting about Andy Morrison’s men down the road in Connah’s Quay who are also making it their aim of retaining the Cymru Premier title. There’s still a long way to go but after ten games – it’s set to be an exciting and intriguing few months ahead.