Penybont 1-1 The New Saints: Declan McManus strikes late for Saints to remain unbeaten
Chris Marriott of TNS in action against Keane Watts of Penybont. Penybont v The New Saints in the JD Cymru Premier at Bryntirion Park on the 11th September 2021. Credit: Lewis Mitchell
Penybont were denied their first win of the Cymru Premier season as the Saints found a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw at the SDM Glass Stadium.
In a competitive contest, an intricate move saw James Waite give Bont the lead in the second period.
After numerous waives of attacks and chances for the visitors, the pressure finally told as Declan McManus netted a late equaliser.
The point sees the Saints continue their unbeaten start to the Cymru Premier campaign, as they sit on top of the table with 13 points.
Despite an impressive performance, Penybont remain in search of their first victory of the season but can be pleased with a point, as they sit in ninth place.
Bont started well and went close to taking the lead in the opening five minutes.
Griffiths found space on the right to cross well for Keane Watts, who headed narrowly wide.
The hosts continued their positive start, as the ball was laid off to Ashley Evans on the edge of the box, who drove a powerful effort at goal to force a save out of Paul Harrison.
The New Saints looked dangerous going forward, operating with a front three of Jordan Williams, Louis Robles, and Declan McManus.
Anthony Limbrick’s side went close to opening the scoring with a brilliant lofted effort, but Ashley Morris did well to keep it out.
McManus was again involved in a positive spell for the Saints, as an intricate move saw the striker bear down on goal, but Waite tracked back excellently to clear the danger.
In a competitive first period, Bont went close to taking the lead late in the half, with Kane Owen’s corner leading to Griffiths heading at goal from close range, but Harrison was on-hand to save.
The Saints had a chance of their own before the break, as Williams raced in-behind to fire at goal from a tight angle, but Morris saved well to ensure the score at half-time was goalless.
Limbrick’s men came out of the blocks quickly in the second half and had a great chance to take the lead. McManus was found free at the back post but volleyed into the ground and over the bar.
Penybont responded well, however, as Watts found space on the right to cut inside, only to fire a tame effort into the arms of Harrison.
The hosts were rewarded for their impressive performance, as they took the lead in the 60th minute.
Brilliant build-up down the right saw Griffiths find Watts, who squared in the box for Waite to fire past Harrison in the Saints goal.
Limbrick’s men went close to a swift equaliser, as Leo Smith’s corner was met by Ryan Astles, who headed wide.
The Saints thought they had levelled the score as Chris Marriott’s free-kick was turned home, only to be ruled out by referee Bryn Markham-Jones for a foul on Bont shot-stopper Morris.
The visitors again went close, with centre-back Astles involved once more, firing over the bar with an acrobatic effort.
In a positive spell of pressure from the Saints, substitute Ryan Brobbel almost made an immediate impact, as he cut inside and fired narrowly wide.
After waves of attack from the visitors, Limbrick’s side wasn’t to be denied, as the ball dropped to McManus in the box, who was on hand to fire home the equaliser in the 84th minute.
In the dying minutes, Penybont went close to finding a dramatic winner, as Owen’s corner was met by Ryan Reynolds, but the Saints managed to clear.
Despite a tense finish, neither side could find the elusive goal, with the points shared.
Penybont: Ashley Morris, Kane Owen ©, Ashley Evans, Daniel Jefferies, Mael Davies, Lewis Harling, James Waite, Jack Evans (Liam Walsh 74’), Keane Watts (Shaqulle Wynter-Coles 90’), Ryan Reynolds, Rhys Griffiths (Billy Borge 80’)
Goals: James Waite 60’
The New Saints: Paul Harrison, Chris Marriott ©, Ryan Astles, Jon Routledge, Declan McManus, Blaine Hudson, Jordan Williams, Louis Robles, Leo Smith (Ryan Brobbel 61’), Ash Baker, Tom Holland (Danny Redmond 61’)
Goals: Declan McManus 84’
