The New Saints 3-0 Aberystwyth Town: Saints defeat Seasiders to remain four clear at the top
The New Saints remain at the top of the table and unbeaten after overcoming Aberystwyth Town 3-0 at Park Hall Stadium.
Goals in the game came from a Declan McManus brace and a Ryan Astles goal in the second half as Anthony Limbrick’s team claimed the three points.
The 13-time Cymru Premier champions dominated the match from start to end and showed why they are the leading contenders for this season’s Cymru Premier title.
The result means that the Oswestry-based side remain four points clear at the top after Bala Town defeated Flint Town United 2-1 away while Aberystwyth Town stay in 10th.
The home team went knocking on the door in the opening minutes as Declan McManus had a shot inside the 18-yard area that deflected wide.
The Saints took the lead in the seventh minute of the game from a penalty. Ryan Brobbel got pushed down in the box as the referee pointed to the spot. Declan McManus stepped up and scored into the top centre of the net.
The Seasiders had their first shot of the game in the 14th minute, Owain Jones hit the ball from 25-yards out that Paul Harrison caught comfortably.
Leo Smith had an opportunity in the Aber penalty area that Gregor Zabret managed to save.
Not long after, Danny Redmond whipped in a ball for TNS that found Ryan Brobbel who headed it over the crossbar.
Brobbel had a chance once again as the Northern Irishman had an effort right by the 18-yard area that hit the post and went wide.
Just before half-time Smith ran into the box with the ball and passed the ball to McManus who tapped home for a brace and the home side’s second.
At the start of the second forty-five TNS had two shots in succession. Danny Redmond had a shot from just outside the box which was saved and then McManus hit the post on the follow-up.
Just before the 60th minute, Antonio Corbisiero’s side had a chance as Jonathan Evans had a shot in the box that blasted over the stands.
Past the hour mark the home side found a third. A ball got whipped in from a corner that found Ryan Astles with the defender heading the ball into the back of the net.
McManus had a chance for a hat-trick deep into stoppage time, the Scottish forward shot at goal with Zabret making a save.
The New Saints will now visit Connah’s Quay Nomads at the Deeside Stadium next Saturday.
Meanwhile, Aberystwyth Town are at home to Caernarfon Town.
The New Saints: Paul Harrison, Chris Marriott (Dean Ebbe 83’), Keston Davies, Ryan Astles, Jon Routledge, Ryan Brobbel, Declan McManus, Danny Redmond, Jordan Williams (Louis Robles 78’), Leo Smith (Ben Clark 57’), Danny Davies.
Goals: Declan McManus 7’ 43’, Ryan Astles 64’.
Yellow cards: Jon Routledge 32’, Keston Davies 63’, Paul Harrison 82’, Phil Davies 85’ (sports therapist).
Aberystwyth Town: Gregor Zabret, Jack Rimmer, Rhys Davies, Jack Thorn, Mathew Jones, Jamie Veale, Harry Franklin, Steffan Davies (Owen Orford 90+1’), Jonathan Evans, Raul Correia, Owain Jones (Sam Phillips 46’) .
Yellow cards: Rhys Davies 67’, Jonathan Evans 79’, Harry Franklin 82’, Sam Phillips 90+4’.
