The New Saints 3-3 Penybont: Saints claim Cymru Premier after dramatic comeback

TNS claimed their 14^th Cymru Premier title but had to do it the hard way in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Penybont.

First half goals from Nathan Wood and Sam Snaith had put the visitors 2-0 up at the break, but goals from Ben Clark, an own goal from Lewis Harling and a header from Ashley Baker looked to have completed an astonishing comeback. However, an 89^th minute equaliser from Liam Walsh made sure both sides shared the points, but it was enough for TNS to seal the championship.

TNS will now look to complete the double by winning the Welsh Cup, while the point moves Penybont to 37 points, three behind second placed Bala in their quest for European football.

The first half hour was a lowkey affair, but TNS were clearly in control. Adrian Cieslewicz controlled the game, creating chances for Leo Smith and Daniel Davies, but nothing came for the Saints.

But, against the run of play, Penybont took the lead in magnificent fashion. Kane Owen played a well-timed through ball which found Nathan Wood, and he powered his volley past a helpless Paul Harrison to put the visitors up 1-0.

They got their second before the half-time whistle. Owen found himself out on the wing, and his cross found Sam Snaith, who outmuscled Ryan Astles and nodded home to give Bont a surprise 2-0 lead at the break.

Anthony Limbrick would not have been happy with how his team had played in the opening 45 minutes, and no doubt he inspired his players at half-time, as his side came out fighting.

Early chances fell to Ben Clark and Declan McManus, but their efforts were cleared by the visitors or clipping the woodwork.

But TNS got their first thanks to a mistake by Ashley Morris. Clark managed to turn quickly in the box before getting his shot away, and his effort somehow went through the hands of Morris and wormed into the net, to get the Saints back in the game.

The equaliser came twelve minutes later. Leo Smith went on a marauding across the box, and when he got to the edge of the six-yard box, and his cross was turned into his own net by Lewis Harling to put TNS back on level terms.

Nine minutes from the end, the hosts took the lead. A corner from Cieslewicz found an unmarked Ashley Baker, who had peeled away from his marker and managed to glance his header into the top corner to complete what seemed to be a remarkable turnaround.

But Penybont were not going down without a fight and got the equaliser a minute from the end. A corner from Owen was not cleared by TNS, and after a scramble, the ball fell to Liam Walsh, who produced a remarkable acrobatic effort to make sure Bont were coming back to South Wales with a point.

Both sides will next be in action in the semi-finals of the Welsh Cup. TNS will take on Colwyn Bay in Rhyl on Sunday, while Penybont will face Bala Town in Aberystwyth on Friday night.

Player of the Match: Shaun McDonald

The veteran midfielder rolled back the years with a masterful display today. His vision and execution was a joy to behold, and he was a big part in why Bont got a point today.

The New Saints

Paul Harrison (GK), Chris Marriott ©, Keston Davies, Ryan Astles (Ashley Baker, 46’), Declan McManus, Daniel Redmond, Adrian Cieslewicz, Alex Deeny (Ben Clark, 46’), Jordan Williams (Louis Robles, 86’), Leo Smith, Daniel Davies

Unused Subs: Connor Roberts (GK), Jake Canavan, Ben Woollam, Josh Lock

Goals: Ben Clark (64’), Lewis Harling (O.G., 76’), Ashley Baker (81’)

Yellow Cards: Keston Davies (26’), Jordan Williams (72’)

Penybont

Ashley Morris (GK), Kane Owen ©, Daniel Jefferies, Mael Davies, Lewis Harling, Nathan Wood, Kai Whitmore (Ryan Reynolds, 78’), Sam Snaith, Keane Watts (Billy Borge, 13’), Lewis Clutton (Liam Walsh, 62’), Shaun McDonald

Unused Subs: Rhys Wilson (GK), Tom Tweedy, Rhys Griffiths, Coby Rogers

Goals: Nathan Wood (31’), Sam Snaith (44’), Liam Walsh (89’)

Yellow Cards: Lewis Harling (68’)