Emily Ridge claimed the plaudits as her hat trick helped The New Saints to a 3-2 win over Barry Town United at Jenner Park.
Ridge scored twice just after the half-hour mark with Chantelle Teare and Caitlin Chapman setting up for her first-half brace.
Captain Lauren Harris pulled one back as she scored the first goal of the Sean Wharton era after the former Sunderland forward took over from Lee Kendall.
Manon Pearce levelled proceedings in the 64th minute but despite their two-goal comeback, they could not hold on. Ridge – who hadn’t scored this season – netted her third with an easy tap-in after good work from Helen Evans.
The New Saints began strong and went looking for an early goal. Their early advances thwarted by Barry’s offside trap. Caitlin Chapman causing problems down the right but her ball into the box couldn’t be controlled by Lexie Harrison.
Barry came back and Mackenzie Olden was able to find space to shot but her effort went over the bar.
After a good chance for Barry TNS soon made the break though. This time Chantelle Teare finding space on the right and putting the ball into the box. Her pass found Emily Ridge who turned the ball past Erin Brennan from close range.
Ridge had another chance as the ball was sent behind the Barry defence. Ridge gave chase but Brennan came out quickly and covered the ball before Ridge could get to it.
Lauren Harris played a good ball though finding Mackenzie Olden. Olden ran towards goal and tried a low shot but Libby Rubin was out well and saved.
Olden had another chance when she flicked the ball past defender and hit a low shot at goal. Rubin got down well and pushed the ball away from goal.
TNS made it 2-0 when Chapman put a dangerous ball across the six yard box. Emily Ridge took advantage as Barry struggled to clear and tapped in from close range.
Just before the break Barry had a free kick inside the TNS half. Lauren Harris put the ball in a dangerous area in front of goal and the ball went in off a defender.
Into the second half and Danielle Staley tried a shot form the edge of the box but it was too close to Brennan who made an easy save.
Olden set up Taite Trivett for a shot but she hit it too close to Rubin who saved.
Barry did get a second as they drove the ball though the middle Manon Pearce was able to get to it before Rubin and poke the ball past her.
Olden forced another save from Rubin from her free kick on the edge of the box but her effort lacked the power to trouble the keeper.
With seven minutes to play TNS got themselves back in front. Helen Evans playing a critical ball across the goal which gave Ridge an easy tap in on the line.
Barry tired to push back forward but TNS were able to run the clock down and take a big away win.
Andy Williams’ side overtake Barry in the Adran Premier standings, moving up to fifth, level on nine points but boasting a better goal difference.
Barry Town: Erin Brennan (G), Lauren Harris (C), Holly Jenkins, Delia Ebbin, Hana Bennett, Taite Trivett, Anna Houghton, Mackenzie Olden, Manon Pearce, Emily Nicholson (Nia Davies 74), Faith Mulenga.
Goals: Lauren Harris 38, Manon Pearce 64.
Yellow Cards: Taite Trivett 33.
The New Saints: Libby Rubin (G), Bethan Lewis (C), Lexie Harrison, Danielle Staley, Chantelle Teare, Tia Lockley, Caitlin Chapman, Helen Evans, Isobel Redding, Lia Lewis, Emily Ridge (Lily Whitefoot 84).
Goals: Emily Ridge 13,32,83.
Yellow Cards: Chantelle Teare 39, Caitlin Chapman 69, Helen Evans 80.
Leave a Reply