TNS got their Adran Premier season off to the perfect start, as they defeated Barry Town 5-0 at Jenner Park.
The Saints had five different scorers in the goals column, and managed to keep a clean sheet, as they won down at Barry for the first time since November 2022.
As we take a look back at the game, here are three players who starred as TNS jumped to the top of the table.
Chantelle Teare
Teare was incredibly prolific in phase two of last season’s Adran Premier, and really began to emerge as one of the Saints danger players, as she scored six and assisted two in six games.
And the forward picked up where she left off, as she began this season with a bang. Barry played without a recognised defensive midfielder, a role which Hana Bennett did well in previous seasons, but Teare was able to punish Barry in that part of the pitch.
She was able to float into areas between the midfield and defence, and was able to link up well with the likes of Molly Havard and Lexi Jones. But her greatest strength is her speed. The way Teare was able to motor away from defenders was mesmeric at times, and if it wasn’t for Molly Arnesen in the Barry net, she could have had a hat-trick.
An excellent display from the Player of the Match, and if she can carry on this rich vein of form, expect her to score goals more often than not this season.
Barry Town 0-5 TNS: Saints go marching into new season with statement win
Lexi Jones
The FAW Girls’ Academy is a project that’s becoming known to more and more people across the country, especially with the talent it has produced lately, and Jones could be the next one off the production line.
It would’ve been easy and understandable to some extent for someone as young as Jones to maybe build into the season, but from the off, Jones showed what she could do.
We know that speed hurts in this league, and Jones has buckets of it. But what I liked was how she was able to link up with Molly Havard. The way they communicate and know when to drop off or to commit and press is impressive, especially in the first game.
As well as her speed, Jones’ close control, vision and trickery was all on show this afternoon, and she is yet another in this TNS team that could have a serious breakout season.
Adran Premier predictions: Cardiff City and Swansea City to battle for title?
Angharad Beman
When you lose 5-0, focusing on the defensive performance of the losing team isn’t exactly the done thing, but Beman impressed today.
While not at fault for any of the goals, Beman demonstrated qualities that are rare for a centre back in the Adran Premier. Her height gives her an advantage, but she uses it so effectively.
When tracking back, Beman is incredibly aware of her surroundings, always looking over her shoulder to not only look for opposition players, but also to survey options to clear the danger. She also does have the acceleration to catch up with players, which is crucial in the Adran Premier.
Beman and Barry will obviously want to forget about this game quickly, but there are some parts of their game today that they can take solace from.
Leave a Reply