‘A lot more!’ Craig Harrison’s brutal verdict after TNS hit Holywell for six

The New Saints made it 12 consecutive wins with a 6-1 victory over Holywell Town, but manager Craig Harrison was left demanding more from his attacking players despite another emphatic performance.

TNS strengthened their position at the top of the league with a six-goal display that kept them six points clear of Connah’s Quay.

The league’s highest scorers added to their tally at Park Hall, taking their advantage over Caernarfon Town to seven goals in the scoring charts while conceding just six goals all season.

Brad Young opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 31st minute, but Danny Sullivan equalised for Holywell seven minutes later, leaving Harrison frustrated after his side conceded from a set-piece situation they had specifically prepared for.

“We started the game really well,” admitted Harrison to the club’s official media.

“They pinned us back with a set play, the second phase of a long throw which we knew about and had spoken about,” Harrison said.

“We’ve worked on it in training and looked at set plays. Holywell are strong from set plays. I’m really disappointed going 1-1.”

TNS respond with five second-half goals

Harrison’s side came out with renewed purpose after the break, with Rhys Hughes restoring their lead just two minutes into the second half.

Josh Lock made it 3-1 in the 68th minute before Jack Bodenham struck four minutes later to put TNS firmly in control.

Ben Clark added a fifth in the 89th minute, and Jordan Williams completed the scoring in stoppage time as the Saints recorded their 12th consecutive victory.

Harrison said his half-time message had focused on improving his team’s performance both in possession and out of it.

“We got together at half-time and spoke about how we could be better, with the ball and without it, and how the tempo could be better.

“We started the second half really well. From then on, we controlled the second half, from the first whistle to the last, really.”

‘They should be scoring three or four’

Despite watching his team score six times, Harrison was not entirely satisfied with the finishing of his attacking players.

Rhys Hughes, Josh Lock, Jordan Williams and Brad Young all posed problems for Holywell, but the manager believes several players missed opportunities to make the scoreline even more emphatic.

“It should have been a lot more from three of them. We’ve had great opportunities from the three of them,” Harrison said.

“If the game is a little bit tighter, then we’ve got to keep our standards. Whether we’re winning by four or five, or it’s 1-0 or 1-1, the standards have to be high, and we have to finish our chances off.

“All three are very good players. They should be scoring three or four tonight.”

The result extended TNS’ winning streak to 12 matches, with their attacking record continuing to outstrip every other side in the division.

Harrison addresses TNS’ squad depth

The manager also highlighted the strength of his squad, despite several players being unavailable.

Club record signing Ben Wilson, Adam Wilson and Ryan Brobbel were among those sidelined through injury, while Harvey Godsmark-Ford and Leo Smith were also absent from the matchday squad.

Harrison praised the experience available to him on the bench, including players with European football experience, and credited his substitutes for making an impact against Holywell.

“We’re very fortunate at the moment with everyone fit. We’ve got good, experienced players on the bench, players who have played lots of games in Europe,” he said.

“It’s really tough. We’ve got a really strong squad, so it’s a really difficult job.

“The subs that come on, all I’ve asked them to do is make an impact in the game, and they’ve made it.”

The 6-1 victory leaves TNS six points clear of Connah’s Quay after 12 consecutive wins, with the Saints boasting the league’s highest-scoring attack and a defensive record of just six goals conceded.