A strong second-half performance secured an opening day victory for The New Saints over Barry Town United.
A brace from Adrian Cieślewicz and a goal from Leo Smith topped off a clinical performance from last season’s runners up.
Their goals ensured that TNS’ unbeaten run at Jenner Park extended to six straight victories.
It was a tale of two halves with Barry controlling the first forty-five minutes but passenger like for the second.
In terms of team selection, Barry handed a debut to Curtis McDonald and there was also a second outing for Curtis Hutson who making his return to Jenner Park.
A first-start was handed to academy product Josh Bailey but he was substituted at the break. Summer signings Leo Smith and Ryan Astles made their Cymru Premier bow from the off.
In the opening moments of the match, Curtis Hutson came out of the blocks and had two half opportunities which weren’t far wide of goal.
A number of half-chances were on offer for Barry as they looked to trouble from outside the box but TNS were defending well.
After controlling the tempo, there was almost a sucker punch as Blaine Hudson’s header skimmed just wide of the goal after meeting Brobbel’s cross.
Another chance presented itself to Kayne McLaggon and he forced Harrison to save as he squeezed a shot from a narrow angle after cutting inside from the flank.
At the break, Ben Clark and Keston Davies were introduced for Bailey, who was on a yellow card and Blaine Hudson.
Straight from the referees whistle, the New Saints’ came out with a real attacking impetus about them.
Cieślewicz cut in on his favoured foot and shot past the goalkeeper to open the scoring.
From that goal, it was an uphill battle for Barry, who failed to threaten Paul Harrison.
TNS were quick into action again as Cieślewicz forced the Barry man to save but he could only palm the ball to Jamie Mullan who slid he ball home.
Fortunately for the hosts, Mullan was judged to be in an offside position when he pounced on the rebound.
Confusion around Jenner Park then ensued as a red card as brandished by referee Dean John, however, no player left the field.
Keston Davies received two consecutive yellow cards but it was a case of mistaken identity, reversing his decision after consultation with his assistant officials.
Not long after, TNS took a two-goal lead, courtesy of summer recruit Smith.
Mullan teed the ball to the former Cofis midfielder who smacked a low rasping shot past Lewis to make it two goals in two appearances.
In his last action of the game, Mullan hit a shot into the side netting after neat teamwork with Cieślewicz. He was replaced by Greg Draper who was making his first outing of the season.
With less than fifteen minutes remaining, Cieślewicz put the game to bed as he slid the ball under the onrushing goalkeeper to secure the three points.
Ryan Brobbel almost inflicted further damage but Lewis was able to block the shot at his near post.
The New Saints now turn their attention to Wednesday when they face B36 Tórshavn in the Europa League second qualifying round.
Barry Town United: Mike Lewis, Lewis Cummings (David Cotterill, 71), Luke Cooper, Curtis McDonald, Chris Hugh, Theo Warton (Mikey George, 71), Clayton Green (Callum Sainty, 89), Evan Press, Jordan Cotterill, Curtis Hutson, Kayne McLaggon.
The New Saints: Paul Harrison, Jon Routledge, Dean Ebbe, Ryan Brobbel, Adrian Cieslewicz, Blaine Hudson (Keston Davies, 45), Jamie Mullan (Greg Draper, 73), Ryan Harrington, Leo Smith, Ryan Astles, Josh Bailey (Ben Clark, 45)
Goals: Adrian Cieślewicz 47, 77, Leo Smith 65′
See how The New Saints claimed their opening day victory here:
(Featured Image: Brian Jones)
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