By Gareth James
Having seen his side held to a 2-2 draw at home by last season’s JD Cymru South champions Barry Town United, The New Saints boss Craig Harrison is hoping lightning doesn’t strike twice when he takes his team to Colwyn Bay on Tuesday night to meet last season’s North champions.
The JD Cyrmu Premier and Welsh Cup holders dropped their first point of the season at Park Hall at the weekend when the Linnetts hit back from 2-0 down to take a point back home with them.
It was a result that annoyed Harrison.
“There is no hiding from the disappointment of last weekend’s result. Being 2-0 up we would have expected to go on and win,” said Harrison.
“We dominated all the stats and had 34 shots in the game, 15 on target. They stuck in the game and asked the questions right at the end.
“They scored from two moments that lacked concentration and professionalism by us. I think our players thought the game was over.
“We now need to put that disappointment behind us and right some wrongs at Colwyn Bay. We’ve got three games in seven days and so it is all about rest, recovery and match preparation.”
The New Saints FC Reserves v Mold Alexandra FC Reserves (8 – 1) @tnsfc – A great match to watch with some amazing goals @Mold_Alex_FC
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Harrison’s team head home to host Aberystwyth Town on Friday night and will have to play the rest of the season with highly-rated young winger Adam Wilson, who has joined Bradford for an undisclosed fee.
The 23-year-old Newcastle United product, and former England U18 caps, has signed a three-year contract with the Bantams.
Wilson scored seven times in 23 appearances for TNS last season as he helped them complete the league and cup double. He was also voted ‘Player of the Season’ by the supporters club.
Colwyn Bay were beaten 1-0 at Cardiff Met last weekend and manager Steve Evans knows the size of the task that faces his side – especially given TNS dropped a point at home to Barry.
Craig Harrison’s post-match thoughts || The New Saints 2 Barry Town United 2https://t.co/moTiIjwJbm
— The New Saints FC (@tnsfc) August 26, 2023
While Tom Creamer is set for his 50th appearance for the Seagulls, Udi Akpan and Alfie Brooks are in line to make their home debuts.
“It will be another huge test and a quick turnaround from Cardiff Met. It’s where you want to see where you’re at as they’re the best team in the league, the only full-time team,” said Evans.
“We’ll be ready, we’ll have a game plan and hopefully surprise a few. They do things right and they will be looking to build on last year and bounce back after a disappointing European campaign.
“But we’re focused on ourselves, it’s going to be mainly about us and how we can stop them and how we can hurt them as well.”
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There are five teams going into round four with seven points and who are still unbeaten. Caernarfon Town and Bala Town, will clash at The Oval, while the students of Cardiff Met head to Penybont for a night that could see the top of the table change shape.
Connah’s Quay Nomads, now down in sixth, welcome Newtown, while Haverfordwest County head to Jenner Park to face Barry and Pontypridd United face a long trip west to Aberystwyth Town.
JD Cymru Premier MD4 preview as The New Saints head for Bae Colwynhttps://t.co/oUkSMt5rhE pic.twitter.com/85FwxbwZBa
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