By David Parsons
Craig Harrison asked for a reaction from his players following their shock 3-1 defeat to Briton Ferry Llansawel earlier in the week and he got it in spades as The New Saints moved to within a point of the top of the JD Cymru Premier table.
They were forced to do it the hard way after falling behind to two goals in as many minutes from former Cardiff City academy star James Crole that gave league leaders Penybont a handy half-time lead at Park Hall.
But three second half goals, the winner provided by Danny Redmond in the 89th minute, saw the champions storm back to end an otherwise poor week on a high.
“I asked for a reaction from the boys after what happened at Briton Ferry and they rammed it right down my throat,” said Harrison.
“The character they showed is why the lads are where they are. We were all in it when we lost at Briton Ferry and today we all stuck together even though we were 2-0 down – we turned it around and showed some great fighting qualities.”
The New Saints complete a dramatic second-half comeback to claim maximum points against Penybont https://t.co/w3fAbh6qfG
— The New Saints FC (@tnsfc) November 23, 2024
With a game in hand on Penybont the 16 times champions can now start thinking about pushing for a 17th, although not until they end their Uefa Conference League Group campaign. They host Swedish side Djurgarden in their fourth game at Shrewsbury’s New Meadow on Thursday night.
Three of Penybont’s next four games are at home but they have a tough schedule against top half teams Haverfordwest County, Connah’s Quay Nomads and Cardiff Met at their Ciner Glass Stadium and a trip to Barry.
“We’re 17 games into the season and if you’d said to me we’d be top having lost only two games I would have bitten your arm off. We’re doing well and we just have to keep it going,” said Penybont boss Rhys Griffiths.
“We gave ourselves a great opportunity today by being two nil up, so to lose 3-2 is frustrating. In many ways they showed tier class today because they started well and made us change shape early.
“To concede two from set pieces is very disappointing. I’ve always said Danny Redmond is one of the best players in the league and to give him space to score a great goal is frustrating.
“I also think there was a foul in the build up. If it was then that’s a shocking decision; if it’s not then we’ll take it on the chin.
“But my gut feeling is it’s another goal that’s gone against us that should have been a foul. We had one at Caernarfon that went against us and at the moment we seem to be getting the rough edge of the officiating.”
Five talking points from the top-of-the-table clash with Penybont FC
There is depth of character in abundance within the squad and, as the players departed the pitch at the break, the conversations within the dressing room were important.
Craig Harrison’s analysis, combined… pic.twitter.com/1N12KAH3hv
— The New Saints FC (@tnsfc) November 24, 2024
Josh Pask kick started the TNS revival with a goal five minutes after the re-start and then Danny Davies leveled in the 65th minute. Then Redmond unleashed a shot that whistled into the top right corner from just outside the area to bag victory at the death.
Third place Haverfordwest County had to settle for a point from their goalless draw at home against Bala Town. The weather was the leveller in this game as Bala registered their 10th draw of the season and their fourth in a row on the road.
“I’m proud of the lads because it has been really difficult for us with all the injuries this season. We had seven players unavailable,” said Bala boss Colin Caton.
The character they have shown to play through the injuries means I can’t fault their effort. We are fighting for everything and we will keep on fighting.”
Cardiff Met were able to close the gap on the Bluebirds in third place thanks to a comprehensive 3-0 home win over bottom of the table Aberystwyth Town. After a goalless first half in Cyncoed, Lewis Rees lit up the contest with a superb strike from a free kick 25 yards out to open the scoring.
That came two minutes into the second half and two goals in as many minutes in the 80th and 81st from Tom Wright and Matthew Chubb to help the Archers notch their first win in four games in all competitions.
It was Aberystwyth’s 13th defeat of the season and leaves them a point adrift of Briton Ferry Llansawel at the bottom of the table having played one more game. The Ferrymen were unable to follow up their marvelous midweek win over TNS at Flint Town United as they were beaten 2-1.
Craig Harrison Tells The New Saints To Stay Upbeat Despite Euro Defeat
In a red hot basement battle it was the home side who drew first blood when Michael Burke scored two minutes after his manager, Lee Fowler, had been show a red card. Four minutes later Keiran Williams leveled to keep the game hanging in the balance.
It then took an 83rd minute goal from Harry Owen, who beat the offside trap at a free kick before tapping in past the goalkeeper, to win a crucial three points for the Silkmen.
The games between Caernarfon Town and Barry Town United and Newtown and Connah’s Quay Nomads were both postponed due to bad weather.
