The last competitive domestic game for The New Saints FC was six months ago, in March. Coincidentally, it was against Barry Town United, also the opponent this time round as the new JD Cymru Premier season got underway.
In line with other top-flight leagues, it was played out with no fans present. Even though I’m at games, courtesy of working in media, nevertheless it’s still very different.
For example, when we visited Jenner Park pre-Covid, I’d be in the team dressing room, on the pitch pre-game etc but now it’s much more restrictive. However, you work around everything and adapt accordingly.
The first-half ended goalless, and it’s true to say that Barry had the upper-hand, although Paul Harrison wasn’t tested in the TNS goal. The message at the break worked though because the final whistle saw a 3-0 victory to the away side.
It’s early days, of course, but three points, a clean sheet, plus-three goal difference and top of the table means that TNS has got off to a good start in the 2020/2021 JD Cymru Premier.
The video below includes fans’ flags that were draped over seats in the main stand. I also did an interview for BBC Cymru (Welsh language) with Leo Smith and you can listen to his reply when I ask him about the week ahead for The New Saints.
This was my thirteenth game of the season, with the others listed here. The lead image was the view from the press box.