Although there are no fans allowed in Wales this season at the moment, nevertheless, working in the beautiful game means I’ve been able to watch matches on a weekly basis.
As The New Saints hosted Barry Town United on MD13, with Bala Town and Connah’s Quay Nomads (second and third respectively) already having registered wins, it was important to get a victory if we were to maintain the lead at the top.
Louis Robles broke the deadlock in the first-half, and when Greg Draper added a second after the break, it was looking good.
Chances were created, but not taken, and combined with some excellent saves from Mike Lewis in the Barry goal, it meant the visitors were down but not out.
They were thrown a lifeline, when a powerful ball in from Chris Hugh was converted by Nat Jarvis.
The goal was an incentive for the Dragons, as they raised their game in the final minutes. Even a free-kick in added time on top of the four extra minutes already played brought back memories.
In a previous encounter at Park Hall, they scored in an identical scenario to rescue a last-gasp point. This time though, it wasn’t to be and the victory was secured.
On the way back home I passed the Barry Town United team bus on the outskirts of Shrewsbury. I think they had missed the turning at Dobbies to go back to south Wales, as they were taking the next roundabout instead, which goes to Ironbridge.
They would have got there in the end though and I’m sure their season will also get back on track. After all, they’ve only lost three times so far, and two of those defeats have been against The New Saints.
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