Haverfordwest County 0

The New Saints 4

THE Bluebirds can take every pride in a battling performance which may have left them with a 4-nil defeat but from a side which will probably hand out quite a few four-goal beatings this season, writes Robert Nisbet.

The accomplished TNS pros are a quality side at the peak of their powers, and Blues manager Wayne Jones paid tribute to their skill and professionalism. He added that while maybe he could find slight technical fault with 3 of the goals, he had nothing but praise for his side, which had followed a clear tactical plan and had worked its socks off.

The first quarter of the game saw TNS dominating but the Blues always right in there. Sam Rodon had a fine game at the heart of defence and Greg Walters in midfield played with a skill and assurance remarkable in a player on his Premier debut. Ricky Watts also looked adventurous going forward and solid at the back, while Jack Christopher, in the demanding role up front, kept winning ball in the air against the strong TNS defence.

After 26 minutes of good defending the Blues conceded a disappointing goal when Alex Darlington went past four defenders to shoot past Scott James. Chris Seargeant scored another from a finely-placed free kick in the 38th minute, but at the other end efforts from Walters and Christopher had kept the TNS defence alert. James pulled off some fine saves in each half and the Blues defended stubbornly.

The same blend of passing pressure and sharp finishing saw the New Saints add two more in the second half with a diving header from Darlington and a rasping shot from Greg Draper. But there were two fine efforts to be marked in the Blues’ ledger, first when James pulled off a fine diving save from Darlington’s penalty, and secondly when Jon Roberts got on to a through ball from Nick Palmer, raced past the keeper in his characteristic manner but saw his shot just curl into the side netting.

The Match Ball sponsor was Mr Des Shanklin and the Programme Sponsor was Mr Frank Cristofaro. The Hospitality Suite was taken by Mr Phil Rees of PRAG.

Next Saturday the Bluebirds travel to play Newtown, who, like TNS, are fresh from a European campaign.

Haverfordwest County: Scott James, Ricky Watts, Ryan Batley (Spencer Williams, 46), Sam Rodon, Dale Griffiths, Greg Walters, Steffan Williams (John Roberts, 52), Nicky Palmer, Jack Christopher (Jordan Follows, 65), Declan Carroll, Luke Borrelli.

Sub not used: Sean Pemberton.