Thursday, May 17, 2012

All systems go for Neath's visit

TNS v Neath

IT'S all systems go for a return of Welsh Premier action to Park Hall on Saturday as the artificial pitch has beaten the ovenight freeze for the visit of Neath.

With the majority of fixtures already postponed, the clash of the league's only full-time sides is a mouthwatering start o the second phase of games.
Newly-confirmed in the manager's seat at The Gnoll, Kristian O'Leary is in charge of a Neath side that can boast an 11-match unbeaten run, culminating in a 3-1 Welsh Cup win at Flint Town United last weekend.
"I have to admit I am not a great fan of the surface, but at least we look like being guaranteed to play even with frost," O'Leary says.
"It's a disadvantage to visiting teams, but Saints are similarly disadvantaged playing away on grass, so perhaps it evens itself out."
The earlier meeting between the sides in Oswestry ended with a convincing 3-0 win for the Saints, when Neath had defender Kai Edwards red-carded, but O'Leary is convinced his side are now a much stronger unit.
"We were naive then, but we have learned a lot since, but we were also handicapped by injuries and a sending off," he added.
"I'm happy with what I've got, the lads are working hard and enjoying their football.
"The next three months are crucial and Europe is our target, but so it is for the top six and the bottom six, so it's all to play for with little margin for error."
O'Leary is without suspended midfielder Matty Collins in an otherwise full-strength squad, while TNS management duo Craig Harrison and Carl Darlington have Matty Williams and Chris Williams both sidelined with injury.
Photo: Greg Draper was among the scorers against Neath back in September.

The first game at Park Hall

Stadium details

PARK HALL
Burma Road
Oswestry SY11 4AS
Tel: 01691 684840
GETTING THERE
By road
Leave the A5 at the junction with the A495 Whittington Road. Burma Road is the first major turning on the left and is signposted Park Hall. The ground is another 400 yards on your right.
GPS
Enter postcode SY11 4AS
By rail
Nearest station is Gobowen (2 miles).
By bus
Service from Oswestry.

Bygone days


Park Hall as it was when Oswestry Town played there.

Highest attendances

The record Welsh Premier attendance at a TNS game was 1,468 for the title decider against Bangor City on 21 April 2012.
The biggest crowd at Treflan, Llansantffraid was 1,042 v Rhyl on 23 January 2005.