Saints make it a Happy Christmas
MAESYDRE has not always been a happy hunting ground for The New Saints, but the league leaders had few problems in maintaining their title push with victory over the Lilwyhites.
Having lost two of their previous three league visits, Ken McKenna's men stamped their authority on the encounter right from the first whistle to secure a victory that keeps them two points clear at the top.
The Saints never looked back after making an 18th minute breakthrough when Jamie Wood's run down the right created the opening for Steven Beck to hammer home the opener from 18 yards.
Scott Ruscoe, Wood and Luke Holden had already threatened the Lilywhites' goal and Ruscoe went close again before scoring the second on 29 minutes.
Defender and last man George Hughes was lucky to escape a red card with referee Steve Hames in festive mood, but Ruscoe made Pool pay the penalty by firing his free kick into the far corner.
Home keeper Gerard McGuigan made a superb save low down to deny the midfielder from another free kick and Wood should have added to the lead before the break.
But the match was effectively over as a contest when Pool failed to clear just after the restart, and Wood crossed for Beck whose mis-hit shot was headed home by Alfie Carter.
Carter had another effort saved by McGuigan, but the home side came more into the game and the introduction of sub William Thomas provided some dangerous moments from right-wing crosses.
The Saints' defence held firm and it was sub Carl Lamb who had the best chance of a goal, somehow firing over the bar from point blank range after being set-up by the excellent Beck. |
