ENCOURAGING START FOR TNS
NEW look TNS survived an early scare to make a winning start to their League of Wales campaign at Haverfordwest.
Having made several summer signings, Andy Cale's men took time to get into their stride against the fully committed west Walians, who started with vigour and purpose.
And the Saints' indecision was exposed in the 32nd minute, when Neil Marsh sliced a goalmouth cross into his own net, despite being under little pressure.
But that sparked the visitors into life, experienced marksman Ken McKenna levelling eight minutes later when he diverted the ball home from six yards after Steve O'Shaughnessy had shot tamely towards goal following a Ricky Evans corner.
And on the stroke of half time, TNS went ahead somewhat controversially when Darren Ryan was adjudged to have been tripped in the box and O'Shaughnessy crashed home the spot kick.
In the second period, McKenna and Ryan were both denied by keeper Neil Frederickson while, at the other end, Johnny Jones brought a superb save from Andy Mulliner on the hour, the keeper diving at full stretch to keep out his goalbound 30-yard effort.
But TNS could breathe more easily three minutes later when Ryan crossed from the left for Gareth Wilson to nod home despite the goal-line efforts of Andrew Rickard.
And from then on there was little doubt about the outcome, McKenna again being denied by Frederickson from a free kick, while Haverfordwest also had Johnny Jones sent off late on for two bookable offences, to add to their woe. |
