THE New Saints moved to the top of the JD Cymru Premier table with a 1-0 win against Flint Town United on Tuesday (Aug 31).
Adrian Cieslewicz’s 48th-minute goal made the difference at Park Hall, as Anthony Limbrick’s team maintained their 100% start to the season in the process.
It was a result that slightly flattered the visitors, who could’ve found themselves on the end of a bigger margin of defeat had the TNS finishing been more clinical.
There were a couple of chances that fell the way of The Saints in the opening minutes, with Jordan Williams having his shot blocked, before Declan McManus glanced a header wide of the post.
Next, it was Ben Clark who tried his luck, but the midfielder couldn’t keep his effort down with 11 minutes on the clock.
Limbrick’s team kept up the pressure, and Flint goalkeeper, Ryan Woods, was called into action to punch a Marriott corner off the line.
It was all one-way traffic at Park Hall, and with 26 minutes played, the ball dropped kindly to Blaine Hudson in the six-yard box. However, the number 12 was unable to control it, and the Flint defence scrambled clear.
Then, a cross from Adrian Cieslewicz almost snuck in at the back post, before Jordan Williams struck the far post, as The Saints continued to bang on the door going into the break.
And just two minutes after the restart, the opening goal finally arrived, when Cieslewicz converted Williams’ cross at the back post. 1-0.
At the other end, some good defending from Ryan Astles preserved the TNS lead, as the number five-headed clear Jake Phillips’ inviting cross 10 minutes later.
The defence was called on again not long after, but both Astles and Hudson cleared the danger between them, as Flint’s Callum Bratley waited to pounce.
Despite trailing in the match, the visitors offered little in terms on attacking intent in the final stages, although former TNS man, Mike Wilde, was caught offside in stoppage time as he looked to cause problems.
With just seconds remaining, summer signing, Declan McManus, had the chance to put the game to bed as he raced forward, only for Woods to make one final save from close range.
All in all, it was a good three points on what was ultimately a comfortable night at Park Hall for Limbrick’s side, who now move onto a JD Welsh Cup clash against Llanwrst United this coming Saturday.
Flint are also in action in the Welsh Cup as they host Penrhyndeudraeth.
