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Oswestry Town and Llansantffraid FC
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Welcome to
Impressive back to back wins on the road at Afan Lido and Port Talbot have taken us back to pole position in the Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League. Both performances were once again of a very high standard ensuring six points from our travels to the County of Neath Port Talbot. Today we entertain Prestatyn Town at Park Hall. A warm welcome to their Directors, Staff, Players and supporters who have travelled from the North Wales coast today. There has been plenty of activity in and around the club over the past couple of weeks following our 3-0 home win against Rhyl earlier in the month. Once again a crowd of over 400 witnessed another Saints victory and hopefully today we will see a similar number come through the turnstiles. It's one of our main objectives this season and with the fantastic work we are doing behind the scenes to encourage people to attend games at Park Hall, it's starting to pay dividends with our average now reaching almost the 400 mark. Boys and Girls from Welshpool High School enjoyed their match night with us last time around and
hopefully one or two will be back again for today's game. Today we are trying something different as we attempt to beat the World record for the number of people on a pitch keeping a ball up. The 'keepy upy' challenge is on and local schools and junior clubs have been invited to take part today. Our academy teams have once again been performing well with victories at all age groups against Llansantffraid Village in the FAW Academy Cup and Under 12, 14 and 16 age groups. We are taking a mini winter break from our coaching programme after this weeks sessions as we enter the FAW Futsal competitions being staged again this year at Deeside Leisure Centre. Steve Evans' young guns had a great win last weekend in the Welsh Youth Cup beating Gap Connahs Quay 3-2 to earn a place in the quarter final draw. I had the pleasure of attending an ECA (European Club Association) Youth Working Group meeting at AFC Ajax about ten days ago and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. They have fantastic facilities and were the pioneers in developing young talent and continue to do so. The meeting focused on the transition of Youth players into first team squads with much
debate, something we are keen to encourage here at The New Saints with our ever improving Scholarship programme. It was a great networking day with new contacts made to benefit the club and our technical team. Christmas will be soon upon us, with places still available to book your Christmas Party Night or Christmas Bowling at The Venue. Our academy teams will be entertained with our annual Christmas Parties and this year we are organising one for Academy Parents, to give them a night out at The Venue without the kids! Our Christmas Raffle tickets will also be out soon with some great prizes on offer including a VIP ticket for people to attend a Premier League game at Aston Villa, a large plasma screen TV and a signed Chelsea shirt amongst the top prizes, with many more on offer. I hope everyone enjoys today's game and as always keep cheering the team on, they really appreciate your support.
Ian Williams Chief Operating Officer
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manager’s notes I would like to welcome Neil Gibson, his staff and his players to the game today. It has always been a tough game against Prestatyn and in the last two seasons they have beaten us twice. We obviously lost to them again earlier on this season, which was the last time that we have lost a league game. That particular match was marred by a horrible injury to Chris Marriott which meant that the game was delayed for over an hour. Lee Hunt scored a great winning goal in that match and both the lads and I want revenge. We dominated the game that day but they did a job on us and despite not having many shots, they got the win. They will come here today and try and play on the counter attack but we are more than ready because we are in very good form at the moment. I would also like to say that I have noticed that more people are coming to the matches this season and that is credit to the Community team behind the scenes, as it has definitely given the place a bit more of an edge. We play some great football here and it is represents good value for money so we all hope this can continue. I would also like to ask that when we do get a positive result, it would be wonderful to see everyone stay behind for a minute or so and clap the lads off the pitch, as it really will give all of the players a lift. I hope you enjoy the game!
Craig
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IN OPPOSITION
PRESTATYN TOWN FC Meet The Players Dave Roberts Won two FA Youth Cup winner's medals with Liverpool in 2006 and 2007 but was surprisingly released from Anfield and joined Bangor City, leaving in January 2008 without making a Welsh Premier appearance and signing non-contract terms for Blue Square Premier outfit Weymouth. Signed for Aberystwyth Town in August 2008 but, after losing his place to Steven Cann the following season, was loaned to Newtown in January 2010. Recalled to Park Avenue on 31 March after an injury to Cann, but joined the Robins on a permanent basis in the summer. Moved to Prestatyn Town in June 2011 but, after a season at Bastion Gardens, rejoined Newtown a year later. Ever-present for the Robins in 2012/13, he decided to leave and signed again for Prestatyn in June 2013. Chris Davies St Asaph-born full-back who broke into the first team at Prestatyn in the 2009/10 season. Now played over 100 times for the club. Jack Lewis Attacking full-back who came through the Rhyl youth system and has also played for the Welsh Colleges. A regular in the Prestatyn Town line-up until a move to Neath in June 2011. Following the demise of the Eagles in May 2012, signed for Airbus UK Broughton. A Wales Under-23 semiprofessional international, he was released by the Wingmakers in January 2013 to return to Rhyl before moving back to Prestatyn in June the same year. Dave Hayes Captained Prestatyn to their Welsh Alliance title win and has put-in some top class performances against higher opposition in cup competitions. Has also been at Rhyl and Prestatyn Nova. Has since gone on to lift the Welsh Cup and lead the club out in Europe. Sean Hessey Started his career as a Liverpool youth before moving on to Leeds United and Wigan Athletic without breaking into the first-team ranks. In the summer of 1998 moved to Huddersfield Town, where he made 11 appearances before joining Kilmarnock in the SPL, where he appeared 44 times between 1999 and 2004. After a brief spell with Blackpool, he spent three years at Chester
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before moving on to Accrington Stanley and Barrow in the Blue Square Bet Premier. Signed for Prestatyn in June 2013. Gareth Wilson Pplayer/Assistant Manager) Made more than 200 appearances for Rhyl and scored numerous crucial goals. Former clubs include Wrexham, Colwyn Bay and TNS, where he won a championship medal in 1999/2000. Has played for Wales U-16s and U18s, won the FAW Youth Cup with Wrexham and represented British Students. Loaned to Technogroup Welshpool in January 2009, he was allowed to leave Belle Vue at the end of the season and signed for Prestatyn Town Michael Parker Came through the youth system at Rhyl and the Wrexham academy, returned to Prestatyn after a brief spell with Bangor City Neil Gibson (Player/Director of Football) A former Wales Under-21 international who made one Football League appearance for Tranmere Rovers in 1988 and also had spells with Sheffield Wednesday, Rhyl, Southport, Halesowen and Leigh RMI before returning to Prestatyn in the 2005/6 campaign. Appointed manager for 2007/8 and took the club to the Cymru Alliance title and promotion to the Welsh Premier. Famously led the club to Welsh Cup success and into Europe. Andy Parkinson Experienced ex-Football League forward/midfielder who started as a trainee with Liverpool, winning the 1996 FA Youth Cup before making 164 appearances for Tranmere Rovers and collecting a loser's medal in the 2000 Football League Cup final. Went on to enjoy successful spells with Notts County, Grimsby Town where he top-scored in 2004/5 -and Cambridge United. Also had a brief spell at Sheffield United and played for Gateshead and Accrington Stanley before joining Aberystwyth in August 2011. After a full season at Park Avenue when he was ever-present in the Welsh Premier starting line-up, joined Prestatyn Town a year later. Lee Hunt A consistent goal scorer who joined Bangor City from Helsby during the summer of 2002, switching to Rhyl in
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December 2003, where he attracted the interest of Football League clubs. Named in the Welsh Premier dream teams of 2005 and 2007, but transferred to Barrow AFC in May 2008 after claiming he was being targeted unfairly by Welsh Premier referees. However, on his release from Barrow at the end of the following season, he made a surprise return to Belle Vue. Left Rhyl on transfer deadline day in February 2010 to rejoin Bangor but, after scoring one of City's goals in the Welsh Cup final win over Port Talbot, moved to Prestatyn Town a few weeks later. Spent a season at Bastion Road but signed for Bala Town on a two-year deal in June 2011. Leading scorer over two seasons for the Lakesiders, he returned to Prestatyn in June 2013. Ross Stephens Llanidloes-born player who made Welsh Premier appearances for Caersws in 2003/4 during a loan spell from Shrewsbury Town. Released from the Gay Meadow after a loan period at Redditch United, he signed for the Bluebirds in June 2005. A Welsh Under-18 and Under-20 international, he moved to Rhyl in January 2007. However, he decided to quit at the end of the season and signed for Welshpool Town, but moved on to Aberystwyth in January 2009 before switching to Newtown in the summer of the same year. After a season at Latham Park, he switched to Prestatyn Town in May 2010. Tom Kemp Former Everton starlet who made his Prestatyn Town debut in a League Cup tie against Newtown in January 2012.
return to Belle Vue in January 2008. Switched to Colwyn Bay two years later during the financial difficulties at Belle Vue, later becoming one of manager Neil Young's first signings at Chester in 2010. Released in September 2011, he spent a full season with FC United of Manchester before returning to the Welsh Premier with Prestatyn Town in summer 2012. Tommy Holmes A regular in the TNS back line after arriving from Tranmere Rovers in 2000/1 and made more than 250 league appearances. Voted Welsh Premier player of the month in February 2009, his brother Jamie played for Connah's Quay Nomads for a short time and his younger brother Danny joined him in the TNS squad in June 2009, both being released in the 2011 close season and signing a two-year deal with Airbus UK Broughton. After a season and a half with the Wingmakers, was released by mutual consent in January 2013 and signed for Prestatyn Town. Jon Hill-Dunt A former hockey net minder for Rhyl who changed to football and has played for Wales Schoolboys, Rhyl, Llandudno and Chester City before breaking into Prestatyn's first team. Had his best game for the club with a man of the match performance in the Welsh Cup
Carl Murray St Asaph-born player who progressed from the Prestatyn Rangers youth team into the reserves and first-team squad at Bastion Road. Joined Rhos Aelwyd in the Huws Gray Alliance in November 2010, returning to Bastion Road the following summer. Rhys Owen Joined the club about six years ago as a youth player, had great success in the reserve team and has now proved himself to be a valuable squad member. Rhys Lewis Youth and reserve team player at Prestatyn Town who made it into the first team squad in 2011/12. Greg Stones Signed by Rhyl in the 2004 close season from West Cheshire League side Poulton Vics and made 58 appearances for the Lillies before going full-time with TNS in June 2006. Left the Saints at the end of 2006/7 for a trial with Crewe Alexandra, later signing for Stafford Rangers and then Cammell Laird, before a surprise
2013 Welsh Cup Winners
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The Big Interview with Craig Harrison Craig Harrison spoke to Gilbert Woolley this week about the form of his team, the recent trips down to South Wales and the possibility of signing players in the upcoming January transfer window. We have been on a great run recently and there is no secret behind the success because we all work really hard each day in training. Each and every training session is precious to us because everyone at the club is always striving to improve and as a team, we collectively work hard. We defend together, attack together, make mistakes together but more importantly, we win football matches together. It is very dangerous to think that you have games in hand because you would prefer to have the points in the bag. We are in a better position than we were around four weeks ago but that means nothing because the league table will start to take real shape once we can get into the split. If we are in the same position and can capitalise, on the games in hand then obviously we will be looking very good. However, that is if we capitalise so it is important that we stay focused and carry on trying to win every single game. Nothing will change between now and the end of the season and we will certainly not take our foot off the pedal. Complacency is something that I can not stand.
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We have come out with six points from two tough away games down in South Wales. Despite both clubs being near the bottom of the table, they are both very difficult places to go. Last year we were trailing to Afan Lido and came back and that happened again this year. In previous years, Port Talbot has been somewhere where we have stuttered but we got two very good results and I am very pleased to get back to Park Hall stadium for the Prestatyn game. We have an incredible home record and we are also yet to concede a goal this season at Park Hall. The longer we keep that going the better and I have always said that the majority of time, the team with the best defence will be crowned the champions. We have got a lot of good players going forward and the defence has been a real platform for us to go and win games. We are approaching January soon and we will certainly be looking to strengthen. I feel that during every transfer window it is a good to freshen things up and although we have a really strong squad, I am always looking at bringing in more players. We are definitely looking at bringing in at least one player but that has to be the right player. The player has to have the right quality and has to be able to fit in with the excellent squad that we already have here.
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TNS
Each week a member of the team will answer the following questions, regarding their teammates.
Teammates This week KAI EDWARDS will be answering. Who is the worst dressed at the club Greg Draper Who is the biggest joker at the club Chris Marriott Who is the most skilful at the club Ryan Fraughan
Who is the quickest at the club Connell Rawlinson Who is the best trainer at the club Chris Seargeant Who is the worst trainer at the club Mike Wilde Who is the most intelligent at the club Matty Williams Who is the least intelligent at the club Scott Quigley Who has the worst taste in music at the club Connell Rawlinson
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QUICK QUESTIONS WITH...
SIMON SPENDER Number 2 First mobile phone- Nokia. First car- Vauxhall Corsa. First Football boots- Puma. First Music Album purchased – Michael Jackson. Favourite moment at TNS – Playing away in Poland against Legia Warsaw. Favourite Football memory – Playing at Wembley for Barrow. Favourite Holiday destination – Spain. Favourite Film of all time – Batman (The Dark Knight). Favourite Sport other than Football – Golf. Favourite Football team – Wrexham. Favourite Football player- Zinedine Zidane.
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ALL TIME FAVOURITE XI GK Peter Schmeichel
RB Gary Neville
RM David Beckham
CB Franco Baresi
CM Zinedine Zidane
ST Lionel Messi
CB Paolo Maldini
LB Roberto Carlos
CM LM Andres Iniesta Cristiano Ronaldo
ST Ronaldo
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MEET The New Saints Player Profiles 2013/2014
Paul Harrison – 1 Affectionately known as ‘H’, the TNS Captain has been a model of consistency since joining The Saints in 2007. The Liverpool born shot stopper, started off his career at Anfield before moving to clubs such as Leeds United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chester City. Born on the 18th of December in 1984, Harrison was an ever present during last season’s successful title winning side.
Steve Evans 5 Capped seven times by Wales, ‘Evo’ rejoined The Saints after a three year spell playing for Wrexham. During his spell at The Racecourse Stadium, the strong defender became the first non-league player to represent Wales for 76 years, when he appeared as a second-half substitute in Wales’ 2-1 defeat in Russia. During his time at the Oswestry based club, the Wrexham born Evans has won the Welsh Premier League title, the Welsh Cup and the Welsh league Cup. Steve is now also the Head Coach of the Scholarship programme and is the manager of the Under 19 side.
Chris Marriott – 3 ‘Mazza’ joined The New Saints in 2009 and has become a regular at left back. The 23 year old previously played for Cefn Druids, after graduating from Wrexham’s academy programme. Marriott was voted the Manager’s Player of the Year for the 2012/2013 season.
Simon Spender – 2 Phil Baker – 4 Birkenhead born Baker, started his career off at Tranmere Rovers before playing for Bangor City and Exeter City. The solid centre back completed his move from The Grecians to The Saints in 2005 and famously scored the winning goal against Cliftonville in the Europa League first qualifying round. The mean defender has won the Welsh Premier League, the Welsh Cup and the Welsh League Cup during his time at Park Hall. The mean defender has been an ever present for The Saints in the last few years.
Born in Mold on the 15th of November, 1985, the reliable right back joined TNS in 2011. Spender played over 100 games for Wrexham before moving to Barrow. The Welshman also represented his country at Under 21 level. ‘Spends’ was part of the Barrow team that won the FA Trophy at Wembley stadium in 2010.
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Scott Ruscoe – 7 Scott holds the record for the most appearances at The New Saints and has been a main stay in the team for the last decade. The TNS number seven had previously played for Newtown and Chester City before joining The Saints back in 2002. Nicknamed ‘Bobby’ the TNS number seven has won the Welsh premier League, the Welsh Cup and the Welsh League Cup during his time in Oswestry. The ball playing midfielder now divides his time between playing and overseeing the TNS Academy, in his role as Head of Youth Development. Scott has also represented The New Saints in European competition an incredible 29 times.
Matty Williams – 10
Kai Edwards – 6 Born in St Asaph on the 20th of January, 1991, Kai captained both the Welsh Under 21’s and the Welsh Under 23’s whilst at Wrexham. The Welsh Premier League’s Young Player of the Year in 2011/2012, joined TNS following Neath’s liquidation. The young defender has also played for Prestatyn Town. Kai was voted the TNS Young Player of the Year for the 2012/2013 season.
Greg Draper – 9 The New Zealand International made his debut for the All Whites in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Fiji. Draper also played in the Beijing Olympics against Brazil, Belgium and China. The 24 year old Somerset born front man, joined TNS in 2011 and was the top goal scorer in his debut season, with an impressive 23 League goals. Greg’s former clubs include Canterbury United, Wellington Phoneix and Melbourne Knights.
Matty joined TNS in 2010 after impressing at Rhyl. The former Manchester United reserve joined Notts County after his stint at Old Trafford, where he went onto play regularly for two seasons. The St Asaph born striker then moved on to play for both Tamworth and Burton Albion, before returning to Wales. His first season with The Saints saw him score a wonderful 24 goals in 38 appearances.
Sam Finley – 8 The tenacious young box to box midfielder was signed by Craig Harrison, in January 2012. Having spent time with Everton as a youngster, the Liverpudlian played for Southport and Warrington before switching to the Welsh Champions. Sam was born on the 4th of August 1992. Having worn number 17 last season, Sam decided to switch to number eight for the forthcoming campaign.
MIKE WILDE and
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and SAM FINLEY celebrate
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Ryan Fraughan – 11
Chris Seargeant – 12
‘Frawny’ began his career at Tranmere Rovers and progressed into the first team along with Dale Jennings and Ash Taylor. The tricky winger left The Superwhites in 2011, to join Stockport County. The 22 year old scored the opening goal in the UEFA Champions League fixture against Legia Warsaw. The TNS number 11 was voted the Welsh Premier League Young Player of the Season last year.
Born in Liverpool on the 13th of September, 1986, ‘Sarge’ began his career with Everton FC. During his stay at The Toffees, the TNS number 12 scored the winning goal in the Semi Final of the Liverpool Senior Cup. Chris left Everton in 2006 and went on to play for Bangor City before joining the Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League champions. Former Everton player, Steve Seargeant is his father.
Mike Wilde – 18
Jamie Mullan – 14 Jamie signed for TNS in January 2013. The speedy winger was born in Nottingham and played for Manchester United reserves. After leaving Old Trafford he joined Northwich Victoria where he helped save them from relegation and by doing so he won the Young Player of the Year award. Mullan then joined Fleetwood Town and was a member of the 2009/2010 promotion winning squad. The TNS number 14 has also played for Alfreton Town and Stalybridge Celtic.
Connell Rawlinson – 16 Wrexham born Connell, was previously with Chester City. The tall defender has also represented his country at Under 23 level. The TNS number 16 spent time on loan at Newtown last year before coming back to The Saints and helping the Oswestry side successfully defend their Welsh Premier title.
‘Wildey’ rejoined The New Saints last season and took no time to settle in as he powered his way to Welsh Premier Golden Boot with a very impressive 25 goals. The Liverpool born forward started his career at TNS before leaving for Fleetwood Town. The big front man has also spent time at Halifax Town and Chester City. Last season, the TNS number 18 was voted the Supporters Player of the Year as well as the Players Player of the Year. In what was a wonderful season, he was also voted the Welsh Premier League Player of the Year.
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Chris Mullock – 25 Aaron Simms – 19
Alex Darlington – 20
Aaron is a versatile defender who has developed through the TNS Academy. The Shrewsbury born player will wear the number 19 shirt this season. Simms also spent time on loan at Cyrmu Alliance side, Conwy Borugh, before returing to Park Hall and playing his part in the 7-1 thrashing of Prestatyn, in the penultimate game of the season.
‘Darlo’ began his career with Wrexham and has represented Wales at Under 19 level. The Wrexham born striker cruelly suffered two broken legs whilst at The Racecourse. The TNS number 20 has gone on to become a very important first team player for The Saints and is also the designated penalty taker for the club. The prolific forward was born on December the 26th, 1988.
Chris joined The Saints this summer and will wear the number 25 shirt. Born in Wrexham on the 16th of September, 1988, the big shot stopper famously kept a clean sheet for Cefn Druids against Finnish giants, MyPA in the Europa League first qualifying round. Mullock left The Ancients to join TNS, where he has linked up with his former School friend, Aeron Edwards.
Ryan Jones – 27 Ryan spent time at Cefn Druids last year and impressed by scoring a 11 goals. The forward has appeared for the TNS first team and played against Prestatyn in the Premier Cup. Ryan will play for Cefn Druids on loan this season.
Scott Quigley – 22 Quigley spent time on loan at fellow Welsh Premier league side, Carmarthen. The powerful youngster has also made a handful of appearances for the TNS first team. He was an unused substitute during the UEFA Champions League away fixture with Legia Warsaw. Scott will play for Cefn Druids on loan this season.
Chris Jones – 21 The former Swansea City winger spent the 2012/2013 season with The Saints and returned to the club prior to the start of the 2013/2014 Welsh Premier League season. During his time with The Swans, Chris played alongside players such as Joe Allen and Leon Britton. The speedy wide man has also spent time at Grimsby Town and Neath. Chris will wear the number 21 shirt for The Saints.
Aeron Edwards – 23 Former Buckley Town midfielder, ‘Azza’ is a key component of the TNS side. He displayed his incredible stamina by getting to level 24.2 on the yo-yo test at the start of the 2013/2014 season. The energetic number 23 was born on the 16th of February and can speak fluent Welsh. The Under 23 Welsh international signed from Caersws in June 2009.
Luke Douglas – 26 ‘Dougie’ spent time with Crewe Alexandra and Wrexham before joining The New Saints. The young defender can play at both right back and left back and will wear the number 26 shirt this season.
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Saints so far THE NEW SAINTS 3 RHYL 0 The New Saints beat Rhyl 3-0 thanks to goals from Kai Edwards, Mike Wilde and Chris Seargeant at a crowded Park Hall stadium. A resilient Rhyl side frustrated The Saints for large periods but with just over an hour gone, Edwards broke the deadlock and Wilde made sure of the victory soon after, to give his side a well earned three points. Deep into injury time, Seargeant added another with a great finish from the edge of the box in front of over 500 passionate supporters. On a cold and wet night in Oswestry, the visitors frustrated The Saints for the entire first half. Chris Marriott and Seargeant both had long range efforts but with Greg Strong’s men looking dangerous on the counter attack, the first half ended goalless. Ten minutes into the second half, Seargeant whipped in a great free kick which Alex Darlington met but the TNS number 20 managed to steer his close range effort just wide of the post. Moments later, Darlington found Chris Jones who hit a powerful shot into the side netting, as Rhyl continued to defend for their lives. However, the deadlock was broken after 64 minutes when Edwards smashed in from close range. After a succession of corners, the former Neath man made no mistake from six yards out. Phil Baker had initially hit the post and the rebound fell kindly to Edwards who gave Craig Harrison’s side the lead. Despite going a goal behind, Rhyl continued to press forward but with 78 minutes gone, Wilde sealed the points. Jamie Mullan played Simon Spender in and the former Wrexham full back wonderfully crossed in, before Wilde converted. The former Chester City striker powerfully volleyed in leaving NikiLee Bulmer with no chance. Deep into injury time, Seargeant added a third with a delightful finish from the edge of the box to complete a well fought win. The score also ensured that captain Paul Harrison who prior to
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kick off was presented with a commemorative plate, in recognition of his outstanding contribution, kept another clean sheet, therefore ensuring that TNS have not conceded a home league goal this season. The New Saints line up was Paul Harrison (C), Simon Spender, Phil Baker, Kai Edwards, Chris Marriott, Aeron Edwards (Sam Finley 57), Chris Seargeant, Alex Darlington (Matty Williams 82), Chris Jones, Jamie Mullan and Greg Draper (Mike Wilde 57). The unused substitutes for TNS were Ryan Kershaw, Jordan Wells and Aaron Simms. The Rhyl line up was Niki-Lee Bulmer, Matty Woodward, Chris Rimmer, Ryan Astles, Liam Benson, Tom Roberts, Paul McManus (C), Michael Walsh (Danny Laverty 81), Mark Cadwallader, David Forbes (Steve Lewis 70) and Jason Oswell (Jon Bathurst 70) The unused substitutes for Rhyl were Stefan Halewood, Mark Powell and Ryan Smith.
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Saints so far Gilbert Woolley takes a look back at our last three league games which have produced a great haul of nine points. FRIDAY 15TH NOVEMBER 2013 AFAN LIDO 1 THE NEW SAINTS 2 The New Saints left it late as they edged past Afan Lido, thanks to goals from Chris Marriott and Mike Wilde at the Marstons Stadium.
Within a minute, Darlington was thwarted from inside the six yard box as The Saints stepped up a gear. Despite getting his shot on target, Richards made himself big and stopped the former Wrexham man from getting his name on the score sheet.
Chris Hartland gave his side the lead at the break but an excellent Marriott free kick coupled with a last minute winner from Wilde, ensured the victory for The Saints.
Marriott then attempted to turn into a provider and it was his excellent delivery from a corner that Baker met but headed over the bar, as TNS continued to look for the winning goal.
TNS started brightly with Chris Seargeant hitting a close range free kick over the bar and in what was an even game, neither side created many chances during the opening period.
Harrison sent on Matty Williams and Greg Draper in search of the three points and it nearly came through Marriott. The Saints won another free kick and the TNS goal scorer was desperately unlucky to see his magnificent free kick fly over the wall, only for it to hit the post and bounce back out.
However, on the half hour mark, Hartland sprinted away from both Phil Baker and Kai Edwards, before converting into the bottom corner. The Lido number seven was direct as well as efficient and made no mistake from just inside the 18 yard box to give Lido the lead. Minutes later, Wilde powered a volley just over, after Alex Darlington’s strike had been blocked and sixty seconds later, Jamie Mullan’s fantastic cross was unfortunately blocked by the stubborn home defence. In the last minute of the first half, Chris Jones attempted a sensational volley from a really tight angle and the former Swansea winger was only denied by a flying save from Craig Richards. The second half started with Lido once again defending really well and Baker was forced into a crucial interception, as the home side once again looked dangerous on the break. Ten minutes after the restart, Marriott levelled the match. The energetic left back did wonderfully well to find the bottom corner after Jones had won a free kick for the Champions. The TNS number three curled his effort past Richards from 25 yards out.
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The Oswestry based side continued to press and as the match approached stoppage time, Wilde met a powerful corner with a bullet header to ensure a dramatic victory. The former Chester City forward found space and converted to give his side a very important win in South Wales.
SUNDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2013 PORT TALBOT TOWN 1 THE NEW SAINTS 3 The New Saints comfortably beat Port Talbot three one thanks to goals from Mike Wilde, Kai Edwards and Sam Finley. Wilde opened the scoring midway through the first half but within minutes, David Brooks equalised from the penalty spot. Edwards gave his side the lead before the hour mark and Finley added a third just after it to clinch the points. TNS started brightly and after only five minutes Finley hit a looping effort against the bar from the edge of the box. Soon after Chris Marriott missed the target from close range after being superbly picked out by Chris Jones. The left back found himself in the box but his right footed effort went well wide of the goal.
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With The Saints in complete control, both Wilde and Jones once again tested the Port Talbot goalkeeper as the Welsh Premier League Champions looked to add more goals. No more goals came but the result means that the Oswestry based side have now win six league games in a row. The New Saints line up was Paul Harrison (C), Simon Spender, Chris Marriott, Phil Baker (Connell Rawlinson 51), Kai Edwards, Aeron Edwards, Chris Seargeant, Alex Darlington (Ryan Fraughan 72), Sam Finley, Chris Jones and Mike Wilde. The unused substitutes for The Saints were Greg Draper and Matty Williams.
Wilde then took advantage from a bad Leigh De Vulgt mistake to give his side the lead. The former Chester City forward composed himself and made no mistake as he passed the ball past Steven Hall to open the scoring on 22 minutes. Minutes later Port Talbot were level. Alex Darlington gave away a penalty after fouling Brooks and the Port Talbot winger picked himself up and converted the spot kick to level the match. Darlington then missed a chance to put his side back in front but managed to fire over from close range, to ensure that the teams went into the half time break level.
The Port Talbot line up was Steven Hall, Gethin Jones, Leigh De Vulgt, Lee Surman (C), James Bloom, Carl Payne, Ashley Evans, Sacha Walters, Lee John (Rhys Griffiths 76), David Brooks (Lewis Harling 63) and Martin Rose (Adam Wright 76). The unused substitute for the home side was Chad Bond
The second half started with bad news for Craig Harrison after Phil Baker went down with an injury. The consistent defender was replaced by Connell Rawlinson, who himself had just returned from the treatment room. However, within five minutes, there was some good news for Harrison. Wilde wonderfully headed a Chris Seargeant corner into Edwards’ path and the former Neath defender smashed the ball in from inside the six yard box to restore the lead for his team. Minutes later it was three. Finley picked up the ball on the edge of the box and drove an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner. The energetic midfielder found space and his right footed thunderbolt was too much for Hall to handle. Wilde nearly made it four but Hall stopped his volley from close range after some good work down the right from the impressive Finley.
WILDE & FINLEY celebrate their win at Port Talbot Town
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Academy Player of the Month The Academy Player of the Month awards for October have been announced. The players received their awards on during The Saints’ 3-0 victory against Rhyl. The winners were – Under 7’s – Josh Burnett. Under 8’s – Harvey Greig.
Under 9’s – Harry Owen. Under 10’s – Will Rogers. Under 11’s – Ben Buley. Under 12’s – Daniel Sumner. Under 13’s – Harry Bower. Under 14’s – Jamie Monk. Under 15’s – Ayman Seykouti. Under 16’s – Lewis Evans. Girls 16’s – Michelle Pascoe. Girls 18’s – Lauren Richards.
The New Saints Under 9’s will travel to Melwood on Saturday the 7th of December for a mouth watering match against Liverpool Under 9’s. The match is scheduled to kick off at 10:00 am and the players will then be taken to Anfield, where they will be able to watch the Liverpool first team take on West Ham United. The Academy match will take place at Liverpool’s training ground. The site offers some of the best facilities in Europe, which include rehabilitation rooms, press rooms, meeting rooms, a gymnasium, a swimming pool, a restaurant and recreational facilities. Craig Edwards is excited to take his team to Liverpool and said, ‘It will be a great experience for the boys to play against youngsters from an Academy like Liverpool. I really want to stress that I want all of the boys to enjoy the day and no be phased by the task in hand.'
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Match by Match DATE SAT 24 AUG Mon 26 Aug Fri 30 Aug Sat 7 Sep Fri 13 Sep Sat 21 Sep Sat 28 Sep Sat 5 Oct Sat 12 Oct Sat 19 Oct Tue 22 Oct Fri 25 Oct Fri 8 Nov Fri 15 Nov Sun 24 Nov Sat 30 Nov Fri 6 Dec Fri 13 Dec Fri 20 Dec Thu 26 Dec Wed 1 Jan Sat 4 Jan Sat 18 Jan TBA
OPPONENTS PORT TALBOT TOWN Prestatyn Town Aberystwyth Town Bala Town Gap Connahs Quay BANGOR CITY CARMARTHEN TOWN Airbus UK Broughton Rhyl AFAN LIDO Airbus UK Broughton (WCQF) GAP CONNAHS QUAY RHYL Afan Lido Port Talbot Town PRESTATYN TOWN Conwy Borough (WC3R) ABERYSTWYTH TOWN BALA TOWN Newtown NEWTOWN Bangor City AIRBUS UK BROUGHTON Carmarthen Town
H/A HOME Away Away Away Away HOME HOME Away Away HOME Away HOME HOME Away Away HOME Away HOME HOME Away HOME Away HOME Away
SCORE 6-0 0-1 2-2 *3-1 4-0 2-0 6-0 1-1 2-0 3-0 1-2 5-0 3-0 2-1 3-1 2.30pm 7.45pm 7.45pm 7.45pm 2.30pm 2.30pm 2.30pm 2.30pm
ATT 306 449 409 204 316 482 234 505 814 435 ---413 512 247 207
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Harrison
Spender
Marriott
Baker
(K) Edwards
FRAUGHAN 1
Mullan
Harrison
Spender
Marriott (50)
Baker
(K) Edwards
Seargeant
(A) Edwa
Harrison
Spender
(K) Edwards
Baker
Rawlinson
(A) Edwards (64) Finley
Harrison
Spender
Marriott
BAKER 1
(A) Edwards
(K) Edwards
Seargean
Harrison
Spender
Baker
(K) Edwards
Rawlinson
Finley
(A) Edwa
Harrison
Spender
Marriott
Baker
(K) Edwards
Finley (69)
Fraugha
Harrison
Spender
Marriott
Baker
(K) Edwards FINLEY 3 (72) Seargea
Harrison
Spender
MARRIOTT 1 Baker
(K) Edwards Finley
William
Harrison
Spender
Marriott
Baker
(K) Edwards FINLEY 1
Seargea
Harrison
Spender
Marriott
Baker
(K) EDWARDS 1
Harrison
Spender
Marriott
Simms
Rawlinson (44) Kershaw (86) (A) EDW
Harrison
Spender
Marriott
Baker
(K) Edwards SEARGEANT 2 Mullan
Harrison
Spender
Marriott
Baker
(K) EDWARDS 1 SEARGEANT 1 Mullan
Harrison
Spender
MARRIOTT 1 Baker
(K) Edwards
Seargeant (72) (A) Edw
Harrison
Spender
Marriott
(K) EDWARDS 1
(A) Edwards
* Own Goal
THIS WEEKEND`S FIXTURES IN THE CORBETT SPORTS WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE Played Last Night Airbus UK Broughton v Bala Town TODAY Afan Lido v Aberystwyth Town Carmarthen Town v Newtown Gap Connahs Quay v Port Talbot Town Rhyl v Bangor City The New Saints v Prestatyn Town
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Baker (50)
Seargeant
(A) Edwa
Seargea
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Follow the progress of The New Saints in 2013-2014
6
7
8
FRAUGHAN 1
Mullan
Seargeant (68) WILDE 1 (68)
DARLINGTON 1 (65) (A) Edwards
10
11
Seargeant
(A) Edwards
12
14
DRAPER 3 (68) Rawlinson
16
17
18
Jones
Simms
Williams (65)
Fraughan (67)
Mullan
Wilde
Darlington (63) Draper (63)
JONES 1
Williams (51)
Draper (79)
Seargeant (64) DARLINGTON 1 (51) Wilde (79)
Ruscoe
Mullock
Simms
(K) Edwards
Seargeant
Finley
WILDE 1
Jones
Fraughan (72)
Darlington
Draper
Mullock
Rawlinson
Simms
Mullan (72)
Finley
(A) Edwards (77) Seargeant
WILDE 2 (77)
Fraughan (74)
JONES 2
Mullan (74)
Draper (77)
Darlington (77) Williams
Simms
Finley (69)
Fraughan (69)
WILDE 1
Jones
(A) EDWARDS 1 Draper
Williams
Mullan (69)
Simms
Darlington (69)
Wilde (64)
(A) Edwards JONES 1
DRAPER 1 (64)
WILLIAMS 1 (28)
Fraughan (72 Rawlinson
Darlington
Simms
(A) Edwards Jones
Draper (83)
Fraughan (77) Simms
Darlington (59) Rawlinson Darlington (79) Mullan (79) Simms
Finley
Williams (59) Mullan (77) Wilde (83)
FINLEY 1
Seargeant (79) DRAPER 1
Seargeant
(A) Edwards (89)
Mullan
4) Kershaw (86) (A) EDWARDS 1 Mullan
Rawlinson
Fraughan (79) Jones
(A) Edwards Williams
Rawlinson
Wilde
Draper (69)
DARLINGTON 2
Jones (69)
Rawlinson
Simms
Williams (69) Wilde (69)
Jones (69)
Williams
Wilde
(K) Edwards (44) Draper (86)
SEARGEANT 2 Mullan (69) (A) Edwards (46) DRAPER 1 (64) DARLINGTON 2 (C) Jones 1 SEARGEANT 1 Mullan
Rawlinson (50) Finley
19
Fraughan
Seargeant
Jones (67)
15 Finley (68)
(A) Edwards (64) Finley
FINLEY 3 (72) Seargeant (28)Mullan
1
9
Finley (69)
Darlington (69) James
Williams (46) Wilde (64)
Kershaw
Darlington (82) Jones
(M) Williams (82)
WILDE 1 (57) Finley (57)
Simms
Jones
Darlington (72) Mullan
Draper (72)
Williams (72) Simms
Kershaw
(A) Edwards
Darlington (73) FINLEY 1
Jones
Draper
Fraughan (73) Rawlinson (50) Williams
WILDE 1
Davies Kershaw
(A) Edwards (57) Draper (57)
Seargeant
Kershaw (89)
Simms
Seargeant (72) (A) Edwards
WILDE 1
Williams
Wells
Pryce
Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League Table (Up to and Including Tuesday 26 November 2013) Team The New Saints Airbus UK Broughton Carmarthen Town Bangor City Aberystwyth Town Newtown Rhyl Prestatyn Town Gap Connahs Quay Bala Town Port Talbot Town Afan Lido
P 14 15 14 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
W 11 10 7 7 5 6 6 5 4 3 2 2
D 2 3 4 2 7 3 2 3 4 4 4 4
L 1 2 3 6 3 6 7 7 7 8 9 9
F 42 32 28 24 26 22 21 18 19 13 9 11
A 7 14 21 20 24 25 22 19 35 22 25 31
PTS 35 33 25 23 22 21 20 18 16 13 10 10
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The New Saints Community Foundation Craig Edwards – The New Saints FC Foundation Officer
Update on schools work We are currently delivering both PPA cover sessions (Physical Education) and after school football coaching to pupils at Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School in Owestry. The team are in week four of a seven week term and relationships are building nicely with pupils and staff alike. It is very encouraging and pleasing that the school turned to the Community Foundation team to help with certain aspects of school life and in return we are seeing an increase in our attendances at our home matches. One of the Foundations main aim is to be present at as many local schools as possible to assist with the development of key skills, such as literacy and numeracy as well as specialist projects using the power of football as the motivator.
involved with TNS. The organisation was brilliant and we are now all looking forward to another night at Park Hall.’
Whittington Christmas Fayre Greg Draper and Chris Jones were joined by Spot the Dog at the recently held annual Whittington Christmas Fayre. The players posed for photos and signed autographs for the excited children on what was a special night at the School. Following a request to attend from the friends of Whittington School group the Welsh Premier League Champions donated a signed kit to their Christmas raffle.
Visit from Welshpool High School. We had a great turn out from the pupils and the staff from Welshpool High at our last Welsh Premier League home match versus Rhyl. The school chose the following package match day deal: Package C Match day Bowling & Ticket (bowling, buffet, programme & ticket) Adults = £19 Concessions = £10 Juniors = £9 Julie Maguire who had arranged the trip was delighted with the night and said, ‘All of the kids really enjoyed it and it was probably the smoothest trip I’ve ever ran up to the Venue. I would like to say a big thank you to all of the staff and everyone
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Guinness Book of World Record Challenge Good luck to all who participate in the World Record attempt in partnership with Signal 107. Lets get as many of you on the pitch at half time and put Oswestry into the record books. All the best and enjoy this week’s game.
Craig
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academy news This is the last week of academy training and now we can concentrate on futsal which is held at the Deeside for all ages from 8-16. It provides an opportunity for the boys to play smaller sided games and concentrate on ball retention as well as technical skill. We also have some exciting ďŹ xtures in the coming weeks playing both Liverpool and Manchester Utd. This proved to be an excellent outing last season, we found it tough but feel that the boys will gain invaluable experiences from visits like this. Its testament to all of the academy players and the club that we are invited to these clubs and we continue to play the bigger academies year in year out. Finally, The New Saints Football Club will be hosting two very special nights in December to congratulate everyone associated with the successful TNS Academy for all of the hard work during 2013. On the 14th of December, The Venue will be the setting for a fantastic three course meal for all of the Academy parents that have supported both the Academy, as well as The New Saints FC, over the course of the year. Enjoy the game,
Scott
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The New Saints
Prestatyn Town
Manager Craig Harrison
Manager Lee Jones
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Paul Harrison Simon Spender Chris Marriott Phil Baker Steve Evans Kai Edwards Scott Ruscoe Sam Finley Greg Draper Matty Williams Ryan Fraughan Christian Seargeant Jamie Mullan Connell Rawlinson Michael Wilde Aaron Simms Alex Darlington Chris Jones Scott Quigley Aeron Edwards Ryan Kershaw Chris Mullock Luke Douglas Ryan Jones
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Dave Roberts Chris Davies Jack Lewis David Hayes Sean Hessey Gareth Wilson Michael Parker Neil Gibson Andy Parkinson Lee Hunt Ross Stephens Alex Jones Tom Kemp Carl Murray Luke Astley Rhys Owen Keiran Ellis Rhys Lewis Greg Stones Tommy Holmes Jon Hill-Dunt
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Referee: Mr. B Markham-Jones Assistants: Mr. O. W. Phillips & Mr. W. A. Tregonning 4th Official: Mr.D. H. Morgan
Next Match at Home ABERYSTWYTH TOWN • Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League Friday 13th December 2013 • Kick-Off 7.30pm