Caernarfon Town Achieves Historic Victory over The New Saints

Caernarfon Town has secured a significant victory against the reigning Cymru Premier champions, The New Saints, in a match held at Park Hall on Wednesday night. This triumph marks their first win against TNS in 16 attempts, a streak dating back to October 4, 2019, when Jamie Breese scored the lone goal at The Oval to clinch a 1-0 win.

The win also marks Caernarfon’s first success at Park Hall since their 2018-2019 season, where a late penalty by Nathan Craig ensured a 1-0 victory during their return to top-flight football after a decade-long absence. Currently, this victory places Caernarfon third in the league standings, while The New Saints, enduring their third defeat in four games, now sit in sixth place.

Despite early apprehensions that Caernarfon might adopt a defensive approach, the match proved to be open and full of opportunities for both teams. “Few would deny the visitors ran out worthy winners,” observed a commentator of the game.

The match began energetically with Zack Clarke testing TNS’s keeper Connor Roberts early on. The home team responded with Danny Redmond setting up Declan McManus, only to be thwarted by Caernarfon’s 17-year-old keeper, Hari Thomas, who showed remarkable composure.

TNS drew first blood in the 12th minute when ex-Caernarfon player Leo Smith, after receiving a pass from Redmond, struck from 20 yards out. Caernarfon responded with further attempts, including Matty Hill‘s challenge on Roberts, but it was not until the 34th minute that the visitors equalized. Ryan Sears’ pressing assisted Joe Faux in crossing to Clarke, who delivered a skilful finish.

The second half saw Caernarfon in control. Clarke hit the crossbar after capitalizing on an error by Redmond, while substitute Aramide Jay Oteh forced Thomas into another fine save. Clarke again came close with a header, offering constant threats to the TNS defense.

In a dramatic sequence, TNS nearly regained the lead when Redmond’s header struck the crossbar, but Philip Mooney cleared Ben Clark’s follow-up volley off the line.

The decisive goal came on 82 minutes when Clarke lobbed a ball over TNS’s defense to Louis Lloyd, who finished with a calm left-footed shot past Roberts. TNS pressed persistently in the final minutes, but Caernarfon’s defense, combined with Thomas’ impressive saves, ensured the historic victory.”