The New Saints extended their winning run in the Cymru Premier to five games with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Caernarfon Town on Bank Holiday Monday. Danny Davies scored the decisive goal 15 minutes from time at The Oval to secure the three points in a match that swung back and forth.
Craig Harrison's side, who finished the 2025 season as champions with 80 points from 32 games, are currently second in the table. Their recent form of five straight wins builds on the momentum from last season's dominant campaign, where they finished 22 points clear at the top. The Saints will look to continue this form when they host GAP Connah S Quay FC, who are second, at Park Hall on October 31st.
Ben Wilson opened the scoring for The New Saints in the 14th minute, finishing from a low cross delivered by Dan Williams from the right flank. Rhys Hughes then doubled the advantage for the visitors during the first half, putting them in a commanding position. However, Caernarfon Town fought back just before the interval. Osian Evans found the net from a Zack Clarke cross to make it 2-1 at halftime.
The home side's comeback was completed early in the second half when former Saints winger Adrian Cieslewicz, who spent 12 years at Park Hall, scored from another Clarke delivery. The game seemed to be heading for a draw until defender Danny Davies popped up to score the winning goal, securing a vital three points for the Saints.
Manager Craig Harrison selected a strong starting eleven for this key away fixture. The lineup included goalkeeper Shepperd, with a defensive line of Davies, Bodenham, Simeu, and Redmond, who was later replaced by Nolan. The midfield featured Dan Williams, Josh Lock, and Corness, with Hughes and Wilson supporting forward Jefferies. Substitutes Holden, Young, and J. Williams all entered the fray, while Brobbel, Clarke-Phillips, and Jenkins remained unused on the bench.
This depth will be tested as the season progresses, and fans can track player involvement through our squad listings. The victory keeps the pressure on league leaders Barry Town United, who have won all six of their matches so far this season.
This result is more than just another three points. It extends a positive run of form at a critical early stage of the season. The Saints' attack, which scored 81 goals last term, was again on show, though they also conceded twice. Maintaining a solid defensive record will be important as they chase the leaders.
The win sets up a massive clash this Saturday at Park Hall, where The New Saints will host the unbeaten league leaders, Barry Town United. That 5.15pm kickoff represents a direct opportunity to close the gap at the summit. The current league standings show a tight race developing behind the top two.
While Danny Davies grabbed the headlines with his late winner, the contributions across the pitch were vital. Ben Wilson's early goal settled nerves, and Rhys Hughes' strike provided what seemed a comfortable cushion. In midfield, Josh Lock worked tirelessly, and Dan Williams provided the assist for the opener.
For Caernarfon, the threat came from wide areas, with Zack Clarke creating both goals for his side. The return of Adrian Cieslewicz to haunt his former club added a compelling narrative to the contest. The Saints' ability to grind out a result despite losing a two-goal lead shows a resilience that served them well during last season's title win. Their next home game is against GAP Connah S Quay FC on October 31st.
