| TNS boss tight-lipped on Sharp dismissal |
| Monday 30 August 2010 |
 MANAGER Mike Davies was tight-lipped on the dismissal of striker Chris Sharp as 10-man The New Saints beat Bala Town 2-1 at Park Hall. "I've got my own views, we'll take a look at it and I'm a bit disappointed for the lad really," said Davies after referee Matt Bridges had red-carded the striker for foul and abusive language. Instead, Davies praised midfielder Alex Darlington, who notched the late winner after replacing eye injury victim Matty Williams in the first-half. "I'm just pleased for Darlo to get the goal because he's been very patient, Matty's done well so far, but Darlo's had his chance, come on and taken it," he said. "We knew it was going to be tough, Bala are a good team, they've got off to a poor start by their standards, so we knew they were going to come at us today and make it difficult for us," he continued. "Coming back from the European adventure it was always a worry at the back of my mind just to make sure the lads were up for it. "I think they were up for it, but we were just sloppy, we conceded a silly free-kick that's resulted in a corner and they've got the goal from it. "We were comfortable with 10 men, we played five or 10 minutes in the first half when Matty went off, we keep the ball well and make it difficult for the opposition to get the ball back. "Credit to our lads, I thought it was a very professional performance and they can be proud of that," added Davies. The Saints prevailed despite also losing Williams and Phil Baker with injuries and now head for Stebonheath Park next weekend for a live TV showdown with Llanelli, who are languishing fourth from bottom after a 2-0 defeat at Bangor City. But manager Andy Legg is defiant, saying: “We will get it right, have no fear about that. "First half we just didn’t turn up, but our performance after the break was a bit more respectable. "The lads rolled their sleeves up second half after a few words were spoken and we could have scored three or four goals, but we didn’t take our chances. "But the opening 45 minutes were very disappointing. We are very thin on the ground and need extra bodies. Changes will be made and we will move forward." Opponents City head the table with a 100 percent record after three games to the delight of manager Nev Powell. "To win at home to Neath and Llanelli and come away from Bala with three points is a great effort by the lads," he said. "Our European campaign has certainly helped us. The team spirit is excellent, but we won’t get carried away after just three matches." Photo: Alex Darlington celebrates the TNS winner [Phil Blagg]. |