| Clash of the full-timers beats the freeze |
| Saturday 04 February 2012 |
 SATURDAY'S clash of the full-timers, The New Saints and Neath, has beaten the freeze as the second phase of Welsh Premier fixtures gets under way. Obliteration of almost the entire programme calls into question the decision to introduce a mid-season break, with six League Cup and League matches falling to the weather in the past five days. However, the Eagles have been one of the clubs least affected by inaction, playing catch-up on their League programme during January, but the Saints have played just one game - a Welsh Cup tie last weekend - since January 2. Newly-confirmed in the manager's seat at The Gnoll, Kristian O'Leary is in charge of a Neath side that can boast an 11-match unbeaten run, culminating in a 3-1 Welsh Cup win at Flint Town United last weekend. Park Hall's artificial pitch has beaten the frost in the Borders and O'Leary says: "I have to admit I am not a great fan of the surface, but at least we look like being guaranteed to play even with frost. "It's a disadvantage to visiting teams, but Saints are similarly disadvantaged playing away on grass, so perhaps it evens itself out." The earlier meeting between the sides in Oswestry ended with a convincing 3-0 win for the Saints, when Neath had defender Kai Edwards red-carded, but O'Leary is convinced his side are now a much stronger unit. "We were naive then, but we have learned a lot since, but we were also handicapped by injuries and a sending off," he added. "I'm happy with what I've got, the lads are working hard and enjoying their football. "The next three months are crucial and Europe is our target, but so it is for the top six and the bottom six, so it's all to play for with little margin for error." O'Leary is without suspended midfielder Matty Collins in an otherwise full-strength squad, while TNS management duo Craig Harrison and Carl Darlington have Matty Williams and Chris Williams both sidelined with injury. MATCHES POSTPONED: Bala Town v Llanelli AFC Bangor City v Prestatyn Town Newtown AFC v Carmarthen Town Photo: Steve Evans opened the scoring when TNS beat Neath in September. |