Eardley sorry for ‘criminal’ goal giveaway

CAERNARFON Town visit Welsh Premier League champions The New Saints this Friday knowing they will have to defend much better than they managed in last weekend’s 4-3 defeat at Carmarthen if they are to gain any reward.

The Canaries lost 3-0 at home to TNS earlier this season despite putting in a fine performance.

Another top-class display will be needed to trouble the title holders, who themselves are under a little pressure after losing at Aberystwyth last weekend and being knocked off the summit by Connah’s Quay.

Town manager Sean Eardley was hugely disappointed to come away with nothing from Carmarthen.

“We’ve had a chat about each goal we conceded and they’re criminal,” said Eardley after the game.

“It’s painful, it hurts. The goals we conceded I can only apologise to our fantastic support.

“We’ve got to be better, we’ve got to stop being naive and we’ve got to start rolling our sleeves up.

“To score three away from home and not come away with something is disappointing.”

Caernarfon took the lead through a 10th minute free kick from the returning Nathan Craig, which Old Gold keeper Lee Idzi fumbled into the net.

The lead lasted just eight minutes, as Liam Thomas headed in from close range.

Town responded positively but the hosts weathered the pressure and, on the stroke of half time, Thomas made it 2-1 with a sharp finish.

Carmarthen began the second period well and Declan Parry gave Alex Ramsay little chance with a 20-yard screamer.

On 67 minutes, Craig reduced the deficit from the penalty spot after Rhys Roberts was upended.

The yellow and greens pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

But a Carmarthen counter enabled Luke Bowen to make it 4-2 far too easily.

Caernarfon rallied for a third time and a second Craig netfinder from the spot on 88 minutes gave the Cofis hope.

Eardley’s men pressed upfield in search of a leveller, but Craig’s goalbound free kick from 20 yards was deflected wide of the target.