Canaries pay high price for red card

CAERNARFON Town paid a huge price for losing Steve Evans to a first-half red as they slumped to a 2-0 home defeat to Newtown.

The Canaries were hoping to gain a measure of revenge for their defeat in last season’s play-off final.

But when the ex-Wales international defender brought down the flying wing Lifumpa Mwandwe in the 34th minute just outside the box as he was through on goal, the referee had no choice other than to brandish a red and Caernarfon’s momentum was totally disrupted.

Back on the field after losing his role as assistant manager at former club The New Saints last season, the 42-year-old Evans could only sit and watch as second half goals from Jordan Evans in the 52nd minute and Aaron Williams in the 84th earned Newtown their first win of the season.

Bala Town were held to their third consecutive draw to start the season, a scoreless affair at home to Cardiff Met.

Reigning champions Connah’s Quay Nomads became the first side to blink in the race for the JD Cymru Premier League title as they dropped points at Penybont.

Returning to the ground where they lifted the trophy at the end of last season, they could only draw 1-1 while

Flint Town United and The New Saints extended their 100 per cent records.

“We missed a trick to get three more points. We dominated the game, but the honesty and hard work of the Penybont side was there for all to see,” said Nomads boss Andy Morrison.

“Our quality wasn’t good enough and I’m really frustrated that the ball went into our net as easily as it did.”

Penybont took the lead through Lewis Harling after 21 minutes and new boy Byron Harrison responded with a goal on his Nomads debut just before the break.

Morrison was hit with injuries and COVID once again and will be happier when Harrison is up to full speed and fitness.

“I have seen how good he is and he can definitely give us a platform.

“He hasn’t played much because of the pandemic and he needs to get fitter,” said Morrison.

Flint Town United’s sensational start to the season continued as they made it three from three with a 1-0 home win over Aberystwyth Town.

If it wasn’t as free flowing as their previous two wins, in which they scored nine goals, the performance still did the job with Alex Jones proving the hero as he made the most of a chance presented to him by Jake Phillips.

The one chance the home side needed to stay at the top of the table came in the fourth minute of added time, but Jones was on hand to make it count.

Jordan Williams made sure The New Saints didn’t slip up again at Haverfordwest County as he scored the goal that earned the north Walians a 1-0 win to maintain their unbeaten record.

Their 2-1 defeat in Pembrokeshire last season virtually put an end to their title hopes, but now they are keeping pace with the early leaders and giving themselves every chance of stopping archrivals Connah’s Quay Nomads from making it three championships in a row.

Kaye McLaggon got off the mark for Barry Town United with two in a 4-1 win over Cefn Druids.