By Matthew Burgess
The New Saints were handed a rare defeat after Scottish Championship side Dundee pounced on two second half opportunities in quick succession on route to a comfortable 3-0 win at Park Hall.
Craig Harrison’s side found themselves on the back foot in the opening exchanges before settling in a goalless first half.
Dundee were relegated from the Scottish Premiership last season and their quality told after the restart as they punished the Saints slow start to the second period.
Cillian Sheridan and Lyall Cameron struck three minutes apart before Max Anderson added a third to bring the Cymru Premier champions run in the Scottish Challenge Cup to a premature end.
“To come out in the second half and within six-seven minutes be 2-0 down, psychologically it’s a blow,” said Saints boss Harrison.
“It knocked the stuffing out of them, Dundee started really well in the first-half but after 10-15 minutes, we got to grips with it, got our foot in the game and were giving it as good as we got and kept up possession.
“We had a couple of opportunities but at 2-0 it was always going to be a mountain to climb if we didn’t get one within 10 minutes.
“We love this competition and I think all the Welsh clubs that have been involved love it.
“It’s something that we’re very disappointed to have been knocked out of and we just want to make sure we get back into it next season.”
O’SHAUGHNESSY PAYS PRICE AT WINLESS WINGMAKERS
In the Cymru Premier, Airbus UK were denied their first win of the season after Matthew Jones’ deceiving free-kick rescued a point in added time for Newtown in a thrilling 4-4 draw.
The result would prove costly to Airbus boss Steve O’Shaughnessy. A statement on Saturday morning confirmed the club had parted ways their manager, ending an almost six-year tenure.
Club Statement – Steve O'Shaughnessy. https://t.co/0kayzB59X0#TheWingmakers ✈️
— Airbus UK Broughton (@airbusukfc) September 24, 2022
Airbus had only previously managed three league goals since returning to the top-flight but Owen Payne’s thunderous half-volley cancelled out Aaron Williams’ early opener on what would prove to be an eventful night.
Steve Tomassen put the Wingmakers in front but Williams restored parity for the Robins, with his seventh in as many games, on the stroke of half-time.
Newtown regained a short-lived lead in the second half through Nick Rushton before Mamudo Dabo quickly replied.
Airbus took a 4-3 lead in spectacular fashion as Jake Phillips’ free-kick fizzed into the bottom corner.
But in the 89th minute, former Aberystwyth-man Jones’s delivery sailed straight into the net, deceiving Airbus stopper Louis Dutton on its way.
The result leaves the Broughton side rock-bottom of the table with the club confirming assistant manager Mark Allen and first-team coach Jamie Crowther will take charge for the next two matches.
Aberystwyth sit immediately above Airbus in 11th after falling to a 3-1 defeat at Penybont, who climb into second spot.
Cardiff Met will move level on points with Aber if they can win at Bala Town this afternoon.
Elsewhere, Connah’s Quay entertain Pontypridd United and Haverfordwest County host Flint Town United with Tony Pennock’s side looking to avoid a fourth-straight defeat.
Featured image courtesy of The New Saints/Brian Jones