Caernarfon Town were edged out 3-2 by The New Saints in a dramatic Cymru Premier clash on Bank Holiday Monday. The champions secured a fifth consecutive league win with a late goal, as reported by the Shropshire Star.
This result comes as Caernarfon look to build on a fourth-place finish in the final 2025 Cymru Premier table, where they amassed 45 points from 32 games. Their next challenge is an away trip to face Airbus UK on October 30th, a fixture you can find on our fixtures page.
How did the match unfold?
The New Saints took the lead in the 14th minute. A good move down the right ended with Dan Williams delivering a low cross which Ben Wilson converted at the far post. Wilson later described the goal, saying, "Saints took a 14th minute lead as a good move ended with Dan Williams delivering an inviting low cross from the right which was converted from close range by Wilson at the far post."
Rhys Hughes then doubled the lead with a well-struck shot from outside the area that found the bottom corner. He had gone close earlier, with his effort well saved by former TNS goalkeeper Connor Roberts. Hughes noted, "Hughes went close for the visitors shortly afterwards when his well-struck shot was well saved by former TNS goalkeeper Connor Roberts."
Caernarfon Town fought back before the break. Zack Clarke did well on the right and supplied a low cross which Osian Evans flicked home to make it 2-1. The comeback was completed early in the second half when Adrian Cieslewicz, who spent 12 years at TNS's Park Hall, found the net to level the scores.
Who scored the decisive goal?
Danny Davies secured all three points for The New Saints with just 15 minutes remaining. Cutting in from the right flank, he drove a low shot that found the bottom corner via the far post. This winner maintained TNS's perfect start and extended their commanding position at the top of the table, a full 35 points ahead of Caernarfon's final 2025 standing.
The TNS lineup featured Shepperd, Davies, Bodenham, Simeu, Redmond, D. Williams, Corness, Lock, Hughes, Wilson, and Jefferies. Caernarfon's side included goalkeeper Connor Roberts. The champions next host leaders Barry Town United at Park Hall on Saturday.
What is Caernarfon's recent form?
Finishing fourth last season with a record of 12 wins, 9 draws, and 11 losses, Caernarfon Town demonstrated they can compete at the top end of the Cymru Premier. Their attacking prowess was clear, scoring 56 goals across the campaign, though they conceded 47 for a +9 goal difference. You can review the full league table on our standings page.
This narrow defeat to the dominant champions shows the fine margins at play. The team's ability to fight back from two goals down against TNS will provide confidence. Their next match away at Airbus UK on October 30th is a key opportunity to return to winning ways and build momentum for the new season.
