Head coach Andy Cale was more than happy with his side’s efforts as the Saints maintained their winning start to the Welsh Premier courtesy of goals at the end of each half, writes JOHN BRIDGWATER.

The hosts overcame potentially tricky opposition in assured fashion, and the scoreline could have been far more emphatic had they not spurned a host of good chances.

“I felt we dominated the game, and we had three or four good chances to have won by a few more,” said Cale. “Carmarthen are a good side who made us work hard but I was pleased with the way we stuck at it.”

Midfielder Jamie Wood made the breakthrough on the stroke of the interval, before substitute Aeron Edwards sealed a thoroughly deserved victory in injury time.

Wood, who earlier hit the upright, finally broke the deadlock on 44 minutes when firing low past keeper Neil Thomas from the edge of the box after a probing run by right back Danny Holmes.

That apart, TNS were wasteful in front of goal with Matthew Berkeley twice firing over while Craig Williams had an effort saved and Craig Jones was also off target.

Carmarthen were limited to long-range efforts, but they stayed in the hunt until the last minute before sub Edwards – who also had an effort ruled out for handball – wrapped up the points with a fine angled strike into the top of the net from the right edge of the box.

*Elements Cefn Druids are still looking for their first  Premier points after losing 3-1 at Gap Connah’s Quay.

The young Ancients had made a good start, taking the lead with an own goal from former Welshpool defender Paul Dowridge, but the Deesiders hit back to level at the break through Chris Herbert. Sam McNutt and Andy Olsen sealed victory in the second period.

“We looked bright for the first half an hour, were gifted an own goal, but once we went behind we lacked any belief or confidence that we could get back into the game,” said joint boss Waynne Phillips.