The Saints’ title aspirations suffered a setback after dropping priceless Welsh Premier points as lowly Newtown upset the formbook with a plucky display at Latham Park.

Newtown have enjoyed scant reward against the defending champions in the past, having not scored in their previous six home meetings.

But they showed a new-found confidence to take a two-goal lead in the first half hour through newcomers Sean Highdale and Steve Jones as the management duo of Andy Cale and Lee Williams scented a famous win against the club they left last season.

Liverpool loanee Highdale slotted his first goal for the club following a right wing corner after eight minutes while Jones, a capture from AFC Liverpool, cut in before steering his shot inside the near post following a breakaway.

The title chasers were spurred into action following their slow start, and reduced the arrears when Matty Williams bagged his 15th league goal of the campaign with a fine strike from 25 yards.

After the break, they pushed forward with increasing urgency, Chris Sharp rattling the bar while John McKenna fired over the angle.

And they thought they had levelled on 70 minutes when a Williams shot appeared to cross the line after keeper Dave Roberts had saved before being cleared to safety.

However, they were not to be denied 12 minutes from time, Aeron Edwards reacting to fire into the net after an effort from Tommy Holmes had rebounded off the bar. The midfielder was subsequently stretchered off after picking up an injury while scoring.

TNS stormed forward, Scott Ruscoe almost snatching a winner against his former club, but Newtown held firm for a deserved draw that points to brighter times ahead.

Despite sharing the spoils, the Robins remain in the basement zone, while TNS now trail leaders Bangor City by six points.