The Saints extended their lead at the top of the Corbett Sports Welsh Premier to three points after avenging an early season defeat at the hands of the Steelmen.

The final margin, however, was far closer than it should have been after the Saints had dominated throughout, with forward Greg Draper the main culprit in front of goal with a string of early missed chances.

Despite Draper’s off-day in front of goal, Saints director of football Mike Davies hailed the New Zealand striker’s contribution.

“The first half hour was our best performance for some time and we could have been five or six up at half time,” he said.

‘We had a lot of good chances, most of them fell to Greg, but he deserves a lot of credit for his performance. The only thing missing was a goal, and he again showed he’s a different class with his all round game.”

Despite the hosts’ domination, Craig Jones’ solo effort on 12 minutes was all that separated the sides at the break before Scott Ruscoe added a second on the hour with a sweet 16-yarder after good work by Draper.

Paul Cochlin revived the visitors with a 73rd minute reply when heading in a Lee John free kick, but Alex Darlington then restored the two goal cushion after more persistent work from Draper.

Young substitute Oliver Brown netted first senior goal for Port Talbot in injury time to make the final scoreline closer than it should have been.

The Saints should have been out of sight long before but, without the injured striker Matty Williams, they spurned a hatful of chances.

Draper should have helped himself to at least a hat-trick in the first period, twice denied in one-on-ones with keeper Bartek Fogler, who then saved three more efforts in quick succession from the Kiwi frontman.

By JOHN BRIDGWATER