The New Saints 2 GAP Connah's Quay 0 - match report

Despite their domination, the Saints had just a Chris Seargeant penalty to show for their efforts before striker Wilde headed home the second 15 minutes from time to wrap up victory.

GAP had arrived in Oswestry on the back of an unbeaten month that had eased their basement fears, but were mindful of their abysmal record against TNS that had brought just one victory in their last 15 visits.

And, despite their resolve, they again returned home empty-handed as the league leaders held sway to tighten their grip at the top of the table.

Unbeaten at home in two years and flying high at the top of table, the Saints were soon up and running as they pushed their visitors back right from the kick off.

Winger Adrian Cieslewicz and Sam Finley both put early efforts over the bar, Seargeant also drove a free-kick over, while visiting goalkeeper Terry McCormick pulled off a terrific save from Finley's curling strike.

Despite being met by some stoic defence, TNS made the breakthrough in the 24th minute when awarded a debatable penalty after Jamie Mullan was ruled to have been brought down, and Seargeant stepped up to coolly steer the spot kick into the corner.

Struggled

Quay struggled to get out of their own half, with few chances of note, as the defending champions pushed forward with slick movement and passing.

Aeron Edwards put an effort over the bar for the Saints as the hosts continued to dominate while Seargeant went close to his second goal of the night when shooting wide from Finley's incisive pass.

GAP were struggling to get a foothold in the game, and were clearly missing defender Steve Evans, on loan from TNS, who was unable to feature against his own club.

The Saints finished the half with a flurry of corners, and carried on in similar vein early in the second period with the woodwork coming to GAP's rescue from one flag-kick.

They continued to dominate possession, but had just the one goal to show for their efforts as their visitors defended with spirit.

But the second strike duly arrived when Wilde met Chris Marriott's inviting cross to head home in the 75th minute and effectively seal the win.