TNS get back into the winning groove
The New Saints rediscovered the winning habit in the Welsh Premier League after two draws with a 3-1 victory over Port Talbot at Park Hall.
The Steelmen have a dismal record against the Saints, having lost their last 11 meetings with the defending champions who have scored 48 goals in the process and conceded just six.
And they never looked likely to buck the trend, as TNS held the upper hand to seal a timely victory that lifted themselves back up to second spot, one point behind leaders Newtown.
A headed goal from Aeron Edwards separated the sides at half-time.
Chris Marriott and Mike Wilde gave the home side a three goal cushion soon after the break before former TNS winger Chris Jones pulled one back.
The Steelmen did have the first real chance midway through the first-half, the ball falling for forward Kaid Mohamed who scuffed his shot wide, after finding himself free on the edge of the box.
But the Saints were ahead on 26 minutes. when Edwards provided a well-placed header to beat goalkeeper Steve Cann into the top left hand corner.
The visitors scented an equaliser, but Matthew Long could only fire past the post from just inside the box after TNS had failed to defend a corner.
Edwards was again in the thick of the action for the home side with his terrific volley rattling the post just before half time.
The Steelmen were still in the hunt at the break, but TNS gave themselves a two goal cushion five minutes into the second period.
Marriott planted a superb free kick into the top corner from the edge of the box.
The points were effectively settled three minutes later, when Scott Quigley produced some sterling work wide out before crossing for Wilde to head home.
The visitors did give themselves a glimmer of hope inside the hour when ex-Saint Chris Jones scored direct from a corner.
But the Saints had further chances, going close to a fourth when Quigley's low drive struck the post and bounced out.
Skipper Paul Harrison was required to make a smart save to keep out John Hood's header with 10 minutes to go, ensuring Port Talbot did not close the gap any more.
But the Saints were worthy winners, content with their efforts as they got back to winning ways while sounding a warning to the rest of the league that they still mean business.
They will also launch their defence of the Word Cup with a home tie against Cymru Alliance side Holywell Town in the second round, the tie scheduled for September 29.
