Spender priceless with TNS' late leveller

Unbeaten in their previous 23 outings, the Saints faced a real battle after a Neil Mitchell penalty and a deflected cross from Luke Boundford.

But the visitors showed their champion credentials as they rallied in the second half, with Chris Marriott pulling one back straight from a corner before right-back Spender levelled seven minutes from time.

It was another league draw, their eighth in all this season, and third in a row, but Saints boss Craig Harrison would have been relieved that his side's unbeaten record remained intact following an entertaining tussle.

The Saints certainly deserved something for their efforts, twice hitting the woodwork while being frustrated by a terrific goalkeeping display from home shot-stopper Dave Jones.

The defending champions started well, with Ryan Edwards sending an early curling shot against the post after a crossfield ball from Kai Edwards was flicked on by Adrian Cieslewicz.

But it was the Robins who got their noses in front on 16 minutes when Sean Evans' cross was deflected onto the hand of defender Phil Baker.

Referee Huw Jones pointed to the spot, Mitchell duly converting his second penalty in as many games.

TNS were almost level as Marriott's cross was deflected onto the post, but Newtown were up for the fight.

Jason Oswell glanced a header just wide before going close again when Jamie Price also pulled a shot past the post.

However, a second goal arrived in somewhat fortuitous fashion on 28 minutes, when Boundford's cross from the right looped over Saints goalkeeper Paul Harrison helped by a deflection off Marriott.

Despite the scoreline, TNS were creating several chances at the other end, with Aeron Edwards and Chris Seargeant seeing goalbound strikes met by terrific saves from Jones.

Newtown had a chance to net a killer third goal just before half-time but Oswell could only volley straight at keeper Harrison when put free in the box by Price's cross.

The Saints, chasing a 10th crown this term, showed their worth as they emerged with purpose in the second half, with Jamie Mullan denied by a timely intervention from Evans.

Polish winger Cieslewicz then saw his curling effort tipped away by Jones who also foiled Mullan while Cieslewicz dragged a shot wide as the pressure on the home goal mounted.

Jones again came to the rescue again as he flung himself to his right to deny Edwards before Marriott's cross saw Baker's header well saved by the goalkeeper.

Oswell could have made it safe for the Robins but fired over, before TNS revived their hopes 13 minutes later.

Marriott's in-swinging corner drifted into the far corner of the net, despite appeals from the home side that goalkeeper Jones had been impeded.

Spurred by the goal, the Saints grabbed a deserved equaliser on 83 minutes when Mullan crossed from the byline before pulling back for Spender to sweep the ball home off the post.

Despite another draw, TNS are now 10 points clear of second-placed Llandudno, who have a game in hand.