The New Saints get back on track

A second-half goal from Jordan Williams proved decisive as The New Saints, six points clear at the top of the Cymru Premier, quickly returned to winning ways.

Williams struck seven minutes into the second half to secure a 1-0 victory for Saints at Llandudno on Friday night.

Having seen their run of 14 wins in a row in all competitions ended by a goalless draw against Connah's Quay Nomads in their previous game, Saints wasted no time to recapture that winning feeling - but head coach Craig Harrison felt his side should have taken more of their chances.

"It should have been a lot more comfortable than it was,” said Harrison. "It’s not often I'm very critical about things publicly, but we can't come in at half time 0-0.

"The standards, the professionalism, the ruthlessness of the finishing, we've had six or seven great opportunities, completely dominated the first half, massively dominated.

"I think we've had 12 shots at goal and we've not scored a goal, so from that point of view, we can't just come here and keep a clean sheet. Obviously we did, we won 1-0, and it was an ugly, scruffy goal.

"But the opportunities we created, I think we've had 19 shots at their goal throughout the whole 90 odd minutes and we've scored one scruffy goal.

"The standards that we've set and not just the forwards, everyone, because we've had set-play opportunities, needs to be better and it's something that I'll be drilling into the lads this week."

Saints had much the better of a goalless first half on the North Wales coast as they pushed for a breakthrough.

Danny Davies went close when his header was cleared off the line by Marc Williams while efforts from Dynel Simeu, Williams and Josh Lock were off target.

Llandudno goalkeeper Shaun Pearson also produced some good saves as TNS continued to threaten.

Williams scored the only goal of the game in the 52nd minute, reacting quickest to score after his initial effort had been blocked, with a good run forward from Eoin Farrell helping to create the opportunity.

Isaac Jefferies and Lock then went close to adding their names to the scoresheet as TNS continued to create chances.

TNS turn their focus to the FAW Welsh Cup next with a third round tie at home to Briton Ferry Llansawel on Friday night (7.45pm).