Normal Cymru Premier service resumed as Saints go six points clear at top

After a difficult few months for Craig Harrison and his side - following their European exits at the first hurdle in both the Champions League and the Europa League, the domestic campaign began in a slow fashion.

They suffered a shock defeat to last season's relegation strugglers Briton Ferry in what was their biggest defeat on home soil for some time.

But the multiple title winners have picked up form and their 4-0 victory over Barry Town United on Saturday was their seventh win on the spin and they sit three points ahead of Penybont, who they face this weekend following a midweek clash with Caernarfon Town.

On the back of last season's European exploits - the Saints came in for criticism on the back of their disappointing exits this summer and their slow start to the season.

But manager Craig Harrison has challenged his players to forget about external noise and keep raising their standards - after their latest victory.

He said: "People want to be competitive and it is a competitive game, I understand that people want us to lose but I have been here a long time, since November 2011.

"I know the expectation of managing and coaching here, I am used to it.

"We have to accept that and understand it and try and do better and not worry about external things that are going on, concentrate on ourselves to be better every day in training.

"That is what the demands are and the demands I put on the players and there is no excuse for that."

In their latest outing they put four without reply past Barry in what turned out to be a comfortable victory.

TNS took the lead in the 20th minute as Ryan Brobbel’s inviting cross from the left was headed home by Jack Bodenham.

They doubled their advantage early in the second half when Ken Charles, set up by Ben Clark, finished well.

The hosts continued to create chances and added to their lead in the 75th minute, Clark following up to score from close range after Barry goalkeeper George Ratcliffe had initially saved from Jefferies.

On loan Cardiff City forward Jefferies, who impressed as a substitute, completed the scoring eight minutes from time when he turned well before drilling a shot high into the net.

Saints man of the match Dan Williams, who put in a string of impressive displays in the European campaign last season said: “I thought we played well.

"I don’t think we started too well, but then I feel like we grew into the game.

“First half, we created quite good chances, maybe unlucky to go in one up, maybe it could have been a couple more.

“But then second half we scored a couple more and they got tired, and I feel like we capitalised.”

He also praised the impact of striker Jefferies, who joined the Saints on loan earlier this season, having been handed his senior debut for the Bluebirds in the Carabao Cup.

Williams said: "He’s been really good, refreshing. I feel like he’s done well every time he’s played and I’m sure he’s enjoying it, coming in to first-team football and scoring goals.”

Elsewhere, a former TNS keeper who announced his retirement from full time football back in the summer is continuing to impress in Wales' top division.

Connor Roberts stepped away from professional football back in May following struggles with mental health - but continues to play part time for Caernarfon Town.

Currently the Cofis are sitting third in the table having won six of their eleven games so far - and are six pointers behind the leaders.