The New Saints end Cymru Premier's first phase on top of the pile

Craig Harrison’s side completed their first phase fixtures ahead of the mid-season league split with a 2-0 victory at Cardiff Metropolitan University on Tuesday night.

Penybont maintained their strong challenge with a 2-1 win at the same time under the lights at Newtown to leave just a single point between the league’s top two clubs.

“I was reasonably happy with it - we controlled the game,” said TNS head coach Harrison, reflecting on his team’s midweek victory in the Welsh capital. “Take away 10 minutes in the second half, we got a little bit sloppy, but apart from that I thought we controlled the game.

“We kept really good possession, lots of possession, lots of territory and it was one of our better games for controlling games overall.

“We maybe didn’t create as many opportunities as we’d like to with the passing and the control of the game, but, yes, I think we were pretty comfortable all the way through.”

Saints moved ahead in the 39th minute at Cyncoed Campus, with Aramide Oteh converting a penalty awarded following a challenge on Ben Clark.

The Park Hall side, winners in their last five league games, doubled their advantage against their fifth-placed hosts in the closing stages as substitute Rory Holden flicked home a header at the near post from a Sion Bradley corner.

Saints are now waiting for their 10 JD Cymru Premier Championship Conference fixtures to be announced ahead of phase two of the league season getting under way.

TNS have won 17 and lost five of their 22 league games this season.