TNS' search for a win goes on at Rhyl
The New Saints were again left frustrated as they dropped more Welsh Premier League points after drawing a blank at Rhyl for the second consecutive season.
After their 1-1 home draw with Llandudno the week before, the Saints were looking to rediscover the winning habit at Belle Vue.
But the defending champions struggled to shake off the shackles as a hugely competitive midfield battle ended with honours even.
The Saints began well and dominated the early possession, but Rhyl almost took a 15th-minute lead.
Tom Donegan's long-range shot nearly caught Paul Harrison off his line, but the TNS goalkeeper did well to tip the ball over the bar.
Greg Stones then headed over the bar after TNS had failed to clear while, at the other end, Aeron Edwards was also off target with a headed opportunity.
Both sides continued to struggle to break each other down, Edwards going closest to ending the stalemate when drilling his powerful low drive just wide of the post.
In a bid to break the deadlock, Saints substitutes Matty Williams and Greg Draper were summoned into action.
But it was Chris Seargeant who went closest for the visitors, when his powerful strike whistled past the post.
Midfielder Seargeant also steered a free-kick over the bar, while Rhyl almost got their noses in front.
Substitute Aaron Rey latched onto a defensive mistake only to be denied by a terrific save from the advancing Harrison.
The Saints continued to push forward in search of a winner, Draper nodding just wide of the far post as the encounter headed towards its goalless conclusion.
The stalemate saw Craig Harrison's men slip to third in the standings, four points adrift of early leaders Newtown who have won all three games.
Despite still being unbeaten, it has been a frustrating start for the title favourites who will be chasing a maximum haul of points at home to Port Talbot on Saturday.
