TNS take top spot with home win
Second-half strikes from Chris Seargeant and Greg Draper took The New Saints top of the Welsh Premier with a 2-0 victory over Carmarthen Town at Park Hall.
Midfielder Seargeant broke the deadlock with a penalty three minutes into the second half, putting the Saints on course for the three points that lifted them above previous leaders Bala Town on goal difference.
Carmarthen battled hard, but their hopes faded once they had substitute Sacha Walters red carded 15 minutes from time.
Striker Draper then marked his place in the TNS starting line-up with a fine strike moments later to seal the points.
After the kick-off was delayed due to traffic problems, the defending champions looked to make up for lost time as Scott Quigley powered a shot against the bar and Carmarthen defender Dwaine Bailey then put his clearance against the woodwork.
TNS made most of the running as Quigley put another effort over the top, Seargeant fired a free-kick over, and defender Phil Baker was also off target with a couple of efforts.
Mike Wilde then headed wide and winger Adrian Cieslewicz fired just over the bar following a fine run.
After the break, the Saints got their noses in front when a challenge in the box saw Seargeant make the breakthrough from the penalty spot.
Carmarthen's hops of retrieving the game faded after having Walters red-carded and there was no way back once Draper fired a second.
TNS went close to a third when Quigley hit the post, while sub Ryan Edwards curled another effort over.
Newtown suffered back-to back home defeats after slumping 3-0 to Airbus UK, who led at half time with a brace from ex-AFC Telford striker Tony Gray. Matty McGinn sealed the win on 76 minutes.
It was a frustrating night for Wrexham last night as they were unable to make the most of their chances in an entertaining goalless Conference Premier draw against Grimsby.
Gary Mills saw his side dominate large parts of the game although for once the home supporters were given no goals to celebrate.
Dominic Vose was once again orchestrating things for Wrexham and Connor Jennings and James Gray both went close.
In the end though there was no breakthrough for either side and they finished with a point apiece.
It was the first points dropped at home by Wrexham this season – but also the first time an opponent had stopped Grimsby from scoring on their travels since last August.
