Jamie Mullan wings in with TNS winner

Just 10 minutes after appearing as a second half substitute, wide man Mullan finally broke the deadlock in the 68th minute when drilling a low shot through a crowd of players and into the net.

The Saints have now won their last six visits to GenQuip Stadium, but it was tough going in a scrappy encounter of few chances, although Alex Darlington also crashed a volley against the post.

Victory stretched the leaders' unbeaten run to 19 games in all competitions this season, 16 of those in the league, and further tightened their grip on the Welsh Premier title chase.

TNS were well worth the victory, but were made to work hard by the Steelmen who are a far stronger defensive unit these days following the arrival of former Swansea City defender Alan Tate.

Port Talbot finished with 10 men after having Kurtis March sent off four minutes from time for his second booking, while TNS keeper Paul Harrison was called into an important save late on to ensure his side returned with the points.

Chances were in short supply in a dour first half, Chris Seargeant driving a free-kick straight at keeper Steven Cann, while also failing to capitalise with another free-kick in a dangerous position.

The second half continued in similar vein, although Saints defender Kai Edwards was forced to clear a dangerous situation following a good spell by the home side.

However, it was the defending champions who looked the more threatening, and went close to an opening goal when Darlington rattled the post with a terrific volley.

It was Darlington's replacement Mullan who finally found a way through, while the Saints went close to a second when Tate cleared a dangerous cross from sub Scott Quigley in the latter stages,

Meanwhile, the New Saints have loaned new signing Robbie Parry to Welsh Premier rivals Gap Connah's Quay just a month after the midfielder arrived at the club.

The 21-year-old Welshman spent time at Wolves before becoming a member of the Under-21 side at Stoke City and has made three substitute appearances for TNS in the Welsh Premier.