Greg Draper nets a hat-trick in TNS rout

The defending champions were in unstoppable form against the Robins, with Draper netting twice in the first half on 33 and 35 minutes.

It came after Adrian Cieslewicz had opened the scoring with a terrific solo run in the 24th minute.

Draper completed his treble on 65 minutes, before sub Mike Wilde and Kai Edwards also found the net to seal a commanding win.

That will put the Saints in good heart for when the two sides meet again in the Welsh Cup quarter-finals early next month at Park Hall.

Despite a modest return of seven points from their previous six league outings, the Saints were firing on all cylinders as they returned to winning ways in relentless fashion on a day to forget for Newtown.

And TNS boss Craig Harrison could not have asked for any more from his side.

They continued on the goal trail after the previous week's thumping 5-2 victory at Barry Town in the fourth round of the Welsh Cup.

He said: "Newtown have given us some tough games over the last two or three years, so we're delighted with a 6-0 win.

"We were excellent from the first whistle to the last, everyone was hungry, and it was one of those days when the whole team was top-drawer.

"It could have been a few more in the end, their keeper made some good saves, but I'm not going to complain at scoring six.

"We've not scored as many goals as we have done at this stage last season, but to get 11 away from home in our last two games will give us a lot of confidence going forward."

Both sides had early chances, but the writing was on the wall for the hosts once Polish winger Cieslewicz broke the deadlock midway through the first-half.

He weaved his way through the defence before slotting past goalkeeper Dave Jones.

Newtown threatened an instant reply as TNS were forced into some desperate defending in a goalmouth scramble from a Craig Williams corner,

Matty Owen and Luke Boundford having shots blocked before the ball was cleared.

But that was as good as it got for Chris Hughes' men who conceded two goals in as many minutes as the league leaders tightened their grip on the game.

Draper opened his account when tapping in Jamie Mullan's cross in the 33rd minute.

Moments later, added his second when sweeping in another close-range effort after more good work by winger Mullan.

Newtown had a few openings after the break, Boundford slicing wide, Matty Owen failing to capitalise on a poor goal-kick and Sean Evans' cross deflected inches past the post.

But the Saints were a threat every time they ventured forward, and made the points safe in the 65th minute.

Draper completed his hat-trick when rounding goalkeeper Jones after a pass from substitute Ryan Brobbel had split the defence.

Following the introduction of Wilde and Scott Quigley off the bench, the Saints almost bagged a fifth goal when Chris Marriott's shot was cleared off the line.

However, they were not to be denied as they extended their lead with Wilde found space in the box and his left-footed snap-shot beat goalkeeper Jones.

Defender Edwards then headed No 6 deep into stoppage time from a Marriott cross to complete a crushing victory.

TNS who remain six points clear of second-placed Bala Town who themselves were 3-0 winners at Airbus UK Broughton.