TNS back in pole position

To complete a productive day for the Saints, the impressive result was enough to lift them back to the top of the JD Cymru Premier after title rivals Connah’s Quay Nomads lost 2-0 at home to Penybont earlier in the day.

Saints and Nomads are now level on 57 points, with nine games remaining, as the season, now into its second phase, the Championship Conference, heads for an exciting conclusion.

Both TNS and Nomads have won 18, drawn three and lost just two league matches this season, with Saints returning to pole position thanks to a superior goal difference.

Brobbel’s seventh minute goal ultimately proved the difference at Maes Tegid as Saints got the better of third-placed Bala on Saturday.

Adrian Cieslewicz’s good run and cross from the left saw him pick out Jon Routledge in the penalty area and, after his effort was blocked, Brobbel drove the rebound high into the net.

Ben Clark and Brobbel both went close for Saints as the visitors looked for a second goal, before Bala goalkeeper Alex Ramsay did well to stop a Cieslewicz shot.

TNS goalkeeper Paul Harrison had to be alert early in the second half to deny Will Evans, but Saints always carried a threat when they went forward, with Ramsay producing fine saves from Routledge, whose effort looked destined for the top corner of the net, and also Adam Roscrow.

Bala continued to push for an equaliser and both Anthony Kay and top scorer Chris Venables went close in the closing stages, but Saints stood firm to register another clear sheet and give Limbrick a winning start.

Saints are quickly back on their travels when they head to fourth-placed Barry Town United tomorrow night (7.45pm).

TNS: Harrison, Spender, Hudson, Astles, Marriott, Clark (Smith), Routledge, Redmond, Brobbel (Mullan), Roscrow (Draper), Cieslewicz. Subs not used: Davies, Holland, Cornish, Williams.