Own goal the difference as New Saints edge out Newtown

Only a 33rd minute own goal from Kieran Mills-Evans could separate the sides and the Robins will be disappointed not to have come away with at least a point.

The Saints had the first chance of the game inside the opening two minutes with Danny Davies testing goalkeeper Andy Wycherley from the edge of the area.

Newtown began to grow into the game and with 19 minutes on the clock an inviting cross from George Hughes found Jason Oswell on the edge of the six yard box but the Robins’ number nine could only direct his headed effort into the grateful arms of Connor Roberts.

Action from TNS' win at Newtown. Picture by Brian Jones.

Wycherley came to his side’s rescue as he palmed away a powerful Adrian Cieslewicz effort but the opening goal did eventually arrive with 33 minutes on the clock.

An inviting ball from Josh Daniels was steered into his own net by Mills-Evans as the Saints celebrated breaking the deadlock.

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Chances began to flow at both ends of the pitch in the second-half.

It was Roberts’ turn to get his team out of danger in the 59th minute as he stood up tall to save a powerful Ryan Sears strike. 

Action from TNS' win at Newtown. Picture by Brian Jones.

Two minutes later Ben Clark watched a headed effort land on the roof of the net from the edge of the penalty area as the Saints threatened.

A minute later former TNS striker Louis Robles beat Roberts with a powerful strike only to watch the effort cannon back out off the crossbar.

The Saints looked to kill off the Robins and in the 78th minute Jordan Williams forced an outstanding double save from Wycherley from close range.

Action from TNS' win at Newtown. Picture by Brian Jones.

Matty Jones saw red for the hosts with seven minutes remaining with referee Bryn Markham-Jones and his team spotting some infringement while the majority of Latham Park's audience were left scratching their heads.

The Saints almost took immediate advantage as Leo Smith forced Wycherley into a superb save with a long range strike.

The win was also TNS’ 26th consecutive victory in all competitions as they remain hot on the heels of Saudi Arabian side, Al Hilal, who broke their Guinness World record earlier this week.

Newtown: Wycherley, Roberts, Sears, Mills-Evans, Evans (Ismael 79), Oswell (Boayke 87), Robles, Cowans, Jones, Hughes, D Smith. Subs. Ussher, Sharp, C Smith, Torry, Downs.

TNS: Roberts, Pask, Marriott, Daniels, Cieslewicz, J Williams, Holden, Clark (D Williams 65), Smith, Davies, Young (McManus 65). Subs: Green, Hudson, Baker, T Jones.