JD Cymru Premier leaders The New Saints secured a fifth consecutive league victory by coming from behind to triumph 4-1 away at Penybont on Saturday afternoon.
Chris Venables opened the scoring after only eight minutes at the SDM Glass Stadium, but Josh Yorwerth was shown a straight red card just before the half hour mark. TNS did not make their man advantage count until the second half, when Brad Young and Ryan Brobbel both netted twice to continue their impressive recent form.
Victory for Craig Harrison’s side gave them a four-point lead over second-place Connah’s Quay Nomads, who had drawn 1-1 away at Aberystwyth Town on Friday night.
JD Cymru Premier top scorer Jordan Davies netted a close range header – his 10th goal of the season – to open the scoring on 41 minutes, but John Owen equalised for the Seasiders with a header of his own in first half stoppage time.
Aaron Williams also moved on to 10 league goals for the season as his hat-trick helped Newtown earn a 4-0 victory against Caernarfon Town at Latham Park on Saturday.
Ryan Sears scored the other goal in what was a seventh consecutive win for Chris Hughes’ side, while Robins substitute Arnie Roberts became the youngest player in JD Cymru Premier history at 15 years and 196 days old.
Pontypridd United earned their first league win in over a month by triumphing 2-0 on home turf against Haverfordwest County.
The Dragons had only scored two league goals all season before the game, but a header from Joe Hunt and a cool finish from Jack Karadogan doubled that tally in just one afternoon. Tyrese Owen was sent off for Haverfordwest.
Cardiff Met also returned to winning ways by beating Barry Town United 2-1 at Cyncoed Campus on Friday night.
After a goalless first half, Eliot Evans and Harry Owen both netted in the opening 10 minutes of the second period to put the Archers in a control. Callum Huggins came off the bench to score a stoppage-time consolation for Barry – his first senior goal.
Bala Town were another side who put their recent woes behind them with a 2-1 victory against Colwyn Bay at Maes Tegid.
Ryan Rogers’ first goal for the Lakesiders broke the deadlock in the 45th minute before Guto Williams provided an instant equaliser in first half stoppage time, but a composed finish from Nathan Peate after the break earned the win for Bala.
JD Cymru Premier results
Cardiff Met 2-1 Barry Town United
Aberystwyth Town 1-1 Connah’s Quay Nomads
Bala Town 2-1 Colwyn Bay
Newtown 4-0 Caernarfon Town
Penybont 1-4 The New Saints
Pontypridd United 2-0 Haverfordwest County
