The New Saints took a step closer to securing a 16th JD Cymru Premier title with a scintillating 8-1 away win over Caernarfon Town on Friday night.
It was a frantic start at The Oval as Brad Young headed TNS in front after just two minutes, but a stunning strike from Sion Bradley levelled the contest five minutes later.
However, the Cofis were left stunned themselves as three goals in as many minutes – two from Adrian Cieslewicz and one from Young – put the Saints in control at the break.
The former Aston Villa forward completed his hat-trick four minutes into the second half, while two goals for Rory Holden and one for substitute Blaine Hudson completed the rout for Craig Harrison’s side.
Connah’s Quay Nomads earned a narrow 2-1 victory over Cardiff Met on Saturday evening to boost their chances of European qualification for a second consecutive season.
Ben Nash steered home Josh Williams’ curling delivery to give Nomads the lead in the 33rd minute, before Williams proved to be dangerous from a set-piece once again as his corner was turned in by Met midfielder Tom Price for an own goal early in the second half.
Lewis Rees pulled a goal back for the Archers with a cool finish into the bottom corner with 16 minutes remaining, but Neil Gibson’s side saw out a tense finish to pick up three points.
George Newell scored a six-minute hat-trick as Bala Town produced one of their best performances this season to defeat Newtown 5-1 at Latham Park – their first victory of phase two.
The Lakesiders took full advantage of some poor defending from the Robins as Osebi Abadaki’s composed finish put the visitors ahead after 13 minutes, but Louis Robles drew Newtown level soon after with a powerful strike from the edge of the area.
Newell then took control of the contest with a treble in the space of six minutes, with his close range header and two smart finishes earning Bala a comfortable lead by half-time. Abadaki’s second of the afternoon in the 56th minute wrapped it up for the Lakesiders.
Mark Cadwallader’s late equaliser earned Aberystwyth Town a vital point in the relegation battle as they drew 1-1 with Penybont on Friday evening.
Ryan Reynolds’ header from Kane Owen’s corner beat Dave Jones via the crossbar to give Bont an early second half lead, but the Seasiders were handed a piece of good fortune in the 90th minute as Liam Walsh’s volley from the edge of the area took a deflection off Cadwallader and trickled into the net to secure a first away point for Aber since November.
However, Anthony Williams’ side dropped into the relegation zone on Saturday as Pontypridd United leapfrogged them with a 4-0 home win over Colwyn Bay.
Kieran Lewis bundled home Ben Ahmun’s low ball to put the Dragons ahead midway through the first half and the lead was doubled just eight minutes later as Owen Pritchard beat Joe Smith at his near post with a clever finish.
Ben Margetson made it three by heading home in the 83rd minute, before Ponty legend Luke Gullick came off the bench for his JD Cymru Premier debut and scored just a minute later to wrap up the win.
Haverfordwest County scored a stoppage-time equaliser at Jenner Park for the second time this season as they drew 1-1 with Barry Town United.
The Bluebirds were awarded a first half penalty when Callum Sainty fouled Dan Hawkins in the box, but Mike Lewis – back in the Barry side for the first time since September – denied Kai Whitmore from the spot.
The hosts punished Haverfordwest four minutes before half-time, when Michael George’s low cross was turned into his own net by Jazz Richards.
It was former Barry full-back Rhys Abbruzzese who was the Bluebirds hero in the 96th minute, as he arrived at the back post to head home Rio Dyer’s inviting delivery to steal a point for his side. Both clubs continue to search for their first win of phase two.
JD Cymru Premier results
Barry Town United 1-1 Haverfordwest County
Caernarfon Town 1-8 The New Saints
Penybont 1-1 Aberystwyth Town
Pontypridd United 4-0 Colwyn Bay
Newtown 1-5 Bala Town
Connah’s Quay Nomads 2-1 Cardiff Met
