JD CYMRU PREMIER
THE New Saints boss Craig Harrison reserved praise for goalkeeper Connor Roberts after their 1-0 win at Newtown.
The decisive moment came after 33 minutes when the unfortunate Kieran Mills-Evans headed past his own goalkeeper Andy Wycherley.
But Newtown had their moments and will count themselves somewhat unfortunate to have finished empty-handed.
Jason Oswell headed straight at Roberts from point-blank range in the first half, while Roberts needed to pull off a superb save to deny Ryan Sears on the hour.
Louis Robles also rattled the TNS crossbar for Newtown, who finished the game with 10 men with Matthew Jones shown a red card.
It’s now 26 wins in a row in all competitions, in the same week Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal set a new world record for most consecutive wins – 28 – by a men’s top-flight team, surpassing TNS’ previous record of 27 set in 2016.
“We expected a tough game and that’s what it was,” said Harrison.
“If you go 26 games winning consecutively, you’re going to have tough games in that. You’re not always going to produce a masterclass and play free-flowing football, but we dug in and defended well.
“I was really pleased for Connor. There’s been times over the past five or six weeks where Connor’s had nothing to do, maybe one save a game if that, but today he has made two really good saves at important times and it’s hugely contributed to the clean sheet.”
Connah’s Quay Nomads slipped to a third straight defeat as they went down 2-1 at Caernarfon Town.
Two goals within 15 minutes after half-time from Louis Lloyd and Marc Williams turned the match Caernarfon’s way.
Jordan Davies, who had a second-minute penalty saved by Lewis Webb, pulled one back from the spot for the Nomads in added time.
Also in the Championship Conference, George Newell’s firsthalf effort was the difference as Bala Town won 1-0 at Cardiff Met.
In the Play-Off Conference, Penybont thrashed bottom side Colwyn Bay 5-0. Lewys Ware, a Chris Venables penalty spot, Keyon Reffell, Kane Owen and 15-year-old substitute Ioan Phillips grabbed the goals.
The visitors had Tommy Creamer sent off for a second yellow on 51 minutes.
Haverfordwest County beat Aberystwyth Town 2-0 to win for the first time since Boxing Day.
Aber keeper Oliver Basey was shown a straight red on 27 minutes for bringing down Martell Taylor-Crossdale.
With no keeper on the bench, Jon Evans came on to don the gloves – and remarkably saved Taylor-Crossdale’s spot-kick.
However, Evans could do nothing to prevent Dan Hawkins from putting the home side ahead just before the break.
Taylor-Crossdale added a second on 58 minutes.
Pontypridd United edged a point clear of the bottom two after a 1-1 draw at home against Barry Town United.
Owain Jones fired home an opener for Ponty after five minutes, but William Richards levelled for Barry.