DARLINGTON LIFTS SAINTS TO VICTORY AT BANGOR

THE NEW SAINTS remain 15 points clear at the top of the Welsh Premier League after Alex Darlington’s second-half header secured a 2-1 win against Bangor

City. The win made it 14 on the bounce for Craig Harrison’s men.

The visitors were in front on 21 minutes when Greg Draper’s shot bobbled over the line for his ninth goal in 10 starts. Bangor were level three minutes later. Jordan Davies was tripped by Steve Saunders and skipper Gary Roberts sent Harrison the wrong way from the penalty spot.

The visitors went back in front eight minutes after the restart. After a neat exchange of passes, Ryan Brobbel crossed from the right and his delivery was met by Darlington who headed home.

GAP Connahs Quay bounced back from their defeat to The New Saints with a 3-1 win at mid-table

Aberystwyth Town, coming from behind to collect the three points. The hosts made a bright start, with Chris Jones firing in a rocket in the third minute.

Substitute Shelton Payne equalised minutes after the restart and the Nomads piled on the pressure in search of a winner. They took the lead when Nick Rushton directed a header beyond Mullock before Matthew Williams sealed the win with a late header.

Bala Town made it back-toback league victories with a narrow 1-0 win over Cardiff Metropolitan. The only goal of the game came when Kieran Smith’s cross caused confusion in the box and Mike Hayes was first to react to poke the ball home.

Carmarthen Town left it late to claim a deserved win at Rhyl, with Lewis Harling finishing off an 83rd-minute counter attack to secure the points.

Bottom club Newtown produced a surprise as they won 2-0 at

Airbus UK while Llandudno came from behind to claim a 3-1 victory over Cefn Druids.

Chris Gardner scored a hattrick as Welsh League newcomers

Ynysygerwn produced the shock of the second round in the JD Welsh Cup by beating former champions Monmouth Town 7-3. Barry Town United crashed out, losing 3-0 to Penybont, with a Cullen Kinsella strike and a Marcus Griffiths brace sending the visitors through. Trefelin held Goytre United until extra-time when captain Dale Griffiths found the net to send the Division 1 side through. Lee Jones scored the goal to see Llantwit Major scrape past Llandrindod Wells while a Josh Doyle free-kick was enough for Afan Lido to beat Pontardawe Town. Lee Trundle scored another hattrick, taking his tally to 23 in 10 games, as Llanelli Town beat Taffs Well 3-2. Caldicot and Cwmamman United finished with 10 men as Caldicot won 2-0. Ton Pentre beat Treowen Stars 2-1 and Haverfordwest County won 3-2 against Undy Athletic. Up north, Llanfair United staged a second-half recovery to edge out Flint Town 4-3 after trailing 3-0 at half-time.