WELSH PREMIER

GREG Draper fired in a hat-trick as The New Saints hammered Aberystwyth Town 4-0 at Park Hall to extend their lead at the summit of the JD Welsh Premier League to six points.

The in-form striker gave TNS the lead in only the sixth minute before adding a second before the break.

Left-back Chris Marriott got himself on the scoresheet in spectacular fashion with a longrange effort shortly after the halfhour mark and, in the closing minutes, Draper secured his first treble of the season to take his tally to 18 in all competitions.

And Bangor City lost ground on the leaders with a 0-0 draw at basement boys Carmarthen Town.

However, Connah’s Quay Nomads and Barry Town United were both among the goals as they won 4-0 against Newtown and Prestatyn Town respectively.

Michael Wilde bagged a brace for Connah’s Quay, with Callum Morris and Ryan Wignall also on the scoresheet.

Whereas doubles from Jordan Cotterill and Macauley Southam helped Barry Town secure all three points. Prestatyn Town ‘keeper Carl Jones also saw red for a foul on McLaggon.

In other action, Cardiff Met’s title chances took another hit as they were held to a goalless draw by Llandudno.

Meanwhile, Bala Town saw off a brave fight back to beat Cefn Druids 2-1.

Ian Sheridan forced the ball over the line as Bala opened the scoring and they kept their lead until the 71st minute when Stuart Jones added another.

However, a quick response from Naim Arsan bought the Druids back into the game, but Bala held on.