WELSH PREMIER

NEWTOWN ended the year in style as they came from behind to beat 10-man The New Saints 4-2 at Park Hall in the JD Welsh Premier League, writes Jay Bayford.

The champions raced into a 2-0 lead thanks to early strikes from in-form striker Greg Draper and Jamie Mullan.

But the Robins hit back through Ryan Sears and Luke Boundford before Robbie Parry saw red on the stroke of half time.

The second half was played at a breath-taking pace with both sides looking to go ahead and it was Boundford who got the next goal heading Newtown into the lead.

TNS continued to attack but Nick Rushton sealed the result with a goal in the dying minutes.

Connah’s Quay Nomads couldn’t take full advantage of TNS’ slip-up but they did close the gap by one point after a 1-1 draw with Cefn Druids at the Deeside Stadium.

Michael Bakare headed the hosts in front after Mike Wilde’s initial shot came back off the crossbar but the lead only lasted nine minutes as James Davies restored parity before the break.

Ashley Ruane should have given the Ancients the lead from the spot but he blazed his penalty way over the crossbar as both sides were forced to settle for a point.

Elsewhere, a late Chris Venables penalty was enough to see Bala Town beat Prestatyn Town 1-0.

Cardiff Met host Barry Town United in a New Year’s Eve derby later today while Carmarthen Town open the year at Aberystwyth Town with Bangor City clashing with Llandudno.

Wrexham’s game at Gateshead was called off due to a frozen pitch.