JD CYMRU PREMIER
DECLAN McManus took his goal tally for the season to 16 as he ensured The New Saints stayed 12 points clear at the top of the JD Cymru Premier table with a 3-2 home win over Penybont.
The Scottish marksman hit the target in both halves, with his second goal coming from a glancing header that edged his side back in front after Sam Snaith had converted a second-half corner to make it 2-2.
But even though the Saints’ record signing keeps on scoring – he has 20 goals since signing, with four in Europe – his manager still wants more from him.
“Declan is an excellent player, but he should have scored more and we will be working with him on that during the week,” said Anthony Limbrick.
“He has done really well, and he is such a top-class character who works hard, but he had a really good chance just after half-time and if he’d put that away the game would have been different.
“We need to improve in all areas and even though he is scoring goals at the moment, there is still more to come from him.”
Newtown took over from Flint Town United in second thanks to a 2-0 home win that saw the visitors play with 10 men for 35 minutes.
Veteran striker Michael Wilde was dismissed with his side trailing to Aaron Williams’ first-half penalty for the home side. It was the second time this season he had been sent off against Newtown.
Jake Walker doubled the lead with a fabulous half-volley in the 64th minute and that was the bit of breathing space his side needed to ensure they avenged their 4-1 thrashing in North Wales earlier in the season.
Connah’s Quay Nomads had a Paulo Mendes goal to thank for their 1-0 home win over Haverfordwest County to extend their unbeaten run to 11 games.
They moved into fifth and face back-to-back clashes with Flint and a trip to The New Saints.
Bala Town picked up their first away win since October 1 as they battled to a 5-3 victory at bottom side Cefn Druids.
It was the first time this season the Druids had scored three goals, but two red cards and a brace of headed goals from former Wales international Dave Edwards did for them in the end.
Caernarfon Town’s teenage Polish goalkeeper Jakub Ojrzynski conceded two penalties in the space of four minutes in his side’s 3-3 home draw with Aberystwyth Town. Both fouls gave Mathew Jones the chance to demonstrate his prowess from the spot.
Twice he beat the young keeper down to his left as he firstly drew his side level and then gave them a 3-2 lead.
The Cofis got off to a great start with goals in the opening 20 minutes from Steve Evans and Iwan Cartwright, but Harry Franklin hauled one back before the break give the visitors hope.
The Aber lead lasted only six minutes before Dan Gosset popped up to make it 3-3 and set up a frantic final 20 minutes. There were no more goals and Caernarfon remain outside the top six.