SAINTS ON TOP THANKS TO DRAPER ACROBATICS

THE NEW SAINTS took control of the Welsh Premier League table with a 2-1 victory over Cardiff Met in a top-of-the-table clash.

Both sides cancelled each other out in a cagey first half but Scott Ruscoe’s men broke the deadlock when Jon Routledge converted Jamie Mullan’s cross with 18 minutes left to play.

Greg Draper doubled the lead with an overhead kick before Adam Roscrow pulled one back from the spot after Simon Spender was sent off for blocking a goalbound shot with his hand.

But champions TNS kept the students at bay to move four points clear at the top.

Aberystwyth Town came from behind to record a 2-1 victory over Prestatyn Town.

Michael Parker gave the Seasiders an early lead but John Owen levelled the score in the 72nd minute. Declan Walker then gave Aber a late win.

Elsewhere, Bangor City fell to their fourth defeat in five league games after a narrow 1-0 defeat to

Cefn Druids. Alec Mudimu claimed the winner in controversial circumstances as he tapped in to an empty net after Citizens’ goalkeeper Matthew Hall dropped a cross following a collision with Druids’ Nathan Peate.

In other action, two quick-fire goals from Llandudno fired them to a 2-1 victory over Newtown at the Giant Hospitality Stadium.

Tom Dix and Marc Williams scored within a minute of each other to give Llandudno control.

Ryan Kershaw then saw red for the Robins before the ten men set up a tense final when Tom Williams’ corner was deflected into his own net from Dix, but Llandudno saw out the win.

Elsewhere, Jordan Evans guided Bala Town to a 1-0 win over Carmarthen Town. Barry Town United entertain Connah’s Quay Nomads at Jenner Park today.

Meanwhile, Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup holders

Llanelli Town stormed into the quarter-finals with a 3-0 drubbing of Afan Lido.

Jordan Follows netted twice in the space of two second-half minutes to add to the ninth-minute strike by Rob Thomas.

Cardiff-side Bridgend Street, beaten in the final by the Reds last season, bowed out of the competition as they lost 3-2 to Briton Ferry Llansawel.

On target for Ferry were Steve Daley, Rory Healey and Gareth Jones. In the Nathaniel Car Sales Welsh League Haverfordwest went to the top of the first division with a 1-0 home win over Cambrian and Clydach. Steffan Williams got the winner.

Elsewhere, Caernarfon Town moved to the top of the Huws Gray Alliance with a 6-2 victory over Gresford Athletic. Nathan Craig, Jamie Breese and Darren Thomas scored braces to help the Canaries go top. Simon Smith and Tom Freeman claimed Gresford’s goals.

Previous leaders Airbus Broughton slid down to second following their 3-1 defeat to Rhyl.

Mark Connolly and Tom Walsh put Rhyl 2-0 up before George Peers pulled one back for Airbus. However, Alex Titchiner sealed the points at the death.