THE NEW SAINTS CLOSE IN ON TITLE

THE NEW SAINTS now need just five more points to secure a record-extending 16th JD Cymru Premier title after running riot 8-1 at Caernarfon Town.

Former Aston Villa striker Brad Young plundered his third hat-trick of the season to inspire the win and move himself top of the league goalscoring charts on 19. He opened the scoring only a minute in. Sion Bradley equalised for Caernarfon, before two goals in two minutes from Adrian Cieslewicz. Young scored the next two, followed by a Rory Holden strike and two from Blaine Hudson.

TNS are 17 points clear of nearest challengers Connah’s Quay Nomads with seven matches to play. The Nomads were 2-1 home winners over

Cardiff Met.

In the Championship Conference, a stunning six-minute first half hat-trick from George Newell inspired third placed

Bala Town’s crushing 5-1 win at

Newtown.

Osebi Abadaki put Bala ahead after 13 minutes but Louis Robles pulled the Robins level with a 20yard curler 10 minutes later.

However the game turned on Newell’s treble - he grabbed three goals in six minutes either side of the half-hour mark to put his side 4-1 up and leave the hosts stunned. Abadaki grabbed his second four minutes before the hour to wrap up a comprehensive win for Bala.

In the Play-Off Conference,

Pontypridd United’s recent resurgence continues as they moved out of the bottom two with a 4-0 thumping of Colwyn Bay in their basement clash.

Kieran Lewis and Owen Richards put Pontypridd two goals up at the break before Ben Williams-Margetson made sure of victory with number three six minutes from time.

Luke Gullick, who returned to the club earlier this month, grabbed the fourth just a minute after coming on to wrap up a resounding win, which also continues their unbeaten start under new boss Gavin Allen.

The result leaves Colwyn Bay rock bottom while Aberystwyth Town drop into the bottom two.

Aberystwyth, though, did collect a morale-boosting point at

Penybont where Liam Walsh’s late leveller earned them a 1-1 draw. Ryan Reynolds had earlier given Penybont the lead.

There was also late drama at Jenner Park where Rhys Abbruzzese’s 96th equaliser snatched a point for Haverfordwest County from a 1-1 draw with Barry Town United.

Barry had gone in front on 70 minutes when Michael George’s low cross from the right in the box was diverted into his own net by the unfortunate Jazz Richards.