Barry Town Utd 0

TNS 2

TNS ended a miserable run with victory at title rivals Barry Town United.

Stung following two successive defeats the defending champions looked to get their title bid back on track at Jenner Park with Jon Routledge firing wide in the opening minutes.

Kurtis Byrne forced home goalkeeper Mike Lewis into a superb save following a cross from Adrian Cieslewicz.

Barry struggled to impose themselves as TNS continued to dictate with Aeron Edwards scuffing a shot into Lewis’ gloves before Byrne spurned a gilt edged chance after being picked out by Jamie Mullan’s right wing cross.

Byrne’s frustrating day continued after the break when firing into the side netting under pressure from Lewis after Edwards’ throughball caught out the home defence.

Barry were jolted into life and enjoyed their best spell as Macauley Southam-Hales forced Saints goalkeeper Paul Harrison into action before Jonathan Hood’s effort dipped wide of target.

TNS manager Scott Ruscoe introduced New Zealand international Greg Draper and within five minutes led.

Simon Spender was impeded in the area by Barry’s Momodou Touray who earned a red card as Draper calmly slotted home the resulting penalty to finally break the deadlock with 15 minutes remaining.

It was all over three minutes later with Cieslewicz’s left wing cross headed home by Joash Nembhard to settle the outcome.

TNS ended the weekend back on top of the table on goal difference from Barry Town United and Connahs Quay Nomads with the latter having a game in hand.

TNS: Harrison, Spender, Marriott, Nembhard, Lewis (Draper 71), Routledge, Holland, Edwards, Mullan, Byrne, Cieslewicz (Brobbel 87). Subs: Roberts, Ebbe, Seargeant, Hmami

Att - 763