Penybont 2 TNS 3

DEAN Ebbe saved TNS blushes with a late winner at struggling new boys Penybont.

Home goalkeeper Rhys Wilson gifted TNS the lead on seven minutes when his poor defensive free kick was seized upon by Greg Draper who made no mistake.

Draper could have doubled his tally 10 minutes later only for Oliver Dalton to put in a goal preventing tackle.

Penybont were back in the game on 20 minutes with Daniel Griffiths' low shot beyond the reach of goalkeeper Paul Harrison.

Both sides looked to attack but it was TNS who ended the half on top with the hosts thankful to Wilson who atoned for his earlier blunder by tipping Blaine Hudson's header over the bar.

However the pressure told on the stroke of half-time when Ryan Brobbel's left wing cross was met by Draper who steered his header into the path of Ebbe to net.

Penybont continued to take the game to the league champions after the break but despite their possession the hosts struggled to test Harrison.

In contrast Wilson produced another smart save at the other end to deny Ebbe.

The game was turned on its head with 20 minutes remaining when Chris Marriott handled in the area with Kane Owen holding his nerve to convert the resulting penalty and restore parity.

The hosts upped the ante and continued to press the TNS defence which was ever more stretched as Penybont continued to apply the pressure.

However with four minutes remaining the Saints snatched a winner when substitute Kurtis Byrne's shot was deflected past Wilson by Ebbe as TNS closed the gap at the top of the table.

TNS: Harruison, Spender, Marriott, Redmond, Routledge, Ebbe, Brobbel, Draper, Hudson, Nembhard, Whitehouse (Mullan 59 [Byrne 72). Subs: Dutton, Harrington, Short.

Att - 198