TNS 2 Connahs QN 1

SIMON Spender was the unlikely hero as TNS overcame the challenge of Connahs Quay Nomads in the JD Cymru Premier top of the table clash.

The Nomads had an early effort ruled out after Mike Wilde was ruled to have fouled Saints goalkeeper Paul Harrison in the build-up.

However the Deeside club led on 15 minutes with Wilde heading home Callum Roberts' cross.

Nomads spurned a host of chances to increase their lead with Jamie Insall failing to convert Priestly Farquharson's cross before TNS hit back with a 22nd minute reply.

Jamie Mullan's right wing cross looked destined for Greg Draper only for Nomads captain Callum Morris to steer into his own net while attempting a clearance.

TNS dominated the second-half with Mullan stretching the Nomads defence at will.

However TNS struggled to penetrate a well drilled visiting defence until a breakthrough arrived with 20 minutes remaining.

Draper released Adrian Cieslewicz down the left wing who crossed for Spender whose shot was deflected past goalkeeper Lewis Brass as TNS led for the first time.

Nomads went for broke and dominated the remainder of the game

Nomads could have snatched victory only to spurn two golden chances in injury time.

First Mike Bakare was denied by Blaine Hudson's goalmouth block before Roberts seized on a loose ball after being misjudged by Harrison only to loft his shot over the bar.

TNS: Harrison, Spender, Marriott, Routledge (Harrington 90), Draper (Ebbe 51), Redmond, Cieslewicz, Hudson, Mullan, Nembhard, Edwards (Byrne 89). Subs: Dutton, Lewis, Whitehouse.

Att - 463