Cardiff Metropolitan 1 TNS 1

TNS edged a step closer to a seventh consecutive title after Kevin Kauber rescued a point in Cardiff on Saturday evening.

The Saints looked to be heading for a second consecutive defeat when Kauber levelled with just seconds on the clock.

A jaded opening from the Saints saw the champions struggle to impose themselves with the players seemingly still reeling from their Welsh Cup exit the previous week.

The Students have endured a poor second half of the season since their Nathaniel MG Cup final defeat to TNS but dominated the early stages at Cyncoed without seriously testing the Saints defence.

TNS chances were just as sparse with Jamie Mullan blasting over from 20 yards in their first opening on 25 minutes before Ryan Brobbel lashed wide on half-time.

Home goalkeeper Will Fuller was forced into action to tip over Brobbel’s long range blast early in the second-half while the Archers No1 was also tested by Chris Marriott’s free-kick.

TNS continued to take the game to their hosts with Brobbel jinking his way around Emlyn Lewis only to drag his shot onto the post from the edge of the area.

Lewis proved to be outstanding for the Students with a brave display as the hosts weathered the storm.

However TNS were stunned when Elliot Evans scrambled the hosts ahead after failing to clear a long throw into the area with five minutes remaining.

TNS bombarded the home area and with seconds remaining Blaine Hudson headed a deep cross from Steve Saunders across goal for Kauber to head home.

TNS: Wycherley, Marriott, Saunders, Pryce (Clark), Routledge, Brobbel, Draper (Kauber), Hudson, Mullan, Holland, Edwards. Subs: Jones, Bower, Craven

Att - 214