A THREE-goal second-half burst inside seven minutes helped The New Saints avoid being the Christmas turkeys at Newtown's Latham Park.

It took the lethargic Saints more than an hour to work off the effects of their Christmas pudding, by which time the Robins were a goal to the good, Luke Boundford heading into the far corner from a right-wing flag kick after 55 minutes.
At that stage of the game their lead was well-deserved - Nicky Rushton had hit a post minutes earlier after being played-in by Steve Blenkinsop and referee Brian James ignored two strong penalty claims in the first-half, one involving the lively Zac Evans and the other when Pip Baker halted Robbie Millington, who also had a shot well saved by Paul Harrison.
The best TNS effort of a lack-lustre first half performance was a stinging 30-yard drive from Barry Hogan that was tipped away for a corner by keeper Nick Thomas
But the arrival of subs Scott Ruscoe and Tom Roberts on the hour finally injected some life into the visitors, who levelled when Simon Spender fired home from 12 yards after being set-up well by Chris Seargeant.
Roberts then fired home an 18-yarder and, two minutes later, an unmarked Craig Jones headed home from Ruscoe's cross.
Several more chances were created as the Saints ended the game dominant, but more goals would have been harsh on Bernie McNally's side who produced a battling performance for the crowd of 375.
Photo: Goal scorer Craig Jones celebrates with provider Scott Ruscoe.