And the defeat was far more comprehensive than the final 4-3 scoreline suggests because, in reality, the Citizens were virtually home and hosed just past the hour mark, when Jamie Reed out-muscled Tommy Holmes down the byline the fire an angled drive into the far corner.
Despite a bright start from the hosts, it was the Saints who drew first blood on 16 minutes. A right wing corner was cleared only as far as Danny Holmes, who crossed for Steve Evans to send a looping header over Paul Smith in the City goal.
TNS had a couple of chances to increase their lead through Jamie Wood and Richie Partridge, but the Blues hit back when a long free kick from Michael Johnston was headed across goal by Les Davies and Alan Bull poked the ball home via the inside of the far post.
City got their noses in front on the stroke of half time when a corner from the right was headed firmly into the back of the net by Jamie Brewerton.
And City maintained their momentum after the break with Reeds’ goal putting them firmly in control.
A long throw from the left eluded virtually everyone in the box, but Davies got the faintest of touches to add the fourth on 77 minutes.
The Saints did stage a late rally when sub Alex Darlington headed past Smith following a cross from Craig Jones, who reduced the arrears further in the last minute.
TNS boss Mike Davies was disappointed with his side’s display: “We just didn’t turn up today, we were second best all over the park,” he said.
“We’ve got to take a good luck at ourselves because it just wasn’t good enough.
“We didn’t play the way we normally do, we tried to go long and that’s not the way we do things, it just didn’t happen for us.”
Photo: Premature celebrations at Farrar Road as Steve Evans celebrates his goal.