HAVERFORDWEST maintained their unbeaten home record at the New Bridge Meadow as the clash of the Welsh Premier's two meanest defences somewhat predictably ended without a goal.
TNS got a sporting reception from manager Deryn Brace and his players who applauded the champions on to the pitch, but the generosity ended there from their well-organised rearguard.
In a game where both goalkeepers had a quiet night, man-of-the-match Lee Hudgell twice went close for the Bluebirds in the second half, with Michael Wilde guilty of a glaring miss for Saints near the end.
With Steve Evans sidelined through illness, Ken McKenna gave a debut to Michael Jackson at the heart of defence and the back four got off to a shaky start with County forcing three corners in the first five minutes.
But Lee Kendall was soon in action saving at the feet of Marc Lloyd-Williams, with Nicky Ward driving a shot wide of the post after the home keeper had parried John Toner's shot.
On the hour, TNS were forced to scramble the ball away before Dylan Blain set up Hudgell who fired across the face of goal.
Wilde's chance came from a quickly taken free kick that caught County on the hop, but he fired well wide from close range with only Kendall to beat and the Bluebirds finished strongly with Dean Rossiter firing wide from the edge of the box and Blain denied by Gerard Doherty in a one-on-one.
Ken McKenna was content with a point from a game which had no bearing on the league, but said: "I'm glad we didn't have to come here needing a win for the title. They are a well-organised side and difficult to break down.
"I would also like to thank Deryn Brace and the players for the fantastic reception they gave us."

Haverfordwest County v TNS match report, photos and stats