King reigns to overcome Steelmen
A CHRIS King goal six minutes from time gave Saints the points to stretch their lead at the top to 14 points.
But Port Talbot's game plan of playing for a point almost came off as TNS struggled to break down their rearguard.
The visitors opened by forcing four corners in a row and Luke Bowen fired just over the bar in the tenth minute.
TNS were unable to find their usual fluency and chances were few and far between in a lacklustre opening half.
Mike Wilde had a good penalty shout turned down after being brought down by Chris Pridham and Michael Jackson missed a gilt-edged chance from King's free-kick.
Jamie Wood was just denied from a Scott Ruscoe free-kick and a long range Marc Lloyd Williams effort went wide.
Wilde hit the post on the break after Talbot keeper Neil Thomas flailed at a corner, but when the game resumed it was Gerard Doherty who was called into action to deny Rhys Griffiths.
In a spell of visiting pressure, Bowen's header was scrambled off the line by Barry Hogan, Doherty saved a follow-up shot from Gareth Phillips and Matthew Rees spurned a good heading chance from in front of goal.
Saints came on strong as they pushed for a winner with Thomas punching away a Steve Evans header, before a clearing header from Rees fell to King on the edge of the box and he hammered his shot into the back of the net.
With their tails up, TNS almost added another as Lloyd Williams was denied twice, first by a one-handed Thomas save and then by the keeper kicking away from the striker's feet when he was through on goal.
Overall, it was no more than TNS deserved and they proved they are capable of patiently grinding out a win against stubborn opponents. |
