Scorer Phil Baker gets congratulations from John Leah and Michael Jackson [Matthew Ashton].
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Toner brace sparks Saints' win
TNS went top of the Welsh Premier by avenging their Loosemores Challenge Cup defeat on Deeside two weeks ago. But despite the final scoreline, it proved to be a tough encounter, with Nomads putting up a spirited display with some uncompromising tackles.
Saints were ahead within five minutes when Martyn Naylor's quick throw from the right found Barry Hogan, whose cross ricocheted around in the goalmouth before John Toner volleyed pasyt Paul Smith.
Nomads hit back when a defence splitting pass from skipper Marc Lambert found Tommy Mutton, who forced a save from Gerard Doherty.
TNS had further chances before the break, with Hogan's strong run ending with Naylor's shot being beaten away by Smith, who then blocked a Nicky Ward header on the line.
The second-half almost had a dramatic start when Adam Dickinson's strong run down the left ended with a fierce shot that was tipped over the bar by Doherty.
Chris Sergeant shot wide before Stuart Cooke fed Mutton, who saw his effort hit the bar.
Two Nomads' corners were cleared on the hour before TNS made the sucker punch. Ruscoe's short corner found Leah who chipped the defence for Toner to fire into the corner from 10 yards.
Any thoughts of a revival by the visitors were ended three minutes later, when Phil Baker latched onto a Naylor corner to head past Smith.
The final goal arrived after Greg Stones fed Toner, who crossed from the right for the in-rushing Ward to steer his seventh of the season into the net. |
