Toner's goal brings joy to Saints
AFTER a delayed arrival at The Traeth caused by accidents on the A55, The New Saints were caught cold at Porthmadog and it took a second-half effort from Michael Wilde and a late goal from sub John Toner to claim the points.
Les Davies saw his eighth minute shot hit the top of the crossbar, but the Welsh semi-pro international was not to be denied minutes later when TNS failed to clear a left-wing corner which was headed across goal by Richard Hughes and Davies fired an unstoppable shot at the near post past Gerard Doherty.
The keeper also had to come out smartly to foil Gareth Parry on the edge of the box as the Saints took time to come to terms with their opponents, but it took a superb one-handed save from Port keeper Richard Harvey to keep out a goal-bound Steven Beck 20-yarder.
The Saints put Port under far more pressure after the interval and Alfie Carter was unlucky to see his effort hit a post from Ward's cross.
When Duane Courtney found Scott Ruscoe in the box his inside pass was converted from close range by Michael Wilde.
John Leah and Phil Baker both went close but, eight minutes from time, Wilde's cross found Greg Stones whose shot was parried by keeper Richard Harvey and sub Toner was able to force the winner in at the near post.
A late Carl Owen header went over the bar but was the only real threat from the hosts as TNS held on for the spoils. |
