SAINTS BOOST EURO HOPES
TNS BOOSTED their hopes of European football next season after moving into second spot in the League of Wales with a precious win over their close rivals.
The Saints did just about enough to edge a tight victory in a hard-fought affair, but were made to battle all the way by the tenacious visitors in a game of few clear-cut chances.
The hosts sounded, a warning in the first minute when debutant striker Anthony Wright volleyed against the post with his first touch of the game.
Carmarthen keeper Rob Fitzgerald was also fortunate to escape a caution after appearing to foul TNS striker John Toner on the edge of the box.
But the visitors were penalised by referee Brian Bevan on 29 minutes with Dave Barnhouse handling a Wright shot and keeper Lee Williams struck a fierce penalty into the top left of the net.
The hosts seemed to have taken charge as they doubled their margin on 38 minutes when Toner's neat pass on the left released Wright to slot home from an angle on his debut.
But Carmarthen hit back four minutes later as some hesistation in the home defence allowed Craig Evans to find space and the midfielder rounded Williams to shoot into the net.
Clear-cut chances were in short supply in a hard-fought second-half, with Carmarthen having plenty of pressure with out creating many opportunities.
Matthew Cable headed over from a corner while at the other end Toner and Ricky Evans were both denied by Fitzgerald in the only noteworthy raids. |
