WOOD AND WILDE SHOOT DOWN CROWS
TNS opened up a three point gap at the top of the league with this 2-1 victory over struggling Cwmbran Town.
Mike Wilde and Jamie Wood led the way with a stirring show up front and the margin of victory would have been greater, but for some fine saves from Crows' keeper Marty Ellacott and some wayward finishing.
Manager Ken McKenna said: "We didn't play as well as we can, but their keeper kept them in it with two fine saves."
Ellacott made a fine stop from Wood after 24 minutes but was beaten from the penalty spot a minute later, after the striker was pulled back in the box by defender Richard Hurlin.
The keeper was again on hand to deny Chris Taylor five minutes later and Wood twice went close before Ellacott tipped Mike Wilde's fierce shot onto the post for a corner.
Wilde headed over from Ruscoe's cross after 51 minutes but the same combination doubled Saints' advantage four minutes later.
The Crows' defence failed to clear Ruscoe's cross and Wilde was on hand to net at the far post.
The Cwmbran keeper was in action again to deny Nicky Ward from point-blank range before Wood hit the side netting from a good position after Chris King had split the visitors' defence.
Saints then relaxed their grip on the game and the visitors produced a sting in the tail.
Chris Summers, who had gone close minutes earlier, took advantage of Hurlin's through ball and a mistimed tackle from Chris Taylor to run on and score.
"To be honest, morale is pretty low in the squad at the moment, because we have so many injuries - I would have been on the bench myself if I didn't have a cold and Steven Beck went on even though he is not fit," said McKenna.
"But if we can keep getting the right results while we are below strength, I will be happy" |
