Saints end Port's unbeaten run
TNS ended Porthmadog's unbeaten run at The Traeth, but for 45 minutes it didn't look likely as the home side gave a good account of themselves and deservedly took the lead.
Gerard Doherty ran out to intercept Gareth Caughter's through ball, but Carl Owen was quick off the mark and rounded the keeper to fire a well taken goal into an unguarded net.
On a pitch which had recovered well from attacks by Canada geese and torrential rain, Viv Williams' side showed why they have made such a good start to the campaign, playing some fluent attacking football and well-marshalled at the back by Ryan Davies and Lee Webber.
Doherty had to deal with a stinger from Gareth Parry as early as the third minute and Aled Rowlands spurned a good chance at the back post.
Only Marc Lloyd-Williams was able to get into scoring positions, but with a limited supply he was unable to test home keeper Gerard McGuigan and could only offer a tame shot after being let in by a rare Ryan Davies error.
It was a different tale after the break, with Lloyd-Williams levelling the scores within two minutes of the restart.
He held off his markers on the edge of the box before turning to fire a fine individual effort past McGuigan.
Seven minutes later, Michael Wilde put TNS into the lead, diving to head from the edge of the six-yard box after being found by Chris King's excellent left wing cross.
Porthmadog's first half efforts took their toll and, despite two early second-half substitutions, they were unable to find the legs to trouble Saints at the back again, apart from Owain Roberts with a swerving long range effort which was well held by Doherty.
Ken McKenna's men seemed content to shut up shop and sit on their lead and only a late Jamie Wood shot after good combination play by Toner and Ruscoe down the right threatened to add to the margin of victory as the gloom and rain closed in again on north Wales. |
