CWMBRAN END SAINTS' UNBEATEN RUN
TOTAL Network Solutions found it tough at the top as Cwmbran challenged their leadership and they watched the points slip away after an eight-match unbeaten run.
The Saints just about shaded the first 45 minutes. But they failed to exploit scoring chances and Cwmbran's defence restricted them to long-range shots, mostly held by Pat O'Hagan.
The Saints' Ricky Evans went closest in a goalless first half. He shot wide after 14 minutes but was unlucky 10 minutes later when he spotted O'Hagan off his line. Evans shot from 40 yards with the keeper scrambling back, but the ball hit the bar and bounced over.
Ricky Evans and Justin Perry threatened for the Saints after 58 minutes and O'Hagan was hurt as he collided accidentally with Perry.
O'Hagan later went off for attention, Jason Welsh taking over.
Cwmbran were awarded a penalty after 74 minutes and the decision proved so controversial that three TNS protesting players were booked.
The Saints claimed Nathan Cottrell's shot had struck Gary Powell.
Anthony Wright's spot kick was an anti-climax as it hit the bar.
Welsh held a Perry free kick after 78 minutes and six minutes from the end of ordinary time the visiting Crows finally broke the deadlock.
TNS failed to clear an attack and Sean Mainwaring created space on the right and crossed low for top scorer Carl Hughes to net from six yards.
TNS battled for an equaliser during eight minutes added time but Cwmbran took the points home. |
