Disappointed Llanelli unable to fix their New Saints jinx

THE New Saints hoodoo struck again at Stebonheath Park as they deservedly beat a lacklustre Llanelli, who have beaten the visitors only twice in 13 attempts at home.

Yesterday's defeat was Llanelli's first at home this season and leaves them three points adrift of leaders Rhyl, who were 3-1 winners over lowly Caersws.

Saints are now level with Andy Legg's side with a game in hand on the top two.

Llanelli player-manager Andy Legg sprung a pre-match surprise when he named himself on the bench, although he was thought to be recovering from a virus.

Steve Jenkins filled in on the left, with Craig Jones on the right flank and Andy Mumford taking a position in front of the back four.

Rocked

The hosts were rocked when The New Saints went in front in the 15th minute.

A high ball into the box was chased by visiting striker Matthew Berkeley, who caused confusion at the heart of the Reds defence.

The ball fell to Craig Jones, whose shot off the outside of his boot trickled into the net past wrong-footed keeper Ashley Morris.

Just before the break the visitors had a glorious chance to double their advantage but Aaron Edwards headed wide from six yards after Scott Ruscoe had beaten Craig Jones.

Llanelli's moments were few and far between.

Craig Moses put Jason Bowen through but he was well denied by a superb Tommy Holmes tackle, and Rhys Griffiths set up Moses, whose effort was safely gathered by Saints keeper Paul Harrison.

On the stroke of half-time Llanelli were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box but Antonio Corbisiero's powerful shot went straight at Harrison.

The visitors nearly increased their lead shortly after the interval when former Llanelli flyer Craig Williams shot wide after being put through by Jones.

Spark

This seemed to spark the hosts into life and Corbisiero, Llanelli's most impressive player, was twice denied in the space of a minute.

His first effort was brilliantly saved by Harrison after good approach work by Owain Warlow, and a thunderbolt shortly afterwards was bravely thwarted on the line by Edwards, the force nearly driving him into the net.

It proved to be Llanelli's last opportunity, and the game was sealed in the 62nd minute when Saints scored again.

Brilliant approach work by the highly impressive Berkeley put Ruscoe in space and he beat Morris with a fierce near-post shot.

That signalled the arrival of Legg in place of Craig Jones, but even his influence failed to provide Llanelli with an escape route as the visitors comfortably held on for a crucial success.