The New Saints got back to winning ways with a 4-0 victory over Newtown at Latham Park.
First-half goals from summer signings Louis Robles and Ryan Astles were added to in the second period by Adrian Cieslewicz and Ben Clark.
The victory puts the Saints three points clear at the top of the Cymru Premier table, having played a game more than their title rivals, Connah’s Quay Nomads.
Here are five main talking points from Scott Ruscoe’s men’s convincing win:
Bounce-back ability
In the top-of-the-table clash against Connah’s Quay Nomads at the Deeside Stadium on Saturday, the Saints succumbed to a 2-0 defeat, a potentially crucial result in the Cymru Premier title race.
The fact that it was two former The New Saints players, Aeron Edwards and Michael Wilde, who got on the scoresheet, rubbed salt in the Saints’ wounds.
Despite their first loss of the Cymru Premier campaign, Scott Ruscoe’s side put in a professional display at Latham Park.
The Saints were clinical and controlled possession for large parts of the game, showing an important ability to bounce straight back from defeat.
Set-pieces
While The New Saints are known for a free-flowing, attractive brand of football, it was from set-pieces that the visitors found joy at Latham Park.
For their opening goal, Leo Smith’s corner was met at the near post by Louis Robles, with Dave Jones unable to keep it out.
Smith was again the provider as the Saints doubled their lead.
The playmaker sent in a dangerous delivery from a free-kick and Ryan Astles was on-hand to head home his first goal for the club.
Star performers
Despite an impressive team performance from the league leaders, some individual performances also caught the eye.
Summer signing Leo Smith was influential throughout, assisting both of the opening two goals and creating numerous opportunities to add to the lead.
Fellow summer recruits Ryan Astles and Louis Robles also got on the scoresheet, the latter netting his ninth of the season.
The performance of Adrian Cieslewicz, coming back into the starting XI was impressive, scoring a delightful third and squaring for Ben Clark to add a fourth in injury time.
Clean sheet for the Saints
After Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Connah’s Quay Nomads, it was important that The New Saints put in a strong defensive showing.
Ruscoe’s side restricted Newtown to just two opportunities throughout the contest.
Striker Jamie Breese was played in, only to be denied by a superb last-ditch tackle by Astles.
The Robins’ best opportunity fell to the lively James Davies, who raced in-behind the Saints defence, but goalkeeper Paul Harrison saved well to ensure he kept a clean sheet.
Crucial period coming up for Newtown
The defeat means Newtown fall into the relegation zone on goal difference, having recorded ten points from their opening 14 fixtures.
Despite a heavy defeat, the Robins competed with the Saints and continued to press throughout the contest, which will encourage manager Chris Hughes.
Newtown’s next fixtures include trips to Caernarfon Town and Aberystwyth Town, before hosting Cardiff Metropolitan University on Boxing Day.
The festive period will be a crucial one for the Robins as they look to rise out of the bottom two as quickly as possible.
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)
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