SAINTS got the points which sent them briefly back to the top of the Welsh Premier League but once more they failed to turn their superiority into goals.
The first chance came Saints way in the 12th minute when Jamie Wood forced Bala ’keeper Leon Bimpson to save low to his right.
Saints then had a strong shout for a penalty turned down when Steve Abbott was pulled down by Bala defender Danny Jellicoe but referee Lee Evans amazingly said no.
Mid-way through the half, Seargeant’s cross was blazed over by Chris Sharp before Sergeant himself hit the angle of bar and post.
Cool
However, Saints deservedly took the lead in the 48th minute when Scott Ruscoe’s long ball found Abbott who sent a cool right foot shot into the far corner of the net.
It was one-way traffic and Phil Baker was unlucky not to add to the lead when he side-footed against Bimpson’s left hand post before John McKenna just failed to get a decisive touch at the far post from another probing Ruscoe long-ball.
Saints struck the woodwork for the third time in the 72nd minute when Sharp’s effort came back off a post and straight into Bimpson’s arms.
There was one rare moment of alarm for Saints when Ricky Evans shaped to take a free kick from 25 yards but his effort was easily saved by the Saints’ under-employed ’keeper, Paul Harrison.
On Saturday, Saints were back in second spot after Llanelli’s 5-2 win at Elements Cefn Druids left the South Walians top on goal difference with two games in hand.
Saints now face two tough away games in South Wales.
They make the long journey to Carmarthen tonight (Tuesday) for a 7.30pm kick off, and they travel to Neath on Saturday to play one-time title contenders at The Gnoll.
Kick off is at 2.30pm.