THE New Saints came out on top in their latest match with Connah’s Quay Nomads as they picked up three points against the reigning Welsh champions on Tuesday.

Louis Robles’ goal proved to be the difference between the two sides, as Saints made it seven wins from seven, and extended their run of clean sheets to seven in a row.

Having taken the lead at the end of the first half, TNS were made to adopt a more cautious style of play in the second half, with the visiting Nomads side pushing for an equaliser.

But Scott Ruscoe’s men held on to return to the top of the JD Cymru Premier table with their 100 per cent record intact.

It was almost a dream return to Park Hall for midfielder Aeron Edwards who came close to opening the scoring for Connah’s Quay with the first big chance of the game.

Edwards reacted quickly to a parried save by Paul Harrison, but the Saints stopper was on hand to thwart his effort.

The Nomads midfielder came close again moments later, while Danny Redmond forced a save from Lewis Brass between the posts for Connah’s Quay to keep the score at 0-0.

With minutes of the first half remaining, the deadlock was broken as Ruscoe’s side took the lead.

Former Bala man Robles diverted a goalward strike from Jon Routledge past Brass and into the net to make it 1-0 at half-time.

Six minutes into the second half, Ruscoe was forced to make a change as Redmond came off worse in a challenge with Edwards and had to be substituted.

Tom Holland got in on the action and helped his side defend their slender lead.

John Disney and Declan Poole both went close for Nomads, but it was a resilient performance from the TNS men who defended well as time began running out for their visitors.

The game looked to be over when Saints launched a counter-attack in added time culminating in an effort from Adrian Cieslewicz, but the winger’s effort was denied by the goalpost.

After seven minutes of added time, the game came to an end and Ruscoe’s side celebrated a hard-fought victory.

They will return to action on Friday away at Aberystwyth Town (kick-off 7.45pm).