Haverfordwest County 0 The New Saints 3

THE New Saints moved a step closer to the Welsh Premier crown after stretching their unbeaten run to 17 games with victory at the Bridge Meadow.

Mike Wilde's 13th-minute strike put the defending champions on course before late goals from John Leah and sub Alfie Carter completed the win.

Victory leaves Ken McKenna's men requiring just seven points from their last five outings to make sure of retaining the crown as they head for bottom club Cwmbran tomorrow.

The Saints were made to battle hard, despite going ahead early on when Wilde finished well from Duane Courtney's cross while Steven Beck went close to a second only to be denied by a timely block from debutant Liam McCreesh.

But hopes of salvaging the game faded for the hosts on 79 minutes following a defensive slip when keeper Lee Kendall mis-timed a simple clearance and gifted the ball to midfielder Leah, who capitalised fully on the error.

County continued to push for a reply in the last period of the game, but it was the Saints who struck again on the break through substitute Alfie Carter to wrap up the points in the last minute.