HAVERFORDWEST County put up a spirited fight but were edged out 3-2 by reigning champions and current JD Cymru Premier frontrunners The New Saints at the Ogi Bridge Meadow on Saturday afternoon.

Jordan Williams netted twice after Dan Williams had opened the scoring, sealing the win for the Oswestry outfit.

Corey Shephard’s well-crafted strike just before the hour gave the Bluebirds a lifeline.

With the game still alive, substitute Ben Ahmun set up a grandstand finish when his close-range finish made it 3-2 in the final minute of normal time.

But it wasn’t enough to prevent the Saints from claiming victory in Pembrokeshire.

The Town will now quickly turn their attentions to the Nathaniel MG Cup quarter-final against Barry Town United at the Ogi Bridge Meadow this coming Tuesday, 4 November, with a place in the last four at stake.

Talking to Sgorio County manager Tony Pennock said: “I thought the boys were brilliant. It’s disappointing to concede any goals against TNS, but two from set pieces is a big disappointment.

“I’ve got to look at the positives and I thought to a man the boys were fantastic and second half they couldn’t do any more than they did.

“We could have snuck in at the door at the end but it wasn’t to be.

“But at the moment our performances have been really good and that’s what we have to look forward to and maintain for the rest of phase one.”

On certain decisions going against them in the game he added: “I don’t think there’s any point talking about decisions any more.

“I can’t wait to see that one, the challenge from behind on Ben Ahmun but was deemed play on.

“It’s just one of those things, we have to get on with it.

“I have to stop getting booked all the time and just keep sending emails I guess and see what comes of it.”