TNS beat Newtown 3-0 to equal their own world-record 27-game winning run

Declan McManus' brace helped TNS equal their own world record

The New Saints have equalled their own 27-game world record for the number of consecutive games won across all competitions by a men's top-flight side.

The Cymru Premier leaders eased to a comfortable 3-0 win over Newtown.

Saints took the world record off Ajax in December 2016 and hope to set a new mark at Bala Town on Friday.

Against Newtown, Ben Clark struck before Declan McManus scored twice, his first goal coming from the spot.

The visitors arrived under the guidance of new manager Scott Ruscoe.

Saints' current winning run includes last weekend's 1-0 win at Falkirk to reach the Scottish Challenge Cup final.

Third-placed Bala stand in the way of visitors Saints setting a new world record when the two sides meet on Friday, 9 February (19:45 GMT).

Cymru Premier round-up

Friday 2 February

Connah's Quay Nomads 1-1 Caernarfon Town: Ten-man Nomads had to settle for a point to start phase two of the Cymru Premier season. Adam Davies' close range effort gave Caernarfon a first half lead as Nomads were left to rue missed chances. They were dealt a further blow on the hour when Michael Wilde was sent off for an altercation with Grufydd Williams. Ryan Harrington hit back with a powerful drive from the edge of the box to ensure the points were shared at The Essity Stadium.

Aberystwyth Town 1-0 Haverfordwest County: Aberystwyth made the perfect start to phase two with three vital points at home to Haverfordwest. Iwan Lewis broke the deadlock at the end of the first half, he found himself in space at the back post and was able to slot home from close-range. Haverfordwest were dominant for large parts of the second half as they pushed for an equaliser, but they were denied in the final minute as the defence held firm.

Saturday 3 February

Barry Town United 0-3 Pontypridd United: New first team manager Gavin Allen got his side off to a dream start in phase two with three goals and a clean sheet. Ben Ahmun gave the visitors the lead, while Owain Jones and Owen Pritchard fired home in the second half. Three valuable points and back-to-back wins lift Pontypridd off the foot of the table.

Bala Town 1-1 Cardiff Met: The points were shared in the battle of third versus fourth at Maes Tegid. Finley Skiverton gave Met the lead at the end of the first half with a back post header. The hosts pushed for the equaliser and were awarded an 80th minute penalty which George Newell poked home on the rebound.

Colwyn Bay 1-2 Penybont: Penybont got back to winning ways as phase two got under way. Chris Venables marked his return from injury with a goal on the stroke of half time. Swansea City loanee Lincoln McFayden scored on his debut to double the lead. Colwyn Bay pressed in the final 20 minutes and got an injury-time consolation through Matty Hill's close-range effort.