At the start of the season Port's aim was to prove that they are able to compete at this level, and this game confirmed their ability to do this. Gradually as the season has progressed their performances have become more consistent. In a tense and exciting game of good quality football Port matched their professional opponents in all departments, including fitness, to come from behind to secure a well deserved share of the points.

Port started well taking the game to their opponents and as early as the third minute referee Brian Bevan turned down loud appeals for a penalty when Gareth Caughter's shot was blocked. A minute later and Gareth Parry tested Dean Williams in the visitors goal with a useful looking free-kick from just outside the area. Port continued to apply the pressure and Dafydd Evans split open the TNS defence with a measured pass which put Carl Owen through on goal, but the striker was unceremoniously brought down by Gary Brabin. The TNS defender was very fortunate that Brian Bevan only produced a yellow card for what was a cynical foul.

The game switched from end to end and TNS produced some fine passingmovements which first set up the dangerous Nicky Ward whose dipping shot went narrowly over the bar. Soon after Naylor met a cross from the right but his shot from the edge of the area was also narrowly off target and then once more Ward saw an excellent free-kick curl past the post. Roscoe then fired over after McGuigan had only managed to partially clear a dangerous cross from the left and John Gwynfor was on hand to clear from the line as the league leaders threatened again.

Port weathered the storm and struck back with Mike Foster forcing Dean Williams to make a superb low diving save from a 25 yd free-kick. Port were more than matching the visitors in midfield with both Gareth Parry and Dafydd Evans in dominant mood. After 23 mins came the best move of the game so far when Tony Williams set up Pugh on the right and the winger's cross was superbly met by Carl Owen's glancing header only for the excellent Dean Williams to be well positioned to save again. A good run by John Gwynfor through the middle posed a threat and then another Pugh cross, having being put away by Gareth Parry, was only inches away from Tony Williams' outstretched leg with the goal gaping ahead of him and the visitors defence in disarray. Half-time arrived with the home side perhaps feeling that they deserved to be a goal ahead.

During the early part of ther second period the visitors applied heavy pressure on the home goal and when Ryan Davies cleared with a 58th min goal-line header it was the sign of what was to come. A minute later and the visitors were ahead Ward's long left wing corner was driven powerfully back across the face of the goal and defender Steve Evans managed a touch which sent the ball passed McGuigan into the net. This was a signal for TNS to redouble their efforts as a long throw by Ward caused panic in the home penalty area before McGuigan eventually gathered and cleared.

Port were not prepared to bow to the full-time professionals and Carl Owen broke on the right but the angle proved too narrow as his shot thundered into the side netting. A minute later and the now rampant Carl Owen got behind the TNS defence again and his excellent right wing cross set up a 77 min equaliser for Gareth Caughter whose diving header low at the far post eluded Dean Williams and the game was all square again.

It was along last ten minutes as TNS forced a series of corners as they looked desperately for the winner but the home defence held firm with Ryan Davies and Lee Webber at the heart of things starving the usually dangerous Woods and Wilde of chances.Then the referree blew the final whistle much to the delight and relief of the home support. What was Port's reward for such a magnificent performance? A drop of two places in the league table as Port Talbot and Caersws chalked up victories.! Who said it's a funny old game?

Port: McGuigan, John G Jones, Ryan Davies, Lee Webber, Mike Foster, Steve Pugh (Campbell Harrison), Dafydd Evans, Gareth Parry (Ritchie Owen), Gareth Caughter, Tony Williams (Danny Hughes), Carl Owen.

TNS: Dean Williams, Naylor, Ward, Brabin, Steve Evans, Chris Taylor, Roscoe, Wilde, Woods, Beck, Hogan.
Subs: King, Holmes, Toner.

Report by: Gareth Williams