Welsh Premier Newtown left it late to see off Market Drayton Town on Saturday after a late winner from Ryan Kershaw kept alive their pre-season winning streak, as the Robins snatched a 3-2 win.
Former-TNS man Kershaw scored from distance to settle the game – moments after their plucky visitors had forced their way back on level terms.
Summer signing Jamie Reed had put Newtown in front with a cheeky back-heeled effort but ex-Robin Scott Ryan struck to restore parity.
Nick Rushton then put the Robins back in the driving seat shortly before half-time, converting Craig Williams’ cross.
The second-half had been lacking the momentum of the first, but there was late drama when Market Drayton found a short-lived equaliser on 84-minutes before Ryan Kershaw struck a spectacular winner.
Elsewhere, Aberystwyth Town claimed a well-contested 4-1 win over Haverfordwest County.
Aber struck twice in the opening period but the Welsh League side halved the deficit when they scrambled an effort over the line.
The goal breathed fresh life into Haverfordwest and it took a Cledan Davies spot-kick for Aber to wrestle back control of the game, before an own-goal from County settled it.
Connah’s Quay returned to action for the first time since their Europa League qualifying round defeat to HJK, drawing 2-2 with local rivals Airbus UK.
Michael Wilde beat the Wingmakers offside trap to put Connah’s Quay in front with a low finish.
Aaron Bowen then fired Airbus back level from the penalty spot after he had been brought down by Nomads defender Mike Pearson.
The Nomads started brightly after the restart and were back in front again within ten minutes after Callum Morris slid in to convert Nathan Woolfe’s cross.
Woolfe himself then went close sending a shot narrowly wide as Connah’s Quay continued to rally before Leo Riley – a new arrival at recently-relegated Airbus – introduced himself to his team in style, curling home a 25-yard free-kick.
Selected friendly results: Aberystwyth Town 4 Haverfordwest County 1; Airbus UK 2 Connah’s Quay 2; Cardiff Met 8 Newport County U18 1; Cefn Druids 3 Congleton FC 3; Goytre United 1 Barry Town United 1; Newtown 3 Market Drayton Town 2; Porthmadog 1 Bala Town 1; Prestatyn 4 Litherland Remyca 1; Wigan Athletic XI 4 Llandudno 1.
Featured image courtesy of Nik Mesney/NCM Media
