CAERNARFON Town boss Sean Eardley was proud of his side’s performance as they were beaten 3-0 at home by all-conquering champions The New Saints of Oswestry Town.

The Canaries were counting the cost of a host of missed opportunities against the full-time outfit in front of the tenth biggest ever JD Welsh Premier League crowd, and they now occupy eighth position in the early standings ahead of their tricky trip to Connah’s Quay Nomads on Tuesday, September 11.

Eardley, said: “There was a stage in the second half when I got really frustrated, but when your luck’s out, your luck’s out.

“A team like TNS are always going to punish you but I can’t fault the effort from the lads. We missed three golden chances in the first half, which you just cannot do as they are a top outfit.

“We switched off for a split second for their goal after 43 minutes which was also disappointing, but overall we can take massive heart from the game.

“We set the bar against Cardiff Met and I think raised it again tonight, but we have another tough game against Connah’s Quay and we won’t be underestimating any opponent.

“I have said before we need to look after our home form and we need to be more ruthless. I the Cymru Alliance the chances keep coming but in the Welsh Premier League you might only get one and you have to take them.”

The returning Darren Thomas missed the first good chance for the Cofis after four minutes after good work from Danny Brookwell, before Jamie Breese forced a smart stop from Paul Harrison soon after during a dominant start from the hosts.

Brookwell should have put the home side ahead when he was put through on goal, but he was thwarted by another outstanding save from Harrison, and the same player failed to convert another superb opening after being set-up by Brees and Thomas.

They were made to pay for their lack of conviction on 43 minutes when Dean Ebbe fired past Alex Ramsay, and the champions sealed the win after the break through Jamie Mullan and Greg Draper.