Cardiff Met climbed to the top of the JD Welsh Premier League following a hard-fought win at Prestatyn Town.
The Archers began the day trailing leaders Connah’s Quay by two-points but a brace from Eliot Evans catapulted the students into pole-position.
The New Saints, without a league game this weekend, slide to third in the table with a game in hand.
A third straight defeat sees newly promoted Prestatyn fall into the relegation zone.
The Met thought they had scored as early as the fifth-minute – but Will Evans’ early opener was chalked off for a foul in the build-up.
Eliot Evans put Cardiff Met in the driving seat shortly before half-time when his flick deceived the Prestatyn defence and goalkeeper.
Moments later, Cardiff Met were denied a second goal after Adam Roscow broke alone up field and rounded keeper Carl Jones only for Connor Shackleton to make a timely last ditch clearance from the goalline.
Prestatyn threatened to draw level after the break when Myles Hart’s header was eventually scrambled to safety.
The hosts continued to push forward but were undone when Ben Bowler slide the ball through for Eliot Evans to claim his second and eighth of the campaign.
Barry Town’s Kayne McLaggon also claimed his eighth goal of the season as the pair lead the race for the Golden Boot.
McLaggon netted Barry Town’s second in their 2-0 win over Llandudno shortly after Chris Hugh had put his side ahead.
Prestatyn Town 0
Cardiff Met University 2 Eliot Evans 41′ 79′
Prestatyn Town
1. Carl Jones, 2. Thomas Kemp (11. Alec Williams 73′), 3. Jack Lewis, 12. Myles Hart, 5. Reece Fairhurst, 6. Noah Edwards, 19. Zyaac Edwards, 8. Ben Maher (99. Jack Higgins 66′), 9. Jack Kenny, 14. Connor Shackleton, 22. Zebb Edwards (10. Damian Ketley 73′) . Subs not used: 17. Ryan Roberts (gk), 20. James Stead, 26. Aaron White, 27. Elliot Lloyd
Red Cards: None
Yellow Cards: N.Edwards 4′ Hart 11′
Cardiff Met University
1. Will Fuller, 2. Dylan Rees, 14. Joel Edwards (15. Rhys Thomas 50′), 4. Bradley Woolridge, 5. Emlyn Lewis, 10. Charlie Corsby, 7. Eliot Evans, 8. Chris Baker, 9. Adam Roscrow, 18. Will Evans (6. Ben Bowler 60′), 3. Kyle McCarthy. Subs not used: 21. Harry Owen, 16. Josh Barnett, 30. Daniel Evans (gk)
Red Cards: None
Yellow Cards: Lewis 58′
Attendance: 329 Referee: Mark Petch