Kristian O'Leary's dream start to his managerial career continued at Park Hall as the Eagles threw the title race wide open.

Having won just once on the Oswestry side's plastic pitch in six previous visits, two goals in a thrilling four-minute spell midway through the second half earned the visitors maximum points.

Victory took Neath above Llanelli, whose match at Bala Town was frozen off, and to within three points of their hosts who are in second spot.

But O'Leary's side are still seven points adrift of leaders Bangor City, who christened their new Nantporth ground with a 2-1 success against local rivals Prestatyn Town.

Neath's rare success at Park Hall extended their unbeaten league sequence to 11 matches and, after a succession of draws, they have now taken 13 points out of the last 15.

O'Leary said: "It was a great win.

"The boys are taking on board what we are trying to achieve and showed great character to come back from a goal down.

"We even missed a penalty, although their keeper made a great save, so I'm very pleased with the outcome and the performance.

"We keep challenging the lads with new things and they keep coming up trumps but we need to continue to consolidate on this performance as our next two matches are at home."

The first half was an even affair with both sides having limited opportunities.

Craig Hughes had Neath's best chance but home keeper Paul Harrison was equal to the task.

And Saints created a good chance when Greg Draper blasted over from Alex Darlington's supply.

The Eagles fell behind in the 52nd minute when keeper Lee Kendall failed to mop up Chris Seargeant's cross and Draper profited from the spill to net from close range.

Undaunted, the visitors pressed forward and were rewarded with an equaliser five minutes later.

Former Welsh international defender Steve Evans made a hash of his clearance which fell to Lee Trundle and the former Swansea City star took full advantage to fire home a fine shot from 12 yards.

The winner for the Eagles arrived shortly afterwards. Chris Jones fed Jack Lewis down the left and the former Prestatyn Town defender made inroads into the box and fired home from a narrow angle.

It was only his second goal in 23 starts since his summer signing and it signalled a golden spell for the visitors.

The lead should have advanced to 3-1 after Hughes, fed by Trundle, was brought down by substitute Phil Baker but Jones's spot-kick was superbly saved by home keeper Paul Harrison.

Match Stats:

TNS 1 – 2 Neath

Sat 4^th Feb, Park Hall, 14:30

Neath FC: Lee Kendall, Jack Lewis, Matthew Rees, Chris Jones, Craig Hughes (Luke Bowen 84), Lee Trundle, Kerry Morgan (Toby Jones 65), Kai Edwards, Joe Holt, Luke Cummings, Adie Harris

Subs not used: Ian Hillier, Kris O’Leary, Kerry Nicholas, Laurie Marsh, Udo Nwoko

Goal scorers: Lee Trundle (57) Jack Lewis (62)

The New Saints: Paul Harrison, Simon Spender, Chris Marriott, Steve Evans, Connell Rawlinson (Phil Baker 65), Barry Hogan, Christian Seargent (Nicky Ward 70), Craig Jones (Ryan Fraughan 25), Greg Draper, Alex Darlington, Luke Holden

Subs not used: Scott Ruscoe, Tom Roberts, Alex Ramsey,

Goal scorers: Greg Draper (52)

Attendance: 254

Referee: Lee Evans