Andy Moran's goal gives Rhyl breathing space at the top

Top scorer Andy Moran scored the crucial goal three minutes from time when he pounced on a Richard Acton fumble in the TNS goal.

Minutes earlier Moran looked to have wasted a golden chance to be the hero after heading over from a few yards.

TNS created a number of half chances, but Moran's strike gives Rhyl a three point lead with four games to play.

There was a suspicion of off-side when he followed in Tim Edwards' low volley, but there were little complaints from the visitors.

Despite the result, Rhyl manager John Hulse insisted the race for the title was far from over.

"It was a massive game today," he told BBC Wales Sport. "Hopefully it'll decide where the title ends up but there's still a lot of football to be played."

It's a big blow for us because it's been taken out of our hands now TNS manager Ken McKenna

TNS enjoyed their best period either side of the interval, but Rhyl goalkeeper Paul Smith stood firm as Chris Taylor, Nick Ward and Mike Wilde let fly.

They also had a strong penalty claim wave away 15 minutes from time when Rhyl defender James Brewerton looked to have used his hand to clear the ball from a dangerous far post cross.

"We've had a couple of little decisions go against us this year," said TNS manager Ken McKenna. "I'm fed up of talking about things like that because it shouldn't come into it.

"I'm not going to criticise the officials. There were chances either end but I thought we had enough chances to win the game and we played the better football.

"But when you've got a player like Andy Moran against you, you have to concentrate for 90 minutes. Over the course of the season he's been the difference between the two sides.

"It's a big blow for us because it's been taken out of our hands now. But you don't concede anything until it's over."

The two sides meet again in the Welsh Cup final next month, while Rhyl also have a FAW Premier Cup final against Wrexham to look forward to.