For the second time in three days, The New Saints were in action in Belfast, taking on H&W Welders at Blanchflower Stadium.
With Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Glentoran already under their belts, the friendly fixture was another important part of the Saints' UEFA Champions League preparations.
Tonight, however, it was the hosts who made the breakthrough with less than five minutes on the clock, as Daniel Mhondiwa lifted the ball over the outrushing Nathan Shepperd from the penalty area.
In the 19th minute, Josh Lock had a great chance to equalise for the visitors, but after connecting with Danny Redmond's cross on the edge of the six-yard box, the effort was well saved by Trialist A.
Moments later, Jack Reilly could've made it two for Paul Kee's side, but dragged his first-time effort narrowly wide of the post.
With half an hour gone, Rhys Hughes had the Saints' best chance of the half after some good vision from Lock, but his effort was cleared off the line heroically by a H&W man.
But two minutes before the break, Craig Harrison's side finally made their pressure pay, as Hughes fired home from the left of the area to send the teams in level.
With the home side making a large number of changes, the start of the second half was somewhat disrupted, but the Saints did enjoy a sustained spell of possession as they looked to get their noses in front.
The JD Cymru Premier champions had appeals for a penalty turned down in the 71st minute when Dan Williams went down inside the penalty area. The referee took a long look at the challenge, but ultimately decided that play could continue.
Fourteen minutes from time, Jordan Williams had the chance to seal a victory for his side, but after receiving the ball from Ben Clark, the former Stockport County man failed to keep his powerful strike down.
There did, however, prove to be one final chance for the JD Cymru Premier champions, with Lock finally getting his goal thanks to a smart finish after beating the offside trap.
It ended 2-1 at Blanchflower Stadium and was another useful exercise as the Saints prepare for their trip to Azerbaijan.
