TNS victory forces title race down to the wire

THE New Saints ensured the battle for the JD Cymru Premier title will go down to the wire as they beat Barry Town United 3-0 to force Connah’s Quay Nomads to go again next weekend.

But Nomads boss Andy Morrison says his side are ready “to climb one last mountain” at Penybont on Saturday to keep the title in the trophy cabinet.

“Four times in the last five years 76 points would have been good enough to win the title,” said Morrison. “We know we’ve got one last mountain to climb at Penybont and we are ready to do that.

“Now we are in a good position, and may the best team win on the final weekend.”

After a nervy opening period, TNS finished with a flourish against Barry. A mere 30 seconds into the second half Ryan Brobbel scored from a Jamie Mullan cross. Adrian Cieslewicz doubled the lead before Brobbel rounded things off with a 71stminute penalty.

That left the Nomads needing to win at home against Caernarfon Town to maintain their advantage at the top. What they needed was a goal to calm them down and it was provided within 10 minutes by Jamie Insall.

The second goal eventually came in almost comical circumstances in the 66th minute. Caernarfon goalkeeper Brass was sent off for wiping out Insall with an attempted clearance and that gave the Nomads a free-kick just outside the area.

Kris Owens’ shot took a deflection, hit the post and rebounded to Aron Williams, who somehow kneed the ball into the back of the net. Morris then curved a third past substitute goalkeeper Tyler French and got another in added time.

Bala Town had an injurytime goal from Nathan Peate to thanks for their 1-0 home win over Penybont.

Newtown will go into the play-offs for the fourth and final European place after clinching the Play-off Conference thanks to a 2-1 win at Haverfordwest County.

Tyrone Ofori scored inside two minutes for the visitors before Ben Fawcett levelled on 18 minutes. Newtown went in front five minutes later when Kieran Mills-evans headed home.

Cardiff Met beat Cefn Druids 6-0. Ollie Hulbert opened the scoring, Eliot Evans grabbed two and there were further goals from Lewis Rees, Tom Price and Tom Davies.

Flint Town United and Aberystwyth Town played out a goalless draw.