Nomads still hold Quay to Premier title

THE race for the JD Cymru Premier title resumes tonight with the season set for a thrilling finale, writes Carl Field.

With six matches remaining, Connah’s Quay Nomads hold a fourpoint advantage over champions The New Saints heading into their clash with Newtown on Deeside.

The Robins took the lead in both matches against the Nomads in the first phase, with the first encounter at Newtown ending 1-1 with the Nomads 3-1 winners in the reverse fixture.

Andy Morrison’s men will also be wary of Newtown – who have already stunned TNS 2-1 in their backyard following the split – as they look to remain in the driving seat.

Connah’s Quay’s forward Mike Wilde looks set to make his 300th league start tonight with team mate Jay Owen needing one appearance to hit the 100 milestone for the Nomads.

Meanwhile TNS have taken just two points from a possible 12 on offer since the split and, as a result, now facing a real fight on their hands if they are to make it nine titles in a row from here.

Scott Ruscoe’s side head to the Oval to take on Caernarfon Town – where they were beaten 1-0 on their last visit at the beginning of October thanks to a Jamie Breese effort.

Both title challengers dropped points from winning positions last weekend as they drew 2-2 with Bala Town and Barry Town United respectively.

The other game in the Championship Conference is tomorrow at Jenner Park where Barry – buoyed by snatching that dramatic late point from 2-0 down at TNS – welcome third placed Bala Town.

It is also shaping up to be an interesting end to the season at the other end of the table.

Penybont’s 2-0 win over Cardiff Met last weekend saw them climb out of the relegation zone, with Carmarthen Town slipping into the bottom two after they were stunned 3-1 at home by bottom side Airbus UK Broughton.

That win for Airbus ended a 14-game winless streak.