Title rivals face tough trips as race reaches crunch time
THE JD Cymru Premier title race hits the road again tonight when both topof-the-table Connah’s Quay Nomads and The New Saints head south for tough away trips.
The reigning champions are at Jenner Park to face Barry Town United, while TNS head to Bridgend to take on a Penybont side who have already toppled the Nomads.
One more slip from either side could be crucial with only a two-point gap between them.
There are only three games to go before the champions are declared on Saturday, May 15, when Penybont will have the chance to provide one final twist in the tail when they host the Nomads and go in search of a rare double.
It is the tightest finish for a decade and it is now the Nomads’ title to lose.
Both managers – Nomads boss Andy Morrison and TNS chief Anthony Limbrick – realise the margin for error is getting smaller and smaller.
“It’s a quick turnaround for both teams after last weekend,” said TNS veteran Chris Marriott.
“It wasn’t pretty and for us it was all about trying to get the win.
“We are used to things being in our own hands and now we are relying on others.
“All we can do is concentrate on winning every game and seeing what happens.”
Bala Town have already clinched third place, and with it European football next season, and they will be looking to Chris Venables to add to his goal tally having reached 200 last weekend. They head to Caernarfon Town in the other game in the Championship Conference.
In the Play-off Conference, Newtown could clinch first place – and earn a ticket into the European playoffs – if they can halt hot-shots Cardiff Met at Latham Park.
Both sides are in great form and it should be a cracker.
Haverfordwest County remain in second place but haven’t won in their last five games.
They head to Aberystwyth Town, while Cefn Druids host Flint Town United in the basement battle.