Connahs QN 1 TNS 0

TNS suffered a European hangover with Andy Owens stunning the defending champions as Connahs Quay Nomads laid down their own title marker on Sunday.

Nomads attacked the Saints from the opening whistle with Ron Hughes testing goalkeeper Paul Harrison before Michael Bakare’s free-kick rocked the post on 16 minutes.

The Saints struggled to find their usual rhythm against a well organised home defence with half chances falling for Danny Redmond and Aeron Edwards failing to test goalkeeper Jon Danby as the half ended goalless.

Nomads broke the deadlock early in the second-half with Owens capitalising on a Ben Cabango’s poor headed clearance to skip past Blaine Hudson and lift a weighted shot over the advancing Harrison.

TNS dominated the opening quarter of the second-half but continued to struggle to create openings with Adrian Cieslewicz lashing over the bar following a good cross from Redmond.

Nomads came closest to doubling their lead with Declan Poole drilling just wide from 25 yards with 20 minutes remaining.

Saints manager Scott Ruscoe threw caution to the wind in the search for an equaliser with Greg Draper and Kurtis Byrne introduced for the final stages.

The Saints laid siege to the home goal for the remainder of the game.

With two minutes remaining Draper burst through to slot past Danby and seemingly save his side a point only for referee Lee Evans to rule the New Zealander had started his run from an offside position as the Nomads held out for glory.

TNS: Harrison, Marriott, Hudson, Spender, Cabango (Byrne 79), Holland, Edwards, Redmond, Mullan, Ebbe, Cieslewicz (Draper 70). Subs: Roberts, Clark, Nembhard

Att - 451