Connahs QN 1 TNS 0

TNS slipped further behind in the JD Cymru Premier title race with defeat at Connahs Quay Nomads on Friday

The top of the table clash at Deeside was dominated by strong winds and heavy rain from the outset which ensured both sides struggled to play with any momentum.

At times the strong wings led to almost farcical scenes in Deeside as both sides efforts of play were frustrated by the conditions.

The Nomads were fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men when Kris Owens clattered into TNS defender Keston Davies after 17 minutes with the Saints forced into a change.

The Nomads came to enjoy the greater possession with the wind in their favour with Owens forcing TNS goalkeeper Paul Harrison into action from distance on 26 minutes.

Harrison was again called into action to deny George Horan’s goalbound headed effort 10 minutes later with the Nomads firmly on top against the jaded Saints.

With the last act of the half a long throw into the area from Priestley Farquarson deflected off Joash Nembhard and into the path of Craig Curran to fire beyond Harrison as the hosts broke the deadlock.

TNS began the second-half on the front foot with Dean Ebbe testing goalkeeper Lewis Brass from distance on the hour.

However the Saints were kept alert at the other end as Nomads continued to threaten on the break.

The Oswestry side introduced Kurtis Byrne and Adrian Cieslewicz in an effort to breach the well organised home ranks.

However the Saints were forced to feed on scraps.

In the dying embers of the game Byrne’s acrobatic effort from close range failed to test Brass as time ebbed away.

Ryan Brobbel fired a 20 yard free-kick wide in the Saints last effort before time was finally called and Nomads celebrated a potentially critical result in the title race.

TNS: Harrison, Marriott, Hudson, Davies (Harrington 17), Ebbe, Nembhard (Adrian Cieslewicz 84), Brobbel, Redmond, Mullan, Edwards, Holland (Byrne 62). Subs: Dutton, Spender, Routledge, Rees

Att - 492