Newtown AFCs eagerly awaited Boxing Day fixture against Connah’s Quay to possibly decide second place in the League of Wales didn’t go exactly to plan for the Newtown faithful, a 2-1 defeat leaving the home team a distant 10 points adrift in third position. 

Overall, the game was a tame affair; both teams keeping possession, trying to work a position but without much goal threat. 

Occasionally, however, the visitors broke forward with searing pace, showing their undoubted class. 

OTHER NEWS: 

The game was not helped by what can only be described as the officials’ ‘laissez faire’ approach to the offside rule and over-exuberant tackling, which left players and supporters howling in protest. 

With the match petering out towards a 0-0 stalemate, it was surprising that Newtown’s attacking subs, Ismail and Boakye, were not brought on sooner. 

Both are talented game-changers with an eye for goal. 
Nevertheless, it was the final ten minutes that contained all the action. 

Two quick goals from Connah’s Quay followed by a powerful header from Newtown’s Ryan Sears producing the final scoreline. 

Newtown will most likely have to settle for a top six position, while Connah’s Quay seem determined to show league leaders TNS that they are second best.

My only consolation is that if I had watched my local team, Hyde United, in their away fixture at Macclesfield, I would have had to pay £17 adult admission price, and put up with a 0-0 scoreline. 

At least the League of Wales gives more value for money.
David S. Ainsworth.
Denton, Manchester