The New Saints have officially retained the JD Welsh Premier League title for a seventh consecutive season without kicking a ball.
Connah’s Quay’s victory over Bala Town on Friday night means The New Saints’ 64 point tally is beyond reach and confirms the Saints of their 12th league title.
Saints’ championship was secured thanks to an old friend in the form of former striker Michael Wilde who scored the only goal of the game for Connah’s Quay.
Wilde pounced on Andy Owen’s rebound from close range shortly after the hour mark to boost the Nomads’ chances of an automatic European spot.
A finely balanced first half at Maes Tegid saw Bala Town midfielder Chris Venables denied from eight yards by Jon Danby before Lewis Short and Les Davies also went close for the job.
Connah’s Quay saw their appeals for a penalty waved away by Kevin Parry following Short’s strong challenge on Ryan Wignall inside the box.
Jon Danby was again called upon to thwart Bala in the second half when Mike Hayes broke through one-on-one with the Nomads’ stopper.
Wilde, having replaced Michael Bakare just five minutes earlier, capitalised when David Thompson was unable to clear to grab his 11th goal of the season.
The woodwork then played a key role in keeping the scoreline low. Bala centre-forward Les Davies twice struck the upright before the Nomads were also denied the chance to extend their lead when Rob Hughes’ curling effort from 18-yard looked to have beaten Ashley Morris but not the post.
The result sees Connah’s Quay leapfrog Bala Town into second place and move three points clear of Bangor City who’re yet to play this weekend.
Matchday 28 could also be a decisive weekend at the foot of the JD Welsh Premier League table with Prestatyn Town and Carmarthen Town possibly facing relegation.
The league’s two bottom sides go head-to-head in north Wales and a combination of results could see either side demoted.
Bottom side Prestatyn will officially be relegated if they lose and if Aberystwyth beat Barry Town, and Llandudno avoid defeat against Newtown.
Carmarthen Town’s fate will be decided if they do not win at Prestatyn and Aberystwyth win their match and Llandudno avoid defeat against Newtown.
Weekend JD Welsh Premier League results/fixtures:
Friday: Bala Town 0 Connah’s Quay 1
Saturday: Aberystwyth v Barry; Newtown v Llandudno; Prestatyn v Carmarthen
Sunday: The New Saints v Cefn Druids (TV); Cardiff Met v Bangor City
