The New Saints secured the JD Cymru Premier title on Friday night – without even kicking a ball.
Craig Harrison’s side moved 15 points clear at the top of the table with a 2-0 home win over Caernarfon Town on Tuesday, meaning that Penybont had to beat Cardiff Met on Friday to deny the Saints the trophy.
But it finished goalless at the SDM Glass Stadium, meaning that the title stays at Park Hall for the fourth consecutive year.
However, after an unbeaten league campaign last season, it has not been plain sailing this time around for the Saints. A historic qualification for the League Phase of the UEFA Conference League saw their fixture schedule become congested and results suffered as a consequence.
Their 48-match unbeaten streak in the JD Cymru Premier was ended by Penybont in September and Harrison’s men went on to lose five league games in total before Christmas – the first time that has happened in 24 years. With Penybont keeping up their good form, TNS found themselves in the unusual position of chasing first place.
But the Saints’ exit from Europe saw them place full focus on the league and they have been firmly back to their brilliant best in the last three months. 11 consecutive wins, combined with a drop off in results from Penybont, saw the Oswestry outfit take firm control of the title race and now the trophy is theirs again.
With the Nathaniel MG Cup also in their cabinet, TNS will now target a first treble since 2017 as they prepare for their JD Welsh Cup semi-final against Cambrian United on Sunday.
Buy the FAW Official Football
Be a part of the action.
