TALKING POINT: Nomads’ first league win over Saints in 4.5 years – turning point or just a blip for champions?

How crucial could Connah’s Quay Nomads’ 3-1 win over leaders and champions The New Saints prove to be at the end of this season?

The December 31 result certainly gave Cymru Premier followers a bit of hope that we might finally have a title race in 2025-26.

It’s been too easy for TNS for far too long. Since the national league converted to a 12-team affair in 2010-11, the Oswestry full-timers have been crowned champions in 12 out of 15 seasons (next season membership rises to 16 teams).

The very first ‘Super 12′ campaign saw Bangor City finish top, but since then only the Nomads’ back-to-back title successes of 2019-20 and 2020-21 have prevented a total Saints whitewash.

Despite surprisingly lostng their opening game of 2025-26 by a 3-0 scoreline at home to Briton Ferry Llansawel, Saints had won 15 out of 18 since, taking 47 points out of an available 54 to claim their customary position at the peak.

Once again, doom-mongers were predicting they would have title number 18 in the bag before phase 2. Can’t blame them, but that prospect for neutrals or fans of other clubs involved really can be quite demoralising.

However, at least the New Year’s Eve setback at the Essity Stadium has allowed the battle more longevity, even if it turns out to be only dalaying the inevitable.

Twelve games apiece remaining and four points the gap between toppers TNS and second-place Nomads.

All due respect to the rest, but if this is now a two-horse race then that is what it will remain.

Nomads certainly look more than capable of staying the pace.

Seven straight wins and 12 league games without loss – these are the types of runs needed to push the Saints harder. Teams beating one another in rotation while TNS clean up is no good whatsoever for the league.

I was quite surprised today to learn this was Nomads’ first league victory over Craig Harrison’s side in four-and-a-half years.

I can certainly remember when the Deesiders were in their pomp during title-winning seasons, they often had the measure of TNS.

However, before their latest win, the Quay had not beaten the hoops in 14 LEAGUE ATTEMPTS! 11 defeats and three draws.

The one notable triumph for Nomads since Mike Wilde’s memorable hat-trick clinched a 4-1 win at Park Hall on April 26, 2021, was Neil Gibson guiding the Reds to a 2-1 Welsh Cup final victory over Saints in April 2024 (there was also a Nathaniel Cup penalties win for Nomads in 2022/23).

I’d never have thought after seeing Wilde destroy his old club with that stunning treble back in 2020-21 that it would take the Deesiders so long to turn over Harrison’s men in the league again.

That barren run is over now, but Nomads may need to repeat the dose twice in phase 2 if their title dreams are to become a reality.

Prior to December 31, 2025, the last time Connah’s Quay beat Saints in the league the Nomads went on to be champions. Could it possibly happen again?