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Europe’s most predictable league crowns its champions for a record 18th time

Holyhead Hotspur photographer RICKY LEWIS accompanied FAW photographer NIK MESNEY on Tuesday’s visit to Park Hall Stadium. Grassroots North Wales is proud to publish some of Ricky’s photographs and thanks Nik for giving the Hotspur pictures man the opportunity to work alongside him

REPORT: faw.cymru. PICTURES: Ricky Lewis

Ben Wilson put TNS ahead

The New Saints clinched their record-extending 18th JD Cymru Premier title with a 2-1 win over closest challengers Connah’s Quay Nomads on Tuesday night.

After the Nomads’ Harry Franklin had quickly cancelled out Ben Wilson’s opener for the Saints at the Essity Stadium, it appeared as though Craig Harrison’s side would have to wait a little longer to mathematically confirm top spot.

However, Danny Davies popped up in the fourth minute of stoppage time with a composed back post finish to spark wild scenes of celebration and snatch the crucial victory needed to clinch the title with five league games to spare.

It is TNS’ fifth consecutive JD Cymru Premier crown and comes three days after they were beaten in the Nathaniel MG Cup Final by Barry Town United.

Danny Davies celebrates

After securing a treble of domestic trophies last season, the league title will be the Saints’ only piece of silverware this term after they were knocked out of the JD Welsh Cup by Cardiff Met in the third round.

Craig Harrison’s side were actually beaten 3-0 at home on the opening weekend of the season by Briton Ferry Llansawel, but recovered in stunning style and have only lost twice more in the league this term. Since the start of 2026, they have won seven consecutive league games to pull clear at the top of the table.

NATIONAL LEAGUE ROLL OF HONOUR

LEAGUE OF WALES (1992-2002)
1992–93 Cwmbran Town
1993–94 Bangor City
1994–95 Bangor City
1995–96 Barry Town
1996–97 Barry Town
1997–98 Barry Town
1998–99 Barry Town
1999–00 TNS Llansantffraid
2000–01 Barry Town
2001–02 Barry Town

WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE (2002-2019)
2002–03 Barry Town
2003–04 Rhyl
2004–05 The New Saints
2005–06 The New Saints
2006–07 The New Saints
2007–08 Llanelli
2008–09 Rhyl
2009–10 The New Saints
(2010-11) League reduced to 12 teams
2010–11 Bangor City
2011–12 The New Saints
2012–13 The New Saints
2013–14 The New Saints
2014–15 The New Saints
2015–16 The New Saints
2016–17 The New Saints
2017–18 The New Saints
2018–19 The New Saints

CYMRU PREMIER LEAGUE
2019–20 Connah’s Quay Nomads
2020–21 Connah’s Quay Nomads
2021–22 The New Saints
2022–23 The New Saints
2023–24 The New Saints
2024–25 The New Saints
2025-26 The New Saints

TOTAL CHAMPIONSHIPS WON
The New Saints 18
Barry Town 7
Bangor City 3
Connah’s Quay Nomads 2
Rhyl 2
Cwmbran Town 1
Llanelli 1